Dunblane Community Council

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes of the meeting of the Dunblane Community Council held on
Wednesday, 7 April, 2021, at 7 p.m., held remotely via Zoom.

 

Present: David Prescott (Chairman), Alan Booth (Secretary), Fiona Plumtree, Karen
Jenkins, Christina Feaks, Rosemary Hunter, Graham Mowat, Andy Mitchell, James
Byrne, Sharon Mylchreest, Craig French.

 

In attendance: Sergeant Grant MacDonald, Councillors Graham Houston, Alasdair
Tollemache and Douglas Dodds, Fraser Mackintosh, Sarah Corser, Owen Hutchison,
Bridget Clark, Susan Mitchell, Steve Mason, Margaret Bragg (Minutes Secretary).

 

1. Apologies, conflicts of interest, Press and Chairman's remarks

   Apologies have been received from Chris Toop (Treasurer) and Andy Davis
   (Community Link Officer, Stirling Council). There is no Press presence and no
   stated conflicts of interest. The meeting is held via Zoom under Stirling Council's
   Temporary Amendments to the Community Council Establishment arrangements.

    

2. Approval of minutes of 3 March 2021

   These were approved, proposed by Andy Mitchell and seconded by Alan Booth.

    

3. Police Report: See attached.

   The Chairman welcomed Sergeant Grant MacDonald, attending in his own time.

    

   With reference to the theft of car registration plates, the Sergeant confirmed that
   enquiries are ongoing and if they are used elsewhere this will be flagged up.

    

   A discussion arose over anti-social behaviour and the Chairman introduced Fraser
   Mackintosh to the meeting. Fraser Mackintosh lives in the town centre and has
   witnessed anti-social behaviour and criminal damage carried out in the High Street,
   the Mill Row area and the Laighhills. In response he contacted the police and, with others, has set up a Dunblane Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page on which
   residents can post comments about incidents in the town. He suggested the
   installation of CCTV would be a deterrent. He recognises that the police have a
   heavy workload and that the young perpetrators, who are drinking alcohol, are at a
   loose end. He said the Facebook page has publicised the problem to parents who
   are not aware of what their children are doing, with some positive responses. The
   Chairman said it is important to prevent young people falling into the habit of
   unacceptable behaviour because it could potentially blight their future lives.

    

   In response, Sergeant MacDonald commented that the idea of CCTV at Mill Row
   and the Laighhills has been discussed before by Stirling Council but it had been
   deemed not to fulfil the criteria for its installation. He has looked over reports to
   the police and no complaint has been received about behaviour of youths in the
   Laighhills, although Councillor Tollemache reported that a noisy party there had
   been reported to him. The Sergeant emphasised how important it is to report any
   incidents to the police; only with an increase in the number of complaints will
   more resources be allocated to Dunblane. It would be better to report
   contemporaneously but even if reports are made later, this is still useful. Although

   101 is the number for non-emergencies, it is legitimate to use 999 if feeling
   threatened. Any call will be evaluated for immediate response or not. With
   reference to the Facebook page, Fraser Mackintosh felt that it was useful to let
   parents know what was happening but that it could also be a useful aid to the
   police as well. However, the Sergeant stated that it is more important for officers
   to be out on patrol rather than checking social media.

    

   Owen Hutchison, a resident of the Royals, commented on the increased presence
   of the police to the same few addresses and, although complaints have been made
   to the Council and the police, the situation does not change or improve. The
   Sergeant confirmed that the police and Council officers work together to deal with
   problem tenants but stressed the gathering of intelligence on criminal activity is
   required before the police can be more proactive. He again stressed the
   importance of contacting the police which can be done anonymously, either by
   phoning 101, by putting a note through the police station's letter box, by emailing,
   or contacting Crimestoppers. If enough information is gathered then the police
   can apply for a warrant to enter a property.

    

   Councillor Houston felt that the Facebook page was raising awareness in the
   community at large, and especially in parents, of incidents of anti-social behaviour
   in the town which is more likely to increase as the weather improves. Using the
   101 number should be encouraged. With reference to problems in the Royals, he
   agreed to work with the other Councillors, the police and Council officers to tackle
   the situation. Action: Councillor Houston.

    

   The Chairman thanked Fraser Mackintosh, Owen Hutchison and Sergeant Grant
   MacDonald for their attendance and input to the meeting.

    

4. Standing items and actions from previous meetings: See attached.

   Future of the Burgh Chambers Steve Mason reported that contact with Council
   officers is ongoing. He suggested that this is dropped as a standing agenda item, while agreeing to report back to the council when there is progress. Councillor
   Tollemache reported that repairs on the building's windows, including the
   replacement of those at the front, are to be carried out this month and he agreed
   to follow this up. Action: Councillor Tollemache.

    

   Local Rail Development Fund Project The Chairman, following a recent article in
   the Stirling Observer, repeated that car parking, once it returns to normal, will be
   revisited but that it is a local issue, something the Council has to recognise. In the
   meantime, the Active Travel Project will progress.

    

   Dunblane twinning proposal Councillor Tollemache reported that the relevant
   Council officer is currently on election duties and there is nothing to report.

    

   Spaces for People Bridget Clark said that there has been no feedback from the
   consultants yet to the community consultation. She is concerned that the
   opportunity to progress the feasibility study of a cycle route from Dunblane
   station to Bridge of Allan station will be lost.

    

   The Chairman reported that the Traffic Regulation Orders are being processed for
   the new 20 mph routes. Susan Mitchell commented that the efficacy of the new
   20mph limits will be re-examined after 18 months. However, she was concerned
   about the cycle lanes on the B8033, the markings for which have faded especially
   on one side. She reported that they should be wider in order to bring them up to
   Sustrans standards. Rosemary Hunter also reported on the uneven surface on the
   B8033 which causes difficulties to cyclists. Councillor Tollemache has already
   reported to the Council on the need for repairs on the dual carriageway.

    

   Gritting of roads and footways The Chairman expressed his frustration at the lack
   of response from Bruce Reekie (Senior Manager, Environment and Place, Stirling
   Council) who attended the community council meeting two months ago. The
   community council, as the link between the Council and the community, expects a
   better working relationship with Council officers.

    

5. Treasurer's Report: See attached. No real change.

    

6. Correspondence Report: See attached.

   The Secretary pointed out an email (already circulated) from David Rae (Grounds
   Officer, Stirling Council) about pollinator strategy with reference to grass
   maintenance at Newton and Braemar play parks. He queried how this would be
   evaluated and by whom. A discussion arose over encouraging pollinators and
   invertebrates. Councillor Tollemache agreed to contact the Biodiversity Officer at
   the Council and will report back. Action: Councillor Tollemache.

    

7. Report of other meetings

   Sharon Mylchreest reported on a phone call she had with Derek Leitch (Land
   Services, Stirling Council) about dog and litter waste bins near Kippendavie Estate
   (see last month's minutes). A review of the 1,400 bins across the Council area is
   being carried out with a view to reducing their number by replacing pole-mounted
   bins, seen as a health hazard, with free-standing, larger capacity bins. He committed to reviewing the location of the 110 bins at present in Dunblane shortly
   and start a consultation over reducing their number and positioning them
   appropriately. He has agreed to send more information and a map on the location
   of the bins in Dunblane. However, as Kippendavie is private land, the Council will
   not put bins there or near there. Graham Mowat reported that Falkirk Council have
   bins split into two for landfill and recycling waste, and councillors thought this
   was an idea worth pursuing. Councillor Dodds reported on an initiative in Bridge
   of Allan where local children have designed posters for lampposts to publicise the
   problem of dog mess in the town. He can arrange for the Council's dog warden to
   speak to the community council and also arrange for extra signage in the town.
   Action: Councillor Dodds.

    

8. Dunblane Development Trust Report

   Rosemary Hunter reported that the new volunteer support officer is now in post
   and is working with the various groups.

    

9. Elected Members' Reports

   Councillor Houston reported that the Carman Family Foundation (CFF) has
   submitted all the information to the Council over their application to lease
   Heilanman's Land. A Head of Terms document is forming the basis of further
   discussions, with a 50 year lease being suggested, after which the land would
   revert to a community group.

    

   Councillor Tollemache reported that there is broken play equipment and access
   problems at Braemar playpark. James Byrne reported that there is Council funding
   of £30,000 to replace the play equipment at the Newton playpark and a group of
   parents has identified suitable equipment. Their proposal is being submitted to
   the Council as the costs of installation and maintenance will have to be taken into
   consideration. Councillor Houston said that the Council can claw back VAT on the
   purchase. It was noted that the problem of drainage has still to be tackled.
   However, James Byrne said the group is looking to create a Masterplan to find out
   what parents and the local community want the park to be used for, e.g. a
   wildflower meadow.

    

   In response to a comment from Graham Mowat, Councillor Tollemache reported
   that the Darn Walk sign had been removed for repair but agreed to check up on it.
   Action: Councillor Tollemache.

    

10. AOCB

    Bridget Clark reported that the location of benches in Dunblane is going to be
    added to the Dunblane map on Google maps and on the Dunblane Facebook page.

     

    The Secretary reported that the bridge over the scouring burn (see last month's
    minutes) is dangerous and he has contacted Angela Simpson (Access and
    Sustainable Travel Officer, Stirling Council) about its repair. However, Councillor
    Tollemache reported that the Council is going to remove the bridge.

     

    The Secretary suggested that the Laighhills management plan be expanded in
    collaboration with the local wildlife group. This could then be progressed with the
    Council's Biodiversity Officer.

     

    It was reported that more of the already closed path at the Laighhills below the
    football pitch has fallen into the river and the original fencing has disappeared

     

11. Date, time and place of next meeting

    The next meeting of the Dunblane Community Council will take place by Zoom on
    Wednesday, 5 May, 2021 at 7 p.m.

     

12. Planning Report: See attached.

Councillors Houston and Dodds left the meeting.

 

Park of Keir The Chairman reported that a Section 75 agreement is in process of
being prepared and has asked for more information. If signed by the applicant, its
main points should be made public. Sportscotland has confirmed that it has been
asked for financial support towards the capital cost of the development. Councillor
Tollemache commented that the Council planners have committed to brief
Councillors when agreement has been reached. He also reported that when it goes
to the Planning Panel it will be a closed meeting, with no public and no record
taken. The Chairman said that the Council has to be challenged on this because of
the high level of public interest. In reply to a query from the Secretary, the
Chairman said that the subject of the Community Interest Company, which was
part of the original application, has not been mentioned.

 

Firs of Kinbuck The Chairman reported that the application is live again and he
has prepared updates on the road safety issues. Questions are being raised over
tourism and employment benefits suggested by the Planning Panel. The local
community is active and objections are being submitted.

 

Auchinlay Road The Chairman reported on the application for six glamping pods
beside Woodend Cottage and commented that the road is not capable of taking an
increase in traffic, especially as there are no passing places. He felt it was an
inappropriate use of the land but if the Council saw fit to approve the application
he suggested that it be moved further away from neighbours and that there should
be a requirement for the removal of the pods at the end of their life. He introduced
Sarah Coser, a resident on Auchinlay Road, to the meeting. She said that the
planning application does not comply with Council policy. She stressed the unique
nature of the area, and pointed out that the main gas pipe is located under the
field. She also raised the problems with services such as sewerage and the
residents' concern over noise and nuisance.

 

A discussion covered traffic issues as it is a single track road used by farm
machinery. Fiona Plumtree reported that, at present, the road is derestricted
coming from Dunblane but from Kinbuck there is a 40 mph limit. From Dunblane
the road narrows on the old railway bridge and this forms a pinch point for traffic.

 

 

Councillor Tollemache has asked that this application come to the Planning Panel.
As part of the Spaces for People policy of the Council, he has proposed that the
speed limit be reduced to 40 mph and the Secretary suggested that road signs be
erected designating the road as being "walking, cycling and horse friendly".

 

The Chairman felt there will be pressure on the Council to encourage tourism but
stressed the importance of the right development in the right place. He supported
Rosemary Hunter's proposal of a site visit with Council officers. He encouraged
everyone to submit objections as individuals.

 

Wider development proposals With reference to the previous proposal, the
Chairman repeated his concerns over the number of development proposals for
the agricultural land north of Dunblane which have come before the community
council over the previous two years. These would change the nature of the area
and threatened splitting up fields into smaller units.

 

The Chairman has had an informal dialogue with the Kippendavie Group Trust
(KGT) who propose developing an eco-hub at Lady's Mount and are looking for
support as it is in the Green Belt. An application has not yet been submitted. The
Chairman stressed the need for community consultation and he commented that
having a discussion with a developer does not preclude objecting to their
proposals. Of note is the proposal to use the site for EV charging, a local filling
station, e-bikes and as a parcels hub where parcels for the town would be dropped
off and then distributed using E vans and cargo-bikes.

 

The Chairman invited Steve Mason to address the meeting on wider development
issues with reference to the next Local Development Plan (LDP). The present LDP
dates from 2018 and is likely to run up to 2026. He stated that developers already
make statutory contributions towards education, health facilities, waste services,
open space provision, and transport, as well as affordable housing, and did not
expect them to desire to make further voluntary contributions. Every community
should have an Open Space Review and a Local Place Plan which has to be
recognised when the Council draws up the LDP, noting that the LDP process will
include a review of the current Green Belt. He advised caution when in discussion
with potential developers who will be desperate to get planning permission for
developments in Dunblane. He and the Chairman are in agreement that further
discussion about this important topic is necessary, also involving other groups in
the town, but that this would be better achieved once live meetings can take place.

 

The Chairman thanked everyone for their contribution to the meeting.
The meeting ended at 9.30 p.m.

 

This is a true representation of the meeting.

 

David Prescott ...................................................................................... Date .........................

Chairman

 

Alan Booth ............................................................................................ Date .........................

Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

stolen from an insecure shed at a property in Ochiltree, Dunblane. Sometime
around the 20th March and prior to the theft being discovered a male was seen
loitering within the complainer’s garden. This has been crimed as Theft and
Section 57(1) Civic Government Scotland Act 1982 and is an ongoing enquiry at
the time of submission, PS-20210401-3557 refers.

 

Sometime between the 18th and 20th March a registration plate was stolen from a
vehicle then parked in Braeport, Dunblane. This has been crimed as Theft and is
an ongoing enquiry at the time of submission, PS- 20210320-2868 refers.

 

CPT officers would ask the local community that they ensure that garages,
outbuildings and sheds are locked and secured when not in use and that vehicle
keys are kept in a safe and secure places within properties, thus reducing the
likelihood of theft occurring.

 

ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD TRAFFIC RELATED CRIME

 

See above.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

CPT officers have carried out Hand Held Radar speeding checks in the Perth
Road area and one motorist was warned regarding vehicular speed.

 

The pop up police officer has been deployed in Perth Road, Wallace Road and
Doune Road.

 

Between 3rd March and 6th April 2021 there was 115 calls to police in the
Dunblane area. A breakdown of some of the calls are as follows: 21 public
nuisance calls, 1 drugs/substance related call, 1 disturbance type call, 6 theft
related call, 6 concern for person calls, 2 domestic related incidents and 8 road
traffic related calls.

 

 

 

Any issues raised at Community Council meeting:

 

 

 

https://scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts

 

 

 

Dunblane Community Council

Additional Paper for Zoom Meeting - Wednesday 3rd March 2021

Agenda item 4

 

1. Future of Burgh Chambers – Project still active - SM working on this Nothing further to report

2. Local Rail Development Fund project update – Stirling Observer picked up on this. Response from
   Transport Scotland was incorrect, (which illustrates the difference in view) but the problem all along has
   been the Council’s view on car parking utilisation in the town being at odds with the Community view.

Stirling Council’s Community Parking Management Plan (CMCP) is now out of date and needs review in the
light of emerging demand and TS attitude. This now needs to be resolved to suit the community. Item
closed and new standing item will be created when car parking project restarts

1. Dunblane High School / DYPP project update / Newton School

2. Dunblane twinning proposal – Councillor Tollemache to report (Action item from previous meetings)

3. Heilanman's Land - Proposed transfer to Carman Family Trust

4. Cycle Routes and Active Travel in Dunblane – Spaces for People proposals now in final Stirling Council
   public consultation prior to implementation.

5. Road and footway gritting – follow up after Bruce Reekie, Stirling Council, attendance at February
   meeting. No response to date. The lack of any response from Stirling Council is concerning as it looks like no
   attempt is being made to improve the service in the future. We have been fortunate that there was no more
   snow this winter.

j) Action items - if not on the agenda - None

 

David Prescott Chair Dunblane Community Council 4 April 2021

 

 

Dunblane Community Council

Planning Report - Major Issues – to end March 2021

Glassingall – Proposal of Application Notice – Demolition and fire at Glassingall House.

No further progress.

Park of Keir - Section 75 Processes.

Stirling Council advise that the developer is seeking a further extension, but is a contradictory letter suggests
that they have agreed to sign the Section 75 but that there is a lot of tiding up to do before it is ready. This
contradicts the early Stirling Council information that all they were waiting for was for the developer to sign
the form of words agreed with officers.

Sportscotland have responded: confirming that they have been asked for financial support towards the
capital cost of the proposed Park of Keir development, but were at pains to state that any decision on
whether they invest in this development will only be taken on completion of a formal application process.

They also confirm that the financial contribution requested relates only to capital funding
and does not include any permanent ongoing financial support.

 

It may be reassuring to know that they stressed that all capital investments sportscotland make in sports
facilities follow a robust assessment process, which considers among other issues the strategic need and
demand for a facility, the impact it will have on sport and physical activity and whether the project is
financially viable in capital and revenue terms.

 

A response to this is being prepared setting out the challenges that POK has in terms of strategic fit, ongoing
viability and deliverability.

Keith Brown MSP is proved unable bring any meaningful pressure to bear.

19/00243/PPP Firs of Kinbuck (North bound services)

The application is live again, with all the material available on the Planning Portal after pressure from DCC.
The local egal challenges remains very live!!

There is clearly a gulf in view between the Planning view of changes to the LDP and the community’s view.

A comprehensive response will be submitted after 7 April DCC meeting, with possible supplemental

responses as the statutory consultees’ responses are published.

21/00216/FUL Auchinlay Road – glamping development

A new application for a tourism based development along Auchinlay Road has been submitted, neighbour
objections are coming in. This is another development pressure in the countryside north of Dunblane and it
is suggested that it is opposed as inappropriate for the site, creates traffic problems and that the layout is
not at all appropriate (Linear along the road and close to the neighbour).

Wider development proposals

Arising from the informal dialogue KGT is proposing a planning application for an eco-hub at the Lady’s
Mount site (B8033/A9 northbound slips). Facilities to include EV charging, local filling station (Possibly eco
fuels), e-bikes and possible car club with a parcels hub to enable consolidated in-town deliveries using E vans
and cargo-bikes not big diesel vans. It is a Green Belt site, so will need local support.

 

David Prescott 7 April 2021