Benarty Community Council
Minutes of Meeting 7 September 2018, Benarty Centre, 7 PM
Present
Stephen Nardone, Mary Nardone, Anne Hay, John Purdie, Tom Kinnaird, Willie Clark, David Moore, James Carr, Brian Menzies, Stewart Colquhoun
Apologies
Hannah Kinnaird
Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and proposed as correct by Steward Colquhoun and seconded by James Carr.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
Police Report
PC Smith was absent from the meeting and submitted a report which was read out to the Community Council and copies were handed round.
Finance Report
The Treasurer submitted a finance report which was handed around and explained that it was for the whole financial year and pretty much self explanatory. Micro grants had been agreed, and payments to the Sewing group and Dunmore, which was a new group. Treasurer also mentioned that she had spoken to Fife Council on the procedure of handing over the books for the next Community Council. There had also been discussions on the Bells project. It was mentioned that if it didn’t start soon the money from the Windfarm to go towards the project could be in jeopardy. Cllr Erskine said she would pursue the matter with the Project Manager.
Secretary Report
Secretary went through a few items. The Westfield proposal was concerning and a submission was read out to the Community Council for approval for submitting before the deadline. This was agreed and the submission is below. Planning details were given. The subject of the funeral price rises by Fife Council was discussed and it was agreed to send an email to Steve Grimmond protesting the rise and demanding the rise be rescinded.
Secretary
Mon 10 Sep, 11:06
to Development
Dear Sir/Madam
Consultation for 18/02342/ARC at Westfield O C C S
Benarty Community Council wishes to express our grave concerns over the outline planning permission at the Westfield site. Following a public meeting earlier this year, the surrounding communities were promised that a joint planning committee would convene to examine the planning application so that all communities affected by the development would have their views represented. Promises were also made with regards to greater community consultation. By the evidence of what has transpired, the planning permission in principle being granted without a joint planning committee meeting or any further public consultations being held to inform the surrounding communities of the plans and more importantly allow for public feedback, we wish to object in the strongest possible terms. This step forward by Hargreaves plc and Fife Council constitutes a betrayal of trust and erases any confidence we have in Fife Council to act in the best interests of our community.
Benarty Community Council requests a public meeting be convened by Fife Council and Hargreaves plc immediately in order to fully explain what the implications of this development are for the community, and to offer the opportunity for questions to be asked and for answers to be provided. Of particular concern are the requests for variances in the planning application. Proposals were originally based on a master plan which now appears to be largely obsolete.
Benarty Community Council objects to this planning application.
Benarty Community Council
Councillors Report
Cllr Erskine went through her report, detailing information. The report was circulated to Community Councillors. An item of particular note is Cllr Erskine mentioned that the Ward budget is reducing but that they were open to applications from all organisations.
Response to University of St Andrews Boat Club Proposals
The response to the proposals by University of St Andrews Boat Club was discussed and detailed until the Community Council was happy with it and it was agreed to submit to Mr Kevin Sayer the final draft. It was agreed to place this on the facebook page for public comment. Willie Clark asked it a press release could also go to the Central Fife Times.
Closing of Community Council for Elections
The Community Council agreed to close down the sub group for the duration of the election period and recommend to the new community council to re-open the group.
The Community Council agreed to remove authority from the Boundaries Group for the duration of the election period and recommend to the new community council top re-authorise the Boundaries Group.
The Community Council agreed to an archive of documents being placed at the Benarty Library. Secretary would remove confidential documents before archival.
It was agreed the Secretary could continue for a couple of weeks top monitor email and attend meetings previously arranged.
Chair notified the Community Council that he and the Treasurer would not be standing for re election, and spoke of how much both had enjoyed serving on the Community Council. Chair has said that it was always his intention to seek improvement for the Benarty area and hoped that he had achieved that as part of the Community Council. Chair asked if he could continue organising the Armistice Day Service as that meant a lot personally, and he had been organising it on behalf of the Community Council. The Community Council wholeheartedly agreed. Chair and Treasurer wished the community council success in the future. The Chair and Treasurer were warmly and sincerely thanked by the Community Council for their long and dedicated service to the community of Benarty.
Benarty Community Council officially closed for the Election and the new Community Council will convene on Thursday 26 October 2018 at 7 PM
