‘Virtual hearings’ set to remain council norm

Public hearings are to take place on a virtual basis in Argyll and Bute.

At a virtual meeting of the council’s planning, protective services and licensing (PPSL) committee, members voted 10-2 to hold public hearings via video link in view of the ongoing pandemic.

Usually, the committee hears significant planning applications in public, especially when a large number of public representations have been received. But a report warned that attendance at public hearings could run to at least 43 people, including councillors and officers, and many venues remain closed. Therefore a decision had to be made on the immediate future of meetings.

It means two key applications – one for a distillery in Port Ellen and one for a waste water works treatment on the Isle of Seil – will now proceed via video link or ‘virtually’ – unless restrictions are eased before then or officers recommend a hearing in person.

Councillors Robin Currie,

George Freeman and Alastair Redman opposed the move, with Councillor Currie calling for hearings to be held in public to give local objectors and supporters an opportunity to express their views and for councillors to hear them.

Technical issues during the virtual meeting resulted in one item on the agenda having to go before the committee twice. Councillor Freeman said it showed that the technology was not up to the job.

Other councillors did not share the trio’s views, with Councillor Rory Colville saying nobody knew how long the pandemic could last: ‘In five years’ time we could still be hoping for a vaccine. We cannot postpone hearings any longer. Let’s stop arguing and accept the conclusions and get virtual meetings as soon as possible.’

Councillor Lorna Douglas said she supported virtual meetings: ‘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.’