COUNCIL officers have been “encouraged” by talks over the future of a derelict building in Port Bannatyne, a meeting has heard.

A question was put to councillors about Buckingham Terrace, at 12-16 Castle Street in the village, which is causing concern to residents, having lain derelict for “decades”.

However, it was reported that an Argyll and Bute Council officer had held constructive talks with a developer and was satisfied they were committed to a solution.

The discussion took place at a meeting of the authority’s Bute and Cowal area committee on Tuesday, September 3.

Annemarie Ferguson asked the committee: “There were 16 questions, which council officers responded to, and we then had a stakeholder meeting with actions to follow up.

“Out of those 16 questions, questions two and three related to what defines a dangerous building.

“We have seen derelict buildings that would appear dangerous to members of the public, but are not being treated as dangerous by the council.

“We asked what the council considers when it comes to whether a building is dangerous. The response was that it is the owner’s responsibility.

“The powers of the local authority do not diminish that responsibility, but they must act when the owners have failed in their duty.

“We believe that the developer has failed, and would be interested to see what action the council can take to rectify the situation.”

Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle (SNP, Isle of Bute) responded: “I communicated with Douglas Whyte [the council’s housing strategy team leader] last week about understanding the questions from the stakeholder meeting.

“I am awaiting officers coming back to me as there is a particular question around a dangerous building inspection, which I have asked Mr Whyte to look into.”

Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) added: “We had something similar in Cowal with a derelict building.

“Regarding what is perceived as a dangerous building, this is why we have professional officers, to get some dialogue that can assure us.”

Ms Ferguson then said: “At the stakeholder meeting Mr Whyte advised that the council is willing to talk to owners who had not attended the meeting about potential solutions.

“A staff member contacted the developer, who explained their absence and arranged a further Teams call, which has taken place.

“This was then described to the action group as a positive meeting that the council staff members are encouraged by.

“They are encouraged that the developer is committed to finding a solution. Our question is on what grounds were they satisfied with the assurances.

“It has been there untouched for decades. Are there specific plans in place, and if not, why not? Are the public allowed to know that information?”

Councillor Blair responded: “There may well be a difficulty in some information because some developers will say it is none of your business.

“But I am glad there is good dialogue going on between owners and officers, because the bottom line would be a compulsory purchase order, which puts the obligation on the authority.

“If we can encourage the dialogue, that is a way forward and something we should be encouraging.”