Benarty Community Council Meeting: Thursday 5 December 2024
Present: Charlotte Howe, John Purdie, Sarah – Jane Ratcliffe, Jack Colquhoun, Lisa Reid, Cllr Linda Erskine
Also Present: Prof John Sturzaker
Apologies: Debbie Doyle, Watty Watson, Davie Hynd (Chair), Stephen Scott, Anne Hay
In the absence of Davie Hynd (Chair), Lisa Reid (Vice Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Declaration of interests
There were no declarations of interests.
Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by everyone. They were proposed by Charlotte and seconded by Jack.
Matters Arising
The motion from the previous meeting regarding the community benefit policy had been sent to the head of planning by Cllr Erskine who was confident it should be approved to go to agenda of cabinet or full council meeting, she was expecting feedback shortly. Sarah enquired about the parking issues that had been brought up in the previous meeting however, and update was not able to be given as Davie was unable to attend.
The Place Plan has been listed and was green on the Council website. It was felt it was good to go for launch in January. It was discussed how best to launch and proposed it should be late January possibly the 23rd.
It was flagged to chase up the Ballingry settlement trust.
Citizen of the year forms were available online on the community council website and at Benarty Centre reception.
Cllr Erskine commended the New edition of the Newsletter.
Prof John Sturzaker joined our meeting, he is with the University of Hertfordshire. He is undertaking a project about community led planning in the United Kingdom and is looking to spend time in local communities to see how planning can be implemented at community level. He looked forward to an invite to The Local Place Plan launch to speak to various people of their experiences.
Reports
Secretary was unfortunately unavailable, however, sent a letter of thanks from Benarty Heritage Preservation Group for sponsoring their calendar along with a copy to be viewed.
Treasurer reported that micro-grant monies had been received and remembrance funds and micro-grants had now been paid.
The Police report had been received and read by members.
Linda gave both Sarah and Lisa information on how to apply for playground funding.
St Kenneth’s had been busy in the festivities, they had not had a school fayre due to lack of stall holder interest. They were currently doing their nativity shows and had been to the Panto, aswell as festive visits to Benore. The recruitment for a new Deputy had been successful with a start date into the new year.
Benarty information features heavily in the newsletter. They had been having festivities also with their midweek Christmas fayre being very successful. They had also attended the Panto and been active with Benore. They also joined St Kenneth’s with a tree planting project. They had had a local shoe project attend the school. They recruited for their Deputy internally.
AOCB
Cllr Erskine Has a meeting in the next week and has asked for a report on the Pit Head and any improvement at Lochore Meadows. This looks like another 3 month wait as it is only done annually, however, she would like it Bi-Annual. Cllr Erskine made the council aware that land in Rosewell Drive had been approved for social housing to be built. A rent consultation for social properties was due to take place and she encouraged people to take part, with a potential rise of 5-8%. Jack asked if there was any news of a “phase 2” of Inchgall Ave and Cllr Erskine said she would inquire with the head of housing. No update of Ore park was given as of yet. The traffic lights at the Meadows entrance were up and running, however the ones near The Shank Brae were still off as there are connection issues.
The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting.
Next meeting to take place one week later than usual on
Thursday 9th January 2025
