Printed minutes
Argyll and Bute Council · 14 March 2023
Back to Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee — 14 March 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HELENSBURGH & LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE HELD ON A HYBRID BASIS BY MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE MARRIAGE SUITE IN THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE ON TUESDAY, 14 MARCH 2023 Present: Councillor Gemma Penfold (Chair) Councillor Maurice Corry Councillor Graham Archibald Hardie Councillor Fiona Howard Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy Councillor Ian MacQuire Councillor Gary Mulvaney Councillor Iain Paterson Attending: Shona Barton, Governance Manager Mark Calder, Project Manager Douglas Whyte, Housing Strategy Team Lead Colin Young, Senior Transportation Delivery Officer Inspector James McArthur, Police Scotland Douglas Morgan, Head Teacher, Hermitage Academy Mhairi Stewart, Depute Head Teacher, Hermitage Academy Archie Blackburn, Hermitage Academy Robbie Deveney, Hermitage Academy Jake Delaney-Clarke, Hermitage Academy Gill Agutu, Hermitage Academy Mhairi Fulton, Hermitage Academy Amy Lane, Hermitage Academy 1. APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were intimated from Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess and Councillor Mark Irvine. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTE OF THE MEETING OF THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE, HELD ON 13 DECEMBER 2022 The Minute of the meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, held on 13 December 2022 was approved as a correct record. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Question from Alan Kennedy, Rhu Resident Since 2019, Residents of Quarryknowe in Rhu have been trying to work with both Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) and Luss Estates in an attempt get them to Repair, Upgrade and implement a maintenance plan for their own individual areas of responsibility. The main issues faced include the Residents Car Park, surrounding
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pavements, walkways and walls (ACHA) and the adjoining Ardenconnel Path which connects the top of Rhu to the bottom of Rhu through Ardenconnel Woods (Luss Estates), both of which now present a major Health & Safety issue to residents due to years of disrepair and neglect. Residents have spoken with local MP’s, MSP & Councillors however to date nothing has been done to address any of these issues. 2 residents have sustained injuries in the last 2 weeks as a result of the uneven and broken paving stones which have previously been reported to ACHA. Can I ask the members if they are aware of these ongoing issues that residents of Quarryknowe are facing and what can they do to support our voices being heard and ultimately ACHA and Luss Estates taking responsibility to carry out upgrades and repairs which drastically need done. Can I further ask if any of the members would be willing to meet with residents to see the issues for themselves with a view to putting pressure on both ACHA and Luss Estates to take on the responsibility of carrying out these repairs and upgrades? Councillor Penfold advised that she was not aware of these issues. Councillor Corry highlighted that he was fully aware of the issues and has had meetings with residents on site and assured Mr Kennedy that he was working with the residents and the Council to tackle the issues. Councillor Mulvaney advised that there has been issues in this particular area for many years adding that on passing through recently he noted that the area had deteriorated and highlighted that he was happy that fellow Members were working on the issue. Question from Jackie Hood, Helensburgh Skate park Committee Jackie Hood, Helensburgh Skate park Committee submitted the following question, which was read out by the Governance Manager:- "Once the skatepark equipment is reinstated to allow discharge of Planning Condition 15 of the Waterfront Development, what will happen to it? Could the council confirm what the long-term plans are for the skatepark once the retail development goes ahead? Will the current 20m x 30m area remain for community use adjacent to whatever retail development goes ahead or will the skatepark become homeless? If the latter is the case, where does the council intend to move the skatepark to, bearing in mind the importance of it to the local community particularly youngsters and teenagers? " Councillor Penfold advised that the Committee would seek clarification from the appropriate department and get a response for Ms Hood. Questions from Ali Mills, Kilcreggan Resident Ali Mills asked a number of questions in relation to the plans for the development of a new ferry terminal in Kilcreggan. She advised that there are 4 houses which will be directly affected by the proposals and that she lives in one of these. She highlighted that the outline business case had been published in 2021, stating that there would be a public consultation carried out, which to her knowledge has not been taken forward. She asked the Committee to confirm why the consultation did not happen? Ms Mills advised that further to the initial outline business case being published there has be no further engagement with local residents on the options for the new terminal. She highlighted that local residents have engaged with Councillors, MPs and MSPs to raise awareness of the issue.
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Ms Mills asked why it appears that Mott MacDonald have continued to develop option 4A presented in the Outline Business Case for over a year without any consultation or public engagement with the community. She noted that a consultation exercise is now underway and that an online survey is available for completion on the Council website. She asked the Committee why has the current online survey not been publicised – highlighting that at a recent meeting of the campaign group it was noted that only a small number of people were aware of the ongoing consultation. Further to this, Ms Mills asked for information on the online survey and why it appears that the content of the survey has been amended since it was first published. Councillor Penfold advised that the Committee would seek a response to the questions raised on behalf of Ms Mills from the Marine Operations Manager. It was noted that Councillor Corry was a member of the Ferry Reference Group and was aware of the issues raised by Ms Mills. Councillor Hardie advised that the Audit and Scrutiny Committee ,of which he is a Member, are currently conducting a scrutiny review in relation to consultation processes. He advised that he would be keen to hear from Ms Mills on her experiences which he could then input into the scrutiny review. Councillor Howard noted that she had been unaware of the consultation until she had seen it referenced in a local press article. Question from John McGall, Rhu and Shandon Community Council In 2017 A&BC roads authority, in collaboration with Argyll Timber Transport Group (ATTG), under the Agreed Routes Maps Scheme decided to classify the minor roads Station & Pier Roads in Rhu Conservation Village as a consultation route for the purposes of the timber haulage by large 44 ton HGV’s. In consequence a Timber Transport Management Plan (TTMP), a voluntary agreement without legal status, was developed by a Roads Officer and an ATTG representative in private and without community consultation. It authorised up to 5,000 HGV journeys per year and included agreed pre-conditions, rules to be adhered to including for example set periods to be avoided for school run times when children would be walking on the road. Unfortunately the rules of this agreement were ignored and 30 individual breaches were recorded and reported. Residents and Councillors were subsequently advised by a Roads Authority Manager, that the basis of this decision was, among other things, on their understanding “there was no other route available”. The route has been an area of significant concern and investigation for several years by the Council, Police Scotland and Community Council to try and find a solution to a number of the hazards including:- Roads so substandard in width (between 4.2m and 4.7m) that HGV’s (2.55m wide) cannot pass in opposite directions causing obstructions and at times complete blockages.
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Narrow carriageways at the mini roundabout, with a 90 degree blind bend where the swept path of HGV’s cause encroachment into opposite lanes in both directions, leading to obstructions or near collisions. The volume and speed of traffic constantly cause near collisions when traffic is trying to emerge from blind junctions and driveways Sight lines at junctions and driveways have zero visibility due to existing boundary walls, road configuration and overgrown foliage. This can also cause near collisions because emerging traffic attempting to exit onto the road have swept paths that require encroachment into the opposite lane causing obstruction The safety of pedestrians due to the absence of a formal footway with no safe step- off onto a verge or no verge at all which has caused numerous near misses despite pedestrians walking in the formal pedestrian lanes the council provided. R&SCC objected to any use of the Pier & Station Roads in the interest of road safety as these roads were dangerous, compromised pedestrian safety and are clearly, in our view, unsuitable as a timber haulage route. In 2021, after Phase 1 of timber harvesting completed, we surveyed residents neighbouring the haulage route area (240) and 96% of those who participated (=97 people), fully supported the Community Council’s objections. It has recently been ascertained that in February 2017, the Scottish Woodlands forest agent attended a specially convened meeting with two members of our Community Council in Rhu Village Hall where it was revealed for the first time, the intention to use Station and Pier Roads as a haulage route. One Community Councillor advised these minor roads were not suitable for vehicles of that size and proposed an alternative route east of Highlandman’s Wood across agricultural land behind Helensburgh Reservoir, as this was a far more sensible and safer route to take directly onto the A818. It was explained a road already existed from the A818 to the disused Water Authority Pump House behind the reservoirs, which is a favoured doggy walk. It appears A&BC may not have been made aware of this alternative route when conducting their discussions about the proposed haulage route. The regulator – Scottish Forestry – has expressed a desire for an alternative extraction route. Luss Estates support this and now the current woodland agent at Scottish Woodlands also supports this and has confirmed he is consulting with Gresham House about a new alternative route. At a meeting on the 16 September 2022 between our Community Council, Scottish Forestry, Scottish Woodlands and the Argyll Timber Transport Group, all present agreed the local community have legitimate concerns with the current haulage route provided by the council and also agreed in principle every effort will be made for a new route that will serve both Highlandman’s & Torr Woods and the afforestation of former Letrault, and Stuckenduff farms, in total 1400 acres of phased tree felling which is to be carried out perpetuity.
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We have highlighted the existence of 2014 detailed plans for a haulage route from A818 to a proposed wind farm site east of Highlandman’s Wood which failed to come to fruition, part of which could be used and adopted for this purpose. We believe Phase 2 of Highlandman’s Wood harvesting could begin later this year. In light of the foregoing information can I ask our Councillors to ensure that proper communication and consultation with our community will take place in good time prior to any forestry activity and that serious consideration is given for the current Highlandman’s Wood TTMP to be paused until the conclusion of these recent developments are resolved in the interest of road safety. Councillor Corry advised that he would take this forward and would arrange a meeting between all of the interested parties to discuss the options. 5. PUPIL VOICE The Committee gave consideration to a verbal update from Pupils from Hermitage Academy who outlined aspects of their learning journeys over the years. Archie Blackburn outlined his role as an SCQF ambassador, with the role consisting of helping pupils and parents access My World of Work which is site used to help determine which career is right for you and the pathway to get you there. Robbie Deveney spoke of the wide range of subjects and qualifications which he had undertaken and advised that he is currently exploring Graduate Apprenticeship opportunities. Jake Delaney-Clarke spoke of his experience studying a Creative Digital Media Foundation Apprenticeship and his work placement in a Printshop in Helenburgh and highlighted his plan to attend Glasgow Kelvin College in the future. Gill Agutu spoke of her experience studying Psychology with Argyll College online and independently which she felt has prepared her well for the future. Gill highlighted that she plans to study Psychology at University once she leaves school. Mhairi Fulton spoke of the NPA Musical Theatre SCQF Level 5 which she is currently studying and advised that the course has provided her with great knowledge for the future and highlighted her hope for a career in Musical Theatre. Amy Lane highlighted that she is currently studying an HNC in Business in collaboration with West College Scotland which has allowed her to further her education while still in school and advised that this will potentially allow her to skip a year in University and go straight into second year. On behalf of the Committee, the Chair took the opportunity to thank the pupils for taking time out of their day to attend and wished them well in their future endeavours. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee considered and noted the information provided.
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(Reference: Verbal Presentation by Pupil representatives from Hermitage Academy) 6. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the ongoing work of Police Scotland. The report included information on the launch of the second phase of the ‘Don’t Be That Guy’ campaign; the ‘Not At Home’ protocol which launched locally on the 9th of January 2023; the Distress Brief Intervention which is currently being rolled out throughout Argyll and Bute and the Rural Watch extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland movement. Inspector James McArthur advised of the change in personnel and highlighted that he is now covering the Helensburgh and Lomond Area. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the report. (Reference: Report by Inspector Andrew Barron, Police Scotland, submitted) 7. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ3 2022/23 The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 3 of 2022/23 (October to December 2022) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:- 1. noted and considered the performance and supporting commentary as presented; 2. noted that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee should contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries; and 3. noted that work is ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Performance Report and Scorecard. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 8 February 2023, submitted) 8. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES UPDATE The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the recent activities of Roads and Infrastructure Services and highlighted works being undertaken which were relevant to Helensburgh and Lomond area.
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Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated January 2023, submitted) 9. HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE - STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) - ANNUAL UPDATE Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on Housing Services activity and the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy within the Helensburgh and Lomond area. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated January 2023, submitted) 10. HELENSBURGH, CARDROSS AND DUMBARTON CYCLEPATH UPDATE Consideration was given to a report updating Members on the progress made since the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee on 13 December 2022, in relation to the delivery of a dedicated, high quality walking and cycle route linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:- 1. noted the agreement of five change requests from WSP at an additional cost of £28,538.97, taking the total cost of WSPs work to £253,427.96. This additional cost is covered by externally secured funding; 2. welcomed the progress made by WSP towards completing their work package by 31 March 2023; 3. noted that some elements of work will require to be completed separately during summer 2023 to finalise the full package required for construction; and 4. noted the current tender exercise for a design consultant to commence work on the section of route linking Morrisons Supermarket to Helensburgh Town Centre/Waterfront. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 13 February 2023, submitted)
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11. APPOINTMENT TO GLASGOW AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE The Committee considered a report asking members to consider the appointment of an Elected Member to be the Council representative on the Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee appointed Councillor Graham Hardie as the Council representative on the Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 31 January 2023, submitted) 12. HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee Workplan was before members for information. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the Workplan. (Reference: Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee Workplan, dated 14 February 2023)