51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided a short update on the works which had been carried out to identify a suitable site for building a new cemetery for Kintyre.

Decision

The Mid 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee:

1.    noted that officers had continued to try to engage with the MOD, as well as the Kings Harbour Master (KHM), to discuss their objection to the initial request to re-purpose the land adjacent to the current cemetery, and that this had been further supported by a letter being sent from the Mid 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee Chair to the MOD and the KHM requesting a suitable date to meet on site;

2.    noted that a meeting took place on Thursday 22 August with the KHM, MOD Estates, 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Marine Officers, and Network and Standards Officers to discuss the MOD’s initial letter of objection. This was a positive meeting where the KHM and the MOD agreed that, having looked at the Council’s proposal for the purchase and use of the land as a cemetery in more detail, they were of the opinion that this would not likely have any effect on the Ship Light Beacon, provided no LED or lights were placed on grave stones and no gravestones were erected which were above 6 feet;

3.    noted that the KHM and MOD would now look at internal processes for the potential purchase or lease of the land to 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council, however this would be dependent on their estates and legal sections agreeing; and

4.    noted that the Assistant Network and Standards Manager would now make contact with the local land owner with a view to entering into negotiations for the other part of the cemetery.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated August 2024, submitted)