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Glen Urquhart Community Council

Minutes of Meeting held on

Monday 26th March 2018 at 8.00pm

in Blairbeg Hall, Glen Urquhart

1. Present: Pam Lucas (Chairman), Fiona Urquhart (Planning Secretary), Peter MacDonald (Treasurer), David Fraser (Vice Chairman) and Val Cooper (Secretary)

Also present: Councillor George Cruickshank, Ann Fraser, GURCA, Donnie Fraser with 3 representatives from Springfield Ltd and 4 members of the public.  

Apologies: Councillors Margaret Davidson and Helen Carmichael, Stuart Ross, Ken Fraser, Frances Colbron and John Duncan.

2. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 26th February 2018 were approved as a correct record (Fiona Urquhart / Peter MacDonald)

3. Matters arising from minutes

No items not covered in the agenda.

Update on Proposed Development at Drum Farm

Stuart Morrison, Kenny Shand and Mark Hamilton from Springfield Ltd were welcomed to the meeting and the following points were noted:

- Official public consultations and formal pre-application meeting with Highland Council had taken place.  Planning reports and technical studies have been undertaken.  

- Construction phasing will be scheduled to work completely out with any works on the flood alleviation works.  The developers are being encouraged by Highland Council to develop the land affected by flooding as green space, although there may be opportunity to develop this once flood prevention works are completed.

- The proposed layout plans have varied slightly from the original proposals, and work is being undertaken, with community feedback, to design vehicular access and egress, pedestrian and cycle routes through the site, while avoiding the possibility of roads through the site being used as a rat-run.  It was still anticipated that vehicular access would be shared between the existing Kilmore Road and a new access to the A82, and communications were taking place with Highland Council and Transport Scotland in this regard.  It was noted that the Kilmore Road junction would require upgrade, Springfield were aware that this was already an existing problem and would be looking to share the costs of any works for this with Highland Council.

- The number of houses on the site was likely to be less than the original 120+ proposed, but the developers advised that Springfield homes are usually smaller than other developments and the number built may exceed the Highland Council 10 per hectare guidance.  

- Attention was brought to the Local Plan key principles (eg in relation to rate and number of builds per year) and no assurance was given that these would be adhered to.  GUCC strongly advised the developer to comply with the recommendations of the Local Plan, and to engage fully with the community.   An assurance was given that the developer is looking for flexibility in delivering this development, but were happy to work with GUCC and the community.

- The requirement for a commercial area has yet to be defined and will be market led.

- It was anticipated that the detailed planning application would be submitted within the next month or so, and would include supporting documents which would fully address each of the points raised by the Planning Department.  

4. Treasurer’s Report

Peter MacDonald reported that the balance currently sits at £2101.50.  This includes £1101.50 of usable funds, with £1k in reserve as agreed at the last meeting.  As previously agreed £300 had also been paid to GURCA towards their community action plan.

5. Policing Update

No representative from Police Scotland was present at the meeting.  The following report had been received:  

Road Safety – 6 non injury road traffic collisions – no offences.

- 4 concerns regarding driver behaviour – some drivers traced and advice given.

- 3 drivers issued conditional offers for speeding offences.

- 1 driver being reported to Procurator fiscal for Insurance offence.

- 1 report regarding careless driving – enquiries ongoing.

Public Protection – 2 reports regarding concern for persons – traced safe and well.

- Several calls regarding concerns regarding persons attending at doors carrying out surveys. Police attended and no persons traced.

- 2 reports regarding vandalisms – enquiries ongoing into both complaints.

Drugs / Alcohol Misuse – No incidents of note.

Crimes of Dishonesty – 1 report regarding theft of items from a caravan – Enquiries still ongoing.

- 1 report regarding a theft – all enquiries completed with no suspect being identified.

6. Flood Prevention Project

No update available.

7. Loch Ness Homes

A liaison meeting had been held the previous week, at which a representative from the developee, Skye Builder, had been present.  Planning Officers and Councillor Davidson had stipulated the phasing element of the development should be no more than 10 units per year, this would form part of the detailed planning consent.  This was challenged by Skye Builder. It was noted that issues relating to the 30mph limit and white lining were ongoing.  The representative of Compass is to make contact direct with David Fraser who has had a series of contacts with the A82 Route Manager. Members of the community had been reporting incidents with the roundabout; vehicles were not always slowing down on the approach to the roundabout and failing to give right of way to vehicles entering the Health Centre.  It was noted that Compass has the contract to develop the site of the old surgery for previously approved Council housing.

8. Supported Housing Project

Awaiting outcomes of grant applications, otherwise all going to plan.

9. Renewables

No updates.

10. Roads

Margaret Davidson had advised that the pavements along the A82 and within the village would be swept prior to Easter.  It was noted that the pavement from Milton to Drumnadrochit also required attention, and the village green had been damaged by the bin lorry driving on the grass.  Pam advised that she would pass these details to Margaret Davidson.  Action – Pam Lucas

11. Planning Applications

18/00642/CLP – Erection of detached leisure facility building in garden to house hot tub and sauna cabinet for the dwelling occupants’ personal use, 132c Balmacaan Road, Drumnadrochit – noted

18/0926/FUL – Erection of extension and garage with first floor accommodation, Eastlea, Drumnadrochit – noted

18/00354/FUL – Siting of shed for selling consumables, Craigellachie (PO), Drumnadrochit – noted

18/00612/FUL­ – Demolition of existing and erection of replacement house, land 465m NW of Upper Drumbuie, Drumnadrochit – noted

18/01121/TPNO – Erection of Arqiva 10m high streetworks pole and associated works, Land 30m SE of Smiddy Bar, Lewiston – Note to be sent to Planning Department re GUCC concerns regarding restriction to width of pavement alongside the A82 Action – Fiona Urquhart

12. Correspondence

No items received.

13. Any Other Business

Burial Ground – Meeting scheduled with Highland Council to discuss options for extending the burial ground at Kilmore Church.

School Roll Numbers – Data had been received from Highland Council advising that all local schools were currently running below capacity, with peaks in numbers forecast for 2024/2025 and dropping thereafter, and no anticipated issues arising from developments proposed for Drumnadrochit.  GUCC noted, however, that this was a concern raised by the community and could still be flagged up by GUCC in relation to developments.

Litter – Significant increases in litter was noted, particularly at Old Kilmore Cemetery car park / bin area, and at the Forestry Commission access between Culnakirk and Polmaily.  It was agreed that members of the community with concerns in relation to particular areas should report these to Highland Council / Fly Tipping.

16. Details of Next Meeting

The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 23rd April, 8.00pm in Craigmonie Centre.  

There was no further business and the meeting closed at 8.50pm.