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Strathard Community Council
Approved Minutes of the Ordinary General Meeting
held at 7pm on Thursday 2nd May 2024 at Aberfoyle Memorial Hall
Present:
In Attendance:
Apologies:
Residents:
1.
Paul Mackintosh (Chair), Nick Lester-Davis (Vice Chair), Joyce Kelly
(Planning), Gillian McEwan
Councillor Martin Earl (Conservative and Unionist Party)
Esther Lim (Minute Taker)
Catherine Cairns (Treasurer), Natasha Sheppard, Linda McColl,
PC Lorna Deans, PC Donald King
There were no residents in attendance.
Welcome and Apologies
The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and gave the apologies.
2.
3.
4.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The unconfirmed minutes of the OGM held on 7th March 2024 were approved having
been proposed by Nick Lester-Davis (NLD) and seconded by Joyce Kelly (JK).
Questions from the floor / Members of the public to be declared
No questions were raised.
Priority Focus – Flooding Group Update
NLD updated members on the work of the Flooding Group and their recently produced
flooding report. He highlighted 3 aspects in particular:
1. The Flood Report recommends the building of 1 or 2 dams on the Duchray which
will reduce flooding in Aberfolye by storing water upstream. This is an alternative to
the original plan for a bund which, although still official Stirling Council policy, is
regarded as unfundable due to the high cost.
2. The Group believe that work to date to determine the impact of flooding in the area
and the benefits of flood reduction has primarily taken into account the damage to
property and agricultural land but has not considered the wider impacts of closing
the B829. The Report highlights that this policy should be changed. SEPA and SC
are currently in dispute as to who is responsible for calculating the full economic
costs. NLD is in discussion with Stirling University regarding a Masters Student
conducting this work. He asked SCC for their support with this application.
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3. SEPA is asking SCC to provide their point of view on a consultation on Potentially
Vunerable Areas (PVAs). A current report proposes deleting 4 of the 5 areas
currently identified as PVAs. The Flooding Group believe the report has yet again
failed to take into account the impact of the closure of the B829.
There was considerable discussion of flood related issues in particular the refusal of
recent planning applications in and around Aberfoyle due to flooding of the B829.
NLD agreed the following actions:
1. He will submit the PVA document to SEPA on behalf of SCC.
2. He will continue discussions with Stirling University regarding a Masters
Student project.
3. He will send the full Flood Group report to SEPA and SC.
[Action: Nick Lester-Davis]
5.
Summary of Ongoing Business / Enquiries Raised
5.1
Enquiry on Behalf of Milton Residents - B829
SCC submitted an enquiry on behalf of residents of Milton requesting speed
reduction measures on the B829. A response was received from Angela
McGibbon, stating that speed reduction measures would not be implemented
on 40mph roads except when approaching hazards. Hazards are judged based
on accident data.
Councillor Martin Earl (ME) suggested that residents could use the petitions
process, if they wanted to take this matter further, as the committee has looked
favourably on a number of applications of this nature in the past.
5.2
5.3
Removal of Heras Fencing, Aberfoyle Play Park
PM requested SC remove the Heras fencing installed around the area
contaminated in the recent flooding. The fencing has been taken down but left
in the park. A further request has been submitted to Stephen Bly for its
removal. This is still ongoing.
The Highland Flames Festival, 13-14 July 2024
PM has submitted an enquiry to SC querying whether the scheduled Cannabis
and Glass Blowing Festival requires an event licence. A response from SC is
overdue.
In response to an enquiry submitted following last year’s event, SCC was
informed that an event licence for the festival had slipped through the net.
Concern was expressed that this should not happen again. It was reported that
there was antisocial behaviour including fighting in the pubs during last year’s
event and there had not been a visible police presence.
PM will send copies of the correspondence regarding last year’s event and the
most recent enquiry to ME. ME will take this forward with SC. [Action: Paul
Mackintosh and Councillor Earl]
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6.
Matters Arising
6.1
Royal Mail Sorting Office
PM has been informed by a member of the public that Royal Mail are proposing
the relocation of the sorting office from Aberfoyle to Stirling, which means that
local residents will have to travel to Stirling to collect their undelivered parcels.
At the request of the resident. SCC agreed to write a letter to Royal Mail
detailing the impact of the relocation on local residents if the proposal is
progressed. [Action: Paul Mackintosh]
6.2
7.
Aberfoyle Tourist Information Centre
Members discussed what could be done to keep the Aberfolye Tourist
Information Centre open. ME suggested SCC and the Strathard Development
Trust consider the feasibility of a community led information centre, similar to
the one operating successfully in Callander. They could potentially approach
SC regarding taking over the current building.
SCC agreed to contact the Development Trust to discuss this. ME would be
keen to meet with SCC and SDT to discuss this if they want to take it further.
[Action: Paul Mackintosh]
Treasurer’s Report
The Chair gave the Treasurer’s Report in the absence of the Treasurer. The opening
balance as of 30th January 2024 was £6,926.74. Total monies out was £845. The
closing balance as of 30th March 2024 is £6,081.46. Available funds are £5,136.37.
See Addendum 1 for further details.
The Treasurer has delivered a cheque to Claire for the outstanding Microsoft invoices
that she currently has access to. She estimates that there are still 7 invoices that she
does not have access to: March-August 2023 and January 2024. CC requested PM
email her the remaining invoices. [Action: Paul Mackintosh]
PM is still awaiting information regarding the website from Claire. He is considering an
offer from volunteers at the Open University to help with web design. [Action: Paul
Mackintosh]
8.
Police Report
The Police Report for the period 5th March 2024 to 30 April 2024 was compiled by PC
Lorna Deans and read by PM. There were 3 incidents reported:
Between 23rd and 25th March damage was caused to signage and trees within the
Three Lochs Forest Drive, Duke’s Pass. This remains undetected.
Overnight on 16th to 17th April a message was placed on the window of the Post
Office, Aberfoyle causing fear and alarm. This remains undetected.
On 20th April 2024 an incident took place within a licensed premise in Aberfolye.
Enquiries are still ongoing in relation to this.
During this period, speed checks were carried out at Braeval, Aberfoyle and one driver
was warned regarding their speed. In addition, the Police Report provided information
on livestock attacks and worrying. See Addendum 2 for more details.
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9.
Councillor’s Report
9.1
Proposed Forestry Land Scotland (FLS) / Stirling Council CEO Meeting
ME expressed disappointment that the proposed meeting between the CEOs of
SC and FLS will be delayed indefinitely due to the resignation of the Stirling
Council CEO. It had been hoped that the meeting would clear up a number of
issues, including the ongoing confusion around access to Forest Road for
emergency vehicles.
Members recognise that sorting out the issue of access will have a big impact
on park and could have implications for planning decisions. ME will push for a
meeting between SC and FLS. [Action: Councillor Earl]
NLD will ask John Hare to send him a copy of the FLS protocol. NLD will
forward this to ME who will take it to Stuart for discussion. [Action: Nick
Lester-Davis and Councillor Earl]
9.2
9.3
10.
Online Booking System – Household Waste Recycling Centre
ME confirmed the online booking system is going live on 15th May despite
attempts to have this restricted to commercial vehicles only. ME asked SCC
members to feedback to him any issues or problems so these can be
discussed at the 1-year review. [Action: SCC Members]
Bin Collections on Private Roads
A member asked ME if stopping the collection of bins on private roads was on
SC’s agenda for next year. ME agreed it was a possibility. Members discussed
the problems associated with this.
Any Other Business which the Chair has directed should be considered
No business was raised.
11.
12.
13.
Strathard Community Trust Update
No update was provided.
Forestry Land Scotland / Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
No report was provided.
Community Life Plans (CLP) and Local Place Plan (LPP)
13.1 Local Place Plan
The Strathard LPP has been accepted in principle by the Loch Lomond and
Trossachs National Park and is now out for consultation with the designated
bodies. SCC do not expect to receive any objections.
4
13.2 Community Life Plan
The CLP’s remain up to date with no plans for revision in the near future.
14.
Planning
14.1 New Applications
There have been 5 new planning applications during this period, 2 of which
have also become overdue:
Forest Hill application of lawfulness 2024/0061/LAW
Ref No 2024/0049/HAE an application for the formation of balcony area at
first floor level and formation of dormer window at second floor level at Dun
Dubh.
14.2 Refusals
There has been one refusal.
Ref No 2023/0409/DET – erection of single storey side extension to
dwellinghouse for short term holiday let
14.3 Overdue Applications
There are 6 overdue applications:
application Number 2023/0443/HAE – erection of replacement boathouse
and erection of sauna facility at Dun Dubh
application Number 2024/0011/HAE – eeection of two storey side extension
and single storey rear extension at Olde Post Cottage,
application Number 2023/0404/DET – renewal of planning permission
(2020/0111/DET) for formation of footpath and installation of viewing
structure on land north Of Stronachlachar Pier, Stronachlar
application Number 2023/0408/DET – erection of 25 metre high telecoms
mast, installation of solar array, installation of associated equipment and
construction of access at Meal Dubh, Loch Ard.
See 14.1 above
Amy Unitt from park planning has been in touch to confirm the SCC position in
regard to the last overdue application for the mast at Loch Ard. JK has
confirmed that SCC have no objections as agreed at our last SCC meeting so
JK expects this is now on the way to receiving approval.
14.4 Flooding – B829
ME queried whether the above application (see item 14.2) was refused on the
basis of flooding to B829. ME requested JK confirm if this was the case and to
email him the information regarding this application. [Action: Joyce Kelly]
PM noted an application to build affordable housing on a site in Manse Road
had been refused for similar reasons. ME asked for information on this to be
sent to him also. [Action: Joyce Kelly]
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ME expressed concern that LLTNP/Planning appeared to be taking an
inflexible approach on these issues and will investigate them further. [Action:
Councillor Earl]
15.
16.
AOCB
15.1
JK informed SCC that she is applying to the Community Ownership Fund to
fund the purchase of ‘The Field’ and will be requesting a letter of support from
the Councillors in due course.
15.2 Consultants working with FLS have requested SCC’s view on the visitor
experience in the Forest Park. NLD will draft a response and circulate to
members for their comments. [Action: Nick Lester-Davis]
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of Strathard Community Council will be the AGM. It will take place at
7pm on Thursday 6th June 2024 at Strathard Business Hub.
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ADDENDUM 1: Treasurer’s Report
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Strathard Community Council – Bank account balance for meeting 02 May 2024
£ £
General Fund opening Bank balance 30 Jan 2024 6926.74
Monies out
Minute secretary Feb (40.00)
Data protection fee / GDPR renewal (40.00)
Chairman expenses (postage plus mailchimp) (26.56)
Christmas lights (600.00)
Kinlochard Village Hall (August and Sept 2023) (20.00)
Mailchimp October, November, December, January (48.72)
Minute secretary March, plus 2*£10 extra as agreed (70.00) 50+10+10
Total monies out (845.28)
Monies in
Total monies in (00.00)
General Fund closing Bank balance 22 March 2024 6081.46
Subsequent expenditure / income (cheques written but not cashed by 22/03/24)
Aberfoyle Memorial Hall (Dec) (25.00)
Aberfoyle Memorial Hall (Feb) (25.00)
Claire Graham – Microsoft (Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Feb, March) (127.44)
Total subsequent spend (177.44)
Balance minus subsequent spend 5904.02
Less Commitments
Community Events Fund 318.97
Microsoft invoice awaited (March - August 2023, Jan 2024) 148.68
KVH IT fund 300.00
Available Funds 5.136.37
ADDENDUM 2: Police Report
ADDENDUM 2: Police Report
ADDENDUM 3: Weekly Planning Lists for March and April 2024
Strathard Community Council
Applications:
WK 17
Ref No 2024/0099/TRE Officer Malcolm Young Date Valid 22 April 2024 Telephone 01389 727706 Proposal Works to
tree covered by TPO - prune 0.5-1m of branches over hanging the Overhead Powerline from 1 no. oak Location Tigh
Na Greine Kinlochard Aberfoyle Applicant Hamish Millar Tigh-Na-Greine Lochard Road Kinlochard Stirlingshire FK8
3TP Agent Duncan Carmichael Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Tayside And Central Depot Inveralmond
Industrial Estate Ruthvenfield Way Perth PH1 3AF Application Type Tree works application Expected Decision Level
DEL National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid co
ordinates 245464 E 702308 N Advertisement Type
WK 15
Ref No 2024/0090/LBC Officer Jack Riggs Date Valid 10 April 2024 Telephone 01389 722620 Proposal Installation of
new ladder with safe access and 2no. core holes Location Loch Arklet Dam Aberfoyle Stirling Applicant Scottish Water
The Bridge 6 Buchanan Gate Business Park Stepps G33 6FB Agent Gregory Bond Scottish Water The Bridge 6
Buchanan Gate Business Park Stepps G33 6FB Application Type Listed Building Consent Expected Decision Level DEL
National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid co
ordinates 235595 E 709366 N Advertisement Type Listed Building
Ref No 2024/0080/LBC Officer Kathryn Cockburn Date Valid 3 April 2024 Telephone 01389722625 Proposal
Relocation of gates and installation of signage Location Duchray Bridge Stirling FK8 3XJ Applicant Scottish Water
Scottish Water The Bridge 6 Buchanan Gate Business Park Stepps G33 6FB Agent Gregory Bond Scottish Water The
Bridge 6 Buchanan Gate Business Park Stepps G33 6FB Application Type Listed Building Consent Expected Decision
Level DEL National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid
co-ordinates 246330 E 699330 N Advertisement Type Listed Building
WK 14
Ref No 2024/0061/LAW Officer Kathryn Cockburn Date Valid 3 April 2024 Telephone 01389722625 Proposal
Certificate of Lawfulness (existing) for Class 7 (Hotels and Hostels) with ancillary selfcatering accommodation, leisure,
recreational and staff facilities Location Forest Hills Hotel Aberfoyle Stirling Applicant Macdonald Resorts Ltd C/o
Agents Willow House Stoneyfield Business Park Inverness IV2 7PA Agent Yash Parker Mabbett & Associates Willow
House Stoneyfield Business Park Inverness IV2 7PA Application Type Certificate of Lawfulness Expected Decision Level
DEL National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid co
ordinates 246128 E 702415 N Advertisement Typ
WK 11
Ref No 2024/0049/HAE Officer Nicola Arnott Date Valid 7 March 2024 Telephone 01389 722661 Proposal Formation
of balcony area at first floor level and formation of dormer window at second floor level Location Dun Dubh Lochard
Road Aberfoyle Applicant Mr Philip Lynch Dun Dubh Lochard Road Aberfoyle FK8 3TJ Agent David Hill NOKT Flour Mill
34 Commercial Street Dundee DD1 3EJ Application Type Householder Planning Permission Expected Decision Level
DEL National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid co
ordinates 248271 E 701545 N
ADDENDUM 3: Weekly Planning Lists for March and April 2024
Approvals:
WK 7
Ref No 2023/0414/HAE Officer Nicola Arnott Date Valid 21 November 2023 Telephone 01389 722661 Proposal
Proposed erection of engineered hardwood entrance porch Location Achray Tollhouse Trossachs Callander Applicant
Mr James Murphy and Ms Sandra Melia Achray Tollhouse Trossachs Callander FK17 8HZ Agent Steve Battrick
Mozolowski & Murray 2-8 Clashburn Way Bridgend Industrial Estate Kinross KY13 8GA Application Type Householder
Planning Permission National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC
National Grid Co-ordinates 251012 E 706215 N Date Decision Issued 12 February 2024 Decision Approve
WK 11
Ref No 2023/0398/DET Officer Amy Unitt Date Valid 14 November 2023 Telephone 01389 722 606 Proposal Erection
of 35m high telecom mast and installation of associated equipment Location Land At Lime Hill Loch Ard Forest Stirling
Applicant EE Ltd Hatfield Business Park Hatfield Hertfordshire England AL10 9BW Agent Dianne Perry Perry Williams
Ltd on behalf of KTL UBC Office Birmingham Business Park 1310 Solihull Parkway Birmingham B37 7YB Application
Type Detailed Planning Permission National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area
Strathard CC National Grid Co-ordinates 247006 E 697718 N Date Decision Issued 27 March 2024 Decision Approve
Withdrawals:
None
Refusals:
WK 15
Ref No 2023/0409/DET Officer Kathryn Cockburn Date Valid 20 November 2023 Telephone 01389722625 Proposal
Erection of single storey side extension to dwellinghouse for short term holiday let Location Chonard Lochard
Cottages Road Kinlochard Applicant Mr Derek Smith Chonard Kinlochard Stirling FK8 3TL Agent Ken Plant Studio Ted
Architecture Keil School Lodge Helenslee Road Dumbarton Glasgow G82 4AH Application Type Detailed Planning
Permission National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid
Co-ordinates 245109 E 702193 N Date Decision Issued 8 April 2024 Decision Refuse
Enforcement Matters:
None
Appeals:
None
ADDENDUM 3: Weekly Planning Lists for March and April 2024
Overdue Applications:
Application Number 2024/0049/HAE Development Proposed : Formation of balcony and dormer at second floor
Location: Dun Dubh Lochard Road Aberfoyle Stirling FK8 3TJ Applicant: Mr Philip Lynch Agent’s Name: David Hill
Agent’s Company Name: David Hill Agent’s Address: Flour Mill 34 Commercial Street Dundee DD1 3EJ Date
Application Valid: 7 March 2024 Date of expiry of period for representations: 2 April 2024
Application Number 2023/0443/HAE Development Proposed : Erection of replacement boathouse and erection of
sauna facility Location: Dun Dubh Lochard Road Milton Aberfoyle Stirling Applicant: Mr and Mrs Philip and Lara Lynch
Agent’s Name: Honor Thomson Agent’s Company Name: Honor Thomson Agent’s Address: Flat 1 1 Gayfield Place
Edinburgh Midlothian EH7 4AB Date Application Valid: 16 January 2024 Date of expiry of period for representations:
8 February 2024
Application Number 2023/0408/DET Development Proposed : Erection of 25 metre high telecoms mast, installation
of solar array, installation of associated equipment and construction of access track Location: Meal Dubh Loch Ard
Stirling Stirlingshire FK8 3TS Applicant: Cornerstone Agent’s Name: Chris Weir Agent’s Company Name: WHP
Telecoms Ltd Agent’s Address: 401 Faraday Street Risley Warrington WA3 6GA Date Application Valid: 2 November
2023 Date of expiry of period for representations: 19 December 2023
Application Number 2024/0061/LAW Development Proposed : Certificate of Lawfulness (existing) for Class 7 (Hotels
and Hostels) with ancillary self-catering accommodation, leisure, recreational and staff facilities Location: Forest Hills
Hotel Aberfoyle Stirling FK8 3TL Applicant: Macdonald Resorts Ltd Agent’s Name: Yash Parker Agent’s Company
Name: Mabbett & Associates Agent’s Address: Willow House Stoneyfield Business Park Inverness IV2 7PA Date
Application Valid: 3 April 2024 Date of expiry of period for representations: 26 April 2024
Application Number 2024/0011/HAE Development Proposed : Erection of two storey side extension and single storey
rear extension Location: Olde Post Cottage Lochard Road Aberfoyle Stirling FK8 3SZ Applicant: Mr Andrew Steven
Hart Agent’s Name: Steven Strang Agent’s Company Name: S2 Architecture Ltd Agent’s Address: Unit 3 5 Auchinairn
Road Bishopbriggs G64 1RX Date Application Valid: 10 January 2024 Date of expiry of period for representations: 16
February 2024
Application Number 2023/0404/DET Development Proposed : Renewal of planning permission (2020/0111/DET) for
formation of footpath and installation of viewing structure Location: Land North Of Stronachlachar Pier
Stronachlachar Applicant: Mr Denis O'Kane Agent’s Name: Laura McGowan Agent’s Company Name: LUC Agent’s
Address: 37 Otago Street Glasgow G12 8JJ Date Application Valid: 2 November 2023 Date of expiry of period for
representations: 31 January 2024