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Argyll and Bute Council · 17 June 2026
Back to Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee (Civic Hearings) — 17 June 2026 and its agenda

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MINUTES of MEETING of PLANNING, PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND LICENSING COMMITTEE
(CIVIC HEARINGS) held  BY MICROSOFT TEAMS 
on WEDNESDAY, 17 JUNE 2026 
Present: Councillor Gordon Blair (Chair) 
Councillor John Armour
Councillor Kieron Green
Councillor Graham Hardie
Councillor Fiona Howard 
Councillor Andrew Kain
Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle
Councillor Dougie Philand 
Attending: Mr Richard Tavendale, Applicant
David Walker, Solicitor Argyll and Bute Council
Stuart McLean, Committee Manager Argyll and Bute Council 
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Jan Brown, Paul Donald Kennedy,
Liz McCabe and Peter Wallace. 
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 
There were no declarations of interest. 
3. CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982: APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF
TAXI CAR LICENCE (TAVIES TAXIES, CAMPBELTOWN) 
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.

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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)