04 09 07

Crathes, Drumoak & Durris Community Council (CDDCC)

Minutes of Meeting

7 September 2004 at Irvine Arms, Drumoak from 19.30 hours

1. Sederunt

Community Councillors - Don Keith (Acting Chairman), Julia Mackay, David Hirst, Ron Stark, John Hopkins, Jean Downie, Jill Gow, Didier Terroir

Ward Councillors – Cllr. Sandy Wallace

Members of the Public – Rev. J Scott

Apologies – Molly Atkinson, Cllr. Jenny Watson

2. Authentication of Notes of Inquorate Meeting on 4 August

John Hopkins made apology for the failure to record Apologies for Absence from Molly Atkinson. With this exception, the Notes were accepted by those attending as an accurate record.

3. Drumoak Youth Project

After discussion, it was agreed that the construction of the youth shelter should proceed on the basis of the lease proposed by Aberdeenshire Council (Action: Don Keith to conclude lease on behalf of CDDCC)

Sandy Wallace noted that he was proposing meetings with Hamish Vernal (education), Christine Gore (new appointee in planning) and Willie Munro (area manager) and would raise this amongst numerous other matters during the relevant meeting(s). (Action: Sandy Wallace to progress)

4. Drumoak Houses

It was noted that consideration of the application to build 69 houses had been postponed until 16 November, so that the Area Committee could determine whether the Education Department’s capital plans made any provision for the overload on Drumoak Primary.

Other issues, such as the proposal by the planners to approve 69 houses despite the clear audit trail documenting a Scottish Executive recommendation for 60, would still be pursued, notwithstanding Douglas Grey’s statement that such issues were “reserved matters” which the planners and the applicant could agree between themselves. A draft letter was considered and – with one modification – agreed (Action: Don Keith to send letter)

Rev Scott asked, within the context of the application and its direct effects upon Drumoak Primary, whether the Scottish Executive’s directives on IT education and healthy activity for schoolchildren – both requiring resources - had been complied with. It was agreed that an attempt would be made to co-opt the Chair of the Drumoak Primary Board of Governors (Hanni Willan) to CDDCC with a view to doing further joint research on these and other matters and to look at the possibilities of obtaining more land for Drumoak Primary. (Action: Don Keith to contact Hanni Willan)

Sandy Wallace opined that the likelihood of the forthcoming Education budget containing provision for Drumoak Primary was low, because of the state of certain other schools in Aberdeenshire.

5. Kincardine & Mearns Community Council Forum

(Action: Ron Stark to attend 30 September meeting)

6. Marr Top-Up Grants

These were, by definition, limited to the Crathes part of CDDCC. It was agreed that no action should be taken at this time.

7. Swimming

It was noted that the proposed charge for use of public baths by local school swimming clubs had been suspended for the present time.

8. Mineral Extraction/Export at Sunnybrae

Sandy Wallace would follow this up (Action: Ron Stark to provide brief aide memoire for this purpose)

9. Scottish Rural Partnership Fund

(Action: David Hirst to look at recently-received application pack)

10. Public Payphones

(Action: John Hopkins to reply to letter from Aberdeenshire Council)

11. Invercannie Water Works

(Action: Ron Stark to investigate possible group tour/visit (DONE))

12. Appointment of New Minutes Secretary

After discussion, it was agreed to operate a rota. (Action: David Hirst volunteered for October) (Action: Don Keith to put “Volunteer for minuting forthcoming meeting” on future Agendas)

13. Any Other Competent Business

13.1 Old Bridge at Kirkton of Durris

Sandy Wallace raised the subject of the Old Bridge at Kirkton of Durris. The situation had now evolved to the point where Dunecht Estates, Aberdeenshire Council and Friends of Durris Forest were all supportive of a bid to restore the bridge and might be a source of funds, but none wished to lead any initiative.

John Hopkins noted that this did not seem to be much advance on the situation of last year, where CDDCC had been offered ownership of the bridge for a peppercorn amount, so that it might apply for restoration funds from charitable bodies. At that time, CDDCC had concluded that it could not so do without also bearing the liability for any deaths/injuries arising from the use of the bridge (whether authorised or not, particularly in its unrestored state). CDDCC was not prepared to take on that liability.

It was felt that now, however, Aberdeenshire Council might be prepared to provide insurance against such liabilities.

It was agreed that CDDCC would consider the possibility of fundraising, creating a costed project plan, applying for grants and project managing a restoration. (Action: Don Keith to contact possible volunteers, including John Coyne)

13.2 Terset House Planning Application

Sandy Wallace noted that – against planning recommendation – permission had been given for building at Terset House, subject to a condition to improve Tersets junction.

13.3 Milton of Drum Planning Application

Sandy Wallace reported that permission had been given for a multiple steading conversion at Milton of Drum, subject to the provision of a safe route to school for the prospective occupants.

13.4 Road Hazard (South Deeside Road, west of Durris Bridge)

Julia Mackay reported that it had been agreed that the school bus had been re-routed, such that Mr Harper’s children were picked up on the near side, rather than offside of the road from his house. He saw this as an appreciable improvement.

14. Next Meeting

Tuesday 5/10/04, Irvine Arms at 19.30 hours

Distribution

CDDCC Councillors (by email)

Councillor Jenny Watson (by post)

Councillor Sandy Wallace (by email)

Mr W Munro, Area Manager, Kincardine & Mearns (by email)

Mr L Allen, Area Manager, Marr (by email)

Crathes Hall Notice board (by post) *

Banchory Public Library (by post) *

Durris Hall Notice board (delivered by Sarah Hopkins) *

Drumoak PO (delivered by Don Keith) *

Park Shop (delivered by Don Keith) *

Rev Jim Scott, Durris Manse, Durris, Banchory AB31 6BU (by email)

Community Police Officer (Drumoak) - PC Allan Tennant c/o Banchory Police Office (by post)

Community Police Officer (Durris) - PC Kevin Skivington c/o Banchory Police Office (by post)

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator – new appointee not known

Website www.durris.net (also for past minutes)

* printed on coloured paper