PUBLIC Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 22 April 2026
West Dunbartonshire Council · 22 April 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 22 April 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Agenda Meeting of the Licensing Committee Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Time: 14:00 ___________________________________________________________________ Venue: Council Chambers, Clydebank Town Hall, Clydebank G81 1UB ___________________________________________________________________ Contact: Lynn Straker, Committee Officer Email: lynn.straker@west-dunbarton.gov.uk committee.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Dear Member Please attend a Meeting of the Licensing Committee as detailed above. The business is shown on the attached agenda. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive Page 1
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Distribution: Councillor Ian Dickson Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal (Vice Chair) Councillor John Millar Councillor Lawrence O’Neill (Chair) Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor Hazel Sorrell Vacancy All other Councillors for information. Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Date Issued: 8 April 2026 Page 2
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MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, 22 APRIL 2026 AGENDA 1 APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members are invited to declare if they have an interest in any of the undernoted items of business on this agenda and, if so, state the reasons for such declarations. 3 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 7 - 9 Submit for approval, as a correct record, the Minute of meeting of Licensing Committee held on 18 February 2026. 4 OPEN FORUM The Committee is asked to note that no open forum questions have been submitted by members of the public. 5 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE 11 - 14 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Allan Aire. 6 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE 15 - 16 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Stanley Lavelle. 7/ Page 3
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7 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE 17 - 18 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Stephen McGougan. 8 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A SHORT TERM LET 19 - 30 Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence for G1, 335 Main Street, Alexandria G83 0BP. 9 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC 31 The Committee is asked to consider passing the following resolution prior to consideration of Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 as undernoted:- “That under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act 1973.” 10 HEARING TO CONSIDER THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider the suspension or revocation of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence held by Mr Richard Mullan. 11 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TEMPORARY TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Farhat Ullah. 12/ Page 4
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12 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Robert Kelly. 13 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Ms Caitlin Rainey. ____________________________________________________________ Page 5
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LICENSING COMMITTEE At a Meeting of the Licensing Committee held in the Council Chambers, Clydebank Town Hall, 5 Hall Street, Clydebank on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 at 2.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Ian Dickson, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Chris Pollock and Gordon Scanlan. Attending: Heather McLaughlin, Section Head – Citizen and Regulatory; Robert Mackie, Senior Licensing Officer; Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer; Aidan Cameron, Building Services Officer; Mr Michael McDougall; Ms Nicola Bell; Mr Charles Mailey; Mr David McKearney; and Carly Chisholm and Lynn Straker, Committee Officers. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Gurpreet Singh Johal, Fiona Hennebry and Hazel Sorrell. Councillor Lawrence O’Neill in Chair DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in the item of business on the agenda. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS The Minutes of the Meetings of the Licensing Committee held on 25 September 2025 (Special), 3 December 2025 (Ordinary) and 13 January 2026 (Special) were submitted and approved as a correct record. OPEN FORUM The Committee noted that no open forum questions had been submitted by members of the public. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A SHORT TERM LET LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence submitted by Haven Properties (Levenside) Ltd. ITEM 3 Page 7
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After discussion and having heard the Building Services Officer and the Applicant in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the application subject to the conditions instructed by Building Services being met. DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the application subject to the conditions instructed by Building Services being met. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A SHORT TERM LET LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence submitted by Mr Charles Mailey. After discussion and having heard the Building Services Officer and the Applicant in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the application subject to the conditions instructed by Building Services being met. DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the application subject to the conditions instructed by Building Services being met. APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF A TAXI LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for the variation of a Taxi Licence submitted by Mr Tin Sang Chow. Members first heard from Mr McDougall, Solicitor and Representative in support of the application. Members then heard from Mr David McKearney, Taxi Operator, in further explanation of the benefits of granting the exemption to the policy. ADJOURNMENT Councillor O’Neill, Chair, adjourned the meeting for a short recess to allow Members to physically review the seven seater taxi without a WAV capability. The meeting reconvened at 2.40 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present. After further discussion, and having heard from the Solicitor, the Senior Licensing Officer and the Taxi Operator in further detail, and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the application with regards to an exemption to the policy but with the caveat that should the Licence Operator change, the exemption would no longer apply. Page 8
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DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the application with regards to an exemption to the policy but with the caveat that should the Licence Operator change, the exemption would no longer apply. The meeting closed at 2.52 p.m. Page 9
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 22 April 2026 Subject: Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Allan Aire, Shalimar, Dalmonach Road, Bonhill, Alexandria G83 9AG. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Aire submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 4 February 2025. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 24 February 2025 submitting an objection in connection with the application. 3.3 On 23 October 2023 Mr. Aire applied for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. A letter of objection was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland which resulted in the application being referred to the meeting of Licensing Committee held on 6 December 2023 for determination. 3.4 At the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 6 December 2023 Members decided to refuse the application on the grounds that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. 3.5 At a meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 16 April 2025, Members considered the application from Mr. Aire. Members firstly heard from the Police representative who narrated the objection which had been received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland who considered Mr. Aire as being not a fit and proper person to hold a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence. 3.6 Members then heard from Mr Aire in support of his application. After further discussion and having heard Mr Aire in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed on a split vote of 3:2 to refuse the application on the grounds that Mr. Aire was not a fit and proper person to hold the licence. ITEM 5 Page 11
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3.7 Following the decision taken by the Committee on 16 April 2025, Mr. Aire submitted an appeal to the Sheriff and a request for a statement of reasons was subsequently requested. 3.8 The appeal was heard on 23 March 2026 and on 26 March 2026, the Sheriff issued his judgement and upheld the appeal made by Mr. Aire. The judgement states that the application made by Mr. Aire for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's licence, submitted on 4 February 2025, should be reconsidered by the Committee. 4. Main Issues 4.1 The Sheriff's decision to uphold the appeal and require the Committee to reconsider the application states: - ‘The Sheriff, on joint motion, upholds the appeal and remits the matter back to the Licensing Committee to reconsider its decision dated 16 April 2025.’ 4.2 In view of the decision of the Sheriff to uphold the appeal, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland have been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 22 April 2026. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland were consulted in relation to the application. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Page 12
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Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date: 2 April 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Allan Aire, Shalimar, Dalmonach Road, Bonhill, Alexandria G83 9AG. 2. Letter dated 24 February 2025 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. 4. 5. Statement of Reasons issued 26 September 2025. Sheriff decision dated 26 March 2026. Letter to Mr Aire dated 8 April 2026. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 13
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 22 April 2026 Subject: Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Stanley Lavelle, 33 Strathclyde Road, Townend, Dumbarton G82 2AZ. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Lavelle submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 23 January 2026. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 12 February 2026 submitting an objection in connection with the application. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the submission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland has been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 22 April 2026. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any ITEM 6 Page 15
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change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland were consulted in relation to the application. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date: 1 April 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Stanley Lavelle, 33 Strathclyde Road, Townend, Dumbarton G82 2AZ. 2. Letter dated 12 February 2026 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. Letter to Mr Lavelle dated 8 April 2026. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 16
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 22 April 2026 Subject: Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Steven McGougan, 1E Whitehill Crescent, Faifley, Clydebank G81 5HD. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr McGougan submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 5 February 2026. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 2 March 2026 submitting a representation in connection with the application. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the submission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland has been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 22 April 2026. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any ITEM 7 Page 17
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change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland were consulted in relation to the application. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date 1 April 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Steven McGougan, 1E Whitehill Crescent, Faifley, Clydebank G81 5HD. 2. Letter dated 2 March 2026 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. Letter to Mr McGougan dated 8 April 2026. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 18
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 22 April 2026 Subject: Application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence submitted by Mr. Faissal Ahmmad Puthiya Veetil, 32 Roundhouse Circle, Renfrew PA4 8FL. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr. Ahmmad submitted an application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence to the Council on 14 January 2026 to operate on a secondary letting basis from the premises at Flat G1, 335 Main Street, Alexandria G83 0BP. 3.2 No objection or representation has been submitted by the Police in connection with the application. Four objections have been received from members of the public. 4. Main Issues 4.1 When processing applications for a Short Term Let Licence, a copy of the application is sent externally to Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for comment. The application form is also sent internally to Building Control, Planning and Environmental Health for their comments. 4.2 A response was received from Police Scotland on 21 January 2026 marked ‘no police objection’ and a ‘no comments’ response was also received from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 21 January 2026. 4.3 On 4 February 2026 a response was received from Environmental Health advising that they had no adverse comment to make in relation to the application. 4.4 At the time of writing this report, adverse comments have been received from Planning. The applicant is aware of these comments and it is the Licensing Section’s understanding that these matters are ongoing. ITEM 8 Page 19
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4.5 On 17 March 2026 a response was received from Building Standards advising that they had no adverse comment to make in relation to the application. 4.6 On 6 February 2026, 4 objections were received from members of the public and these are included at Appendix 1. 4.7 Mr. Ahmmad, along with the 4 objectors, have been invited to the Committee in relation to their objections. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, Planning, Building Standards, Environmental Health and Councillors representing the Leven Ward were consulted in relation to the application. A site notice was displayed at the premises by the applicant for a period of 21 days allowing members of the public an opportunity to object. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date: 2 April 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Page 20
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Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: 1.Redacted Objections Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence submitted by Mr. Faissal Ahmmad Puthiya Veetil. 2. 3. Letter to Mr. Ahmmad dated 8 April 2026. Letters to all Objectors dated 8 April 2026 . Wards Affected: Leven Page 21
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ITEM 8 APPENDIX 1 Page 23
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ITEM 8 APPENDIX 2 Page 25
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ITEM 8 APPENDIX 3 Page 27
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ITEM 8 APPENDIX 4 Page 29
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NOT FOR PUBLICATION by virtue of Paragraph 14 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973 ANY ACTION TAKEN OR TO BE TAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE PREVENTION, INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION OF CRIME PLEASE NOTE CONFIDENTIAL PAGES HAVE BEEN REMOVED ITEM 9 Page 31
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