Proceedings of the Virtual Meeting of
Fossoway and District Community Council
3rd August 2021

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 fossoway.cc@gmail.com or via the CC’s Facebook page, which we will answer in our next meeting, be it virtual or physical, on Tuesday 7th September 2021.

Contributing: Community Councillors Sarah Bruce-Jones, Angus Cheape, Trudy Duffy, Carol Farquhar, Carole Haigh, Michael Haigh, Nicola Marchant and Graham Pye; P&K Councillors Michael Barnacle, Callum Purves, Willie Robertson and Richard Watters.
Apologies: PC Ashley Mitchinson.

We were sad to hear that Rob Young, who served on the Community Council until recently, passed away on the 16th of June. He was a good colleague; we wish his family all the best in this difficult time.

Declarations of Interest: None.
Police report: There were two incidents to note in our area since the last CC Meeting from the Commander’s Reports received via Perth and Kinross Community Watch: Overnight on Wednesday 26th May, an orange Stihl Saw was stolen from a white Ford Transit parked in Gartwhinzean Feus, Powmill; Between 3am and 4:30am on Friday 4th June, Fossoway Stores and Post Office was broken in to.
Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes of the March 2020 meeting (the last face to face 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
A977 Mitigation: Cllr Barnacle contacted Darren McKeown, PKC on 16th July about why the gateway signs into villages were not 20mph, and also what was happening about the junction works. Cllrs Purves and Robertson had also asked about the 20mph signs and had been assured that they would be changed to 20mph when the speed limit is introduced. CCllr Bruce-Jones has been contacted by Drum residents who are asking about getting additional traffic calming measures – speed bumps, rumble strips, chicanes, model policemen, etc. Cllr Bruce-Jones asked Cllr Purves if there was going to be a pilot scheme of such measures; Cllr Purves has been talking to the Road Safety Team and they want indication of local support. Cllr Robertson said that “Police Models” are available from the council for about £50 and the council wouldn’t object to them being installed as long as they don’t block the pavement, etc. CCllr Bruce-Jones asked who would be responsible for the models, do they need to be taken in at night. All agreed that they needed to be moved to different places for maximum effect. Cllr Barnacle made the point that it was important to try the currently planned measures before installing speed bumps, which are not universally popular. CCllr Marchant asked if there was going to be countdown markers before the 30mph limit at Powmill – Cllr Purves had previously asked for this.

Bank of Scotland Closure: Cllr Purves and CCllr Marchant are continuing to have discussions with Bank of Scotland regarding providing additional community banking support. Cllr Purves visited the banking hub pilot in Cambuslang which focuses on providing access to cash and basic banking to the community – a different bank is present on each day of the week. BoS will trial a banking hub for one day a week for three months, once a suitable location has been identified. The UK Government’s HMRC has an “Access to Cash” paper out for consultation and Cllr Purves and CCllr Marchant will continue to pursue this.

Community Development Trust: Cllr Barnacle reported that three members of the original steering group have had to leave. The CDT will share a stall at the Fossoway Gathering with the Community Council. The event will be used to engage with the community and assess the interest in taking out a membership of the CDT.

Fossoway Gathering: CCllr Duffy said it is increasingly likely that the Fossoway Gathering will go ahead on 4th September unless the Covid19 regulations change dramatically. CCllr Duffy proposed that the CC should take a Stall at the Gathering, which was unanimously supported. The fee for a stall is £25. CCllr Duffy will prepare a draft of a handout describing the CC’s activities to be given to members of the public at the Gathering.
Fossoway and District Community Council Benefit Fund (a.k.a. Hydro Scheme Fund): CCllr Duffy reminded everyone that the fund is open for applications, but stressed that potential applicants must read all the conditions fully before applying.

Fossoway Area Transport/DRT:
CCllr M Haigh reported from the Transport Group as follows - It seems that currently only one bus is being used for the present X53 service between Stirling and Kinross, whereas another would be required in order to provide an extension of the itinerary to Halbeath and this was not possible within existing resources. There was anecdotal evidence that the current timetable was somewhat tight, notwithstanding the low usage of the bus away from the Hillfoot towns, and that this might encourage speeding by the drivers.
The existence of the DRT service seemed to be little recognised within the community but in any event there was only one driver offering this service at present, despite efforts to recruit others.
The group concurred with Cllr Barnacle’s view that there was not much the group could achieve, given the existing constraints, but felt it was important to keep it in existence, if only because it might be difficult to re-establish once decommissioned. On that basis the group agreed that it should aim to hold a further meeting towards the end of September.

Crook Moss Travellers Site: CCllr Farquhar reported that the paddock area has been cleared and she was delighted to see that the whole area has been tidied up. Cllr Barnacle stated that the improvements are partly as a result of pressure from the planning department. There is no movement on the turning circle at the end of the site. Cllr Barnacle suggested that the CC should continue to press for landscaping of the whole site, and any future planning applications should include such conditions.

Aldie Road Vegetation: Whilst the vegetation has been cut back the ditches are still full of mud and debris An email has been received from the owners of Hilton of Aldie regarding three blocked drains on Aldie Road which when it rains causes flooding in their garden. This has been repeatedly reported to PKC in the past, Cllr Robertson said that the drains have now been cleared. Cllr Barnacle has been told that the ditches will be cleared once the vegetation has died back, and machinery is available.

Drummond Park Fire Hydrant: CCllr C Haigh has discovered that responsibility for the Fire Service in our area comes from Dundee and she has contacted them.

Crook & Drum Growing Together: Powmill and Crook of Devon came jointly second in the Well Kept Village Competition. Most improved village was Powmill. Drum came jointly second with Maryburgh in the hamlet category. The CC wishes to congratulate both Powmill in Bloom as well as Crook and Drum Growing Together for their efforts, especially the work of Amanda James in driving this effort. The improvements in our environment since these groups came into existence are very noticeable.

Return to Physical CC Meetings: The CC has been advised by PKC that it is still not possible for meetings to be held inside school premises, and there has been no updated guidance about holding meetings. CCllr Bruce-Jones has contacted the various Community Halls, but currently it is only possible to make bookings if the CC takes full responsibility for all COVID precautions. Cllr Robertson’s view is that the CC should continue with virtual meetings as it’s unreasonable for the CC members to expend effort meeting COVID Rules. Cllr Watters suggested that things may change after August 9th when the Scottish Government updates the rules.

Devonshaw Whinstone Quarry: The CC has been contacted by a potential new owner of the quarry, and has put them in touch with the current owners, with their permission.

Matters Arising with no update since last meeting:
Rumbling Bridge Gorge Bridge, Blairingone War Memorial, Ivy Cottage Powmill, Crook of Devon Skate Park, and Cemetery Car Park Extension: No information at present.

New Business: None this month.

Community Council Business:
Minutes Secretary: CCllr Duffy will write to PKC with a budget request.

CCllr Marchant attended a meeting of Kinross-shire and Glenfarg stronger communities on 28th July where there were presentations from Tayside Hearing Voices and the Kinross Centre. The Kinross Centre is actively looking for volunteers especially anyone who could play some music for the visitors to the Centre. If anyone is interested please contact them at kinrossdaycentre@outlook.com

If the next meeting of this CC is still not allowed to be physical, we will be offering online attendance by members of the public. Anyone interested in “attending” should email the CC at fossoway.cc@gmail.com for details. Please see the CC’s Facebook page for the latest position.

P&K Councillors’ Reports:
Mike Barnacle: Portmoak CC recently appealed for affordable housing at a local site – it appears that in rural areas developers are being allowed by the Planning Department to make a financial contribution instead of building houses, but this money is spent centrally and not in rural areas. Cllr Watters noted that there could be some sign of this changing as there has recently been an application that has been asked for justification for not including affordable housing in their plans.
Refurbishment of the Blairingone Playpark is acceptable to the land owner; which means that Dave Stubbs of PKC Greenspace can go ahead with this project.
Cllr Barnacle had written to David Littlejohn about the lack of enforcement of planning conditions at Dollar Equestrian, but did not receive a reply – he sent a further reminder today.
Could Drum be designated a potentially vulnerable area for flooding with SEPA then there would be finance available to implement flooding measures – could the current flooding consultation produce this? CCllr Bruce-Jones was concerned that such designation might increase house insurance costs for residents. On the other hand, there is a substantial problem with inadequate drains and ditch clearing and residents want something to be done.
Richard Watters: The Community Investment Fund has £53k to distribute to local organisations. The CC need to nominate a member to take part in the application assessments.
Willie Robertson and Callum Purves: Nothing not already mentioned.

Planning:
As there was no meeting in July, the first seven items below were discussed amongst the CC Members by email in order to reach a decision before the closing date for comments.
New Applications:
21/00718/FLL Erection of a replacement shed at Easter Downiesdrum, Blairingone, Dollar, FK14 7LE. No CC comment.

21/00947/FLL Siting of four holiday accommodation units, formation of parking area, landscaping, and associated works at Land 70 metres south east of Coup Steps, Powmill. No CC comment.

21/00969/FLL Part change of use and alterations to stables to form events venue and installation of air source heat pump at Fossoway Stables, Fossoway, Kinross, KY13 0UP. No CC Comment.

21/01025/IPL Land 30 metres north west of Sunnyside, Drum. No CC Comment.

21/01012/FLL Change of use from agricultural land to form extension to garden ground at Meadow View, Fossoway, Kinross KY13 0UP. No CC Comment

21/01110/FLL Alterations and replacement extension to dwelling house and extension to raised decking at Calvay, Naemoor Road, Crook of Devon, Kinross KY13 0UH. No CC Comment

21/01120/FLL Internal alterations at Solsgirth House, Solsgirth, Dollar FK14 7NZ. No CC Comment.

21/01146/FLL Erection of a dwelling house and garage with home office at Land 30 Metres east of Vine
House, Solsgirth. The CC will make a Neutral Comment requesting that existing conditions be carried over.

21/01168/FLL Erection of garage/workshop/garden machinery store at Craigend House, Powmill, Kinross FK14 7N. No CC Comment.

21/01177/IPL Residential development (in principle) at Land 40 metres north west of Ladieshall, Vicar's Bridge Road, Blairingone. CC will object as contrary to LDP2.

21/01153/FLL Extension to dwelling house at Duanbrig, Naemoor Road, Crook of Devon, Kinross KY13 0UH. No CC Comment.

21/01164/FLL Erection of three dwelling houses, three garages and associated works at Land 30 metres north east of Rantrie Knowe, Drum. The CC will object due to the absence of a flood assessment, and concern that the ground has not been fully decontaminated after previous accident.

21/01188/FLL Extension to dwelling house and formation of raised terrace at Quarrylea, 10 Gartwhinzean Loan, Powmill, Dollar FK14 7LU. No CC Comment.

21/01190/FLL Alterations to vehicular access and formation of track at Dam Wood, Blairingone. CC will make a Neutral Comment as previous (withdrawn) application 21/00453/FLL and note that extraction is already taking place.

Appeals
21/00001/FLL S42 application to delete condition 6 (access upgrade) of permission 20/01319/FLL at Land 180 metres south west of Powmill Cottage, Rumbling Bridge. The CC Objected to this application and will make no further comment to the LRB.

Decided Applications:
21/00290/FLL Change of use of agricultural land to form extension to garden ground at Land 20 metres north of Drumgarland, Crook of Devon. The application was approved, the CC had not commented.

21/00374/FLL Extension to dwelling house at 7 Moubray, Crook of Devon, KY13 0UU. The application was approved, the CC had not commented.

21/00719/FLL Alterations and extension to dwelling house at Newhall Farm, Solsgirth, Dollar, FK14 7NE. The application was refused, the CC had not commented.

21/00747/FLL Change of use from agricultural land to form extension to garden ground at Craiglawhill, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross KY13 0QQ. The application was approved, the CC had not commented.

21/00718/FLL Erection of a replacement shed at Easter Downiesdrum, Blairingone, Dollar, FK14 7LE. The application was approved, the CC had not commented.

21/00969/FLL Part change of use and alterations to stables to form events venue and installation of air source heat pump at Fossoway Stables, Fossoway, Kinross KY13 0UP. The application was refused, the CC had not commented.

Withdrawn Applications:
21/00453/FLL Formation of an access track at Dam Wood, Blairingone. The CC made a neutral comment regarding logging traffic.

Enforcement Issues:
20/00809/FLL Craigton Farm Lane The Planning Enforcement Officer has visited the site and is seeking information from the agent for the planning application as to why a static caravan has been sited on the land, but has not yet received a response. CCllr Marchant reported that there is now furniture in the caravan, although it doesn’t currently appear to be occupied overnight. However there does not seem to be any building work taking place at the moment, which would be a condition for the caravan to remain without planning consent.

Consultation Responses:
Responses made by this CC to Government documents were broadly in line with comments made by other groups.

Correspondence:
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on Fireworks regulations, which closes on August 15th. Comments can be made at: https://consult.gov.scot/justice/use-and-sale-of-fireworks-in-scotland

PKC has just launched a Public Toilet Survey, #Penny4YourThoughts, as part of the wider Public Toilet Review. The survey is primarily online, via www.pkc.gov.uk/penny4yourthoughts

If the correspondence list is not attached to this document, it can be found on the CC’s FB Page.
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: Bank of Scotland Branch Closure, A977 Mitigation, Fossoway Area Transport, Community Development Trust, Crook Moss Site, Gorge Bridge, Crook & Drum Growing Together. PKC Councillors’ Reports, Planning, Correspondence, AOCB

Next Meeting: Tuesday 7th September 2021 (Crook of Devon Village Hall or Virtual)

Members of public wishing to join virtually please email the CC at fossoway.cc@gmail.com
 
Correspondence June and July 2021