AN application to use a Rothesay town centre site as a rest area for workers has been approved – but not all councillors agreed.
Erin Murphy’s proposal for the site at the rear of 19 East Princes Street was considered after Argyll and Bute Council received 37 expressions of support and 17 objections.
Members of the authority’s planning, protective services and licensing committee were equally split, expressing surprise at a large area being used to allow staff to take breaks.
But a roll call vote resulted in planning permission being awarded at the committee’s meeting on Wednesday, April 23.
Councillor Jan Brown (SNP, Mid Argyll) said: “I am concerned about this application. I am particularly concerned about the amount of ground that is going to be enclosed for the applicants’ business.
“They are going to be enclosing this piece of common ground, and I do not see anything to say that the applicant owns this area.
“There does not seem to have been a lot of consideration given to residents who stay above the buildings. It seems to be about the applicants’ businesses. What are we doing for the people who live there?”
Planning officer Steven Gove responded: “There is some information referred to in the report that it is being used by residents on the upper floors, and there is other information saying it is not being used.
“I do not think a definitive position can be reached as to how the land to the rear can be used or has been used.
“We are processing an application for permission by the applicant rather than anything else coming forward.”
Councillor Brown then said: “I appreciate that, but it is a huge area to have staff having comfort breaks during working hours. Why do you need a fence enclosing this area?”
Councillor Paul Kennedy added: “I too have concerns about such a huge piece of land for such a small use. Until this is decided, surely the flats above have a right to part of the land?”
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn), the committee’s chair, said: “It is interesting, because around 10 years ago I happened to have several short stays in one of the flats, as I had family in Rothesay.
“We have no indication that the ground is anything other than a communal area and we have to recognise that ownership of the area is not a material consideration.
“I find it illogical that for the stated purposes, such a large area is to be enclosed, but it is not for us to look at the logic of a planning application.”
A roll call vote then resulted in planning permission being granted by five votes to three. Councillor Kennedy had to leave the meeting before the votes were cast.
