Adopted minutes of meeting held on 15 September 2021

KILLEARN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15 SEPTEMBER 2021

Members present Heidi Bryce, Caroline Carrick, Andrew Donaldson,

Susie Henderson, Elizabeth Jones, Hilary McGregor,
Jim Ptolomey (Chair), Fiona Rennie

Apologies Doug Ashworth, Jessie-Anne Malcolm NHS Forth Valley,
Police Scotland

In attendance Cllr Rob Davies, Graeme Fraser KCFC,

Crispin Hayes Cycle Paths Services Ltd, Euan Shaw,
35 members of the public,

Christine Bauwens (Minute Secretary)

How to contact us Go to www.killearncc.org.uk and click on contact button.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the KCC meeting on 15 September 2021 was held
via Zoom.

CC1085 – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 16 JUNE 2021

The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting.

CC1086 – MATTERS ARISING

• CC1078 – Roads and General Maintenance Report

   

  There is an ongoing dialogue with KCC and Susan McDougall of SC
  regarding the 20 mph scheme for Killearn.

   

• CC 1081 – Question Time

   

  Further to KCC contacting Edmonstone Estate, some of the spreading
  pontium (rhododendrons) have been cut back in the copse above Lettre
  Farm.

  CC1087 – PRESENTATION BY CRISPIN HAYES, CYCLE PATHS SERVICES LTD

   

  Jim welcomed Crispin Hayes, Principal Consultant, Cycle Paths Services Ltd to the
  meeting to present the design proposals for the cycle path project between Killearn
  and Balfron. Crispin outlined the proposed route along the King’s Mile, through a field
  to the woods behind Heron’s Court, across Ballochruin Road, behind Boquhan, along
  Jenny Gunn’s Loan and across the bridge to Balfron. Following discussion and
  several objections from the floor raising safety, security and privacy issues, KCC
  offered to facilitate a meeting with local residents to try to find a way forward.

   

  CC1088 – POLICE MATTERS

   

  As Police Scotland was unable to attend the meeting, due to it being held via Zoom,
  Fiona presented the following Police Report:

   

  Adopted minutes of meeting held on 15 September 2021

   

• Road rage incident at Finnich Toll involving two males. Enquiries continue to
  trace the offender.

• Accident on A875 near Glengoyne Distillery involving a vehicle which crashed
  into a tree. The driver suffered minor injuries.

• Delivery vehicle struck from behind by a dirt bike whilst parked in Drumore
  Road.The bike rider rode off without stopping and was not showing a
  registration plate. Ongoing enquiries to trace bike and rider.

• Continued problems regarding vehicles parked near Finnich Glen. Vehicles
  have been moved and Council Enforcement Officers have issued tickets.

• Continued speed checks at Station Road and Balfron Road following
  complaints of speeding vehicles.

• Enquiries are continuing into theft of alcohol at Killearn Co-op.

• Vehicle stolen from property in Lampson Road using a cloned key or similar.

• Report of suspicious males looking at gardens was investigated but no issues
  identified.

• Attempted burglary from sheds in Strathblane recently.

• Warning of telephone frauds in other villages. Residents are advised to see
  police advice on full police report.

  A local resident requested that cyclists adhere to the 20 mph speed limit within the
  village and that the police issue fines when that is exceeded.

   

  The full police report is available on KCC website www.killearncc.org.uk

   

  CC1089 – KCFC UPDATE

   

  Graeme expressed grateful thanks to those involved in producing the latest issue of
  The Killearn Courier which was distributed during the summer.

   

  The Killearn Heritage Trail website is being well used and many people are walking
  the route.

   

  Appreciation was expressed for the beautiful flowering tubs in the village.

   

  Village Hall activities are starting up again with weddings and day to day activities
  resuming.

   

  Graeme explained that due to the ongoing uncertainty about COVID, the annual
  Fireworks Display has had to be cancelled. Alternative plans for something in the
  Village Hall are being discussed instead.

   

  KCFC AGM will take place next month, but details to be given at a later date.

   

  CC1090 – BROADBAND

   

  As Doug was unable to attend the meeting, there was no formal report this month.
  Euan, however, informed the meeting that the proposed broadband scheme for the

   

  Adopted minutes of meeting held on 15 September 2021

   

  Branziert and Drumbeg Loan is going forward but that poor connectivity at Killearn
  Primary School is still an ongoing issue.

   

  CC1091 – PLANNING

   

  Following the summer recess and the backlog of planning items, Jim explained that
  he proposed only to highlight those items he felt were of particular significance and
  pointed residents to the KCC website to see the full planning schedule.

   

  Planning Schedule

   

• Valid Planning Applications Received

   

  21/00552/FUL Erection of 4 no Dwelling Houses at Land at Former Glenshee
  Cottage,Boquhan, Balfron

  KCC objected to this application and awaits a decision.

   

• 21/00553/FUL Alteration to Existing Dwelling House, Including Removal of
  Steeply Pitched Roofs, Construction of Additional Storey and Shallow Pitched
  Roof, Enlargement of Terrace on Entrance Level and Construction of New
  Double Garage and Driveway at Ronachan, Drumore Road, Killearn

  G63 9NX

  KCC objected to this application as being out of character with the
  surroundings. Notwithstanding this, the planning officer has recommended
  approval subject to conditions.

• 21/00563/FUL Erection of 3 no Dwelling Houses at Red Cottage,
  Blane Smiddy Road, Killearn G63 9QQ

  KCC commented on this application regarding over development of site and
  the previous objections to the removal of an oak tree to gain access to
  houses. No decision has yet been made.

• 21/00510/FUL Erection of Dwelling House at Land 580m South East of Little
  Carbeth, Drumtian Road, Killearn

  KCC commented on this application as this was originally submitted for a
  farm manager’s house. Notwithstanding this the planning officer’s
  recommendation is for approval.

• Planning Enforcement

  EN/21/040/UHW Formation of Access and Creation of Hard Standing with
  Erection of Gate at Main Street, Killearn G63 9RJ

  KCC commented on this case as it took away the right of way.

   

  The full planning schedule is available on KCC website www.killearncc.org.uk

   

  Other Planning Matters

   

• Former Killearn Hospital Site

  SC has now fully quantified and priced the works involved to install a new
  footpath along Station Road, from Killearn to the Cala Site. SC is currently in
  negotiations with Cala Homes regarding a possible funding contribution
  towards the footpath construction as outlined in the Planning Application.

   

  Adopted minutes of meeting held on 15 September 2021

   

• Development of Former Killearn Hotel

  The former hotel has now been demolished and it is hoped building work will
  begin towards the end of September. Phase 1 is due to be completed in 44
  weeks with the full completion in 52 weeks.

• RSHA Development at Lampson Road

   

  There is no further information on this development.

   

  CC1092 – ROADS AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE REPORT

   

  It was noted that there are regular complaints about speeding in the village and lack
  of support to police the new 20 mph speed limit. KCC is in ongoing discussion with
  SC regarding this and other road safety requests. KCC has been informed that a SC
  site visit will be undertaken this week to check that everything has been installed
  correctly. SC will also be installing a mobile Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) unit in
  Killearn on a temporary basis to highlight vehicle speeds to drivers.

   

  KCC agreed to report some residents’ concerns about consequential speeding on
  rural roads and their claim of a lack of evidence from SC traffic statistics over a 30
  year period to support 20 mph speed limits.

   

  As a result of the closure of the Fintry Road B818 near Branshoggle Bridge and also
  the recent closure of Ballochruin Road, more traffic is driving through Boquhan at
  speed. Local residents requested the current 40 mph speed restriction be temporarily
  lowered to 30 mph and that speed monitoring cables be used to give an accurate
  picture of the problem. KCC has submitted a letter to SC on behalf of residents in
  Boquhan which Susan McDougall, SC Transport Planning Officer, has acknowledged
  and will discuss with colleagues. It was agreed Cllr Davies take this matter forward.

   

  The meeting was informed that the repairs to the bridge near Branshoggle on the
  B818 will take longer than first anticipated. An update is awaited from SC but it is
  hoped the work may be completed by the end of the year or by the first quarter of
  2022. The suggestion of using a temporary bridge was discussed and it was agreed
  KCC write to Susan McDougall in support of this idea. (Action JP)

   

  Branziert Road will be closed on Monday 20 September for water repair works.

   

  CC1093 – COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

   

  Cllr Davies reported on the following:

   

• Issues arising from closure of bridge at Branshoggle.

• Concern about inadequate provision of good broadband connectivity to
  enable Killearn Primary School pupils to use Chromebooks. The meeting
  learned that Euan Shaw had been approached by SC back in March to
  investigate improving the situation at the school. Euan made a preferential
  offer of assistance on 6 March with full details for a special 6 months
  minimum term contract instead of the usual 24 month contract. KCC was
  extremely disappointed to hear that Euan has received no feedback from SC
  and that nothing has been done to improve the connectivity to the school. It
  was agreed that Cllr Davies investigate the situation further with SC
  Education Department.

   

  Adopted minutes of meeting held on 15 September 2021

   

• The first face to face Councillor Surgery was held in Killearn Village Hall this
  week since the first lockdown. It is hoped to have monthly meetings in the
  future, prior to community council meetings.

• SC meeting on Thursday 16 September to discuss improving live streaming
  of Council Meetings.

• Full SC Meeting to be held on 7 October.

• Changes to the bin collection will take place as from next week. Drymen and
  Balmaha will have bins uplifted on Thursday instead of Sunday in order to
  ease weekend tourist traffic problems in the area.

• SW Area Forum due to meet on 20 September has been cancelled.

CC1094 – TREASURER’S REPORT

Elizabeth informed the meeting that the current bank balance as at the end of July is

£926.32. The grant of £834.49 is in the process of being issued by SC.

CC1095 – QUESTION TIME

There were no questions from members of the public.

CC1096 – CORRESPONDENCE

Fiona informed the meeting that everyone should have received a new bin collection
calendar from SC explaining the changes to the service. Otago classes focussing on
movement and balance have restarted at Killearn Kirk Hall. Local residents who may
have old photographs of Killearn Police Station from 1950s/60s are requested to
contact KCC on behalf of a former resident.

CC1097 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS

In view of the ongoing COVID pandemic, the future format of KCC meetings was
discussed. It was noted that more people have attended the online Zoom meetings
compared to those held at the school and that generally, Zoom seems to be
accessible to most people. Concern about the continuing surge in infection rate was
expressed and that meeting physically was perhaps not to be recommended. It was
agreed, therefore, to continue via Zoom for the foreseeable future while trying to
ensure that those residents who do not have access to Zoom are still included.

CC1098 – DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next KCC meeting is scheduled for 20 October 2021 at 8.00 pm. Details of how
to join the Zoom meeting will be issued nearer the time.

The meeting ended at 9.45 pm.