Draft Minutes for Fossoway and District Community Council (FDCC) meeting

Tuesday 1^st August 2023, Crook of Devon Village Hall

Attending: Community Councillors (CCllrs) Sarah Bruce-Jones, Angus Cheape, Graham Pye and Nicola Marchant (Chair); Perth & Kinross Councillors Dave Cuthbert, Neil Freshwater and William Robertson; 11 members of the public (MoP);

Apologies: Cllr Richard Watters; CCllr Trudy Duffy; Assoc. CCllr Carol Farquar.

Declarations of interest: CCllr Pye declared an interest in Planning Application 23/00925/FLL.

Police report: There will be no Police present and no community report - Apologies from PC Ben Samson as he is on leave. Incidents to note: RTA at Drum crossroads involving rental car driven by overseas driver on the wrong side of the road; the vehicle was moved off road - Police are aware.  Crook Moss site incidents: A DPD driver was attacked whilst delivering to the site - Police were informed; a brick was thrown through the passenger window of a car passing the entrance to site. Fire brigade were in attendance one night last week.

A MoP asked what could be done about abandoned cars; the Police had affixed a notice to one – this is so that they don’t get multiple reports. There was some discussion about what can be done about abandoned vehicles on private land, it was recognised that the Police would check the last registered owner and contact them.

Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and signed off.

Matters Arising

• Wind Farms: Representatives from Galileo who are proposing the Craighead Wind farm attended the meeting and provided an update on their plans. The number of turbines has been reduced from 12 to 10 but they will still be the same height – up to 200m. The combined output will still be over 50MW so a Section 36 Application will be made to the Scottish Government, probably in Spring 2024 – but may change. The actual build is likely to be about five years away. Landscape topography, viewpoint photos, bird surveys, archaeological walk over and peat probing are done. Ecological studies are almost complete. Noise assessment is in progress this month. All studies are expected to be complete by October 2023.

A Community Wealth Fund of £5k/MW i.e. £300k/year is proposed to be created. Since the majority of the site is in the Fossoway CC area, this CC and its constituents will provide the major input on how the monies would be distributed. Galileo have put forward the following ideas for discussion: A £100k construction period disruption fund; sums to discount electricity costs for properties within 5km from the turbines – this would cover over 600 properties. Payments per year would be on a sliding scale based on distance: 1.5km - £1.4k; 2km - £1.2k; 2.5km - £1k; 3km - £800; 3.5km - £600; 4km - £400 and 5km - £200. The 3km band would cover most of Carnbo and the total payments would be £200k/year. There is still plenty of time to modify these proposals before the site is completed. The CC needs input from the public on what is best for Fossoway so we can present that.

There will also be an offer of purchasing up to 10% ownership of the scheme although details can’t be defined until final design done.

Further consultation events will take place at Carnbo Village Hall on 28^th August between 3:30 and 7:30 pm and at Dunning Village Hall on 31^st August at the same time. There will probably be further events in October.

A MoP asked about the access route for construction – the plan is to use the existing track that leaves the main road between the Village hall and the village itself. Galileo agreed to produce a detailed map of the proposed route at the August events. A MoP asked why such big turbines are proposed – Because all manufacturers are in Europe and they only make big machines. Galileo are intending to apply for a 40 year lifetime as warranties are longer due to technology improvements.

Mike Barnacle pointed out that the 2005 application at Mellock Hill was refused on public enquiry, and asked if it would be better to create more offshore turbines than industrialise the landscape? Galileo replied that National policy has now changed in favour of energy policy at the expense of everything else.

The CC has received an invitation to attend a closed meeting with other CCs to discuss and decide on a joint response, and a similar invitation to a meeting organised by Friends of the Ochils also looking to formulate a joint response. Mike Barnacle explained that the latter meeting has a focus on changing Local and Government policy rather than individual schemes.

Representatives from the proposed Brunthill Windfarm will be attending the Sept CC meeting.

• Community Development Trust: Mike Barnacle reported that the on the future of Blairingone School was in favour of an Asset Transfer, initially a (peppercorn) lease and ultimately a purchase; an application has been submitted and a business plan is being prepared. Cllr Robertson asked if there was an identified use for Blairingone School. A MoP asked if someone would be living in the house – They would if a deal was done and any tenant would pay rent to the CDT.

Formal legal status of the Trust has been achieved and a bank account is being opened.

• Local Place Plans: The final face-to-face event was held on 11^th June in Moubray Hall, Powmill and was well attended. Information gathering is now complete and early findings will be presented at the Fossoway Gathering where the CDT will have a stall. A final report and any other relevant data will be provided to the CC and CDT by PKC before the end of September. The next phase is Finding Solutions (September – October) which will lead into creating the Local Place Plan.
• Road Safety in FDCC Area (Including A977 Mitigation and Carnbo): All residents in Crook of Devon have received a letter regarding the installation of traffic lights on the A977 at School Road starting on the 7^th August for a period of four weeks. Temporary traffic lights will be used over this period. This is part of the agreed A977 mitigation strategy. A new footpath will be created to join up with the new lights. Mike Barnacle asked whether the path was going in front of or behind the War Memorial, in the context of a possible future path behind the hall, but no-one was sure of the detailed plans. A MoP asked if both sets of lights are staying and will they be linked – they will both remain for now, but it’s not normal to link them.

Carnbo Speed Limits: Lots of TROs for several areas were combined in one batch and as some have been objected to, they all have to wait until the meeting in September to be approved; thereby delaying Carnbo’s even further. A MoP noted that a new notice has appeared in Carnbo stating that the Covid measures created a temporary 30mph limit which will now be made permanent. This is news to local residents!! Cllr Robertson said it must be wrong and Cllr Freshwater will ask about it. Cllr Cuthbert agreed to request an update from Road Safety.

• Fossoway Area Transport incl. Transport group: There is a new scheme to provide grant funding for consortia (including Community Transport Groups) to fund the acquisition of Net-Zero vehicles. Glenfarg CC have experience of this type of scheme.

New Business

• Footpaths: There has been a request from local residents to maintain the footpath between Drum and Aldie Road – work has recently been done by Rhoderick Moncreiff. A local Core Paths group needs to be setup for Fossoway, and there is some interest from Drum residents. Cllr Robertson visited Crook of Devon and assessed the footway that has been the topic of complaints. Images were taken and reported to PKC showing overhanging trees and tree roots now pushing up the surface which is not good for prams, wheelchairs etc. The relevant landowner has been advised of his responsibility and he has given assurances it will be addressed. Cllr Robertson also advised with root damage to surface these trees would be at risk of having to be felled which he was in agreement with. MoP asked about path between Rumbling Bridge car park and the Nursing Home – Cllr Robertson will take some pictures and report it.

Drum residents have asked for a path along B9097.

• Bus Service: CCllr Lamb reported that the 202 service had been taken over by Stagecoach and the quality of the service has deteriorated dramatically with multiple breakdowns and late arrivals. PKC’s Margaret Roy has been informed and agreed to contact Stagecoach – who promised to improve things. This is very disappointing as the service was beginning to gain momentum with users. One good thing is that the buses now have tracking equipment.
• Fossoway Gathering: The Gathering will be held on Saturday 2^nd Sept. The Committee is looking for volunteers to help set up – one or two hours.
• Local Area Committee: The next Local area committee - meeting is on Wednesday 2^nd August. The intention is to discuss and review the committee’s remit and what future topics and issues would be dealt with.
• Fly Tipping: CCllr Duffy noted an instance of fly-tipping on the unmarked road between the B9097 and the A977 in the wooded area near the B9097. This had been reported to PKC who responded that it was on private ground and hence was the responsibility of the landowner.
• Alessia Palmieri: Congratulations to Alessia, of Fossoway Tennis Club, who has won Development Coach of the year at the 2023 LTA Tennis Awards, thereby putting Fossoway on the tennis map. Mike Barnacle reported that the tennis club would like to expand by leasing Waulkmill Park; however they are struggling to get any movement from PKC’s Greenspace department.
• Warm Welcome Fund: This fund (previously known as the Cost of Living Community Fund) provides monies for organisations to create events enabling local residents to meet in a warm environment. There’s a new process for applications and PKC has issued an Invitation to attend a workshop covering Kinross-shire on 22^nd August from 6 to 8pm at the Loch Leven Community Campus. Questions to Karen Evans, Locality Team Leader at CLD@pkc.gov.uk.

Matters arising with no update since last meeting:** None.

Consultations

PKC Consultations

The Developer Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Guidance

FDCC intends to submit the following comments on 3^rd August: The CC supports the change of splitting contributions and affordable housing into two sections and annual review of rates. The CC is disappointed that that a more innovative alternative has not been considered to develop affordable housing in rural locations.

Consultation on introducing a Short-Term Let Control Area for parts of Perth and Kinross to help address these impacts and pressures Fossoway is not included in the communities covered so the CC will not make any comment.

Review of Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils

Deadline is 25^th August – The CC will prepare a response.

Scottish Government Consultations

Scottish Gov planning guidance on Local Living and 20-Minute Neighbourhoods.

Fossoway and District Community Council has submitted the following comments: We welcome the recognition that rural communities like us will find it challenging to meet the 20 min neighbourhood proposal. We suggest that cross local authority planning of local transport is encouraged, and encourage the development of local rural hubs where mobile services come to us. We welcome the idea of supporting the growth of local businesses for local employment and would encourage Scottish Ministers when reviewing new LDPs insist that this is included to ensure the future sustainability of our rural communities.

New National Parks - nomination process and draft appraisal framework: consultation Consultation closes on 4^th August 2023. The framework for the nomination and designation of a new National Park in Scotland is comprehensive. Nominations for new National Parks opened on 11^th May 2023 and will close on 11^th Oct 2023. Registration of a note of interest can be made by emailing NationalParks@gov.scot

Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance: consultation

This consultation is about the new approach to local development planning forming part of the Government’s work on reform of the planning system and implementation of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. Closes 13^th September.

Energy Performance Certificate Reform Consultation

Sets out the Scottish Government’s final proposals for Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform. Closes 16^th October

Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland’s homes: consultation

Sets out proposed updates to Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide and to building standards and guidance. Closes 19^th October

Mandatory training on planning for elected members

Elected members have a crucial role in the decision-making process within the planning system it is vital that adequate training helps them make decisions that are robust and sound. Closes 26^th October

Community Council Business

• New Members: The CC co-opted Tony Lamb – Proposed: CCllr Duffy; Seconded: CCllr Bruce-Jones. The CC also confirmed the co-option of Angus Cheape. The CC is still looking for new members in particular anyone who is interested in managing our social media and taking the minutes!
• Meetings Attended: None this month.

P&K Councillors’ Reports

Dave Cuthbert: There’s a reorganisation of PKC from the top - two new Executive Directors are to be appointed.

Neil Freshwater and Willie Robertson: Nothing not already covered above.

Planning matters

DPEA Appeal

21/02133/AML, PPA-340-2151 https://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?ID=122826 No decision yet.

Planning Applications

23/00606/FLL Formation of vehicular access at 11 Waulkmill, Crook of Devon, Kinross KY13 0UJ. No CC Comment

23/00938/FLL Change of use of agricultural land to form extension to garden ground, extension to driveway and associated works (in part retrospect) at Wellpark, Powmill, Dollar FK14 7NP. No CC comment.

23/00925/FLL Erection of a replacement dwelling house at Tethyknowe House, Blairingone, Dollar FK14 7ND. No CC comment

23/01166/FLL Extensions to dwelling house, erection of porch and formation of raised decking at Ivybank, Drum, Kinross KY13 0UN. No CC Comment

23/01213/FLL Siting of temporary accommodation unit and erection of carport/store (in retrospect) at Land 245 metres south-east of Craigton House, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross KY13 0QF. CC will make neutral comment asking if building is to be temporary or not

Planning Decisions

23/00191/FLL Change of use of stables to form service building, siting of 3 holiday accommodation units, formation of parking, hardstanding and associated works at land 60 metres north-west of Hillfoot Farm, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross KY13 0QF. The application was approved; the CC had made a neutral comment raising a concern that the access road was single track with no passing places

23/00471/FLL Change of use of agricultural land to form extension to garden ground and erection of a replacement dwelling house  at Westfield of Dalqueich Farm Cottage, Carnbo, Kinross KY13 0NT. The application was approved; the CC had made no comment

23/00606/FLL Formation of vehicular access at 11 Waulkmill, Crook of Devon, Kinross KY13 0UJ. The application was approved; the CC had made no comment

23/00701/FLL Alterations and extension to dwelling house at Briglands Lodge, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross KY13 0PS. The application was approved; the CC had made no comment

LRB Decisions

22/01722/FLL Land 170 metres north-west of Barnhill Farm, Powmill. Refusal of planning application was upheld as it contravenes Policy 8 since there is no business case

AOCB: Mike Barnacle congratulated Cllr Cuthbert on bringing the Kinross-shire Local Committee to life; Should Kinross-shire have a flag?

Any news about getting a banking hub? Cllr Marchant will investigate what‘s happening at the hub in Carnoustie.

Draft Agenda for Next CC Meeting: Declarations of Interest,** Community Policing, Minutes of last meeting. Matters arising: Community Development Trust, Fossoway Area Transport, A977 Mitigation, Crook Moss, Carnbo Speeding, Speedwatch, Community Council Business, PKC Councillors’ Reports, Planning, Correspondence, AOCB

The CC’s Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/fossoway N.B. anyone can access the content on this page, and it is only necessary to have a Facebook account if you wish to post comments

Next Meeting: Tuesday 5^th September 7:30pm Carnbo Village Hall

All are welcome!

Schedule of Future Meetings:

Tuesday 3^rd October 2023 Crook of Devon Village Hall (AGM)

Tuesday 7^th November 2023 Powmill Moubray Hall

Tuesday 5^th December 2023 Carnbo Village Hall

Tuesday 2^nd January 2024 Powmill Moubray Hall

Tuesday 6^th February 2024 Crook of Devon Village Hall

Tuesday 5^th March 2024 Carnbo Village Hall

Tuesday 2^nd April 2024 Powmill Moubray Hall

Tuesday 7^th May 2024 Crook of Devon Village Hall

Tuesday 4^th June 2024 Carnbo Village Hall

No Meeting in July

Correspondence June and July 2023