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Adopted minutes of meeting held on 20 December 2023
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KILLEARN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 20 DECEMBER 2023
Members present Michael Bowdidge, Heidi Bryce, Caroline Carrick,
Andrew Donaldson, Elizabeth Jones (chair), Calum McLean,
Lachlann Mackenzie, Fiona Rennie
Apologies Doug Ashworth, Susie Henderson, Hilary McGregor,
Police Scotland, Euan Shaw
In attendance Graeme Fraser (KCFC), Jessie-Anne Malcolm (NHS Forth Valley)
Ewan Macdonald (Macdonald & Cameron), Jim Ptolomey,
John Turnbull (McTaggart Construction),
25 members of the public,
Christine Bauwens (Minute Secretary)
How to contact us Go to www.killearncc.org.uk and click on contact button.
CC1366 – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 15 NOVEMBER 2023
The minutes were voted as a true record of the meeting.
CC1367 – MATTERS ARISING
CC1358 – Planning and Local Place Plan
Following a problem with the QR code on the information leaflet for the Local
Place Plan Survey, it was announced that the leaflet has been re-printed with the
correct details.
CC1368 – POLICE MATTERS
As Police Scotland was unable to attend the meeting, Fiona presented the following
report:
Theft from glamping pod within the area. Enquiries are still ongoing.
Attempted fraud targeting an older resident via a telephone call, supposedly from
BT, to check their computer for viruses. Access was given and a considerable
amount of money tried to be withdrawn from the victim’s bank account. The bank
stopped the transaction and police enquiries are ongoing.
Damage caused to a glass pane of house front door.
Report received of fireworks being let off near the old church during bonfire night
but no trace of persons when Police attended.
Minor damage caused to vehicle after striking a deer.
In another village, theft of quantity of elderly person’s high value jewellery by
bogus workman, purported to be an employee of Scottish Water. Local residents
are asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police.
Adopted minutes of meeting held on 20 December 2023
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A local member of the public spoke of a potential scam involving roofing work, advising
caution before agreeing to any work.
The full police report is available on KCC website www.killearncc.org.uk
CC1369 – KCFC UPDATE
Graeme reported on the following:
Well attended and much enjoyed film night and presentation with Jackie Savery
and Nigel Pope of Maramedia held in the Village Hall on Sunday 19 November. It
is hoped to run further such events more regularly in the future.
Successful Christmas Country Market was well attended.
The village Christmas tree was erected on 2 December at Killearn Kirk. Grateful
thanks were expressed to Eden Mill for providing same and to the volunteers
from Colourful Killearn for putting the tree up and fitting the lights.
It was announced that grant funding has been awarded to KCFC for the Warm
Space Initiative at the Village Hall. This will take place every Sunday from
7 January 2024.
Thanks were given to Caroline for her involvement in organising the Christmas
lights on Balfron Road.
The Village Hall was very pleased to work again with Killearn Primary School to
provide an Advent Window. Thanks were expressed to all who supported the
launch on a particularly wet evening.
CC1370 – YOUTH REPORT
Lachlann reported on the Gold School of Sport Award received by Balfron Schools
Cluster at a prestigious ceremony held on 5 December 2023. All eight schools within the
area received the highest level given by Scotland’s national agency for sport,
SportScotland.
CC1371 – PLANNING AND LOCAL PLACE PLAN
Planning Schedule
Jim spoke to the meeting regarding the following planning applications:
23/00680/FUL Erection of dwelling house for the retirement succession of a viable farm
holding at land 230m south west of Essangal Cottage, Killearn.
It was agreed to draw this to the attention of Cala Homes, as it may affect their
development.
A local member of the public requested that demolition of the sewage works and old
asbestos buildings be a condition of the planning application being approved. It was
agreed that Jim contact SC to clarify whether this is a brownfield site and the potential
health hazards involved.
Adopted minutes of meeting held on 20 December 2023
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23/00719/FUL Erection of multi-storey dwelling house and double garage, landscaping
and formation of new paved driveway at garden ground of 41 Station Road, Killearn.
Following discussion from the floor, it was agreed KCC object on the following grounds:
o Proposed 9/10 apartment three storey house is out of character with local
surroundings and is over development of plot. Request more information on use
of house. KCC recommended smaller building more in keeping with surroundings.
o Facing brick not sympathetic with surrounding area.
o Loss of daylight and privacy for neighbouring properties.
o Road safety issues resulting from new access onto the very busy Station Road.
o Flooding and drainage issues.
o Felling of numerous trees and removal of shrubs resulting in loss of wildlife
habitat.
It was voted Jim draft a letter to SC outlining KCC’s objections. This will be circulated for
approval by KCC members and then sent to SC by the deadline of 29 December 2023.
Jim explained to the meeting that anyone can object to a planning application, not just
neighbours. If SC receives five objections, the application will be decided by the Planning
Panel. It is, therefore, important that residents send in individual objections as well as
KCC objecting.
It was also agreed Jim ask SC why no building warrant has been issued for the work
done on the existing property at 41 Station Road, Killearn.
In view of the concern expressed at the felling of two oak trees in the garden grounds of
said property with no application being sought, it was agreed KCC request a tree survey
be carried out in the village. (Action EJ/FR)
KCC also agreed to request an extension of the conservation area in Killearn and ask SC
why this currently stops at Endrick Road. (Action EJ/FR)
Please see KCC website www.killearncc.org.uk for the full planning schedule.
Other Planning Matters
Ewan Macdonald of Macdonald & Cameron and John Turnbull of McTaggart Construction
were welcomed to update the meeting on the Rural Stirling Housing Association
development at Lampson Road. Funding has now been secured for the development of
eleven new-build affordable homes. This comprises four one-bed cottage flats, four twobed
cottage flats, 2 three-bed semi houses and one four-bed bungalow with wheelchair
access. It is anticipated work will start in the first quarter of the new year.
Local Place Plan
The meeting was informed of the good response to the survey so far and encouraged
residents to complete either a paper copy or online version by 31 January 2024. The
survey is open to residents living in or near Killearn aged 16 and above with a youth
version available for young people. The survey can be accessed online at
https://www.ourplace.scot/tool/start/killearn-adult-pop Paper copies are also available by
contacting KCC at contactus@killearncc.org.uk
Adopted minutes of meeting held on 20 December 2023
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CC1372 – ROADS AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE REPORT
Fiona reported on the ongoing request for a Grit Bin in the car park opposite the Co-op
and the closure of Drumbeg Loan by Scottish Water. It is hoped Drumbeg Loan will open
before Christmas.
A resident expressed safety concern about a local person who does not drive, walking up
Station Road on a daily basis with a pram and small child. The current state of the narrow
pathway makes part of it unusable and necessitates walking on the busy road. The
resident felt that SC’s decision to schedule repairs for February or March 2024 was totally
unacceptable and that a temporary repair needs to be carried out urgently. It was agreed
KCC write to SC explaining the situation and request action. (Action FR)
CC1373 – CORRESPONDENCE
Fiona highlighted correspondence on rural representation regarding proposed council
cuts in 2024/2025. A meeting will take place on 18 January 2024 to listen to concerns
from rural communities. Feedback from same will be posted on KCC website.
CC1374 – QUESTION TIME
There were no questions from members of the public.
CC1375 – COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
As no councillor was in attendance, there was no Councillor’s Report.
CC1376 – TREASURER’S REPORT
Andrew reported on expenses of £62.00 during the past month for administration and hall
hire costs. Income was received from Killearn Beer Festival of £300 as a donation
towards the Christmas lights.
Current balance of funds stands at £1398.47
CC1377– ANY OTHER BUSINESS
KCC meetings will continue to be held on the third Wednesday of the month in 2024.
These will be blended meetings at The Garden Room in the Village Hall offering both inperson
and online provision.
Lyndsay Kirk expressed grateful thanks for the 1447 Christmas cards delivered in the
village, raising £781.11 for CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland). The Advent
Window Trail is open until early January and hopes to raise £1000 for Shelter. Thanks
were given to the organising committee and all those involved in this venture.
CC1378 – DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
The next KCC meeting will be held at 8.00 pm on 17 January in the Garden Room at the
Village Hall.
On behalf of KCC, Fiona wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The meeting ended at 9.05 pm.