Crathes, Drumoak & Durris Community Council (CDDCC)

Minutes of Annual General Meeting

7 December 2005 at Drumoak Church Hall from 19.30 hours

The meeting was opened by David Morrish, who welcomed Community Councillors, Aberdeenshire Councillors and members of the public.

Retiring Community Councillors attending: David Morrish (Chairman), Jean Downie, Jill Gow, Molly Atkinson, Don Keith, Hanni Willan, John Hopkins.

Aberdeenshire Councillors attending: Jenny Watson, Sandy Wallace

Members of the public attending: Anne Ross, Tom Taylor, Geoffrey Atkinson, Rev. Jim Scott, Valerie Bennett, Doug Bennett, Adam Watson, Ian Pirie, Alec Watson

1. Chairman’s Report.

The report was distributed to those present. David Morrish summarised the main points of his report, reproduced here:-

1.1 Community Councillors during 2005

Chairman, David Morrish; Vice Chairman, Hanni Willan; Secretary, Jill Gow; Treasurer, John Hopkins; Press Officer, Donald Keith. Councillors: Douglas Allstaff, Julia McKay, Didier Terroir, David Hurst, Molly Atkinson, Tony Butcher, Jean Downie, Sarah Hopkins (co-opted)

Resignations during the year:

Julia Mackay, David Hurst, Didier Terroir, Douglas Allstaff

1.2 CC 2005 Priorities

Education & Youth, Planning, Roads and Access

1.3 Education & Youth

1.31 Drumoak School

A survey showed that ca. 75% of pupils and parents at the school agreed that the accommodation was inadequate in terms of functionality and space. The CC assisted the school board in preparation for a Public Meeting with the Director of Education. At the meeting, there was a general consensus that the school amenities were not suitable for present and future use. Following the meeting, the school was included in the council school up-grading plans. The CC supported the organisation of a public meeting held on 22^nd June to discuss a site for a proposed ‘New Drumoak School’.

Funding for the new school is clearly critical and were it to be made available from Aberdeenshire Council own resources, approval might be forthcoming this year. Whereas, funding from the Scottish Executive might take as long as 3 years.

In the meantime, progress on interim measures such as additional temporary space and mains sewage connection has been slow. The CC made it clear that they deplored the delay in progress in this matter. Correspondence between the CC and Planning had indicated that no (planning gain) monies had been allocated to the sewer connection.

1.32 Drumoak Youth Project

The CC has continued to administer the project and funds throughout the year. The youth shelter was completed and formally opened earlier in the year. Funds and planning consent were acquired from Aberdeenshire Council for the multi-sport pitch which has been commenced. Construction of basic ball-court was completed in the summer. Next steps include lining-out, fencing, kick-boarding and will depend on the size and timing of the relevant part of the planning gain payment from the current Stewart Milne development

1.4 Planning

1.41 Mineral Extraction

There remains an undercurrent of local concern with regard to mineral extraction. CC members represent local interest through the Liaison Committee. Meetings, which were set up this year, are a constructive means of maintaining local dialogue with developers and planners.

Local interest in the Milton of Crathes is now increasing with the apparent increase in aggregate extraction, raising the issues of safety and compliance with planning regulations. The CC are in the process of bringing this to the attention of the Landowner and Planners.

1.42 Drumoak Housing

The CC has acquired a copy of the Section 75 agreement for the development which provides details on the agreed ‘planning gain’ associated with the Stewart Milne Development. It is vital that the community has sight of and understand this kind of planning information. For example, there is local pressure for bus shelters to be constructed on both sides of North Deeside Road in eastern Drumoak. It is understood that these would be provided as part of the planning gain from Stewart Milne.

The CC has also expressed concern to Planning that the plans do not reflect the actual extent of the earth banking that is being carried out on the new development. It was agreed that the terracing on the northern site had a severe (and unanticipated) adverse visual impact on the local environment. This was in contrast to the harmonious landscaping at the southern end of the Sunnyside drive. The issue is of concern and must be addressed prior to the proposed Crathes housing development, which was also on an undulating site.

1.43 Crathes Housing

The CC arranged and led public meeting in March to initiate local communication with planners and developers connected with potential housing in Crathes. The meeting was attended by some 50 local residents, two planers from AC and representatives from the Dunecht estate. The meeting was successful inasmuch as there is now an awareness of the presence and status of the development and local issues have been identified such as roads & access, utilities, infrastructure, planning control, environment. A Development Brief for Crathes is an agreed (by planners) pre-requisite for further development in the Crathes wider area. This is supported by the CC and will be the vehicle for further engagement. At the time of reporting the document appears to be delayed as it was expected end October.

1.44 Woodlands of Durris Housing

The CC raised concerns with planners about heavy construction traffic passing Durris School and other traffic problems associated with housing development in Durris. Councillor Sandy Wallace reported to the CC that the Scottish Executive Reporter had reduced the planned number of houses from 25 to 8. This might have a negative effect of reducing the local infrastructural gain. It also meant that space for the balance would have to be found elsewhere. The CC is currently seeking clarity.

1.45 Development of Wind Farm at Mid-Hill

The CC has agreed to an arrangement where by the wind farm developers Natural Power has made a ‘planning gain’ cash offer to local CCs which has been accepted by Aberdeenshire Council Planning Services. Under the scheme the CC will become the application route for £5K/annum. The money will not be available before 2007.

1.5 Roads & Access

1.51 Deeside Way or “The Auld Deeside Line Way”!!!

Works on the Drumoak section of the Deeside Way have progressed well during the year but funds have run out for this year at Mills of Drum. Aberdeenshire Council have announced that the section of the Deeside Way from Mills of Drum to Crathes is to be constructed during Jan-Mar 2006. Scottish Enterprise is funding leaflets and signs. The CC has expressed concern that much of the section close to Crathes is to be along the North Deeside Road, something which needs to be pursued with some urgency if any immediate alternative can be found.

1.6 Ward Boundary Review

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland has made provisional proposals (based on their consultation with Aberdeenshire Council) for redesigned wards suitable for returning 3 or 4 members by STV (Single Transferable Vote). These proposals would involve the grouping of the Drumoak and Durris wards with Portlethen and Stonehaven, with Crathes being grouped with Banchory.

CDDCC felt that the whole of its area (Crathes, Drumoak and Durris) should be grouped with Banchory for reasons such as culture, education, physical geography, ecology, transport and history. Both Mike Rumbles and the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland have been apprised of the CC’s views.

Clearly, this last point threatens the existence of the Crathes, Drumoak & Durris Community Council as we know and love it!

It remains for me to thank each and every member of the 2005 Community Council who have supported me in my role as chairman this year. As always, there is more to do and I wished I had done more.

I hope for a new, reinvigorated and thoroughly representative council to emerge at the AGM

All the best to those in Crathes, Drumoak and Durris for Christmas and the new year.

2. Treasurer’s Report

John Hopkins distributed copies of the Treasurer’s Report. He said it was made up of two parts, one for CDDCC and the second for the Drumoak Youth Project (DYP), for which CDDCC continues to act as fundholder.

The CDDCC accounts for 2005 were proposed for acceptance by Jenny Watson and seconded by Don Keith. They were formally adopted and signed by John Hopkins and counter-signed by David Morrish.

The DYP accounts for 2005 were proposed for acceptance by David Morrish and seconded by Don Keith. They were formally adopted and signed by John Hopkins and counter-signed by David Morrish.

3. Results of Nominations for CDDCC

Under the Constitution, all members of CDDCC are required to resign at the end of each three year period of operation. The necessary arrangements had therefore been put in place in November for the creation of a new council.

Sandy Wallace, as Returning Officer, took the chair of the meeting and declared that nominations for membership of CDDCC had been received in respect of the following:-

Crathes

David Morrish

Tony Butcher

Keith Whitehead

Anne Ross

Drumoak

Molly Atkinson

John Hopkins – this nomination was rejected

Durris

Jean Downie

John Hopkins

As the numbers of applicants did not exceed the numbers of posts vacant, no elections were necessary. Sandy Wallace therefore declared the above-named to be appointed to the new CDDCC.

4. Appointment of Office-Bearers

The following office-bearers were appointed:-

Chairman – David Morrish (proposed by Jenny Watson, seconded by Anne Ross)

Vice Chairman – Molly Atkinson (proposed by Tony Butcher, seconded by Jean Downie)

Treasurer – John Hopkins (proposed by Molly Atkinson, seconded by David Morrish)

Secretary – Jean Downie (proposed by Tony Butcher, seconded by Keith Whitehead)

Resuming as Chairman, David Morrish suggested that further organisational arrangements would be considered at the first monthly meeting of the new council. These might include a Press Officer, a Planning Committee and a Project Committee, subject to there being sufficient Council members to carry out all the tasks.

Thanks were given to Donald Keith, Hanni Willan and Jill Gow for all their hard work on behalf of the Community Council.

5. Priorities for Action in 2006

David Morrish asked for input from the meeting as to what should be CDDCC’s priorities for 2006. The following items were proposed:-

• generate greater interest from Drumoak (possibly including a targeting of the owners of the new housing)
• Drumoak & Durris Newsletter (published quarterly) to have details of forthcoming CDDCC meetings
• Meeting venues were confirmed as continuing to be on the first Tuesday of each month at 1930 hours at the Irvine Arms, Drumoak
• better publicity, particularly using notice-boards – with bus-stops thought to be good locations and Aberdeenshire Council to be approached for the necessary funds
• early generation of projects as candidates for windfarm monies

6. Urgent Item of Business

Sandy Wallace asked for the meeting’s recommendation for the naming of the road in the southern hosuing site in Drumoak, currently under construction by Stewart Milne. After a broad-ranging debate, the recommendation was “Reidford Gardens”, named for the former farm in the vicinity. Sandy Wallace undertook to put this forward.

7. First Meeting of newly-reconstituted CDDCC

3 January 2006, Irvine Arms, Drumoak (19.30 hours)

The AGM was declared closed. Wine and cheese were then served.

JFH

8 December 2005

Distribution
email	post	by hand	other
CDDCC Councillors	Councillor Jenny Watson	Durris Hall Notice Board (via Sarah Hopkins)	Website www.durris.net (also for previous minutes)
Councillor Sandy Wallace	Crathes Hall Notice Board (via David Humble)	Drumoak Post Office (via John Hopkins)	Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator – new appointee not known
Mr W Munro, Area Manager, Kincardine & Mearns	Banchory Public Library	Park Shop (via John Hopkins)
Mr L Allen, Area Manager, Marr	Community Police Officer (Drumoak/Durris/Crathes), c/o Banchory Police Office
Rev. Jim Scott, Durris Manse, Durris	Drumoak Public Hall (via Ian Pirie)
	Drumoak Church Hall (via Morag Keith)