MINUTE OF THE 277th BUSINESS MEETING

OF THE

STONEHAVEN AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

HELD IN THE COWIE LOUNGE OF THE INVERCARRON RESOURCE CENTRE

At 7.30pm ON TUESDAY 10^th FEBRUARY, 2004

PRESENT:

Community Councillors: Derek Stewart, Douglas Dykes, Duncan Cursiter, Mary Mitchell, Margaret Ross, Mary Jackson, Pam Dobbie, Peter Bellarby, Raymond Christie, Nigel Parkes, Isabel Parkes, David Bray, Alan Cairnduff, Lesley Vass

Kincardine & Mearns Councillors: Mike Sullivan – Stonehaven North & Fetteresso; George Swapp – Mearns North and Wendy Agnew – Stonehaven South

Aberdeenshire Council: Douglas Gray and Stuart Carrie

Grampian Police: Inspector Swan

Minute Secretary: Laura Dykes

Members of the Press also attended.

Chairman opened the meeting and asked if there were there any items of business that might be considered as conflict of interest. None were recorded.

Item	Description	Action/Date
1.	Apologies Apologies were received from Jane Davidson, Doug Paton and Councillor Jack Morrison
2.	Minutes of meeting held on 13^th January, 2004 Item 10a – Pam Dobbie stated that she felt the vote minute did not express clearly what she and other Members had in fact voted for. After much discussion, it was agreed that the vote be retaken at this meeting as follows: The votes For: Not to support a blanket ban as Portsoy Community Council recommend, but to put the item forward at the CC Forum for discussion – were: Douglas Dykes, Mary Mitchell, Raymond Christie, Peter Bellarby, Margaret Ross, Pam Dobbie, Lesley Vass, Mary Jackson, David Bray, Duncan Cursiter, Nigel Parkes and Isabel Parkes. There were no votes Against. Alan Cairnduff (who had not been present at the earlier meeting) abstained. Item 13e – Pam Dobbie stated that she had in fact said that SCRAP would be disbanded and that she and Margaret Ross had already joined the Horizon Project. She also had asked if she could order more of the anti-litter posters and since no decision was made at the meeting she had not already ordered the posters as the minute stated. The Minute was proposed by Mary Jackson and seconded by Margaret Ross.
3.	Matters arising from previous Minute
(a)	Councillor Mike Sullivan had nothing further to add regarding item 10(e) although Raymond Christie added that some of the roads in Edinview had been filled with a shovel of tar, but that this was no long-term solution to the problem.	Mike Sullivan
4.	Arrangements for 2004 Election of Community Council Members The Chairman informed members that Alan Bisset would act as Returning Officer this year. The Secretary has sent all Members details of the Election Arrangements by e-mail and asked that they all familiarise themselves what is required and exactly which Members are to submit applications for election. Pam Dobbie queried her status since she was voted on as a co-opted Member. The Chairman informed her that she would still require to be formally elected. The Mearns Leader will advertise that there are 15 vacancies on the Community Council. Nomination Forms are available from the Secretary and the Library and a blank form is also available in the back of the Constitution Document for Members to use. The Secretary asked that all Members ensure that their Nomination Forms are returned on time.	Members due for Election
5.	Meeting Protocol and Recording of Decisions Due to the misinterpretation of the vote undertaken at the last meeting, the Chairman asked that all questions, proposals and recommendations be put formally through the Chair to aid the Minute Secretary in recording decisions.	All Members
6.	Planning Principles and Rules The Chairman welcomed Douglas Gray and Stuart Carrie from Aberdeenshire Planning Department who gave a presentation on Planning Principles and Rules. A copy of the presentation will be available from the Secretary for Members’ information. Stuart Carrie, Development Control Manager detailed a list of ‘material considerations’ that are taken into account when processing planning applications including suitability of site, visual amenity, archaeology, noise disturbance, road/public safety, loss of privacy, lack of car parking. Other considerations include public concern, better alternative site, financial viability etc. although examples such as loss of view, loss of property value, character of applicant, personal circumstances of applicant etc. do not influence any application. Stuart also informed Members, the areas where they could have a substantial input such as at the Consultation stage, Recommendation stage and at the Area Committee Meetings, but added that the best way to represent the views of the Community to the Planning Authority was be to formally become a Consultee. He asked that the Community Council put forward their views in a concise and relevant manner in line with the material considerations previously mentioned. It was recommended that this be done electronically via the Planning Department Website and be within the 14 day deadline. The Secretary asked whether or not the 14-day deadline could be extended and Stuart Carrie replied that it could, as ‘natural justice’ would normally prevail. The Chairman queried how the plans could be viewed, and Stuart replied that there would be a zoom facility on the Website to view plans more clearly. The Chairman added that he felt this was a huge step forward. Peter Bellarby asked what a Consultation Document consisted of and Stuart replied that it is a document that contains the Application Form, Details of the Proposal, Land Owner and relevant maps. Duncan Cursiter asked how the Development Control process applied to the Commodore Site as plans for flats had previously been approved but no planning application had been received as yet. He also queried the fact that it had not been tidied up. Douglas Gray replied that this will be done when Tesco sign off the required legal documents. The Secretary added that Janet Hood had advised that Tesco would tidy up the site although there could be no enforcement on the type and standard of work carried out. Douglas Gray commented that ‘enforcement’ is really weak in these cases and that it is basically only an ‘agreement’ with the owner of the site. The Chairman thanked both Douglas and Stuart for attending the meeting and Stuart concluded that he hoped that the Planning Department and the Community Council could work well together in the future.
7.	Crime Prevention Inspector Swan from Grampian Police informed those present that a computer had been stolen from a premises at the harbour while it was unoccupied. A break-in had taken place at Ardlui in Slug Road, although nothing was stolen and it is thought to have been children. There has been a large amount of vandalism, especially to cars and car mirrors taking place nearly every weekend. He concluded that the inclement weather over the last month has kept Grampian Police Officers extremely busy.
8.	Kincardine and Mearns Draft Area Plan A meeting to discuss the Kincardine and Mearns Draft Area Plan will take place on 18^th February at the Invercarron Resource Centre (Dunnottar Lounge) at 7pm. The Chairman hoped that all had managed to download the Plan they had been sent and hoped to see all Members at the meeting.	All Members 18/2/04
9.	Reports and Projects Update
(a)	Planning The Chairman had previously issued the Planning Report to all Members and in particular wished to discuss the Application for Ury Estate which proposes to convert Ury House into 9 dwellings, build a further 132 new houses and the formation of a golf course After much discussion it was agreed that the Community Council would not object to the principal of the Application but would list our comments/suggestions to Aberdeenshire Council for their full consideration during the planning process. We would also request that some reassurance be given that the appropriate infrastructure is established and that this development should not set a precedent for other future developments in this area. The Chairman will draft a letter, which he will e-mail to all Members for approval before passing to the Planning Department as soon as possible. We would also provide Planning Department with comments/objections to Applications for Meikle Carewe wind mast, East Newtonleys Farm development, 36 St Bridgets Crescent alterations and 15 Fetteresso Terrace alterations. It was agreed that our objection to the Appeal at Carron Den still stands, but that we had no objection to the application for removal of Condition 11 for the Carron Restaurant	Chairman & Secretary 15/2/04
(b)	Cowie Sewage Treatment Works Nigel Parkes said that Scottish Water have held their public meeting and over 280 people attended. 147 people did not agree with the proposal and Nigel felt that it had been a poor exhibition. As yet a planning application has not been submitted. CRAG is to hold their own public meeting on 20^th February, in St Bridgets Hall at 1930 hours and hoped for a good turnout. It was agreed that Scottish Water should be advised of the meeting and Nigel would ensure this. Nigel also requested to see a copy of the planning application Scottish Water wish to submit but this would not likely be available until 2 –3 weeks time. It was agreed that the Secretary would writer to Aberdeenshire Council with a proposal that they fund the ‘Employment of Professional Services for a Review of Scottish Water’s Plan for such Screening Works at Cowie’.	Nigel Parkes 14/2/04 Secretary 12/2/04
(c)	Community Council Website David Bray informed Members that the password he had been given for the website from Gary Brindley is ‘unknown’ and that he has tried to e-mail the Helpline twice but as yet has no reply. He added that we could in fact start up a ‘new’ website at a cost of £60 per year. It was agreed that David would write a letter to the Helpline requesting that the password be renewed, but that we may require to establish a ‘new’ website at a later date. It was also agreed by that whilst the names of all Members would be displayed, only the addresses and phone numbers of office bearers would be included.	David Bray 17/2/04
(d)	Stonehaven Committee Raising Awareness and Pride (SCRAP) Disbandment SCRAP has now disbanded as of their final meeting on 26^th January. Pam Dobbie, Margaret Ross, Mary Jackson, Allan Cairnduff and Derek Stewart are now members of the Stonehaven Horizon Project, which means they will continue to be involved in similar activities. Pam Dobbie also added that new bins are now in place on the streets at Academy Road, Ury Crescent and Bath Street and thanked Aberdeenshire Council for their assistance with this issue.
(e)	Newsletter Raymond Christie added that he has been unable to do the Newsletter this month due to Mary Mitchell resigning from this Committee last month and being unable to find someone to replace her. Mary Mitchell agreed to assist Raymond as best she can in the interim until someone else volunteers to help. Mary Jackson will also assist Raymond but felt she had insufficient PC skills for the formatting of the newsletter.	Mary Mitchell Raymond Christie, Mary Jackson
(f)	NHS Community Forum Raymond Christie attended the above and distributed bullet points of the main issues regarding the GMS Contract. He added that there were now fewer students studying medicine and more female doctors who are no longer prepared to work during the night, which is why the Out of Hours Medical Care has had to be reviewed. It is hoped that the new GP Contract will be fully in place by December 2004. Raymond also added that the NHS would be happy to attend a Community Council meeting to discuss this contract in full if we so required.
(g)	Kincardine and Mearns Safety Committee Duncan Cursiter attended the meeting on 14^th January. He informed members that the MRI Day at Stonehaven Harbour is provisionally set for Sunday 29^th August. He also added that the Kincardine and Mearns Safety Committee are focusing their attention on the ‘Focusing the Light Project’, which has been set up to improve lighting in areas where this is required. Benholm and Johnshaven Community Council have already applied to the Council to have something done about the problems there. Duncan had pointed out to the Safety Committee that the same subject had been raised at S&DCC, particularly the Edinview area. Kate Rigby of Aberdeenshire Council as a Roads Department issue noted this. The Safety Committee have donated £1000 to buy 2 new bicycles and protective clothing for Stonehaven police, and set £500 ceiling as a donation towards enhancing the pathways at Inverbervie and St. Cyrus. Duncan concluded that safety signs have been erected around the coast detailing precautions at cliff sides. The Safety Group intends to nominate the safety sign project for a safety award recommendation.
(h)	Disability Discrimination Act Nothing to discuss.
10.	Correspondence IN requiring action:
(a)	09/01 – Invercarron Resource Centre re: Pedestrians Crossing at Evan Street It was agreed that the Secretary would contact the Roads Department to try and obtain an update on the Traffic Management Review that was supposed to address this matter.	Secretary 17/2/04
(b)	29/01 – Local Residents re: Lack of Footpath from School Road to Arduthie Gardens The Secretary had written to Landscape Services to enquire if this was actually included in this year’s financial budget as had been advised to our Council when the matter was raised last year.
(c)	02/02 – Invitation to ‘Question Time with North East MSP’s on 20^th March Members were advised that this was to take place at Aberdeen City Council at 1000 – 1200 hrs and any Member wishing to attend should advise the Secretary.
(d)	05/02 – Training Programme for Councillors The Secretary passed around a form with the new dates for the Training Sessions for Members to add their names if planning to attend.
11.	AOCB
(a)	The Chairman informed Members that the esplanade around Molly Gunnings café on the Beach Promenade had problems with the drains being full of sand and not draining away floodwater. It was agreed that the Secretary would write to Aberdeenshire Council regarding this. Councillor Mike Sullivan added that he had written a letter to this effect also.	Secretary 17/2/04
(b)	Shop Fronts – Following the recent article in the Evening Express, the Secretary would write to Aberdeenshire Council Planning department regarding our own concerns about Stonehaven shop fronts signage and aesthetics.	Secretary 17/2/04
(c)	Fossil Find – Local resident Rosalind Russell advised by letter that this exhibit, which is only the size of a fingernail, is now on show at the Scottish National Museum in Edinburgh. It was suggested that perhaps our Town could obtain a replica for local display. The Secretary would follow this up with Rosalind.	Secretary 17/2/04
(d)	Duncan Cursiter presented a cheque for £350 that he had procured from Shell International Ltd as a donation for the Hogmanay Festival activities. The Secretary would write a letter of thanks to Shell.	Secretary 17/2/04

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 9^th March where this Minute will be formally approved.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9:45pm.

Addendum:

	Correspondence/Brochures IN for Information Only The following letters are available on file for information:
(a)	07/01 – Minute of Invercarron Resource Centre Meeting on 07/01
(b)	14/01 – Area Manager re: Community Environment Fund – Final payment
(c)	16/01 – Carron Den Housing Application – Notice of Appeal
(d)	18/01 – S&DAA re: Vandalism to Beech Hedging at Mineralwell Park
(e)	19/01 – Janet Hood re: Landscaping at ex-Commodore Site
(f)	20/01 – Area Manager re: Agenda Item on Drinking Outside for CC Forum on 26/02
(g)	26/01 – Aberdeenshire Council Budget Briefing Paper No. 7
(h)	28/01 – MHW for Scottish Water re: Cowie Proposals Environmental Report
(i)	28/01 – Scottish Water re: Combined Sewer Overflows at Evan Street
(j)	29/01 – Planning Dept. re: Replacement Windows at 10 Arduthie Road
(k)	03/02 – Roads Dept. response re: Edinview Estate Roads, Lighting and Speed Limit
(l)	30/01 – Dunnottar Primary School re: Relocatable Classrooms
(m)	02/02 – Bus Service Information at Stonehaven Railway Station
(n)	03/02 – Temporary Closure of Kirktown Road
(o)	29/01 – Temporary Closure of Ann Street
	Correspondence ‘signed’ OUT:
(a)	As per those agreed at meeting 13/01.

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