Community Council Minutes - April 2026
April 2026
Minutes of Meeting
Tuesday 7 April 2026, Crook of Devon Village Hall, 7.30pm
Attendance
Community Councillors (CCllrs): Graham Pye, Angus Cheape, Mark O'Bryen, Gary Whittington, Karen Morrill (Chair)
Apologies: PKC Councillor W Robertson; PKC Councillor Neil Freshwater; Community Police Officer Ben Samson
Declarations of Interest
None.
Note on Recording
As minute-taking capacity was limited, the meeting was recorded electronically to assist with the preparation of these minutes. This was communicated in advance via the FDCC Facebook page along with a GDPR statement. The recording will be securely deleted once the minutes are finalised.
1. Community Police Report & Road Safety
The police report covered the period from 3rd March 2026. C. 32 calls were made to Police Scotland from the Fossoway area. Eleven crimes were recorded on police systems, four of which were road traffic offences.
1.2 Crime of Note
On 31st March 2026, a livestock worrying incident was reported at Solsgirth. A person failed to keep a dog under control, allowing it to attack and injure a sheep. The investigation is live and ongoing.
1.3 Traffic Offences (all recorded 30th March)
- Driving whilst using a mobile phone at Powmill - conditional offer (ticket)
- Driving whilst using a mobile phone at Powmill - reported to the Procurator Fiscal
- Driving with no MOT at Carnbo - conditional offer (ticket)
- Driving without MOT at Carnbo - conditional offer (ticket)
1.4 Community Engagement
Police visited Rumbling Bridge Care Home to discuss the Herbert Protocol, a national scheme designed to locate missing persons with dementia or other vulnerable conditions. A visit to Fossoway Primary School is planned.
1.5 Speeding Concerns
A significant number of speeding concerns have been reported to the new Police Scotland email address. No new reports were received via the FDCC inbox this month.
Residents are reminded to include the specific area when reporting: TaysideCommunityPolicePerthandKinross@scotland.police.uk
2. Approval of Previous Minutes
The minutes of the 3rd March 2026 meeting were proposed by Angus, seconded by Gary, and approved without amendment.
3. Progress and Matters Arising
3.1 Travellers Site, Crook of Devon
No progress to report since the last meeting but arrangements need to be made with the council to collect the abandoned car. It is hoped there will be more to report next month.
3.2 Seamab School
A visit to Seamab School took place on Monday 30th March. The meeting was attended by Seamab CEO Stuart Provan, along with CCllrs O'Bryen, Cheape, and Morrill. FDCC formally records its appreciation to Mr Provan for his time, openness, and willingness to engage in discussion.
During the meeting, one potential area of mutual benefit was identified: the proposed access road upgrade. Seamab has confirmed that funding is in place and has indicated a willingness to engage with neighbouring parties to discuss how the road can best serve all those with access rights. FDCC is interested in supporting engagement to achieve the best outcome for local residents.
In light of both the timing of the meeting with Seamab and the proximity of local elections, FDCC has taken the decision to pause further direct correspondence with MSP Fairlie.
3.3 Powmill Recycling Bin Replacement Site
Unfortunately, the potential site nominated at the March meeting has been disqualified due to the cost of establishing a suitable recycling centre. In the meantime, Powmill residents are advised to use the recycling site in Crook of Devon.
3.4 Flooded Footpath at Powmill A977 Bridge
As noted at the March meeting, the repair works have been placed on the PKC programme of works. This action will be closed.
3.5 LDP3 Engagement
A planned community engagement event will be held in the Crook of Devon Hall on Saturday 16th May, running from 2pm to 6pm. The event will feature display boards for each village/area alongside a master plan, with discussion boards for residents to record their views. The Fossoway Community Development Trust has agreed to collect all feedback and present it at the 2nd June FDCC meeting before submitting it to PKC.
Ward councillors and PKC are cordially invited to attend. Leaflets with event details will be distributed to residents' letterboxes.
4. New Business
None.
5. Consultations
5.1 Lendrick Muir Public Engagement
FDCC attended the public engagement event held by Lendrick Muir on 23rd March, covering the technical plans for the site. These have since been lodged with PKC and feature in this month's planning applications. The development is a substantial project with mitigation measures planned to minimise disruption to local residents during construction.
A question was raised about construction traffic - all traffic will need to route via Rumbling Bridge. The developers confirmed they intend to avoid routing heavy vehicles over any of the bridges. Volumes are not yet known at this early stage. The project has a target completion of February 2028.
5.2 Unified Statement on Renewable Energy
As mentioned at the March meeting, FDCC received an invitation to collaborate on a unified statement to the Scottish Government on the topic of renewable energy projects in planning across Scotland. The statement is supportive of renewable energy and seeks clarity on national strategy. FDCC is broadly in support.
A vote was taken: Graham, Karen, and Hugh voted in favour.
5.3 Burleigh Castle Development
The second of two public consultation events covering the proposed development of lodges and a spa at the Burleigh Castle site was held on 8th April at Milnathort Golf Club. A member of the public who attended the event on 4th March reported that the development involves 103 lodges to be built off-site and brought in by lorry.
Concerns were noted regarding congestion and the sustainability of the project.
5.4 Sustainability Group – Glenfarg Meeting
Sarah Bruce Jones attended the public meeting on FDCC's behalf and provided a report.
Voting representation: The memorandum of understanding provides for two voting members per community council district.
Three options were presented:
1. CC holds both voting positions
2. CC cedes both positions to another constituted group
Vote: Option 3 was carried (Graham, Karen, Gary, Hugh, and Mark in favour). It was agreed that the second voting position be given to the Fossoway Community Development Trust.
Community benefit proposals: A proposal was tabled to request that Galileo increase the community benefit to GBP 6,000 per MW generated and confirm a construction compensation fund of GBP 100,000 payable on commencement of construction. For E Power, the same community benefit rate was proposed, but with a construction compensation fund of GBP 150,000. Meetings with both developers have been proposed for May - replies are awaited.
It was noted that there is no statutory requirement for developers to pay community benefit; current payments are based on custom and practice.
FDCC will need to nominate a representative to attend the May meetings.
Future meetings: Sustainability Group meetings will rotate by district and be held quarterly: - 20th August 2026 - 12th November 2026 - 18th February 2027
5.5 Woodland Project – Middleton Farm
FDCC was notified of plans to develop a new woodland project on land at Middleton Farm. Highfield Forestry prepared the application for a primarily conifer forest to produce timber, with native trees established along the watercourse. The consultation has now closed.
5.6 Holiday Lodge Development (South of Powmill)
FDCC has been notified that the developers of the holiday lodge development south of Powmill are looking to engage with the community on their plans, which may be subject to an adjustment to incorporate a wedding venue. FDCC will be open to holding an engagement event at a future meeting. No planning applications have yet been submitted.
Concerns were raised about potential parking and traffic impacts of a wedding venue.
6. Community Council Business 6.1 Jill Hampson has resigned her post as community councillor and has already stepped down.
6.2 Anya Bacon's application to join the community council has been accepted by PKC. FDCC is delighted to welcome Anya onto the council and into the role of Secretary.
Current status: six community councillors, with one associate community councillor, and two community councillor vacancies remain. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to come forward.
6.3 Meeting Recording Will be funded by FDCC. An alternative lower-cost solution has been identified by Karen and Gary.
6.4 Kinross High School Partnership The invitation to partner on a suitable senior student project has been accepted. A very positive response was received from the headmaster. Follow-up will be taken forward after the school's Easter break, with at least two students expressing interest in getting involved.
7. PKC Business - Councillors’ reports
7.1 The application of GBP 50,000 of funding for a Rumbling Bridge Gorge management plan has been approved in full. Further details on how the funding will be spent are awaited.
8. Planning Matters 8.1 Planning applications
26/00340/IPL - Erection of a dwellinghouse (in principle) at Land 40 Metres East Of Dunollie, Fossoway, Kinross KY13 0UP. -- No Comment
26/00351/FLL - Alterations and erection of replacement extension to building, formation of access and path and associated works at Conference Centre Lendrick Muir, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross KY13 0QA. The development is generally well thought of in the community. An approximately 20% increase in capacity is anticipated. -- Submit a comment of support, with a note encouraging greater community engagement around the annual Magnitude festival event.
26/00382/42L - S42 application to vary condition 2 of permission 23/01224/FLL at Land 80 Metres North West Of Huize Baahock, Powmill, Dollar FK14 7NW (Gartwhinzean Hotel site).-- No Comment.
26/00389/FLL - Extension to dwellinghouse at Easter Muirhead Cottage, Blairingone, Dollar FK14 7ND. -- Submit a comment noting the concern regarding water supply pressure. The concern raised about impact on an already undersized water supply pipe in the area, which dates back to the former estate and does not belong to Scottish Water
26/00102/FLL - Siting of 2 holiday accommodation units, erection of maintenance building and solar array at Coup Steps, Powmill, Dollar, FK14 7NP. Action: FDCC to conduct a deeper review and circulate findings before the next meeting.
8.2 Planning decisions
None
9. AOCB (Any Other Competent Business)
9.1 A resident has been in touch regarding a housing development query at the Nine Acre Scout Camp, and has also raised a question over the coexistence of horse livery where footpaths are provided, in particular the core path 331 to Gelvan from Penny Lane with a right of way at Newbigging from Scout Lane. These matters will be investigated for the May meeting.
9.2 A residents raised written concerns about the inclusion of the parcel of land 207 - FDCC advice on the night was to attend the community engagement event on the LPD3 to be held on 16 May in the CoD hall.
9.3 Fossoway Community Development Trust The March newsletter is available - residents are encouraged to stay in touch as there are many community activities underway. A leaflet showcasing the Trust's work will be distributed to homes. The Blairingone community development project, including heritage pathway, school development, and community shop, is progressing well and will feature in upcoming Trust newsletters.
9.4 A neighbouring resident raised ongoing concerns regarding incidents involving children from Seamab School in the vicinity of neighbouring properties since the new building opened. It was noted that community police officers had recently visited the area to assess the situation. Residents were encouraged to document and report any incidents to the community police as part of normal reporting procedures.
Action List
| Ref | Action | Owner(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Travellers Site, Crook of Devon – coordinate removal of abandoned vehicle and liaise with PKC on waste/pollution cleanup | Angus | Ongoing |
| A2 | Meet with Rumbling Bridge residents on a way forward following the offer from Seamab School to upgrade the shared access road | Angus, Mark, Karen | New |
| A3 | Volunteer to cover shifts at the LDP3 community engagement event on 16th May (2pm–6pm) | All FDCC members | New |
| A4 | Conduct deeper review of planning application 26/00102/FLL (Coup Steps, Powmill) and circulate findings before next meeting | FDCC | New |
| A5 | Investigate concerns regarding housing development at Nine Acre Scout Camp and horse livery / core path 331 coexistence | Karen | New |
| A6 | Review Parcel 207 inclusion in LDP for potential housing development – revisit at May meeting and LDP3 event | Karen | New |
| A7 | Nominate FDCC representative for May sustainability group meetings with Galileo/E Power developers | FDCC | New |
| A8 | Follow up with Kinross High School on student partnership project after Easter break | Karen | New |
| A9 | Flooded Footpath at Powmill A977 Bridge – placed on PKC programme of works | PKC | Closed |
10. Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting
May 5th at 19:30 in Carnbo village hall