Minute of the meeting held on Monday 19 February 2007 at Maryculter Community Hall.
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Maryculter |
Cookney / Netherley |
Banchory-Devenick |
Aberdeenshire Councillors |
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Bill Fraser Avril Tulloch Kevin Park Sylvia Pike |
Rob Winmill (Vice Chairman) Robert Keeler (Secretary) Philip Smart Bob McKinney. |
Mike Birch (Chairman) Keith Johnston Duncan Petrie |
Sandy Wallace(Lower Deeside)
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3 Members of the Public
APOLOGIES – Mike Sullivan (Stonehaven North & Fetteresso)
Police report - PC Wendy Cook gave a summary of incidents in the area over the recent weeks, several road accidents some resulting in damage to property and one resulted in closure of the South Deeside Road at Blairs. There was a burnt out vehicle in the South Deeside Road area but the driver has not been traced. Also numerous reports of animals loose on roads in the area, owners are asked to check and maintain animal enclosures, to prevent escapes. A break-in to a garage in the Maryculter area, bicycles, motorcycles a moped and offroad trail bike were stolen. A male has been charged and several items recovered. Two other thefts in Maryculter area, a quantity of dog food was stolen in one case and a power washer was taken from outside a commercial property. A reminder to all to ensure all garages, outbuildings barns etc. A trailer was stolen from a commercial property in the Blairs area. No-one has been traced but inquiries are continuing. Theft of a handbag from a local restaurant, was resolved when found with all its contents. There have been numerous alarm activations in the area, please arrange for keyholder’s details to be made available to police to save causing annoyance to neighbours.
A report of an assault on the Blairs/Netherley school bus between two youths. The Police will speak to a youth regarding this. Mike asked about traffic problems on the South Deeside Road and Rob commented on speeding HGV’s on the B979. Duncan mentioned that he had not seen a police car at Banchory-Devenick crossroads. Pc Cook said she will pass all motoring comments to traffic division.
In answer to a question by Sandy, Pc cook stated there were normally nine officers on duty, for whole South Area. If there was a major incident, officers would be called in from other areas. Robert commented that the non-emergency number had not been answered on two occasions and why not have an option to leave a message. Pc Cook admitted that the service was very busy but would pass on comments.
Presentation by RES
David Eastman of RES gave a short presentation on the history of the proposed Meikle Carewe Wind Turbine construction. He stated that the reasons for the rejection of their previous application had all been addressed:
He said that television reception will be addressed where necessary, that affected homes can be tuned to Angus transmitter or given digiboxes. DE showed a colour coded map of the interference. He said that the airport authority BAA had made an objection following publication of the planning application. RES believe they can address this objection by entering into an agreement to fund technical works which will probably not involve re-routing planes.
RES are looking for NKRCC support.
Questions were then asked on behalf of the Community Council (CC) then questions from the floor.
CC. When will the EIA be available ?
DE. Final document should be available in two weeks, delay caused by redrafting due to the objection from the airport.
CC. Have all the surveys been redone?
DE. No not all although winter bird population and vegetation impact were additional to the last ES
CC. Comment on the connection to National Grid for the original proposal not being available until 2014?
DE. As RES have reduced the notional power output now to less than 10MW they can connect using a different application process to an existing line.
CC. Comment: your scheme is 10.2MW.
DE. Yes but the actual output will be less than 10MW and there will be power losses before it reaches the connection.
CC. Comment it is understood that RES intend to get try and out of existing SRO3 contract for the supply of electricity from the site ?
DE. I believe so.
CC. There is now new quarrying proposed on- site?
DE- Yes
CC how much stone will be quarried and what is it for.
DE – I don’t know the total – it will be for the access road and may be for other purposes.
CC Have ground investigations been done to prove the suitability of the quarry or even turbines.
DE. No – but Engineering assessments have been done to show peat depths are not a problem. If there is a problem a turbine could be moved by up to 50 metres.
CC- what height is the existing anemometry mast and is it in the position shown on their application.
DE - it is 50m high and at the location on the plan.
CC. What measures would you take to fix any TV problem?
DE. Measures in the presentation RES would finance new aerials if necessary
CC. What is the recommended viewing distance for the photomontages you have shown?
DE. Not sure –but estimate viewing position to be from the laptop position (CC noted that this was closer than the audience)
QF. Is there anything within the design to offset problems of ‘bird strikes’ ?
DE. No – but the turbine blade widths could be modified. This should be in the EIA.
QF. Who has provided the new TV interference information?
DE. RES in house team.
QF. How does energy get to the grid?
DE. Probably by underground cable to existing disused line. but that would be a separate application.
QF. How long would you continue to supply TV digiboxes?
DE. I don’t know but it was up to me I would be fair and reasonable.
The Chairman thanked David for attending. David confirmed that he would send us a copy of his presentation and a copy of the EIA in CD format.
1. MATTERS ARISING
New Lairhillock School – Sylvia commented on amount of lights left on around school, Rob said these were now off.
Web site – will be up to date shortly.
Roads – Mike apologized for not arranging meeting with Mark Skilling, he will organise this. Rob and Sylvia complained of potholes on B979 and Netherley - Portlethen road. Sandy said that this Council had underfunded the roads for 12 years. He thinks this is a political issue. If the mild winter continues it is possible the road clearing budget could be raided. Mike said that the logging company has caused severe damage at site in Banchory-Devenick. Robert will write to roads dept with copies to Chief Executive Alan Campbell and area Manager Willie Munro.
Western Peripheral Route – Councillors had met at Sylvia’s and agreed to issue letters of objection to Transport Scotland. Rob suggested a joint Press Release with other Community Councils which had objected – Rob will draft a letter. Bill said lack of democratic process was very evident. Mike will raise this issue with other Community Councils at Community Council Forum on Thursday. Sandy said that Crathes Durris and Drumoak CC are against the AWPR. Henry asked if Burnhead junction and subsequent road closure had been mentioned. The attitude of the council seemed to be that the road could be closed, it is considered that this would cause hardship to the local community. Agreed that our letter of objection be copied to all N.E. MSPs
2. PLANNING
Blairs – Sandy said the developer would like this resolved before May elections. Henry was concerned that people on the Blairs estate could lose their leases.It was agreed that Rob drafts a fuller letter of objection for next Area Committee meeting, to include request that locals be nominated for some Affordable Housing if approved.
15 Affordable Houses Westside Maryculter – Nothing new.
Meikle Carewe – see RES presentation.
Maryculter Organic Farm We have been asked if we wish to speak at the next Area Meeting in respect of lifting occupancy restriction. It was agreed our letter was sufficient. Sylvia queried if residential caravans would be removed; agreed to defer the query until house is completed.
Banchory-Devenick Cemetery – Nothing to report
Proposed Tourist Lodge (16 Bedroom) and House, site Adjacent To Lairhillock Inn Netherley. Roger Thorne, Proprietor of Lairhillock Inn, presented his case against this development which would be in front of and close to the Conservatory eating area and could seriously affect his business and asked for our support. He has objected to the use of the Lairhillock name and reputation and intends to speak at the Area Committee meeting. Rob said that if he did then the applicant could also. Rob pointed out that the Area was not a Rural Settlement and development would be against planning rules. Bill is concerned that the Lairhillock ( a valued local asset) would suffer. The four Netherley community Councillors were against the application. Councillor Mike Sullivan had written to Mr Thorne declaring an interest as he was a good friend of the applicant. Henry voiced concerns over sewage treatment. It was agreed to object to both lodge and new house.
Duncan raised concern about planning application for new house at Jockston. We have no knowledge of this, Kevin will investigate.
3. FINANCE
Details of 2007 200 Club have not all been returned, January February and March draws will be held next month.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
5. AOCB
Total Community – Bob attended this Police sponsored initiative and he put our concerns regarding speeding and drug taking. Results of survey will be available at a later date.
Mike said that this would be a subject at Thursdays Forum and he would put the same comments forward.
South Deeside View – Mike will use our AWPR objection as the basis for NKRCC article. Rob to write Planning section..
Plant Sale – To be held on 21 May at 6:30pm. Contact Hazel or Rob if you have plants to donate.
Community Council Members – One still required for Maryculter
19 March 2007 at 7:30pm
16 April 2007 at 7:30pm
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