MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF THE ROYAL BURGH OF
TAIN MEETING HELD ON 25 JANUARY 2010 IN THE COUNCIL
CHAMBER, TAIN
Present:
Mr P Whiteley (Chair)
Mrs J Dundas
Mr D MacIvor
Mr T Smart
Mr A McKinlay
Mr M Herd
Mr K Anderson
Mr N Munro (Vice-Chair)
Mr D McAllister
Mr A Rhind
Mr G Amos
Mr D MacDonald
Mr R Robertson
In attendance:
Mr S Jackson, Tain Pipe Band
Ms K MacKintosh, Robertson Property Ltd
Ms V MacIvor, Platform PR
Mr A Torrance
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
1.1
Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Stone.
1.2
Mr Jackson thanked the Community Council for the support given to the Pipe
Band over the last 2 years. He reported that there are 9 new members, and it
is hoped to start piping and drumming classes. Mr Jackson handed out some
Pipe Band CD’s. Mr Torrance declared the gift of the Pipe Band CD.
2.
PRESENTATION BY ROBERTSON
PROPOSED SUPERSTORE
PROPERTY
LTD
ON
2.1
Ms MacKintosh reported that Robertson Property Ltd had submitted a
planning application for a superstore on Morangie Road. As there is a lot of
interest in retail in Tain at present, Ms MacKintosh indicated that Robertson
Property Ltd thought it was the right site for a superstore. The transport and
retail impact assessment are available on the Robertson Property Ltd website.
2.2
Ms MacKintosh was asked the name of the retailer for the development.
Robertson Property Ltd do not have a name. If the application is approved
they plan to talk to potential retailers. She claimed that the development is
attractive they are offering an alternative site. Mr Herd asked about
community consultation. Ms MacKintosh indicated that there was no formal
need for consultation due to the size of the development, but they had had an
exhibition, and were visiting the Community Council. Mr MacDonald
pointed out errors in the application, and the possibility of a filling station.
Ms MacKintosh said a separate planning application could be submitted for a
petrol station. Mr Torrance took no part in this item.
3.
POLICE REPORT - none
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4..1
The Minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2009 were approved by
Mr Rhind, and seconded by Mr McAllister, subject to 4.1 (first sentence), the
word “being” should read “be”, and 7.3 in regard to the gaelic signs and
drains, it was Mr McAllister who raised these issues, and not Mr MacDonald.
In addition, Mr Durham and Mr Torrance’s name should be added to the list
of those present.
5.
MATTERS ARISING
5.1
Item.2.1 ref Police report. Mr Munro congratulated Constable Dalgarno on
the excellent report at the last meeting.
5.2
Item 2.2 ref Police information and item 4.3 ref report on Common
Good Fund. Mr Herd enquired whether the Police have passed the
information on the drink related offences. It was noted that this information
had not been passed on. Mr Herd enquired whether there was an update on
the Common Good report. Mr Rhind indicated that the report would be
available in the next few months.
6.
YOUTH ISSUES
6.1
Tain Royal Academy. Mr McKinlay reported that the bad weather has
impacted on the school social activities, but that they had been re-arranged.
There had been graffiti incidences at school, and images were picked up by
the CCTV cameras, and this had been passed on to the Police. The shelter
for the School Crossing Patroller at Craighill School is nearly complete.
£300 was raised at the School for the Haiti disaster.
6.2
Tain Youth Forum/Tain Youth Cafe – no report.
7.
CHAIR’S REPORT
7.1
Mr Whiteley reported that he had been asked to comment on the graffiti to
the press. Mr Whiteley reported on the postponement of the Senior Citizens’
party due to the bad weather. He congratulated all concerned with the
successful street party.
8.
HIGHLAND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
8.1
Mr Rhind’s report. Mr Rhind indicated that he hoped that the light is now
repaired at the Skateboard Park. Mr Rhind passed on his thanks to Tain
Royal Academy for building the School Patroller’s shelter. He has contacted
Transerv re the south entrance. Due to unexpected costs, the Christmas
Lights expenditure is greater than previously thought – it is over by £765.
Mr Rhind suggested that an application to the Common Good Fund be
submitted for this shortfall. The flooding at Knockbreck Road may be an
ongoing problem. The signs at Hill Street are going to be replaced by
traditional signs. Mr Rhind queried the drain problem location with Mr
McAllister. Mr Rhind suggested Saturday 3 April as a date for the Senior
Citizen’s Party. Mr Rhind is trying to encourage private businesses to clean
up the graffiti. With the bad weather it was difficult for people to get about,
especially with no snow clearing on housing estates.
8.2
Mr Whiteley indicated that a number of members of the public had spoken to
him about how ineffective the snow clearing had been in Tain. Mr Whiteley
indicated that the Community Council had received an email re the gaelic
signs at Hill Street. In the email Mr Summers indicated that he would have a
look at the sign. However, the current Highland Council policy is that the
sign would have to remain bilingual. Mr Rhind requested a copy of the
email.
8.3
Mr Herd indicated that there was disappointment with the new Christmas
lights, and that there was no consultation on choosing the lights. Mr Rhind
indicated that he appreciated that some people missed the previous lights, but
additions can be added to the current lights, as the Community Council had a
£3,000 credit, due to not having a Christmas trees. Mr Munro suggested that
the additions should be red, as the public had commented that that would be
preferable.
8.4
Mrs Dundas raised the issue of damaged slabs on the main street. Mr Rhind
indicated that this was a difficult issue, as lorries sometimes park on the
pavements. If there is serious damage, it will be addressed. Mr McAllister
and Mr Amos indicated that there was bad dog fouling at the Alexandra
Bridge and by the shop at Mansfield Estate. Mr Rhind to contact the Dog
Warden.
8.5
Mr Torrance’s report. Mr Torrance agreed that dog fouling was a problem,
and that he hoped the Dog Warden would address. Mr Torrance indicated
that there had been complaints about the ice at the Bank of Scotland during
the bad weather. The Nigg issue is still ongoing. The public local enquiry
starts on 4 March. Mr Torrance is going to clarify the situation with regard
to the gaelic signs issue.
8.6
Mr Whiteley proposed a motion, seconded by Mrs Dundas, that a Common
Good Fund application be submitted for the additional costs of £765 for the
Christmas Lights. This was agreed.
9.
PLANNING MATTERS
9.1
Erection of agricultural building, Fendom– no comment.
9.2
Alteration to warehouse, Morangie Distillery – no comment.
9.3
Provision of roof over open court area, Aldie Farm, Hartfield Road– no
comment.
9.4
Erection of agricultural building, Aldie Farm – no comment.
9.5
Erection of house, 11 Birch Place – no comment.
9.6
Erection of Adsa Store, Knockbreck Road. After discussion on this item,
it was unanimously agreed to wholeheartedly support this application.
9.7
Erection of superstore, Morangie Road. Mr MacDoanld indicated that
there were discrepancies on the application, eg – the catchment area is
questionable, the retail analysis is years out of date, and the plans are
wrongly scaled. After discussion, Mr Herd proposed, seconded by Mr
MacDonald that the Community Council objects to the application in the
strongest terms possible. This was agreed. Mr MacDonald to draft the letter.
10.
LETTERS
10.1
SEPA newsletter/low flying planes/Ward Forum/Scottish Bowel
Screening process/TRACC open evening/Highland Environmental
Network -noted.
10.2
Explore Easter Ross/Grants for Groups. It was agreed to pass these letter
on to Fiona Robertson for Tain Initiative.
.
Broadband provision. A letter has been received from Peter Peacock MSP
re broadband provision. It was agreed to photocopy this letter for the next
meeting.
10.3
10.4
Mr Whiteley indicated that he received a letter re a Viewfield planning
application. It was noted that the application has been granted. Mr
MacDonald declared an interest in this item.
11.
UNEXHAUSTED REMITS
11.1
Cemetery. Mr Rhind reported that the unofficial grass paths will now be
used as lairs. This should not detract from the current negotiations. Mr
Rhind will get an update on this matter for the next meeting.
11.2
New Care Home/Future of Duthac House. Mr Rhind reported that
Highland Council is creating a business plan for a new care home. An
excellent report was received from the Care Commission on Duthac House.
Mr Munro indicated that there are other areas identified for a new Care
Home, and he is to speak to Mr Rhind after the meeting.
11.3
Benn Tharsuinn. Mr MacDonald indicated that the next meeting is in April.
12.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
12.1
Bees. Mr Whiteley indicated that a member of the public has asked that the
verges are not cut, which will encourage bees.
12.2
Finance (in private). Mrs Mackay reported that cheques were written for
additional Christmas Lights expenses, and staff costs. Mr Whiteley reported
that himself and the Vice-Chair agreed a temporary loan of £300 from the
Charitable Bequests funds to a family. Mr Rhind indicated that the family
had passed on their thanks for the money.
12.3
Common Good land. A letter has been received regarding a piece of
Common Good land. After discussion, Mr Robertson moved a motion,
seconded by Mr MacDonald, it was agreed to write a letter saying that it is
not Common Good land, and if they would like the Community Council to
comment, Highland Council are to provide proof of title.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.50 PM
THE DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING IS MONDAY 22 MARCH 2010