Draft Minutes Fossoway and District Community Council
3rd March 2020, Fossoway Primary School
Attending: Community Cllrs Sarah Bruce-Jones, Carol Farquhar, Carole Haigh, Michael Haigh, Graham Pye (chair) and Rob Young; P&K Cllr Mike Barnacle; 9 Members of the Public (MoP).
Apologies: Community Cllrs Angus Cheape and Trudy Duffy; P&K Cllrs Callum Purves, Willie Robertson and Richard Watters.
Declarations of Interest: None.
Police report: There were no incidents to note in our area since the last CC Meeting from the Commander’s Reports received via Perth and Kinross Community Watch. At the request of local residents, the CC had asked Sgt Burns to look into a problem with mud on the road at Easter Muirhead Stables, but there has been no response as yet. A MoP reported that the rolls had been stolen from outside the Crook of Devon shop again.
Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes of the previous meeting were signed off with the amendment that there is currently one resident at the Crook Moss Travellers Site rather than none.
Matters Arising
Rumbling Bridge Gorge Bridge: CCllr M Haigh reported that there was a site meeting on the 15th February at the proposed bridge site, attended by George Lawrie, Cllr Barnacle and CCllrs M Haigh and Duffy. The location will be the same as old bridge – which may mean that planning permission is not required, but Mr Lawrie suggested that it would be safer to apply again. The bridge is designed to give one metre clearance above flood level. Landowners are to be consulted. Involvement of the Army reservists is delayed, but would probably halve the cost so worth waiting until they are available. Phase one of construction will be to lay foundations in the river bed, along with removal of branches needed to make room. The plan also includes the construction of a small car park at Rumbling Bridge end of site with picnic tables etc.
There will be disabled access from Naemoor road side, but there are steps on other side, which needs to be addressed if possible. Cllr Barnacle has spoken to PKC’s Community Greenspace Team to see if a ramp could be constructed, but it could be difficult and hence expensive.
Hopefully PKC would be responsible for ongoing maintenance if an up-front payment was made (perhaps 1% of the scheme’s construction cost.)
MoPs asked if the design takes account of the currently very high water levels, and they were assured that recent measurements had been taken and the proposed clearance is more than adequate.
Hydro Scheme Fund: A grant has been made to the Tennis Club. MoP noted that the WRI are looking for funding to provide a defibrillator and wondered if this was something that the fund would cover. There is a meeting of the WRI on 16th March to discuss funding, which CCllr Farquhar will attend. CCllr Pye suggested that SSE also have funds for this type of scheme.
Crook & Drum Growing Together: CCllr Duffy reported that the Crook of Devon area will be judged for the Well Kept Village competition on 16th March. The scheme to provide residents on the A977 with free hanging baskets or tubs is now open. Contact Louise Gardiner on 01577 840638 or ku.oc.liamtoh|xinoef#ku.oc.liamtoh|xinoef before the end of March with your details. There are also details on the CC’s and Facebook page.
Powmill in Bloom: CCllr Farquhar reported that in view of the inclement weather, the group have asked for the Well Kept Village judging to be postponed until the end of the month. A MoP asked why the judging was done in the Winter – it’s to make if fairer for villages who can’t afford large displays of flowers, but rather so that the whole look of the village should be what’s judged.
A977 Mitigation: Cllr Barnacle reported on the responses from PKC to various issues – Speed limit countdown signs will be installed on the east side of Powmill during the next phase of the A977 mitigation; Resurfacing of the A977 between Fossoway Garage and the pedestrian crossing is scheduled for 2nd June this year, with the School Road Junction traffic signal works being carried out in May; The design of new village nameplates has been circulated for comment and they will be installed, along with countdown markers, in the new financial year; The B9097 junction realignment is more complicated than first thought and is now being redesigned, with the aim of carrying out the works early in the new financial year.
Vegetation on Aldie Road: Cllr Barnacle had previously asked for the ditches to be cleared, PKC have agreed to put this on the cleaning programme for April/May this year.
Bank of Scotland Kinross Branch Closure: This CC strongly opposes the proposed closure of the Bank of Scotland branch in Kinross, proposed to take place this summer. John Nicolson, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, met with Benedict Brogan from the Bank in February to express his concern. The CC have posted Mr Brogan’s letter in response to the meeting on its Facebook Page.
David Siddle, adviser to Liz Smith MSP, has organised a meeting on 9th March at LLCC with representatives from the Bank, business leaders in Kinross and Local Councillors. This CC will send representatives to the meeting.
Cllrs Barnacle and Watters are preparing a letter to Roseanna Cunningham (MSP) suggesting that there should be at least one branch in every town – this is a government issue; they have also raised the issue with PKC’s Chief Exec. It was agreed by all that the FCA should get involved as banks are letting down local businesses. All those concerned are encouraged to write to their MP and MSP.
A MoP pointed out that there has been no consultation with people in other areas who use the Kinross branch, but don’t live in Kinross – this is not engagement with the community or local businesses! Another MoP added that there has been an increase in robberies as businesses can’t deposit their cash. CCllr Farquhar emphasised that disabled people are especially disadvantaged by the loss of branches. CCllr M Haigh wondered whether the DRT scheme could be extended to take people in the east of the area to Dunfermline in the event of the Kinross branch closing.
Fossoway Area Transport/DRT: Cllr Barnacle hasn’t yet called a local meeting as he’s waiting for the PKC budget discussions to conclude, with the hope that they will include funding. Most of the CCs now have a nominated representative on the Forum.
CCllr Farquhar commented that the DRT is very good when it works, but as it is currently only operated by one person it can be difficult to make bookings.
Fossoway Gathering: At the last meeting of the Gathering Organisation Committee a constitution was formally accepted and office bearers elected, meaning that the Gathering Committee are now completely separated from this CC.
Crook Moss Travellers Site: Cllr Barnacle said that the drainage connection work is supposed to be done this month; he’ll be contacting the contractor to try and ensure there are no hold ups. There is a new Police Inspector Craig Stevens (sp?) for this area; Cllr Barnacle is trying to contact him about Crook Moss. CCllr Farquhar added that the condition of the paddock area is deteriorating possibly because the McGregors are not living on site.
Blairingone War Memorial: The Listed Building application (19/01944/LBC) has been approved. Cllr Barnacle has spoken to Neil Kinnell of Profile Projects and they’re keen to proceed with moving the Memorial, although they are not clear about who is going to own the project. The CC are not allowed to be responsible for this sort of thing. Cllr Barnacle will speak to the stone mason.
Coulshill Forestry Development: There will be public meetings to present planting proposals on 4th March at the Coronation Hall, Muckhart, and on 5th March at the Kirkstyle Inn, Dunning, both from 2pm to 7pm. The CC had previously published this information on its Facebook page. The CC notes that it is impressed with the developer’s communication.
Ivy Cottage Powmill: Cllr Barnacle will contact PKC to see what’s happening about the Compulsory Purchase Order, which has been agreed as the way forward for this site.
Matters Arising with no update since last meeting:
LDP2, Powmill Play Park, Cemetery Car Park Extension: No information at present.
New Business:
Fossoway Tennis Club: The Club are hoping to place advertising banners around their courts to raise much needed funds. However this would need a planning application which would impact the overall profit from the scheme. The club approached the CC to see if they could make the application instead, which was agreed to go ahead, thereby halving the fee.
Community Council Business
Sports Hub: There has not been a physical meeting this month, but CCllr Farquhar is keeping abreast of proceedings.
Kinross-shire Fund: CCllr Cheape sent a report that one award, to Kinross Agricultural Society, was made at the last meeting of the fund.
In order to help the CC’s performance at the review of the Kinross Branch Bank Closure meeting described above, it was suggested that it would be useful to recruit an Associate member with appropriate public policy and commercial experience. Consequently CCllr Pye proposed that Nicola Marchant be offered the post. This was supported unanimously by the other CC members present.
P&K Councillors’ Reports
Mike Barnacle: Drummond Park adoption can proceed as PKC have inspected the gullies and they are clear. PKC’s Andy Brown needs to confirm the final cost of the adoption to Cllr Barnacle who will then write to the residents. A MoP asked if there was a requirement for a turning head at the end of the road before it could be adopted – Cllr Barnacle answered that there is no room next to the two entrances at the end to construct one, but the Engineer has never raised the lack of a turning point, but will check. Currently the bin lorry reverses in.
A MoP asked whether PKC have any plans for supporting rural residents in the event of self-isolation due to Coronavirus.
Cllr Barnacle has discussed Planning issues with the Member Officer working Group, details are in the newsletter.
Later this month, Cllr Barnacle has a meeting with PKC’s Chief Exec – items to be discussed include a Pilot of a Devolved Area Committee for Kinross-shire; the lack of a policy about loss of facilities (including banks) in rural areas; and the omission of Devon Gorge and the Cleish Hill from the Supplementary Guidance on Landscape.
As part of the budget discussions, it’s proposed that the School Crossing Patrol in Crook of Devon would end, however Cllr Barnacle is hoping to reject that budget proposal, but in any case there should be a policy to only remove patrols when a 20mph limit has been imposed in the area first.
Planning Matters
20/00085/FLL Change of use of land to form extension to garden ground, erection of a garage/store including ancillary accommodation, alterations and extension to garage/store including ancillary accommodation, erection of retaining wall, stone wall, fence, formation of a pond, hardstanding and associated works at Craigend House, Powmill, Kinross. Application discussed by email prior to the meeting – No CC Comment.
20/00127/FLL Demolition of bothy and erection of dwelling house and garage at land 20 metres south-west of Craighead Bungalow, Drum. No CC Comment.
20/00150/FLL Extension to dwelling house at Burnside, Vicar's Bridge Road, Blairingone, Dollar. No CC Comment.
20/00192/FLL Alterations and extension to dwelling house at The Lodge, Blairhill, Rumbling Bridge. No CC comment.
Decided Applications
19/01944/LBC Relocation of war memorial and associated works Blairingone Church, Main Street, Blairingone. Approved – the CC supported the application.
19/01141/FLL Alterations and extension to dwelling house, Fossoway Schoolhouse, Crook of Devon. Approved - the CC did not comment.
19/02066/FLL Erection of a dwelling house (plot 1) Land 30 metres south of Crook of Devon House, Main Street, Crook of Devon. Approved - the CC did not comment.
20/00073/IPL Renewal of permission 17/00029/IPL (Erection of a dwelling house (in principle)) Land 50 metres north of Craighead House, Drum. Approved - the CC did not comment.
20/00074/IPL Renewal of permission 17/00947/IPL (Erection of a dwelling house (in principle)) Land 60 metres north-west of Craighead House, Drum. Approved - the CC did not comment.
Pending Applications
19/01539/FLL Erection of four dwelling houses at Land 30 metres south of Easter Muirhead Bothy, Blairingone. The CC had objected to this application, and the planning department responded to our objection. It appears that the water supply to this development, and nearby properties, is provided by Scottish Water, but via a private pipe which has not been adopted. Although Scottish Water did not comment on this application they did express concern in their response to the original application (08/02561/FUL) that there could be an issue with water pressure that would need to be addressed as part of this development.
Correspondence - All correspondence was available for viewing: All important stuff covered!
AOCB: None this month.
Draft Agenda for Next CC Meeting
Welcome and Apologies, Declarations of Interest, Community Policing, Minutes of last meeting.
Matters arising: Rumbling Bridge Gorge Bridge, Powmill in Bloom, Crook & Drum Growing Together, Fossoway Area Transport, Crook Moss Traveller’s Site, A977 Mitigation, Blairingone War Memorial, Kinross Bank Closure.
Community Councillors: Meetings Attended, PKC Councillors’ Reports, Planning, Correspondence, AOCB
Next Meeting: Tuesday 7th April 2020 at 7:30 pm
Powmill Moubray Hall
All Welcome
