Agenda, decisions and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be found at:-

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=149&MId=3479&Ver=4

Please note that if any changes are made to this minute at the point of approval, these will be outlined in the subsequent minute and this document will not be retrospectively altered.

The Convener advised that Sergeant Skinner, Police Scotland, who had regularly attended the Committee on behalf of the police for several years was moving to a different post and would therefore no longer be appearing before the Committee.  The Convener conveyed his thanks to Sergeant Skinner for his contribution to the Committee.  The Committee concurred with the Convener’s remarks.

The Committee had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 17 March 2015.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

The Committee had before it the minute of the Licensing Urgent Business Sub Committee meeting of 7 April 2015.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

The Committee had before it the minute of the Licensing Urgent Business Sub Committee meeting of 16 April 2015.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

The Committee had before it, for its consideration, the applications listed in Appendix A to this minute.

The Committee resolved:-

that all applications be determined on the basis shown in Appendix A and that all licences were subject to the Council’s standard conditions unless otherwise stated.

With reference to article 6 of the minute of its meeting of 17 March 2015, the Committee had before it a report by the interim Director of Corporate Governance which informed members of any representations received in relation to the review of taxi fares and the proposal (a) not to alter the existing scales and surcharges and thereby fix these at the same level and (b) to implement a new surcharge for non-airport zoned taxis dropping off at the inner forecourt of the airport.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       confirm its decision to fix fares and surcharges at their current levels and to add a £1 surcharge for non-airport zoned taxis dropping off at the inner forecourt of the airport as advertised in a local newspaper;

(b)       approve the fare card attached at appendix 1; and

(c)        agree that the tariff would take effect from 17 June 2015 provided no appeal was lodged with the Traffic Commissioner.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 26 of Appendix A of the minute of its meeting of 25 November 2014, the Committee had before it a report by the interim Director of Corporate Governance regarding the suitability of 4x4 vehicles for the taxi fleet.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       agree that a 4x4 vehicle was unsuitable to be licensed as a taxi or private hire car in the Aberdeen fleet; and

(b)       instruct the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to arrange publication of the updated policy and letters to go to existing licence holders currently operating 4x4 vehicles in Aberdeen regarding the change of policy.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the interim Director of Corporate Governance which sought the adoption of the suggested amendments to the General Safety Certificate issued to Aberdeen Football Club annexed as appendix A to the report.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee approve the General Safety Certificate July 2015 to be issued to Aberdeen Football Club.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a statement of Committee Business from the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the updates contained in the statement.

EXEMPT INFORMATION

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DATA PROTECTION ACT 1988 (PRINCIPLE 1), THE PRESS AND PUBLIC WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE MEETING DURING CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM.

The Committee had before it, for its consideration, the applications listed in Appendix B to this minute.

The Committee resolved:-

that all applications be determined on the basis shown in Appendix B and that all licences are subject to the Council’s standard conditions unless otherwise stated.

- COUNCILLOR SCOTT CARLE, Convener

APPENDIX A

1.         RENEWAL OF A LICENCE FOR A HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

Application Reference Number - 3/01

Premises – 172 Bannermill Place

Mr Ally Thain, Private Sector Housing Manager advised that a letter of representation had been received in respect of the application beyond the statutory time period within which such letters must be received (21-day period).  He further advised that the Committee might consider late representations if it was satisfied that it was reasonable for the respondents to make the representation after the deadline.

The respondent was not present and thereby could not explain why the letter of representation was late and why it should be considered today.

The Committee resolved:-

that the letter of representation should not be introduced into the proceedings.

The applicant, Mr Gowans, was in attendance.

The Committee further resolved:-

to defer consideration of the application until the works were completed, after which time officers could grant the application under delegated powers if appropriate.

2.         GRANT OF A LICENCE FOR A HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

Application Reference Number - 3/02

Premises – 8 St Machar Place

The Committee heard from Mr Eric Anderson, Legal Advisor, who advised that there had been a request from Councillor Milne, local member for the Tillydrone /Seaton / Old Aberdeen ward, to address the Committee in respect of the application.  Mr Anderson explained that in accordance with the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, the Committee could invite any other person it saw fit to speak at the meeting and that person should be provided with seven days’ notice.  He sought the Committee’s consideration on whether it wished to invite the local member to address it and, if it did, advised that the Committee should offer the applicant the opportunity to defer his application in order to consider the comments made by Councillor Milne.  Councillor Milne advised that he was happy to waive the requirement to be provided seven days’ notice of the invite should the Committee agree to hear him.

The Convener asked the applicant’s view regarding the request to hear Councillor Milne.  The applicant advised that he was content for Councillor Milne to address the Committee, however highlighted the short notice he was provided in respect of the opportunity to have legal representation at today’s meeting.

The Committee resolved:-

to invite Councillor Milne, as a local member, to the meeting in respect of this item of business only.

The Committee heard from Councillor Milne in respect of the application.

The Committee had before it three letters of representation.

The Committee heard from two of the respondents namely Mr Morgan on behalf of Old Aberdeen Community Council and thereafter Christine Burgess.  The representative of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.