The final decision on controversial plans for housing in Garelochhead will be made online, despite requests for the meeting to be held in the village.
The plans for 24 houses on a site off Station Road have led to 129 objections so far with protesters saying that a unique wetland wildlife habitat is at risk.
They asked for Argyll and Bute councillors to meet in one of the halls available in the village, with MSP Jackie Baillie backing their request.
But today the council confirmed that the meeting would be held online – and announced that it would be on February 28.
Garelochhead resident Nick Beevers wrote to the council saying that residents, the community council and the Save Garelochhead Wetland Group were all disappointed that the meeting would be held via Microsoft Teams.
“We believe a web-hosted meeting will not do justice in capturing the scale of the opposition to this development and will be inaccessible to many who would like to attend,” he added.
“We are aware that the council will have a proper procedure for these meetings but we feel that a response from the council justifying their position on web hosting is justified given the concerns raised above and that Covid-secure accommodation and measures can be put in place.”
Villagers say the plan by Helco Developments Ltd would cause a range of problems, including putting wildlife at risk, traffic dangers, drainage and a loss of parking elsewhere in the village.
Jackie Baillie added this week: “I contacted the council to ask that the planning meeting is held in person, but they are still operating virtual meetings.
“I hope they will review their procedures now that the levels of Covid are declining but in the meantime it will be critically important for elected members to pay a site visit before determining this application.”
Planning officials have recommended the plan for approval, but councillors agreed that a ‘local’ hearing should make the final decision.
A council spokesperson said today: “The planning committee will attend a site visit with the planning officer in advance of the date of the hearing. All council meetings are currently being held online.
“The hearing will take place on February 28 at 10.30am. Letters of invitation to join and participate will be issued to all interested parties today.”
Full details are available on the council’s website – the reference number is 19/02328/PP
Leave a Reply