Councillor Innes Nelson and Councillor David Wilson (both Inverclyde Council); Councillor Audrey Doig (Renfrewshire Council); Ross Anderson (Scottish Rural Property and Business Association); Andrew McLeman (Gryffe Valley Rotary Club); Ian Dippie (Save The Gretas); Sybil Simpson and Nigel Willis (both Save Your Regional Park); Roger Hissett (Scottish Wildlife Trust – Ayrshire Branch) and Gordon Smith (Visit Scotland).

Councillor Nelson, Chair, presided.

F Carswell, Interim Park Co-ordinator (Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park); and F Carlin, Head of Planning and Housing Services, S Jones, Assistant Regeneration Manager and E Currie, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Renfrewshire Council).

Tabby Lamont (RSPB Scotland).

The Chair intimated that there was an additional item of business in relation to discussion points raised by Nigel Willis in connection with the report in relation to Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Governance Update being considered by the Joint Committee following this meeting.   The Chair, being of the opinion that the matters, which are dealt with at item 3 below, were urgent in view of the need to advise members of the position, authorised their consideration.

(a) New Projects since last meeting and rewilding proposals

It was noted that Joe Greenlees and Liz Parsons had not made contact with the Interim Park Co-ordinator.

DECIDED: That the matter be noted.

(b) Roller Skiing

It was noted that Susan Jones had not received any information in relation to roller skiing in Clyde Muirshiel.

DECIDED: That the matter be noted.

In relation to the report on this matter being considered by the Joint Committee following this meeting, members discussed the points raised by Nigel Willis.

During discussion it was noted that it was the Joint Committee that was being dissolved and not the Regional Park; that it was not the intention to remove the designation of Regional Park; that the Consultative Forum would be dissolved when the Joint Committee was dissolved; and that consideration should be given to forming a new group as a means of highlighting community and environmental issues which may impact the Regional Park.

DECIDED: That these matters and the discussion points be noted.

The Chair advised that he had submitted a formal objection to North Ayrshire Council, on behalf of the Consultative Forum, in connection with the planning application for Rigghill Wind Farm and that Councillor Audrey Doig had also submitted a formal objection on behalf of the Joint Committee.

Members were advised that various community councils and other relevant organisations such as Save Your Regional Park and the Scottish Wildlife Trust had also submitted formal objections to the planning application.

DECIDED: That the update provided be noted.

There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Consultative Forum held on 14 February 2020.

 

DECIDED: That the Minute be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Interim Park Co-ordinator relative to Park activity during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report indicated that all Regional Park facilities had been closed to the public on 23 March 2020 and all education and leisure activity suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The open spaces of the Regional Park had remained a valuable outdoor resource for all able to access those spaces on foot or by bike during lockdown. The pandemic had delivered unusual environmental benefits with cleaner air, lower carbon emissions and a respite for wildlife. 

It was highlighted that with the closure of the visitor centre and suspension of all activity, there had been no income during the period of the lockdown. It was anticipated that the importance of green spaces for physical and mental wellbeing, outdoor learning and leisure activities would be more important than ever during the phased recovery process. In line with Government guidance, and when appropriate, it was planned that the services provided in the Park, including education and leisure activities, would be delivered to meet the demand.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.


Forum members discussed the following matters in relation to Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park:

Members were advised that works were well underway and that a new forestry road and public footpath would be in place.

DECIDED: That the update provided be noted.

Members were advised that a planning application had been lodged and was currently going through the due process.

DECIDED: That the update provided be noted.

DECIDED: That it be noted that the next meeting of the Consultative Forum would be held at 10.00 am on 11 December 2020.