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Kintore Community Council minutes
Minutes of Meeting - 21 November 2005
• Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Arty Matheson, Sheila Gray, Alistair Mowat, Ken White, Ann Marston, Jim Coutts, Neil Stewart, Councillor Douglas Cameron
Apologies
None
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 17 October 2005 meeting was proposed by Alistair Mowat and seconded by Ken White. Accordingly the minutes were accepted
Police Matters
Inspector Allan of Grampian Police attended the meeting. Inspector Allen outlined to the council the changing methods of policing in the area that are currently taking place. The emphasis is moving away from response to community policing, with the community officer for Kintore, Alec Allan, based nearby in Kemnay.
He reported that this year there have been fewer problems with fireworks in the area than in previous years. A combination of more Police on the ground and new legislation have both been successful, it was acknowledged however that there are still isolated incidents occurring but thankfully not as often as in the past.
Concerns were also voiced about the increased numbers of youths congregating at the square. Inspector Allen mentioned the Youth Strategy Initiative that had been launched in Inverurie and suggested that this is a possible option for Kintore in the future.
Snowie Group Rendering Plant
It is understood that the assets of the Snowie Group, including the rendering plant at Cottown, Kintore have been sold to the Irish based Oran Group. Prior to the sale, Snowie had been proposing construction of a 'Waste to Energy' facility on the site. It is unclear whether or not these plans will be pursued by the new owners.
Association of Scottish Community Councils
A petition has been raised to the Scottish Parliament to try and achieve a third party right of appeal for Community Councils throughout the country. The Community Council backed the proposal and all members enthusiastically signed the petition.
Planning Issues
• Conversion of Newsagents at 2 Northern Road to Hot Food Takeaway
There was a general feeling of disappointment throughout the Community Council to news that the application for conversion of the premises at 2 Northern Road, Kintore into a hot food takeaway, had been approved by the Garioch Area Committee at Aberdeenshire Council. This approval was in spite of a recommendation by Aberdeenshire Council Planners that the Application be refused in that it conflicted with Aberdeenshire Council policy - that policy specifically precludes planning permission for such establishments when the adjoining properties are residential and not owned by the applicant.
The Community Council feels that its, and residents objections to the application have been completely ignored and indeed the Garioch Area Committee even voted against the recommendation of the Planning Department. Since news of the decision became public, Community Council members have received countless complaints from local residents, equally as dismayed at the decision. In the light of overwhelming opposition to the decision by both Community Council members and Kintore residents, the Community Council agreed that local media sources should be contacted in order to publicise the concerns connected with this application gaining approval.
• Stewart Milne development at Bridgealehouse, Kintore
It has been noted that on revised plans for the development at Bridgealehouse, the number of car parking spaces provided for the Kintore rail halt has been reduced. The Community Council has expressed concerns over whether the new number of spaces will be sufficient to meet anticipated demand.
A96 Road Improvements
Work has commenced to increase visibility and improve safety at the Broomhill roundabout where the B994 joins the A96. Approximately £30,000 has been allocated for safety improvements at the junction.
Bonfire Night
Thanks were expressed to the Community Council members who volunteered at the Bonfire event at Thainstone Mart. After many requests, the Community Council was given a copy of the accounts for the event the previous year. The accounts confirmed that the Council received no financial return on the £500 it invested in the event. This was seen to be unfair in light of the £250 donation given to the light up Inverurie appeal. It was noted that local residents miss having a Bonfire event in Kintore, but Health and Safety issues, First Aid provision, Fire cover and Insurance costs make organising an event difficult. It was decided that it is an issue the Community Council will investigate for future years.
Bus Stop on School Road
The Chairman contacted Aberdeenshire Council but no one was available to take his call.
Access to Tuach Hill
It was noted that several Kintore residents have had difficulty gaining access to Tuach Hill. The Community Council will investigate to see if any rights of way exist, particularly for access at the bottom of Kingfield road.
Arty Matheson
Community Council member Arty Matheson announced his intention to stand down from the Council. The Council recorded a Vote of Thanks for all his hard work and the dedication he has given over the years. In particular his fundraising efforts for the excellent Christmas lights displays in recent years have benefited the whole village and are very much appreciated.
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 16 th January 2006 at 1900hrs in the Town House.
Minutes of Meeting - 17 October 2005
• Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Arty Matheson, Alistair Mowat, Ken White, Jim Coutts, Neil Stewart, Councillor Douglas Cameron
Apologies
Ann Marston, Sheila Gray
Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 19 September 2005 meeting was proposed by Ken Brown and seconded by Jim Coutts. Accordingly the minutes were accepted
Matters Arising from AGM
The accounts for the Kintore and District Community Council (2004-2005) have been audited and were presented to the Community Council for approval. The accounts were duly accepted and the Chairman has made an undertaking to send the accounts forward to Aberdeenshire Council
Donation from Kintore School PTA
The Community Council would like to thank the Kintore Primary School PTA for their donation of £100 towards the annual Senior Citizens Outing. The funds were raised from sales of raffle tickets for a Helicopter flight, donated by Rigrun, at the recent Kintore Primary School open day.
Police Matters
There was no Police present at the meeting
Concerns were voiced about the apparent increase in vandalism in the village in recent months. Local business Beauty Matters has had one of its front windows smashed, and the local telephone box has been targeted by vandals again. Youths were also seen with pick-axes damaging the steps at the front of the Kintore Town House.
Traffic Management
The Community Council has received a response from Graeme Steel, Aberdeenshire Council Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, to the letter sent by the Community Council on the issue of traffic management in Kintore, dated 1 October 2005. It was noted that while the response to the letter was welcomed, some of the suggestions put forward by Aberdeenshire Council in their response, would do little to alleviate the traffic problem in the village. Rather, if was felt that some of the existing problems, e.g. parking in the village, would worsen as a result of the measures proposed.
It was also noted that problems persist on Forest Road as a result of poor road signage and the parking of cars in inappropriate places, this is causing many problems for vehicles trying to enter and exit the village via this road.
Garioch Area Community Council Forum
The Chairman attended the forum held at Gordon House, Inverurie, on 1 st September 2005. The Community Council welcomed plans to try and address the problem for vehicles trying to enter the A96 at its junction with the B994. It was hoped that the measures planned would make the roundabout safer for all concerned.
Primary Health Care in Inverurie and Kintore
The Chairman informed the Community Council that he has sent a letter to NHS Grampian, outlining concerns expressed in regards to Primary Health Care facilities in the village. No acknowledgement has yet been received from NHS Grampian.
Planning Issues
• Conversion of Newsagents at 2 Northern Road to Hot Food Takeaway
Many issues of concern were raised in relation to this application for an Indian Takeaway. They included an increase in littering in the vicinity around the takeaway, the possibility of increased traffic congestion, the late opening hours, the smells emitted from the premises and the loss of newspaper home delivery services in the village. It was also noted however that the proposed establishment will create several jobs and cater for a market not already available in the village. After a lengthy discussion and vote, the Community Council decided to send a letter of objection to Aberdeenshire Council.
• Mixed Use Development at Midmill, Kintore
The Community Council has been asked to support the application for the development of Employment Land, Affordable Housing, Village Green, Community House and Amenity Spaces at Midmill, Kintore. The Community Council had a detailed look at the plans and concerns were raised about the proposed access to the site, the lack of facilities and the type of housing planned. However, the Community Council voted in favour of supporting the planned development and this would be sent to Aberdeenshire Council.
• Residential Development at Berrydale Croft, the Hill, Kintore
The Community Council questioned the suitability of this kind of development and whether or not it would lead to many more applications of this type in the surrounding area. Concerns were also raised about the possible impact it could have on drainage issues in the immediate area.
Bonfire Night
The Chairman attended a meeting called by Mark Copland on the subject of the 2005 Bonfire Night. The Community Council has been asked if it could supply a few volunteers to help with the running of the event on the night. Several members volunteered to help out and represent the Community Council. It was noted however that the Community Council has not yet been made fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the loss of its contribution to the event last year.
Bus Stop on School Road
Concerned residents of School Road have contacted the Community Council expressing their unease about commuters on busses looking through their windows as the bus is stationary outside their houses. The Chairman will undertake to contact Aberdeenshire Council in regards to their policy of where Bus Stops are situated.
Local Information Evenings
The Chairman attended information evenings in Inverurie on the issues of Flooding and also Planning Gain. Community Council member Ken White also attended a Scottish Parliament road show. Both members found the presentations informative and useful.
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 21 st November 2005 at 1900hrs in the Town House.
Minutes of meeting - 19 September 2005
• Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Arty Matheson, Alistair Mowat, Neil Stewart, Ken White, Councillor Douglas Cameron.
Apologies - Ann Marston
• Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 15 th August 2005 Meeting was proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Alistair Mowat. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
Alistair Mowat drew attention to an error in the minutes of the meeting of 20 th June. The fact that he was present had not been recorded. The Chairman undertook to amend the record.
• Police Matters
There was no Police present at the meeting.
• Traffic Congestion and Parking in Kintore
The Chairman will write to the Roads Manager at Aberdeenshire Council to draw attention to the traffic problems resulting from the rapidly growing population.
• Planning Applications
There were unconfirmed reports that an application for change of use of the newsagent premises to a hot food take-away was pending.
• Date of next meeting Meeting
Monday 17th October 2005 at 1900 in the Town House.
Minutes of meeting - 15 August 2005
• Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Neil Stewart, Ken White.
Apologies - Alistair Mowat, Councillor Douglas Cameron.
• Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 20 th June 2005 Meeting was proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Ann Marston. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
• Police Matters
There was no Police present at the meeting.
Sheila Gray reported that a tray of 'butteries' had recently been stolen from the front of her shop in the early hours of the morning.
• Traffic Congestion and Parking in Kintore
For the third consecutive meeting the mounting traffic and parking problems in the centre of Kintore were discussed. Since the last meeting in June, an Application for Planning Permission had been lodged for an extension to the Kintore Arms incorporating hotel accommodation and a restaurant. Provision for some car parking was included in the plans set out in the Application; nevertheless the possibility of adding to the local parking problems could not be discounted. However this was not seen as sufficient reason to object to the Application.
• Senior Citizens Outing
Jim Coutts reported yet another successful senior citizens outing, which took place on 4 th August, to Brechin Castle garden centre, with high tea provided on the return journey at the Burnett Arms Hotel in Banchory. Attendance was marginally lower this year. Arty Matheson said that the Fund Raising Committee would contribute £200 towards the cost. The balance would be made up from Community Council funds.
• Planning Applications
Since the June meeting, 18 Planning Applications, one Application for Listed Building Consent and two Agricultural Notifications had been submitted to Aberdeenshire Council. Of particular interest were:
• An Application for Planning Permission by Persimmon Homes for 41 houses in the housing development area between Forest Road and Castle Road.
• Alterations and Extension to the Kintore Arms to incorporate accommodation and restaurant facilities. (Planning Application plus Listed Building Consent).
The Council saw no reason to raise objections to any of the Applications.
• Garioch Area Community Council Forum
The minutes of the Meeting held on 16 th June had been distributed to members by email. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 1 st September at 1900 in Gordon House.
• Briefing Session on Planning gain and Flooding Issues
There will be a briefing session on the above on Thursday 6 th October at 1900 in Gordon House. Ken White and Iain Blair will attend.
• Town House Furniture
Jim Coutts had reported the woodworm damage to the furniture in the Town House Meeting Chamber to Mr Walter Henderson, the Clerk of Works at Aberdeenshire Council. (See minutes of June meeting). However it had since transpired that Mr Henderson accepted responsibility for only the fabric of the building but not the furniture therein. Iain Blair had since contacted the Garioch Area Manager and was given to understand that facilities existed for woodworm treatment involving deep freezing. IB undertook to follow up.
• Recognising Voluntary Work in the Community
Jim Coutts and Arty Matheson were looking forward to the Aberdeenshire Council reception at Woodhill House on 16 th August.
• Garden Competition
Jim Coutts reported that Eddie Strachan's garden at the top of Forest Road was adjudged to be the winner of this year's competition.
• Noise
Arty Matheson reported that the intrusive noise levels from a local motor cycle track had abated. He believed that some form of restriction had been imposed on the land owner.
• Library Site
The future use of the site once the library had been relocated in the new school was once again raised. The Chairman reported that he had already raised the issue with Aberdeenshire Council over a year ago [letter dated 2 nd April 2004] but had not received a reply. He undertook to follow up.
• Recycling and Fly Tipping
A letter from Mr Alex Johnstone MSP on this subject had been received, promoting waste recycling and drawing attention to the general problem of fly tipping. It was felt that facilities for recycling were barely adequate in Kintore. Furthermore discarding of rubbish and litter on the slip roads connecting the Town to the bypass was a problem.
• Speed Limits
At the may meeting of the Community Council Local interest was reported in the roadside devices that measure a vehicle's approaching speed and give a visual indication to the driver if it exceeds the local speed limit and that the entrance roads to Kintore, from both north and south, would be appropriate locations for these devices (which should not be confused with the conventional 'speed cameras'). Iain Blair had contacted Grampian Police for more information. However these 'speed signs' were positioned at the discretion of Aberdeenshire Council. The Chairman will make further enquiries.
• Tourist Notice Board
It was noted that the Tourist Notice Board outside the Town House was faded and had the appearance of neglect. It was not known who 'owned' it. Enquiries will be made.
• Garioch Area Bus Forum
Minutes of the meeting held on 2nd March had been received. It was noted that there had been a request for an increased level of service via Kintore in view of the growth in housing development in the Town. In answer it was stated that there were no plans to increase the 20-minute daytime frequency.
Mr Neil Stewart of the Public Transport Unit featured in the minutes. It was pointed out that this is not the same Neil Stewart who is on the Community Council.
• White Paper: Modernising the Planning System
A copy of the above had been received. The White Paper sets out a package of measures to realise the Scottish Executive's aim of modernising the planning system. It is the intention to introduce a Planning Bill to implement those proposals requiring legislative changes during the current parliamentary session. The Chairman undertook to study the document. On completion it will be placed in the Library.
• Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 - Review of Electoral Arrangements
A copy of correspondence from the Local Boundary Commission for Scotland to the Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council had been received. Maps and documentation can be found on the Commission's website at www.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk .
• Annual General Meeting
Monday 19 th September 2005 at 1900 in the Town House.
The normal monthly meeting will follow immediately after the AGM.
Minutes of meeting - 20 June 2005
• Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Neil Stewart, Ken White.
Apologies - Councillor Douglas Cameron.
Patrick Morris was still unwell.
• Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 15 May 2005 Meeting was proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Ken Brown. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
• Police Matters
There was no Police present at the meeting.
It was reported that a lorry emerging from the quarry road had been observed with an insecure load resulting in stones and gravel being dislodged on to the roundabout by the northern entrance to Kintore. It was believed that a prosecution was pending.
• Development at Midmill for JR Craig and Scotia Homes
Mr Lippe, the architect for the proposed development, attended the meeting and gave an update on the progress of the development as follows.
There supply of new housing fell far short of the demand and as a consequence land and housing prices were rising steeply. The current Aberdeenshire local plan would be out of date at the end of this year and Aberdeenshire Council had still not started a review of housing needs over the next five years. Furthermore the Reporter's Recommendations following the Local Plan Inquiry were still awaited.
With regard to the development in question there had been confidential discussions with Aberdeenshire Council which included the issue of Developer's Contribution, otherwise known as Planning Gain. Included in the Contribution was sufficient ground for two football pitches and an associated pavilion. Cost of preparing the pitches and construction of the pavilion were not included. There were other contributions towards affordable housing, a civic amenity site, community facilities, the library, a park and ride scheme and Kemnay Academy which was the designated secondary school for Kintore. The total value of the contributions averaged a substantial four figure sum per dwelling. The Chairman thanked Mr Lippe for taking the time to speak to the Council and for his frankness.
The discussion that followed was against the background of the Community Council objection to the original Application, the new information kindly provided by Mr Lippe and the possible reallocation of the site for 'enabling development'. The balance of opinion was that the residential development and associated sports facilities as described by Mr Lippe, was probably the best compromise available. The strongly held view, both in the Community Council and in the community at large was that provision of civic amenities and recreational facilities had not kept pace with the rate of residential development in Kintore; insofar as this Development was concerned it was incumbent on Aberdeenshire Council to plan for the construction of the facilities for which ground was provided by the Developer, in tandem with the building of houses.
• Traffic Congestion and Parking in Kintore
Following the discussion at the May meeting of the Community Council, further concerns were expressed regarding congestion and lack of parking facilities on Forest Road. It was noted that the new owner of the furniture store (formerly Andy Duncan's) had applied for planning permission for a café on the premises. It was felt that this would compound the problem.
• Senior Citizens Outing
Jim Coutts reported that tickets for the outing would be sold at £7 each. He had prepared a poster advertising the event. Even if all the tickets were sold the proceeds would still fall short of the total cost of the outing. It was agreed that the Community Council would subsidise and Arty Matheson confirmed that there would be a donation from the fund raising Committee.
• Planning Applications
There were no concerns regarding Planning Applications submitted to Aberdeenshire Council since the last Community Council Meeting.
• Town House Furniture
Jim Coutts had contacted Mr Walter Henderson, the Clerk of Works at Aberdeenshire Council and reported the woodworm damage to the furniture in the Town House Meeting Chamber.
• Kintore Medical Centre
The Chairman reported that he had received a positive reply from the Practice Manager at Inverurie Health Centre following the concerns expressed by the Community Council regarding the Kintore health Centre. The Practice Manager will keep the Community Council informed.
• Recognising Voluntary Work in the Community
A reception was planned to be held in Woodhill House and hosted by Aberdeenshire Councillors to recognise voluntary work in the community. The Chairman nominated Jim Coutts and Arty Matheson. Jim was the longest serving member of the Council and for many years had organised the annual senior citizens outings. Arty Matheson was responsible for some highly successful fund raising among the benefits of which were the excellent new festive lights. He had also organised the refurbishment and placing of the hanging baskets in Kintore. The nomination was supported by those present and the Chairman would pass the nominations to Councillor Cameron.
• Garden Competition
Jim Coutts reminded the meeting that the time for the annual Garden Competition had come round again. He asked that notable gardens be brought to his attention.
• Noise
Arty Matheson reported intrusive noise levels from a local motor cycle track. It was not known who owned the ground or whether or not planning permission was required for such a facility. Arty undertook to investigate.
• Deterioration of Roads and Pavements in Kintore
Not for the first time this issue was raised. The damage to, and unsatisfactory reinstatement of roads and pavements resulting from the installation of utility services continue to cause concern among local residents. The Chairman had written to Aberdeenshire Council more than a year earlier, but the only response was to the effect that priority for repairs would be raised. At the time of the meeting, apart from some artistry with spray paint on affected areas, nothing had been done.
• Access to Town House
Concern was expressed about the condition of the steps leading up to the top door of the Town House. Having in mind the age and listed category of the building, provision of full disabled access was unlikely to be an option. However it was felt that some improvements might be possible, for example handrails at the lower end of the external stairs. The Chairman undertook to draw the problem, to the attention of Aberdeenshire Council.
It was agreed that the Town House was the most appropriate venue for Community Council Meetings.
• Bonfire Night 2004
Details of costs and donations still awaited from Inverurie Round table.
• Proposed development at Gauchill
Ken Brown reported that the results of an environmental study of the area was available on the Kintore Website.
• Kintore, Canada
Neil Stewart reported on his visit to Kintore, Canada.
• Date of Next Meeting
Monday 15 th August 2005 at 1900 in the Town House.
Minutes of meeting - 15 May 2005
• Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Neil Stewart, Ken White.
Apologies were received from Sheila Gray.
Patrick Morris was still unwell.
• Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 18 April 2005 Meeting was proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Neil Stewart. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
• Police Matters
There was no Police present at the meeting.
• Traffic Congestion and Parking in Kintore
Prompted by a report of a "near miss" involving car parking outside the Clydesdale Bank in the Square, there was a protracted discussion on the growing pressure on car parking facilities and on traffic management generally in the centre of Kintore.
Particular concern was focussed on the Square where until recently School Road, Northern Road, Forest Road Kingsfield Road and Castle Hill all converged. A sixth exit from the residential development behind the Kintore Arms was now in place and there is the prospect of a seventh from the Langstane development by the Post Office. By any standard this was seen as a complex junction arrangement and, given the growing population and associated traffic increase, local concerns were being expressed. It was recalled that the Community Council had drawn the attention of Aberdeenshire Council to these issues when the Applications for Planning Permission for the two adjacent developments were submitted. As yet there was no visible strategy for the management of road traffic and pedestrians in the area.
Concerns had also been expressed regarding Forest Road where a combination of residents' car parking and change in road width has effectively reduced the traffic flow to single lane in parts. Against this background traffic flow has increased significantly and will continue to grow as the major residential development between Forest Road and Gauchill progresses.
The Chairman undertook to make enquiries.
• Speed Limits
Local interest was reported in the roadside devices that measure a vehicle's approaching speed and give a visual indication to the driver if it exceeds the local speed limit. These devices are currently in use at Hatton of Fintry and there used to be one at the eastern entrance to Kemnay. Opinion was that the entrance roads to Kintore, from both north and south, would be appropriate locations. The devices should not be confused with the conventional 'speed cameras'.
The Chairman will enquire.
• Kintore Map
The map of the new development, kindly prepared by Sheila Gray showing street names and house numbers, had been reproduced by Councillor Cameron within plastic covers. A copy had been given to the local Post Office.
• Senior Citizens Outing
Jim Coutts gave details of the ever popular Senior Citizens Outing which, once again, he had arranged.
This year the Outing would be on 4 th August to Brechin Castle Garden Centre and, on the way back, high tea will be provided at the Burnett Arms Hotel in Banchory.
The total cost is estimated to be £650 made up of £295 for coach hire and around £355 for high tea. It was agreed that the cost per head should not be more than £7 which represented an increase of £1 on last year. The contribution in years gone by from a collection at the Kintore Arms (the "bottle" on the bar), was no longer available and so there would be a shortfall of about £355 this year. It was agreed that there would be a subsidy from Community Council funds and Arty Matheson said that he would seek a donation from the Fund Raising Committee.
• Planning Applications
Three Planning Applications had been made since the last meeting.
From Aberdeenshire Council there was:
• A non-statutory consultation for a replacement bridge for agricultural and recreational use at Balbithan Island, Kintore.
• Notice of intention to develop for change of use from Agricultural land to playing field at the recreation ground, Castlefields, Kintore. [This is believed to be the narrow strip of ground to the west of the cricket ground]
From Bett Homes Ltd there was an application for full planning permission for 16 dwellinghouses (change of house types) at phase 3C, Castlefields, Hallforest Avenue, Kintore.
The Community Council saw no reason to raise objections to these Applications.
• Cricket Pitch
Following the issue raised at the previous Meeting, it was reported that the encroachment on to the cricket ground was in fact a turning circle for refuse lorries.
• Town House Furniture
Jim Coutts undertook to report the woodworm damage in the Town House Chairs to Aberdeenshire Council.
• Kintore Medical Centre
The Community Council has received representations in connection with the local Health Centre. Residents, in particular the elderly, are concerned about the increasing difficulty in obtaining appointments for consultations or treatment in Kintore.
In the last five years or so, both Kintore and Inverurie have expanded significantly. The Community Council view is that construction of the medical centres pre-dates the beginning of major residential developments in both communities and that the population level for which those centres were designed has long since been passed. This can only be to the detriment of medical services availability. Given that one of the outcomes of the enquiry into the Aberdeenshire Local Plan is likely to be an extension of the boundaries of Kintore, and perhaps of Inverurie as well, the population will continue to rise steeply and the problem will become more acute.
The Chairman has written to the Practice Manager at the Inverurie Health Centre expressing the concerns and seeking information on the possible expansion of local medical services to meet the needs of the growing population.
• Date of Next Meeting
Monday 20 th June 2005 at 1900 in the Town House.
Minutes of meeting - 18 April 2005
1. Present
Iain Blair, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Neil Stewart, Ken White, Councillor Douglas Cameron.
Apologies were received from Ken Brown and Arty Matheson. Patrick Morris was still unwell.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 18 March 2005 Meeting was proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Ann Marston. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3. Police Matters
Inspector Dave Allan of Grampian Police attended the meeting. He acknowledged the local concerns raised by under age drinking behind the school and traffic speeding through the village but explained that the issues determining the deployment of Police resources in Grampian were, in order of priority, road casualties, drugs, and local issues.
He reported that more attention was being focussed on the deployment of Special Constables who were seen as an effective supplement to the Force.
Sheila Gray reported a problem with the school children waiting for the Kemnay School bus outside the newsagents. Customers walking to the shop were obstructed and some felt intimidated. Inspector Allan said that he would arrange for occasional visits by a police patrol.
4. Kintore Map
Sheila Gray had prepared a map of Kintore showing all the street names in the new housing developments. Councillor Cameron undertook to make some plastic covered copies for the Post Office and local shops.
5. Planning Applications
Six Applications for Planning permission had been lodged since the last meeting.
Of particular interest was one by Malcolm Allan Housebuilders for three houses and formation of a public access on the opposite side of the road from the Torryburn Hotel. It was observed that this area was prone to flooding however those present saw no reason to object.
No objections were raised to the remaining five applications.
6. Cricket Pitch
Following the issue raised at the previous Meeting, it was reported that the encroachment on to the cricket ground was in fact a turning circle for construction traffic. Further investigation is required.
7. Town House Furniture
Evidence of woodworm was noted in some of the chairs in the Council Chamber.
8. Date of Next Meeting
16 May 2005 at 1900 in the Town House.
Minutes of meeting - 21 March 2005
1. Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Neil Stewart, Councillor Douglas Cameron.
Patrick Morris was still unwell.
Mr Ken White, a Kintore resident, was present.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 28 February 2005 Meeting was proposed by Ann Marston and seconded by Jim Coutts. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3. Police Matters
There was no Grampian Police representative present.
The Council noted two issues giving rise to local concern:
a) Under age drinking in the park behind the school.
b) Traffic, including but not confined to heavy construction vehicles, speeding through the centre of the town. The risk of accidents is perceived to be greater since the main road has been significantly narrowed by the construction of "peninsulas" at the bus stops.
4. Community Council Forum 17 March 2005
Iain Blair attended the Forum where the following issues were raised: Road Closures and Maintenance; Garioch Area Partnership; Gathering of Community Councillors; Public Call Boxes.
The minutes of the Forum meeting will be distributed when available.
5. Town Park Development
The Aberdeenshire Local Plan allocation for a Town Park at the site by Midmill is likely to be changed to one for Enabling Development. Given that there are two applications for outline planning permission for residential developments on the site, it was agreed to seek a compromise which would provide for sporting facilities to be developed alongside the developments. (See minutes of Meeting of 28 February 2004)
6. Planning Applications
No concerns were expressed concerning the regarding the Applications for Planning Permission notified since the previous meeting.
7. Cricket Pitch
It was reported that land engineering works in support of the new school had encroached significantly, and perhaps permanently on to the cricket ground. It was seen as a possible deviation from the specifications of the Planning permission. Councillor Cameron undertook to investigate.
8. NHS 24
Sheila Gray attended a presentation on the new NHS 24 Out of Hours service and reported as follows.
The presentation was given by Dr Peter Baxter who is the Medical Director of the new organisation at the Aberdeen NHS 24 Centre which is one of three in Scotland, the other two being at Clydebank and Queensferry. Dr Baxter demonstrated the sophisticated communications systems and claimed that it was an efficient and effective service. At a question and answer session the audience, drawn from representatives of the widely spread communities served by the Aberdeen NHS 24 Centre, evidently thought otherwise and there was general concern that the system was not working.
Given individual experiences known to members of the Community Council, not to mention the adverse media comments, the Council felt that reality was far from Dr Baxter's vision.
9. New Member
Mr Ken White was welcomed as a new member of the Community Council.
10. Date of Next Meeting
16 April 2005 at 1900 in the Town House.
Minutes of meeting - 28 February 2005
1. Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Ann Marston, Councillor Douglas Cameron.
Mr Ian Fowell, the Garioch Area Manager at Aberdeenshire Council attended the meeting.
Apologies were received from Arty Matheson, Sheila Gray and Alistair Mowat.
Patrick Morris was still unwell.
Mr Ken White, a Kintore resident, was present.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 17 January 2005 Meeting was proposed by Jim Coutts and seconded by Ken Brown. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3. Minutes of Meeting on 15 November 2004
Ken Brown reminded the Chairman that an amendment had yet to be made to the minutes of the above meeting. This was a declaration of a possible conflict of interest in relation to a Planning Application involving the Architect Mr William Lippe. Mr Lippe was the Landlord of premises used by Ken Brown's business.
4. Police Matters
There was no Grampian Police representative present.
5. Garioch Area Manager
Three issues were discussed.
a) Community Facilities
The lack of community facilities to match the rapidly growing population, notwithstanding the undertakings given in 1997 by Aberdeenshire Council, is the most contentious issue in Kintore. The issue has been the subject of extensive correspondence and meetings between the Community Council and the Local Authority.
Mr Fowell acknowledged that Kintore was expanding faster than anywhere else in Aberdeenshire but, having arrived in Aberdeenshire comparatively recently, he was unable to comment on the events of 1997. However the archaeological excavations behind the school had encroached upon existing sports facilities and delayed the provision of new facilities. He hoped that all those involved could look to the future, rather than the past. He suggested that a working group be established to determine what was needed and to liaise with Aberdeenshire Council. The Chairman undertook to contact other representative organisations in Kintore with a view to forming a liaison group.
There was discussion in particular on the site allocated in the current Aberdeenshire Local Plan for a town park and the pending applications for planning permission for residential development on the site. It is understood that in the revised Plan the site was likely to be reallocated for “enabling development”. Given this prospect, the Chairman undertook to write to Councillor Cameron with a view to persuading Aberdeenshire Council to preparing an unequivocal plan, with budget commitment for provision of sports pitches in tandem with housing development on the site.
b) Library Site
The Community Council wrote to Aberdeenshire Council on 2 April 2004 asking that once the library had been moved to the new school, consideration be given to giving over the site for a community facility. No reply has been received. Given the necessary commitment by Aberdeenshire Council, the Community Council could if necessary raise funds to establish a suitable facility.
It was agreed that the future use of the library site could be explored by the proposed working group (see above) on community facilities.
c) Deterioration of Road Surfaces
The Community Council receives many representations about the deterioration of road surfaces in Kintore. Some residents complain directly to Aberdeenshire Council. More than a year ago the Community Council wrote to the Roads Manager on the subject.
Most, if not all the damage has been caused by failure to restore surfaces to the original standard in wake of excavations to provide utility services for new housing developments. The concern is that Aberdeenshire Council has failed to inspect restoration work against standards and as a consequence the cost of repairs would be to public funds rather than the utility companies or developers.
6. The Local Channel
An advertisement for a free website for Community Councils had been received. Ken Brown agreed to investigate. (Kintore Community Council already has an effective site within the excellent Kintore website, www.kintore.org.uk).
7. Garioch Area Plan 2004 - 2007
A copy of the Plan had been received for comment. The Chairman undertook to study and report back at the next meeting.
8. Planning Applications
No concerns regarding the seven applications for planning permission received since the last meeting.
9. Diamond Wedding
It was agreed that the Community Council would send congratulations to Mr and Mrs Stevenson on their Diamond Wedding.
10. Recycling Facility
There are minimal recycling facilities located in Kintore. Mr Fowell agreed to investigate the possibility of locating an improved facility at the sand pit on Forest Road.
11. Political Involvement
The Chairman reported that he had received a request to organise a public meeting for the benefit of a political party. He had refused on the basis that the Community Council's principal objective is to represent the interests of the community and that any perceived political association could be a hindrance. Those present agreed.
12. New Member
Mr Neil Stewart was welcomed as a new member of the Community Council.
13. Date of Next Meeting
21 March 2005 at 1900 in the Town House.
Minutes of meeting - 17 January 2005
1. Present
Iain Blair, Ken Brown, Jim Coutts, Sheila Gray, Ann Marston, Arty Matheson, Alastair Mowat.
Patrick Morris was still unwell.
Also present were Mr Mike Allan and Ms Karen Smith representing Grampian Housing Association; Mr Scott Strachan and Mr Les Spence representing Castleglen Properties LTD; Mr Keith Melville Co Owner of Gauch Hill site; Ms Catherine McCrum representing Aberdeenshire Council Planning and Environmental Services; Mr and Mrs Garden , Gauch Hill Residents; Mr Neil Stewart; Mr Martyn Melville.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes of the 15 November 2004 Meeting was proposed by Ken Brown and seconded by Jim Coutts. Accordingly the minutes were accepted.
3. Police Matters
There was no Grampian Police representative present.
4. Castleglen Properties Ltd
Mr Scott Strachan provided some details of three Applications for Outline Planning Permission by Castleglen Properties Ltd.
(a) Housing Development at Gauchill
An application to build thirty houses at Gauchill had been submitted. The proposed development would take up five acres of a 26 acre site on land earmarked for a Town Park in the Aberdeenshire Local Plan. The site is owned by Mr Keith Melville who was present. The Application included a proposal to offer the balance of 21 acres to Aberdeenshire Council for use as a Town Park.
Local residents were concerned that the loss of woodland would have an adverse effect on wildlife.
(b) Midmill Redevelopment
It was anticipated that an application to redevelop the site at Midmill would be submitted before the end of the year. The site in question was alongside the road running south from Kintore and included an assortment of a restaurant, a second hand car dealer and various other buildings and facilities. The site was owned by the Spence family. The proposal was for a supermarket, a petrol station and other retail facilities.
(c) Brae Farm
There would be an application for mixed use development comprising employment land, private housing, affordable housing, a village green, a 'community house' and associated amenity areas. The site lies to east of the southern access road to Kintore and would require a change to the designation of the area in the Aberdeenshire Local Plan.
Mr Strachan introduced Karen Smith of Grampian Housing Association who explained the need for affordable housing and the general demand for housing outside the Aberdeen City area.
The Community Council were supportive of the application for redevelopment of the Midmill site. Amongst other considerations it would provide a better choice for local shopping and a replacement for the Ashfield Filling Station that was closed down a few years ago.
There was less support for the housing development at Gauchill given that it was on land designated for a town park in the Aberdeenshire Local Plan. An objection to an application for 150 houses by Scotia Homes on another part of this site had already been lodged by the Community Council. The general area would be eminently suitable for a town park, as designated in the Local Plan, and incorporating a sports pitch or pitches. Perhaps some compromise would be possible whereby some 'enabling' development could sit side by side with community facilities such as sports pitches. This would be put to Aberdeenshire Council through Councillor Cameron.
There were no strong feelings with regard to the Brae Farm proposal. Jim Coutts drew attention to the topography involving particularly steep gradients alongside the burn.
5. Bonfire Night and Firework Display.
Iain Blair reported that a response was still awaited from Inverurie Round Table on the funding of the bonfire night.
6. Community Facilities
The ongoing exchange of correspondence between the Community Council and Aberdeenshire Council appeared to be achieving little. The Chairman reported that he was seeking a meeting with the Garioch Area Manager at Aberdeenshire Council and Local MSP's.
7. Festive Lights
There was a vote of thanks for Arty Matheson for his work in fund raising for the new festive lights and setting them up. They were greatly admired over the festive period.
8. Flower Beds by the Town House
Jim Coutts proposed that Ainsley Reid should be thanked formally for his work on the flower beds around the Town House. It was agreed that the Chairman would write to him.
9. Parking
Sheila Gray drew attention to the car parking at the rear of the Town House. It was filled to capacity throughout the day and it was not clear to whom the cars belonged. Indeed there was a general and growing problem of car parking, especially in the centre of the Town but it was beyond the gift of the Community Council to exercise any control.
10. Sewage Plant
Jim Coutts pointed out that maintenance at the plant had resulted in offensive detritus being left in the open. The Chairman undertook to make enquiries.
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