Crathes, Drumoak and Durris Community Council (CDDCC)

Minutes of Meeting

1^st February 2005 at the Irvine Arms from 7:30pm

1) Sederunt:

a) Community Councillors: David Morrish (Chairman), Hanni Willan (Vice Chairman), John Hopkins (Treasurer), Jill Gow (Secretary), Jean Downie, Julia Mackay, Molly Atkinson and Douglas Allstaff

b) Ward Councillors: Jenny Watson and Sandy Wallace (Part time)

c) Members of the Public: none

d) Apologies: Donald Keith (Press Officer), Tony Butcher

2) Approval of minutes: The previous minutes were agreed and approval proposed by Jenny Watson, seconded by Molly Atkinson.

3) Appointment of Minutes Secretaries: Julia McKay (March), Doug Allstaff (April)

4) Review actions MOM:

MOM Nr.7 - Community Council Forum:

The next meeting of the Community Council Forum will take place on 24^th February and will be attended by David Morrish

MOM Nr.7 - Mineral Extraction in Drumoak:

Sandy Wallace is still working at compiling a dossier of concerns within his Ward and which will include the issue of Mineral Extraction in Drumoak.

(Action: Sandy Wallace)

MOM Nr.7- Kirkton Bridge:

Molly Atkinson has met with John Coyne, who informed her that as the bridge dates back from the 17^th century, some funding for repairs could be made available by Historic Scotland. Although the current owners are prepared to dispose of the bridge, the issue of liabilities during and after repairs still needs to be resolved.

(Action: Donald Keith)

MOM Nr.8 - Drumoak School:

See also below Agenda Item 6

8.1 Hanni Willan reported no progress by Aberdeenshire Council regarding the press

statement nor the date of public meeting with Hamish Vernal. Concerns were raised that Mr

Vernal is due to retire soon and that he might not have time to visit the School despite having been repeatedly invited.

(Action: Hanni Willan)

8.2 Hanni Willan to progress proposal together with one Crathes resident who serves on the

Crathes School Board and who is to join the CDDCC as one of the Crathes Parish Representatives.

(Action: Hanni Willan)

MOM Nr.9 - DYP03:

See also below Agenda Item 7

9a. The shelter is now completed and the grant of £2,500 received from the Council will cover

the building and mat costs with the remaining balance to be transferred to the multi sport

pitch.

(Action now completed)

9b. A Planning Application has been sent in for multi-sport pitch while Aberdeenshire Council

issued an official letter confirming the availability of £15,000 provided that works

commenced before the end of March, end of the financial year. One of the contractors, Bert

MacIntosh confirms he can meet that date.

(Action now completed)

MOM Nr.11 – Draft Code of Conduct:

Letter sent by CDDCC Chairman.

(Action now completed)

MOM Nr.12 – CDDCC Priorities for 2005:

See also below Agenda Item 5

The results of brainstorming session have been compiled and tabulated in terms of activity and priority.

(Action now completed)

MOM Nr.15 – AOB:

15.1 In relation to the lack of safety of non-car users (pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders) on

Park Bridge Road since the installation of fences by the Park Quarry, it transpires that the

extent of the jurisdiction of the Road Department is unclear and needs to be clarified. Agreed that this should be tackled by the Park Quarry Liaison Committee which is still to be convened by Aberdeenshire Council.

(Action: Park Quarry Liaison Committee)

15.2 The issue of the poor quality of Park Bridge resurfacing (rough surface and drainholes

partially blocked) still needs to be addressed although Sandy Wallace has indicated that

the Road Department tried but failed to obtain guarantees on durability and quality of a new

product from Contractors. Concerns were also raised that the timber frame of the bridge

could suffer if drainage system is not working properly.

(Action: Sandy Wallace)

5) CDDCC Priorities for 2005:

In order to cover the numerous priorities in effective and co-ordinated way and considering the impact and relevance that some items have on each other, it was agreed to create the following sub-committees: Planning and Education & Youth

Roads and Right of Way

The composition of these sub-committees is still to be decided

(Action: CDDCC)

6) Drumoak School:

See also above, Point 4 Review Actions MOM, Actions 8.1 and 8.2

Hanni Willan revealed that a survey conducted amongst the 95 children and their parents had received 78 answers and had indicated that circa 75% of the respondents complained about the accommodation and lack of space.

(Action Hanni Willan)

7) DYP03:

See above, Point 4 Review Actions MOM, Actions 9.a and 9.b

Donald Keith is to pursue Aberdeenshire Council for the payment of the promised £15,000 grant and to understand whether or not neighbours will be notified considering that the surrounding land and properties belong to the Council.

(Action: Donald Keith)

8) Major Developments:

Drumoak:

Aberdeenshire Council has granted a planning permission to Stewart Milne Houses with no conditions save latest start date. Don Keith has queried the matter with Arlene Henderson who assured him that this does not invalidate all other conditions and planning gains

Stewart Milne Houses has notified Aberdeenshire Council that they plan to completely close the Sunnyside Drive along the ongoing development site from 09:00 till 14:15 during schooldays and from 09:00 till 16:00 during Saturdays and holidays. The closure is required for the installation of a main sewage system while the total closure is required for the proper implementation of work and safety regulations given the limited width of the road. It is recommended that residents of Sunnyside Lane leave their vehicles above or below work site during the road closure times.

Durris: n/a

Crathes: The Finalised Aberdeenshire Local Plan indicates an opportunity for new development in Crathes. There are 15 houses included in the ‘Housing Land Allocations 2000/2005’ in the field across the A957 from the old Crathes Carage. A further 30 houses are included in the ‘Future Housing Land 2006/2015’, 15 in each of two locations. One location (FH1) is essentially an extension of the first and the second (FH2) is on the same side of the road as the old garage between it and the old railway line. However, the FH2 site is difficult to drain and access and therefore the landowner is proposing an alternative site adjacent to FH1. As there will be a Planning Brief by Developer prior to submission of the Planning Application, David Morrish will organize a public meeting.

(Action: David Morrish)

9) Planning Applications:

Weekly list:

Steading conversion requested by Deeside Nursery Garden Center.

Telecoms mast @ Coldstream:

Neighbours have been notified of the forthcoming erection of a telecommunication mast near South Coldstream. The CDDCC has agreed to find out from Planning Aid for Scotland the mast height above which planning permission is required

(Action: John Hopkins)

10) Correspondence:

Various pieces of correspondence, not seemingly directly relevant or important, have been received but will be reviewed by the Chairman.

(Action: David Morrish)

Comments to Aberdeenshire Council draft on “Guidance for Use for Wind Energy in Aberdeenshire” have to be sent by mid February.

(Action: Molly Atkinson)

Review of the “Aberdeenshire Council Four Year Plan Programme 2005-2008”

(Action: John Hopkins)

11) AOB:

Concerns were again raised regarding the amount of rubbish being accumulated in the field adjacent to the Deeside Nursery Garden Center. Jenny Watson suggested to alert the Environmental Health Services of Aberdeenshire Council to the change of use of the field.

(Action: Molly Atkinson)

Works on the second section of the Deeside Way from Park westwards are to start in April. Scottish Enterprise is funding leaflets and signs.

CDDCC is to organize a bike ride along the Deeside Way to see for themselves the state of the entire project. Date to be decided.

(Action: David Morrish)

Next Meeting, Tuesday 1^st March 2005 at the Irvine Arms from 07:30 pm

Distribution:

CDDCC Councillors Councillor Jenny Watson

Councillor Sandy Wallace Mr. W. Munro, Area Manager, Kincardine & Mearns

Mr. L Allen, Area Manager, Marr Crathes Hall Notice Board

Banchory Public Library Durris Hall Notice Board

Park Shop Drumoak PO

Rev. Jim Scott Community Police Officer (Durris)

Community Police Officer (Drumoak) Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator

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