Community Council Minutes - September 2017

Draft Minutes Fossoway and District Community Council
5th September 2017, Fossoway Primary School

Attending: Community Cllrs: Cameron Brown, Trudy Duffy and Carol Farquhar; P&K Cllrs Mike Barnacle and Callum Purves; 12 Members of the Public (MoP).
Apologies: CCllrs Graham Pye, Angus Cheape and Jennifer Donachie; P&K Cllrs Willie Robertson and Richard Watters
Declarations of Interest: There were no declarations of interest.

Police report: Unfortunately no Officer was able to be present at the meeting. There were no incidents to note in our area in the last two months from the Commander’s Reports received via Perth and Kinross Community Watch. PC Spalding has notified the CC that speed checks have been carried out in the Drum area and several drivers have been ticketed or warned. Sergeant Forrester, the Kinross Community Sergeant, is moving to another area and will shortly be replaced. One MOP reported that a tractor was stolen in the local area over the last month. CCllr Duffy suggested a meeting could be held with the newly appointed Community Sergeant. Cllr Barnacle is concerned with the lack of local police presence and attentiveness in the area. A road survey is currently under way in the area concerning A977 measures.

Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes were signed off without amendment.

Matters Arising
Fossoway Area Public Transport: Andrew Warrington from Perth and Kinross Council attended the meeting to discuss changes to the No. 624 bus service and the possibility of a new school bus service from Muckhart to Kinross being available to the public during semester time. Mr Warrington reported that six times the amount of people are using the new DRT service compared to the previous bus service. The 624 service which is being withdrawn was a school bus service paid for through school transport allowance and according to the provider only one or two paying passengers used the service each month. The main motivation behind removing the bus service is to keep bus provision aligned with school attendance. Mr Warrington stated that all DRT operators are taking people to and from Kinross at peak periods and there is capacity to take more, contrary to some feeling in the local community that this service is at capacity. Mr Warrington commented that the DRT is costing the council more to run than the previous bus service. Mr Warrington strongly argued that the demand for DRT users needing to attend work, college etc., is being met and that more people using it will safeguard the service. The council have cut local bus services which are not profitable. Mr Warrington was happy to support further publicity to increase use of the DRT which might bring about a better and more widespread service to Fossoway. Mr Warrington suggested that despite the increase of demand from Clackmannanshire residents for a bus to Kinross High School, PKC will not support a bus service from the area if the pupils are attending KHS through a placement request. Mr Warrington suggested that residents make more use of the DRT service so that it is retained, but if this is not meeting people’s needs is more than happy to look at other options, however both a DRT and bus route is not an option. CCllr Duffy felt there were a number of issues with the above comments, although the DRT is a fantastic and well used service, there is a general understanding that the DRT is operating at full capacity and some people are being turned away. It also does not take away from the fact there is no bus to Kinross Park and Ride which links to Perth or Dunfermline for 9am. CCllr Duffy is under the impression that because there is such a diminished bus service and has been for some time now that people have begun to take their own measures for transport – friends, car shares etc., which is why figures quoted are not a true representation of public demand and requirement. Mr Warrington suggested that the DRT service providers have given feedback that they have not had to turn down people looking for places on the service but would welcome feedback from local residents on the service, contact details, names, list etc. Mr Warrington suggested that if there was what he felt was a problem with transport in the area further discussions would have to be held. Cllr Barnacle commented that the DRT is a good service, but does not think it should be ‘instead of’ public routes. The 23 service has been reduced from a bus every two hours to every three hours, which does not credit a service, and suggested that Stagecoach could provide one service before peak times – local residents cannot get into the county town or park and ride for 9am. Mr Warrington suggested Stagecoach would not provide this as it would not be of commercial interest to Stagecoach or PKC. Cllr Barnacle with Cllr Robertson suggested that a circular service supporting the county villages could be funded. Cllr Barnacle suggested the more that the DRT is used the greater cost it will have in the long run. CCllr Duffy felt that in this case the CC and Council have not reached an agreement, and that further publicity for DRT could be made and discussions held. Cllr Purves suggested that taking into account cuts to local services with increased costs for DRT service that in fact this service is costing more money. Cllr Barnacle commented on the lack of synergy between county transport and inter city transport which is surely a key aspect of planning bus services. Mr Warrington suggested that Kinross is still getting a fair share of coaches despite recent changes to the inter city time tables.

A977 Defects and Mitigation Measures: Cllr Barnacle reported that a meeting has been held and the council are in the process of appointing a project officer to deal with a A977 route action plan, assess the route between the Clackmannanshire border and Kinross and plan budget spending, however there has been a delay. An outline business case has been produced. Another meeting will be held at end of September and a consultation held. A series of options are to be presented in relation to funds. Data gathered from the public consultation held by Local Councillors in February is still to be integrated; there are issues with some suggestions being brought into reality due to constraints with policy. Research into different types of pedestrian crossing has been made. Roundabouts do not seem to be a favoured option but there is the possibility one may be provided through planning gain. Cllr Purves commented that repeated mitigation measures might be provided throughout the route, e.g. village gate ways, rumble strips etc., reinforcing transitions into built up areas. Vehicle Activated Speed signs will be funded separately. Particular areas are also being addressed e.g. signage at Rumbling Bridge, decluttering some signs, making signs more specific e.g. for speed limits etc. A MoP asked if these funds are to be spent this year. Cllr Barnacle commented that the funds have been earmarked for this purpose in the 2017/2018 budget. One MoP commented that enforcing speed limits is an ongoing problem, querying if there is any further progress on a Community Speed watch. CCllr Duffy asked if anything would be happening with A91, particularly around Carnbo. Cllr Purves has discussed with Daryl from PKC Roads, it was suggested there is no demand for further speed reduction and no funds available. One MoP commented that a survey was conducted on the A91 around eight years ago at an off peak time of year, some speed limit signs are covered because of tree growth, and there has also been disturbance in the area due to police car training. Cllr Barnacle suggested that there could be a case for VAS signs in Carnbo. Cllr Barnacle also suggested that the Gelvan Moore Road could become a green route. Cllr Purves followed up previous month’s comment on gulley clearing, that clearing is carried out once a year and that the A91 is to be cleared once A977 clearing has been completed.

LDP2: Cllr Barnacle wrote a letter in mid July to Peter Marshall addressing various points prior to publication of LDP2. A forum meeting with community councils was held in mid August. A ward councillors meeting has also been held. A letter was produced detailing the general feeling from these meetings which has been sent to Peter Marshall, head of environment, etc., discussing issues around infrastructure, site zonings and so on. Generally there is a consensus, but in Crook of Devon there is some disagreement, however it has been agreed that the proposed development from the February consultation should not go forward in the state presented and a smaller development of affordable housing with employment opportunities could be discussed – this will go to a special meeting of the council on 22nd of November, further dialogue with planners will be had before this meeting.
CCllr Duffy broadly agrees with Cllr Barnacle’s comments but not particularly with the zoning of Crook of Devon, which the CC commented on as response to the consultation in February.

Crook of Devon and Drum Growing Together: CCllr Duffy reported that the group is growing from strength to strength, a successful event was held at the village green and the group have plans to source grant money to make this area into an official village green. An autumn fair was to have been held in September but has been cancelled, but they will continue in the spring.

Powmill in Bloom Group: CCllr Farquhar reported that she attended the Best Kept Village award in Kinnesswood which was a pleasant gathering and was impressed by the commitment of the residents. CCllr Farquhar reported that the group is doing the best they can with the numbers they have and any new members are more than welcome – coffee and biscuits are always provided!

Hydro Scheme: CCllr Duffy reports that the Community Consultation has received grant funding and that a letter will be sent throughout the local community. An open day will be held on Saturday 28th of October, with shuttle buses etc., more information to come.

Naemoor Bridge: Cllr Barnacle spoke with Derek Davidson at PKC, the coping stone has been retrieved and in early September it will be repaired.

Lambhill Site, Blairingone: CCllr Duffy reported that in spite of the planning permission for the caravan on this site being refused, the applicant has gone ahead and installed it anyway. PKC Enforcement Officers will raise an enforcement order for it to be removed. Cllr Purves and John Anderson delivered a petition to the Scottish Government. There has also been further publicity in The Courier and local news. There is the general feeling that local residents are not impressed with how the council handle applications of this type which have been ongoing for a considerable length of time. Cllr Barnacle raised concern that no conditions have been made on part of this site which was granted permanent planning permission, particularly relating to lorry movement. Cllr Purves commented that conversation with the planning department is ongoing regarding how they can change and that the above mentioned petition could bring about some positive change.
Ivy Cottage, Powmill One MoP mentioned Ivy Cottage has been tidied up, and that if the door could be painted and windows painted on boards it could drastically improve the appearance of the building. Cllr Barnacle mentioned the American based owner has hired an architect, is applying for funding etc. CCllr Farquhar was concerned at the extent of mess still on site which Cllr Barnacle said he would follow up on.

Matters Arising With No Update Since Last Meeting
Crook Moss Travellers Site and Blairingone War Memorial

New Business:
School Estate Transformation: CCllr Duffy reported that this is a programme that looks at schools, their fitness for purpose, condition etc. Blairingone Primary School has been looked at specifically. An informal community drop-in session for Blairingone Primary School will be held on Thursday 21st September 2017 between 3.15pm and 7pm at the school, there will also be an online questionnaire for local people with the options of do nothing (status quo); mothball (close the school but keep the building in an operational condition); change catchment area (Powmill for example becoming part of Blairingone catchment) or closure - if the area is to be developed then closure might not be a good option in the long term.

CCllr Duffy has been in a meeting with Education at PKC, and there is no foregone conclusion, no decisions have been made and all comments are welcome. Cllr Purves wanted to reinforce the fact that no conclusions have yet been made and that community input is crucial. Cllr Barnacle has received correspondence on this from a parent looking for support to back some sort of development in the area, and he feels it would be premature to close the school now. Cllr Purves commented that future development may not necessarily secure the status of the school. Further information regarding the transformation of the school estate can be found at http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/19679/Transformation-of-the-School-Estate

Community Council Business
Meetings Attended: CCllr Farquhar attended a meeting of the Sports Hub at which it was revealed that £6000 has been raised as the funding share and they have started a junior 2k run in Kinross every Sunday, for children over four years, a similar 5k run for adults is to be held in the future. A disability run is to be organised on 4th December for disability sports day, and a Women and Girls day on 24th of March. The Sports Hub is a great opportunity to gather the enthusiasm of the community, contact CCllr Farquhar for any further information.
CCllr Duffy attended meetings about LDP2, Fossoway Transport and Blairingone School – all minuted above.

P&K Councillors’ Reports
Mike Barnacle: Has forward a letter on renewable and low carbon supplementary guidance; they are still going through guidance from first local plan. Cllr Barnacle raised concerns that Devon Gorge and Cleish Hills have lost their protection, becoming highly viable sites for wind farm development. Kinross-shire is earmarked for having the highest capacity for wind farms. The Ochils have little capacity. According to guidelines, solar farms are also of high capacity. Cllr Barnacle would support further hydro schemes provided the correct environmental measures. On this note one MoP commented that restoring surrounding fields of RBHS is still to take place. It has also been reported there is some Japanese knotwood in the area.

Callum Purves: Cllr Purves reported that two papers are to be reviewed; pot holes are also to be revisited to improve the likelihood of better repairs first time, 5% of pot holes are being repaired again within a year due to an inadequate repair the first time. A new nightshift for road maintenance is to begin in Kinross shire serving A977 and A91 for gritting etc., from Monday to Saturday, this will be in place between November and March.

Planning Matters
17/01337/FLL Erection of stable buildings (in retrospect.) Dollar Equestrian, Blairingone, Dollar FK14 7ND.
Comments were due by 1/09/17; After email discussion the CC objected on the grounds that the application was unchanged from the previously rejected application which the CC also objected to.
17/01352/IPL Erection of dwellinghouse (in principle) at Hoodshill, Fossoway, Kinross KY13 0PW Comments by: 01/09/17 No CC comment
17/01353/FLL Erection of dwellinghouse and a garage with ancillary accommodation (revised design) at land 40 metres north of dunollie, Fossoway, No CC Comment
17/01438/FLL Renewal of permission 11/00753/FLL (erection of 2 dwellinghouses) at land 50 metres south west of Muirfield Fossoway. No CC Comment
17/01445/FLL Extension of dwellinghouse at The Brae, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross, No CC Comment

Correspondence: All the correspondence was available for viewing.

AOCB: Kinross now has a heart defibrillator, there are a number of people receiving training in this and it will be able to service the Fossoway area, further details on this will be given in due course. Cllr Barnacle reported that there will also be a defibrillator at Cleish, but is unsure of the status of first responders in the village.
Following today’s discussion CCllr Duffy called for MoPs who had used the DRT service to forward their comments on the service. CCllr Duffy also suggested those who have not used it to give it a try.
One MoP asked how hedges and trees are to be trimmed in public areas. CCllr Duffy responded that this has to be carried out by the owner and if not possible, the council will do so and invoice the owner. The MoP mentioned the area of concern is at the end of the Aldie Road on Council property, there are also overgrown hedges at the other end of the Aldie Road on a piece of land with no particular owner.
There is a further problem on the Gelvin Muir and Cleish Roads, Coldrain road on council property where traffic avoiding a tree has created a ditch and standing water is now on the road.

Draft Agenda for Next CC Meeting
Welcome and Apologies, Declarations of Interest, Community Policing, Minutes of last meeting.
Matters arising: A977 Mitigation, Crook and Drum Growing Together, Powmill in Bloom, Hydro Scheme.
Community Councillors: Meetings Attended, PKC Councillors’ Reports, Planning, Correspondence, AOCB

Next Meeting: Tuesday 3rd October 2017 7:30 pm
Blairingone Primary School
All Welcome