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Glen Urquhart Community Council 

Minutes of meeting held on 

Monday 27th February at 7pm 

Balnain Hall, Glen Urquhart 

 

Please note: Minutes will be updated when officially approved at the next meeting.

1. Present: Dianne Fraser (Chair), David Ferguson, Iain Riddle, Dominic Thierry, Fiona Urquhart, Bill Smart and Val Cooper. 

Also present: Councillors David Fraser and Chris Ballance, Tina Morrow, Soirbheas, and 3 members of the public.  

Apologies: Stuart Ross, and Kara Scott, Soirbheas. 

Conflicts of Interest 

No conflicts of interest in relation to planning applications declared. 

2. Minutes of the last meeting 

The minute of the meeting held on 23rd January was approved as a true record (Fiona Urquhart / Bill Smart). 

 

3. Matters arising from minutes 

Bunloit Works – Iain Riddle advised that he had contacted Galbraiths and Bunloit Estate as both are currently hauling timber.  It was confirmed that while the roadworks are happening, there was agreement for 2 loads per day, 6-8am and 5-7pm, however some lorries are still using the road out with these hours and the contractor has been requested to stop.  Once the roadworks are completed the lorries will be increased to 6 loads per day, avoiding school travel times.  Galbraith estimate an end date of October for their timber extraction, and Bunloit Estate have 7 lorry loads left to remove.  The road works are estimated to be completed by 17th March.  It was noted that as a result of the road improvements the steep part of the hill is now wider and traffic is going faster, discussions are ongoing to look at ways of mitigating this, and David Fraser confirmed that signage and road markings would be installed by Highland Council.  It was agreed that the works will be reviewed at the next GUCC meeting in March.  Action – March Agenda

Trees at old Scotmid site – The removal of the trees around the post box at Balmacaan Road had involved many comments on social media.  Members of GUCC were still of the opinion that the trees should be removed and replaced with indigenous species, which would be slower growing and easier to manage, there would also be the possibility of including wild flowers in the area below the new trees.  The bird nesting season starts from 1st March and tree felling is not permitted after this date.  It was agreed therefore to revisit this issue in the autumn, at which point there might also be clarity on the building at the old shop site.  Action – Autumn Agenda

Ward Discretionary Fund Application – David Ferguson confirmed that he was working on a funding application.  Action – David Ferguson

Police Scotland – There was discussion on the decision to no longer send out monthly police reports, and members were in agreement that it is useful to have a local point at which crime is discussed and the Community Council is the right local body to do that, it is also extremely useful to know what is happening in terms of crime in the area, and members of the community may also be aware of instances of crime which have not been reported.  It was agreed therefore that Dianne Fraser contact Police Scotland to request updates.  Action – Dianne Fraser

Scotmid Path – Dianne Fraser to contact Scotmid regarding the gritting of path/pavement.  Action – Dianne Fraser

 

4. Treasurer’s Report 

David Ferguson provided the following financial report:  

  The balance remains unchanged at £8,459.01.  £7,211.77 is ringfences for Glen Urquhart Place Planning, so the actual funds held by the community council is £1,247.24.

5. Snowman Rally Arrangements

It was confirmed that arrangements are in place at Balnain Forestry, Balnain Hall and Shenval for the Snowman Rally parking / catering.  Thanks were noted to all those locally who are making arrangements and GUCC hoped it would be a successful event for everyone involved.

6. Roads / Drainage

Overgrown trees on Milton footpath – It was agreed that a request be made to clear debris and overhanging branches on the section of footpath from Milton to Oakbank.  Action – Dianne Fraser (to email John Taylor cc Stephen Grant)

Great Glen Way – There was discussion around the safety concerns for sections of the Great Glen Way where users are directed onto the Bunloit road, and are also choosing to use the road in other sections as the path is in very poor condition.  It was agreed that Highland Council Chief Executive be contacted, noting safety and maintenance issues.  It was also agreed that GUCC would look into the possibility of undertaking a study of the route, and providing costings for sections in particular need of attention.  Action – Iain Riddle / Bill Smart

Drum Bridge – It was agreed to send a note of thanks to Bear Scotland for their recent resurfacing works in Drum.  It was also good that work had been undertaken over night, causing minimum disruption.  Action – Dianne Fraser

Patching Works – It was noted that some patching works had taken place on both th A82 and A831.

A82 Steering Goup – Meeting with Transport Scotland set for April.

Speed Limits – It was agreed to write to Highland Council requesting that the 50mph limit from Milton to Culnakirk be reduced to 30mph, and that the 30mph limit in Balnain be extended to Mill of Tore, both as safety measures and Safe Routes to School.  Action – Dianne Fraser

7. Planning 

Active Applications 

23/00003/FUL – Erection of extensions, 2 Coiltie Crescent – noted

23/00325/S75D – Section 75 Discharge Planning – Leannach, Kilmore Road – noted

23/00361/FUL – Temporary siting of caravan, Fiddlers Bar, Drumnadrochit – noted

23/00571/FUL – Installation of air source heat pump, land 40m north of Ancarraig House, Bunloit – noted

23/00778/FUL – Demolition and erection of extension, Strumore, 4 West Lewiston – noted

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) – It was agreed that Iain Riddle contact Highland Council Planning to request an update and any training that might be available.  Action – Iain Riddle  

Bearnock Development – Iain Riddle advised that he had requested an update from the Planning Department who would follow up on the questions raised.

West End Garage – It was noted digging work had been taking place around the underground fuel tanks but these had since been backfilled.  It was agreed that Iain Riddle would contact Highland Council to request an update on what environment monitoring had been taking place in this area.  Action – Iain Riddle

Springfield Development

Dianne Fraser confirmed that she, Iain Riddle and Chris Ballance had met in person with Springfield representatives who had thereafter circulated the following notes:

“Civil Work - Civils work is continuing on site as programmed.

Overhead Power Lines (SSE) - At the moment we are not anticipating any delays to SSE starting the first phase of work  with the dismantling of overhead power lines on our development later this month. This phase will cause no disruption to surrounding roads with the work undertaken within the boundary of our site. 

A82 Junction - The A82 junction is still programmed to start in September 2023. We have anticipated it will still take roughly 20 weeks to complete, however as we are beginning the work in months where the weather is generally kinder, we will speak with our civils contractor about the possibility of shortening this time frame.  No homes will be handed over until the junction works are complete – approximately February 2024.

Development Remix - The development remix does not affect phase 1.  Three applications have been submitted to Highland Council, these haven’t been validated yet so you may not see these on the planning portal. The applications affect phase 2 and 3 and they propose to reduce the overall number on homes on the development from 91 to 82 and allow us flexibility in the delivery of the commercial element of the development.  There is also a new drainage application in the system.  We will speak to our sales team regarding sharing their market research on housing desires in Drumnadrochit. 

Planning Enforcement - We have no outstanding planning enforcement issues with Highland Council.

Archaeological Survey - We have received a draft of the archaeological survey. Stuart Morrison, will read through this and go back to AOC with any amendments/updates. Once we have a final draft we will share it with the community.  AOC are also happy to come along to a meeting with the community to discuss their findings.

High Level Programme - There has been a delay with the production of the new draft of our high level programme due to the redraw of the Radon Gas map imposed on the construction industry. We are caught in a period of transition so have asked for clarity on whether we should follow the old or new regulations. We hope to have confirmation on this within the next fortnight and can then update and issue a new high level plan.

Communication Going Forward - We will endeavour to send a monthly update on the development as well as information on when significant work is taking place.

Non-residential Development - We will speak to SREM for an update on the non-residential element of the development.

Site Contact - Alistair Riddell, our site manager’s, number has been shared with the community in case of emergencies”. 

Dianne Fraser confirmed that as per the previous GUCC meeting discussion, information relating to Springfield’s housing survey had been requested as a good resource in helping to inform the community housing survey which will take place as part of the Community Action Plan.  Action – Dianne Fraser

Members discussed the importance of ensuring that new developments adhere to the Local Development Plan stipulation for 25-30 houses per year, between the two developments.  This helps to ensure that new residents integrate into the community rather than a larger development which risks becoming a community on its own.  

It was noted that when the Springfield planning application is available through the Highland Council, GUCC should submit a request to be a statutory consultee.  Action – Iain Riddle

Loch Ness Homes Site – David Fraser advised that there were some legal issues which required to be finalised, thereafter he would be meeting with the developer to seek to progress issues.  This will include details for the footpath connecting the houses to the shop.  

8. Community Action Plan 

Dianne Fraser advised that a meeting for Place Planning would be scheduled soon.  It was hoped that the Community Action Plan would be finalised and lodged by January 2024.  

9. GURCA Update 

Dan Light provided the following update via email in advance of the meeting:

The Next open meeting is on Monday 20th March.

AGM and Open Meeting was booked for June 19th has been rebooked for Monday 3rd July

Open Monday Sept 18th Sept and also Jan 8th 2024 – all at Glen Urquhart Public Hall (Blairbeg)

Blairbeg Community Woodlands:

On 8th Dec it was announced that funding had been awarded by the Scottish Land Fund to purchase 3 plots of woodland land in the centre of Drumnadrochit.  Solicitors are working on titles etc. and its progressing as planned.

We held an open day / consultation on this on Sunday 19th Feb – it was well attended – representation from various groups included GURCA, Craigmonie Woodland Association, Trees for Life / Affric Changemakers, Disc Golf, Abriachan Forest Trust, Woodland Trust, Glenurquhart Heritage group – there were various activities and demos e.g. Sit Tour, Disc Golf and Storytelling.

We’ll feedback our findings and keep engaging / communicating with the community as we move forward together.

Thank you for all taking part in this and making it such an enjoyable event.

We’re looking for a variety of volunteers both for the Woodland and other projects so please contact: dan@gurca.co.uk

Wellbeing Activities – Bite and Blether Lunch every Tuesday 12pm-2pm. We’ve put on a free lunch every week (bar one due to Covid) since April 2022 - there is good buzz and it’s really well attended.  Laddies Night – Usually a Tuesday 7pm-9pm (sometimes a Monday).

Hall of Games – Thursdays 1:30pm-4:30pm (Games, kettle on etc.)

All of these are free of charge and funded by Scottish Government Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (via Highlands Third Sector Interface [HTSI].

It looks like funding has been approved to take these on into 2023/24 more info to follow -this is really good news.

Men Shed – Thank you to all the shedders for completing / undertaking a variety of jobs around the hall.  The Group have done an amazing job transforming the ‘Cottage’ next to the hall and it’s been amazing to see the progress made – a real asset to this community.

10. Soirbheas Update 

Tina Morrow was welcomed to the meeting, and provided the following update:

Tattie Day - Saturday 4th March – Blairbeg Hall, other veg will be available too.

Walking Weekend - 23rd – 27th March – in conjunction with Glen Urquhart Heritage Society, programmes available from the Soirbheas website, advance booking is required.

Sunflower Homecare – Soirbheas are working with Highland Hospice’s Sunflower Homecare, supporting them to recruit locally, they will be running information days to reach people who might be interested in getting involved.  Soirbheas will be helping potential employees and Sunflower Homecare break down any barriers where people have experience of working with care at home, and where that might not have worked for them, they are encouraged to re-engage with this new model.

11. Consultations 

Community Wealth Building – by 25th April

Government Energy Strategy –by 4th April Action – Bill Smart

12. Correspondence

Invitation to meet Continuum Attractions and hear about The Loch Ness Exhibition Centre – Dianne Fraser and Iain Riddle will attend on behalf of GUCC on 9th March.  Action – Dianne Fraser / Iain Riddle

Etape Donation – Men’s Shed have written to request that they might be considered for the £1k community donation.

Men’s Shed – Scottish Government is withdrawing funding and members of the community are encouraged to sign the petition, available online, to support these valuable groups.

Glass Recycling – Chris Ballance advised that he had contacted Highland Council’s waste manager with regards to the overflow and mess around the recycling and this was very quickly tidied up.  There had been a problem with the emptying vehicle breaking down which had exacerbated the problem.  It was agreed to keep an eye on the bottle banks over coming weeks and if there is an overflow again we may need to request more frequent emptying.  

13. AOCB 

GPs – GUCC noted that Doctor Rosser would be retiring after 30 years in the practice, and Doctor Chun would be leaving after 20 years.  There is no update as yet on the arrangements for replacements.  It was agreed to send a note of thanks to both Doctor Rosser and Chun.  Action – Dianne Fraser

Trees – It was noted that Forest and Land Scotland were currently undertaking a lot of felling in the Glen and it would be interesting to know the plan for replanting.  Action – Dianne Fraser

14. Details of Next Meeting 

The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 27th March 2023, 7pm in Balnain Hall.  

There was no further business and the meeting closed at 9pm.   

Action List – February 2023