24 June 2013 - Falkirk Council

Larbert, Stenhousemuir & Torwood Community Council
Attendance Details
MINUTES OF MEETING – 24 June 2013
Lower Hall, LARBERT OLD CHURCH
Committee:
• Eric Appelbe (EA)
• Margaret Cheyne (MCh)
• Yvonne Weir (YW)
• Bill Robertson (BR)
• Jim Cowan (JC)
• Ted Bingham (TB)
• Peter O’Rourke (POR)
Also Present:
• PC Alan McConnell
• Councillor Carleschi
• Councillor Coleman
• Karen MacDonald (PR Manager) & Andy Smith (Project Manager), Babcocks
• Patxi Estrada (Project Manager) & Bridie Casey (Community/Public Liaison),
SPEN/Iberdrola
• Approx 18 members of the public
Apologies:
• Gillian Bellingham
• Michelle Carleschi
• Denis Shovlin
1. Welcome
• EA welcomed all to the meeting. Apologies were noted.
2. Police Report
• PC McConnell gave the Police Report. For June, there have been 310 calls of which 7
have been in relation to youth anti-social behaviour. There have been a number of calls
in relation to mini motos. There have been 110 offences with a 72% detection rate. There
have been 10 recorded vandalisms. No real trends have been identified.
PACT Return - June
1. Deter/Prevent mini motos especially around Mill Lade. A number of offences have
been detected and a number charged. This will be kept as a priority.
2. Deter youth anti-social behaviour especially around Church Street, Johnston Avenue
and Larch Grove. There has been issues of windows being banged and also stone
throwing. The community wardens have also been involved in this priority. Whilst the
number of complaints has fallen it will be kept as a priority.
Proposed PACTs – July
• PACT priorities for the month of July have still to be finalised but will include
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continuation of the June priorities. As always, Police are willing to consider any
suggestions for the PACT process. If contact details are left with YW, the Police will
contact members of the public directly to discuss any points raised.
Police Matters Arising from May & Questions for PC McConnell
• Speeding on Glen Road – The Police have been reviewing the speed on the road for a
number of weeks. No particular issue has been identified. The rate of offence is 4.8%
which is about average and a low offence rate. If local residents continue to feel this is
an issue, they should contact Falkirk Council in relation to potential traffic calming
options.
• Speeding in Tryst Park – PC McConnell is awaiting a reply from Falkirk Council on the
speed survey strips. Issues with 2 cars racing in this area was also raised.
• Speeding on A9 Junction with new slip roads – Again, awaiting speed survey strips and
police have also been using hand held radar to detect issues.
• Advertising Banners – Sergeant Graham will e-mail YW with an update.
• Road Safety Campaign – There is an ongoing campaign for seatbelts and use of mobile
phones.
• A question was raised over whether the new 101 number was reducing inappropriate
999 calls. PC McConnell was not aware of any released statistics on this.
• Larbert Loch – Fire raising at Loch. This has been raised with the Forestry Commission
as well. YW advised there continue to be a number of fires at the side of the loch.
3. Update on Beauly-Denny Project – Babcocks & Iberdrola
• Babcocks and SPEN/Iberdrola gave an interesting and informative update on the works
taking place over the next 3-4 years on the Beauly to Denny power line project, and the
construction of the new Denny sub-station near Dunipace. The majority of the work will
take place in 2013 and 2014 and will continue up to September 2016.
• Bridie Casey will provide a copy of the presentation to go on the Community Council
webpage.
• EA thanked the team for the presentations and opened the floor for questions:
• Impact on capacity - It was advised that there will be a 15% increase in capacity.
• Traffic Management - An in-depth traffic management plan is in place for construction
traffic to mitigate delays on local roads. In addition local roads will be put back to
what they were upon completion.
• Why overhead lines? The public inquiry looked into overhead versus under-ground
options but the overhead lines were ultimately approved.
• Size of pylons - The pylons will be 45-50m high (average is 15-20m).
• Community Benefit Funds - There are none in place but communities can send in
project ideas to seek funding. There are no project boundaries.
• Impact on Dart Energy proposals - Serious concerns were raised over the potential
impact of the Dart Energy proposals where the works cross-over. The team present
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were not aware of any concerns but agreed to check this out with Ross Baxter the
Environmental Manager. ACTION: YW to send details of the planning application
to Babcock/Iberdrola.
• It was advised that there is primary and secondary school education programmes in
place and they hope to visit all primary schools to raise awareness of safety in the home
and electricity. In addition there will be mentoring in secondary schools over the power
industry. There are also graduate and apprenticeship programmes in place.
• EA thanked the team and it was agreed they would keep us updated on developments.
4. Dart Energy Planning Appeal - Discussion
EA provided an update following our May meeting. Since that meeting an appeal has been
lodged with the Scottish Government by Dart Energy on the basis of non-determination by
Falkirk and Stirling Councils. A reporter has now been appointed to consider the case.
EA advised that members of the Community Council had met Concerned Communities of
Falkirk on 19 th June to discuss the legal opinion drawn up by local solicitor Mr G Brophy and
also the Community Charter that had been drawn up by local residents.
EA invited Mr Brophy to outline the legal opinion he has submitted identifying a gap in Dart
Energy’s environment statement. EU law requires cultural heritage to be considered and this
has not been the case. Following on from this, a Community Charter has been prepared.
This is the first of its kind in the UK.
It was agreed that the Community Council was happy for the Community Charter to be
submitted as a joint document in its name. It was agreed that the Community Council would
also submit the Charter to the DPEA to accompany its further representations by the
deadline for further submissions. However, the Community Council would submit its own
further representation. Action: EA & YW to finalise submission to DPEA
It was agreed that the Community Council would suggest to the DPEA that there should be a
full inquiry carried out to consider the planning appeal.
It was agreed that the Community Council’s further representation and the Charter would be
circulated to all the other Community Councils in the Falkirk area. Action: YW to agree this
process with Shona Barton at Falkirk Council.
It was noted that Falkirk Council are meeting Tuesday 25 th June to discuss the Dart Energy
planning application. There will be no public contributions allowed at the Committee meeting
but members of the public can attend.
It was noted that the additional environmental information submitted by Dart Energy – the
hydrology section may require to be advertised for consultation by the DPEA.
Residents reported that they were in contact with international experts in relation to water
models. It was also advised that there had been a soil research station near Powfoulis
Manor which undertook borehole research. It is believed that the water composition in this
area matches that of the Hillfoots suggesting wider issues with underground water
movements. The extent of any private wells in the area is not known.
Residents advised that a meeting of local farmers had been arranged in the Plough Hotel in
Friday 28 th June to discuss their concerns.
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• There was further discussion on the Good Neighbour Agreement following further
correspondence with DLA Piper (Dart’s lawyers). DLA Piper had apologised that there
had not been prior consultation on the document. They advised that signing it would not
prejudice the Community Council during the appeal process. They also advised they
would be happy to discuss any further areas we would like the Agreement to cover.
During the discussion, further concerns over the potential social licence were raised.
Concerns were raised over the Community Councils skills and expertise to be involved in
the Agreement. Concern was also raised over the low level of finance available (£5K)
and the short-term nature of the document – 5-years versus a much longer term project.
It was also argued that the document undermines SEPA’s role in monitoring the
development. Further concern was put forward that legally, the document was worded in
favour of Dart Energy. Following the discussion, it was concluded that the Community
Council would not enter into any such agreement at this time. Action: YW to write to
DLA Piper to advise LSTCC does not wish to enter into the GNA at this time.
5. Matters from the Floor
• Three items were identified for discussion:
o Proposed Cycle Park at Larbert High School
o Hospital Parking
o Implications on River Carron of Biomass project in Grangemouth
Proposed Cycle Park
• Residents from Carrongrange Gardens attended to raise concerns they have over the
proposed Larbert High School cycle project. It was agreed that the Community Council
would note the concerns and pass them on to Jon Reid, Rector at Larbert High School.
The concerns raised by the residents can be summarised as follows:
o The residents advised they only received notice of the consultation event a
couple of days before it happened. As a result many were unable to attend to find
out more and ask questions.
o In the drawings there appears to be a new pond with water running from it.
Clarification was requested on this pond and what is being done to prevent
flooding.
o
o
o
What are the proposals for floodlighting at the site?
The residents advised that when they bought their houses, they had been
advised that the Council was not allowed to build anything on that land. They
were seeking clarification if a change of use or planning was required for the
development.
Questions were raised over the removal of trees. It is understood some will be
removed for safety reasons. Residents were querying whether the removal of
trees would impact on their privacy.
o Will there be a boundary fence put in place to protect residents' privacy?
o How will the site be managed outwith school hours?
o How will motorbikes be prevented from using the site?
o What are the project usage figures? What is the proposed programme of use?
This information would assist residents to assess potential noise impact.
o The actual position of the project site was not clear on the flier issued to
residents.
o There is a right of way path and stairs/access path close to properties. How will
privacy be maintained for those properties?
o What are the mitigation measures for local wildlife? For example the
stairs/access path is in the vicinity of a fox's den. Bats are also noted to be
present.
• It was noted that whilst the residents are not objecting to the proposals, they are seeking
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further clarification on the above concerns and are seeking reassurances about the
impact that the project may have on them. ACTION: YW to write to Jon Reid at
Larbert High School.
• Councillor Carleschi advised that he would take forward the concerns raised and will
organise a residents' meeting with Larbert High School to discuss the project in more
detail. It was agreed that Cllr Carleschi would keep the Community Council advised of
the outcomes of this meeting.
• TB advised he had attended the meeting to discuss the project and it was very positive.
River Carron
• A resident outlined concerns over the impact of the Grangemouth Biomass Plan on the
River Carron and migratory fish within the River. This appears to have been overlooked
during the planning process. Local fishing groups have raised concerns over this. It was
agreed that further information on any conditions that have or could be placed on the
planning application to protect the River would be sought. Action: YW to write to
Falkirk Council.
Hospital Parking
• EA provided feedback on the focus group meeting that took place on 10 June 2013 with
NHS Forth Valley, the Community Council, Falkirk Council, Police Scotland and local
residents. The meeting was positive. A planning application is anticipated to be
submitted soon to provide additional parking spaces in the former contractors’ site. It was
agreed that the Community Council would write a letter of support when the planning
application is submitted. Action: YW to write letter of support when application
submitted. A full note of the meeting will be circulated in due course.
• A resident raised some points from the original Section 75 agreement. This was firstly in
relation to the proposed funding for a football ground. NHS Forth Valley advised they
have transferred funding for this to Falkirk Council. Action: YW to request further
information from Falkirk Council on proposals.
• It was also noted that provision of £60K had been made in the Section 75 agreement by
way of sound insulation grants for local residents to apply to reduce the impact of the
noise generated by ambulances to the hospital. No-one present had heard any
discussions or proposals on this.
6. Minutes from Previous Meeting
• The minutes from 27 May 2013 were agreed.
7. Matters Arising
• Page 4: Stenhousemuir Town Centre – YW advised that Pete Reid had contacted
ASDA property section to arrange for better advertising vinyls and up-to-date particulars.
ASDA are looking into this. It was agreed to invite Alastair Mitchell from town centre
management along to the September meeting to update us on town centre marketing
activities. ACTION: YW to invite Alastair Mitchell to September meeting. YW advised
she had not receive the Kinnaird Village Retail Impact Assessments – ACTION: YW to
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chase Pete Reid for Kinnaird retail impact assessments. In relation to Pond, YW
advised that Falkirk Council would like to arrange a meeting with the Community Council
and Water Gems to discuss the state of the Lido Pond. It was agreed that YW would
write to Jacquie McArthur to seek date to meet Water Gems and Falkirk Council in late
August/early September. ACTION: YW to seek date for pond meeting.
• Page 6: King Street - YW advised she had received correspondence from Falkirk
Council and that Falkirk Council does not intend to make any improvements to mitigate
the impact of the bottleneck caused by cars parked on the top of the hill on King Street.
The resident advised he would forward photographs demonstrating the issue.
• Page 6: Traffic Flow, Kinnaird - YW advised she had written to Rhona Geisler and
received a detailed response from Kevin Collins. YW outlined the response. It was
agreed that the Community Council would keep a watching brief on any issues arising as
the development grows and the retail development open.
• Page 7: Education - It was agreed to invite Education to the October Community
Council meeting to update us on provision.
• Page 7: FVRH Missed Appointments – JC advised he is still seeking further
information.
• Page 7: #59 Bus – Cllr Carleschi advised there had been no progress re further
meeting.
• Page 7: Flooding on Tryst Road – YW advised she is regularly seeking updates from
Falkirk Council and will continue to do so until all the areas identified are fixed: Tryst
Road, Bellsdyke Road and North Broomage.
• Page 7: Foundry Loan Speed Bumps – YW has sent volunteer information to Falkirk
Council for vibration testing equipment – awaiting outcome.
• Page 7: Foundry Loan Car Park Accessibility Issues – No further information
received.
• Page 7: Southview – Still no response from Falkirk Council re £5K despite ongoing
correspondence.
• Page 8: Litter at TSC, Mill Lade Path, & M876 Slip Roads – YW continuing to seek
updates from the wardens.
• Page 8: Community Council Vacancy – To be carried forward
• Page 8: Community Council Notice Board – BR to contact Blackness Community
Council. ASDA has agreed to post notices for our meetings.
• Page 8: Scottish Information Commissioner – it was agreed not to pursue a further
information request.
• Page 8: Falkirk Local Development Plan – EA advised he had submitted the
Community Council’s comments
• Page 8: Disability Forum Planning – YW advised we had received confirmation of the
processes and we would continue to review each application and consider any
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implications as they arise.
• Page 10: Community Get Together Feedback – Awaiting report from Graeme Kane
• Page 10: NPF3 & SPP Consultations – EA to consider
• Page 10: World War 1 Memorial Information – YW advised that the resident plans to
submit final work to Larbert library & Falkirk Library Reference Department, and may be
in touch for future support.
• Page 10: Yamarashi Judo Club – YW advised e-mail had been sent.
• Page 10: Glenbervie House PPP Condition Change – BR advised that the condition is
to extend the period of time for the application.
8. Correspondence Report
• YW circulated the correspondence report and the following not covered under other
items of the agenda was discussed:
Date of
Item
Item
24/5/13 Falkirk Council – P/16/0038/FUL – Installation of wind turbine –
Kersebrock Farm – Notification planning refused
28/5/13 Falkirk Council – Papers from Larbert Locality Lunchtime
Network Meeting
5/6/2013 Falkirk Council – Prohibition of Left Turn – Lido Lane –
notification that road order will take effect from 18 July 2013
5/6/2013 DLA Piper Scotland LLP – Copy of Dart Energy Good Neighbour
Agreement for comment and discussion – Airth, LST &
Grangemouth Community Councils
7/6/2013 Falkirk Council - P/12/0493/PPP, Erection of 4 Holiday Lodges &
Caretaker's Residential Accommodation, Land North West Of
Woodside, Glen Road, Torwood – planning application refused
10/06/13 Climate Change Challenge Funds – Funding up to £150K
available - http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/sustainabilityclimate-change/climate-challenge-fund/about-ccf/what-it-is/
12/6/13 Falkirk Council – P/12/0521/FUL – notification of appeal of Dart
Energy Application form
12/6/13 DLA Piper Scotland LLP – Clarification of comments raised in
relation to the Dart Energy Good Neighbour Agreement
12/6/13 Canonbie Community Council – request for support in relation to
Dart Energy operations in their area.
12/6/13 Falkirk Council – Notification of appeal of Dart Energy planning
application to the Scottish Government – 14 day response
13/6/13 Scotrail – Notification of selection criteria for Wi-Fi in stations.
There will be future plans
14/6/13 DPEA – Confirmation deadline is 8/7/2013 for further
representation re Dart Energy – also that advise individuals that
they can allow their CC to represent them as the appeal
proceeds
18/6/13 DPEA – Response re CC representing community/individuals –
individuals can chose and no decision yet on type of appeal to
be heard
20/06/13 Falkirk Council – Traffic Issues in Kinnaird – response re
concerns raised
Action Taken/Required
Noted
MCH to attend future
meetings
Noted
Discussed
Noted
Noted. Also sent to
CATCA, LASER & LHS
Cycle project
Further representation
agreed
Discussed – response
to be issued
Noted – information to
be sent.
Extended to 8 July
2013
Noted & posted on FB
& Twitter
Clarification sought
Noted
Discussed
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20/06/13 Falkirk Council Flooding Issues – Update – will look into
To keep monitoring
Brackens Devt re North Broomage and enter Bellsdyke Road in
to Database for investigations
20/06/13 Resident – Copy of Legal Opinion re Dart Energy Discussed
20/06/13 Resident re Foundry Loan on FB – issues with van alarms,
cracks in walls and vibrations
20/06/13 James McKenzie Hamilton – Copy of revised Community
Charter & draft supporting letters
24/6/13 Jamie MacKenzie Hamilton – Letters and legal
recommendations in relation to Dart Energy
24/6/13 Falkirk Council – Information on NHS Forth Valley Health Grants
Scheme
Noted
Discussed
Discussed
Noted
9. Treasurer’s Report
• GB was not present. YW advised that GB had confirmed: No cheques issued. Current
balance £8368.91.The accounts are at the accountants for audit.
10. Planning Report
• BR circulated the planning report. There were not items to be taken forward. YW advised
that there was a further submission for the nursing home in Glenbervie Business Park
which may require future consideration.
11. Other Reports
• None
12. AOCB
• EA congratulated DS on passing “Health in Community” exam.
• EA updated on onsite meeting at RSNH he attended with Norwegian delegation to
discuss agencies and communities working together on woodland projects. It was a very
positive meeting. EA was presented with £50 for the Community Council by the
Norwegian delegation. It was agreed that EA would speak to the Forestry Commission re
contributing the £50 to a tree planting or bench. ACTION: EA to speak to Forestry
Commission.
13. Date of Next Meeting
• Monday 26 August 2013, Rennie Lounge, Larbert Old Church.
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