Approved minutes of March 2025 meeting – new format

Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Sarah Jane Ratcliffe, Maggie Bell, Ann Hay, Stephen Scott, Lisa Reid

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the previous meetings were approved.

Proposed by D. Hynd and seconded by D. Doyle.

a) Ballingry Settlement trust

Future still unknown, Cllr. Erskine is going to bring this up at Area Committee

b) Housing

i) J. Purdie expressed his strong views about the demolition of the Martin Crescent flats, given the housing crisis raised at last meeting by Cllr. Lockhart.  Cllr. Erskine said the matter of the flats was fully investigated and reports done and the decision was made several years ago.

ii)New builds – still no timetable yet as lawyers dealing with the situation.

c) e-charging points

D. Doyle updated that a grant application had been submitted as per advisal from Cllr. Erskine and BCC agreement at last meeting.

d) Planning emails

Emails sent out to D. Hynd, J. Purdie, C. Howe and SJ Ratcliffe as requested, and note sent out with previous minutes regarding an item for Benarty.

a) Chair

Following on from last meeting, having spoken to the Co-Op, they are not responsible for bins outside, and they also cannot monitor the public. D Doyle to write to council re bins.  Cllr. Erskine will ask for larger bins, and she will see about the councillors doing a walkabout in area between Co-op and Red Goth.  A. Watson asked would Baynes sponsor the bins?

b) Police Report

Report was emailed prior to meeting, no community police in attendance.  C. Howe noted that asbos were down from last month.  D. Doyle noted that might be in part due to discussions with community policing about having talks within the schools, in the light of issues raised within last community council meeting.

c) School Reports

No reports as no school representative in attendance.

d) Treasurer Report

Copies of financial report given out.  The meeting noted the £500 donation from S. Colquhoun for COTY, and that the cost of newsletter and quaiches had still to come out of balance stated on report.

e) Secretary Report

i) Flooding Update

Fife Council (FC) commenced the camera survey of the south culvert. However, were not able to conclude this due to access restrictions with the position of the manholes.  FC have since installed an additional manhole to facilitate access and the survey is scheduled for completion in the coming weeks.  Correspondence from FC stated that “The flood study (Surface Water Management Plan) was awarded to a consultant in December 2024 and is programmed for completion in October 2025. I wish to apologies that this is later than anticipated, and mainly due to staffing challenges within the team, where we have 4 out of 8 vacancies within the Flooding and Coastal and Harbour’s team and we have not been able to replace them due to a highly competitive marketplace. However, to assist with these staffing challenges, we have recently employed a consultant to support on flooding and coastal matters.

Finally, our operations team have undertaken repairs to the gullies on Kirkland Avenue and are planning to further investigate the ponding issue highlighted during our walkabout.”  C. Howe expressed concern on the length of time taken and will chase up.

ii) Scoping/Planning at BESS site

Planning apologised for their error regarding scoping surveys and EIA.  BCC will be consulted if/when the item comes up in future planning applications.

iii) Notice of Application for Premises Licence

For Nisa/Avens, Ballingry.  This was for the delivery of groceries and alcohol.  No objections to this.

iv) SEPA Consultation

This consultation: 1) Proposes changes to the SEPA guidance on public participation by adding a requirement for prospective applicants to engage in public consultation at the pre-application stage in the Public Participation Statement; and 2) Proposed changes to the SEPA guidance on the criteria we will apply in determining whether a person is a fit and proper person to hold a registration or permit (‘the Fit and Proper Person’ Test).

f) Local Councillor(s) Report

Cllr. Erskine:

i) Cost to repair pier at Lochore Meadows is expected to be around £30,000-50,000.  C. Howe asked if there was money aside in the budget for the work. Cllr. Erskine said Paul Vaughn has funds for this.

ii) There is a chance of funding from the ward budget to install an e-charging point.  D Doyle to apply.

iii) Cllr. Erskine has been asking why job creation isn’t available for Benarty and surrounding areas, and not just Levenmouth.

iv) Cabinet Committee meeting today, approval given to buy iPads for all kids, up to 6^th Year.  Roll out is teachers first then kids by November 25, approx. 36,000 iPads.   D. Hynd asked if parents were to sign for the iPads, thus being responsible for them.  Cllr. Erskine stated the devices will have protective covers and very restricted on use.

W. Watson left the meeting.

a) C. Howe said Cllr. Liewald had been in touch regarding the upgrade of the play park at Martin Crescent asking if CC would give a donation towards a bench at the park.  Perth prison detainees make the benches/picnic tables, and costs £200.   A plaque would be put on the bench, and possible to cover the costs with a microgrant. The meeting agreed.

b) Karen Hunter (attending as member of public) stated she’d like to be on the steering group for the Local Place Plan.

c) A member of public contacted C. Howe regarding the speed of traffic @ Rosewell Bridge.  Cllr. Erskine suggested contacting Lesley Craig at FC transportation.  J. Purdie suggested community policing speed cameras.

d) Cllr. Erskine to meet with Steven Duffy from FC parks department to try and find people to take over from Benarty Environment Group (the Raffertys) to maintain planters and community green spaces in Benarty.  Check to see if community pay back orders would be able to help here.

S. Colquhoun suggested the schools might help.

K. Hunter suggested there may be potential for working with Elmwood College. C. Howe said this was also an item for the place plan. SPN Energy had said, during their consultation on the new electricity cables at Westfield, that they would also consider helping out environmental projects.

e) It was agreed that an application should be submitted to Foundation Scotland to get a laptop and printer for Sarah Jane Ratcliffe.

Discussion held in private.

Discussion held in private