August 2007 minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 20TH AUGUST 2007 IN CULBOKIE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

PRESENT: Colin Craig (Chair), Roger Piercy, Joan More, Sally Falconer, Moira Grieve, Hamish MacCulloch, Joy Winnick, David Scott, Sheila Maher, Margaret Currie, Councillor Billly Barclay, 40 visitors from Culbokie community and Rev. G. Bell.

APOLOGIES: Sheila Maher (for late arrival in time for start of the meeting.)

WELCOME: The Chair welcomed the visitors to the meeting and stated that the Agenda would not follow printed order and that the first item to be discussed would be Culbokie Old Primary School as the visitors expressed their interest in this item also several planning queries. The Chair reported that there had only been three replies to the “school drop” which asked for opinions and wishes as to the future use of the old school. Nothing definite was forthcoming from these replies. The Chair then invited views.

David Scott replied that in the case of affordable housing it was felt that there was more than enough development planned for Culbokie when affordable housing would be given a percentage. Those present agreed with this statement, and it was firmly voiced “do we really need further affordable housing in Culbokie”.
A suggestion for an educational facility for youngsters with special needs was also mooted, but in the end it was obvious that the majority were keen that it went down the road of community use. The idea of sheltered housing was also put forward, discussions took place regarding the difficulties of running such a project. It was pointed out to the meeting that “accessible housing” would not encounter the same difficulties.
The above were only suggested ideas.
Rev. Bell was then invited to outline to the meeting the plans which the church have registered with the Highland Council to take over the building and to adapt as a place of worship, which would not exclude community use i.e. Youth Club possibly in conjunction with teachers. Rev. Bell pointed out that the church had been interested in the building for some time and hoped to have a meeting quite soon with the Highland Council.
The Chair informed the meeting that at a meeting with Highland Council at the time plans for the new school were being discussed it was stated (although not minuted) that the old school would be “gifted” to the community. The Community Council has always said that it would not be in a position to take on and run a project, but would support community use, neither would it hold back a definite project. It was agreed by those present that Culbokie needed a “hub”,
The Chair invited Roger Piercy to sum up the discussions. Roger pointed out that the intention was to hold a public meeting with regard to the old school, but due to school holidays this had not been possible. He then asked the Community Councillors whether we went ahead and organized a full public meeting to discuss this or having heard the views this evening make a decision to support the Church’s proposal, bearing in mind that if a public meeting was called there would possibly not be such a good response as this evening and that it is the only concrete proposal on the table. All members of the community council present agreed to support the Church’s proposal and will write to Mr Hugh Fraser, Director of Education, Culture and Sport confirming this. Copies will also be sent to all interested parties.
The Chair then asked the visitors to the meeting whether there were any other issues they would like to raise.
The matter of an outline planning application by Moray Facilities for formation of 15 affordable houses and 12 serviced plots North East of School Croft was raised and concern expressed about various aspects. Colin Craig will write expressing Ferintosh Community Council’s objection to this application stating that this appears in the Local plan under “longer term development” i.e. post 2011. There is also the question of drainage, old sewerage system which has not been maintained for a number of years, excessive density, unsuitable design (flats), neighbouring development being taken in isolation, and introduction of access onto unlisted road north of old primary school, an access which is badly positioned i.e. too near zebra crossing at the entrance to the new primary school. Colin also advised those present to send in their own objections individually.
People voiced their concern that the Local Plan is not being adhered to with regard to density, timescale, amenities, sewers and treatment works. Lengthy discussions also took place regarding SUDS and soakaways pertaining to the development.
Concern was expressed regarding the capacity of the new primary school, Colin explained that having a separate gymnasium and dining hall had been fought very hard for so that should an extension be required in the future the facility would be there.
It was suggested that when play areas are made, consideration should also be given to children who are older i.e. past toddler stage. Lengthy discussions took place as to who is responsible for play areas which are built by developers.
A question was asked whether the community council knew of any plans for the plot of land between the new school entrance and the road into the Ferindonald estate because at the moment it seems to have been left unattended. The community council will write to the planners and ask the question.
At this point the Chair thanked everyone for attending the meeting and for their contribution to the matters discussed.

The meeting then returned to the Agenda.

APOLOGIES: Councillor David Chisholm,

MINUTES: Minutes of meeting held on 16th July 2007 were read and with the following corrections. The hearing for planning application for Glas Cairn was postponed not withdrawn as minuted and a reference to a three storey house was amended to single storey. Minutes approved by Joan More seconded by Roger Piercy.

MATTERS ARISING Ward 10 Forum. Colin Craig was invited to the Dingwall and Seaforth meeting. He reported that issues brought up and discussed were, change of placing of polling stations, the Highland Council should consider community safety when placing on sites these stations, ward discretionary fund for Dingwall and Seaforth Ward and that this could be put to good use as match funding for any project for which other funding has been applied and match funding is required. Bus stop issues were also raised. It is anticipated that the next meeting will be in September.
Discussions took place regarding Ward Forums and Sheila Maher put forward the suggestion for a model to get reasonable discussions regarding issues raised. The question was also asked whether the council is obliged to give guide lines on how subjects raised would be covered.
The next meeting of the Ward 10 Forum is to be held on Thursday 30th August 2007 at 6 pm to 8pm in Culbokie Primary School. Joy Winnick and Hamish MacCulloch will attend on behalf of Ferintosh Community Council. Issues to bring up for future Agendas suggested road issues, local plan and white lines markings on all roads.

MEMORIAL Monadh Mhor: Thanks to be expressed to Forestry Commission for the new car park off A835. At the top of the Brae of Balnabeen Road (the north entrance to the Monadh Mhor) space is needed for 2 to 3 cars. The track used by walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders requires some maintenance, flooded areas need to be drained and rutted areas be surfaced.
Simons Loch. The question of a Memorial to three drowned boys at this location was discussed. The loch is situated approximately 25 minutes walking distance on the right from the entrance. The names of the three boys who were drowned on 18th May 1952 as follows :- David Pickett-Aged 14, Charles Pickett-Aged 12, Albert Donaldson-Aged 18.
The Community Council is prepared to pay for a suitable memorial and the secretary to write to Mr David Jardine, Forestry Enterprise on the above matters.

SCHOOL TROPHY:Colin Craig presented head teacher, Shirley-Anne Stevenson, a trophy for her to award to pupils as appropriate.

CULBOKIE PUMP: Roger Piercy reported to the meeting that Mr Tommy Brown has now completed and put in place the new concrete bollard and that will paint when the weather is suitable, he did not know whether there was a time capsule in the broken bollard but, bottles containing messages were placed in the new bollard. The secretary to write to Mr Brown thanking him for his work.

DROPPED KERBS: The secretary to write to Jim Yuill TECS to request a dropped kerb at the entrance to the old primary school to enable Mr Draper, Cnocmison, Culbokie to get up and down the pavement with his electric scooter.

NOTICEBOARD: Roger circulated a report regarding the proposal for a noticeboard, to be paid for by community council, and to be placed onto the wall of the shop in Culbokie. Permission to do this has been given by the shop. Roger stated that this could only go ahead if someone located close by could monitor the placing of notices and hold the key, as it would be advisable to have a cover on the board. A resident asked whether it would just entail the placing and taking down of notices whilst the community council would have ownership of the board. Several discussions took place regarding this matter after which Roger stated that he would look into it further.

CULBOKIE VILLAGE SIGNS: It is still too early in the school term for any development but this matter will continue to be brought forward on the Agenda.

MOUNT EAGLE DEVELOPMENT: A final meeting has been held regarding the matter of the development of the road. It was decided that the road would be adopted on 5th September 2007 and, if in that time, it is not completed the Bond will be pulled down and the Highland Council will complete the road.

GREEN GYM: Ideas for this item to be carried forward to the next meeting and will be placed on the Agenda.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT: It was reported at the meeting on 2nd Wednesday that a wide range of things were discussed and a report posted on the web was also sent to the press and all schools. A “creepy crawly” event planned to take place during the school holiday was cancelled due to other events taking place at the same time.
Roger has circulated a report on the walk which took place on Monadh Mhor – further discussions took place regarding this walk and how much interest it has sparked off and how the body of knowledge has grown with the help of experts on the different aspects of the walk.
A meeting will take place on 12th September 2007 at 7.15 pm in Findon Hall and it is hoped a big push will be made for those who have other interests to come and express their thoughts.
Roger told the meeting that Dingwall & District Beekeepers Association would be holding a display on the courtyard outside Dingwall Museum on Saturday 1st September. There would be an observations hive and the queen bee will be marked so that she will be easily seen.

PLANNING MATTERS: Moira Grieve has received a letter from planning stating that the Fowlers Wood application would not be considered a new house by them. If approved, conditions will be attached stating it is not to be used for accommodation. The community council agreed that its objection to this application would not be withdrawn.
Development South of Glas Cairn. A hearing will take place in committee on Tuesday 21st August 2007.

AOCB: Sally Falconer informed the meeting that the new markings were now in place on the road, however, the old arrows had not yet been removed.
Residents pointed out that the car park at the side of the Post Office in Culbokie needed re-surfacing.
The Community Council was asked if it knew of any plans relating to the plot of land at the side of Culbokie school because at the moment it appears to need some attention. The community council will make enquiries about this matter.
Roger Piercy told the meeting that he had a map showing an orienteering course through Culbokie Wood. As this appears not to apply any longer he has emailed the Inverness Orienteering Club asking what can be done to re-instate Culbokie Wood as an orienteering course. It has a meeting on the 11th September and he will come back to community council on how this can be set up.

CORRESPONDENCE: Five page Policy Statement from Licensing Act (Scotland) Ltd.