Approved Minutes February 2026

Apologies:

D Hynd (Chair), L Reid (Vice Chair), D Doyle, L Michie, W Watson, S Scott

1.

Welcome

In the absence of the Chair, J Purdie (Vice Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2.

Apologies

See above.

3.

Declarations of Interests

No declarations of interest were made.

4.

Minutes of Last Meeting

Proposed by S Colquhoun, seconded by S J Ratcliffe.

5.

Matters Arising

a)      Minutes of BCC Meetings: J Purdie pointed out that the minutes had not been posted to the BCC’s website for some time nor on FB.  This needs to be rectified.

b)      Catchment Survey: Progress report still required.

c)       Proposed Double Yellow Lines at Benarty Primary School: It was agreed that Keith Johnston from Fife Council be invited to the next BCC meeting.

d)      Visitor Levy Consultation: C Howe confirmed that the BCC’s response had been submitted by the deadline.

e)      Ore Energy Park: BCC’s response to planning application.  The Secretary confirmed that all other actions relating to this project had been completed.

f)        Foundation Scotland: Co School of Dance Grant Balance: S J Ratcliffe reported that the balance had been offered back to Foundation Scotland.  They took the view that it was too small to be worth the paperwork and should be added to the BCC’s microgrant balance.  This would need to be ratified by the panel when it next meets.

g)      Schools: Secretary to write to Headteacher of St Kenneth’s to remind her that the school has a seat on the BCC and to ask for monthly updates from the school.

h)      Benarty Primary School:  Details of sports award to be provided to C Howe for inclusion in the next Newsletter.

i)         Firework Control Zones: Take up with Fife Council, with help from Cllr Barrett.  Respond to A Ewing MSP and resident who raised the issue.

All other actions were completed.

J Purdie

C Howe

C Howe

C Howe /

J Purdie

C Howe

C Howe

L Reid

C Howe

5 March

5 March

5 March

Once Planning Application Has Been Submitted

9 April

5 March

13 February

5 March

6.

Reports

a)       Secretary: The Secretary presented her report that had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

i.        Renewable Energy Developments – Training Workshop: The Secretary gave a report on the workshop she had attended, on 4^th February, which had been organised by Fife Council’s Planning Dept.  The main points of interest were the number of projects currently live in Fife; what were considered to be “Acceptable Material Considerations” when planning applications have been submitted; and the current policy on such applications, ie “Policy states that all development projects for all forms of renewable technologies will be supported – subject to appropriately addressing impacts through design and mitigation.”  Copies of slides to be sent to J Purdie and F Hodge.  Map of proposed Ore Energy Park to be sent to F Hodge.

ii.        Fife Visitor Levy: BCC response to be included in next Newsletter.

iii.        Correspondence: The BCC noted the correspondence that had been received, as noted in Annex A to the Secretary’s report.

b)       Treasurer:  The meeting noted the written Treasurer’s report.

c)        Police: S J Ratcliffe reported on the inaugural joint meeting with the Police which had been held on 21^st January 2026.  The next meeting on 18^th February will agree the format of future reports, with the first report being issued in March.  S J Ratcliffe also reported on the change to the police shift pattern in February.  The BCC agreed that it was worth continuing with the joint meetings.

d)       Schools: Nothing to report.

e)       Fife Joint Community Councils: J Purdie reported on the main issues being discussed by this group, namely complaints about the service provided by Fife Council raised by North Glenrothes, where it had been agreed that a joint letter would be sent (excluding Benarty); and common good funds and settlement trusts.  J Purdie also reported that Cllr Kathleen Leslie had taken up the issue about the map of energy proposals/projects and reported that the Borders Region already have a map.  It was agreed that this item be taken quarterly at BCC meetings.

f)         Local Councillors: Cllr Erskine reported that many of her meetings of late revolved around finance, in the run-up to setting the budget.

i.            Cllr Erskine reported that she was trying to get more money for clearing drains etc, so that the work could be done more regularly.  This was important for winter as grit from spreading, tends to clog up the drains as ice melts.

ii.            At the Area Committee meeting on 4^th February, it had been agreed to give £8,000 to the Benarty Sleigh appeal so that the work could be finished.

iii.            The money for swimming lessons in schools had come from the Ward budget and not as previously proposed by Fife Council officers.

iv.            Cllr Erskine also reported that training is being arranged for Local Councillors and Community Councillors on Common Good Funds and Settlement Trusts.

v.            It had been agreed that every school in the Area would receive £1,000 from the poverty fund to use freely.

vi.            £5,000 had been allocated to Lochgelly High School for Working With Young People.  The school are doing great work in this area.

vii.            Cllr Erskine also reported that there had been no applications from Benarty or St Kenneth’s Primary Schools to the West Fife Education Trust.  Cllr Erskine planned to write to both schools to make them aware of the fund.

viii.            S J Ratcliffe asked when the 20mph limit would be introduced in Benarty.  Cllr Erskine did not have a definite date yet.

C Howe

C Howe

C Howe

C Howe

5 March

5 March

20 February

On-going

7.

SEPA: Flood Risk Management Plan – Consultation

The Secretary drew attention to this consultation.  A BCC response will be submitted but BCC members were encouraged to do individual ones too, to help get the message across.

C Howe

ALL

22 April

22 April

8.

Any Other Business

Car Parking Charges at the Meedies:  The Secretary reported that a resident had asked if car parking charges were being introduced at Lochore Meadows Country Park, following an article in the local newspaper.  Cllr Erskine confirmed that there are no plans at the moment.

9..

Date of Next Meeting:

Thursday 5^th March 2026, 7pm, Benarty Centre

ALL

5 March