Open Council Network - Aberdeen City

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Weekly updates

Sat Jun 29
Sat May 25
Sat May 11

Asha Restaurant Licence Refused, Council Tackles Sickness Absence

This week, Aberdeen City Council held three meetings. The most notable discussions and decisions came from the Licensing Board meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

Licensing Board Meeting

Premises Licence - Asha Restaurant, 117-121 Holburn Street, Aberdeen

The board reviewed an application from Asha Restaurant Ltd for a new premises licence. The restaurant sought permission to sell alcohol until 1am. Four public objections were considered, focusing on the suitability of the licence holder due to past issues with other premises. The board's legal advisor noted that these past issues were not directly related to the current application. Nevertheless, the board refused the application, citing non-compliance with the objective of preventing crime and disorder.

Local Licensing Forum Update

The board received a report from the Local Licensing Forum, a statutory body advising on licensing policy. The forum highlighted the growing issue of proxy sales of alcohol (where adults buy alcohol for minors) and ongoing efforts with Police Scotland to tackle this problem.

Personal Licence Applications

The board approved 29 applications for personal licences, which are required for individuals authorising the sale of alcohol on behalf of premises licence holders.

Staff Governance Committee Meeting

The Staff Governance Committee meeting on Monday 24 June 2024 covered several key topics:

Family Friendly Policies

The committee received an update on the council's progress towards achieving platinum accreditation under the Carers Positive scheme. This scheme, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Carers Scotland, recognises employers supporting carers. The report noted that Aberdeen City Council had achieved level 2 accreditation and was working towards level 3. Councillors appreciated the tangible improvements and the benefits of creating a more inclusive workplace.

Sickness Absence

The committee reviewed a report on sickness absence rates, which are currently higher than the average for Scottish councils. The most common reasons for absence were mental health issues and musculoskeletal problems. The council's mental health action plan aims to address these issues through initiatives like increasing mental health first aiders and providing more training on mental health awareness. The full plan can be viewed here.

Developing the Young Workforce

The committee discussed the progress of the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) team, which works with schools and employers to provide young people with work experience and career guidance. The team has increased the number of work placements and is addressing skills shortages in the local economy. Councillors praised the team's efforts and noted the positive impact on the community.

Other Meetings

The Planning Development Management Committee (Visits) meeting on Thursday 27 June 2024 was cancelled.

Implications

The decisions made this week reflect ongoing themes of balancing development with community impact and adhering to regulatory standards. The refusal of Asha Restaurant's licence application underscores the council's commitment to preventing crime and disorder. The discussions on sickness absence and support for young workers highlight the council's focus on improving workplace wellbeing and addressing local economic needs. These actions will influence future policies and set precedents for how similar cases might be handled, shaping the social and economic landscape of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen City Council Balances Development and Community Impact in Recent Decisions

This week, the Aberdeen City Council held three meetings. The most impactful discussions came from the Local Review Body of Aberdeen City Council meeting on Monday 20 May 2024.

Key Points from the Local Review Body Meeting

Replacement Dwelling House at 32 Hillview Crescent (Planning Reference 230825):
- The application was for a new dwelling house with an integrated garage. Concerns were raised about its impact on the Greenbelt and the design not fitting the surrounding area.
- The Local Review Body (LRB) decided to approve an extension for the mobile home on site until the end of July, with a condition to restore the site afterward. This decision highlights the council's flexibility in managing temporary housing solutions while maintaining long-term planning standards.
Change of Use to Short-Term Let at 22 Elm Street (Planning Reference 231145):
- The application sought to convert a first-floor flat into short-term let accommodation. Initial refusal was due to concerns about residential amenity, privacy, and security.
- The LRB granted the change of use, subject to a time restriction, noting that the short-term let had been operating without significant issues. This decision underscores the council's willingness to adapt to evolving housing needs while ensuring community concerns are addressed.
Extensions and Roof Terrace at 63 Grove Crescent (Planning Reference 231029):
- The application included a single-story extension, a dormer, and a roof terrace. Refusal reasons included overdevelopment and non-compliance with design guidelines.
- The LRB upheld the refusal, citing overdevelopment and impact on the area's character. This decision reinforces the council's commitment to maintaining design standards and preventing overdevelopment.

Other Meetings

The Appeals Sub Committee meeting on Wednesday 22 May 2024 did not have a video broadcast available.
The Planning Development Management Committee (Visits) meeting on Thursday 23 May 2024 was cancelled.

Implications

The decisions made by the Local Review Body this week reflect ongoing themes we've discussed before: balancing development with community impact and adhering to planning policies. The approval of the short-term let conversion, despite initial concerns, shows a pragmatic approach to housing needs. Conversely, the refusal of the Grove Crescent application underscores a strict stance on overdevelopment and design compliance.

These decisions will influence future planning applications and set precedents for how similar cases might be handled. The council's actions continue to shape the urban landscape of Aberdeen, balancing growth with community and environmental considerations.

Aberdeen City Council Update: New Leadership and Key Developments in Digital and Transport Sectors

This week, the Aberdeen City Council held several meetings, but the most significant developments came from the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee meeting on Friday 10 May 2024.

Key Points from the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee Meeting

Leadership Appointments:
- Councillor Ian Yule was appointed as Chairperson and Councillor Ann Stirling as Vice Chairperson. The appointments were unanimous, indicating a smooth leadership transition.
Digital Connectivity:
- The committee has decided to continue funding the Digital Liaison Lead position. This role is crucial for enhancing digital connectivity, particularly in rural areas, aiming to bridge the digital divide.
Transportation to Aberdeen South Harbour:
- Progress was noted on the transportation links to the new harbour, with plans for a planning application and a compulsory purchase order underway. Although concerns about road closures were raised, the project is deemed essential for better access to harbour facilities.
MOU Housing Annual Update:
- The inability to utilize the notional £20 million infrastructure fund due to a lack of qualifying projects was discussed. The commitment to finding eligible projects remains strong, and this topic will continue to be an annual agenda item to maintain focus.
Internal Audit Report 2020/21:
- The audit report highlighted issues of non-compliance with internal procedures. The committee has accepted the report and its recommendations, with a follow-up report scheduled for the next meeting. This action underscores a commitment to enhancing governance and accountability.

An interesting incident during the meeting was a technical glitch during Professor Nielsen's presentation, which prevented the display of the final slides. This glitch serves as a reminder of the challenges that can occur with digital presentations in critical meetings.

The decisions and discussions from this meeting have significant implications for digital infrastructure, transportation development, and housing projects within the region. These initiatives are crucial for the economic and social development of Aberdeen and its surrounding areas.