Calls have been made to build on Perth and Kinross Council’s online meeting system after technology woes forced votes to be missed.
At the end of April, the local authority moved to digital committee meetings for handling planning applications.
While meetings have generally run smoothly, some problems have left councillors unable to vote, due to flickering out of the debate and missing key points.
On Wednesday, at the planning and development management meeting, one councillor could not vote on a contentious gym demolition plan.
Two others dropped out as plans for a housing development at Crook of Devon were being discussed, one of which accordingly relinquished his vote. However due to only missing the interval needed to connect a speaker, the other was able to cast a vote.
That speaker, Kinross-shire councillor Willie Robertson, since has spoken out about his frustrating experience of addressing the virtual committee.
He said: “As an experienced councillor, I thought the process would be fairly straightforward. I realised this was not the case when I received a sheet with a list of nine instructions I had to follow to join the meeting.
“Whilst carrying out the instructions I was thinking that for many people this would not be an easy task.
“It is important that it should be as uncomplicated as possible for people to make representations.
“Two members of the committee briefly lost internet access during the debate. This resulted in one of these councillors being unable to vote on the application which I consider an unsatisfactory situation.”
Council bosses say the digital meetings will remain until more restrictions are lifted and personal training sessions have been offered.
A spokesperson said: “Following requests from elected members, applicants and objectors, the meeting effectively allowed to members of the public to make deputations.
“Everyone who wanted to speak was able to do so, following the guidance issued by the council. This was widely praised by those in attendance at the meeting, including those making deputations.
“A few elected members experienced technical difficulties and we are providing them with additional training and support.
“Perth and Kinross Council has run two special council meetings online with successful participation from elected members, all of whom have been offered one-on-one training, as well as training guides. Almost all of the elected members have taken up that training.”
