Topic

Minute

Decision / Action

1. Welcome

The Chair welcomed the members and three groups who would be addressing the meeting at the public session.

2. Minutes of Previous Meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 29^th June and 17^th August were considered. Moved by Stuart Noble and John White and seconded by Finlay McQuarrie and Stewart Noble, respectively.

It was agreed that the minutes represented a fair record of the meetings.

3. Planning Issues

3.1 Draft Local Plan

Alastair Macbeth reported that

·       The next stage would be a public local enquiry which is likely to take place in Spring 2007.

·       A major outstanding issue is the amount of business land to be provided at the east of the town. Originally, 2 ha were proposed, which was modifies to 3 ha and is now proposed as about 7 ha.

·       Another outstanding issue is the proposal that the site should include a pub alongside a hotel.

It was agreed to pass scrutiny of the proposed land use to the Helensburgh Study Group.

3.2 Housing

Alastair Macbeth said more information was needed before the position could be established.

The position was noted.

3.3 National Planning Framework

Alastair Macbeth reported that there were no decisions yet concerning the Monitoring Report on the National Planning Framework.

It was agreed that this should be reported on at a future meeting.

3.4 Community Right of Appeal

Alastair Macbeth outlined the history of the concept of Community Right of Appeal. It is possible that an amendment would be introduced to the Third Reading of the planning bill currently being promoted in Parliament would include a community right of notification, which could have a similar effect for specified bodies which would include Community Councils.

It was agreed that Nigel Millar and the Statutory Plans Group should draft and send Jackie Ballie a letter of support for this amendment.

3.5 Community Engagement

A draft letter  had been previously circulated to members. Alastair Macbeth reported that it was unusual for a Planning Guidance Note to be sent out for consultation, representing a shift from consultation towards engagement.

It was agreed that

·             It should be sent with any changes and be signed by Nigel Miller.

·             It should be copied to other parties to be determined by the Statutory Plans Group.

·             It should be made available to the public.

4. Public Session

4.1 18 Millig Street

A number of neighbours were present. Dr Hassan who has lived opposite Nº18 for seven years spoke in opposition to the appeal by the promoters, Mr & Mrs Van der Stighelen, to the Scottish Executive against refusal of planning. He made a number of points

·       The proposal involves a fundamental change to the nature of the neighbourhood and would be detrimental to the Conservation Area.

·       The main concern arises from the use of the premises for functions of from 24 to 40 visitors

·       The parking proposed would be inadequate which would result in on-street car parking in Millig Street reducing it to a single file for two way traffic.

·       The new smoking legislation would mean that guests would go outside to smoke resulting in a noise nuisance.

·       In summer guests, even if they don’t smoke may choose to drink in the open resulting in a noise nuisance (in this and the previous point there was no assertion that the guests would be in any way rowdy or badly behaved).

Points made by other members of the group included.

·       The property has 4 flats attached to the rear of the building, plus two houses very close by.

·       Neighbours feel that the proposals did not take them into consideration.

The Chair said Michelle Van der Stighelen had written to  the HCC stating that every effort had been made to reduce any inconvenience to neighbours from the proposals. He then  posed a number of questions

1.    Q Has any assessment been made of the resulting traffic levels?

     A  The Roads Department did not see this as a problem.

2.    Q Are there other neighbours objecting?

     A The group this evening are representing about 15 separate families.

3.    Q Were you happy with the original proposal, ie for four bedrooms and the provision of a table 

          license only?

A  The principal cause for concern is the proposal to use it for functions of up to 40 people.

Reminder — The Community Council’s response to the original proposal was to oppose it unless it was restricted to a maximum of four bedrooms and a table license.

It was agreed to oppose a change of use of these premises to an hotel.

4.2 Site of Former Consort Service Station

A number of neighbours were present and a number of points made

·       With the closure of the station, the neighbourhood had reverted to a quiet residential area which they would hope to maintain. The antisocial behaviour of the former situation was described graphically.

·       They were promoting a petition against the provision of a new filling station on that site to pre-empt a possibility of it being considered.

·       The proximity of the station to the Henry Bell Street junction lead to accidents

·       Queuing traffic blocked access to properties.

·       They would like a second petrol station ion town in a more suitable location.

The position and views of the neighbours were noted.

4.3 Prince Albert Terrace, Victoria Road

A neighbour, Peter Wilson, was present to voice his concerns about the latest planning proposal (for five houses and a block of eight flats) which it was established has not yet been formally submitted . A number of points were made

·       Victoria Road is already congested with parked cars belonging to the fifteen households (with up to three cars each) in Prince Albert Terrace. The site of the access to the development would reduce the amount of on-street car parking space available.

·       The development would be detrimental to the aesthetics of the area, as it would involve the removal of many large mature trees.

·       The removal of trees would be detrimental to the privacy of the mostly first floor living rooms of the houses.

It was agreed to remit to the Planning Group consideration of the proposals when they are presented as a formal planning application

5. HCC Priorities

It was agreed to postpone consideration of this issue until the next meeting.

6. Members' Information Share

Various members raised a number of issues as follows

·       First Scotrail now have a scheme for communities to adopt their local railway station.

It was agreed that Stewart Noble should bring a report to a subsequent meeting of the Community Council

·       There have been various statements made about the future (closure) of the Jeannie Deans Unit.

·       There are issues of the funding of local social work and the development of the NHS in the area

·       Support of the Blossom Festival by Argyll and Bute Council should be considered.

·       There are issues concerning the future of the Scottish transport system which should be aired.

·       There are further closures at the Vale of Leven Hospital which need to be considered.

·       There will be a meeting between Argyll and Bute Council and Community Councillors on 7^th October in Kilmory Bill Brackenridge representing the Highland Health Board will be one of the speakers.

It was agreed that John White and Ronnie Finnigan should represent the Community Council.

·       Argyll and Bute Council are setting up a forum for the improvement of litter collection in towns. There is to be a meeting on 27^th October.

It was agreed to pass this to Claire Greig and the Environmental Protection Group.

·       Parking charges for tour busses are said to be having a negative effect on the number of visitors to the town.

It was agreed that to progress this matter specific evidence would be needed.

·       Dog fouling in Duchess Woods around the reservoir and on country paths is a problem.

·       There is a lack of facilities for small kids along the sea front.

·       Esso / Tesco — There are still issues about road traffic and safety which need to be considered and addressed.

It was agreed Nigel, Gordon and Kathleen would pursue this

·       A survey for the Marine Conservation Society in the East Bay had been undertaken.

The position was noted.

·       The Helensburgh Area Community Development Trust is still considering options for the reservoirs area.

The position was noted.

·       The Helensburgh Community Centre Trust have made an application for a grant to fund a full planning application for their proposed centre behind the Victoria Hall.

The position was noted.

7. Planning Applications

7.1 Public Opinion

A survey of opinion about developing the Castle Woods for housing had been carried out. See Appendix I.

The results of the survey were noted.

7.2 12 Cumberland Avenue (6 houses)

The planning application has been rejected. It is not yet know if there will be an appeal.

The position was noted.

7.3 BJ’s Night Club

The whole building is now a night club. There is evidence that its patrons are causing a nuisance late at night.

It was agreed that hard evidence was needed if the matter is to be pursued with the licensing authority.

8. Finance

The Trasurer reported that

·       The £700 grant had been received from Argyll and Bute Council.

·       The bank balance stands at £1549.91.

The position was noted.

9. Next Meeting

The next full meeting will be held on 26^th October at 19.00 hours in the Victoria Halls.