FINDHORN & KINLOSS COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Community Council held in The James Milne Institute Findhorn on Thursday 27th March 2008
(Ratified 25 April 2008)
Present:
R Walker (Chairman), R. Shand, H. Morton, L.
Morgan, M. Thompson, A. Skene, Cllr Hamilton,
J. Willoner, G Verner, T. Negus (Sec).
In Attendance:
J. Innes (RAFLO), Tanya McLaren (Forres Gazette), Sgt MacDonald, PC Skivington.
ITEM 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were
received from
Public Session
ITEM
2. PRESENTATION ON PLANNING PROCESS..
2.1 The Secretary reported that he had just received a call from Mr Short to say that he was unwell and therefore unable to give his presentation on the Planning Application process. Mr Short apologised for any inconvenience. Arrangements have been made for Mr Short to address the May Community Council Meeting.
ITEM
3. ANY OTHER COMPETENT PUBLIC BUSINESS.
None
Council Session
ITEM 4. MINUTES OF
LAST MEETING
4.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 28th February were ratified subject to minor amendments at item 13. Proposed M. Thompson, seconded L Morgan.
ITEM 5. MATTERS
ARISING
5.1 Police Attendance at Community Council Meetings. The Chairman welcomed Sgt MacDonald and PC Skivington to the meeting. Sgt MacDonald said that he was now based back in Forres and would be resuming his role as Police Liaison Officer to Findhorn & Kinloss Community Council. He would attend Community Council Meetings when possible but could also be contacted by the Secretary as required. He introduced his colleague PC Kevin Skivington, Community Beat Officer, who briefed the meeting on ‘Community Policing’.Sgt MacDonald reported that he had checked the crime database immediately prior to the meeting which indicated 13 crimes in recent months in the Kinloss and Findhorn Area. This was considered to be a relatively low level of crime. Offences included theft, housebreaking and vandalism. There did not appear to be any consistent pattern to these reported crimes. The Chairman enquired about the prevalence of anti-social behaviour. Sgt MacDonald said that historically this type of nuisance crime was less prevalent during winter months. He said that some 40% of reported crime fell into the category of vandalism and that this was considered a high priority by Grampian Police. There is currently an ongoing operation targeting vandalism which is widely recognised as adversely affecting quality of life for the public. The Chairman raised the topic of Neighbourhood Watch groups in Findhorn and Kinloss. He said that the Kinloss group had all but disbanded and that he felt that lack of Police support was largely responsible for this. Sgt MacDonald said that an Officer had recently been appointed with responsibility for Neighbourhood Watch groups throughout Moray. In addition PC Skivington, Community Beat Officer, would be available to provide support as necessary. J Innes raised long- standing concerns about plane spotters gathering on the roadside at the end of the Runway. Sgt MacDonald said he was very much aware of the implications for both road and flight safety and he and his colleagues would continue to move people on as required. J Innes suggested that patrol frequency be increased during exercises involving visiting aircraft. Sgt MacDonald suggested that the possibility of Grampian/RAF joint police patrols might be explored. This had been tried in the past with some success in Kinloss Village.
The Chairman thanked both Officers for their attendance and contribution to the meeting.
5.2 Speeding Traffic in Kinloss. M
Thompson reported on a recent site meeting with Mr Gordon Holland
and Mrs Elaine Penny. Whilst he felt that some of the Community
Council’s concerns had not been satisfactorily resolved
there were other issues on which he felt that the roads
department were slightly more sympathetic. These included
widening the easterly footway near the church although the listed
status of the building, including the wall, presented an added
complication. Problems of persistent puddles and poor drainage
would be investigated. The Road Engineers had been made aware
that many children cycling to school from Findhorn crossed the
main road to use a short cut via Glebe Road. The roads department
may consider dropped kerbs where appropriate and this could be
the first step in instituting a more formal crossing. Another
possibility was the use of relevant road surface markings. M
Thompson felt that perhaps this type of incremental approach
supplemented by further traffic surveys might prove to be the
best way of achieving a successful outcome. The Chairman and M
Thompson agreed to continue the dialogue with the roads
department. Action R Walker, M Thompson.
5.3 Closure of Redundant Website. Cllr Hamilton reported that he had recently met with the webmaster,G Dodwell who had promised to delete the old Community Council Website. This has not yet happened but it is hoped that the matter will be resolved in the very near future.
ITEM 6.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
6.1 Correspondence. Letter from Mr Willing expressing concern about flooding risks at proposed development opposite Manse Road Kinloss. ( Secretary to reply and forward previous FKCC letter on subject).
ITEM 7.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
7.1 Correspondence. Letter from CCLO acknowledging receipt of our accounts. Letter from RAF Community Relations Officer Scotland offering a presentation on the need for low flying training. (Sec to decline). Invitation to seminar in Elgin on Northern Periphery Programme. Invitation to take part in Forestry Commission consultation of Climate Change Action Plan. Letter from Scottish Government about Planning Modernisation. Letter from 51 Scottish Brigade about forthcoming exercise. Letter from Moray Licensing Board asking for our observations on an application for Loft Bistro.(Passed to Kinloss members for comment). Letter from David Stewart MSP about proposed Climate Change Bill.
7.2 E-Correspondence from Tracey Rae reminding us about Community Council’s role in the planning process. Summarised in Planning Advice note 47. (Sec has copy). From Tracey Rae forwarding petition by Mr K Shand for legislation to provide dedicated residential parking spaces for disabled drivers. (Will be forwarded to Councillors). From L Morgan requesting views to be sent to ASCC about community Policing. (Questionnaire circulated to members at start of meeting). From L Morgan about Data protection legislation. (FKCC to await further instruction via ASCC.)
7.3 Newsletters and Flyers. Community Councillor. Spring Update of Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society, 2 Newsletters from Postwatch Scotland.
ITEM 8. TREASURERS
REPORT
8.1 J Willoner reported that the Bank of Scotland paperwork for the change of treasurer was now complete. An invoice for secretarial expenses had been received.
ITEM 9. MORAY
COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
9.1 Cllr Hamilton said that he was disappointed to learn of the Defence Select Committee’s recommendation that the Mk 4 Nimrod Programme should be scrapped. He had spoken with Mr Angus Robertson MP who had assured him that this was most unlikely.
9.2 The status of the now disbanded Kinloss Residents Association would be reviewed and any funds liquidated.
9.3 Cllr Hamilton described in detail the new structures and processes for Community Planning in Moray. He suggested that the Community Council request a presentation on the new structure once it is finalised.
9.4 Cllr Hamilton explained the revised Committee arrangements for Moray Council.
9.5 Cllr Hamilton said that he was pleased to report that the Forres Flood Prevention Plan had been approved locally and had now been submitted to the Scottish Government.
9.6 Cllr Hamilton reported that planning consent had been given for the Forres Hydrotherapy Pool. Close co-operative working between the 4 Forres Ward Councillors had been instrumental in overcoming obstacles during the planning process.
9.7 The Forres Hospital/ Health & Social Services Centre project had moved forward considerably again largely due to joint efforts by the 4 Forres Councillors. This was to be a joint venture between Moray Council And NHS Grampian.
ITEM 10. RAFLO
REPORT
10.1 J. Innes reported that Exercise Joint Warrior would take place from 21 April to 2nd May and wouldinvolve a number of visiting maritime patrol aircraft.
10.2 Glasgow & Strathclyde University Air Squadron would be having their Easter Camp at Kinloss between 28 March and 11 April. This would involve daytime flying with 3 Tutor light aircraft.
10.3 A recent business charity day on the Station had raised some £14k. This had recently been disbursed to a number of charitable causes including the Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation.
ITEM 11. FINDHORN
FOUNDATION REPORT.
11.1 Nil in absence of E Ward.
ITEM 12. PLANNING
12.1 Correspondence. Letters sent regarding applications discussed at last meeting including Bay View Caravan Site and Timber Chalets in Findhorn Village. Letters received about grant of permission for green burial site at Wilkie’s Wood and outline development of 40 units behind Universal Hall.
12.2 Applications registered since last meeting.
KINLOSS – None.
FINDHORN FOUNDATION - None
FINDHORN VILLAGE
7 Mar. New Doors, Windows, Rooflights & Fence at 176 Findhorn. – No Objection.
ITEM 13. ANY OTHER
COMPETENT BUSINESS
13.1 L.Morgan noted that the Kinloss sign
was missing on the approach road from the A96 towards the level
crossing. He would report this to the Roads dept. Action L
Morgan
13.2 L Morgan said that Alistair Kennedy, Chairman of JCCM, had been following up issues relating to the disposal of Southside married quarters with very limited success. Cllr Hamilton said that it was unlikely that the Moray Council would be directly involved in the sale negotiations for the site since this was a commercial matter between Defence Estates and the preferred bidder. However, they certainly would be very much involved in any subsequent planning issues relating to future development. The Secretary pointed out that the Community Council would also be statutory consultees in respect of any planning application as they are with any other valid application.
13.3 L. Morgan urged Community Councillors to complete the ASCC questionnaire recently circulated by e-mail.
13.4 G.Verner reported that the large
signs on the corner of the Milton Brodie junction with the
Burghead road, advertising activities at the loft, were still in
position and in his opinion constituted a distraction for
motorists. He had previously reported these to the roads
department. The Secretary noted that the sign on the roadside
verge advertising the golf course catering was also situated just
before a corner and part blind summit when travelling east. He
felt that this too could be a distraction to motorists. Cllr
Hamilton agreed to take the matter up with the relevant authority
at Moray Council. Action Cllr Hamilton
13.5 The Secretary reported that a number
of concrete bollards had been acquired from RAF Kinloss to block
off the open dispersal area along the track to the Viewing
Platform parking area. He felt that some fencing should be
considered along the top of the berm opposite the crash exit to
deter unauthorised vehicle access. This was supported by the
meeting. Secretary to investigate costs. Action T Negus
13.6 The Chairman asked Cllr Hamilton whether the new Community Planning arrangements would involve additional staff costs. Cllr Hamilton said that no increase in staffing was envisaged.
ITEM 14. DATE OF
NEXT MEETING
Thursday 24th April 2008 at
7.30pm in Kinloss Primary School.