KILLEARN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 SEPTEMBER 2024

Jessie-Anne Malcolm (NHS Forth Valley),

22 members of the public,

Emily Semple (Minute Secretary)

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

CC1439 - INTRODUCTORY NOTES

Congratulations to Cllr Gerry McGarvey who has now been appointed as Depute Leader following the appointment of Cllr Margaret Brisley as Stirling Council Leader.

KCC wishes Paul Henke a speedy recovery following a recent illness.

CC1440 – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 19 June 2024

One amendment was requested by a member of the General Public. The minutes were voted as a true record of the meeting.

CC1441 – MATTERS ARISING

• Scam Awareness Session

Thank you to PC Matt, the session was well attended and well received.

        ●    Blanewater Bridge

The works have now been completed and the road has been reopened with all weight restrictions and associated diversions removed. A review of the traffic lights is ongoing and the temporary lights will remain in place until this is concluded.

CC1442 – POLICE MATTERS

As Police Scotland was unable to attend the meeting, Fiona gave the following Police Report:

        ●    Anti-Social Behaviour

A vandalism has been recorded after a brick was thrown through a living room window of a property. Enquiries are ongoing.

        ●    Fraud

A fraud is being investigated after money was paid to a company for refitting a church with an audio / visual system and thereafter failed to provide the equipment or return the money. Enquiries are still ongoing.

An attempted fraud has been recorded after a resident was contacted by an unknown suspect purporting to work for RED driving school via Facebook messenger and offered to be their driving instructor and requested 3 upfront payments. Fortunately, the resident recognised this as a scam and refused to send money.

An older member of the community was contacted via text message by someone purporting to be her son and asked her to help him pay a bill due to their phone being ‘broken’. Unfortunately, the victim provided her back details to the suspect and£439.96 was taken from her bank account. The suspect made an attempt to withdraw further money, however this was blocked by her bank. Fortunately, her bank has reimbursed the stolen funds.

        ●    Theft

A charity tin and bicycle camera were stolen from the Oakwood Garden Centre. Police traced the suspect and recovered the stolen goods. The suspect was charged with the offence and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

A person was arrested and charged with theft by housebreaking after entering a dwelling via ajar window. He was disturbed by the homeowner and fled the scene. He was traced shortly after by police and arrested. The male was subsequently charged with theft by housebreaking and failing to provide his name to police when required to do so. He was held in police custody to appear at Court the next day.

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

CC1443 – KCFC UPDATE

The KCFC AGM is being held on the 22nd October at 8pm in the main hall.

Graham was not in attendance so no further updates were given.

CC1444 – PLANNING AND LOCAL PLACE PLAN

Tasha Houchin (KCC Planning Consultant) outlined that since the meeting in June there have been 10 live planning applications, 5 approved planning applications with conditions.

● 6 Station Road

20/00416/FUL - Two storey extension to side of dwelling house

Application has been withdrawn.

It was noted that KCC had objected to this application on the grounds that the design wasn't in keeping with policy in the conservation area and that the cottage would be dwarfed by the extension and not subservient to the original build It was noted that the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland had also objected to the proposed extension.

A member of the public had noted that the application was the same as a previous application submitted in the late 1990s that had been accepted and queried why an objection would be raised now.

        ●    41 Station Road

24/00548/FUL - New metal electric entrance gates, new stone wall to entrance and driveway resurfacing (Retrospective)

A number of local residents shared their objections to this planning application for a number of reasons:

• Walls along Station Road must be no higher than 1.5m otherwise they become a danger
• Materials used are not in keeping with the local development plan (Local sandstone should be used and in this case has not been)
• Widening of the driveway has not been outlined on the planning application and due to lack of drainage, will increase the risk of flood water onto Station Road.

KCC members in attendance agreed to object to this planning application based on the safety issue created around visibility.

        ●    Killearn Court Development

An application has been made by the developers to reduce/dismiss planning obligations (section 75 agreements) - funding towards the cost of infrastructure and/or affordable housing.

Matt Gingles was in attendance to respond on behalf of the Killearn Court development who outlined; the land was purchased in October before COVID-19 which resulted in the project taking longer than expected. A section 75 agreement is based on the expected profits of the development which in this case are significantly lower than initially anticipated. This application is asking for the council to reconsider and either reduce or dismiss the contribution amount agreed at the planning stage.

A number of points were raised and discussed:

• Despite the challenges faced, the development is now built and has become an asset to the village and those present at the meeting were very supportive of Matt’s position
• It is highly unlikely that the contributions would have benefitted the Killearn community directly
• CALA requested a reduction in contributions preemptively so a number of the general public in attendance were supportive of Matt Gingles requesting the reduction post completion with all final costs outlined

No response or comment required from KCC.

        ●    CALA Update

There were some queries at the meeting around the developer contribution being paid by CALA and why this had been reduced as much. Those at the meeting were advised that there had been much discussion about the contribution at previous meetings when the site had been purchased and discussions with the council were progressing. The developer contribution from CALA had been reduced in recognition of the investment required to decontaminate the site and acknowledging that the proposed commercial site would bring benefit to the local community. The commercial site is now not being developed and it was noted that the community in Killearn is left without a significant contribution from the developer. It had been noted at the time of the application that the site wasn't appropriate for social housing due to its distance from the village.

Cllr Rosemary Fraser outlined that Stirling Council are actively reviewing all new housing developments to ensure contributions have been met/received. Work is also being done to ensure that more social provisions are being made.

CALA have committed to extending the active travel path and repairing the pavement along Station Road. CALA are funding this repair but the repairs will be undertaken by Stirling Council - dates for these works are still TBC. Those at the meeting were concerned about timescales to complete such works given the oncoming winter months.

        ●    CALA Community Pledge

Balfron High School students have been invited to attend various site visits in line with the “Ground Up” scheme. Providing young people with more knowledge around the skills and jobs involved in these kinds of developments.

Balfron High School students have also been involved in the design of the sculpture that will be erected to reflect the hospital history and WW2.

It is hoped that a contribution will be made to the Village Hall’s Warm Space

initiative

It was noted that KCC had asked via social media and other means, for ideas from the community on local projects / causes that might benefit from funding and had passed these details onto the team at CALA.

The Community Pledge is still being discussed within CALA and details will be shared once available.

Peter Wilks requested that perhaps consideration could be given to CALA supporting the slicing of the fallen branches from the Oak Tree into planks on site - rather than removing the branches ( as these will require significant resource to move them) - Peter is looking for Oak wood planks to help refurbish the benches at the woodland cemetery.

        ●    RSHA Development Update

Work completed on site to date includes installation of the drainage and the high voltage cable diversion; the construction of gabion baskets is well underway, and the house foundations are due to be completed by the end of September. The next significant aspect of work on site is the delivery and erection of the timber frame kit components; these are scheduled from the beginning of October through to late November. Most of the timber kit deliveries will be completed by forklift, but a small number will require a crane; in both cases these will be located within the site. All materials will be offloaded on site, minimising the amount of time when the delivery vehicles are on the roadway, and wherever possible delivery arrival between 8am and 9am will be avoided, to minimise inconvenience to road users during busy times.

Rural Stirling Housing Association is pleased to be offering 2no. 3-bed, semi-detached properties in the new development for sale through the Scottish Government’s New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) scheme. This means that eligible applicants can purchase a share in one of these new properties, with the balance being retained by the Scottish Government. Priority groups for the NSSE scheme include:

• people aged 60 and over
• social renters (people who rent from the council or a housing association)
• disabled people
• members of the armed forces
• veterans who have left the armed forces within the past two years
• widows, widowers, and other partners of service personnel for up to two years after their partner lost their life while serving

The NSSE scheme is also available to people who have previously owned a home and have experienced a significant change in circumstances – for example, a marital breakdown.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the NSSE houses can contact ewan@macdonald-cameron.co.uk at Macdonald & Cameron (the Association’s development agent). There is also information available online at https://www.mygov.scot/new-supply-shared-equity-scheme.

        ●    Local Place Plan (LPP)

The LPP is a good opportunity to create a more positive statement of values within the Community. A need for growth and change whilst maintaining the aesthetic and conservation of Killearn.

There have been hundreds of responses and the summer period has been spent reviewing the data and comments received. This information will then be fed into the appropriate channels.

Thank you to Andrew for his work on the statistics and analysis that have allowed us to highlight specific key themes.

Going forward a shorter questionnaire will be released (4 to 5 questions) in relation to specific areas for example; natural green spaces, access to sufficient play and recreation spaces for all ages/demographics, a requirement for blended housing within the village to provide more affordable housing for a younger population and the importance of aesthetic and character within the village.

Please can we kindly ask the wider community to complete this survey when it is launched!

A note on General Planning discussions

A meeting has been requested by KCC to meet with the planning officer to better understand how decisions on local planning proposals are made and how objections from the community council can impact these planning decisions. KCC has also asked for information on the number of planning applications processed, how many are approved / rejected and how many are referred to a panel for decision and whether those panel outcomes are always in line with the planning officer recommendation, and how frequently those panel outcomes are in line with the planning officer's recommendations."

This will allow KCC to better support and represent the community on a whole. It is important for KCC to understand the views of Killearn as a community and will be utilising various platforms to create a bigger picture and ensure all voices are heard.

CC1445 – ROADS AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE REPORT

        ●    Blanewater Bridge - as per CC1441 above

• Coop to Well Green Path This has now been completed.

        ●    Oak Tree in Play Park

The Officer has come back to confirm the tree will be cordoned off and assessed once more. Cones have been put out as a safety measure.

        ●    20 MPH Limits

KCC is still awaiting feedback from the council on when various projects to support the roll out of the 20 mph limits on a more permanent basis.

The COUNCIL made The Stirling Council (Various Streets, Killearn) (20mph Temporary Speed Limit) Order 2023 on 8-12-23. This Order will extend the existing temporary 20mph speed limits from 18-12-23 for a period of 18 months in the interests of public safety.

The proposed work plan to include:

1. extending the 20-mph speed limit out past the tennis courts
2. more repeater signage
3. more “20” roundels on the road
4. replacing the “30” VAS signs by “20” VAS.
5. further work on extra safety around the two school bus stop locations on Station Road
6. Cycle lane markings on Station Road
7. Bypass of village and removing “Stirling” from the sign at the A875/A81 junction - Glengoyne Distillery.

● Road Closures

• Road closure between Arnprior and Port of Menteith to repair Cardross Bridge – the closure will be for 6 months from Monday 9th Sept.with a diversion route in place via Thornhill.
• This Order will close the B8075 (link road from A811 to A84 Blair Drummond Rd.) for its entire length from 0800 hours until 1800 hours on 23-9-24 to facilitate public utility works.
• This Order will close: B818 from its junction with the A875 to its junction with the C23. From a point 260 metres or thereby north-east of the junction with the A875 in a north-easterly direction for a distance of 1100 metres or thereby from 0900 hours until 1700 hours from 30-9-24 until 6-10-24 to facilitate resurfacing works.
• This Order will close: Mugdock Road from its junction with the C56 to the Stirling Council / East Dunbarton Council Boundary. From the access to Mugdock Lodge in a south then south-westerly direction for a distance of 65 metres or thereby from 0900 hours until 1600 hours from 30-9-24 until 11-10-24 to facilitate drainage works.
• This Order will close Main Street (Fintry) From its junction with the C23 to its junction with the B822 from 7-10-24 until 15-10-24 to facilitate public utility works.
• All new 20mph restrictions are being implemented as part of Stirling Council’s roll out of village wide 20mph speed limits - these are now enforced within Milton of Buchanan, Arnprior and Buchlyvie.

        ●    Pothole at COOP

Concern raised by a member of the general public over the large pothole at the entrance to the coop. It is recommended that individuals report these such queries to Stirling Council directly through the Report IT page on the council website https://www.stirling.gov.uk/report-it/ - where increased numbers of complaints ensure action is taken.

Callum also recommended the app “Fix My Street” that feeds into the council.

        ●    Bus Stop Cleaning

A request has been made to clean the bus stops of mildew as they are causing an eyesore in the village.

        ●    Pavement parking ban to be enforced in Stirling area from 15th July

Enforcement against parking on pavements, parking at crossing points and double parking has been in action in the Stirling area from Monday, 15th July. The Council’s Enforcement Officers will be issuing warning notices to raise awareness.

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will be issued for the three new contraventions. The fine is £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Residents can report pavement parking to the council. Cllr Rosemary Fraser is going to inquire as to how many enforcement officers are active in the area.

        ●    Gartness Road Closed

Gartness Road to Drymen is closed - other than for residential access - to protect it from major traffic usage whilst other main roads are closed.

CC1446 – CORRESPONDENCE

Fiona reported on correspondence relating to the following issues:

        ●    Flying Fox - Killearn PlayPark

An inspection has been done of the flying fox for any damage or movement in the foundations, if all is okay a new cable will be purchased and fitted.

        ●    Public Transport/Bus Service

Val Brand has continued to push for an update - this has now been escalated to local MSP Evelyn Tweed who has agreed to action.

        ●    Waste Collections

Info for bin collections can be found using the following website by entering your postcode: https://www.stirling.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/bin-collection-dates-search/

The council no longer posts out bin collection calendars, but you can view, download or print your own copy at any time online. If you don't have access to a printer, your local library or Customer First in Stirling can print your calendar.

        ●    Libraries

Residents are being asked to shape the future of Stirling Council’s libraries in a new consultation.

https://www.stirling.gov.uk/news/opportunity-to-shape-the-future-of-stirling-councils-libraries/

The views of people who live, work and study in the Stirling area will feed into a new vision and strategy for the council’s libraries, guiding service delivery for the next five years (2025-2030). It will ensure libraries can adapt and modernise to meet the changing needs of communities at a time of rapid technological advances and increasing financial pressures on local government.   People can have their say in the first phase of the consultation via an online survey on the Engage Stirling platform that will run until 1 November 2024. Paper copies will also be available in libraries.

        ●    Connected Communities

There is a Connected Communities session on sustainable transport on 19 September at Gartmore Village Hall 7-9pm. This is a valuable opportunity for community members to engage in meaningful dialogue about sustainable transport, transport links, and projects that have been successful or unsuccessful. It's important to encourage community participation, so spreading the word is key.

Additionally, the Informed Communities Session for Community Council Chairs is being held in person (with the option to join online) at Council Headquarters Old Viewforth on 26 September 7-9pm. Attending this event we have Stirling Council's new Chief Executive, Caroline Sinclair, and Inspector for Rural Stirlingshire Andy Bushell. These events are not only pivotal for sharing information but also for fostering a sense of community and collaboration among council members and residents alike.

CC1447 – QUESTION TIME

• Request raised for KCC to share the community development team news bulletin publicly
• Disabled parking at the pharmacy - a member of the community with mobility issues was unable to park and therefore unable to collect their prescription. KCC will share a post on facebook to remind residents to be community minded whilst using the pharmacy or surgery car parks. KCC member Michael will approach the pharmacy owner to discuss the reinstatement of the disabled parking bay.

CC1448 – COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

Nothing additional to report from Cllr Rosemary Fraser other than the new appointments within Stirling Council.

CC1449 – TREASURER’S REPORT

Andrew presented the following Treasurer’s Report:

Admin and Hall hire, including Scot Ways renewal                - £102.00

Interest                                                                                    + £1.19

Current balance of funds                                                        £306.09

All funds have now been transferred to a new account that will allow KCC to make digital payments.

CC1450 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Thanks to Lachlan (Student - Youth Matters) for his attendance.

KCC asked for feedback on the new circular layout in order to encourage more participation and those at the meeting and online seemed supportive.

CC1451 – DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next KCC meeting will be held at 8.00 pm on Wed. 16th October 2024 in the Garden Room at the Village Hall.

The meeting ended at 9.48 pm.