Proposals for public hearings to be held via video link Argyll and Bute have been backed by councillors.
Members of the authority’s planning, protective services and licensing committee voted last week to hold hearings virtually in view of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.
The committee organises hearings to consider significant planning applications in detail, especially when a large number of representations have been received by members of the public.
Cllrs Robin Currie, George Freeman and Alastair Redman all said they thought such meetings should be held in person, citing concerns including technology and perceived over-caution.
But Cllr Currie relented and voted with the recommendation, leaving Cllr Freeman’s amendment backed only by Cllr Redman.
The committee had a backlog of two hearings before the meeting – one for a distillery in Port Ellen and one for a waste water works treatment on the Isle of Seil. These hearings will now proceed via video linkk.
It was also decided during the meeting to hold a hearing for a controversial planned housing development at Portincaple, near Garelochhead.
This will be planned to be held virtually, but that could change if Government restrictions are eased and officers recommend a hearing in person.
Cllr Currie said: “My understanding of having hearings is that it gives local objectors and supporters an opportunity to express their views, and for us to hear them and see the sites with our own eyes.
“I think that should continue. If we use the Port Ellen example, it would normally be held in the village hall, which I would say can hold 150 people.
“I can’t for the life of me think why 50 people could not go to a hearing in that hall. We could limit the number of public coming in if that was really necessary.”
Cllr Freeman then said: “There is nothing like face to face. When you look at the number of Covid-19 cases across Argyll and Bute over the last few weeks, it has to be considered that any risk is absolutely minimal.
“We have two options and I don’t really agree with either of them. Video meetings are out of the question if we are going to be seen as open and transparent.
“I don’t see a reason why, with a limited number of cases, face to face hearings cannot be held. Look at the Scottish Parliament – there are 40 or 50 people sitting in there in a large hall.
“If it comes between A and B, I would be delaying hearings until such time as we can get together. We are putting health and safety too much to the fore.”
And Cllr Redman added: “Even before this pandemic, life expectancy went down the minute you walked out of your door and jumped in your car.
“You are never 100% safe, and I do worry that we are too risk averse when it comes to health and safety.
“I realise there has been a pandemic, and it is a tragedy, but it makes sense for us to get out and about among our constituencies.
“When there is an issue with IT – and today there were multiple issues – I find myself a bit frustrated by it all, although I do not blame staff.
“Regardless of upgrades, there will always be limitations and we cannot be face to face. At an election we can put up posters for candidates, but the people who elect us want to see their councillors working for them.
“It is time we got out of the lockdown mentality – we cannot stay in cotton wool forever. People are travelling to and from Islay all the time and I cannot see issues.”
Cllr Redman was referring to technical issues during the meeting which resulted in one item having to go before the committee twice.
But other councillors did not share the trio’s views on the future of hearings.
Cllr Graham Hardie said: “People mention about having meetings in village halls, but I imagine social distancing in a village hall will be difficult.
“At a time of crisis we should follow the Scottish Government’s guidelines and look at ways of maximising our virtual capacities to fulfil our potential as councillors.”
Cllr Rory Colville said: “My big concern is that I have three local review bodies needing site visits and nobody knows how long this pandemic will last.
“In five years’ time we could still be hoping for a vaccine. We cannot postpone hearings any longer. We have got where we are today – let’s get on with it.
“Let’s stop arguing and accept the conclusions and get virtual meetings as soon as possible, as I have not heard anybody saying when we will get back to normal.”
And Cllr Lorna Douglas said: “Cllr Redman said that there has been a pandemic, as if it was in the past. We are still in it.
“Every action we take has to be a responsible one, and how we are seen to behave and what signals we give out are vital.
“I would not be happy meeting in a hall. I am not risk averse – in fact, I am saying this as a teacher – but I really don’t think it would be the right thing for us to do.
“I think you have to set an example and stay safe. It is not just a case of people meeting – there are people working in these halls.
“I am certainly for going online – I think the technology is there and is being used by big businesses all the time.”
Cllr Roddy McCuish said: “I don’t think my constituents could give a hoot whether they see me or not, as long as they know I am working for them.
“It will be interesting to see where we are in two or three months’ time, but we cannot take anything for granted.
“Just because the sun is shining does not mean to say things are good. They are as good as they can be right now – let’s keep it that way.
“Not every village settlement has a large village hall. They might have a hall, but not a large one, and most of the Live Argyll halls are shut at the moment.”
Cllr Freeman then added before submitting his amendment: “I am most unhappy that we continue to hold even these (committee) meetings on a virtual basis.
“The technology has not been up to it and there is no guarantee that whatever IT are planning, it will improve the system.”
On a roll call vote, only Cllrs Freeman and Redman went against the recommendation, with the other 10 councillors present voting in favour.
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