News & Minutes

Community Council Minutes - February 2025

Draft Minutes of Fossoway & District Community Council Meeting

Tuesday 4th February 2025 – 7.30pm, Carnbo Village Hall

Attending: Community Councillors (CCllrs) Sarah Bruce-Jones (Chair), Adrian Carter, Tony Lamb and Nicola Marchant; Associate CCllr Carol Farquhar; Perth & Kinross Councillor Richard Watters; 12 members of the public (MoP).

Apologies: CCllrs** Angus Cheape, Graham Pye and Kaye Williamson; PKC Cllrs Dave Cuthbert, Neil Freshwater and William Robertson; PC Ben Samson.

Declarations of Interest: None

1. Community Police Report:

From 7th January 2025 (last report) there have been approximately 34 calls to Police from the Fossoway area and five crimes recorded on Police systems (four of these are road traffic tickets / reports). On 28th January a motorist failed to stop after a RTC (A823 Rumbling Bridge) colliding with perimeter wall damaging same and a Defibrillator. This is subject to a live investigation. Police have asked for information to be forwarded to them.

On 17th January roads policing officers were on mobile patrol in the area when they stopped a vehicle on the A977 at Crook of Devon. The vehicle was found to have defective tyres and the driver was issued with a conditional offer (ticket) for this. On 23rd January roads policing officers were on mobile patrol in the area when they stopped a vehicle on the A977 at Crook of Devon. The vehicle was found to have no MOT and the driver was issued with a conditional offer (ticket) for this; They also stopped a vehicle on the A977 at Rumbling Bridge - the driver was found to be driving alone on a provisional licence and the vehicle to have no insurance. The driver was reported to the Procurator Fiscal regarding this.

A MoP noted that someone came to their door in Rumbling Bridge, late at night, asking where Seamab school was, so they directed them to the campus. Later on, they were concerned that maybe they shouldn’t have informed the enquirer of a location where there are vulnerable children. The CC agreed to seek advice from Police.

2. Approval of minutes of the last meeting:

The Minutes of the 7th of January meeting were approved without change and signed off.

3. Progress & matters arising:

Windfarms

There is no update on the planning applications for the two wind farms in the Ochils.

CCllrs Bruce-Jones and Marchant attended the SG meeting where a revised Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) between the CCs was signed. It was also agreed that the proposed MoU with Galileo should not be signed at this time. Further research is required on current Community Benefit. The SG is considering setting up a charity in the future to negotiate and administer any community benefit funds. Again, it was agreed that all options should be considered before taking this step. The SG also agreed to make a joint response on the Scottish Government Community Benefit guidance in addition to each CC submitting their own response.

LPP Review and Discussion

The latest version of the Local Place Plan (LPP) maps showing community views on areas for housing and business development along with nature networks, corridors and assets, both buildings and rural areas is available on the Trust website https://fossowaytrust.com/news/local-place-plan/ for a 28day period of consultation. The final version will be discussed and approved at the next CC meeting.

A MoP contacted this CC regarding the condition of the lade in Crook of Devon and the need to revive this asset. The CC responded that this has been included in the LPP.

Community Development Trust (CDT)

The next meeting of the Trust will be on the 18th February at 7pm in Moubray Village Hall. It is anticipated that a decision will be made regarding the Community Asset Transfer of the former Blairingone School.

Road Safety in FDCC area including A977 mitigation measures

A977 Mitigation Measures No update awaiting review by PKC of the effectiveness of measures already in place. A MoP had raised concerns regarding the state of the road at the Drum crossroad traffic lights. The CC advised them that all potholes should be reported to PKC using the MyPKC report a road fault (https://my.pkc.gov.uk/) or phone PKC on 01738 475000.

A91 Road Safety No updates.

Pavement Parking Ban Came into force on 6th January. There are some additional streets that are being considered for exemptions, but there are none in our district.

Road Improvement Projects PKC’s list of prioritised projects can be found on https://www.pkc.gov.uk/roadsafety

20mph Limits No update

Corb Bridge Culvert (on the B934 in Dunning Glen) Will be closed for nine weeks from 2nd June 2025 for bridge strengthening works.

U221 Gelvan Moor Road In order to permit SSEN works the road will be closed from 20th March for four weeks from its junction with the A977 to the junction with the private access to the property known as Bankhead Farm. The alternative route for vehicles is via the A977, U222 and A91.

M90 J3 Amey is undertaking VRS upgrades on the M90 centre reserve between the B996 overbridge and J7 until 28th March. Work will take place Sunday to Thursday each night between 7.30pm and 6.30am. There will be a full closure of the M90 northbound from 2nd to 6th February, 2nd to 6th March and 23rd to 27th March.

Fossoway area transport

23 Bus Service** The new timetable with the bus going onto Sterling Mills Outlet in Tillicoultry is proving popular. The drivers have their comfort break at Tillicoultry and therefore there is now no 15minute comfort break at Sainsburys and the bus continues onwards to Perth providing a seamless service.

Community Transport Project We are waiting for notification of successful bids for PKC’s ex-minibus. If the CDT is unsuccessful, they will then consider purchase of a bus. There are currently two drivers in training and three additional volunteers. Glenfarg currently has 16 volunteers. The CC is indebted to Glenfarg Community Transport Group.

Seamab School Construction Work

MoPs raised concern regarding safety of the children and contaminated run off water which is pouring into neighbouring grazing fields and farm. CC advised that MoPs contact SEPA, Health and Safety Executive in Edinburgh and PKC Safer Communities and copy the CC. If they have no response, then the CC can follow up with the organisations.

Moubray Hall

The new Hall Association has been very active, cleaning the Hall windows and engaging with PKC planning regarding maintenance of the Cat C listed building.

Community Noticeboards

CCllr Bruce-Jones is seeking quotes for replacement community noticeboards and a new noticeboard outside of Moubray Hall. Once quotes are received the CC will seek funding from the Hydro funds and also seek funds for the Rumbling Bridge defibrillator. A request will be made to the Active Dollar foot and cycle path mapping project to add the location of defibrillators. A MoP in Rumbling Bridge has offered to reach out to the local community to see if a handyman is willing to volunteer to repair their noticeboard.

Crook Moss Travellers Site

PKC have confirmed that they are investigating the issue of waste and rubbish at the Crook Moss traveller site under case number FS-Case-678801459. Having visited the site, they are just working on a response from the relevant person.

Rumbling Bridge Community Fund

To date we have received no expressions of interest in being on the Board

Fossoway Community Benefit Hydro Fund

To date we have received no registration of interest in helping to run the fund. Volunteers are needed to review and make decisions on applications.

British Science Association Award

The CC has received an award of £500 to run a lecture/workshop during British Science Week (7th to 13th March 2025) and we have identified two speakers. The topics will be new green energy technology and how to make older homes more energy efficient. Food and drink will be provided.

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

5. New Business:

Lodge Development at the Old Devonshaw Quarry CCllr Lamb has been in touch with the developers who are still working on conditions of the planning application and are not proposing starting work before Summer 2025. CCllrs Bruce-Jones and Marchant attended a Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy meeting, and were surprised to discover that the PKC officers were unaware of the Lodge Development.

Housing development in Powmill on the Former Gartwhinzean Hotel Site PKC planning has confirmed with CCllr Marchant that a final planning decision will not be made until sign off of the Section 75 condition, which must be on or before 9th February.

6. Consultations:

PKC

  • Revitalising home survey – PKC intends to create a knowledge hub on retrofitting your home. This is linked from the CC’s Facebook page. Closes 14th February

Scottish Government

7. Community Council Business:

Meetings Attended

CCllrs Bruce-Jones and Marchant attended the PKC Travel and Tourism Strategy meeting on 22nd January.

CCllrs Bruce-Jones and Marchant attended the Sustainability Group meeting on 23rd January.

CCllr Bruce-Jones attended ELN workshop on shared ownership on 28th January.

CCllrs Bruce-Jones and Marchant attended a meeting on Revitalising Homes in Kinross on 29th January.

8. PKC Business – Councillors reports:

Cllr Watters noted that the Kinross-shire Committee meeting is on 20th February and that the following items are proposed for the agenda:

·        An update on the tourism levy which is going to PKC Committee on 5th February. It is not anticipated that the levy would be in place until 2027 due to the lengthy approval process. A MoP asked if the levy would be the same for all. Cllr Watters noted that the use of the monies raised would be open for consultation.

·        The Grow Wild project will be expanded into Kinross-shire subject to the outcome of the budget. CCllr Marchant requested that the Grow Wild project be made aware of the Fossoway LPP. Due to raise this as part of a briefing this afternoon.

·        Development session for Kinross-shire committee members. Officers have agreed to present their recommendation for any wind farm to the Kinross-shire Committee before it goes to Planning Committee.

  • PKC will be working in partnership with operators on EV charging infrastructure. Again, CC noted that this is also included in our LPP.
  • There is currently no provision for children through ISP units in Kinross-shire (Intensive Support Provision). The intention is to have one rolled out for secondary aged children this year and in subsequent years locating a suitable Primary school that will accommodate an ISP for Primary aged children.
  • PKC is still going through an intensive budget process, with additional pressure on the council due to the increase in employer national insurance contributions, meaning the council needs to cover 40% of the increase, around £2.5 million. 

9. Planning Matters:

Planning Applications

25/00042/FLL Renewal of permission21/00719/FLL (alterations and extension to dwellinghouse) at Newhall Farm Solsgirth) The CC had made no comment on 21/00719/FLL and therefore will make no comment on 25/00042/FLL either.

Planning Decisions

24/01781/FLL Extension to garage to form ancillary accommodation unit at Half Moon Barn, Solsgirth, Dollar, FK14 7NB. The Application was approved, the CC had objected on the grounds that the accommodation was a separate house. A condition was added to ensure that.

24/01786/FLL Extension to dwellinghouse and formation of replacement balcony at Sannox House, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross, KY13 0PX. The Application was approved the CC had made no comment.

10. AOCB.

  • The A91 was closed following the recent storm and the diversion was through Rumbling Bridge. Several drivers from Carnbo noted that there is extremely poor line of sight across the bridge. CC noted that we have requested bushes to be cut back by PKC, who have in the past maintained it. CC will write to PKC again.
  • MoP asked would the Kinross-shire committee be more efficient than our local CC interacting with PKC. The Kinross-shire Committee is a formal PKC committee but does not replace the CC. CCllr Bruce-Jones said that each Kinross-shire CC has a seat on the Committee and can directly raise concerns with our ward councillors.

Next CC Meeting 4th March 2025 7.30pm

Moubray Village Hall

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