Minutes:
The Committee Manager advised that there had been two public
questions submitted in advance of the meeting by Catriona Renfrew and Robin and
Pat Beck. The Chair then invited any other members of the public in attendance
to ask any questions they may have.
Catriona Renfrew, Kilfinan
Community Council
Ms Renfrew advised that the Community Council had
unanimously raised concerns regarding the approval of the motorsport order for
the 2026 Argyll Rally. She reported that, despite engagement with rally
organisers following the 2025 event, which had been highly disruptive, six
proposed route changes put forward to reduce disruption to residents,
businesses and visitors had not been adopted. Ms Renfrew expressed
disappointment that the Council had granted the order without these changes and
questioned how the requirement for meaningful community engagement had been
satisfied. She further highlighted concerns that the Community Council’s
representations appeared to have had no influence on the decision and sought
the views of elected members on this matter.
The Project Manager advised that legislation does not
require event organisers to accept every suggestion made during consultation,
but rather that adequate arrangements are in place to allow community views to
be considered. He confirmed that representations from the Community Council and
others had been reviewed, and that organisers had responded, particularly where
proposed changes may have impacted on the safety or viability of the event.
Officers had assessed this information against the wider statutory requirements
and concluded that the necessary tests set out in the Regulations before the
Motor Sport Order had been approved. He emphasised that the non-adoption of
specific proposals did not mean they had been disregarded.
Councillor Blair acknowledged the increased level of
dialogue with rally organisers compared to previous years and welcomed this as
positive progress. He recognised, however, the disappointment that none of the
Community Council’s proposals had been implemented. Councillor Blair stated
that, given the scale and benefits of the event across the wider area, there
would inevitably be differing impacts on communities. He emphasised the
importance of continued engagement with organisers and Council officers to seek
improvements where possible in future.
Councillor Moreland advised that, while Kilfinan
Community Council was not within his ward, similar events in his area were
generally well supported by the community, with local community councils
actively involved in the organisation and delivery. He acknowledged that views
may differ but noted that there remained a significant level of public support
for the rally overall.
Ms Renfrew reiterated that the Community Council was not
opposed to the rally, but had sought reasonable route adjustments to minimise
disruption. She expressed concern that extensive engagement had resulted in no
changes being adopted, and that this undermined confidence in the consultation
process. She highlighted perceived inconsistencies in how different community
councils’ views had been acted upon and stressed the need for meaningful
compromise.
Councillor McNeilly acknowledged Ms Renfrew’s disappointment
and reiterated that responses submitted during consultation had been
considered, even if not accepted. She noted that achieving a balance between
competing views was often difficult, particularly for events which generate
both strong support and opposition, and emphasised that it was not possible to
satisfy all parties.
In summing up, the Chair recognised the challenges faced by
the Community Council, including differing views within the community itself.
She encouraged continued dialogue between the Community Council, Council
officers and rally organisers, noting that engagement had improved over time.
The Chair highlighted that, while the outcome was not as hoped, progress had
been made and further engagement would be key moving forward.
The Project Manager added that where specific suggestions
are made, it would be expected that clear responses are provided and undertook
to review this..
The Chair thanked Ms Renfrew for her contribution.
Robin and Pat Beck
In the absence of Robin and Pat Beck the Committee Manager
read out the submitted question.
Would the Area Committee support the installation of a
pedestrian crossing on the A815 opposite the old Queens Hotel, the installation
of a speed bump on approach to the bend coming from Dunoon and a 20mph speed
limit throughout Kirn.
The Project Manager advised that such requests would require
detailed technical assessment, including traffic and speed surveys, and
consideration of wider network impacts. He noted that the national Project 20
programme was currently underway and may influence proposals in the area. It
was recommended that the request be considered as part of that process, with
community feedback and any petition submitted feeding into the assessment.
Councillor Blair reported that Mr and Mrs Beck had collected
over 100 signatures in support of increased road safety measures in the area
and presented the petition to the Chair on their behalf.
Councillor Sinclair expressed support for improved road
safety measures in the area and sought guidance on how elected members could
engage with the Project 20 process. The Chair confirmed that opportunities for
engagement, including forthcoming meetings, would be available.
The Committee agreed that the concerns raised should be fed
into the ongoing Project 20 work.
Jan Hurwood
Question 1
Jan Hurwood, a resident, raised an issue regarding access to
a property on Ardencraig Road following safety
measures being implemented.
The Chair advised that a risk assessment had identified
safety concerns and undertook to request that officers review the specific
access issue and report back.
Question 2
Ms Hurwood acknowledged the positive meeting of the Argyll
and Bute HSCP Integration Joint Board held on Bute on 27 May 2026 and the visit
to Thomson Court. Ms Hurwood then asked the Bute members whether they had read
the Joint Strategic Plan for 2026-2031 and what they would do going forward to
support the retention of care services offered at Thomson Court.
Councillor Wallace advised that both day services and care
provision remained essential and supported their continuation. The Chair and
Councillor Moreland highlighted ongoing work by the Health and Social Care
Partnership to develop a more strategic, area-based approach to care provision,
recognising local needs, although challenges remained regarding funding and
capital investment.
Dunoon Business Improvement District (BID)
Councillor Blair, on behalf of Dunoon BID, raised concerns
regarding unauthorised signage and fly-posting on street furniture,
particularly within the conservation area and proposed that designated areas
for signage be identified to maintain the character of the town while allowing
appropriate advertising.
The Project Manager confirmed that there are existing policy
constraints relating to signage within road corridors and agreed that
discussions with stakeholders could take place to explore appropriate solutions
within these parameters.
The Committee welcomed further engagement between Council
officers and BID representatives to develop a managed and appropriate approach
to signage.
The Chair, having received no further questions, concluded the public question session.