Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 5 August 2026
West Dunbartonshire Council · 5 August 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 5 August 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Official Meeting of the Licensing Committee Date: Wednesday, 5 August 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Time: 14:00 ___________________________________________________________________ Venue: Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL ___________________________________________________________________ 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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Official Distribution: Councillor Ian Dickson Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal (Vice Chair) Councillor Jonathan McColl Councillor John Millar Councillor Lawrence O’Neill (Chair) Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor Hazel Sorrell All other Councillors for information. Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Date Issued: 20 July 2026 Page 2
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Official MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, 5 AUGUST 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 5 - 8 Submit for approval, as a correct record, the Minute of meeting of Licensing Committee held on 3 June 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 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE (CONTINUED) 9 - 10 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 Steven McGougan. 6 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A SHORT TERM LET LICENCE 11 - 16 Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence at Flat 4, 174 Middleton Street, Alexandria G83 0BP. ____________________________________________________________ Page 3
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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, 3 June 2026 at 2.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Ian Dickson, Gurpreet Singh Johal, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Chris Pollock, Gordon Scanlan Attending: Christopher Anderson, Principal Solicitor; Peter Clyde, Civic Licensing Standards Officer; Sergeant Kelly Houston, Police Scotland; Judi Ferguson, Building Standards Officer; Louise Allan, Licensing Assistant; and Lynn Straker, Committee Officer. Also Attending: Mr Connor Steven, Ms Gabrielle Sellwyn, Ms Phyllis Maxwell, Mr Paul Maxwell and Ms Margaret Weir, Mr Austin Docherty, Mr Mohammad Karmach and Mr Ellwyes Youseff. Apologies: An apology for absence was intimated on behalf of Councillor Hazel Sorrell and Robert Mackie, Senior Licensing Officer 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 22 April 2026 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. VARIATION IN ORDER OF BUSINESS ITEM 3 Page 5
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After hearing the Chair, Councillor O’Neill, Members agreed to vary the order of business as hereinafter minuted. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A SHORT TERM LET 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 for Flat 2/2 2 Union Street, Bonhill, Alexandria G83 9AH. Members first heard from the Principal Solicitor in introduction to the application and then from Ms Judi Jamieson, Building Standards Officer, in detail of their required conditions for the property. Members then heard from Mr Connor Steven, Representative, in support of the application. After discussion and having heard the Building Standards Officer and the Representative in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the application dependant on the applicant being issued a Building Warrant Completion Certificate. DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the application dependant on the applicant being issued a Building Warrant Completion Certificate. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE A report was submitted 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 Steven McGougan. Members first heard from the Principal Solicitor who noted the applicant was not in attendance at the meeting. After discussion and having heard the Principal Solicitor in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to a final continuation of this item to the next meeting of the Licensing Committee and instructed Officers to write to the applicant to express Members disappointment at the non-attendance. DECIDED:- Members agreed to a final continuation of this item to the next meeting of the Licensing Committee and instructed Officers to write to the applicant to express Members disappointment at the non-attendance. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE A report was submitted 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 Mohamad Karmach. Page 6
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Members first heard from the Principal Solicitor in introduction to the application and then from the Applicant and Representative in support of the application. After discussion and having heard the Applicant and Representative in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the application. DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the licence. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A LATE HOURS CATERING LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Late Hours Catering Licence for the premises knows as GDK, at 23A Britannia Way, Clydebank G81 2RZ. Members first heard from the Principal Solicitor in introduction to the application and then from Ms Gabrielle Sellwyn, Representative, in support of the application. After discussion and having heard the Representative in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the application with the condition that on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday of each week, the operating hours must cease at 01.30 a.m. DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the application with the condition that on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday of each week, the operating hours must cease at 01.30 a.m. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A SHORT TERM LET 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 for 11 Cunard Court, Whitecrook, Clydebank G81 1QD. Members first heard from the Principal Solicitor in introduction to the application and then from Ms Margaret Weir, Objector, in objection to the application. Members then heard from Mr Paul Maxwell and Ms Phyllis Maxwell, Representatives, in support of the application. After discussion and having heard the Representatives in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to grant the application. Page 7
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DECIDED:- Members agreed to grant the application. CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982 REVIEW OF TAXI FARES AND CHARGES DUMBARTON & VALE OF LEVEN TAXI LICENSING ZONE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration providing information on the review of fares and charges applicable to taxis operating within the Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Taxi Licensing Zone. Members first heard from Mr Clyde, Licensing Standards Officer in detail of the proposals for fares and the responses received from range of Taxi Operators and Drivers in West Dunbartonshire. Members then heard from Mr Austin Docherty, Representative of the Taxi trade in West Dunbartonshire, in opposition to proposal to maintain current fare chart for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. After discussion and having heard the Representative in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Members agreed to the proposal outlined within the report at Appendix 1 to be submitted for advertisement and invite submission in response. DECIDED:- Members agreed to the proposal outlined within the report at Appendix 1 to be submitted for advertisement and invite submission in response. The meeting closed at 3.27 p.m. Page 8
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Official WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 5 August 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. 3.3 Mr. McGougan attended the meeting of the Licensing Committee on 22 April 2026 however due to work commitments he had to leave before his application could be heard, Members agreed to continue the application to the next meeting of the Licensing Committee. 3.4 Mr. McGougan failed to attend the meeting of the Licensing Committee on 3 June 2026. Members agreed to a final continuation of this item to the next meeting of the Licensing Committee where the application would be determined. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the submission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland have been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 5 August 2026. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications ITEM 5 Page 9
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Official 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. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date 29 June 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 13 July 2026. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 10
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Official WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 5 August 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 Value Up Ltd., 73 Moorpark Avenue, Glasgow G52 4ET. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 An application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence was submitted to the Council on 24 February 2026 by Value Up Ltd., 73 Moorpark Avenue, Glasgow, Glasgow City, G52 4ET to operate on a secondary letting basis from the premises at Flat 4, 174 Middleton Street, Alexandria G83 OBP. 3.2 No objection or representation has been submitted by the Police in connection with the application. 2 letters of objection 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 24 February 2026 marked ‘no police objection’ and a ‘no comments’ response was received from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 2 March 2026. 4.3 On 11 March 2026 a response was received from Environmental Health advising that they had no adverse comment to make in relation to the application. 4.4 On 16 April 2026 a response was received from Planning advising that they had no adverse comment to make in relation to the application. ITEM 6 Page 11
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Official 4.5 On 26 June 2026 a response was received from Building Standards advising that a building warrant will be required and once the warrant is submitted, approved, and the work completed, an inspection will be carried out to determine if the warrant and letter of comfort is accepted. An officer from Building Standards has been invited to provide Members with an update. 4.6 2 objections were received from members of the public on 11 April 2026 and 24 April 2026 respectively. 4.7 A copy of the 2 objections are included at Appendix 1. 4.8 Both 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 Lomond 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 16 July 2026 Page 12
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Official 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: 1.Redacted objections Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence submitted by Value Up Ltd. 2. Letter to Ms Agata Marczak, Value Up Ltd., 73 Moorpark Avenue, Glasgow, G52 4ET dated 16 July 2026. 3. Letter to both objectors dated 16 July 2026. Wards Affected: Leven Page 13
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Official Objection 1 Good Morning, I am emailing in relation to short term let application at above address. I would like to object to this application. My elderly parents live at 180 Middleton Street and the staircase to access flat 6, 176 is directly beside their back door. I do not feel this is safe for them to have different people constantly round there. I feel this is a safety issue for all residents; this property is shared access with other properties. Name: Gemma Young Objection 2 1. As the adjacent neighbour I haven't received notification of this and was informed by someone else in the block. Really not acceptable and I would ask for this to be escalated to your management for response. 2. The proposed property has an open and non carpeted stairway that is adjacent to two of my bedrooms and already causes significant noise so much so that I am having to consider installing noise cancelling panels to that side of the building. 3. I have no such issues on the other side of the building. 4. I share an external stairway with this flat and am concerned that increased use will affect shared maintenance costs. I feel that I will be disproportionately affected by wear and tear on this area for maintenance costs. 5. I am seriously concerned about noise and disruption to the community with increased traffic noise and potential parking issues. 6. There is communal access and increased footfall will affect wear and tear of these areas and there has been no provision made by the owners to address this. ITEM 6 APPENDIX 1 Page 15
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Official 7. Who is responsible for ensuring waste disposal as current owners are not present existing tenants are ensuring rubbish is removed by ensuring bins are put out. Air b n b guests are unlikely to do this so there is a risk of rats. Especially when rubbish removal for general household waste is every 3 weeks. 8. Who is responsible for upkeep of shared garden area? 9. How can you ensure noise and environment are not adversely affected by this change in use. 10. The plan provided actually doesn't have the correct address number highlighted - also seems to include my private garden area and not the flat mentioned. Regards Gillian Skimming Page 16