CROMARTY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Meeting held on Monday 28th November 2005 at the Hugh Miller Institute
Present:
Community Councillors:
Anne Short, (Chair), Jane Clunas, Douglas Cooper, Margaret Binnie, Alex Davidson, Douglas McPhee, Rachel Robertson, Wilf Taylor, Ronald Young
Highland Councillor: David Alston
In attendance: PC Williams
CC Secretary: Caroline Vawdrey
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Chairwoman's welcome: Anne said that the Community Council had been very sad to learn of Lonna Davidson’s death and passed on members sympathy and support to Alex |
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Apologies: Susan Florence |
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2
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Approval of previous minutes: The minutes were approved. Proposed: Douglas McPhee Seconded: Ronald Young |
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3 |
Police Report: PC Williams reported that there had been no major issues over the last month. Over his area there had been 31 incidents of which 15 had been in Cromarty, including 2 acts of vandalism.
PC Williams was asked about calls to the Cromarty Station – these are all transferred to Inverness Headquarters – and callers can then either speak to him directly if he is in the office, or he will be messaged to respond at a suitable time.
Correspondence relating to an individual currently living in Townlands Park was also discussed with PC Williams. The CCs concern was to seek ways to give re-assurance to residents. PC Williams noted that anyone known to the police was kept under surveillance, and that this person was also tagged. DA suggested that the ‘Safe, Strong and Free’ group would be worth contacting to see if they would be able to visit both the primary school and nursery – to provide children with the confidence to deal positively with any forms bullying and intimidation.
PC Williams said that he would visit the concerned residents and seek to help and reassure them.
During this discussion the condition of the Townlands Play park was also debated – concerns having been raised about the repeated fouling and vandalism off the area. AS will raise this with Sam Lowe |
AS to discuss with Miss Rose PC Williams AS to raise with Sam Lowe |
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Youth Issues Youth Rep.s: Rhuari and Hamish had been put off attending the CC after seeing the October minutes (and that was on a quiet month!) RY said that he would ask a couple of young people if they would be interested in attending.
Friday Club: Over 30 people are attending the club – which is approximately double last year. The girls’ football team will be playing at the weekend – and so will be the first to wear the new strip.
Youth Café: DA circulated information
Multi-court: Plans for this are continuing. Jermaine Allison is confident of securing the necessary funding. Children are continuing with their research on priorities. |
RY to seek youth reps.
D McP ongoing
JC ongoing |
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Matters arising 5:1 Links bus shelter: There had been a THC error and the plans had not been sent to John Nightingale. This has now been rectified. JC suggested that the CC might like to consider building an attractive shelter using local materials like the one built for Resolis CC. CC members agreed that the CC should find out when a shelter would be available from the THC – and that if this was going to take a long time to consider the Resolis option.
5:3 Beach Clean Up: No money has been paid to the CC as yet. DA to follow up release of funding with John Hearmon
5:7 Septic tanks at Cromarty Mains: AS spoke to Stephen Cowie (SEPA) who commented that he didn’t think that the septic tank discharge system had consent (in which case it is illegal) – and that if it were applied for now, consent would be refused. The most likely solution would be to put in an effective land soakaway. Stephen Cowie will work with residents to find an acceptable solution.
15:6 Scottish Water path: AS will borrow a key from AD in order to get further copies cut.
8:0 Cromarty Harbour Trust: Andy Young withdrew his application to stand as CC rep and so the two representatives will be Ronald Young and Charles Petersen
9:0 ILM bill: This has been paid
12:4 Cromarty Footpath Guide: AS gave thanks to DA for looking at the draft. DA reported that the leaflet had now gone to design draft – and that he had asked Susan Christie if he could take a look at it.
13:1 Stall Storage: Tom and Claire Kidd, Bank Street have generously agreed to store the stalls until a permanent solution can be found. CV to write and thank them on the CCs behalf.
13:2 Cromarty Live Website: AS and RY will meet Steve Ellwood on Nov 30th at 19.30 to discuss this.
13:5 Loose High Street Kerb: DMcP noted that this was getting worse. DA will remind John Hearmon
13:6 Kirkibrae: RR thanked DA for following this up – and reported that the signed document should now be on its way – so that work could begin shortly.
13:7 Traffic Diversion: DA and RY have considered this further – and recommend that a change in priorities at the Crafty would be the best solution. They also suggested an extension of the pavement in front of the Royal Hotel. Unfortunately the roads budget is such that getting these done may take a long time. |
AS to discuss timescales with John Hearmon
DA ongoing
ongoing
AS ongoing
completed
completed
DA ongoing
CV to write
AS, RY ongoing
DA ongoing
RR ongoing
DA and RY ongoing |
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6 |
Townlands Barn Development MB introduced the discussion by saying that she had the impression at the September CC meeting that community councillors were now minded to support a larger number of houses on the Townlands Barn field. That being the case she felt that a vote should be taken. MB noted that she continued to oppose 20-30 houses on the site – but that she would be willing to follow the majority view.
The following represents a summary of the discussion that followed:
JC commented that 30 dwellings – as presented by LDN architect Tom Duff at the June CC presentation and Sept public meeting - had looked acceptable. However, she was unfamiliar with the history of the subject – and would like to reserve judgement at present
WT – reminded CC members that they had recommended that 10-15 houses be built on the site in response to the East Ross Local Plan Consultation, and that concerns about over-development have been expressed since 1993. WT commented that he felt that a higher density development would be against the wishes of the community. WT was of the view that there was no local employment and no prospect of the labour force at Nigg increasing – there was differing opinions on this issue.
RY commented that if the site were to be developed primarily for affordable housing – then it would need to be done at a higher density in order for costs to break even. RY also noted that he felt that there wasn’t a demand for further flatted development, and that any new housing should have at least two bedrooms.
RR stated that although she was opposed to development of the field on a personal level – as it would take away both privacy and wildlife – she was nonetheless supportive of development as a community councillor. RR commented that she had been re-assured by the design ideas illustrated by Tom Duff, and that if a higher density of housing were required in order to have affordable housing then she would support that. RR suggested waiting for the Reporter’s comments before reaching a CC conclusion.
DA noted that the housing needs survey had revealed a demand for housing adapted for people with mobility problems – and that with an ageing population this was a trend that was likely to continue. DA further noted that Cromarty’s population in the early 20th Century had stood at 1200, in more recent years the population had reached its lowest point of fewer than 500 people in 1970. During the 70’s there had been an increase of 100, and a further 70 in the 80s whereas from 1991 to 2001 there had been no increase in population. Such a pattern will begin to have a bearing on the school roll which from a peak around 100 is now down to 91and is forecast to drop to the 60s - which will mean a loss of a teacher and a reduced case for upgrading the school buildings.
With regard to process DA noted that the CC had re-submitted papers to the local plan enquiry process and would now need to await the Reporter’s conclusions, but agreed that THC would not necessarily have to follow this.
HSCHT purchase would be of the whole site – with Sandilands being sold on to the Highlands Building Preservation Trust for renovation, and an area of land being sold for the new medical centre.
DA stressed the importance of the CC deciding if it wishes to work with HSCHT – who will be unable to proceed without such support.
In conclusion: The CC agreed to defer a decision on housing density until the Reporter has made his recommendations. |
All CC members ongoing |
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Scottish Executive Community Councils discussion paper This was circulated to CC members and will be discussed at the meeting on December 19th.
DA commented that it was a valuable opportunity for CCs to put in a strong response and to highlight what would help them to function better – for instance corporate body status (which would remove individual liability). |
All CC members ongoing |
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THC Draft Renewable Energy Strategy This was circulated to CC members and will be discussed at the meeting on December 19th.
CC members were interested in discussing what renewable energy approaches might work at a CC area level. DA will find out who the appropriate HIE staff member is. |
DA to find HIE contact |
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Treasurer’s Report: Bank balance: (up until 28th October) - £14,445.48
Expenditure since my last report was £2, 634.18 and included:
Income since my last report was £68.80:
Still owed for Dingwall’s November rental of stalls |
AD |
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Planning None that required CC discussion
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MB |
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Highland Councillor’s Report DA thanked AD for all his work for the Harbour Trust, including recruiting the new Trustees.
DA reported that he and RY had discussed ideas for interpretation of the seaplane base. Their initial thoughts include a slate base carved with a compass, and a V-shape of small posts with the apex near the site of the seaplane ramp. Text and illustrations could be set in the posts.
DA informed the CC that the Northern Lighthouse Board would be decommissioning the Cromarty Lighthouse. He noted that they would be sympathetic to any community body that might wish to take it on. CC members agreed to look at this further, and to consider whether the building might be suitable for storage. RY will contact the Lighthouse Board, and will obtain a key in order to allow RY, RR and MB to visit the building. |
AD completed!
DA and RY ongoing
RY,RR,MB ongoing |
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Correspondence Crown Estate Newsletter: It was noted that they do grants – and wondered whether they might support a seaplane memorial
ASCC Newsletter: For information
Root ma Toot Big Band: Have sent thanks for Cromarty hospitality
School Board: John Wood has written on behalf of the school board asking for CC support of their suggestion that some of the proceeds from the sale of Raddery school should be used to fund the upgrade of Cromarty Primary School. CC members agreed that although support had already been given in a similar vein to the Black Isle Swimming Pool Foundation they could nonetheless say that they also felt that this would be a good use for the money.
Cromarty Primary School: Have sent thanks for the money for the fireworks display and a request for funding towards next summers Outward Bound week at Fort William. CC members agreed that £450 from the Common Good Fund would be an acceptable claim. AD will tell Veronica to submit the form, and he will provide a note of CC support |
DA and RY to consider
CV to write
AD |
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AOB Pavement at Whitedykes: DC asked when this was likely to be in place. DA commented that the problem was that the road budget was extremely limited and that there were other priorities. CC members agreed to raise the issue at the next meeting with John Duncan
Beech tree fallen across South Sutor path: DA will find out who to contact
Estates Initiative Budget: RY suggested intercoms for Marine Terrace, outdoor seats for Marine terrace, continuing the back access path at Bayview. DA recommended that RY emails his ideas either to him or to THC directly.
BT manhole at top of Denny: Has water pouring out. AS to ring BT
Run-off cuttings: New ones may be required between Newton and the Manse entrance. DA to check with Jim Yuill.
Benevolent Society: This is run through the surgery to provide Christmas gifts. The money comes via THC to the CC and then to the surgery. AD to ask June Forsyth if it is possible for the money to go direct to the surgery
Noticeboard: DMcP has offered to look after this.
Bill McKinley: Will be 90 on December 10th. WT will send d a card on behalf of the CC
Ferry Signs: AS has spoken to BEAR who will remove or cover the signs for the winter.
Shop retirals: The CC is happy to support others who might wish to thank both David and Don.
Christmas Tree: Will be coming on December 2nd.
Christmas Tree lights: Lonna has left £2,000 for Christmas lights for Cromarty. Alan Hunter and Sandy Thompson are working on this – and would like two CC members to help. RR and RY offered to do so |
CC members
DA
RY
AS to ring BT DA
AD
DMcP
AS to contact THC re connection
RR & RY ongoing |
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Date of next meeting: Monday 19th December 2005 at 19.30in the Hugh Miller Institute |
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