THE Faslane peace camp is under investigation by Argyll and Bute Council, the Advertiser can reveal.

News of the probe was given in a brief statement from the local authority after community councillors in Rhu and Shandon said the peace campers “don’t recognise the law and seem to be getting away with anything they want to”.

Among a raft of concerns raised by the community, was an increase in the number of structures and buildings on the site which is close to the navy base, home of the UK submarine fleet.

Their views have been backed by Lomond North independent councillor George Freeman who says there are “double standards” when it comes to the council dealing with enforcement issues or other regulations relating to the camp.

He agreed that the campers “appear to be able to do as they wish”.

Councillor Freeman also said he was disappointed at the way in which the council handled a Freedom of Information (FOI) request he made to authority officials to try and find out more about the camp in order to address the concerns of some Rhu and Shandon residents.

He said: “I was eventually provided with one document that had been heavily redacted. I then submitted a request for that decision to be reviewed by the appropriate executive director.

“I was informed that I would receive a decision on my request for a review by March 1.”

When the Advertiser spoke to Councillor Freeman on Tuesday afternoon he pointed out that 12 days had passed since the council were required to provide a decision and, as yet, nothing had been received.

The Advertiser then emailed the council seeking a comment on the situation, and a short time later a council spokesman responded by saying Councillor Freeman’s FOI “has been dealt with and a response has been issued to him”.

The councillor then confirmed to the Advertiser he had received a response from the council after he had spoken to our reporter that afternoon.

But he added: “They have only released another two lines from the redacted information.”

Councillor Freeman said he was disappointed that 12 days had been lost due to the failure of the council to comply with the timescales specified in the Freedom of Information Act.

He said that was a 12 day delay in allowing him to send an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner (SIF).

He added: “As I believe that I am the only councillor in Argyll and Bute who submits Freedom of Information requests to the council, and the only councillor who has had decisions of the council overturned by the SIF.

“I am hopeful that any appeal by me to the SIF could be upheld.”

One community council member told the Advertiser this week she did not have any issue with the camp in principle, but added: “Several structures have recently been built at the camp, which seems to be getting bigger.

“They include huts and vehicles and a boat has recently arrived on the site but we are of the understanding that they don’t have planning permission for them.

“In our opinion, things are going on there that don’t conform to the planning regulations - things that other people have to abide by.

“We don’t have much evidence of Argyll and Bute Council taking action over this, so we are raising the issue with them.

“We are also concerned about health and safety in relation to the people who camp there.

"What would happen if there was a fire? Would the fire brigade be able to get access?”

The community council is also asking how electricity, water, sewage and drainage services are being paid for and if ground rent is being collected.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokeswoman said: “The site is currently the subject of an investigation by the council’s building standards service.

“Regarding services, this would be a matter for the providers such as Scottish Water etc.”

The long-established Faslane peace camp has been occupied continuously, in a few different locations, since 12 June 1982.

A spokesperson for the peace camp said: “We believe the council’s concern relates to our communal building, which is where we meet up and have meals. It kept us warm and dry over the winter.

“It’s structurally sound but of temporary nature.

“We are having on-going dialogue with the council.”