NMCC 2007-2008 (854-865)
Thursday, 1st November 2007
Members:
Mr Mike Taylor ( Chair 2007-8 &Sec) [MT] Mr Alexander Buchan [AB]
Mrs Fiona Duncan (Treasurer) [FD] Mr Martin Morley, JP [MM]
Prof Roy Bridges (Minute Sec.) [RB] Mrs Pamela Young [PY]
Mr Gordon Murray [GM] Mr Robert Loughridge [RL]
Ms Lin Lockhart (co-opted) [LL]
In attendance ex officio: Councillors Dr Martin Ford [CllrMF]; Nan Culllinane [CllrNC] and Fergus Hood [CllrFH]
Abbreviations: AC = Aberdeenshire Council; NMCC = Newmachar Community Council
Apologies were recorded for: Inspector Pratt and Mr Loughridge.
In attendance as visitor(s):
Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting of 27th September were accepted subject to an insertion in Minute 851(i) line two: .’..Of this, some £4500 had recently become available in relation to the Small Glebe project for the Hall...’
854. Co-option
The seven permanent members of NMCC present, acting under Clauses 3.2, 3.3 & 4.2.1 of the Constitution, unanimously agreed to invite Ms Lin Lockhart to serve on the Council with full voting rights until the elections in 2009. Ms Lockhart, who was present, accepted the co-option.
855. Traffic Matters (See Minute 853)
It was reported that Mr Rendall of AC has said that the yellow lines in the village main road would be refreshed and Inspector Pratt had asked traffic wardens to look into illegal parking in the centre of the village.
856. Police Matters
Inspector Pratt had sent a message reporting that a broken window on Gallica Drive and two more serious incidents where the perpetrators and victims were known to each other as the only incidents coming to Police notice in Newmachar since 1st August.
857. Youth Project (See Minute 843)
PY reported on the 4th October meeting and she and LL on efforts to open the Cabin for use by 13-16-year olds under the superintendence of Annette Holland. MT agreed to publicise the facility in Dyce Academy. It was hoped to open it for younger children, too.
858. Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (See Minute 844)
MT reported that NMCC’s objections to the arrangements for the Parkhill Junction area had been lodged earlier and CllrMF confirmed that Transport Scotland would be taking them into consideration when the Public Enquiry proceedings began. It was agreed notwithstanding this position to reinforce NMCC’s concerns by lodging objections to the relevant Side Road Orders. CllrFH said he believed an extra lane would be planned for the road at Parkhill.
859. Flower Tubs and Hanging Baskets
It was agreed that NMCC’s policy henceforward should be to concentrate on providing summer decoration with flowers in tubs which are much more easily maintained than baskets. However the installation of a pole with four baskets at the NE corner of the crossroads was kept open, especially as the necessary pole (possibly to be provided by Mr Ross) might give way to a Christmas tree in December. CllrMF agreeds to consult Mr Rendall on this matter.
860. Garioch Forum
(i) NMCC noted the agenda for the Garioch Forum meeting, especially the information on opportunities for members of the public (and presumably community councillors) to address the Area Committee on planning matters. CllrMF said this right had existed even before AC had issued the current guidelines.
(ii) It was noted that there would be a Budget briefing by AC on 26th November in Gordon House at 7 p.m.
861. Aberdeenshire Council: the Structure Plan
CllrFH & CllrMF drew attention to the discussions on the Structure Plan for AC and the City. The draft would be available for consultation in January 2008 with a finished version appearing in March. In relation to housing, it was noted that in the period of the Plan, it was forecast that 60,000 houses would be needed of which half were to be in the City. If the City could not meet this target, the consequences for the Shire would be alarming. As it was, the plan would be front-loaded as far as timing was concerned. Brownfield sites would be utilised where possible but much new land would need to be brought in for buildings. Most development would be in the Huntly-Laurencekirk corridor with a significant concentration also along the GNSR/A90 corridor plus building in other existing settlements of any considerable size.
862. Planning Matters
(i) NMCC noted with surprise that the road in the Small Glebe development would be unadopted by AC.
(ii) CllrMF explained that the application for permission to establish a pets’ cemetery had been rejected not on principle but simply because the site chosen was unsuitable.
863. Aberdeenshire Council Matters
(i) Quality bus corridors are being established with solar--powered illuminated stops on certain routes including the 305.
(ii) The Kingseat bus service would be a shuttle bus to the village, a diverted 305 arrangement or a demand-responsive service.
(ii) AC at present has no plans to provide a footpath on the upper part of Hillbrae Way. MT agreed to write to AC asking them to establish a walkway.
864. Christmas Lights
CllrFH was thanked for his willingness to go on organising the purchase and display of lights. It was agreed that if, as seemed likely, AC was unable to make a project grant for new lights, NMCC should devote £1500 of its own reserves to obtain new lights.
865. Newsletter and Secretarial Expenses
It was agreed that half the cost of a new cartridge for the printer used to produce minutes, agendas and the originals of the newsletter should be met by NMCC.
There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 2055
The next meeting will be on 22nd November 2007