Category: Uncategorized

Present: Fiona Bick (chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), Brian Poppleton, Klaus Wahle, Grant Duguid, Ian MacMaster, Cllr Alistair McKelvie, George Glennie, Wendy Duncan, Bert McIntosh, Cara Graham, PC Steve Middleton, PC James Stewart

Apologies: Mary Gray, Nick Pilbeam, Cllr Iris Walker, Cllr Ron McKail, Cllr David Aitchison

Minute of last meeting: Approved

Police Report: PC Steve Middleton gave a report for the past two months. There were 2 road traffic offences and no other crimes reported. PC Middleton is retiring soon and PC Stewart will then take over the role of community policing in Garioch.

Cara Graham, a Skene School parent, raised concerns about road safety outside the school at school drop-off and pick-up times. The temporary 20mph speed limit is frequently being ignored by drivers and the crossing patrol had reported an HGV driver to Police for threatening behaviour. It was discussed whether there need to be more obvious road markings/signage to indicate the 20 mph limit to traffic. PC Middleton has requested a speed survey be done by Roads department outside the school. ACTION: Cllr McKelvie is to follow up possible interventions with Roads Department.

Other Agenda items:

Echt Public Convenience: Fiona attended the Echt Hall Committee meeting on 31^st October. The hall committee isn’t willing to take on management of the replacement public convenience and, in the absence of any other group of residents taking this on, the Community Council agreed that the project regrettably could not go forward. Bert McIntosh generously offered to cancel the MPH invoice for the purchase of the second-hand portaloo, which was originally to have been used as the replacement toilet and which has been stored in the MPH yard since March.

The Council plans to demolish the existing public convenience building before the end of the financial year but will consider proposals from the community about what to do with the site after demolition. The Echt residents present at the meeting felt that a rose garden would be appropriate.

A discussion then took place on what to do with the funding already received from the GAC. It was agreed that the balance of funds left after paying the planning application costs (£1190.17) should be spent on another project within the Community Council area. ACTION: Proposals will be brought to the next meeting for consideration.

Garlogie Footpath: The remaining section of old pathway west of the pub still needs to be cleared of mud and debris. Iris W was to have contacted Roads. No update.

Proposed Dunecht Conservation Area: Cheryl Roberts, Environmental Planner from Aberdeenshire Council, is seeking feedback following the last ESCC meeting. The Community Council agreed to support the proposal in principle. ACTION: Fiona to respond accordingly.

A96 Inverurie to Huntly CC Meeting 13^th November Feedback: Fiona attended the meeting at which the short-listed routes were presented. The process has rejected the option of following the existing Inverurie by-pass because it would involve demolishing around 40 properties, which the A96 team are instructed by Scottish government to avoid. Concerns were raised at the meeting that the route options to the north and south of Inverurie would cost more and result in significant loss of farmland as well as exposing more rural areas to traffic noise.

GACCF Forum 14^th November – Strategic Development Plan MIR Feedback: No-one from ESCC attended this meeting.

GACCF Meeting 5^th December: John Foulkes attended the meeting. Community Action Plans were discussed. John pointed out that Echt & Skene CC had conducted a similar community planning exercise around 20 years ago but none of the facilities which the community expressed a wish for at the time had materialised. It was suggested that the traffic impact of the AWPR opening be proposed for the agenda in March or June. ACTION: John to pass on suggested topic to Alison Cumming.

New Planning Applications:

• APP/2018/2681 Change of Use of Agricultural Buildings to Livery Stable and Formation of Manege (retrospective) – Millbuie, Skene AB32 6YP. Objection with respect to intrusive lighting over the manege from the prominent hilltop location

Prior Planning Applications:

• APP/2018/2226 Change of use from Class 6 (Storage) to Class 5 (General Industrial) – South Fornet, Dunecht, Westhill AB32 7BX PENDING
• APP/2018/2430 – Full planning permission for erection of 33 houses and associated infrastructure, landscaping and open space – Land to the west of Tillybrig, Dunecht, Westhill PENDING
• APP/2018/2508 Alteration and extension to agricultural building – Millbuie, Skene, Westhill AB32 6YP APPROVED

Treasurer’s Report:

Cash in bank: £2458.97 Cash in hand: £17.32

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• Community Council Induction Training in Planning Matters 30^th January 7pm at Gordon House. A number of Community Councillors expressed an intention to attend. It was agreed to move to move the next ESCC meeting to 31^st January to avoid a clash of dates.

AOCB:

Cllr McKelvie informed the meeting about a recent meeting in Westhill on Mental Health and Wellbeing, and his recent visit to the NHS Equipment Store in Inverurie, which contains a vast array of equipment including wheelchairs, walking sticks, frames, aids for the blind, deaf, disabled, alarms, telephony, & technical materials. This equipment is available to support Independent Living whether on a permanent or temporary basis. The equipment can be sourced via GPs, Practice Nurses, Physio or District nurse. It is also possible for temporary needs to contact the Store directly for collection of a select number of items.

Present: Fiona Bick (chair), Nick Pilbeam (vice-Chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), Mary Gray, Grant Duguid, Ian MacMaster, 6 Dunecht residents, 3 Echt residents, Cheryl Roberts (Aberdeenshire Council Environmental Planner), Cllr Iris Walker

 Apologies: Klaus Wahle, Brian Poppleton

Minute of last meeting: Approved

Police Report: None received. It is now 5 months since we received a police report or had police attend an ESCC meeting.

Other Agenda items:

Echt Public Convenience: Fiona to attend the Echt Hall Committee AGM on 31 October to discuss management of the new toilet.

Milne Hall Signs: Signs have now been erected. CLOSED

Garlogie Footpath: The remaining section of old pathway west of the pub still needs to be cleared of mud and debris. Iris W was to have contacted Roads.

Proposed Dunecht Conservation Area: Cheryl Roberts, Environmental Planner from Aberdeenshire Council, attended the meeting to explain why Dunecht was being considered for Conservation Area status, what the designation would mean in practical terms and how it would affect local residents. It was explained that the Conservation Area would not necessarily cover the whole village and would be subject to an 8 week consultation period. It was suggested that Skene Heritage Society would have an interest and that the Westhill Bullletin would be a good place to advertise a drop-in session to gauge local opinion more widely.

 Treasurer’s Report:

Cash in bank: £2466.67 Cash in hand: £17.32

New Planning Applications:

• APP/2018/2405 Demolition of outbuildings and erection of 3 houses with detached garages – Barnton Farm, Echt – No comment.
• APP/2018/2226 Change of use from Class 6 (Storage) to Class 5 (General Industrial) – South Fornet, Dunecht, Westhill AB32 7BX – Objection.
• APP/2018/2430 – Full planning permission for erection of 33 houses and associated infrastructure, landscaping and open space – Land to the west of Tillybrig, Dunecht, Westhill – Objection. The residents of Dunecht gave a presentation to explain the concerns of Tillybrig householders about the impact on flood risk for their properties as a result of the proposed development.
• APP/2018/2508 Alteration and extension to agricultural building – Millbuie, Skene, Westhill AB32 6YP – Objection. This proposed development appears to be to support the unauthorised horse livery business operating at the farm rather than agricultural activity. Aberdeenshire Council served an enforcement notice in January 2018 requiring a planning application to be submitted in respect of the livery and no action has been taken to follow up.

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• Aberdeen City & Shire Proposed Strategic Development Plan Consultation – closes 17th December. Comments to be sent to Fiona, who will collate a response
• A96 Inverurie to Huntly Dualling Community Council Forum 2-3.30pm 13th Nov at Garioch Centre, Inverurie. The short-listed options do not include the Bennachie route but all involve substantial detours around Inverurie since the contractors are instructed to avoid demolition. Fiona will attend.
• Garioch Area Community Council Forum Meeting – early December. A GACCF meeting was held in September but notice of this meeting wasn’t received by ESCC members. Iris Walker advised there was a presentation on Planning Enforcement – she will arrange for a copy to be forwarded.

AOCB:

• Kirkwood Homes Echt Phase 2 Development – an Echt resident raised a concern regarding potential non-compliance with the landscaping conditions of the planning permission. The ESCC will submit a complaint.
• Barmekin Park – concerns have been raised regarding inappropriate use of the car parking area for storage/disposal of waste materials. Council waste team has been advised.

Future meetings:

12^th December 2018        Lyne of Skene

30^th January 2019             Echt

13^th March 2019                Dunecht

24^th April 2019                   Garlogie

12^th June 2019 (AGM)    Lyne of Skene

 

 

 

Present: Fiona Bick (chair), Nick Pilbeam (vice-Chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), Brian Poppleton (Treasurer), Klaus Wahle, Grant Duguid, Ian MacMaster, Cllr Iris Walker, Cllr Ron McKail.

 Apologies: Cllr Alistair McKelvie, Cllr David Aitchison, Mary Gray

Minute of last meeting: Approved

Police Report: None received. Fiona to follow up with new Westhill sergeant.

Other Agenda items:

Echt Public Convenience: Fiona has spoken with members of the Echt Hall Committee who will discuss whether they might take on management of the new toilet at their next meeting. It appears uncertain as to whether there are now sufficient funds available to build the new toilet.

Milne Hall Signs: Signs not yet in place.

Garlogie Footpath: Roads Department were able to re-allocate funds to install a new pavement with kerbing between the Garlogie Inn and the houses to the east. The Community Council expressed their thanks to Iris Walker for obtaining this outcome with the Roads Department. The remaining section of pathway west of the pub still needs to be cleared of mud and debris though.

Kirkton of Skene Flood Mitigation Meeting: The Council has now cleared the flood relief ditch in the field to the north of Carpenter’s Croft and connected it to the Beechy Burn. Closed

Treasurer’s Report:

£107.69 spent on concrete for the installation of the Lyne of Skene bus shelter.

Cash in bank: £2521.67 Cash in hand: £17.42

New Planning Applications:

• APP/2018/2110 Condition 1 (a) Siting, Design, Layout, External Appearance, Finishing Materials, Bin Uplift, Driveway, Vehicle Parking and Turning Area; (b) Means of Access including Visibility Splays and Vehicle Layby at Junction; (c) Landscaping Scheme; (d) Levels Survey and Cross Sections; (e) Foul and Surface Water Disposal) of Planning Permission in Principle Reference APP/2018/0259 Erection of Dwellinghouse – Site east of Newton Smiddy, Dunecht – The site ground level has been reduced so that only the roof of the new 1½ storey house will be visible from the B9126. No objection.

• APP/2018/1838 Erection of workshop and store (Class 5 General industrial) – Gas Compressor Station, Echt AB32 6US – No objection

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• Aberdeenshire Waste Strategy Consultation – closes 28th September. Ron advised that the GAC had voted to support option 4 of the options proposed by the Waste Management Team.
• Stagecoach AWPR Bus Routes Consultation – closes 21st September
• Scotland Policy Conferences Keynote Seminar Implementing planning reform – funding, coordination and further steps for policy 23^rd October 2018 in Edinburgh . Fiona might be able to attend.

AOCB:

• A number of people on the ESCC distribution lists have reported problems receiving emails. Nick advised some email providers have filters which may be causing them to discard the emails so he will change the list set-up to avoid this happening in future.
• Grant suggested that the ESCC should have a greater social media presence beyond the website. Fiona will investigate setting up a Facebook page.
• Problems reported again in being able to contact the right people in the Council when issues arise – the helpline service appears to be under-resourced with long waiting times. The Councillors present suggested they were willing to act as a conduit to make direct contact.
• Echt Nursery made a request for assistance from a CSCS registered builder to complete their outdoor play area project. It was suggested they contact the Echt PTA or Kirkwood Homes.
• Iris advised that the proposed new Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Plan has been published and will be discussed at the forthcoming full Aberdeenshire Council meeting.

Future meetings:

30^th October 2018          Milne Hall, Kirkton of Skene

12^th December 2018      Lyne of Skene

30^th January 2019           Echt

13^th March 2019             Dunecht

24^th April 2019                Garlogie

12^th June 2019 (AGM)    Lyne of Skene

 

 

 

Present: Fiona Bick (chair), Nick Pilbeam (vice-Chair), Brian Poppleton (Treasurer), Klaus Wahle, Grant Duguid, Ian MacMaster, Cllr Iris Walker, Cllr Ron McKail.

 Apologies: Cllr Alistair McKelvie, Cllr David Aitchison, John Foulkes

Minute of last meeting: Approved

Police Report: None received. Iris Walker advised that Westhill has a new sergeant in place and will forward a contact email address for the ESCC distribution list.

Other Agenda items:

Echt Public Convenience: Fiona attended a site meeting with Bert McIntosh and Tom Buchan from the Council in early July. Bert has been invited to resubmit his quote for demolition of the existing toilet by the end of August. Fiona has researched the position regarding ongoing running costs for the replacement toilet. A public convenience within a public park is not liable for business rates and 100% relief for water/sewerage charges can be obtained if the customer is a registered charity. It was agreed that it would be best if the new PC were managed by a group from Echt village rather than the ESCC, none of whom currently reside within Echt. Fiona will explore options for this.

Lyne of Skene bus shelter: The shelter was successfully erected by a group of 5 local residents in July. The ESCC will reimburse the costs of cement, etc. Closed.

Milne Hall Signs: Roads Department has agreed to put up the signs. Ron to chase.

Garlogie Footpath: Parts of the path have been washed away by water thrown up by passing traffic during heavy rain. Roads Department are to produce costings for repair and improvements including the provision of kerbing but it is unlikely the Council will find a budget to cover the costs.

Kirkton of Skene Flood Mitigation Meeting: The Council is to open up a connection of the flood relief ditch in the field to the north of Carpenter’s Croft to the Beechy Burn and to use soil from the ditch to stop up the dry stone wall to try and prevent water flowing through the gardens.

Treasurer’s Report:

The annual grant of £626.22 has been received from the Council. £1360 is held for the new Echt public convenience.

Cash in bank: £2629.36 Cash in hand: £17.32

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• Community Councillor Induction Event 22^nd August 7pm Gordon House – Grant may attend
• Community Council Networking Event Saturday 15^th September at Woodhill House. Topics include Car Parking, Roads Development, Waste Recycling

AOCB:

• Klaus Wahle attended the AWPR briefing for CCs in June. No firm date has yet been declared for completion and opening. The River Don crossing is the critical unfinished component with the rest of the road largely ready.

Future meetings:

19^th September 2018      Garlogie

31^st October 2018             Kirkton of Skene

12^th December 2018        Lyne of Skene

30^th January 2019             Echt

13^th March 2019                Dunecht

24^th April 2019                   Garlogie

12^th June 2019 (AGM)    Lyne of Skene

Echt & Skene Community Council

Minute of meeting held 20^th June 2018 in Echt Hall following AGM

Present: Fiona Bick (chair), Nick Pilbeam (vice-Chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), Brian Poppleton (Treasurer), Klaus Wahle, Mary Gray, Grant Duguid, Ian MacMaster, Cllr Iris Walker, PC Steve Middleton, 3 residents from Echt.

Apologies: Wendy Duncan, Cllr Ron McKail, Cllr Alistair McKelvie, Cllr David Aitchison

Minute of last meeting: Two amendments were noted to the minute of the last meeting – namely, Cllr Iris Walker was not present but sent apologies, and, under AOCB, the meeting in Kirkton of Skene to discuss flood mitigation measures was arranged by Iris rather than being attended by her.

Police Report: PC Steve Middleton informed the meeting there had been 4 speeding offences on the A944 and the theft of a motorbike in Echt. A speed camera had been set up at Dunecht to monitor traffic coming from Sauchen following a request from the school. The CC asked for the camera to be deployed in Garlogie and Echt as well. He warned residents to be wary of rogue traders cold-calling at houses – there have been a number of reports of these in the area.

Other Agenda items:

Watering of Echt Flower Barrels: George Glennie made a request for assistance with watering the flower barrels in Echt. A local Echt resident offered to loan an IBC tank which could be placed on a trailer and filled with water for easy transport around the village. Closed

Feedback on Aberdeenshire LDP 2021 Developer Bids Seminar: Fiona attended the seminar for ESCC. None of the developer bid sites in the ESCC area are to be taken forward as preferred in the next LDP except that two of the sites (GR093 at Echt and GR094 at Dunecht) will be placed on the reserve list and may be allocated if the new City & Shire Strategic Development Plan increases the housing supply target. Closed

Feedback on Kirkwood Homes Public Consultation for land west of Tillybrig, Dunecht: No-one from the CC attended the consultation.

Echt Public Convenience: The planning application for the replacement toilet was approved. Fiona is arranging a site meeting with Bert McIntosh and the Council.

Echt Developer Contributions (Sport & Recreation projects): The path was installed during the week commencing 11^th June with minimal disruption and is proving popular. Closed

Echt Footpath: The path request is one of a number for small settlements in Aberdeenshire but the Council doesn’t have sufficient monies to allocate funding for it. Closed.

Lyne of Skene bus shelter: Planning permission was granted. The Council is due to deliver the shelter in early July for a work team of local residents to install it.

Milne Hall Signs: Roads Department has agreed to put up the signs. Not actioned yet.

Garlogie Footpath: The footpath alongside the B9119 is crumbling onto the road due to the absence of kerbing to contain it. Iris advised there was no money available to provide kerbing but said she would speak to the Roads Department about levelling it off.

Kirkton of Skene Flood Mitigation Meeting: Iris said she had received a report of the meeting which occurred on 21^st May between Alan Edwards, Kenny Freeman, the Rogiehill farmer and Lee Watson, and would circulate it.

Consultations:

• SEPA Flood Risk Management – closes 31st July

 Treasurer’s Report:

Cash in bank: £2015.14 Cash in hand: £19.83

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• Garioch Partnership AGM is on 27^th June 7pm at Fly Cup, Inverurie
• AWPR Briefing 26^th June 6pm Woodhill House – Klaus will try to attend

AOCB:

• Iris Walker informed the meeting that planning permission in principle had been given by the GAC for a house at Newton Smiddy on the basis of agricultural need (APP/2018/0259).

Minute of meeting held 16^th May in Lyne of Skene Hall at 7:30pm

 

Present: Fiona Bick (Chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), Ian MacMaster, Nick Pilbeam, Klaus Wahle, Wendy Duncan, Councillor Alistair McKelvie, Alison Cumming (Aberdeenshire Council), 4 Echt residents and 1 Garlogie resident, PC Cockburn (MOD Police), PC Presland (MOD Police).

Apologies: Cllr Iris Walker & David Aitchison, Mary Gray, Brian Poppleton

Minute of last meeting: Accepted

Approval of new Echt & Skene Community Council Constitution: The revised constitution was proposed by Fiona Bick and seconded by Nick Pilbeam. It was unanimously approved with immediate effect.

Review of Aberdeenshire LDP 2021 Developer Bids: A discussion took place of some 18 bid sites in the ESCC area put forward for development. A Council seminar is scheduled to take place on 12^th June to discuss all of the Garioch Area bids which Fiona and Nick will attend to represent the consensus views of the ESCC.

Community Councillor Election Nominations: The ESCC has 3 vacancies arising as a result of resignations and 3 arising as a result of community councillors having completed 3 years in post. Under the new elections procedures nomination forms have to be returned to the Garioch Area Committee Officer by 31^st May.

Police Report: No Police report received.

Other Agenda items:

Echt Public Convenience: The planning application for the replacement toilet was submitted in April. Discussions are ongoing with the planning officer concerning the final design of the building.

Echt Developer Contributions (Sport & Recreation projects): The Council has identified a further £10,000 of developer contributions which are available to fund the project, which will enable the whole perimeter path to be completed. Fiona will attend a site meeting on 21^st May with the Council landscaping department and the contractor with a view to work commencing within the next few months.

Echt Footpath: The Council advised against trying to combine this project with the Pleasure Park path given that the full funding is now available for the latter. No progress otherwise.

Lyne of Skene bus shelter: Planning decision awaited.

Milne Hall Signs: No signs yet. Action – Alistair McKelvie to chase Roads Department.

Consultations:

• Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Plan MIR – closes 21st May. Action – Fiona will draft an ESCC response largely supporting the status quo
• Scottish Govt Licensing Procedure Consultation – closes 6th June. Individual responses to be made.
• SEPA Flood Risk Management – closes 31st July

 

New Planning Applications:

• APP/2018/0860 Formation of Decking (retrospective) – 1 Glebe Terrace, Kirkton of Skene – No comment
• APP/2018/0792 Erection of Public Convenience – Echt Pleasure Park – no comment

 

Prior Planning Applications:

• APP/2017/ 1802 Continued use of Buildings for Class 5 (General Industrial): Non-compliance with Condition 1 (Time) of Full Planning Permission Ref. APP/2015/0663 Units 4 and 5 South Fornet, Skene – APPEAL ALLOWED

The ESCC noted that this planning decision exposes a loophole in the planning system that allows breaches of carefully considered and agreed policies. Rogue businesses will be encouraged to start up in inappropriate locations knowing that there is an opportunity to break the planning regulations with impunity.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Cash in bank: £2071.14 Cash in hand: £34.93

 

Council grant of £1360 ringfenced for Echt PC. Cheque for £68.83 pending for planning application advertisement. The Treasurer requested any outstanding claims for expenses be made by 25^th May for the accounts to be ready for the AGM.

 

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• Notice received from Kirkwood Homes regarding further public consultation on the housing development west of Tillybrig, Dunecht – 31^st May 3.30-7.30pm Dunecht Hall.
• Aberdeenshire LDP Bids Seminar 12^th June 11am Gordon House, Inverurie
• GACCF 6^th June 7pm Inverurie Townhall – main topic will be community engagement and community planning.

AOCB:

• Iris Walker has arranged a meeting in Kirkton of Skene between the Council and local residents to discuss measures which will be implemented by the Council to alleviate flood risk in the village
• GDPR –check with those on the ESCC Info distribution list that they are happy to continue receiving ESCC emails. Action – Fiona
• Garlogie footpath – no reply from Roads department yet. Action – John to follow up
• Garlogie Broadband – it was noted that Andrew Bowie MP will attend a meeting in the village on 15^th August on this topic
• 2 untaxed cars have been abandoned in Barmekin Park – these can be reported on the Council’s Road Faults web page
• Council Service Point – it was noted that people are enduring long waits when calling the new telephone number with no indication being given of their place in the queue – Action – Alistair McKelvie to follow up
• Kingsford Stadium – the Westhill councillors had a meeting with the NKS campaign group and were informed that the group are proceeding with an application for a judicial review.

Future meetings:

20th June (AGM)                          Echt Hall

 

Echt & Skene Community Council

Minute of meeting held 4^th April in Garlogie Hall at 7:30pm

Present: Fiona Bick (Chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), Ian MacMaster, Nick Pilbeam, Brian Poppleton (Treasurer), Edith Duchie, Raymond Alexander, Councillors Iris Walker, Ron McKail and Alistair McKelvie

Apologies: Alan Edwards, Cllr David Aitchison, Mary Gray, Klaus Wahle, Wendy Duncan

Minute of last meeting: Accepted

Police Report: 1 speeding offence and 2 offences of failing to stop after an accident. Operation Cedar is ongoing in the Garioch area aimed at tackling road traffic offences.

GACCF Meeting Feedback: John attended. Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Plan Main Issues report consultation is open for comment until 21 May.

Other Agenda items:

ESCC Website: New links have been added. Photos of local scenes are still needed to enhance the look and feel, and contributions should be sent to Nick. Meeting minutes are added as they are approved. Item closed.

ESCC Constitution: Working group met and agreed some further amendments. The final draft was sent to Alison Cumming for comment but no response received as yet. The new constitution will be issued for approval at the next meeting. Action – John to chase Alison Cumming for response

Echt War Memorial: Dunecht Estates commented that given the lack of interest from Echt residents in being part of a working group to progress a WW2 memorial they didn’t think the residents of Dunecht were likely to have a different response .Neither Dunecht Estates nor the ESCC intended to take the idea further but expressed their appreciation of the work done by Wendy Duncan on it.

Echt Public Convenience: Meeting between Council property department, Bert Mackintosh and Fiona took place on Monday 26^th Feb. Aberdeenshire Council will be responsible for demolition of the existing building and associated consents but as yet haven’t appointed a contractor to do the work. Fiona has prepared a planning application on behalf of ESCC for the replacement disabled access toilet and is ready to submit it. Toilets remain open in the meantime. Action – Fiona to contact Bert Mackintosh to clarify scope of work included in his installation offer.

Echt Developer Contributions (Sport & Recreation projects): Fiona obtained agreement from developer contributions team that new paths in the Pleasure Park will qualify for funds and has received confirmation that £17, 598.96 of available monies have been allocated to the project. However, the funds appear to be insufficient for the whole project. Action – Fiona to contact Council to clarify responsibilities for obtaining additional quotes and commissioning the work.

Carpenters Croft/Kirkton of Skene Flooding Issues: Alan Edwards has notified that the residents have now decided to take self-help measures to resolve the issues. Item closed.

Echt Footpath: Iris suggested the Council could look to do the Pleasure Park path and the B977 footpath as one project and that there may be monies available from the Active Travel budget to go towards it. Action – Fiona to contact Margaret-Jane Cardno

Community Resilience: Fiona submitted an application to the A96 Dualling Project Community Development Fund for money to pay for gas heaters/coal. There are no plans to make further funding applications. Item closed.

Lyne of Skene bus shelter: Planning application has been submitted and is open for public comment.

Heartstart Course: No progress. Item closed.

Milne Hall Signs: No signs yet. Action – Ron to chase Roads Department.

New Planning Applications:

• APP/2018/0399 Alterations and extension to dwellinghouse – Cosyneuk, Echt AB32 6XL. No comment
• APP/2018/0665 Part use of dwellinghouse for childminding business (Class 10) – Hillbrae, Echt, AB32 6XJ. No comment.
• APP/2018/0584 Installation of 15 lead slate roof vents – Echt Parish Church. No comment.
• APP/2018/0559 Erection of bus shelter – Lyne of Skene Village Hall. No comment.

Prior Planning Applications:

• APP/2017/ 1802 Continued use of Buildings for Class 5 (General Industrial): Non-compliance with Condition 1 (Time) of Full Planning Permission Ref. APP/2015/0663 Units 4 and 5 South Fornet, Skene – APPEALED Reporter made unaccompanied site visit. Decision still awaited.

Treasurer’s Report:

Council grant of £1360 received for Echt PC. £202 spent on 2 planning applications, £7.19 on printing paper and £81.98 on flower barrels and compost for Lyne of Skene.

Cash in bank: £2195.83 Cash in hand: £44.97

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• None

AOCB:

• Alan Edwards has resigned from ESCC
• Garlogie footpath is in poor state and is crumbling at edge to extent that it is no longer wide enough in placesy. Pedestrians are therefore having to walk on the road instead. Action – John to write to Scott Walker requesting kerbing
• Clr Alistair McKelvie circulated the list of road maintenance, pathway and lighting projects to be executed by the Council in Westhill area in 2018-19.

Future meetings:

16th May                                          Lyne of Skene

20th June (AGM)                             Echt Hall

 

 

Echt & Skene Community Council

Minute of meeting held 21^st February in Garlogie Hall at 7:30pm

Present: Fiona Bick (Chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), Wendy Duncan, Ian MacMaster, Nick Pilbeam, Brian Poppleton (Treasurer), Edith Duchie, Councillors Ron McKail and Alistair McKelvie

Apologies: Alan Edwards, Cllr David Aitchison, Cllr Iris Walker, Mary Gray

Minute of last meeting: Accepted

Police Report: None received

Other Agenda items:

ESCC Website: Website text content has been updated. Photos of local scenes are needed to enhance the look and feel, and contributions should be sent to Nick. Nick to add links to Aberdeenshire Safety Partnership and Skene Heritage Society.

ESCC Constitution: First draft prepared. Further working group meeting needed to discuss and finalise for ESCC approval. Following that the new constitution will be sent to Aberdeenshire Council for approval so that it can be in place for next AGM.

Echt War Memorial: Survey was sent out by email to 125 local Echt residents and also made available in village shop and hall for pick up. Only 5 responses received with none willing to assist with fund-raising, etc. Wendy will send survey and results to Dunecht Estates for comment.

Echt Public Convenience: Meeting between Council property department and Bert Mackintosh is to take place on Monday 26^th Feb. Fiona will attend for ESCC. Toilets remain open in the meantime.

Echt Developer Contributions (Sport & Recreation projects): No progress with the new Pleasure Park path. It is rumoured that some of the Echt developer contributions have been siphoned off to other Council projects. Fiona to follow up with Garioch Area Manager.

Carpenters Croft/Kirkton of Skene Flooding Issues: Bancon Homes has offered a disappointingly small donation towards the cost of enlarging the Manse Road culvert. Fiona to contact them again.

Echt Footpath: No progress.

Community Resilience: Residents’ information leaflet has been printed and is ready to go out as an insert in February’s Westhill bulletin. Nick has leaflets for anyone wanting to distribute door-to-door. They will also be left in village shops for pick-up.

Lyne of Skene bus shelter: Planning application imminent (Nick).

Heartstart Course: No progress.

New Planning Applications:

• APP/2018/0067 Alterations and extension to existing garage – Leddach House, Skene. No comment.
• APP/2018/0259 Planning Permission in principle for erection of dwellinghouse – site east of Newton Smiddy, Dunecht. ESCC to submit comment regarding undesirability of breaking skyline with new house (John).

Prior Planning Applications:

• APP/2017/ 1802 Continued use of Buildings for Class 5 (General Industrial): Non-compliance with Condition 1 (Time) of Full Planning Permission Ref. APP/2015/0663 Units 4 and 5 South Fornet, Skene – APPEALED. Community Councillors will attend if Reporter makes accompanied site visit.

Treasurer’s Report:

Cash in bank: £1157.73 Cash in hand: £14.14

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• GACCF meeting 7^th March 7pm at Meldrum Academy – John to attend.

AOCB:

• Kingsford stadium – It’s understood Aberdeenshire Council is writing to Scottish Government asking them to call in the approval of the application by Aberdeen City Council contrary to the Local Development Plan. The discharge of a number of the planning conditions would require the cooperation of Aberdeenshire Council i.e. pedestrian bridge and Controlled Parking Zone.
• The telephone box and post box at Garlogie Hall have now been removed. A post box remains at the other end of Garlogie.
• The Milne Hall Committee would like signs in the village at the car park entrances for “Village Hall” as some visitors have difficulty spotting it – Ron to write to Roads Department.
• Aberdeenshire Licensing Forum – John attended. Issues discussed included high price of low/no alcohol beers, difficulties in competing with supermarkets faced by small retailers and burdensome application process for occasional licences leading to increase in BYOB events. Forum will meet 2/3 times per year.

Future meetings:

4th April                                               Garlogie

16th May                                            Lyne of Skene

20th June (AGM)                             Echt Hall

 

 

Present: Fiona Bick (chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), Brian Poppleton (Treasurer), Wendy Duncan (minute taker), George Glennie, Ian MacMaster, Cllr Iris Walker, 4 residents from Echt and 1 resident from Kirkton of Skene.

Apologies:, Nick Pilbeam (vice chair), Klaus Wahle, Cllr Ron McKail, Cllr David Aitchison, Mary Gray

 

Minute of last A.G.M. – No matters arising therefore minute approved by Ian MacMaster, seconded by John Foulkes

Election of Members:  

Block vote of existing elected members who all expressed a wish to remain on the committee except for Kevin Strachan. Alan Edwards agreed to join as community councillor representative for Kirkton of Skene. Fiona Bick will be a representative for Dunecht in place of Kevin Strachan.

 

 

Election of Office Bearers:

 

Fiona Bick as chairperson, Nick Pilmbeam as vice chairperson, John Foulkes as secretary, Brian Poppleton as treasurer. Ian MacMaster proposed office bearer’s elections and Wendy Duncan seconded.

 

Wendy Duncan to resign from post of minute taker. With no nominations or expressions of interest received, it was agreed a) to approach Klaus Wahle to be minute taker or b) for minutes to be taken on a rota basis. This will be finalised at next Echt & Skene Community Council meeting in June.

 

 

Treasurer’s Report:
CIH £60.42 Bank balance £830.98

Resilience expenditure £2199.16 – expenditure approved and paid by Aberdeenshire Council of £2198.96 [20p shortfall].

 

The books have been audited and Brian awaits the AGM minute so that they can be sent to Alison Cumming of Aberdeenshire Council for verification.

 

Acceptance of Accounts:

Ian MacMaster proposed records to be accepted as correct and seconded by George Glennie.

Chairman’s Report:

 

The Echt & Skene Community Council has been pro-active over the course of the year putting together and implementing Community Resilience Plans for each of the five villages of Lyne of Skene, Kirkton of Skene, Garlogie, Echt and Dunecht. These plans will enable each village hall to be used as a refuge or safe haven in the event of an incident in the community. A grant of £2240 was secured from Aberdeenshire Council’s top-up fund, which has enabled the purchase of some basic equipment, which is now held in cabinets at each village hall. Unfortunately our application for a grant to SSE to buy heating appliances and fuel was not successful in 2016 so we will still be looking for an alternative source of funding for this element over the course of 2017. Particular thanks go to Nick Pilbeam and Brian Poppleton for their efforts.

 

The Echt Community Councillors, George Glennie and Wendy Duncan, have also been very active in the past year in responding to Aberdeenshire Council’s decision to close the Echt public conveniences as part of cost cutting measures. Thanks to the generosity of a local business, McIntosh Plant Hire, and an award of funds from the Garioch Area Committee, a lower cost and more accessible alternative to be run by the local community has been developed. The existing facility will remain open over the summer of 2017 with the intention of replacing it with a disabled portaloo thereafter.

 

The Scottish Government review of the planning system, which commenced in 2015 has continued through to 2017 with further consultation. The Community Council submitted a response to their proposals for change in April this year and we await further developments on this.

 

Consultation has also been ongoing since 2015 with respect to a revised Scheme of Establishment for Community Councils in Aberdeenshire. It’s now expected the new scheme will come into effect on 1st July 2017 if approved by Aberdeenshire Council this month.

 

Unfortunately our area has seen an increase in crime over the past year with a number of incidents including thefts, assaults, threatening behaviour and road traffic offences occurring. I shall close my report for 2016 in urging local residents to do all they can to protect themselves from opportunistic criminals by securing their vehicles, outbuildings and homes at all times.

John thanked Fiona for all of her hard work this year which was concurred by other committee members.

 

Correspondence:          None

A.O.C.B                           None

Present:   Fiona Bick (Chair), John Foulkes (Secretary), , Wendy Duncan, Ian MacMaster, Nick Pilbeam(Minutes), Brian Poppleton (Treasurer), Raymond Alexander, Edith Duchie, Nicole Garden and Steve Middleton (Police Scotland), Tish Angus, Daisy Roger, Samuel Cockburn (MOD Police)

Councillor Iris Walker.

Apologies: Alan Edwards, Cllr David Aitchison, Mary Gray , Cllr Alistair McKelvie, Cllr Ron McKail

Minute of last meeting: Accepted

Police Report: 1 theft, 2 drugs related offences. Police Scotland have been monitoring Skene school speeding during 20mph times with one vehicle recorded at 41mph; there will be more use of the radar gun here in the near future.

Feedback from GACCF: CC Scheme of Establishment. We petitioned for the number of ESCC Community Councillors to be raised from 8 to 10 which allows for 2 reps per village; this has been agreed.  The new scheme comes into force on 1^st April – Nick and John will review our constitution and see what needs changing.

Aberdeen City Region Strategic Transport Survey Response: Discussion ensued and Fiona will complete on-line consultation response on behalf of ESCC.

Other Agenda items:

ESCC Website: Format agreed and content proposed by Fiona will be put on site by Nick, Fiona will post minutes of meetings.

Echt War Memorial: Information and survey requests being sent out by Wendy to local residents prior to next step, which will be discussion meetings.

Echt Public Convenience: Meeting between Council property department and Bert Mackintosh has not happened yet. Toilets remain open in the meantime.

Echt Developer Contributions (Sport & Recreation projects): The new Pleasure Park path awaits Council contract to be finalised. Bert Mackintosh is pressing for earlier conclusion so it can be done before the ground gets too soggy.

Carpenters Croft/Kirkton of Skene Flooding Issues: Council will inspect the flood prevention ditch and see if there is anything they can do to improve it. The issue is being discussed in council funding committee but it will compete with other needs. Fiona to follow up with Bancon Homes regarding the Manse Road culvert.

Echt Footpath: No progress.

Community Resilience: Residents’  information leaflet to be finished and ideally printed before end February so it can be inserted in Westhill bulletin. Wendy has a list of volunteers/key holders for Echt which she will send to the Council Emergency Planner. She is holding a meeting on 17^th January in Echt Hall to invite residents to find out about the system.

Lyne of Skene bus shelter: Planning application about 80% ready to go.

Heartstart Course: Wendy chasing up.

New Planning Applications:

• APP/2018/0004 Erection of domestic outbuilding – Proctor’s Cottage, Westhill, AB32 6HG – No comment

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Cash in bank: £1379.08 Cash in hand: £14.14

 

Correspondence/Upcoming Events:

• Licensing Policy Review Online Consultation – deadline 12^th January: Individuals can complete the online survey. JF will attend the Central Aberdeenshire Licensing Forum meeting on 7^th February.
• Proposed 20mph speed limits in Forbes Park: Discussed – CC will comment supporting.

 

AOCB:

• Interviews for head teacher at Echt are progressing.
• Review of community policing including police presence at CC meetings: A short life working group has been set up chaired by Iris and with 1 rep from Garioch. Their next meeting will be on 5^th
• Council budget is due to be finalised on 8^th There has been a reduction in government funding of 13% of the rates bill. Thus either the rates go up by 13% or other savings will have to be made to balance the budget.
• Kingsford stadium hearing takes place on 17^th January and a decision is due by the end of the month. Aberdeenshire Council have submitted their objection.
• Scotway grants are available for £500-£1500 for footpaths.
• Plaque on tree in Echt: Several quotes obtained, Westhill men’s shed will be asked to quote.
• Discussions have taken place between Echt School and the Council re a new garden bench for the park.
• Samuel Cockburn explained that he had taken over from Gary representing the MOD police. Gary has retired.

 

Future meetings:

21^st February                                      Garlogie

4th April                                               Kirkton of Skene

16th May (will also be AGM)       Lyne of Skene