CC MINS MAR/APR 09

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.MARCH 2009

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Knockbain Community Council

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 17th March 2009 at North Kessock

Present: Owen Smith (OS), Angela Biggar (AT), Jill Tilford (JT), Kate MacKay (KM), Tony Morey (TM), Willie Paterson, Elaine Jones (EJ). Visitors: None.

1. OS welcomed everyone and opened the meeting

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting: The Minutes of the meeting held on 20th January 2009 were formally approved by JT and OS. The notes of the meeting held on 17th February were noted.

3. Action Reports from Previous Minutes and Items not Covered in Agenda:

(a) Cycle Routes: TM confirmed that the Allangrange Road is part of the national cycle network. No obvious route could be identified that would provide a means of cycling between Munlochy and the A9. It might be possible to create a route from the B9161 to the old church and Manse (by the war memorial) then going to Easter Taeweg (a bridge used to cross the burn at that point and it may still be in situ). A short circular route from the B9161 could be possible using the overgrown track by the house flying the Saltire and joining the road to Bogallan church. New routes would also provide alternatives to the paths at Ord Hill that are becoming heavily used. It was agreed to not contact Sustrans until possible options were discussed with the Access Officer who will hopefully attend the AGM in April.

(b) Craigton Road: OS reported that engineers have inspected Craigton Road and are aware of the condition of the carriageway and the retaining wall. It is thought that the road would need to be closed for three months if the wall is repaired.

(c) Footway between pier and old pier: OS reported that he had been advised this section was too narrow to be a “footway” and was therefore unlikely to be repaired. AB stressed the poor condition of the tarmac (and no railings at one point) could well lead to an accident if no action was taken.

4. Finance: OS has been advised to treat the £6000 as a Grant within the Annual Accounts. This money is intended to be spent on the North Kessock car-park in due course. Action: OS to contact Linda Martin with this advice and to chase for outstanding bills to be paid.EJ reported that the Community Council Insurance Policy had been renewed and the premium of £67.10 will be deducted from the grant for 2009/10.

5. Black Isle Ward Forum:

(a) The next Ward Forum will be held on Thursday 16th April from 6pm to 8pm at Culbokie Primary School. The main topic will be Scottish National Heritage (SNH).

(b) Workshop on Climate Change the workshop has been postponed and will now take place in April or May.

6. Correspondence:

Correspondence and literature for the following was distributed:

§ Fortrose Academy Newsletter.

§ NHS Update

§ SEPA Consultation – opportunity to input to river basin planning. Details at http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/river_basin_planning.aspx

§ An Arainneachd – newsletter of the Highland Environmental Network.

§ Highland Funding Newsletter

§ Dogs Trust – advertising posters

§ Wild Bird Food Scotland – a small business in Foyers looking for potential selling agents.

§ Highland Council – notification that the Kessock Hotel has submitted a Conversion application for Premises Licence as required under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

7. North Kessock Car Park: OS reported that an on-site meeting had been held at the car park to discuss the options. It became clear that the funds of £6000 would only be sufficient to provide a general tidy up with the majority being spent on removing the ‘lumpy’ areas. The white lines by the bus stop and along the edge of the car park would be renewed, with possibly an ‘entrance’ and ‘exit’ marked. The bus shelter would be cleaned up and the bus stop sign replaced.OS reported that he had since been informed that a lady had tripped up at the bus stop but he did not have the details of the accident.

8. Buses:

(a) It is possible that the existing bus shelter at the car park may be replaced and this could then provide the opportunity for the old shelter to be relocated to the A9 Charleston Road bus stop. It was agreed that this would be welcomed. OS reminded everyone of the footpath that leads from Bellfield up to the bus stop on the A9 – this path has become more overgrown and needs clearing as it is used regularly. TM suggested that TranServ should be approached to improve the access to the bus stop for residents of Bellfield (especially in light of the planned housing development). TM suggested that if there was no success then the Scottish Office should be approached. Action: OS

(b) Point Road: WP reported that there is a growing need for buses to service Point Road – there are around 7 elderly people who regularly use the bus and currently drive along Point Road to the bus stop at the car park. The buses should be able to turn around at the junction by the Lifeboat Station or they might be able to use Haul Road. Action: EJ

9. Annual Clean Up: OS reported that the proposed date of 21st March has been cancelled due to the very low number of people who could make this date. It was agreed to rearrange the clean-up for Saturday 25th April to fit in with the Council organised National Spring Clean campaign running through the month of April. Equipment will be provided and the rubbish will be collected afterwards. One of the suggested areas to be cleaned up was the burn that runs by the Munlochy Surgery down to the Post Office however there is apparently an awkward fence that may make access difficult. Action: OS to contact HG and AL.

10. Play Areas at North Kessock:

(a) Dogs: OS read out a letter he had received from a North Kessock resident. The letter requests action to re-erect a sign saying “no dogs” at the entrance to Gordon’s Park and to provide seats or picnic benches in the park. The letter expresses concern that the park is being used as a “dog-toilet” and that the small “no dog-fouling” signs are ineffectual. All agreed that action needed to be taken to improve the current situation and this should be pursued with the Dog Warden. It does not seem practical to ban dogs completely from the park as there is open access from Ferry Brae but all agreed that action should be taken to fence off the children’s play equipment and to have some bins installed for dog-waste (possibly being suitable for normal rubbish as well). Action: EJ to pursue with Nel MacDonald-Rolfe who will hopefully be at the Community Council meeting in North Kessock in May.

(b) Seats: All agreed that there was a need for benches/seats alongside the play equipment at Gordon’s Park and at the small football pitch at Charleston. OS also suggested the installation of some ‘bouncy play animals’ by the football pitch for use by young children. Action: EJ to contact the Ward Manager re possible funding from the Ward Discretionary Budget.

(c) Tree Planting: OS reported that he received a telephone call from someone who was given an ornamental tree but had nowhere to plant it. OS intends to plant the tree by the small football pitch.

11. Reports:

(a) Bogallan: The road to and beyond Bogallan Church is in serious need of re-surfacing.

(b) Ferry Brae, North Kessock: Potholes in the road by the school, on both sides of the bend.

(c) Old A9: No action appears to have been taken regarding the problem (reported in January) with draining on the stretch of road between Woodend Kennels and Glachbeg Croft.

(d) Point Road: Road surface is breaking up between numbers 19 and 13. Road was previously dug up and resurfaced but is now badly breaking up.

(e) Oakleigh Road, North Kessock: Lot of potholes alongside Burnlea (near the village hall).

(f) Millbank, North Kessock: The pavement is badly broken up on the stretch up the hill, opposite the grassy bank, just after the 20mph sign. This route is regularly used by schoolchildren and parents with pushchairs and is now a significant safety hazard.

(g) Bellfield Steps: There is a loose step about one-third of the way up the flight of steps between Charleston and Bellfield Road.

(h) Bellfield Road: JT reported that a resident of Bellfield Road was very concerned at the growing problem of dog mess, including dogs going into some gardens. It was agreed that this problem should be raised with the Dog Warden.

12. Planning Issues:

(a) Munro’s Nurseries: TM reported that planning permission had been granted for a coffee shop subject to various conditions. This includes a restriction to just 9 tables and minor improvements to the road junction. All remained concerned at the safety risk at the junction.

(b) Croft Downie: OS distributed copies of the plan for the erection of a log house at Beach Site, Croft Downie. OS also circulated a copy of a letter to Planning from Gordon Brown objecting to the proposals. All agreed that OS should send a letter of objection on the following grounds:- Contrary to Local Plan- Contrary to Housing in the Countryside- Spoils an existing amenity- Pushes boundaries of urbanisation along the shoreline to Kilmuir- Concern over impact on footpaths / rights of wayAction: OS to write to Planning.

(c) Artafallie: OS reported that a planning application had been submitted to Planning to demolish the former telephone exchange building and erect a house.

(d) Craigton: TM and KM queried whether the work currently being done to clear an area of trees etc required planning permission. It would appear that the site is being cleared for future development. Action: OS to contact Planning for advice.

(e) Black Isle Brewery: EJ reported that the brewery had submitted a planning application for the conversion and extension of building to form a brewery.

(f) Croftnacreich: EJ reported that an Outline Planning application had been submitted for the erection of a house on land 70 metres West of Knowhead plus the temporary siting of a caravan and the formation of access.

(g) Windsong Caravan, Drumsmittal: OS reported that an application had been submitted to renew the permission for the temporary siting of a residential caravan

(h) Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): All agreed it would be useful to know what TPOs existed within Knockbain area (eg The Dell and above Oakleigh Road). Action: EJ to try and obtain this information (possibly via the Ward Manager).

(i) Planning Discussions: EJ circulated a letter that had been received from Highland Council that sought to address recent concerns regarding the lack of involvement of Councillors in planning discussions at Community Council meetings. Elected members should not be involved in public discussion of planning matters in order that they do not pre-judge planning applications prior to a Planning Committee. It is suggested that Planning applications are discussed at the end of Community Council meetings so that elected members can leave the meeting rather than being put in a difficult position and having to explain why they cannot express any view. Members can however choose to stay in the meeting and listen to the debate should they wish to do so.

13. Annual General Meeting:The AGM will be held at Munlochy village hall on Thursday 21st April at 8pm (preceded by a short Community Council meeting at 7.30pm). It was formally agreed that BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and the Access Officer should be invited for discussions that would hopefully encourage more members of the public to attend. Action: OS to contact BTCV at their office in Munlochy to ask if they could attend to outline what BTCV do and to discuss possible opportunities and possible local projects. Action: EJ to contact Phil Waite, Access Officer to invite him to the AGM to discuss local footpaths.Action: TM to put notice in Ross-shire Journal advertising the AGM once it is known whether these guests can attend.Action: OS to then put up notices advertising the AGM.

14. Any Other Business:

(a) North Kessock Football Club: OS read out a letter from Andrew Mackay, Chairman of the Football Club. The club have been raising funds through various activities but have been unable to find anyone to fund new strips for the players. Their existing kit is three years old and had been funded by the Kessock Hotel. It was agreed that, subject to sufficient funds in the accounts for the current financial year, the Community Council would give a cheque for £250 towards the cost of new strips. Action: OS

15. Dates of Future Meetings:

(3rd Tuesday each month at 1930hours)

Tuesday 21st April 2009 at Munlochy (short meeting followed by AGM).

Tuesday 19th May 2009 at North Kessock

Tuesday 16th June 2009 at Munlochy

Tuesday 18th August 2009 at Munlochy

Tuesday 15th September 2009 at North Kessock

Tuesday 20th October 2009 at Munlochy

Tuesday 17th November 2009 at North Kessock

Tuesday 19th January 2010 at Munlochy

Tuesday 16th February 2010 at North Kessock

Tuesday 16th March 2010 at Munlochy.

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