News & Minutes
Draft Minutes for Fossoway and District Community Council (FDCC) meeting
Tuesday 5th September 2023 Carnbo Village Hall
Attending: Community Councillors (CCllrs) Trudy Duffy (Chair) Sarah Bruce-Jones, Angus Cheape, Nicola Marchant and Tony Lamb; Assoc CCllr Carol Farquar; Perth & Kinross Councillors Dave Cuthbert, Neil Freshwater and Richard Watters; 19 members of the public (MoP); Police Scotland – Constables Samson and Craig
Apologies: CCllr Graham Pye; Cllr William Robertson
Declarations of interest: None
Police report: From 1st August 2023 (last meeting) there have been 67 calls to Police from the Fossoway area and five crimes recorded on Police systems. Between 7th and 8th August there was a theft of car registration plates in Crook of Devon and on the 9th August as robbery on A823 near Powmill. Both are subject to live investigations.
Over the last month local officers from Kinross have been carrying out speed checks across the Kinross area. This included checks in Crook of Devon. On 20/08/2023 Traffic officers were carrying out speed checks at Junction 5 on the M90 whereby one vehicle was stopped for speeding and the driver charged accordingly. Police Scotland stated that any crimes that are reported to them are investigated to the best of their ability.
MoP Questions and Answers
Q – People on horseback have irreversibly damaged crops in fields – how can this be stopped?
A – Police Scotland to follow up with MoP.
Q - Concerns were raised over speeding of HGVs on A977 & A91 and vehicles following Knockhill events on A823 and A977; Vehicles failing to stop at red traffic lights in Powmill at night.
A – Police Scotland will inform Traffic division but advised that traffic concerns can be reported via TaysideKinross-shireCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk or https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/
Q- CCllr asked if recent accident in Powmill was traffic related?
A – No
Q – Concern that traffic lights in Powmill are not visible when travelling West on A977
A – This should be reported to PKC via traffic and travel road condition page on PKC website
Q – Where should I report strange vans seen on farm tracks and roads?
A – Phone 101
Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and signed off with the following amendment from Mike Barnacle -It is the CDT that would like to lease Waukmill Park
Matters Arising:
Brunthill Wind Farm
Two representatives from E-power (Alan MacIntyre) and Pagoda (Keith Geddes) who are proposing the Brunthill Wind farm attended the meeting and provided an update on their plans. 18 turbines (185m) are proposed in an area that is designated group 3 which is defined as a potential development area for wind farms. Site is intended to be operational in 2030 to help meet Scotland’s net zero target. Ecology and other surveys started in 2020. Background noise assessments will be conducted. Planning application will include socioeconomic benefits which with a 35yr life could equate to £22.5million. Also propose to increase biodiversity. Aim for planning submission Nov 2023 with PKC committee Q2 2024 with Scottish Ministers’ decision anticipated Q2 2025 or if an appeal is required then 2026.
MoP Questions and Answers
Q – What is length of blade to be transported?
A - 80m. Use of night transport will be decided by Police & PKC. Number of lorry visits to site not yet decided.
Q – Can you acquire and use shorter turbines?
A – Can do now but will not able to in future when build commences
Q- What will be the impact on migratory birds?
A - Ornithologists have been on site for 2 yrs. monitoring flight paths.
Q – Where is generated power going?
A- The windfarm is being built to support Scotland’s Net zero 2030 target. Energy will go onto National Grid.
Q – Is the conflict between NPF4 and PKC policy on renewable energy an issue?
A- Developer is aware of conflict.
CCllr Duffy requested that the Developer engage directly with the Carnbo community.
Windfarm Joint Meeting with other CCs
CCllr Bruce-Jones attended a closed meeting with other CCs on 10th August to discuss and decide on a joint response. The aim was to discuss what the CCs should and could do together in relation to the proposed windfarm projects at Craighead Farm and Brunthill, both of which will directly impact our communities.
Whilst there was no decision that CCs approved or disapproved of these projects it was emphasised that it was important that there was a consistent approach, that our responses should ensure that the needs of the communities were paramount and that there was a need to plan ahead so that we can negotiate with developers.
If these projects do go ahead and given NPF4 and the Scottish Government strategy it is looking increasingly likely, it is important that we consult on mitigation measures and that any community benefit money stays within the community. Examples cited included use of renewables funding in Glenfarg for the Community Bus service. Other ideas included ensuring that community funds could be used to support sustainability projects such as home or public building insulation, charging stations, employing a Bid Writer to help with funding applications. Need to be inventive and set strategic goals with what could be considerable sums.
Agreed that we needed to establish exactly what PKC strategy was in relation to windfarms as they will be Statutory Consultees and what plans they have for our communities. Suggested the need to establish either a Community Action Group or Community Development Plans that could make full use of funding.
If a group is established, it would have to be properly constituted and include elected Community Councillors to ensure accountability and transparency.
Some of those present will attend the CARES – Community and Renewable Energy Scheme Conference on 19th September and will report back at the next meeting on Thursday 28th September.
Please take the opportunity as individuals to submit your thoughts and opinions with the individual projects during this period of Public Consultation and also submit any opinions to CC.
MoP Questions and Answers
Q Concern raised that in other industries the community benefit fund did not materialise. How can we avoid this?
A CC understands that this is a legislative requirement.
The CC has received a similar invitation to a meeting organised by Friends of the Ochils also looking to formulate a joint response.
Community Development Trust: Mike Barnacle reported that there are now 45 members. Bank account is being actioned and then the CDT will join DTAS. The CDT will work with DTAS to seek funding to create a professional local place plan. Currently preparing business case for lease of Blairingone School.
Local Place Plans: CCllr Marchant reported a summary of the early findings from the Big Place Conversations which were presented at the Fossoway Gathering. The CC will receive a formal report from PKC end of September.
Road Safety in FDCC Area (Including A977 Mitigation and Carnbo):
CCllr Bruce-Jones reported the following:
A977 Mitigation Signalisation at School Road Junction is underway and due to be completed this month. Following representations from this CC, PKC have raised the issue of temporary traffic control lights not working fully and requested that the contractor remains on site between 8.00am and 6.00pm. If any issues outwith these times, then could they be reported to 01738 476476, the out of hours roads emergency number and this will ensure it is dealt with as quickly as possible.
Signage warning of lights is already in place for traffic heading west which will remain and for east bound traffic new signage will be placed at the corner of the village hall to give advance warning to drivers coming around the bend.
Drum Signalisation is due to commence in October. There are still details regarding design to be finalised and we have requested sight of final plans. We have contributed requests from residents including maintaining pavement and pedestrian access, safe route to school and speed reduction to 30mph.
Carnbo We have received the following from PKC.
As advised at the Kinross-shire Local Committee meeting on 24th August 2023 the delivery of the Carnbo 30mph speed limit is at an advanced stage. There had been some delays as a result of an objection to a proposed 30mph speed limit at another location in the Perth & Kinross area. However, on advice from our Legal colleagues we have been able to proceed with those 12 locations where no objections had been received.
The legalities of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) are almost complete and with our Legal colleagues to finalise. Last week Blair Watt met with our signing contractor (Tayside Contracts) to discuss the delivery of the 12 unopposed 30mph speed limits that are being installed throughout the Perth & Kinross area. Carnbo is one of two new speed limits amongst the 12 and as such we have asked that this be prioritised and for it to be one of the first 30mph speed limits to be installed. The contractor is working on the installation programme and as soon as we have this, we will advise you of the planned dates. It is our understanding that the signing works will commence at the end of this month and continue into October 2023.
MoP Questions and Answers
Q - Concern raised that new school road traffic lights may cause more accidents especially in Winter. Belief that new lights will be set red as in Blairingone and that this could lead to more cars idling and pollution. Is this correct?
A – A977 mitigation was consulted on with community and aims to reduce speed of traffic and volume of HGVs. CC understands that new traffic lights will be set to green and warning signs will be placed in village. Cllr Watters will confirm.
Fossoway Area Transport incl. Transport group and Bus service: CCllr Lamb reported that he monitors the 202 bus and has reported that it is not reliable mainly due to condition of the buses used on the route. PKC concur with this, and Margaret Roy has met with Stagecoach to discuss this. One solution that they have proposed is to put on larger single decker buses but that would require amendments to the route. The CC does not see that this is an acceptable solution. CCllr Lamb is going to meet with Glenfarg Community Bus group to discuss their operation.
MoP Questions and Answers
Q – Failure of 202 bus has caused MoP to miss two doctors’ appointments and be stranded in Kinross. What is being done to improve reliability and why doesn’t service extend to Loch Leven Campus?
A – CCllr Lamb is discussing reliability and route with PKC. Noted that Stagecoach tracking app is now more reliable. Tendering of contract occurs annually so may not be able to alter route until then. CCllr Duffy noted residents still have access to DRT although it is limited.
Fossoway Gathering: CCllr Duffy reported it was a very successful day.
Local Area Committee:
Workshop 2nd August 2023 Afternoon session for all Committee Members i.e., four elected Ward Councillors (voting), representatives of six CCs (non-Voting) and PKC Officers. A very useful session where we reviewed the background and aims of the Committee, discussed, and agreed practical arrangements for the future and did SWAT analysis. This in particular enabled us to see what worked, what didn’t, how it could be expanded and what risks it faced.
We reviewed the findings of the ICONIC Evaluation Report on the Pilot Scheme and an opportunity to set a clear course of action for the future.
It was agreed that structure remain as Scheme of Administration so that only Ward Councillors and CCs would be members, with only Ward Councillors having voting rights. CCs would have advisory / consultative role. This ensured that it remained a Decision-Making Committee not just advisory.
Name change to Kinross-shire Committee agreed to ensure consistency and it will meet quarterly with CCs encouraged to submit agenda items to the Committee via PKC secretariat.
Meeting 24th August 2023 An update on Road Safety Measures in the area was received.
Blairingone former School and Community asset transfer. Business case is being developed by CDT.
Winter Maintenance Programme clearer idea of priorities, availability of a push pavement sweeper for community use by volunteers – we just have to ask, importance of providing feedback to PKC team to ensure our local priorities particularly in the shire villages are dealt with. Requested that new roads and pavements be included in this year’s schedule, importance of school access roads being cleared particularly as often on side roads that are not on the priority list. CCs to provide priorities for villages. Push Along Footway Gritters are also available from PKC for community volunteers to use: PKC_RMP@pkc.gov.uk
Recommendation that CCs add an item to their own agendas to have input for future KC Agenda items.
Kinross-shire Committee is no longer just a pilot scheme and Council have voted for its continuance.
Matters arising with no update since last meeting:** None.
Consultations
PKC Consultations
Review of Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils Response from CC was submitted.
Tayside and Central Scotland (TacTran) Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) is a partnership plan identifying the strategic transport priorities for the Angus, Dundee City, Perth & Kinross, and Stirling Council areas. The CC welcomes the strategy especially the focus on working across local authorities and focus on rural transport but believes that the strategy could be improved by considering alternatives to public transport and the use of more positive language. Closes 27th October 2023.
Scottish Government Consultations
Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance A consultation 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. The CC supports this guidance and has recently partnered with PKC in use of the toolkit. Closes 13th September.
Mandatory training on planning for elected members Elected members have a crucial role in the decision-making process within the planning system, so it is vital that adequate training helps them make decisions that are robust and sound. Closes 26th October.
Community Council Business
Meetings Attended: CCllr Cheape attended the Kinross Fund meeting on 4th September, two applications were considered, the
Kinross Open Spaces Action Group was seeking a grant of £2,000. General principle supported but due to an inadequate business plan the decision was deferred until December meeting. Kinross After School Club were considered to be a dood cause and their requested grant of £3000 was awarded.
CCllr Duffy announced that she is resigning from the CC in October and that this is the last meeting she will be attending. CCllr Duffy will be coming to our Nov meeting so that we can formally thank her for her 16 years of service.
P&K Councillors’ Reports – None this month.
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
23/01224/FLL (previously23/00259/FLL) Erection of 29 dwelling houses and associated works (phase 1 - allocated site H53) at Land 80 metres northwest of Huize Baahock, Powmill, Dollar FK14 7NW.
The revised application now includes flood risk assessment; drainage assessment; replanting of trees and shrubs report and an impact on transport report which addresses some of our previous concerns.
Neutral Comments discussed and agreed on Revised Application.
Planning Decisions - None
AOCB: Mike Barnacle reported that Drummond Park Road adoption scheme has now been completed.
MoP Questions and Answers
Q – Can brown bin collection cover all of Carnbo?
A – Cllr Freshwater will look into this
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 & AGM: Tuesday 3rd October 7:30pm Crook of Devon Village Hall
All are welcome!
Correspondence August 2023