Draft Minutes of Meldrum Bourtie & Daviot Community Council Meeting

Tuesday 24TH March 2015

7.30pm

Conference Room (Library) Meldrum Academy

CC Members Present: Andrew McCartney, James Milton, John Pirie, Denise Forsyth, Patrick Sleigh, Irene Dunbar, Kaye Cowie, Stuart Baird, Willie Sinclair, Member of Public – Heather Mullen, Grace Forest (Pitblain), John Forest (Pitblain), Lesley Tierney (William Lippe Architects), Keith Paterson(Chaple Park), Laura Seaton (Liberal Democrats), Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrats), Ian Milton (Meldrum Paths Group), Gary Oliver (Meldrum Paths Group) Councillors: Cllr Gifford, Cllr Johnston, Cllr Shand Police: P.C. Charlie Keith

Apologies: Cllr Hendry, Norman Masson

Minutes of February Meeting 24/02/2015 Proposed: Stuart Baird Seconded: Irene Dunbar

Matters Arising  Cllr Paul Johnstone stated that the Councillor’s have requested PARK SMART and that leaflets will be distributed.  Cllr Shand stated that the Anti Social Behaviour in Meldrum Square had greatly improved but that the Police are to continue to monitor the situation.  John Pirie reported that the Police are continuing to deal with the theft of his bike earlier in the year.  James Milton stated that he had made enquiries regarding the Common Good Fund and that his initial query had been directed to the wrong person and had now been advised that he will receive an answer in the next 7 days –James will report on this at April meeting.  Andrew enquired about the Storm Drains that were reported several months ago. Cllr Paul Johnstone stated that the Council will not be replacing the storm Drain covers in front of the shops. All agreed that this is particularly disappointing as they are unsightly and clearly not fit for purpose – harbouring debris. Kaye will email Ian Daniell’s to enquire if they can be cleaned. Action Kaye  Mitch Good reported by email that Greenbelt has emailed to say that they are not in a financial position to fund and place a bench as requested and that they would require a 75% agreement of residents to fund agreed costs. Green belt did promise to reply to queries by end of January but as yet no reply received. Cllr Paul Johnstone stated that this was very worrying as this was a sizeable piece of ground if it was not going to be maintained. It was decided that there seems to be a lack of residents interested in this on going problem and that the CC can do little more and that the residents should pursue this from now on. Treasurers Report Willie reported a balance of £4435.31

Police Report P.C. Charlie Keith stated that the crimes reported in the area were considered moderate with 13 reported crimes which of Community interest there were 4 x road traffic (detected) 1 x threatening and abusive behaviour (detected) 2 x theft (undetected) 1 x vandalism (undetected) P.C. Keith also stated that the Police were continuing to respond to speeding complaints along the A947 Officers have carried out patrols at the school at the start and end of the school day to combat inconsiderate and dangerous driving. Traffic emerging from Meadowbank onto Commercial Road is a continuing problem as is the parking in Westbank Park and the Police will continue to monitor these areas. P.C.Keith stated that the last CC meeting was not attended due to other matters. P.C.Keith advised that Police Scotland were continuing to encourage householders to secure property, outbuildings and vehicles at all times in a bid to prevent opportunist thefts. There has also been another spate of car thefts and some of these have been due to insecure doors thus obtaining keys. The Police have been carrying out random checks on houses and found a number of properties easy to gain entry to in the hours of darkness. Irene asked P.C. Keith “what was in place for the AWPR?” P.C.Keith replied that there were no plans as such and if anything came up they would deal with it as and when. Irene stated that this was really not acceptable as they have Gurkas in place for 300 work personnel and as there is approximately 2700 more arriving any day this is very concerning.

Planning Report John gave a very detailed report on planning. One report was queried at Lilac Cottage as the proposed opening is either on the speed table OR very close?

Heather Mullen, Grace Forest and John Forest from Daviot came to our meeting to seek help with a planning application for x 2 more houses adjacent to another application that originally residents were against but Councillors approved. Original planning application x 3 houses APP/2013/1982 and APP/2014/3946. New planning application X 2 houses APP/2015/0614 and APP/2015 0612. The above named residents stated that the Wildlife Corridor which was an approved condition of the 2013/2014 plans is not included in the 2015 x 2 plans. They stated that the wild area next to the wall to the west of the development is of paramount importance to be retained to support the local wildlife in particular the bats as having spoken to the Bat group they were informed that it is likely this is where the Bats roost and that it is most likely now used as maternity roosts. They stated that the wildlife area does not require to be huge and that a simple corridor of undisturbed growth out with the cartilage of the proposed properties. They stated that the x 2 2015 proposals do not propose any kind of wildlife corridor along the west boundary thus making any wildlife corridor along the wall in the property redundant. They asked is it Aberdeenshire Council policy to allow developers to ignore stamped approved plans? They stated that if the Council intends to implement a wildlife corridor then it would need to be extended to be included in the 2015 x 2 applications. They also stated that the roads were of single carriageway and that they already being used as “a rat run” by villagers coming from the other side of Daviot going to Oldmeldrum and surrounding areas. Children from Wicketslap walk to school and often comment on the speed/amount of the traffic. They stated that the road from Rothienorman to Inverurie is very busy (with 4 fatalities since 2000) and this total development could add approximately 10 more cars. The development goes against the Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan 2009 to reduce the % of journeys made by car but the new occupants will have little other choice. They stated that there were 7 houses on this road and if applications are allowed this would almost double to 12. They noted that in the original applications the houses were to be single or 1.5 storeys but that one is now 1.75 storeys. It was noted that the x 2 proposed houses are to be sited to the North of the original x 3 houses at the top of the hill thus having a huge impact on the visual approach to the village and exiting village. The residents also stated that Daviot School is over capacity with a current roll of 104 with no room for expansion? Mrs Padfield (Headmistress) who stated that the school Roll looks set to continue to rise. They noted that Meldrum Academy is also at capacity. How do the Council propose to cater for all the “extra children do we see Partacabins arriving everywhere? Daviot has no amenities other that the Community Hall. The group stated that expansion is one thing but development on prime agricultural land in rural areas driven by landowners should be resisted by our Council. John Forest asked that if the planning were to go through would Developer Obligation Money pay for A) Widening of the road B) New water mains C) Water pipe to Wicketslap which runs under the development D) Pavements E) Reservoir capacity problems if this is an issue

Patrick stated that the there will not be a problem with the Reservoir. It was agreed by 5 of the 9 attending members to write a letter of support in regards to some of the issues raised by the Daviot residents.

Chapple Park proposed development Lesley from Willie Lippe Architects and Keith Paterson (owner) came to speak about the proposed development at Chapple Park Oldmeldrum – 38 houses and x 68 Parking spaces. There is x 1 access for houses and x 1 access for car spaces, there will be no access for buses to car area there is to be a bus lay-by. Lesley stated that they have been working on this proposal since 2010. Lesley stated that they have been in discussions with the Council regarding the widening of the road/junction from the Chain Lodge roundabout to Methlick and also the parking spaces to relieve car parking spaces in the town. The proposed development is 2 hectares in size. Lesley stated that there is to be a Public Consultation in the Lower Town Hall on 21 st April 2pm – 8pm.  Kaye asked if the lay-by is in the correct place for visibility going in and out of the development. Lesley stated this would be checked.  James asked if there was space at the Primary and Academy. Kaye replied that as far as the CC was informed that both the schools are full.  Andrew stated that if this development were to be allowed then the Council would have difficulty stopping any other – and that the New Barns site would have good argument. Andrew also stated that this development does not give the answers to Oldmeldrum’s needs.  Cllr Paul Johnstone stated that the site was previously turned down as the housing supply was deemed ok for 7-10 years.

It was decided by CC members to wait to see the Local Plan when it is published on the 28th March and decide on support/decline then.

Turbine group Cllr Paul Johnstone advised that the Community Turbine Group could not find a viable site due to Radar Consultation Issues and that they had written to the Council and that the £15000.00 agreed to the group would be returned to Developer Obligations Money Pot. Andrew asked Paul if the Lochter site was a Community Turbine – Paul stated that it was not.

Z Path John advised that he had forwarded all information asked on the Z-Path to the Council and was awaiting a reply

A947/A920 Junction Cllr Shand advised that this junction is going to be resurfaced / repaired mid current year. Andrew was concerned that the previously reported uneven road surface on the last bend before Mosshead travelling north on the A947 was still of concern to many local road users.

Secretary Report  Kaye contacted Ian Daniell’s (roads) regarding the damage at the junction of the A947/A920 after the accident in January as to why repairs have not been done advised that the Council are in discussion with drivers insurance. All agreed that the Council should have done repairs and then pursued the claim as unsightly at entrance to village. Kaye to e-mail Ian again requesting it to be done asap. Action Kaye  Parents contacted Kaye and asked if drug searches were still carried out in the Academy – Kaye asked Ins. Jamie Harrison who contacted Andrew Travis (Academy) and they do not see a problem so no searches at the present time.  A resident of Daviot contacted Kaye asking for Councillor details as he will be on holiday at time of Voting and requires answers.  The Peoples Perspective (Fair & Inclusive Planning System in Scotland) has been forwarded to all CC members – 28th April 2015 at the Trades Hall Glasgow. Andrew asked if the Cllr’s knew of any other CC’S requesting to go for travel plans. Anyone interested in attending please see Andrew direct.

 Groups are asking why the Academy (Community School) is not available to rent 52 weeks a year – Cllr Paul Johnstone said the Council did not pay for this in the agreement. Kaye asked why not if it is so called a Community School – unbelievable as when it was spoken about it was going to be wonderful for the Community to access ie. health suite – which has not been available for years  Arceli Jones has been in contact asking for ideas for a new road in Daviot – after much discussion the following ideas were received A) Smiddy Park ( this field was originally the Smiddy Croft) B) Wellbrae Park (the well is still in place) C) Wellside Road (as above) D) Sandy Bryce Drive (Sandy did a lot for Daviot ie Scouts) Kaye email Arceli.

There has been a letter proposing a one way system from Jeff Goodhall for the Square area. Mr Scorgie has contacted Andrew saying that this will not work for his business. Camwater Ltd is not in favour as this is no use for deliveries. Fashionista are against this also. Jeff is also proposing that the buses be moved to the South Road to stop congestion in the Square. Kaye stated that if the buses were to be moved then the car parking spaces in the South Road would have to be altered as they do not work at present as spaces and buses are too close and already stop all traffic.  Kelly McWilliam (Green Dog Walker coordinator) has sent her apologies tonight for missing the meeting but Kelly sent photos of the dog mess around the distillery which she herself has cleaned up. Kelly will try to come to April meeting.  A920 accident report and photos are available for all to see (copy on show)

CDG Group Willie reported that the CDG group funds were now at a balance of £36000.00 and that the funds were now to be controlled centrally. Willie will forward report to all Cc members. There will be a new programme of works – ABERDEENSHIRE WORK. Action Willie Amenities Group This group who provide all the beautiful baskets and floral displays in the village are to become homeless. The area that the Poly tunnel is on is going to be developed so if you have space or know someone who has please contact Andrew direct.

Paths Group Gary stated that the group are very busy on a multiple of projects and proposed projects. A) Meldrum Meg Way – the Inverurie end of the Path is to be completed first ( Inverurie Railway Station to the Bridge on the Rothienorman Road) and that the group are still in talks with Land owners regarding the remainder of the Path B) Steps proposed from Mill Road to Cromlet Place ( mud hill at present) C) Communication is on-going with David Stephen on the Red House Path as TLC is required  Patrick stated that he thought that the letters that the group are sending out are very forceful and putting people under pressure.  Patrick asked if it would not have been a better idea to follow the current road route.  Ian replied that there was a feasibility study done and that Inverurie and Meldrum were happy with the proposals. Gary stated that they have had no negativity representation.  Patrick stated that none of the landowners want this path.  Denise stated that if the landowners were not happy then they should come to the CC.

Parks Update Denise reported that the Sports Pavilion was held up with a planning issue but that scaffolding was now in place 22/03/2015. Monies awarded to project are £80000. Pavilion no 2 which included the Tennis Courts being re-surfaced and the Pavilion revamped. This is Council led project so tenders are being requested 1st April and must be returned by 29th April. Project will go in front of F.A.C. on 9th June and it is proposed to start work on 29th June and to be completed by 12th October. Monies awarded to project are £245163.00 Denise will up-date at April meeting. Action Denise

Heritage Society The Whin Roadie project is about to start. CC Future Vision for our area A sub group was set up to look at this Andrew, Alice, Norman, Willie and Kaye. Rod Gunson, Neil Ironside and Debra Campbell have been involved in the primary discussion of how we move ahead as the officers attending have done this before and have a wealth of information. There are x 2 ways to proceed A) Planning for real – poor feedback in the past (Little or no costs) B) Community Action Survey – members personally deliver / pick up – more response (Professional input could cost between £4k to £8k depending on level of activity by CC members) Cllr Paul Johnstone advised that Balmedie and Newburgh completed B and this gave a good response and worked well. The last Planning for Real exercise was done approx 10 years ago.

Kayleigh’s Wee Stars Jonathon Cordiner has requested to come to April meeting regarding setting up a Meldrum 10K all committee agreed. Action Andrew

Picnic table The Henderson’s formally from Willowbank South Road who owned the local Drapery shop offered to donate a Picnic Table in memory of their housekeeper Peggy Robertson. A short dedication service by the Rev Alison Jaffrey in the Community Garden will take place on 28/03/2015 from noon. 4 members indicated they would attend.

Next Meeting The next CC meeting will take place on 28th April 2015 in the Academy.