November 2007 minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2007 IN CULBOKIE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

PRESENT: Colin Craig, Roger Piercy, Hamish MacCulloch, Sally Falconer, Joy Winnock, Dave Scott, Moira Grieve, Margaret Currie, Cllrs. Billy Barclay and Isobel MacCallum. Four members of the public (including Guthrie Vallance, Alistair Rose and Les Robertson).

APOLOGIES Sheila Maher (also for not attending Environmental Meeting), Joan More and David Alston.

The meeting opened with Colin Craig informing them of matters raised and discussed at Ward10 which took place prior to this Community Council meeting. The Ward 10 meeting discussed the proposals on the table from Cairn Housing and the Church, Colin also displayed a plan of how the development may look.
The proposals are in the early stages and therefore several discussions took place regarding a joint venture, car parking facilities also the fact that is was proposed that the old school would be demolished. The Council demonstrated a commitment between Cairn and the community. The Community Council realizes that there is a need for affordable housing but gave backing the Church as it was the only proposal on the table. There were many questions for the community to consider and it was proposed to form a committee of say three representatives from the community also perhaps a representative from Culbokie Hall Committee, as it is an opportunity for Culbokie to have something special for the village.
This item to be taken forward at the next meeting of the Community Council.

MINUTES : The minutes of meeting held on 15th October 2007 were read approved and seconded.

MATTERS ARISING. : Issi McGrath has apologized for not being able to attend the meeting on 15th October. An apology also received from Ebony Reid of Green Gym for not being able to attend the same meeting.

NOTICEBOARD : This item to be carried forward as there are no further developments at this time.

VILLAGE SIGNS : This item to be carried forward as there are no further developments.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT : Roger was pleased to note there were some new faces at the meeting and he took people through Sheila’s planning form for projects. Roger’s project will be Bumble and Honey bees, whilst Margaret’s will be butterflies. It was noted that RSPB have a new DVD out on birds and wetlands and that perhaps Juliet Robinson of the Red Squirrel Group be invited to give a talk on the subject.
It was decided that regular monthly meetings would take place to discuss ongoing projects and a decision will be made very soon whether the meetings will be held in either Ferintosh or Findon Hall.

AOCB : Dave Scott brought up the subject of lack of digital reception and also availability of Broadband in the area. He has been pursuing this problemfor some time but so far without success.
Roger stated that the orienteering subject is on hold.
It was agreed that a donation of £80 be made to the following :- Organising Culbokie Citizens Xmas celebration, Ferintosh Hall Committee, Mulbuie School Committee.
Glebeland at Newton of Kinkell has been sold.
At the previous Ward 10 meeting people had indicated the need for respite care and that Community Councils should be looking at what its community feel about needs of the elderly and the disabled. This is another opportunity to comment and influence things.
Concern was expressed regarding surface water in the Easter Kinkell area.

PLANNING MATTERS : Colin and Moira attended the Planning Training Session held by Highland Council. They were taken through planning act, planning potential and planning rules. They were also informed that the Structure plan is to be replaced with plans for different areas, and also, a written statement about community engagement, which is important. With regard to the changes in the appeal system they were informed that if the Community Council raised on objection it will go to Committee. If a planning officer refuses then it will also go to Committee. There will be more training because this session only outlined various aspects of planning procedure. The intention of planning to send information to community councils via email was discussed but it could not be seen how this would work.
Discussions amongst the community council then took place regarding Planning Gain. It was felt that needs of the community should be made known re planning for gain money. Questions need to be answered such as who collects the money, how is it used etc., The Highland Council requires a list from Community Councils regarding their community needs in this respect.
Roger questioned whether the Community Council could request a more environmentally freindly method of building houses and their surroundings.
It was thought that members of the community council could come back to next meeting with list of needs for the community, then further discussions can be held on the way forward. Colin pointed out that these discussions are open to anyone who cares to come to Community Council meetings.
Several discussions then took place regarding aspects from planning from community council’s view.
At this point the Highland Councillors left the meeting to enable community council discuss various planning applications.
Permission for erection of house Alcaig – The Community Council agreed to lodge an objection as it is outwith Local Plan and is in an amenity area.
9, Glascairn Culbokie – Permission has been granted to this application, however, applicants are appealing against planners conditions applied. Colin will reply to this.
A resident of Culbokie has said that an enquiry asking whether planning has been granted for a caravan to be placed in village has now become a complaint. A planning officer will be asked to have a look at this.
CORRESPONDENCE : Nothing to discuss at this time.

TIMING OF FUTURE MEETINGS: Roger asked whether the Community Council should return to having the meeting commence at 7.30 pm, however, it was decided to maintain the start time of 7 pm.