Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence was received from Councillors Jan Brown, Amanda Hampsey, Daniel Hampsey and Paul Kennedy.

 

There were no declarations of interest.

Report by Regulatory Services and Building Standards Manager

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 opted to proceed by way of video call and Mr Christopher Connelly joined the meeting by MS Teams along with one of the owners of the property, Dr Amina Ahmed.

 

The Chair invited the Licensing Standards Officer to speak to the terms of the report.

 

Thereafter the procedure set out in Appendix 8 of the report was followed and the Chair invited the Applicant to speak in support for their application.

 

APPLICANT

 

Mr Connelly advised he could understand the concerns of the Objectors and that he had addressed some of the concerns raised.  The property was well insulated with triple glazing which would keep any noise within the property. The hot tub and barbeque had been removed from the outside area to minimise noise disruption.  Although he lived in Dalavich, Mr Connelly stated he planned to do a meet and greet with all visitors to ensure that they would respect the property and other residents and that a key box would be used for departures. Parking should not be an issue as there is plenty of space within the boundary.  Landscaping remains to be completed, and issues raised regarding the septic tank had been investigated, the tank holds 3400 litres which covers 8 -10 persons, if any problems arise then the capacity of persons within the property would be downgraded or the septic tank upgraded. 

 

Dr Amina Ahmed, co-owner of the property, advised that the property was purchased with the heart and not the head and would primarily be used by family and friends. Having lived within the property she could completely understand the concerns of the Objectors but mitigation had been put in place to alleviate such concerns.  Having the property as a short term let would allow some income whilst the family were not using it and would allow visitors to see how beautiful the area is

 

QUESTIONS FROM OBJECTORS

 

There were no objectors in attendance.

 

MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS

 

Councillor Green raised a concern that Mr Connelly was residing in Dalavich, which is a considerable distance away from the property in Tighnabruaich and would involve around 2 hours travel time. Councillor Green asked  Mr Connelly that in the event of an emergency or complaint would he be able to attend the property quickly.

Mr Connelly, agreed that it would involve around a 2 hour travel time and advised that he is hoping to relocate somewhere between Dalavich and Tighnabruaich, when a suitable opportunity arises.

 

Councillor Kennedy-Boyle had concerns about the septic tank, which was addressed as well as the hot tub being removed. She asked if the log burner within the property would be removed and if a change of use had been granted.

 

Mr Connelly confirmed that the log burner was being decommissioned and that a fully functional underfloor heating system is in place throughout the property. Dr Ahmed confirmed that a Change of Use had been applied for.

 

Councillor Philand asked that given the distance between the property would the travel time be exacerbated by poor weather, such as during the winter period.

 

Mr Connelly confirmed that he hoped to move somewhere in between Dalavich and Tighnabruaich, he has a suitable vehicle for roads in bad weather and that there are two ways into Tighnabruaich by ferry and road. Mr Connelly stated that he would endeavour to be on site in the event of any emergency or a complaint.  It is not anticipated that there would be back-to-back bookings during the winter period and that  the summer would be busier.

 

Dr Ahmed added that it is anticipated that extended family would use the property over the winter months.

 

Councillor Howard asked how many other holiday lets were within the village of Tighnabruaich?

 

Dr Ahmed advised that there is one other property in the same row which is a holiday let.

 

SUMMING UP

 

Applicant

 

Mr Connelly stated he would try his best to make sure that the property is let to the right sort of person and that visitors would be assessed when arriving at the property. Mr Connelly confirmed that it would not be the intention to have back to back booking as the property would have to be cleaned and maintained and that given that the property is out of the way it is expected that families, rather than large parties, would be the clientele.

 

Dr Ahmed reiterated that the original intention was for the property to be used by family and friends and was not intended for back-to-back bookings, however, as it is an expensive endeavour some short term lets opportunities would assist with the financial upkeep.

 

When asked, the applicant and her agent confirmed that they had received a fair hearing.

 

DEBATE

 

Councillor Green advised that he had no problems with granting the licence but would like to add a further condition, specifically that a contactable person be living within a 10 mile radius of the property. Councillor Green added that Dalavich sits within in his ward, and he is well aware of the roads and that these can often to be difficult to travel on.

 

Councillor Hardie agreed with Councillor Green and would support the additional  condition of having a contactable person living within a 10 mile radius of the property.

 

Councillor Kennedy- Boyle stated that the Change of Use not being passed should be noted and that she would like to see a management plan being implemented noting the minimum stay, the number of bookings, the cleaning schedule and parking rules.

 

Councillor Philand supported Councillor Green’s comments and that he would also support the 10 mile radius condition being added to the licence.

 

Councillor Blair stated that he could understand where colleagues were coming from, however, he thought the 10  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.