Community Council

STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

DRAFT

Strathnairn Community Council
DRAFT

NOTE OF GENERAL MEETING NO. 194 MONDAY 23 JANUARY 2012

MINUTES FOR GENERAL MEETING NO. 195 MONDAY 23 JANUARY 2012

SNCC Members Present
James MacPherson, Jennifer Stewart, Paul Davies, William MacQueen, David Rennie, John Murray, Ewen Hardie and Frances Matheson

P>Highland Council Members Present
Councillor Jim Crawford, Councillor Drew Hendry, Councillor Margaret Davidson, Councillor Helen Carmichael

Apologies
Sally Moore, PC Matthew McCann, Charles Stephen

1. Approval of minutes

Minutes of 07 November 2011 - Proposed by Paul Davies, Seconded by James MacPherson

Minutes of 21 November 2011 - Proposed by Paul Davies, Seconded by John Murray

2. Matters Arising from minutes 21 November 2011
" Frances - hasn't had a chance to review the mailing list for the newsletter
" Role of treasurer. It was noted that at the last meeting Ewen Hardie declined the role of treasurer and Jenny Stewart has agreed to take on this role. Jenny to take on the role as treasurer was proposed by Paul Davies, seconded by Ewen Hardie.
" Point 15d, community bus. Councillor Jim Crawford highlighted three elderly ladies in Nairnside will now be using the Scata bus and are delighted by the service.

3. Financial Report
Jenny Stewart updated the community council on the statement of account as at 23rd January 2012.
- Balance as at 1st April 2011 (as per auditor's report 14 October 2011) £2,938.15.
- Income £1912.40, which includes the annual grant from the Highland Council now being lodged and extra income from newsletter adverts.
- Expenditure £3,147.04. Photocopier expenses (rental/maintenance) increased by £202 and £912.00 paid for the community noticeboard at Inverarnie.
- Making the balance as at 23rd January 2012 £1,703.51.

Status of renewing signatories with the bank - still to be reviewed. Action: Jenney Stewart and Jimmy MacPherson to lead this action

Photocopier at Farr hall
It has been brought to the CC's attention that the lease for the photocopier in the meeting room at Farr hall runs out in March 2012. Jenny has received a quote through for a new photocopier which is of a higher specification but will cost the same per quarter (£169.00) however the unit price is a lot less, it would be 0.5pence per colour copy and 0.05pence per black copy. Free training on how to operate the copier would be provided.

It was noted that access to the photocopier needs to be improved as there are a limited number of keys to Farr hall. It was suggested perhaps for a combination lock to be put at the hall so more people can access or perhaps having the photocopier at Inverarnie stores. A question was raised of whether there was still the need for the community to lease a photocopier now that the community newsletter was printed by Speedprint. Members of the community confirmed that the photocopier is used by other community groups i.e. the community woodlands group and the community benefit fund group. A further question was raised as to whether it would be more cost advantageous to own a photocopier than lease.
Action: Jenny Stewart to look into the cost of buying a photocopier outright
Action: Jenny Stewart to look into the costs of leasing a lower-specification copier
Action: Paul Davies to speak with the Farr Hall committee to explore the cost and feasibility of having a combination lock on the hall or identify a suitable solution for access issues for using the community photocopier.

4. Community Policing Report
Update from PC Matthew McCann: Since the first of January 2012 police have received only 6 calls to the Farr area, I have looked back over the past few months and years and this would appear to be about the average.

5. Daviot Wind Farm update

As agreed at the 24 November CC meeting a letter was sent to Mr John Spencer, Principle and Chief Executive, Inverness College UHI. On the 5th January Jimmy received an email from Simon Green at West Coast Energy informing him that West Coast Energy was submitting the Daviot Wind Farm Environmental Statement to the Highland Council that day. Hard copies of the documentation are at Daviot hall for people to see.

Members of the community present at the CC meeting were invited to ask questions and raise key points regarding the Daviot wind farm, these were recorded as:
" How is the community benefit offer from West Coast Energy impacted by the Inverness College UHI partnership with West Coast Energy?
" It was felt that the wire-framed pictures produced by West Coast Energy are still non-representative especially illustrating the height of the turbines.
" There are eight houses within 800 meters of the proposed turbines, a nursing home, church, primary school and community hall. It is thus felt that the site proposed is very invasive.
" It was felt that West Coast Energy's press releases were creating a false impression as they stated 'we are pleased with the positive feedback we have received from the residents'.
" The junction from Daviot East on the A9 is a very dangerous junction.
" Highland Council's are not involved in the merits of the application.
" It was highlighted again for those people wishing to object that more weight is carried for individual objections.
" In the newsletter the planning website reference stated was slightly incorrect, it should have a forward slash instead of a dash, therefore is: 12/00036/FUL
" Cllr Jim Crawford highlighted that every local Councillor can represent you at planning. Letters from individuals who feel strongly about objecting should be written to all eight local Councillors, contact details can be found the latest edition of the newsletter.
" Cllr Helen Carmichael highlighted that a set of standard letters sent into object to planning will still go in as one letter. Letters must therefore be personal.

Points of action discussed and agreed between the community councillors and/or to be brought to the next meeting regarding Daviot wind farm are:
" Postcard survey 84% against the Daviot wind farm
" Individual objections count for more
" When objecting it is very important to object on planning grounds and be very specific.
Action: Frances to speak with the senior planning officer Ken McCorquodale to ensure that we have all the information required and within the correct timescale.
Action: Cllr Margaret Davidson to raise the communities concerns of the proposed wind farm plan with the senior planning authorities
" It was discussed at the meeting that it seemed extensive works had already started on the access roads to the proposed sites. Questions were raised as to if this would be in breach of planning?
Action: CC to check about the major engineering works that is going ahead at the site already and whether or not it has been approved.
" Action: CC to check to see if we are able to get better photomontages by the next meeting?
" CC agreed to object to the planning application for Daviot wind farm.
Action: Frances with support from Sally Moore to write up the CC letter of objection and submit to the Highland Council Action by 16th February 2012.
" Community benefit discussions need to take place separately from planning discussions. We considered the community benefit and will make a decision pending legal advice. Paul Davies to look into this on behalf of the CC. We raised the point of opting in our out of the HC Community Benefit guidance document; further discussions need to be had.

Next Strathnairn community council meeting to be held on the 6th February will include the Daviot wind farm discussions. Notice of meeting will go in the petition flyers as well as usual meeting notices to go on notice boards at Farr and Daviot halls and in the Inverness Courier.

6. Moy Wind Farm update

Sally Moore attended the site inspection by the reporter appointed to consider the case for Moy windfarm on Wednesday 11 January 2012
Report from Sally:
It was not really a meeting, simply a site visit. (I.e. we were not allowed to make any inputs, apart from pointing out places)
SITE VISIT TO PROPOSED MOY WIND FARM SITE Wed 11th January 2012 with Scottish Government Reporter Richard G Dent BA(Hons) DipTP FRTPI
Attending: Dominic Farugia the Appellant, plus a lawyer and an environmental guy
Strathdearn CC rep: Duncan Bryden, Strathnairn rep Sally Moore, Pat Wells, Tomatin.
The guide, from Highland Council planning, Ken McCorquodale plus 1 colleague (i think that is all)
2 drivers, 2 vehicles.
We met at the appointed place on B9154 and travelled in 2 vehicles to a viewing point just below the summit of Beinn an Uain NGR approx NH778360, just east of the forest fence. This overlooked the slight saucer-shaped basin of the Moy Burn at this elevation, and the view seemed fairly 'enclosed', and we could see the anemometer. Walking a short distance NW to the summit, we were better able to see the views towards Daviot and Inverness, giving more context to the site. (though you cannot readily see Daviot from there) It was observed that some forestry in the line of sight would at some point have to be felled.
The second viewing position at NH792381 approx, on the upper Moy Burn on the east side of Beinn Bhreac allowed the views south and east and lines of sight to be appreciated. The vehicles then travelled south on the A9 to Slochd summit, Dalmagarry, and the laybys travelling north back to Daviot, Cowlis entrance, and back up the B9154 to Moy.
The Highland Council staff simply pointed out the viewpoints where the photomontages were taken, and help the pictures out for the Reporter to see. They spoke of the "Receptors" for tourism, i.e. the A9 and the railway (though they didn't seem to speak much about local residents and communities).
Site visits are not intended to be an opportunity to tell the reporter information or to 'lobby' him in any way. D Farrugia and colleagues travelled with the Reporter in the same vehicle, and Mr Farrugia did make informative comments from time to time.
Please Note:
The Reporter now must decide whether or not he has enough information to decide his case on written submissions alone, or if he is minded to hold a PLI Public Local Enquiry. There is no opportunity for residents to have any further input, unless invited to do so by the Reporter.

Sally would like to highlight the need for the CC to not take our eyes off the ball with Moy w/f now that Daviot w/f discussions are underway as it has gone to appeal with the Scottish Government.

7. Dumnaglass Wind Farm update
Road improvements are starting in 2012 on the B851. Maps of the proposed road improvements have been received by the CC and are with Jimmy Macpherson and Frances Matheson if anyone wants to see them.

8. Kyllachy Wind Farm update
No updates at this time

9. Dalvourn Wind Turbine
The turbine is proposed to be 21 metres in height (inclusive of blades).

Several members of the CC have been notified regarding members of the community receiving intimidating letters as they are opposed to the planning application. It was noted that residents felt the planning process fails when these types of letters are sent as it prevents residents objecting as they are in fear of receiving intimidating letters. With advice from the local Councillors present at the meeting the CC agreed that if residents feel they cannot object to any planned development in Strathnairn in fear of their objection not being anonymous then they can object through the CC and the CC will object anonymously on their behalf.

Discussions took place between the CC and the members of the community in attendance in respect of how the CC can support the local residents with this issue. Again through guidance by local Councillors in attendance it was decided that with the current objections for the Dalvourn Wind Turbine the CC would take a coordinated approach of writing a letter of concern to the Chief Constable to see if there is any support the local residents can get from the police to protect them from receiving intimidating letters in the future.
Action: All residents who would like to be included in this coordinated approach please send any letters they have received to a member of the CC by the 6th February 2012. After this date a letter will be sent to the Chief Constable, and all members of the community involved will be informed as and when a response is received.

10. Planning update
No further updates at this time

11. Roads update
Update from Cllr Drew Hendry:
- Leys road whitening to be done
- Investment to the roads will start in 2012 with the funding from Dumnaglass Wind Farm.

12. Community Noticeboard
Noticeboard has been completed by a new contractor but still requires more work to the door seals as it is still letting in water.
Action: Jimmy, and Paul to work on having this improved.

Discussions are still taking place regarding who is responsible for the payment of the gravel which was put under the old noticeboard by the first contractor. It was agreed that due to the poor workmanship of the noticeboard that the CC would propose not to pay the full amount billed for the gravel, which is £258.52, but write to the contractor and offer to pay a nominal cost for the gravel instead.
Action: Paul Davies to lead on this.

It is worth highlighting that in order to eliminate these types of discrepancies in the future when working with contractors we must get all work signed off and approved in writing by a member of the CC.

Will discuss what the next steps are for further two noticeboards once the current noticeboard is complete.

3. Community Development Plan
In the January issue of the newsletter each household within Strathnairn will have received a flyer informing them of the focus of the Community planning team. Paul highlighted that the community planning team will be running a community survey and holding open surgeries at Farr hall throughout March to June to speak with the community of Strathnairn to find out about what people want Strathnairn to be in the immediate and distant future. The results of their findings will be reported back to the community around July where a list of development areas will be proposed.

14. Snow clearing
It was discussed that people in the community not covered by the Highland Council gritting service would like support with clearing snow, providing grit bins and salt. Paul Davies mentioned that when he spoke with Charles Stephen he mentioned that if communities bought grit bins and the equipment required for clearing snow from pathways then the Highland Council would fill the grit bins free of charge.
Action: all CC's to inform Paul of any areas they know of in the community that would benefit from grit bins and snow clearing equipment.

15. AOCB
" Queens Diamond Jubilee. A member of the community in attendance brought to the community councils attention that Strathdearn are holding a lunch on Saturday 16th June to celebrate the Queens diamond jubilee and would like to hold this jointly with Strathnairn. It was suggested that the event may apply to the community benefit fund to subsidise ticket costs. It was suggested that a committee be set up to take the lead on organising the event with Strathdearn. Action: Ewen Hardie and Paul Davies will take the lead from the CC.
" 12noon bus service from Inverness to Daviot and beyond. It was brought to the CC's attention that the 12noon bus service from Inverness to Daviot and beyond has been cancelled and elderly people in the Daviot community have concerns being in Inverness all day. The CC were advised by the Councillors in attendance that once a bus service is removed it is unlikely it will be brought back. A suitable alternative to this issue would be for those elderly people concerned with being in Inverness all day they could make enquiries to take the community Scata bus service which operates every Tuesday.
" Paul Davies mentioned that he has been contacted by the Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise to find out more information on how 'Care in Strathnairn' operates. He has been asked to attend a meeting on the 27 February to share best practice of the range of services offered within Strathnairn.
" It was noted by a member of the community in attendance that the CC is holding an inheritance from a lady who passed away in the community. The monies of this are to be used at Farr primary school and will be asked to be drawn from the CC in October 2012. Paul Davies mentioned to the member of the community in attendance that when the event takes place it would be great for an article be written for the community newsletter on what the money was donated towards at Farr primary.
" It was raised by a member of the community in attendance that the Highland Council are looking at four different sites within the Highland Council area to have as a dedicated travellers' camp. One of the sites the Highland Council is looking into is at Auchnahillian, Daviot East. It was agreed that no action would be taken by the CC at this stage but it is a topic to keep on the agenda for future meetings.

16. Date of the next meeting
Monday 6th January, 7.30pm, Farr community hall
Action: Frances to book the hall. Notice of meeting to go up in Farr and Daviot halls, Inverarnie stores and Inverness Courier.

Past Minutes to Jan 2011

• Sept 06
• Nov 06
  
  
• January 07
• March 07
• May07
• July07
• September07
  
  
• February08
• April08
• June08
• August08
• October08
  
  
• January09
• March09
• July09
• September09
  
  
• January2010
• March2010
• July2010
• September2010
  
  
• January2011
• May2011
• November2011
  
• January2012