Dunblane Community Council
Alan Booth
Secretary
Woodlea, Perth Road
Dunblane
FK15 0BU
Tel: 01786824791
Terence O’Byrne
Chairman
3 Argyle Grove
Dunblane
FK15 9DT
Tel: 01786 823604
Minutes of the meeting of the Dunblane Community Council held on Monday,
31 March 2014, at 7.30 p.m. in the Burgh Chambers, Dunblane.
Present: Terence O’Byrne (Chairman), Craig French (Vice-Chairman), Alan Booth
(Secretary), Chris Toop, Archie Stirling-Aird, Christine Howe, Gill Rhodes, Kate Fawcett.
In attendance: PC Simon Fraser, Councillors Graham Houston and Mark Ruskell, Gareth
Jones (Stirling Observer), Alston Birnie (King Group, landowners of Park of Keir), John
Handley (consultants for King Group), Judy Murray, Margaret Bragg (Minutes Secretary).
1. Apologies
Apologies have been received from Councillor Campbell, Kevin Curtin (Treasurer) and
Sarah Huggett (Head Girl, High School).
2. Chairman’s Remarks: There was none.
3. Minutes of the previous meeting of 3 March 2014
Under item 12, Christine Howe pointed out that her name had been misspelt. With this
amendment, the minutes were approved, proposed by Alan Booth and seconded by Archie
Stirling-Aird.
4. Matters arising
Holmehill PC Fraser has not received any response from the Senior Access Officer, Richard
Barron. Councillor Ruskell reported that a meeting had been held with the Tree Officer
(Ingrid Withington), Richard Barron and Mr Ian Stirling (landowner) at which the latter
stated that he was delaying the reinstatement work and that the Heras fencing did not
completely block public access. With reference to the fencing, it was felt that at present
there was not a very strong case to pursue although this should be kept under review and
the public should be encouraged to use the site. The landowner is going to submit a revised
plan for reinstatement within 7 days to Peter Morgan (Chief Planning Officer) who will then
make a judgment over whether they are in breach of the order. Councillor Houston warned
about the risk of running out of time to enforce this as so much time has elapsed since the
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original offence. It was agreed that this issue needs publicising and the Chairman appealed
to the Stirling Observer to do this.
Collapsed river wall Councillor Campbell has not reported back to Christine Howe and the
Chairman agreed to follow this up. Action: The Chairman.
Correspondence
groups.
The Secretary reported that correspondence is copied to all relevant
Ochlochy Park PC Fraser reported that when he has visited the street there has been no
problems with the traffic but he agreed to keep an eye on this issue.
Bollards Councillor Ruskell reported that the bollards at the top of the Old Doune Road
have been replaced. The Chairman reminded the meeting that reporting faults using the
Council website produces the most efficient results.
DDT and the community council The Chairman has had an initial meeting with Tim
Hughes, chairman of the Dunblane Development Trust, and he will report back at the next
community council meeting when these talks have developed further.
Tennis club The Chairman has submitted a suggestion for double yellow no-parking lines,
as discussed at the last meeting of the community council.
5. Police Report: See attached.
In future reports the Chairman requested that road traffic offences were not included in the
total crime figures.
PC Fraser reported that the PACT priorities are remaining the same: George Street and
parking around the schools. With reference to the latter, he has involved primary school
children in handing out leaflets and posters to motorists.
Christine Howe had mentioned last year that the “no entry” signs up Beech Road were
obscured and agreed to follow this up with the Council again. Action: Christine Howe,
Park of Keir
The Chairman suspended the agenda and invited Alston Birnie (King Group, landowners of
Park of Keir), John Handley (consultants for King Group) and Judy Murray to address the
meeting about the proposals for Park of Keir.
Alston Birnie reported that, taking on board the results of the public consultation events
held in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane last year, the proposals have been adapted and
brought up to date. John Handley stated that the new Local Development Plan includes a
flexibility allowance of up to 300 houses and that housing on this site would address the
need for Dunblane to grow in the future. The two consultations had attracted 235 people of
whom 124 returned questionnaires, which he felt was a high response. Alston Birnie stated
that in his opinion the low attendance was symptomatic of the fact that not many people
had an issue with the proposals although Judy Murray did concede that many people,
especially young families, would not have been able to attend because of school holidays.
Alston Birnie reported that as various assessments, such as visual impact and
environmental impact, have still to be done, the proposals were at a conceptual stage with
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details still to be decided. He claimed that the concerns of existing golf clubs in the area
have been addressed by the reduction of the proposed golf course to 6 holes, which would
be more attractive to novices. Indoor facilities were emphasised. The resultant reduction in
the development would create an opportunity for long-term community ownership of part
of the site which would prevent further development in the future.
However, he emphasised the need to generate funding for the sports facilities from housing,
so that they start off debt-free. Judy Murray said that there would be no problem filling the
tennis facilities and an outreach programme would be operated, using the indoor facilities.
For the facilities to be affordable and accessible she stressed that they have to start off debtfree. They are in discussion with Stirling Council about the possibility of leasing the
facilities and they want further dialogues with various sports groups.
It is hoped to submit a planning application by June, after the assessment work is
completed. Alston Birnie hoped that a website should be running by April and he
encouraged people to sign up for their newsletter both to keep up to date and comment on
the proposals.
The Chairman replied that the community council had consistently objected to housing
developments in the past and it was their instinct to continue to object. He invited them to
return to the community council once the assessments have been completed and the
proposals have progressed further. The Chairman also emphasised that the small number of
returns (124) meant that the analysis of the consultation feedback did not carry much
weight. The fact that the LDP required a further 300 houses across the Stirling area would
have little effect (if any) on Dunblane.
6. Discussion on Settlement Review progress
When the Chairman and Christine Howe had attended a meeting of the Steering Group they
had been presented with proposals which included transferring all primary school lets after
6 p.m. to the High School; considering the transfer of assets such as the Victoria Hall and
Braeport into either ownership or lease by the community; developing a website for local
groups; and relocating local Council office services from the Burgh Chambers to another
building, for example the library. These proposals will go to Council within the next few
months, after a public information event.
Concern was raised over the possibility of registrar services being moved to the library as
privacy is essential for registering deaths. Library space might also be lost. Marriage
services might be moved to the Victoria Hall, while the Post Office might take over financial
services. Before facilities were moved, costed proposals should be submitted and people in
the town would have to be convinced that other buildings could cover the services.
Craig French said that the Burgh Chambers is part of the town’s heritage and, after the
independence referendum in September, there might be a greater emphasis on local
democracy resulting in the need for local Burgh Chambers.
Councillors Houston and Ruskell protested that they had no information about these
proposals. Councillor Houston suggested that small offices in the Burgh Chambers could be
leased out for start-up businesses and encouraged the administration to use imagination on
how the building could be used. Suggestions were also made that young people or senior
citizens could use the space.
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The Secretary, noting that no member of the administration was at the meeting to justify
the proposals, revived the suggestion of a Common Good Fund for Dunblane to which the
assets could be transferred.
While the Chairman noted that the Council is going to organise a public information event
before the proposals go to Council, Councillor Ruskell stated that more time was needed to
consult with community groups and that a public petition could be raised. Craig French
encouraged community councillors to attend the Council meeting at which this will be
discussed and to support a public campaign.
At the Chairman’s suggestion that a group of community councillors work together to move
this forward, Kate Fawcett, Gill Rhodes, Christine Howe, Archie Stirling-Aird, Craig French
and Councillors Houston and Ruskell agreed to progress this. The Secretary agreed to draft
a letter for the Chairman to send to the Provost and Councillor Campbell to urge them to
attend the next community council meeting. Action: The Secretary/Chairman.
7. Dunblane High School
Gill Rhodes agreed to see about the continuing liaison with representatives of High School
pupils next session. Action: Gill Rhodes.
8. Correspondence: See attached.
9. Treasurer’s Report: See attached.
10. Dunblane Development Trust Report
Kate Fawcett reported that the DDT has been discussing the possible transfer of the
Braeport and how they would work more closely with the community council in the future.
Tom Casey of Discover Dunblane had also produced a report which had been discussed.
11. Planning Report: See attached.
With reference to the approval of the application for a wood stove and flue at Kellie Wynd, it
was reported that Councillor Campbell is going to investigate the possibility of a 24-hour
monitor to measure the possible pollution. Action: Councillor Campbell.
With reference to the amendments to the application at Barbush, the Chairman agreed to
email details to the community councillors. Action: The Chairman.
With reference to the Local Development Plan, the report from the Reporter has been
received by Peter Morgan (Chief Planning Officer). It will go to the Council for ratification.
The Secretary noted that the consultants’ report on the Kippendavie Group Trust’s
proposals for Sheriffmuir Park has not yet been received.
12. Report of Meetings
Councillor Ruskell and the Secretary have met with officers from Youth Services over the
withdrawal of the proposal for a “Pod” in the Laighhills (see minutes March 2013) and the
safeguarding of the remainder of the money, about £35,000. It had been agreed to revisit
the original suggestions and to ask for new options from young people at the High School
and the Dunblane Centre at an open evening in June. The Secretary repeated that the
Dunblane Young Persons’ Project (DYPP) had been set up to involve those young people
who were disengaged from other community groups and that efforts have to be made to
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broaden the consultation. Gill Rhodes agreed to liaise with the High School and together
with the Secretary and Councillor Ruskell will progress this. Councillor Houston stressed
the need to involve Youth Services in a project which was designed as outreach for youth
workers to communicate with the disengaged youth of Dunblane. He also agreed to
participate in this process. Action: Gill Rhodes, Alan Booth, Councillors Ruskell
and Houston.
Christine Howe and Archie Stirling-Aird have attended a meeting about the arrangements
for the Ryder Cup and had circulated a briefing paper. Special trains may now stop at
Stirling if seats are available, but there is no parking at Stirling station. Dunblane ticket
holders or those staying in Dunblane may catch the train at Dunblane. Sergeant Mitchell
will attend the next meeting of the community council.
Archie Stirling-Aird and Christine Howe have attended a meeting of Stirling Council and
Destination Stirling and listed the events due to take place in the area this year.
13. Councillors’ Reports
Councillor Houston reported that the Council has allocated £21,000 to help launch a
Business Improvement District (BID) project in Dunblane. He also reported that at a
special meeting of Council later this week, the senior management structure will be
reviewed. The Chief Executive will retire in September.
Councillor Ruskell commented that there was nothing to report on the change to the
provision of traffic wardens, although he expected it to be discussed at the next meeting of
the Environment and Housing Committee. The Chairman agreed to email Les Goodfellow
(Head of Environment) about this issue, copying in Councillor Ruskell. Councillor Ruskell
agreed to pursue this. Action: Councillor Ruskell.
14. AOCB
Christine Howe has been contacted by David Chisholm about the lack of an up-to-date
commercially-produced map of Dunblane, Doune and Callander and he is going to progress
this. Christine Howe is going to distribute the tourist map to more shops in Dunblane.
The meeting ended at 9.40 p.m.
This is a true representation of the meeting.
The next meeting of the Dunblane Community Council will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Monday,
28 April, 2014, in the Burgh Chambers, Dunblane.
Terence O’Byrne .............................................................................. Date .............................
Chairman
Alan Booth ........................................................................................ Date .............................
Secretary
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Police Scotland
Report for Dunblane Community Council
March 2014
March 2014
Over the last month there have been 21 reported crimes and offences of which 14 are
currently detected.
Crimes of Disorder – there have been 4 crimes of disorder reported all of which are
detected, 3 are in relation to assaults (all minor) and 1 is in relation to a Breach of the Peace.
Theft – there have been 2 reported thefts, 1 is in relation to a house that was broken into in
the Braemar Area and 1 was in relation to the theft of wood from a garden .
Vandalism – there have been 4 reported Vandalism , all of them to cars, 3 a re linked and
are staff members at a care home in Dunblane, 1 was a car parked in Strathmore Avenue.
Misc – there have been 4 misc offences reported, a female was charged with wasting police
time for making false calls to police. A male was charged for operating as an itinerant metal
dealer for having a vehicle full of scrap and a male was charged with a breach of bail.
Enquiries are ongoing in relation to a racial tweet that was reported anonymously .
Road Traffic – there have been 7 road traffic cases, a female was charged with drink
driving, 2 drivers have been charged with careless driving, a driver was charged with
driving through the no entry at Beech Road, a driver was charged with using a mobile phone
and there were 2 vehicle defects
PACT 1. Anti social behaviour /youth annoyance George Street.
2. Inconsiderate parking around schools.
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Subject
FW: Special Stirling Council - 3 April 2014
FW: Community Councils: Roadworks within the Urban
Area
Parking restrictions
FW: Community Council: Improving Digital Connectivity
for Stirling - 23 April 2014, McLaren High School,
Callander
FW: Community Council Good Practice Guide etc
FW: Link - Agenda - Planning & Regulation Panel - 25
March 2014
FW: Community Council Information: Roads Maintenance
Rural Works Programme WC 10-03-14
FW: Community Council Information: Towards a LitterFree Scotland: Consultation on a strategy to tackle and
prevent litter and flytipping - Analysis of Responses to the
Public Consultation
FW: Community Councils: Urban Road Works Programme
FW: Stirling Council News Release - Stirling's LDP passes
examination
RE: Dementia Friendly Stirling Mapping Exercise Community Councils
FW: Stirling Civic Trust - City Centre talk
FW: Press release - Grow Forth Local Food Map
additions.doc
Disabled parking
FW: LDP-390-1 Stirling Local Development Plan
FW: 2012 olympic commemorative sculpture- Andy Murray
FW: 2012 olympic commemorative sculpture- Andy Murray
FW: AGM Minutes and Chair's Report
FW: 2012 olympic commemorative sculpture- Andy Murray
FW: Community Councils: Brown Bin start-up: email to
community councils
FW: Stirling Council News Release - Removal of traffic
wardens postponed
FW: Community Councils: Keep Scotland Beautiful
FW: Understanding the Language Training
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Dunblane Community Council
Treasurer’s Report
31. March 2014
Administration account
00347702
Account balance last report
CC expenditure since last report
Account balance to date 28. March
£2,563.63
£50.00
£2,563.63*
* Of this, £1,500 is the Community Pride award for the Boys Brigade (ref: CP088/1314).
Our effective balance is therefore £1,063.63.
Community fund
00347753
Account balance last report
£56.52
Expenditure since last report
Account balance to date 31. March
Kevin Curtin
31. March 2014
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£56.52
MONTHLY REPORT – April 2014
New Planning Applications received since last meeting
It is considered that the following applications have no implications for Dunblane as a whole and it is
recommended that we leave it to the neighbour notification system to identify any local objections
that there may be: Extensions at 11 Tannahill Tce, 10 Ledcameroch Gardens. Double Garage at 10
Highfields. Alterations to windows/doors at Glendyne The Crescent. Extend decking at 11
Coldstream Ave. Air conditioning unit at 8 High St. Alterations at Pisgah Sawmill site.
Applications to be discussed
None
Progress on Planning Action Log Items since last meeting.
Application withdrawn to build new house at top of Doune Road. Permission granted to demolish
the house at 4 Roman Way and build 2 new houses, height of houses reduced. The wood stove and
flue were approved at 53 Kellie Wynd, the smoke was not considered a nuisance by the Council.
Amendments to house types by Allanwater Developments at Barbush approved, core path
preserved, no contribution to play space as only 7 units, open space loss not an issue as not
requested by the Council originally, section 69 contribution to affordable housing
Outstanding: Demolish house at 18 Ochlochy and build new house. Application for 165 houses,
garden centre, park centre and office building on land owned by KGT. Houses at Aultwharrie within
existing building.
Other Planning Matters
The LDP was given general ‘approval’ by the Government Reporters. In relation to Dunblane, the
KGT proposal for 100 houses was rejected. All other proposals by the Council were approved by
the Reporters, all representations by developers for further housing were rejected.
Terence O'Byrne
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