Dunblane Community Council

Minutes of the meeting of the Dunblane Community Council held on Wednesday,
1 September, 2021, at 7 p.m., held remotely via Zoom.

Present: David Prescott (Chairman), Alan Booth (Secretary), Chris Toop (Treasurer),
Andy Mitchell, Rosemary Hunter, Karen Jenkins, Fiona Plumtree, Sharon Mylchreest,
Craig French, Graham Mowat.

In attendance: Susan Mitchell, Eleanor Brailsford and Councillors Graham Houston,
Douglas Dodds and Alasdair Tollemache, Margaret Bragg (Minutes Secretary).

Apologies: Apologies have been received from James Byrne, who is attending a
meeting on Accessible Streets organised by Councillor Majury, Ailsa Gray and
Bridget Clark.

1. Chairman's Remarks, Conflicts of Interest There are no stated conflicts of
   interest and no Press presence. The Chairman thanked Rosemary Hunter for
   stepping in as Chair in his absence last meeting. This meeting is held via Zoom under
   Stirling Council’s Temporary Amendments to the Community Council Establishment
   arrangements.

    

2. Approval of minutes of 4 August 2021

   These were approved, proposed by Graham Mowat and seconded by Andy Mitchell.

    

3. Standing items and actions from previous meetings: See attached.

   Future of Burgh Chambers This is progressing, thanks to Steve Mason whose
   summary report has been circulated. Consideration is being given to reconfiguring
   the available space by moving the Registration office and Council accommodation
   to the rear and freeing up the downstairs front rooms for community use. Councillor
   Tollemache reported that, after much persistence on his part, repairs have been
   made to the building and ivy has been cleared.

    

   Dunblane High School/Dunblane Young Peoples Project Rosemary Hunter reported
   that the tubs at the bottom of the Old Doune Road have been cleared out and she is
   contacting the High School to plan for their replanting.

    

   Cycle routes and Active Travel The Chairman commented that lanes on the B8033
   have been coned off in expectation of the repainting of the cycle lanes, but no work
   has been done for over a week. He suggested that it would have been an ideal time
   for the gullies to be cleared out and Councillor Houston confirmed he had already
   highlighted this opportunity to Council officers. Susan Mitchell observed that the
   lanes already painted do not meet legal requirements as the buffer zone between
   cyclists and parked cars is too narrow. She has alerted the Council to this. Cars also
   have to go over the painted cycle lanes in some places as space is restricted. The
   scheme will be re-examined after 18 months. She agreed to send a copy of the
   original plan for the cycle lanes between Marks and Spencer and the Fourways
   roundabout to the Secretary. Action: Susan Mitchell.

    

   She also reported on a meeting on a potential cycle lane between Dunblane and
   Bridge of Allan and mentioned various funding streams for progressing this. She
   has a copy of the Council's draft plan and agreed to send it to the community
   council. Action: Susan Mitchell. Councillor Houston pointed out that the route
   between Bridge of Allan and the Keir roundabout is technically complex and would
   be expensive. Although this plan might be a long-term ambition, the Chairman did
   point out that with a new Green Minister for Active Travel in the Scottish
   Government it would be prudent to have as many projects as possible ready to
   progress within the next few years. In response to a query from the Secretary with
   reference to a possible link to the University and Park of Keir, the Chairman said
   that if the development at Park of Keir receives outline permission, the cycleway will
   be part of this, but changes can be made during the planning process.

    

   Susan Mitchell was pleased to report on the installation of more cycle racks through
   the town of a more modern and suitable design.

    

   Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) The Chairman reported that the VAS on Doune Road
   which has been switched off (see minutes August 2021) cannot be recalibrated to
   reflect the reduction in the speed limit. Craig French reported that recently when
   traffic was backing up at the Keir roundabout traffic had increased on the Doune
   Road, much of it well above the 20 mph limit.

    

   Gritting of roads and footpaths The Chairman commented on the Winter Service
   Review received from Bruce Reekie (Senior Manager, Environment and Place, Stirling
   Council) and criticised the length of time the response has taken (see Minutes
   February 2021). He updated the community council on a meeting that had finally
   taken place that morning. The policy is not going to be significantly changed this
   year but Council officers are willing to look at changes to the detailed
   implementation of the policy. Dunblane does not fit neatly into the designation of
   Council areas for tackling winter weather. Noting that the Council is going to make
   more gritting material available for use by the public, the Chairman also wanted
   gully cleaning and street sweeping to be improved to help with drainage problems.

    

    

   A paper is due to go before the Council in September 2022. Councillor Houston
   expressed his disappointment that the policy going to the Council will not be
   substantially changed. He noted that changes to practices have been informed by
   Terence O'Byrne's report earlier this year. Team leaders will be visiting Dunblane to
   meet with community council representatives and Councillors and it is hoped that
   this will address a lot of the issues. He was hopeful that progress will be made.

    

4. ScotRail May 2022 train service consultation

   The Chairman has circulated a draft paper on the proposed timetable changes, and
   it was agreed that the Secretary will collate the community council's response. The
   Chairman reported that, nationwide, services are being cut and there will be losses
   affecting Dunblane, especially if travelling north to Inverness and, in the evening, to
   Glasgow. Journey times are generally longer. Councillor Houston was appalled by
   the ScotRail consultation and did not think the proposals will be altered. Councillor
   Tollemache has had a response to the consultation and agreed to circulate it. Action:
   Councillor Tollemache. The Chairman agreed to circulate his paper with Bridge of
   Allan community council and Councillors. Action: The Chairman.

    

5. Newton playpark

   The Chairman reiterated the community council's support of the Playpark Group
   which comprises interested parents. Councillor Houston reported that the
   replacement of the play equipment is underway and he is hoping to see a formulated
   plan from the group on how they want the park to be used by the community and
   on its plans for fund-raising. He noted the need for more benches and bins and for
   the path to be widened. Councillor Tollemache commented that trees were planted
   a few months ago. He asked the Chairman on behalf of the community council to
   request the group for a report on their progress and this was agreed to. Action: The
   Chairman.

    

   In response to a suggestion that other playparks in Dunblane need improving, such
   as at George Street, the Chairman stressed that the community council will support
   any user group that comes forward with ideas.

    

6. Pollinator Strategy

   In response to a request from the Secretary for an update, Councillor Tollemache
   reported that, together with Susan Mitchell, and Councillors Houston and Dodds, he
   made a site visit with Council officers to Braemar park. Susan Mitchell said that it is
   a misconception that all that needs to be done is to cut the grass and leave it; the
   cuttings need to be removed after a week and the area needs to be carefully managed
   to increase biodiversity. It is also necessary to introduce wild flowers. The Secretary
   thought that this was a trial where the grass cuttings would be removed and the area
   would be monitored to gauge any improvement. Councillor Tollemache said that
   the cuttings are going to be removed this month. Questions were raised over the
   training and expertise of Council officers and Councillor Dodds agreed to enquire
   about this. Action: Councillor Dodds. Susan Mitchell reported that Councillor
   Majury is visiting the site with Bruce Reekie (Senior Manager, Environment and Place,
   Stirling Council) in the following week and Councillor Dodds agreed to find out

    

    

   about extending an invitation to the other Councillors and to the community
   council. Action: Councillor Dodds.

    

7. Anchorscross/Culdee Grove access

   The Chairman introduced Eleanor Brailsford from Anchorscross. A metal fence has
   recently been erected across a well-used shortcut between Anchorscross and Culdee
   Grove, forcing children to take a longer route along the Old Doune Road to school.
   Councillor Tollemache reported that planners are considering whether the newly-
   erected fence is a permitted development. The Access Officer is also going to search
   through the records to determine who owns the land on which the fence has been
   installed. Eleanor Brailsford gave more details about the existence of a previous
   hedge, drystone dyke and fence which had been vandalised and taken down.
   Councillor Houston recalled that plans for a path had been rejected by planners and
   was of the opinion that this was a replacement for a fence that had originally been
   there. It was agreed to leave Council officers to arrive at a decision. The Chairman
   thanked Eleanor Brailsford for her input to the meeting.

    

8. Police Report: See attached.

   While it was disappointing that the community surgery organised by the police was
   poorly attended; it perhaps reflects the relative lack of concern about crime in the
   town. It was noted that a bike marking initiative was well received, so the publicity
   by the police had been noticed.

    

9. Planning Report: See attached.

   Glassingall Councillor Tollemache reported that the Crown Office is pursuing a case
   with reference to the disturbance of bats.

    

   Park of Keir The Planning Minister's response to the Chairman's letter was not
   encouraging and the Chairman queried the perceived conflict of the dual role the
   Minister has, holding the post also of the Minister for Community Empowerment.

    

   Firs of Kinbuck This will be considered by the Planning Panel on 7 September, where
   the community will be making its case.

    

   Kippendavie Woods The report on the consultation is awaited from the developer,
   after which it will be circulated to the community. If the developer presents their
   case to the community council, a representative from objectors should also be
   present.

    

   Wider development proposals There is nothing to report at present.

    

10. Treasurer's Report: See attached.

    The Treasurer reported that the Administration Grant will be received shortly. The
    clearing out of the planters will be paid from the Project Fund. The Scottish and
    Southern Electricity Network Community Resilience Fund grant of £1,500 to be used
    in the recovery from Covid, has not been touched yet. Rosemary Hunter suggested
    supporting workshops for people with mental health issues and it was agreed she
    would progress this. Action: Rosemary Hunter.

     

     

11. Correspondence: This has been circulated when received.

    GDPR A discussion arose over the need for the community council to register for
    GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) as a body, rather than only the Secretary
    as an individual, as data is held by various councillors. The Treasurer confirmed that
    the Administration Grant covers the registration fee but commented that
    registration does not discharge responsibilities. He agreed to contact Stephen Bly
    (Community Link Officer, Stirling Council) to find out what other community
    councils are doing and report back at the next meeting. Action: The Treasurer.

     

    Scottish Water Correspondence has been received about the road closures as part
    of the renewal of the drainage system. (See Minutes June 2021.) The Chairman
    reported that he has walked round the affected roads with Terence O'Byrne and
    thought the traffic measures should work reasonably well. However, he was critical
    that he has had no reply either from Scottish Water or Stirling Council when he
    raised concerns about proposals. It is important community concerns are
    addressed. Councillor Tollemache agreed to circulate his email to Scottish Water
    which had also met with no response. Action: Councillor Tollemache.

     

12. Dunblane Development Trust Report

    The Secretary reported that, with Rosemary Hunter standing down from the Board
    of the DDT, this would be an opportunity for another councillor to stand for election
    to the Board.

     

13. Report of other meetings: There was nothing further.

     

14. Elected Members' Reports

    Councillor Tollemache reported on the congestion at the junction of Wallace Road
    and Old Doune Road. He has contacted the Safe Routes to School Officer at the
    Council who, together with the Headteacher and the Parent Council, will work to find
    a way of reducing the number of cars and, concomitantly pollution and carbon use.

     

15. AOCB

    Rosemary Hunter reported that a new Community Interest Company was set up and
    using funding from the Scottish Government‘s Town Centre Fund managed to
    purchase Smallprint. A full press release will go out shortly outlining plans for the
    enterprise. Councillor Tollemache agreed to be one of the directors. He has
    notified the Council and has listed himself as a director on the ‘register of interests’
    as required by a sitting Councillor. Rosemary Hunter was congratulated for her
    involvement in this enterprise.

     

    The Secretary suggested that another attempt was made at getting representatives
    from the Student Council at the High School to attend community council meetings.
    Rosemary Hunter agreed to send an invitation to the school. Action: Rosemary
    Hunter.

     

    The Secretary reported that he has submitted, on behalf of the community council,
    an application for £1,500 to fund the training of people to prune the community
    orchard. This application was supported by councillors.

     

     

    The question of the return to face-to-face meetings was raised and Councillor Dodds
    reported that this will be discussed by the full Council at the end of this month.
    Case numbers of Covid are on the rise again and unnecessary meetings are
    discouraged.The temporary regulations covering community council meetings
    expires at the end of this month but are expected to be renewed. The community
    council agreed to discuss this at its next meeting. Action: The Chairman for the
    Agenda. Live meetings would have to be held in a larger room than that usually used
    in the Burgh Chambers and the challenge of "blended" meetings will have to be
    addressed. It was noted that not many residents have joined the community council
    meetings via Zoom, although they are publicised on the Dunblane website.

16. Date, time and place of next meeting

The next meeting of the Dunblane Community Council will take place on Wednesday,
6 October, 2021, probably by Zoom.

The meeting ended at 8.45 p.m.

This is a true representation of the meeting.

David Prescott ……………………………………………………. Date ………………………

Chairman

Alan Booth ………………………………………………………… Date ………………………

Secretary

Dunblane Community Council

Additional Paper for Zoom Meeting - Wednesday 1st September 2021

Agenda item 3

1. Future of Burgh Chambers – Project still active - SM reported:

    

   • Public acknowledgement from the Council of partnership working requested

   • Short term, the team is hoping to start making use of spaces in the Burgh Chambers for classes and
     meetings - the creation of a makerspace is under discussion.

   • longer term plans for the building being developed

   • the registration service/ local office remain agreeable, in principle, to moving to the two rooms at
     the rear, freeing up the front room as a multi-purpose space for exhibitions, classes, meetings,
     weddings etc.

   • The next step will be to meet with the registration service & asset management to discuss the
     practicalities of the community making greater use of the building in the short term

      

2. Dunblane High School / DYPP project update / Newton School – “school” tubs at the end of Old Doune
   Road tidied up. Planting to be arranged

3. Dunblane twinning proposal – Councillor Tollemache to report in due curse

4. Heilanman's Land - Proposed transfer to Carman Family Trust – progress update?

5. Cycle Routes and Active Travel in Dunblane – Spaces for People works now largely complete, but road
   marking struggling. Doune Road Variable Message Sign being investigated, but it cannot be modifies to 20
   mph

6. Road and footway gritting – follow up after Bruce Reekie, Stirling Council, attendance at February meeting.

   Follow up meeting took place in the morning. Verbal update

    

7. Action items - if not on the agenda - None

David Prescott Chair Dunblane Community Council 30 August 2021

Dunblane Community Council

Planning Report - Major Issues – to end August 2021

Glassingall – Proposal of Application Notice – Demolition and fire at Glassingall House.

Nothing further to report.

Park of Keir - Section 75 Processes.

The Section 75 Agreement is now with the minister. We are in communication with the Minister’s office, but
the responses are limited. Dialogue is taking place with local MSPs: Keith Brown. Mark Ruskell and
Alexander Stewart.

Note the Planning Minister is also the Minister for Community Empowerment

This is only for Planning in Principle, there will have to be further applications to deal with the detail.

19/00243/PPP Firs of Kinbuck (Northbound services)

Planning Panel takes place on Tuesday 7 September – the community may make a presentation (a
concession won by the community’s Judicial Review). Officer recommendation is as before - to reject.

Kippendavie Woods

Following the DCC August meeting the Trust’s planning agent has been asked to provide a report on the
results of the consultation. After this we will probably invite him to present to the DCC but also offer other
possible objectors to join the meeting.

Wider development proposals

Some progress being made on one potential site, but nothing more to report at the moment

David Prescott 30 August 2021

https://scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts