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© Scotiaweb 2002-08
Kintore Community Council minutes
CLICK
HERE FOR COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS
Meeting
date
KINTORE
AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting
15 November 2004
1. Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson,.
Apologies were received from Alastair Mowat.
Patrick Morris was still unwell.
Kintore School Board and Kintore Cricket Club were represented. One Kintore
resident was present.
2. Minutes
of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the October Meeting was proposed by Ken Brown
and seconded by Jim Coutts. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3. Police
Matters
Inspector Allan informed the Community Council that there had been eight
reported crimes in Kintore in the previous four weeks. These included
a stolen car, break-ins and theft at the Golf Club and at a local taxi
firm, a hit and run accident, assaults by children and theft of a trailer
from Gauchill.
4. Bonfire
Night and Firework Display.
Iain Blair reported that unlike the 2003 event which produced an overall
profit, there had been a loss this year. Details were awaited.
5. Application
for Outline Planning Permission for 150 Houses at Woodside Croft, Midmill.
Following the objection by the Community Council to the above application,
Mr Lippe, the architect for the proposed development and Mr David Craig
attended the meeting.
Mr Lippe explained the difficulties experienced by developers working with a Local Plan still to be approved and yet due to run out in 2005-06. He said that it was unfortunate and disagreeable that there had been a huge expansion of Kintore in a very short time; each new housing scheme should be provided with an amenity area, but in the case of Kintore this had not happened. He went on to say that it may be possible to incorporate playing fields or pitches into the proposed development.
The Chairman explained why the Community Council had objected. The loss of outdoor sports and recreation facilities, and amenities generally in the face of major population growth, was the biggest issue in the community. The Community Council would be failing in its duty if it did not challenge an application for housing development in an area set aside for a town park.
The Community Council agreed to maintain its objection pending a possible modification of the application.
6. Community
Facilities
The Chairman reported that he was awaiting a reply from Aberdeenshire
Council to the last letter sent.
7. Festive
Lights
Arty Matheson reported that the festive lights and christmas tree would
be erected on 27th November and illuminated on 5th December.
8. Date
of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday 17 January 2005 at 1900 in the Town
House
KINTORE
AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting
18 October 2004
1. Present
Iain Blair, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Alistair
Mowat, Ken Brown.
Patrick Morris was still unwell.
One Kintore resident was present.
2. Minutes
of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the September Meeting was proposed by Jim
Coutts and seconded by Ann Marston. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3. Matters
Arising from the AGM
It was agreed that a member who failed to attend four successive meetings
without good reason would forfeit their membership.
4. Police
Matters
There was no police representative present.
5. Kintore
School
Jim Coutts and Iain Blair attended the meeting of the Kintore School Consultation
Group on 6th October. The meeting was not an exercise in consultation;
rather it was a briefing on the new school project as follows:
a) Construction would be completed by the end of October 2005 with commissioning following on.
b) Occupation by pupils would take place in January 2006.
c) The transfer of the Library would be delayed until completion of all construction work.
d) The all-weather pitch would not be complete until June 2006.
In answer to questions from those present, the Aberdeenshire Council representatives reported that:
a) The Project Team had no knowledge of the £1.65 million which, according to the Chief Executive in his letter to the Community Council, had been secured from developer contributions for the new school. The capital cost of the project was entirely to the Robertson Capital Projects account.
b) The children's play equipment within the new school would not be a like for like replacement for that recently dismantled by the Aberdeenshire Council. Furthermore access could not be guaranteed during school hours and a charge for access could not be ruled out. This appeared to be at variance with assurances given to the Community Council by the Chief Executive.
c) Aberdeenshire Council representatives, in response to an observation from the floor, agreed that the term "consultation" in the title of the meeting was entirely misleading.
6. Public
Toilet
Still out of order.
7. Bonfire Night and Firework Display.
The Chairman had discussed the plans for the bonfire night and fireworks
display to take place on Saturday 7 November at Thainstone, with Inverurie
Round Table. The fire would be lit at 1800 and the fireworks display would
start at 1900. A variety of side shows and hot food outlets had been arranged.
The outlay for the fireworks and the lease of the site from ANM would be around £4,000. Any income over and above this figure would be distributed to local good causes and those organisations assisting on the evening. It was agreed that in line with last year, the Community Council would contribute £500 towards the evening. Last year the return to the Community Council was £700.
Jim Coutts, Arty Matheson, Alistair Mowat and Iain Blair agreed to help out with the organisation on the evening. Meet at 1630 at Thainstone for briefing.
8. Planning
An Application for Outline Planning Permission by JR Craig/Scotia Homes
for a residential development at Woodside Croft was noted. No details
were available at the time but the Chairman undertook to examine the Application
at Gordon House.
Post Meeting
Note:
It was discovered that the Application was for 150 houses on land that
had been allocated for a Town Park in the Finalised Aberdeenshire Local
Plan. The Chairman contacted members and all agreed that an objection
to the Application should be made to Aberdeenshire Council. That objection
was lodged on 25th October and has since been acknowledged.
9. Date
of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday 15 November 2004 at 1900 in the Town
House.
Kintore
and District Community Council
Minutes of Annual General Meeting
27 September 2004
Present
Iain Blair, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Alistair
Mowat, Councillor Douglas Cameron.
Apologies
Ken Brown.
The AGM had been advertised in the local press. The Inverurie Herald reporter and three Kintore residents were present.
Minutes
of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the September 20023 AGM was proposed by Jim
Coutts and seconded by Ann Marston. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
Statement
of Accounts.
1. Accounts for2002/2003.
At the AGM held on 15 September 2003 the accounts for the year to 31 August
2003 were presented but at the time had not been subject to independent
audit. These accounts have now
been audited and were accepted by those present at this meeting on 27
September 2004.
2. Accounts for 2003/2004.
The audited accounts for the year ending 31 August 2004 were presented
and accepted by those present.
On both occasions the Community Council accounts were audited by Mr Brian
McKay who is a retired Bank Manager, formerly with the Clydesdale Bank
plc, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers for Scotland.
Mr McKay has no connection with the Community Council.
Constitution
and Rules
The Chairman drew attention to the Constitution which, in consideration
of paragraphs two and seven, prescribed that election of Council office
bearers should coincide with Local Authority elections. In recent years,
however, election of Office Bearers had taken place more frequently. He
proposed that the Constitution be amended to provide for a maximum of
two years between elections of Office Bearers. This was agreed.
It was proposed that those who missed four consecutive meetings without
good reason would automatically forfeit their membership of the Community
Council. This was agreed.
Election
of Office Bearers
The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Treasurer were all elected last year and
it was agreed that the present incumbents would remain in office for a
further year.
The post of Secretary remained vacant.
KINTORE
AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting
27 September 2004
1.
Present
Iain Blair, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Alistair
Mowat, and Councillor Douglas Cameron.
Apologies were received from Ken Brown. Patrick Morris was still unwell.
Three Kintore residents were present.
2.
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the August Meeting was proposed by Ann Marston
and seconded by Jim Coutts. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3.
Police Matters
There was no police representative present.
Concern was expressed at a number of recent incidents of vandalism.Contractor's 'portacabins' at the school were damaged and property was stolen. There has been some minor vandalism in the Square. The residents present expressed concern at the lack of police presence in the Burgh.
4.
Community Facilities
The views expressed to the Community Council by the Cricket and Football
Clubs, the PTA and the Parish Church on the letter received from Mr Alan
Campbell, Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council, were reported at the
last Community Council meeting on 16 August. These are recorded in the
minutes of that meeting.
Since then the School Board has met and discussed Mr Campbell's letter and Dr Palin, Chairman of the School Board, has written to the Community Council to express the views of the School Board which are summarised as follows:
a) Disappointment at the content and tone of the letter which was not considered to be particularly constructive.
b) Concern regarding the extension of the playing fields and in particular the use of the terminology "could allow" signalling an absence of commitment by Aberdeenshire Council.
c) Concern that only now is Aberdeenshire Council undertaking a feasibility study for this land.
d) The plan to locate children's play equipment in the new school as a replacement for that which has been removed, to be totally inappropriate and impracticable. Concern that access would be restricted during the school day.
e) Confusion with regard to the vague comments on the application of £1.65m developer contribution.
The School Board recorded its continued support for the Community Council in its efforts to improve the community facilities for the residents.
5.
Kintore School
Aberdeenshire Council is restarting consultation on the new school and
the Community Council has been invited to be represented. The first meeting
will be at 1900 on 6 October in the school. Jim Coutts and Iain Blair
will attend.
6. Garioch Area Community Council Forum
Matters arising from the meeting of the above on 9 September 2004:
a)
BT Payphones.
As a result of the growth of the mobile telephone, maintaining all the
traditional phone boxes is no longer profitable. Accordingly many of them
will be removed. The one in the Square at Kintore will remain in operation.
b)
Proposed modifications to the planning process
These include a proposal to consult on the application of planning gain.
c)
Joint Planning Workshop
To be held on 14 October in Gordon House. Alistair Mowat volunteered to
attend.
d)
Joint Budget Meeting
This will be with the Formartine Area Forum on 17 November in Gordon House.
e)
Next Ordinary Meeting
This will be on 2 December in Gordon House. Ann Marston volunteered to
attend.
7.
Public Toilet
Still out of order. Considerable litter accumulating behind the facility.
Aberdeenshire Council evidently taking little interest.
8.
Kintore Health Centre
There was concern at the part time medical service available at the medical
centre. Given the rapidly expanding population it was considered that
there was a case for full day time doctor and nurse appointment service
for Kintore residents. The Chairman undertook to make enquiries.
9.
Kintore Roads
Not for the first time the subject of deteriorating road surfaces in Kintore
was raised.
Road surfaces continue to deteriorate as a result of sub standard restoration work by utility companies in wake of the installation of services - water, electricity, gas etc. Kintore Community Council accepts that roads and pavements have to be excavated in order to lay utility services for new housing developments. However the Community Council hold the view that it is not unreasonable to expect that the road surfaces should be restored to the original condition on completion of works and that in this regard Aberdeenshire Council has a duty to enforce standards. The standard of restoration of road surfaces by utility companies is unacceptable. Potholes and cracks are widespread; surfaces are uneven; subsidence is occurring; covers for access to underground services are left proud of pavement surfaces thereby creating trip hazards.
The
Garioch Area Manager, who attended the Februaury meeting of the Community
Council when this issue was first raised, asked that concerns be reported
in the usual way and Aberdeenshire Council would then establish whether
responsibility lay with the Council or the utility company. Accordingly
the Chairman wrote to the Local Roads Manager on 1 March this year. A
month later there was a brief reply to the effect that priority for filling
in potholes in Kintore would be increased. Nothing has happened since.
The Chairman undertook to raise the issue with Aberdeenshire Council once
again.
10.
Events in Kintore
A Kintore resident observed that Community Council meetings were not well
advertised.
The possibility of publishing a regular calendar of forthcoming events will be investigated. Upgrading the Community Council notice board will also be investigated.
The
file in the Library is being brought up to date. Besides the minutes of
meetings copies of all Community Council correspondence would be included.
Minutes are published on the Kintore website.
11. Bonfire Night and Firework Display.
Mr Kevin Gilbert, who was in attendance and who has helped with past bonfire
nights, asked why the Kintore bonfire night and firework display was no
longer being organised in Kintore. It was pointed out that the displays
organised by the Community Council invariably ran at a loss. Furthermore
insurance cover was becoming ever more difficult to arrange. Last year's
event in conjunction with the Round Table at Thainstone was seen as a
success and for the first time returned a profit for the Community Council
funds. It is hoped that this year's display will be on the same lines.
12.
Planning
There were no contentious applications for planning permission.
13.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday 18 October 2004 in the Town House.
KINTORE
AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting
16 August 2004
1.
Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, and Councillor
Douglas Cameron.
The Chairman notified those present that Patrick Morris had suffered a
stroke while on holiday in Ireland. He returned by air ambulance and was
admitted to Woodend Hospital. The Community Council wished him a full
recovery and looked forward to his return to the Town House.
Mrs Sheila Gray was welcomed as a prospective member of the Community
Council.
Mr Jim Day and Mr Ron Summers, representing the Football and Cricket Clubs,
were present.
2.
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting were proposed by Ann
Marston and seconded by Ken Brown. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3.
Police Matters
There was no police representative present. No issues were raised..
4.
Community Facilities
A reply had been received from Mr Alan Campbell, Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire
Council, on the issues raised by Kintore Community Council and endorsed
by the School Board, the Cricket and Football Clubs, the Parent Teacher
Association and the Parish Church. Mr Campbell's letter had been distributed
to the above local organisations and comments had been received from all
but the School Board. The School Board will be discussing Mr Campbell's
response at its next meeting and will pass comment to the Community Council.
Comments received so far were unanimously critical of Mr Campbell's response and consistent with the views of the Community Council. The comments included, but were not confined to the following:
a) The provision of an all-weather sports facility capable of accommodating either seven a side football or tennis (but not both simultaneously) was not an acceptable compensation for the loss of a full-sized football pitch, independent tennis courts and the park normally used for Kintore Galas.
b) Indoor badminton courts are welcome but are no compensation for the loss of outdoor sports facilities, especially for football.
c) Both the Cricket and Football clubs dispute the contention that the extension of the playing fields to the west could provide two football pitches and a cricket square - this from consideration of the geometry and topography of the extension.
d) With regard to the feasibility study of the extension, only now in progress, it is cause for concern that Aberdeenshire Council has contracted to accept a developer contribution without first establishing the potential or worth of that contribution.
e) Aberdeenshire Council's administration of developer contribution, characterised as it is by evasion, secrecy and refusal to consult on the application of funds so obtained, is nourishing scepticism and suspicion in the community.
f) The removal of children's playparks, first from Howieslap and now from the playing fields by the school is resented by parents. Notwithstanding Mr Campbell's assertion that the plans for the new school include the provision of play equipment on the site, an area on the plan sufficient to accommodate all the play equipment removed by Aberdeenshire Council is not apparent. Furthermore there are concerns that access by under school age children to the equipment within the site during school hours will be restricted.
g) With regard to the provision of additional outdoor sports facilities beyond the boundaries of the new school, Mr Campbell uses the terminology 'could allow' reflecting an absence of commitment on the part of Aberdeenshire Council. This position is consistent with the unequivocal statement in a letter from a representative of the Education and Recreation Directorate that there are no plans to develop additional recreation facilities.
5.
Dundas Brothers Ltd
By the time of the meeting it had become public knowledge that Dundas
Brothers Ltd had gone into receivership and that the rendering plant had
ceased to operate. An appeal against a decision of SEPA to vary Dundas
Brothers 'Authorisation to Operate' had been withdrawn by the Liquidator.
Rendering of animal products could not now restart until a new authorisation
was granted by SEPA. In the meantime Environmental Health would be responsible
for regulation.
All the assets of the former Dundas Brothers had been purchased by Snowie, one of a group of Stirlingshire based companies specialising in environmental management. Ken Brown, Arty Matheson, Iain Blair and members of Kemnay Community Council attended a meeting with Snowie representatives, at their invitation and were briefed as follows.
a) A detailed business plan had yet to be established. However a particular attraction for the new proprietors was that planning permission for a waste to energy plant was included among the assets.
b) The buildings and the processing machinery were in poor condition and restoration to an acceptable standard would take both time and money. There was also over capacity of rendering facilities in Scotland and in these circumstances it was not certain that rendering would be resumed at the Kintore plant.
c) Two and a half thousand tons of material, a large proportion of which was putrefying animal remains, were found stored on site. This was being removed by operators wearing breathing apparatus and transported to a land fill site near Dumfries. A dispensation was granted by SEPA to allow disposal by land fill.
Snowie undertook to inform the Community Councils of any developments.
6.
Senior Citizens Outing
Jim Coutts reported that the outing to the cooperage at Dufftown had been
a success. He was grateful for the help by Nan Cullinane at the Post Office
who sold the tickets and provided sweets for the trip.
7.
Out-of-Hours Medical Services in Grampian
As agreed at the last meeting the Chairman has responded to the Public
Consultation Exercise raising an objection to the proposed changes.
8.
Kintore Garden Competition
As usual there was a high standard among the gardens of the regular contenders
for this award. Jim Coutts and Iain Blair decided to take into account
the development and improvement over the past year as well as the overall
presentation. Against these criteria the garden created by Ian Barclay
of Kingsfield Road was adjudged to be the winner.
(Post Meeting Note. It was with great sadness that Jim Coutts and Iain
Blair learned of the sudden death of Mr Barclay at his home on 7th September.)
9.
Public Toilet
Jim Coutts reported that the public toilet was once again out of action
and locked. He had contacted Aberdeenshire Council and had been told that
spares required to make good the defect were no longer available. The
Community Council agreed that this was unsatisfactory, especially given
the substantial installation cost of the facility. The Chairman agreed
to write to Aberdeenshire Council on the issue.
10.
Planning
There were no contentious applications for planning permission.
11.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday 27 September 2004 in the Town House.
It will immediately follow the Annual General Meeting which will start
at 1900.
KINTORE
AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting
28 June 2004
1.
Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, and Councillor
Douglas Cameron.
Apologies were received from Patrick Morris and Alistair Mowat.
2.
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting were proposed by Arty
Matheson and seconded by Ann Marston. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3.
Police Matters
There was no police representative present. No issues were raised..
4.
Dundas Brothers Ltd
The appeal by Dundas Brothers against limitations imposed by SEPA was
still pending. The appeal is to be determined by the Scottish Ministers
represented by the Environmental Determinations Team.
[Post meeting note: Dundas Brothers have gone into receivership]
5.
Senior Citizens Outing
Jim Coutts reported that the arrangements had been made for the outing
and sale of the tickets was all that remained to be done.
6.
Bridgealehouse or Bridge End
The Property and all the outbuildings within its curtilage were now listed.
With regard to the Community Council's objective of saving this historic
property, the Chairman once again acknowledged the help afforded by Mr
Shaun Norman of Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeenshire Council Library and
Information centre at Old Meldrum and Mr Bob Riddel a long time resident
of, and authority on the history of Kintore.
7.
Out-of-Hours Medical Services in Grampian
NHS Grampian has proposed new arrangements for out-of-hours services.
Such services would no longer be available at Inverurie, in future the
nearest available would be at either Aberdeen or Huntly. Members agreed
that this would be unsatisfactory and that the chairman would respond
to Public Consultation exercise accordingly.
8.
Community Facilities in Kintore
As agreed the Chairman had written to Aberdeenshire Council on the issue
of community facilities in Kintore. The Cricket Club, the Football Club,
the School Board, the PTA and the Parish Church had all been consulted;
all agreed the text of the letter and their representatives added their
signatures to the letter. At the time of the meeting no reply had been
received.
The letter had also been copied to Nora Radcliffe MSP, Nanette Milne MSP
and Malcolm Bruce MP.
9. Planning
There were no contentious applications for planning permission.
10.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday 16 August 2004 at 1900 in the Town
House.
KINTORE
AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting
17 May 2004
Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Patrick Morris, Alistair Mowat and Councillor Douglas Cameron.
Representatives of Kintore Parish Church, Kintore School Parent Teacher Association and the Cricket Club were present.
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting were proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Ken Brown. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
Police Matters
There was no police representative present. No issues were raised.
Dundas Brothers Ltd
The Chairman reported that SEPA continues to receive many complaints about the offensive odours from the plant. Complaints were always followed up by visits to the plant by SEPA officials. Where breaches of the Authorisation to operate were found, reports were prepared with a view to prosecution.
More robust legislation covering pollution comes into force later this year.
Senior Citizens Outing
Depending on ticket sales some £375 would have to be found to cover the total cost of the outing. Arty Matheson agreed to consult with the fund raising committee regarding a possible contribution. Ken Brown will organise the printing of tickets for the event.
Bridgealehouse or Bridge End
The Chairman reported that Aberdeenshire Council had served a Building Preservation Notice on the present owners of the property. This effectively gives it listed status for six months during which time Historic Scotland will be invited to consider permanent listing.
Civic Amenities in Kintore
Members of the Community Council continue to receive unsolicited representations and adverse comment from Kintore clubs, organisations and individual residents on the lack of amenities in the face of major housing development and population growth. Agreement on an action plan had been reached with most organisations and the Chairman would be consulting the School Board at their next meeting.
Summer Festival
It was agreed that the Community Council would contribute £350 towards the cost of the event.
Planning
It was noted that there is an Application for Full Planning Permission to convert the former plumber’s premises at 12 Northern Road to a cafe. The Community Council welcomed such an amenity.
Flower Baskets
Arty Matheson reported that he was in the course of assembling flower baskets for the village but was short of compost. Councillor Cameron and Jim Coutts kindly agreed to contribute.
Attendance at Community Council Meetings
There was a discussion on attendance at Community Council Meetings. Observing that some members missed more meetings than they attended, it was agreed that this would be an agenda item for the coming AGM.
Date of Next Meeting
The next
meeting will be on Monday 28 June 2004. Note that this is one
week later than would normally be expected.
KINTORE
AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting
15 April 2004
Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Patrick Morris, and Councillor
Douglas Cameron. Apologies were received from Ann Marston, Arty Matheson,
Alistair Mowat and Debbie Sharp.
The Chairman observed that the turnout was disappointing. However as a quorum was present it was agreed that the meeting would go ahead.
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting were proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Ken Brown. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
Police Matters
Inspector Allan of Grampian Police had earlier indicated that it would not be possible for the Police to be represented at this meeting. There were no relevant issues raised at the meeting.
Dundas Brothers Ltd
The Chairman reported that the representation by the Community Council to the Scottish Ministers, care of the Environmental Determinations Team, had been acknowledged. He had also received a reply from Mrs Nora Radcliffe MSP enclosing copies of her correspondence with Allan Wilson MSP Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural development, and Mr Tom Inglis SEPA Environment Regulation and Improvement Manager on the issue of odours from the plant.
Senior Citizens Outing
Jim Coutts presented his arrangements for the Senior Citizens Outing on Thursday 5th August.
The outing will be a coach trip to the Speyside Cooperage at Dufftown followed by high tea at the Grouse Inn at Cabrach. The total cost including the coach hire, the Cooperage entrance fee and the high tea will be £710. The cost would be offset partly by the sale of tickets for the outing leaving a net cost of about £375. The exact amount will depend on the number of tickets sold. It was agreed that the Community Council would if necessary meet this cost.
It was also agreed that the Fund Raising Team would be approached to see if a contribution towards this would be possible. Ken Brown offered to make up the tickets for the event.
Those present acknowledged Jim Coutts efforts over many years in organising this popular annual event.
Future use of the Site Occupied by the Library
As yet there has been no acknowledgement of the letter sent on 2nd April to Aberdeenshire Council asking that consideration be given to providing a community facility on the site occupied by the library once it has been relocated in the new school.
Road Surface Deterioration in Kintore
The Chairman wrote to the Local Roads Manager on 1st March drawing attention to the premature deterioration of roads in Kintore, clearly as a result of sub standard restoration work by utility companies in wake of the installation of underground services.
A month later a reply was received indicating that the priority for filling in some potholes would be increased. Given that the local authority has a statutory responsibility for road maintenance, and therefore presumably for enforcing standards for reinstatement by utility companies, the reply was considered to be unsatisfactory in timing and content.
It was agreed that the Chairman would make further representations.
Bridgealehouse or Bridge End
When the Application for Planning Permission by Stewart Milne to build 109 houses on the northern edge of Kintore was announced, Kintore Community Council at first saw no reason in principle to object to the construction of new houses. However it has since become clear that the housing development would involve the demolition of the buildings at Bridgealehouse or Bridge End which is located at the junction of Lochburn Drive and Northern Road. There is considerable local interest in the history of the property and concern that it may be destroyed has been represented to the Community Council.
The Chairman researched the history and established from the Burgh Records that the property pre?dated the Town House and was in use as a Court and a meeting place for the Baillies of Kintore from about 1695 to 1740. Thereafter it became a coaching inn. He also contacted Historic Scotland and confirmed that the building was not listed.
In the interests of speed the Chairman contacted a quorum of Council members before this meeting to obtain agreement to representing an objection to any part of the proposed development which would involve the destruction of Bridgealehouse. The objection has been submitted. The chairman has also written to the Conservation Planner at Aberdeenshire Council, drawing attention to the historical significance of the property.
The Chairman acknowledged the help afforded by Mr Shaun Norman of Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeenshire Council Library and Information centre at Old Meldrum and Mr Bob Riddel a long time resident of, and authority on the history of Kintore.
Post Meeting Note: Aberdeenshire Council has served a Building Preservation Notice on the present owners of the property. This effectively gives it listed status for six months during which time Historic Scotland will be invited to consider permanent listing.
Community Council Profile
The Chairman sought views on making the activities of the Council more visible. The minutes are already published on the Kintore website and it was agreed that they could be supplemented by reports on issues of interest in the community. The chairman undertook to investigate with the webmaster.
Summer Festival
Patrick Morris, who is also on the Festival Committee, asked if it was possible for the Community Council to make a donation towards the organising costs. It was agreed in principle by those present that it would be possible.
Planning
There was
no significant application for planning permission lodged since the last
meeting of the Community Council.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday 17 May 2004 at 1900 in the Town House.
KINTORE
AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting
15 March 2004
1. Present
Iain Blair, Jim Coutts, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Patrick Morris, Alistair Mowat, Brian Robertson, Debbie Sharp. New members Patrick Morris and Debbie Sharp who joined the Community Council at the last meeting, were welcomed.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance
of the minutes of the previous meeting were proposed by Jim Coutts and
seconded by Debbie Sharp. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3. Police Matters
Inspector Allan of Grampian Police reported a continuing downward trend in reported crime in the area. No serious incidents had been reported in Kintore.
4. Kintore Amenities
Mr Ron Summers and Mrs Mary Laird representing Kintore Cricket Club attended the meeting to make known the concerns over the loss of sports facilities consequential on the building of the new school. The Chairman pointed out that the Community Council was aware of this issue which was part of a larger picture of failure to provide outdoor amenities to match the growth of housing development in Kintore. A draft paper on the subject was handed over.
5. Future use of the Site Occupied by the Library.
It was agreed that the Chairman would write to Aberdeenshire Council to ask that consideration be given to providing a community facility on the site currently occupied by the library once it has been relocated in the new school.
6. Dundas Brothers Ltd
The Chairman had received formal notification from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) that Dundas Brothers had appealed against variations of their authorisation to operate the plant that had been imposed by SEPA. The Appeal was against the deadline for implementation of the measures involved, rather than against the measures themselves. The variations were in respect of the way that animal products were handled and stored on receipt at the premises and had been imposed with a view to preventing or minimising the escape of odours to the atmosphere.
The Appeal will be determined by Scottish Ministers. The Chairman has written to the Scottish Ministers, care of the Environmental Determinations Team, to represent the distress in the community caused by the smells from Dundas Brothers and to seek support for a determination of the Appeal in favour of SEPA. He has also written to Mrs Nora Radcliffe, MSP seeking her support.
The Chairman has also passed copies of the notification of the Appeal to the Chairman of Kemnay Community Council as Kemnay residents are also troubled by the emissions from Dundas Brothers.
7. Planning
It was noted that there was an Application for Planning Permission for extension to the existing buildings at Dundas Brothers premises. It seems likely that the extension is in connection with the variation of authorisation.
8. Aberdeenshire Council, Community Learning and Development
Debbie Sharp agreed to represent the Community Council in the research into future Adult Learning Needs for Kintore, conducted by the Kintore Schoolhouse Management Committee.
9. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday 19 April 2004.
Kintore
and District Community Council
Minutes of Meeting
16 February 2004
1. Present
Iain Blair, Jim Coutts, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Alistair Mowat, Brian Robertson and Councillor Douglas Cameron. Apologies were received from Ken Brown and Debbie Sharp.
The Chairman welcomed Mr Colin Gray of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and Mr Ian Fowell, Garioch Area Manager at Aberdeenshire Council.
There were some Kintore residents present with interests concerning Dundas Brothers Ltd.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting were proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Arty Matheson. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3. Police Matters
Inspector Allan of Grampian Police was held up at Inverurie Community Council Meeting and was unable to attend.
There were no current concerns among the Community Council members present.
4. Dundas Brothers Ltd
Mr Colin Gray of SEPA attended the meeting to brief Community Council members on the offensive emissions from the premises of Dundas Brothers Ltd. By way of introduction he said that SEPA received more complaints from the public about Dundas Brothers Ltd than from any other comparable recycling centre in Scotland. The SEPA objective was not to close the plant but rather to eliminate once and for all the ghastly smells from the premises by obliging the owners to accept measures and controls prescribed with regard to current and anticipated future environmental legislation.
The plant takes in animal remains from as far afield as Orkney and the North of England and recently has seen a significant increase in throughput of material from the 30-month slaughter scheme introduced as a defence against BSE. It also handles material from slaughter houses, including nervous systems possibly with associated prions, and chicken offal from poultry processing plants. The plant operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week leaving little or no time for planned preventative maintenance.
Odour abatement should be achievable by functional bio-filters, effective incineration and control of material reception and storage arrangements. With this in mind SEPA is seeking to modify Dundas Brothers authorisation to operate by prohibiting external storage and the construction of air locked reception bays with a target completion later this year. An enforcement notice has also been served setting out a minimum residence time for vapours within the boilers to ensure effective incineration. In such circumstances the owners have the right of appeal. Appeals are determined within the Scottish Executive and this can delay implementation.
Mr Gray stressed that SEPA welcomes approaches from any resident in the area in connection with the smells from Dundas Brothers Ltd. A record of all complaints in connection with this issue is maintained by SEPA - this is essential for effective argument for odour abatement control measures. There are both daytime and 24-hour telephone numbers in the telephone directory that can be used to report the offensive smells as they occur.
Mr Gray undertook to keep the Community Council informed of any developments in connection with this issue. The Community Council undertook to Provide Mr Gray with copies of related correspondence.
The Community Council agreed that the Chairman should write to, inter alia, local MSPs, MSPs with a responsibility for the environment and health and safety and Mr Malcolm Bruce MP.
5. Kintore Summer Festival
Mr Mark Reynolds, who organised last year's successful Summer Festival, attended the meeting. He described the strategy for this year's Festival and has organised a public meeting in the Village Hall (upper hall) on 1st March at 1930 to publicise his plans and to seek suggestions from local organisations and residents. The Community Council supported his plans.
6. Garioch Area Manager
Mr Ian Fowell attended the meeting. Four issues were tabled for discussion.
i. Civic Amenities in Kintore
The dearth of civic amenities in the face of extensive housing development and a growing population is attracting critical comment in the local population. The standards for provision of such facilities in proportion to new housing developments, as prescribed in the Aberdeenshire Local Plan, do not appear to be being applied in the case of Kintore. The diminishing play parks are a particular concern among younger families.
Mr Fowell drew attention to the setting aside of one of the "flats" in the Langstane Housing development behind the Post Office for Community benefit and was seeking views on its use.
ii. Future Use of Site Currently occupied by the Library
As the library is to be relocated in the new school, there is local speculation on the future use of the ground currently occupied by the present library. One popular aspiration is for a new children's play park.
Mr Fowell pointed out that in general when disposing of land, Aberdeenshire Council was obliged to obtain the best possible terms for the Council. However in this instance he was not sure if this would necessarily be the case. He was open to receive suggestions that the Community Council might make for this site and would then ask for them to be given proper consideration by the relevant Council Service.
iii. Premature Road Surface Deterioration in Kintore
Road surfaces in Kintore are deteriorating prematurely as a result of sub standard restoration work by utility companies in wake of the installation of services - water, electricity, gas etc. Kintore Community Council understands and accepts that roads and pavements have to be excavated in order to lay utility services for new housing developments. However the Community Council hold the view that it is not unreasonable to expect that the road surfaces should be restored to the original condition on completion of works and that in this regard Aberdeenshire Council has a duty to enforce standards.
In many areas the "restoration" of road surfaces by utility companies leaves much to be desired. Potholes and cracks are appearing; surfaces are uneven; subsidence is occurring; covers for access to underground services are left proud of pavement surfaces thereby creating trip hazards. On one pavement in Lochburn Drive there is a patch that has remained unsurfaced for almost two years.
Mr Fowell asked that concerns be reported in the usual way and Aberdeenshire Council would then establish whether responsibility lay with the Council or the utility company. The Chairman undertook to write to Roads Services.
iv. Distinction between Development Sites and Conservation Areas in Consideration of Planning Applications by Developers.
This query was prompted by the granting of planning permission for the two developments by the square, the Langstane flats by the Post Office and the Craig development by the Kintore Arms, both of which were in Conservation as distinct from Development areas set out in the Aberdeenshire Local Plan. Mr Fowell explained that housing development was permitted in conservation areas provided that certain standards set out by Aberdeenshire Council were met.
7. Festive Lights
The cost of installing additional lamppost sockets for the festive lights was discussed. In the past the Community Council had maintained a separate festive lights fund to cover installation, maintenance and repair of the lights. Last year administration of this fund was transferred to the fund raising team under the direction of Arty Matheson as a first step towards procurement of replacement lights. It was agreed that the cost of the additional sockets installed by Aberdeenshire Council would be met from this fund.
8. Flooding in Kintore
Jim Coutts gave an update on the flood prevention measures being implemented on the banks of the Tuach Burn by Kingsfield Road. There was concern that the measures may be ineffective consequent upon the contractor involved being denied access to one crucial area.
9. Planning
The following Applications were notified to the CC:
Outline Planning Permission for Commercial Development at Northern Road, Kintore by Stewart Milne. [app/2003/1582 - 12 Jan 04].
Two house extensions at Sunnyside Road and School Road.
Jim Coutts undertook to obtain more information on the commercial development at Northern Road.
10. Correspondence
i. Waste Management
A letter had been received from the newly appointed Aberdeenshire Council Waste Promotions Officer setting out measures to increase waste awareness in Aberdeenshire. In this regard one particular issue is the siting of recycling bins in Kintore. One suggestion, not from the Community Council, was within the car park of the Town Hall.
[Post meeting note: this was an agenda item at the Town Hall Committee meeting on 23 February. The Town Hall Committee unanimously rejected this suggestion as it would present an unacceptable risk to the many children's organisations that regularly use the Town Hall facilities.]
ii. Joint Community Care Plan Review
A document on this subject published by NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council had been received. It provides information on what has been achieved during the past year and what is being planned for the coming year. The Chairman undertook to bring any significant issues to the attention of members at the next Community Council Meeting.
iii. European Parliament
A letter with political leaflets had been received from a prospective member of the European Parliament. The Chairman expressed the view that the Community Council was non-political and was in existence solely to represent the interests of the community and accordingly this correspondence should be ignored. There was no dissent.
11. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday 15 March at 1900. The venue may change temporarily to one at ground level and with easier access.
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