As it is still not possible to hold physical meetings of the CC we are continuing to publish this description of what was discussed in our Virtual meeting, including any updates that we are aware of. Members of the Public are encouraged to comment on and question the items below, by email to moc.liamg|cc.yawossof#moc.liamg|cc.yawossof or via the CC’s Facebook page, which we will answer in our next meeting, be it virtual or physical, on Tuesday 1st September.
Contributing: Community Cllrs Sarah Bruce-Jones, Trudy Duffy, Carol Farquhar, Carole Haigh, Michael Haigh, Nicola Marchant (Associate), Graham Pye and Rob Young; P&K Councillors Callum Purves and Willie Robertson.
Apologies: CCllr Angus Cheape; PKC Cllr Mike Barnacle 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.
The CC is pleased to note that speed checks are continuing in the villages to discourage the few drivers who are taking advantage of the quieter roads to drive recklessly.
CCllr Marchant noted that a number of new 20mph limits have been created in PKC’s region. Cllr Purves replied that none were currently planned for our area, but that Drum residents have asked him and Cllr Barnacle for a 20mph limit on the A977 there.
CCllr Bruce-Jones asked whether it was possible to add countdown signs to the 40mph limit on the A977 as you enter Drum from Kinross to encourage traffic to slow before it actually reaches the 40mph limit and the VAR as traffic approaching the Drum/Muckhart junction is often still travelling very fast. Cllr Robertson suggested that he should ask for a speed monitoring exercise be conducted to find out if there is a serious problem. CCllr Duffy added that the proposed construction of village gateways should also help.
Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes of the March meeting will be signed off once normal meetings resume. Any significant decisions made during the virtual meetings held since then will be brought to the next physical meeting to be formally recorded and ratified.
Matters Arising
Crook & Drum Growing Together: CCllr Duffy noted that the hanging baskets and tubs distributed to properties on the Main Street are now in full bloom and look good. The group hopes to extend the scheme next year.
Powmill in Bloom: CCllr Farquhar reported that members of the group have continued working commensurate with social distancing, planting and maintaining existing beds. PKC have a number of litter pickers for loan – but where should they be stored? Volunteers to host these are needed…
Bank of Scotland Kinross Branch Closure: Cllr Purves had contacted Liz Smith MSP for an update on the actions from the March meeting, she is happy to have another meeting; CCllr Marchant will contact her to request one.
CCllr Marchant had received a note from a resident regarding alternative options to having a branch. These have been raised with local Councillors along with a request for their support in asking Liz Smith to seek a further meeting with the Bank, so that the options can be discussed. CCllr Marchant wondered what date the bank had in mind when they said that they would keep the branch open until the pandemic is over.
Fossoway Tennis Club: The Tennis Club’s application has been submitted, however PKC decided not to allow the CC to submit it on the club’s behalf and hence the full fee would be payable. A number of additional details were also required to complete the application so the club have decided to withdraw the application for the time being.
A member has donated two palm trees to the Tennis Club which are now planted in the verge. The verge has now been adopted by Crook and Drum Growing Together, who are creating a new planting bed around the base of the trees, to avoid a small area of grass which is difficult to cut.
The enhancements to this area have highlighted the poor state of the corner of Church Road and Waulkmill, with a scruffy area behind the kerb, and the large stones where it is not possible to cut the grass tidily. Residents say that heavy vehicles often drive over the kerb at the corner, and it is cracked and sinking. CCllr Marchant added that car parking in the area makes this problem worse.
Amanda James has contacted the CC to ask if it would be possible for this corner to be considered for improvement by PKC, potentially installing a new kerb further back, so the stones can be removed. She believes that PKC do cut the grass there, although the corner apparently belongs to the Tennis Club. Cllr Robertson replied that it would be necessary to install something more solid, e.g. a bollard, to prevent the kerb being damaged, but first let’s see how long the palm trees last…
Community Development Trust: Cllr Barnacle has approached possible members of the group, and the CDT will meet face to face once restrictions on larger groups are lifted.
Powmill Play Park: CCllr Farquhar said that a good job has been done and the local children are very pleased with the results.
Crook Moss Travellers Site: CCllr Farquhar reported that there is now only one family remaining on the site. The equipment is available on the site for connection of services, currently planned for 27th August. The plot nearest the road is being used as a dumping ground, which no-one is clearing up. Cllr Barnacle is attending a meeting in September to address this issue.
Corona Virus – Information and Links: Recycling Centres are now fully open, with distancing measures in place.
Useful links for job hunting are at - https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/15218/Skills-and-employment-initiatives
The Job Centre - https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
PKC’s Welfare Rights Department are very helpful with finding, and helping apply for, benefits for those on low income or who are out of work - www.pkc.gov.uk/welfarerights
GrowBiz has FAQs and links - https://www.growbiz.co.uk/coronavirus-support
Crook of Devon Resilience Group: The Group had obtained additional funding from Fossoway and District Community Council Benefit Fund to continue its operations; however the group has now substantially closed down, although some people continue to receive help with their shopping. CCllr Duffy will ask Victoria Sutherland, the head of the group to check if they’re closed and hence whether we should return the unused money to the Benefit Fund.
Devonshaw Whinstone Quarry (FK14 7NH): CCllr Marchant has sent a letter to the developers and has opened a line of communication with them. With the support of local residents, the rubbish at the site has been cleared up. Once lockdown restrictions permit, the developers are keen to address a CC meeting to discuss their proposed plans for the site. The site currently has planning permission, obtained by the previous owners, for the construction of four substantial houses and conversion of part of the quarry for leisure use.
CCllr M Haigh observed that the proposals sounded quite reasonable and would be a good use of the site, however they were made some time ago and the economic landscape has changed considerably since then. He further noted that the bus service along the A977 referred to in the Report of Handling for this application has been permanently withdrawn, which may affect the viability of the proposed leisure facilities.
All agreed that it was most important to find out what will happen to the remainder of the site, apart from the house site,
Cycle Path from Aldie Road to Drum: Cllr Robertson had previously notified the CC that this path is very overgrown. Cllr Robertson reported that the problem still existed, and he will approach the Community Service department to ask if they can clear the area.
Fossoway Area Transport/DRT: Stagecoach has made the decision to permanently suspend the No 23 service from Stirling to St Andrews. This leaves Crook of Devon without any public transport. Moreover, the DRT service in this area is non-existent, since Fossoway Taxis have ceased to be a provider and Angela’s Taxis are not operating due to the Covid19 pandemic. Muckhart is in the same position and this CC has been in contact with them. There is a consultation at https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east-scotland/service-change-consultation which ends on 7th August. The demise of the No 23 service is not unexpected – it was a bus that didn’t go at times to suit potential travellers, and didn’t connect with other services, so was underused.
Cllr Purves said that the ward councillors had recently had a meeting with Margaret Roy from PKC about this, but were told that not many complaints about the lack of service had been received by PKC. The Councillors proposed the creation of the “Figure of eight” route (including Muckhart) again. Ms Roy suggested that this service might only run a few days per week, but the Councillors pressed for a more extensive service to be trialled at least. We hope that the Community Transport Group may pick this up.
CCllr C Haigh said that the Transport Act requires Bus Companies to provide a service in rural areas in order to retain their licence, however CCllr Duffy replied that the companies use commercial reasons to justify closing a service. CCllr Bruce-Jones added that the lack of this service will particularly hit young people, and will discourage development along the A977. CCllr Marchant emphasised that we should ensure that no planning applications rely on public transport to support them.
Cllr Robertson stated that subsidies are the only way that services to rural areas will exist, and without them there will be increasing isolation. Cllr Robertson has asked Ms Roy for some outline costs to run such a service. CCllr M Haigh pointed out that central government’s goal to move people out of their cars is in complete contrast to what’s happening here. CCllr Duffy encouraged everyone to complete the survey mentioned above, and ask all their neighbours to do the same. Additionally the Green Party are campaigning to save this service, providing an easy way to email the CEO of Stagecoach: https://greens.scot/SaveTheNo23Bus
Fossoway Gathering: There are a few smaller events planned for this year. One is “Meet your Neighbours” - walking routes through ALL our communities, with possibly a live walking event; the other one is “Lights in Penneys Wood” – a lit up trail for children, with crafts, food and drink. There may be another event but we will report on that next months. Dates of all these events are to be confirmed.
Matters Arising with no update since last meeting:
Rumbling Bridge Gorge Bridge, Hydro Scheme Fund, A977 Mitigation, Blairingone War Memorial, Ivy Cottage Powmill, Coulshill Forestry Development, Cemetery Car Park Extension, Vegetation on Aldie Road: No information at present.
New Business
School Exclusion Zone: The Scottish Government has created a “Spaces for People” fund to support social distancing measures. PKC acted quickly in applying for finance to implement school exclusion zones. These would prohibit cars during times of school drop-off or pick up - the reasoning behind this is the expectation that many parents will be hesitant in allowing their children to use the school bus and instead use their cars. CCllr Duffy reacted promptly to the email from PKC regarding this: the proposal is to completely close the Back Crook Road (apart from residents) during the school drop off and pick up times. CCllr Duffy was unhappy with the proposals firstly because of the lack of consultation (which was later addressed) and with the proposals themselves. If more parents are using their cars where will they park? The Hall car park has limited spaces and cars stopping there to drop off children could cause dangerous situations.
Cllr Purves agreed, that the local councillors had received little notice of this proposal either, but were assured that CCs would be consulted. Cllr Purves went on to explain that during COVID-19 emergency powers, which end on 17th August, PKC officers often needed to move quickly on this sort of activity. Cllr Robertson pointed out that this sort of scheme can work well in certain areas, but it was not well thought out here.
Old Railway Track Path Below Waulkmill Park: CCllr Young was approached by a local resident who confronted two horse riders on the narrow section of the path that diverts round the garden of Devon Valley House, pointing out how dangerous it was for them to ride there as there is little visibility of other users. The riders reacted aggressively and stated that they intended to continue to use the path. The CC agrees with the resident’s concerns and will approach PKC to request imposition of a ban on horse riding along the path. Cllr Robertson will raise this issue with PKC’s access officer Dave Stubbs. CCllr Bruce-Jones was concerned that this path, which is not a public right of way, might be lost to access for everyone, which was only gained after considerable effort.
Community Council Business:
Meetings Attended: CCllrs Duffy and Pye attended a (virtual) meeting on 8th June to discuss proposals to help upgrade the local digital infrastructure: Gigabit Kinross-shire. Cllr Purves and Andrew Mitchell have been working on a project with Perth & Kinross Council and Grow Biz on behalf of Cleish Hills Community Interest Company Every property in Kinross-shire is eligible for a Rural Gigabit voucher of up to £3,500 from the UK Government.
CCllr Marchant attended a (virtual) meeting of the Kinross-shire and Glenfarg Stronger Communities group on Thursday 23rd July and reported that PKC’s Wellbeing Support Team are publishing information on where to get support for individuals who may be anxious about going out post lockdown. PKC have contracted Star Development to deliver training to community groups on developing a five year community action plan, which would be appropriate for potential members of the Community Development Trust. The next meeting of the group is planned for 15th Sept 2020.
If the next meeting of this CC is virtual, as currently expected, we will be trialling online attendance by members of the public. Anyone interested in “attending” should email the CC at moc.liamg|cc.yawossof#moc.liamg|cc.yawossof for details.
P&K Councillors’ Reports:
Callum Purves and Willie Robertson: Nothing not already discussed and mentioned above.
Planning Matters:
New Applications
20/00706/AML Renewal of permission 17/00606/AML (Erection of three dwelling houses and garages) at Land 30 metres north-east of Rantrie Knowe, Drum. The CC objected on grounds of: Contrary to LDP2, potential flooding, sewage capacity and traffic impact.
20/00742/FLL Alterations and extension to dwelling house at Gairneyburn Cottage, Church Road, Crook of Devon. No CC comment.
20/00764/FLL Erection of a dwelling house and office (Class 4) (S42 application to modify condition 6 (access and road) of permission 19/00631/FLL) at Land 180 metres south-west of Powmill Cottage, Rumbling Bridge. No CC comment.
20/00574/FLL Installation of a ground-mounted solar PV array and associated works at Solsgirth House, Solsgirth, Dollar. No CC comment.
20/00577/FLL Installation of a ground-mounted solar PV array and associated works at Solsgirth Home Farm, Solsgirth, Dollar. No CC comment.
20/00782/FLL Erection of a dwelling house and garage, and realignment of vehicular access at Land 40 metres north west of Rowanbrae, Powmill. No CC comment.
20/00784/FLL Erection of a dwelling house (revised design) at Land 45 metres east Of Merryhills, Rumbling Bridge. No CC comment.
20/00885/FLL Erection of a dwelling house and garage at Land 30 metres north west of Firs of Viewfield, Drum. No CC Comment.
Decided Applications
20/00520/FLL Alterations and extension to dwelling house (revised design) at Fossoway Schoolhouse, Crook of Devon. The application was refused with delegated powers, the CC had not commented.
19/01673/AML Erection of 10 dwelling houses with associated infrastructure and landscaping (approval of matters specified in conditions of 18/01855/IPL) Land 100 metres north-west of Schiehallion, Crook of Devon. The application was refused by Committee, the CC had objected.
Appeals
19/01881/IPL Residential development (in principle), land 80 metres north east of Powmill Milk Bar, Powmill.
The applicant submitted an appeal to the LRB on 17th March. A virtual meeting of the LRB is scheduled for 18th August, but the meeting agenda is not due to be published until five days before the meeting.
Pending Applications
19/01539/FLL Erection of four dwelling houses at Land 30 metres south of Easter Muirhead Bothy, Blairingone. No decision had been made as of 4th August and the agenda for the Virtual Planning Meeting on the 25th August is not yet available.
Correspondence: If the correspondence list is not attached to this document, it can be found on the CC FB Page.
Scottish Hydro is seeking feedback on their scoping document regarding the upgrade of the 275kV power line that passes through our area to 400kV. The CC responded to this request, stressing the significance of the Devon Gorge SSSI, and asking for more detailed study on the effects of the increased EMF from the raised line voltage, both on humans, and the livestock near the line.
Should anyone wish to see any items please contact the CC by email and a copy can be provided.
AOCB: None this month.
Draft Agenda for Next CC Meeting:
Declarations of Interest, Community Policing, Minutes of last meeting. Matters arising: Powmill in Bloom, Crook & Drum Growing Together, Bank of Scotland Branch Closure, Community Development Trust, Devonshaw Whinstone Quarry. Fossoway Area Transport, Waulkmill Path. PKC Councillors’ Reports, Planning, Correspondence, AOCB
Next Meeting: Tuesday 1st September 2020
Powmill Moubray Hall - if Government guidelines allow, otherwise virtual.
Members of public wishing to join please email the CC at moc.liamg|cc.yawossof#moc.liamg|cc.yawossof
Correspondence June/July 2020
| Date | From | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3/6/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 4/6/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 4/6/20 | PKC | Kinrosss-shire and Glenfarg Stronger Communities Meeting Minutes and Updates |
| 4/6/20 | KYTHE | KYTHE Spring-Summer 2020 newsletter |
| 5/6/20 | PKC | RE: Kinross-shire and Glenfarg Stronger Communities Meeting: |
| 5/6/20 | PKC | Updates for Kinross-shire and Glenfarg Stronger Communities |
| 5/6/20 | PKC | Carers Week Files |
| 6/6/20 | Power for people | Local Electricity Bill - House of Commons debate |
| 9/6/20 | PKC | The Gannochy Trust : new COVID-19 Recovery and Renewal Fund for charities |
| 9/6/20 | Scott McKechnie | Devonshaw Whinstone Quarry |
| 10/6/20 | Scottish Government | East Coast 400kV Overhead Line Upgrade |
| 10/6/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 12/6/20 | Audit Scotland | Audit Scotland annual report 2019/2020 |
| 12/6/20 | PKC | Fly-tipping Fund |
| 15/6/20 | Transport Scotland | A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam |
| 6/6/20 | Scott McKechnie | Devonshaw Whinstone Quarry |
| 17/6/20 | Cllr Purves | 20 mph Speed Limits |
| 17/06/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 23/6/20 | Scott McKechnie | Devonshaw Whinstone Quarry |
| 24/6/20 | PKC | Requesting help raising awareness of the new social distancing requirements at PKC Recycling Centres |
| 26/6/20 | PKC | Kinross-shire and Glenfarg Stronger Communities Meeting: 23rd July, 10am |
| 26/6/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 29/6/20 | PKC | Public Transport Information |
| 1/7/20 | PKC | School Exclusion Zone at Fossoway Primary School |
| 1/7/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 2/7/20 | PKC | BT Payphones |
| 2/7/20 | PKC | GOGA survey |
| 2/7/20 | Cllr Purves | School Exclusion Zone at Fossoway Primary School |
| 3/7/20 | PKC | Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) |
| 3/7/20 | PKC | Launch of REDS initiative |
| 3/7/20 | PKC | How has the coronavirus pandemic affected you? |
| 3/7/20 | PKC | Spaces for People Second Bid - School Exclusion Zones |
| 3/7/20 | PKC | Kinross-shire and Glenfarg Stronger Communities Meeting |
| 3/7/20 | PKC | Spaces for People Second Bid - 20mph Speed Limits |
| 6/7/20 | David Wyllie | Application No 19/00631/Fll |
| 7/7/20 | PKC | School exclusion zones |
| 8/7/20 | Annelie Carmichael | Please sign our petition to keep Perthshire's wildflower verges blooming |
| 9/7/20 | PKC | Letter to Community Councils regarding COVID signs |
| 9/7/20 | PKC | Resilience Awareness - online session for third sector organisation |
| 9/7/20 | SSEN Transmission | SSEN Transmission's response to RIIO-T2 draft determinations |
| 10/7/20 | PKC | A977 Roadworks |
| 10/7/20 | Cllr Purves | A977 Roadworks |
| 14/7/20 | PKC | Community Litter Pickers |
| 14/7/20 | PKC | A977 Powmill and Crook of Devon Carriageway Resurfacing |
| 14/7/20 | PKC | A977 Roadworks |
| 15/7/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 15/7/20 | Power for people | Local Electricity Bill – Reintroduction |
| 16/7/20 | PKC | school exclusion zones |
| 17/7/20 | PKC | Spaces for People Second Bid - School Exclusion Zones |
| 20/7/20 | PKC | July Funding Alert |
| 21/7/20 | PKC | Kinross-shire and Glenfarg Stronger Communities Meeting Agenda |
| 22/7/20 | PKC | Lead Scotland Online safety classes |
| 22/7/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 24/07/20 | PKC | LAP Funding |
| 29/7/20 | Muckhart CC | Stagecoach Service Number 23 Service Withdrawal Consultation |
| 30/7/20 | Police Scotland | Commanders Bulletin |
| 30/7/20 | PKC | Culture Perth & Kinross Covid-19 Collecting Project |
| 30/7/20 | Cllr Purves | Proposed Bank Closure Kinross |
