January

KEMNAY COMMUNITY COUNCIL REPORT
FOR THE MEETING HELD ON

THURSDAY 26th January 2006 7.30pm

Present:
Chris Hunneyball, Jim Piggins, Mavis Wainman, Pat Findlater, David Evans, Janet Newberry, Alan Davies, Bill Blackwood, Neil Johnson, Hazel Al-Kowarri, Susan Milton, Cllr Leitch

Attending:
2 members of Kemnay Youth Café

Apologies:
Roger Dunham, PC Alex Carnie

Question Time
Sarah reported that members of the Youth Café would be taking part in the Balmoral Race in April and that training would be taking place every Thursday afternoon. Janet asked if they would write something on this for the Newsletter.

Isobel Kendrick asked via Janet if there were any areas that the Council thought would be suitable as a focus for fundraising by the Youth Group.

Police Matters:
No police presence.
Jim raised the continuing issue of parking on double yellow lines, both on the High St and around Kemnay Primary.

Chris had attended a site meeting with Aberdeenshire Council and Grampian Police to look at traffic issues in the village. Speed cushions were to be installed in St Brydes Road and a ‘virtual footway' to protect pedestrians. The entrance would be narrowed and a bollard may be installed. Yellow lines were to be extended on Victoria Terrace to prevent parking on the blind bend.

Work currently underway at Kemnay Primary may well make it possible to increase the pavement width on that side of the road. Traffic Wardens would be visiting Kemnay around school opening/closing times. Sarah said that Kemnay Primary had written to Parents in the past asking them not to park around the school.

Quad bikes and mini-motos were still being used on both communal grass areas and paths within the village. Cllr Leitch will look into getting a standing complaint from Aberdeenshire Council which will allow the Police to deal with this type of activity more easily.

Several instances of anti-social behaviour were discussed and it was emphasized that villagers should report all such activities to the Police as these statistics were used to determine the level of policing in the village.

Aberdeenshire News:
Cllr Leitch reported that the marquee in Bremner Way had now been removed. Inverurie Community Council had asked to attend Garioch Area Committee meetings - if approved this would make it possible for other Community Councils to do the same.

The sign for Laird's restaurant would remain as this venue was likely to re-open. Work was now continuing around The Carrier to improve the general appearance of the area. Cllr Leitch will ask Bob Rose to speak to Council about how such jobs are planned and prioritised.

Planning Applications:
David Evans outlined 7 applications within the village. 3 had already been passed during the break. A balcony at Bennachie Lodge seemed to affect no other residents as did a bid to change farmland into garden in a rural dwelling.

2 applications by Barratt were discussed at length, the first, at the end of Bremner Way we had already objected to. This development of 70+ houses was both out with the Local Plan and extended the settlement boundary. The second for 96 houses behind The Glebe and Kirklands was both 50% above the level agreed as suitable and not in keeping with the nature of the area. The density and size of the houses would be intrusive and lead to a considerable increase in traffic. David would produce an objection on the grounds agreed.

Community Council Nominations:
9 nomination forms have been received by the Secretary. Completed applications must be received by 26th February.

Public Transport:
The next Garioch Area Bus Forum will be on February 1st in Kemnay Village Hall from 7.30-9.30pm.

Litter Bins:
Sites were nominated and the completed map sent to Cllr Leitch.

AOCB:
Chris will write to Aberdeenshire Council to complain about the reduction in opening hours at Inverurie Swimming Pool.

Consultations on Community Councils, Grampian Fire & Rescue and Aberdeen Airport have all been circulated and Chris or Neil will present a response.

The Pavilion Committee will be contacted about the old Toilets in Bogbeth Park which Jim reported to be open to the elements.

John Maine is looking at trying to organize a formal opening for the Point of Origin at some point this year - this will hopefully provide the impetus to give the area spring clean!

Alan raised the issue of the appalling level of litter on roads around Garioch.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Thursday 23 February 2006, 7.30pm