Email: [email protected]

MINUTES – Subject to approval

For the virtual meeting held on Monday 14th December, at 7.30pm, via Zoom.

Community Councillors in attendance Elected Councillors in attendance Henry Irvine-Fortescue (HIF) Chair Cllr Ian Mollison Rod Farquhar (RF) Cllr Colin Pike Mandi Dorward (MD) Graham Norrie (GN) Bob McKinney (BM) Susan Astell (SA) Avril Tulloch (AT)

2 Members of the public in attendance

Welcome and Introductions HIF welcomed all to the virtual public meeting of the NKRCC.

1 Police • PC Marc Camus read through the November report, which is available to view on our website. Of the 59 Antisocial Crimes reported, 29 related to youth annoyance (fireworks or large groups) and intelligence gained has identified ringleaders resulting in reporting to the youth justice team. Many of the other 30 anti-social crimes reported were in relation to COVID-19 breaches – Parties are the worst scenario for the spreading of the virus.

Of the 8 Assaults reported, 5 have been detected and the team are following positive leads • for the others • Questions were raised of the security of Ardoe House Hotel – PC Camus advised a skeleton staff were housed in the hotel, but will make further enquires and report back. • Random Drink/Drug Driving tests continue, although no seasonal campaign has been advertised, as do winter vehicle checks. • A list of emergency numbers for over the festive period can also be found on the Police Report.

• Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 for non emergencies or by email

[email protected]

2 Apologies Apologies were received from Cllr Alison Evison

3 Previous Minutes

• HIF reviewed items from the previous minutes and the majority of items outstanding are

covered within matters outstanding.

• Minutes of the November meeting were proposed by BM and seconded by GN.

4 Matters arising Schools • Christmas parties have taken place, but in class only. A live Pantomime presentation is being shown via video link. No Christmas Fair this year.

• The PTA have organised a Lottery and 200 tickets from a maximum of 300 have been sold. th The draw will take place on Thursday 17 and it is hoped this will become a term event with

proceeds to the PTA.

• Head Teacher, Mr Murray, to be invited to our next meeting. Action – HIF to send invite Website

• 14 articles have been shared on the website & Facebook this month.

• Several phishing attempts have been made, using fake NKRCC emails (especially from HIF) - please ensure these requests for funds are ignored. • Paul Rae has not yet contacted MD to arrange an introductory meeting.

Roads

Aberdeenshire Council Roads & Infrastructure department has been working to clear the • culverts. Previous issues at Mansfield House and Cotbank on the South Deeside Rad, Dyke Neuk & Kingcausie have all been rectified. • The wet weather continues to add problems with flooding & potholes. • Cllr Pike has made contact with the Head of Roads Department, requesting a meeting on site, to discuss the continuing saga at Millbank. Engineers are aware. These issues are caused by years of lack of maintenance.

Broadband • A request was made for information on a website, mentioned during November meeting, to be shared. Action – GN to identify information and share. • Cllr Pike suggested that any new supplies of fibre will be from commercial operations only and not through the Scottish Government R100 digital connectivity scheme. Alternative solutions should be sought by homeowners to increase their connectivity.

5 Planning

Validated November

APP/2020/2315 Erection of Agricultural Shed East Tilbouries, Expiry for comment 10/12/20 Statutory determination 19/01/21 APP/2020/2319 Erection of Dwellinghouse Land at East Tilbouries, New build to allow family of farmer to reside on the farm to Maryculter facilitate further involvement in running the business. Holding objection from contaminated land team pending submission of additional information. Expiry for comment 14/12/20 Statutory determination 23/01/21 APP/2020/2318 Erection of Garage Heathview House, Expiry for comment 13/12/20 Maryculter Statutory determination 22/01/21

APP/2020/2291 Erection of 5 Dwellings Including Demolition of Buildings Lairhillock Inn, One letter of support from immediate neighbour subject to Netherley conditions relating to the development undertaking sympathetic planting to maintain privacy of their property and retention of the recycling center currently in the car park of the Inn. Expiry for comment 24/12/20 Statutory determination 23/01/21 APP/2020/2452 Residential Development Including Neighbourhood Shops and Land at Schoolhill, business Park Without Compliance with Condition 1 (Time) of Planning Permission Reference APP/2014/1747 Application to vary Condition 1 of APP/2014/1747 to extend the time period within which MSC applications are able to be submitted by 5 years (from 16 years to 21 years). Expiry for comment 28/01/21 Statutory determination 03/02/21 APP/2020/2435 Erection of Dwellinghouse (Change of House Type to Planning Plot 1 Permission Reference APP/2016/1232) Land Adjacent to Bents Expiry for comment 07/01/21 Farmhouse, Statutory determination 03/02/21 APP/2020/2493 Erection of Dwellinghouse Land to Rear of Kirkton Expiry for comment 07/01/21 Cottage, Statutory determination 09/02/21 Polston Road, Kirkton of Maryculter, Approved/Declined November

APP/2020/1996 Matters Specified in Conditions of Planning Permission in Land to East of Nether Cairnhill Principle APP/2011/3100 Drive, Approved – The plans are in keeping with the aspirations of the Chapelton Masterplan, compliant with the requirements of all relevant policies of the Local Development Plan (2017) APP/2020/1975 Alterations and Extension to Dwellinghouse 3 Blackbutts, Approved - The extension is in keeping with the scale and Muchals design of the steading and would protect neighbouring amenity in accordance with Policy P1 Layout, siting and design; Policy R1 Special rural areas and Policy R2 Housing and employment development elsewhere in the countryside of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017. APP/2020/1882 Erection of Dwellinghouse Without Compliance with Conditions Westerton Barn, 2 (Occupancy), 3 (Extensions and Outbuildings) and 4 Blairs (Boundary Enclosures) of Planning Permission Reference S030036PF Approved - The proposed non-compliance with conditions 2, 3, and 4 of the original planning permission for the erection of dwellinghouse is in accordance with current national policy and the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017, which restricts the use of occupancy conditions to cases where exceptional circumstances apply. The original conditions would no longer be attached to such an application if submitted at this time, and as such their removal is accepted. APP/2020/1894 Installation of Damp Proofing Garden Flat, Concerns raised by Design Management/Environmental Netherley House, Surgery and Historic Environment Scotland regarding the Netherley proposed damp proofing product and methodology. Withdrawn

• APP/2020/2291 – Lairhillock Inn, Netherley. Letter of representation to support the application, with obligation to retain recycling outlet to be drafted. Cllr Mollison reminded the group that although not within our ward, the Hotel had the same situation & it is the owners decision whether to retain the recycling bins. Cllr Pike suggested that perhaps alternative sites could be found within the school carpark or to the west of the school, all subject to funding. Action – RF to submit Letter of representation on behalf of NKRCC • APP/2020/2452 – Land at Schoolhill, Portlethen – Stewart Milne applying for an extension of 5 years for the development, citing economic situation. • Liberty One, acing on behalf of Comer Brothers, advised their application for 133 new homes, including 27 affordable, as part of their proposed development at Leggart Brae has been lodged with City Council, as per Local Development Plan (LDP). In addition, a separate planning application has been submitted to Aberdeenshire Council for proposed ancillary road works within the Aberdeenshire Council boundary as part of the overall proposals. This includes the formation of access road, cycle paths and footpaths, upgrade (widening) of Causey road and access junction with Leggart Terrace, and associated landscaping. As a result of local feedback Comer are proposing a new signalised junction from the A92 directly into the Eastern part of the new development. The new access would also provide a controlled pedestrian/cycle access over the A92, with an extended 40 mile a limit zone. Importantly there will be no vehicle access directly through to Causey Mounth Road from the A92, instead, Comer are proposing a new pedestrian footpath that will not only link both sides of the proposed development, but will provide a link to Tollohill Wood, the Den of Leggart and the surrounding area for existing and new residents. Although approached on several occasions, no one from “Protect Banchory Devenick” has involvement with the NKRCC and we are unaware if they receive communications from Liberty One. Action – HIF to reach out to Steven Gray • APP/2019/2455, Old Mill Inn: No new action on Aberdeenshire Planning Files

6 Finance & Lottery • The bank balance sits at £1428.96. • A cheque for £90 is to be signed to reimburse BM for the three wreaths for Remembrance Day. Action – BM to raise cheque and ask AT & HIF to sign

• Peter Gregg of Mearns FM has requested £800 funding to decorate and furnish a training

studio within their new premises on Ann Street, . Costs have increased for the

station as they now have to pay rent, as opposed to their free rental in the Town Hall. It was

suggested that Mearns FM contact all Community Councils within their listening area for contributions. NKRCC agreed to donate funds of £300. Action – BM to raise cheque and ask AT & HIF to sign 7 Correspondence and Licensing Applications

• Alejando Ollauri, from Glasgow University Research Team, contacted NKRCC with regards to Braes and the investigation on how vegetation and Nature-based Solutions can help manage and mitigate landslides and erosion in Catterline. The team are taking the next step with their research but will not be enlisting the help of the public due to COVID 19.

8 AOCB • HIF reported back on the recent CC Forum. Feedback from The Community Impact Survey, on the handling of COVID19 was favourable with 47% happy, 18% unhappy and 35% held no opinion. HIF asked that MD share the slides explaining the findings with all. Action – MD to share CIS slides • HIF reported back on the Aberdeenshire Council Audit Scotland report.

Findings suggested that Aberdeenshire Council are slow in implementation and were criticised for lack of direction, leadership and decision-making. Stronger leadership by elected members at an increased pace is required, however, Partnership working is a strength.

The Grampian Coronavirus Assistance Centre was established, as a focal point for information and assistance for anyone affected by COVID-19.

There are lengthy delays in turning around council housing within our area, 5 months as opposed to the suggested 3.

Cllr Mollison confirmed that the learning points were taken on board and the criticism on council housing delays were valid.

Cllr Pike & HIF suggested that everyone read the document to understand the huge operation of Aberdeenshire Council. So many areas are covered by 16,500 employees, from social work, schooling, roads, landscape, waste, adoption & fostering to name a few. The role of elected members is to scrutinise and challenge the council, which is now headed by Andy Killie, an ex police commander.

Cllr Pike also suggested that there will be an increase in Council Tax, and from a commercial point of view, the public will be getting less for their money as some areas of funding will be severely cut and the Council must be more efficient.

HIF also suggested that Local Democracy is overruled by the “Reporter”, an unelected source higher up the tree. We would like support and action, rather than delay.

Cllr Pike stated that Community Councils are a vital part of the Community.

The meeting ended at 2055hrs

• Next Virtual Meeting is on Monday, 18th January, at 7.30pm Zoom ID: 849 8396 1497 & Passcode: SeaGlen