Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Jan Brown, Paul Donald Kennedy, Liz McCabe and Peter Wallace.

 

There were no declarations of interest.

Report by Head of Legal and Regulatory Support

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.  In line with recent legislation for Civic Government Hearings, the parties (and any representatives) were given the options for participating in the meeting today.  The options available were by video call, by audio call or by written submission.  For this hearing the Applicant, Mr Richard Tavendale opted to proceed by way of audio call.

 

The Chair then outlined the procedure that would be followed and invited the Applicant to speak in support of their application

 

APPLICANT

 

Mr Tavendale advised that he had two taxi vehicles at present and required a third, to cover busy periods.  Mr Tavendale further advised that with the new technology in the vehicles if one breaks down it could be off the roads for 6 weeks to 2 months, this third vehicle would ensure that the service offered to customers continues and the loses are kept to a minimum.

 

MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS

 

Councillor Kennedy-Boyle asked if the applicant thought there was an over provision of taxis in the area?

 

Mr Tavendale advised that very recently another taxi firm had folded with the loss of two cars for hire in the area.

 

Councillor Blair referred to the LVSA report and enquired if there was over provision in the area.

 

Mr Walker, Solicitor, advised that when the LVSA report was undertaken there were 24 cars available for hire in the Campbeltown area, in 2023 there were 23 and now there are 19.

 

SUMMING UP

 

Applicant

 

Mr Tavendale reiterated that to cover the busy period he required 3 vehicles to be available for hire, especially if one was off the road.

 

When asked, the Applicant confirmed that he had received a fair hearing.

 

DEBATE

 

Councillor Armour stated that Tavies Taxis were a well-established taxi firm in the area, with a reputation of offering an excellent service and the extra provision would be welcomed.  Councillor Armour confirmed that he would have no hesitation in approving the licence.

 

Councillor Green stated that given the fall in taxi numbers in the area, he agreed with Councillor Armour and would be happy to approve the licence.

 

Councillor Hardie agreed with his fellow Councillors, advising that given there were no objectors and the fall in numbers in provision of vehicles in the area, he too was happy to approve the licence.

 

DECISION

 

The Committee unanimously agreed to grant a Taxi Car Licence to Mr Tavendale and noted that he would receive written confirmation of this within 7 days.

 

(Reference: Report by Head of Legal and Regulatory Support, submitted)