Last Updated on August 4, 2024 by Phil Hamerton
We have now (August 2nd) heard back from the Council that they won’t meet objectors, or their representatives, to discuss concerns about the draft HRO despite the fact that no objection has been withdrawn. They have said that they won’t meet representatives until the HRO is in place – which rather misses the point!
We have repeatedly said that we think that getting everyone – or their representatives – together would be the quickest way to find a way forward but the Council refuse to consider it. Instead they are suggesting that the most likely next step – it’s not statutory and is for Transport Scotland and the Council to agree – will be further written submissions. The usual approach, if that’s how they intend to do it, is detailed and extended and can take up to 3 months with no guarantee of any changes of mind.
At the same time we have again asked Council Officers to change the misleading statement on the Municipal Harbour web page which states that the Oban Bay Management Group fully supports the Council’s proposals. This is clearly untrue since at least 2 of the members of OBMG have made extensive objections.
The Council’s Harbour Board is scheduled to meet on September 12th and we expect that there will be a significant update at that time. In the meantime OCHDA Management Committee members are trying to make contact with the Harbour Board Members – a number of whom are new – to try to give them a quick summary of the consultation and the Council’s responses. In addition to this we are working with the media and our MSPs & MP to try to encourage the Council to meet and talk to objectors.
Look out for a further post around 6th September when the Harbour Board papers are published.