HELENSBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
"Helensburgh - Be Better: Be Excellent"
Minutes of the Helensburgh Community Council Meeting
Thursday 29th May 2008
Present: Karen Brabender, Brian Bruce, John S. Croy, Ronnie Finnigan, Ian Fraser, Marion Gillies, James Gorie, Alastair Macbeth, Findlay McQuarrie, Nigel Millar, Jim Milligan, Kathleen Siddle David Sinclair, Richard Trail and Gordon Tran.
Councillors: Vivien Dance, Ellen Morton, Andrew Nisbet, Al Reay and James Robb.
Helensburgh On Line: Fiona Howard, editor.
Apologies: Sonja Aitken, Catriona Malan, Compton MacGill, Stewart Noble and Maggie Sheen.
Chair: Nigel Millar.
Topic |
Minute |
Decision / Action |
1. Welcome |
The Chair welcomed those present. He thanked those involved with the Discretionary Hearing in connection with the Hermitage Academy site and the PAN41 Hearing in connection with 9 East Dhuhill Drive. These sites were the first where the question of design has become important. Kathleen Siddle previewed the items for Wee Green grants (of £500) and Army assistance to projects. |
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2. Public Session |
No matters were raised. |
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3. Statutory Plans |
Alastair Macbeth reported, see Appendix I for details. No decisions needed to be made. |
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4. Minutes of Previous Meeting |
The minutes of the April meeting were considered. Proposed Gordon Tran; seconded James Gorie. |
The minutes were approved. |
5. Matters Arising |
5.1 Hospital Bus Councillor Andrew Nisbet reported that SPT services 340 (from Vale of Leven) and 350 (from Inverclyde Royal) are to be re-tendered in mid February 2009 and suggested that this would be an opportune time to make timetable |
The position was noted. |
Topic |
Minute |
Decision / Action |
adjustments. In establishing connections it would appear that doing so with the train would be more practical, though this does involve people negotiating stairs at either Dalreoch or Dumbarton East. The times of buses from Helensburgh are more inconsistent. |
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5.4 Speeding on Dual Carriageway Some additional lane arrows have been provided on the approach to the roundabout from the west. The sign advising of the new road layout appears to be wrongly faced for traffic. |
The position was noted. |
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6. Annual General meeting |
6.1 Chairman’s Report The Chairman reported on the Council’s activities over the past year. See Appendix II for the headings. |
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6.2 Election of Officer bearers Councillor Ellen Morton took the Chair for this part of the business. Gordon Tran proposed and Karen Brabender seconded that all four existing officer bearers, who were willing to stand again, be elected. |
This was agreed unanimously. |
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7. Town Issues |
7.1 Works by Scottish Water Scottish Water are to hold an Open Day on 25th June in the Victoria Halls about the ongoing works, proposed traffic management arrangements and future work. This will extend into the early evening. |
The position was noted. |
7.2 Jeannie Deans Unit Marion Gillies updated us on the present functions carried out in the unit and those which will be introduced within a year. There will also be a new ambulance station provided. |
The position was noted. |
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7.3 Royal British Legion The RBL are to hold a commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of the conclusion of the Great War. This will be held in the Victoria Halls on 1st November. Marion Gillies and Catriona Malan will be assisting. |
The position was noted. |
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7.4 Grass Cutting at Colgrain It was reported that the Council only cut the grass infrequently and the cuttings are not collected. Thus a nuisance is created by the rotting grass on the surface. |
It was agreed to remit this to the Planning Group. |
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7.5 Credit Union in Kirkmichael Karen Brabender reported that there was a very good take up with the new credit union. However, additional volunteers were needed to run it. |
The position was noted. |
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7.6 Identification of Council Staff It was suggested that it would be helpful if A+BC employees doing good work could be identified and recognised by the HCC. |
This was agreed . |
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Topic |
Minute |
Decision / Action |
7.7 Maintenance of Grass by Householders It was pointed out that A+BC do not maintain all the street grass and that neither do some householders. It was suggested that A+BC should make householders aware of their responsibilities. |
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7.8 Faslane Base Helensburgh has the largest naval base in Scotland on its doorstep. We rarely see the Navy in town. Should the Navy hold a parade through the town? It may be that such could be linked in to the Home Coming concept. |
It was agreed to write to the Base Commander and suggest this along with an enquiry about the resurrection of the Faslane Fair. |
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7.9 Business Gateway It was reported that the Business Gateway for Helensburgh and Lomond is to be operated as part of West Dunbartonshire. The position with the rest of Argyll along with Highland and Moray has not yet been established. |
The position was noted. |
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7.10 Small Businesses Many businesses are not doing as well as they would like and some are closing up. Overall, they rely on local trade; visitors to the town do not provide much trade other than to catering establishments. It is understood that the new Tesco store on the A82 approach to Dumbarton is to be of the Metro (mini) variety and not the Extra (jumbo) as had been rumoured. |
The position was noted. |
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7.11 Economic Research Council Robert Gordon’s Institute Aberdeen are undertaking research about involvement and have sent the Helensburgh Study Group a questionnaire. The Group has some concern about the questionnaire, in particular about some assumptions which appear to have been made in its compilation. |
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7.12 Duchess Wood It was noted that it is ten years since the paths were formally opened by Magnus Magnusson. Since then it has been developed by various groups and it might thus be appropriate for A&B Council to hold a reception for the groups this important and valuable initiative. |
This was agreed. |
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7.13 Police Attendance at Community Council It was noted that it is some time since we have had a visit from the Police. For this to be productive, it is necessary for the Council to raise specific issues in advance. |
It was agreed to invite a representative to a future meeting. |
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Topic |
Minute |
Decision / Action |
7.14 National Park Headquarters It was reported that the new building had been opened and that it was interesting in its design and function. A new Director of the National park has been appointed, so it may be an opportune time to raise issues with her. |
The position was noted. |
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8. Planning |
Kathleen Siddle submitted a report on behalf of the Planning Group, see Appendix III. Ian Fraser spoke on behalf of the North Colgrain Residents Association and thanked Councillors Ellen Morton, Andrew Nisbet and David Kinniburgh for their support in the matter of the Hermitage Academy site. They have engaged a solicitor, as they do not feel that adequate consideration was given to the proposed opening-up of Guy Mannering Road. It is understood that the application referred to in Item 7 of the report has been withdrawn. |
The position was noted. |
9. Helensburgh Partnership |
The Chair reported on the recent meetings of the Helensburgh Partnership. These have been focussed on the bid for a share of the £10m available for capital projects within Argyll and Bute. The Helensburgh bid involves giving much more space to pedestrians in West Princes Street from Colquhoun Square and to W. Clyde Street via Sinclair Street through the provision of shared surfaces. It also involved the upgrading of the esplanade and Kidston Park. But the bid specifically excluded the Pier Head site. The business cases for all five contenders in Argyll and Bute are being prepared by a single consultant in order to ensure uniformity of approach. The judging will be undertaken by a separate consultant. |
The position was noted. |
10. Wee Green Grants |
Kathleen Siddle reported that local organisations could bid for grants of up to £500 for projects which would enhance the local environment. A number of possible projects were identified as noted as listed at Appendix IV. Community Councillors are to submit their first, second and third choice projects to the Secretary by 9th June. |
It was agreed that the Secretary would follow these up. |
11. Army Projects |
The Army were willing to provide manpower – not equipment/money - for local projects. The following were suggested : v Cull of magpies in west end of the town v Provide pedestrian link between Pier Head and East Bay Esplanade v Pedestrian and cycle bridge across Rhu Narrows v Recycling the astroturf from the old Academy |
It was agreed that the Secretary would follow these up. |
Topic |
Minute |
Decision / Action |
12. Any Other Business |
Nil. |
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13. Next Meeting |
The date of the next full meeting will be held on Thursday 26th June at 19.00 in the Victoria Halls. |
APPENDIX I
HCC Statutory Plans Group
Meeting with Mark Lodge
At the April HCC meeting it was reported that Mark Lodge is now responsible for statutory planning for the Helensburgh and Lomond Area.
Since then the HCC's Statutory Plans Group has held a constructive meeting with Mark and we invited representatives of five other Helensburgh community groups to participate. This assisted Mark to get to know us and for us to know him. It was an informal meeting and therefore minutes were not taken. However, it was helpful and we hope that it will be the start of constructive local community involvement in planning in the future.
Actions to be taken on release of the Reporters' conclusions on the draft local plan
The Statutory Plans Group met on 22.5.08 and agreed
Helensburgh Landscape Statement
Written comments have now been received from the Secretary of the Scottish Landscape Forum about the proposed Helensburgh Landscape Statement and from a representative of the Scottish Natural Heritage. The Statutory Plans Group will now consult with other Helensburgh interests about the best way to take this forward.
HCC response to Scottish Government consultation on appeals
The Statutory Plans Group responded on behalf of HCC and we are grateful to Findlay McQuarrie for doing most of the work. The HCC called for a stronger role for community councils in initiating the "calling in" arrangement to meet the unfairness by which developers can appeal a decision but local communities which have to live with those decisions cannot appeal.
APPENDIX II
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR 2007/08
• Marion - knows the town
• Kathleen - tower of strength
• David – puts up with me
• Stewart - keeps us solvent
• Community Councillors – each in his/her own way
• Co-opted members
• Local Councillors
• Argyll & Bute Officials - Helensburgh & Kilmory
• Victoria Halls Employees – a get well card to be sent to Joe Kelly
Ably led by Alastair. Work undertaken during the year included :
• MDFLP - Joint response with HSG : HGBG : Civic Society
- Business Site
- Reporters Conclusions
• Boundaries for City Regions
• Landscape Statement for Helensburgh
• Modernising Planning Appeals
Work during the year included :
• Former Academy Site
- Visit to John Dickie Homes
- 14 November Exhibition: outstanding example of community involvement
- Ian Fraser : a most welcome addition as a Community Councillor
- Discretionary Hearing
• 16 Millig St – HCC hosted a most suceesful meeting between the developer and residents
• 9 E Rossdhu Dr - PAN 41 Hearing
• Castle Woods - Osborne's persistent to build houses on the 3 woodland sites.
• Mobile phone masts
• Design Statement for Helensburgh
• Conservation Areas Appraisal - Community led along with A&B Council
- First of its kind in Scotland
• Retailers Survey- 90%+ response rate
• Hospital bus bewteen Helensburgh & the RAH Paisley - Marion + Clr Nisbet
• Additional petrol station
• The Phil Worms initiative
• Lack of Community Involvement in planning decisions, e.g. the formerAcademy Site
• Design : much more emphasis is being put on good design in planning decisions. While the HCC argues its case using official documents, incl the A&B Council Design Guide it has not yet been able to engage with the Council’s planning officials on this issue
• E.G. 2009 Community Council elections
APPENDIX III
PLANNING GROUP REPORT
1. 58 James St. Planning application to build a dwelling house at this site. Original application was withdrawn and a second submitted. Surrounding residents again asked for HCC support in objecting to application. Second letter written by HCC objecting on grounds that the design, scale and placing of the proposed building would damage the appearance of its immediate surroundings (landscape) and that part of the Conservation Area.
2. 16 Millig Street. A very useful follow-up meeting between the residents who live around the site and the site’s owner and architect was held on 9 May and chaired by HCC. New plans on the proposed development of 8 flats were on display and discussed. Subsequent to the meeting, residents seemed fairly evenly divided on whether or not to support the new plans. HCC decision is to await the placing of the formal application with ABC and assess the plans at that stage.
3. Old Hermitage Academy Site. Discretionary Hearing held on 8 May. Hearing decision, by a majority of one, was to accept the planning application for 166 homes on the site. HCC felt that the discussion at the Hearing did not reflect the importance of this site for Helensburgh and that a decision should have been postponed to give time for more facts to emerge and for discussion among the Councillors, particularly with regard to the design of the buildings. HCC also supported the North Colgrain Residents Association in their bid to keep Guy Mannering Road as a cul-de-sac. HCC are therefore minded to appeal against the decision.
4. Craigendoran Pier Area. HCC has received a letter from the agents of the developers who say they agree with all the HCC points about the appearance of the site and the benefits a landscaped car park would bring to the area. However, the agents also say they believe the area would be enhanced with the construction of 2 or 3 detached dwelling houses. The surrounding residents have always been opposed to houses being built on this site. The developer’s letter was copied to the residents who remain firm in their desire to have the site developed as a landscaped car park and in their opposition to houses on this site.
5. Woodland on Cumberland Avenue – East Side. Subsequent to the revoking of the TPO, the trees are not now protected and several have been cut down. The allowable amount is 5 cubic meters per calendar quarter. The only question is if this amount has been adhered to. HCC is taking advice from the Forestry Commission. If the owner of the site is found to have exceeded the quota, they can be fined by the Forestry Commission.
6. Woodland on Cumberland Avenue – West Side. The owners were given permission to erect a fence around the site across the windy winter months. The fence should have been dismantled at the beginning of May, but at time of writing this report, it is still in place. A gentle reminder of this has been issued to the owners by the ABC Access Officer. If the fence is not removed in a reasonable length of time, ABC has the power to contract workers to remove it and then send the bill to the owners.
7. 9 East Rossdhu Drive. HCC and residents worked together to object to the building of a dwelling house in the grounds at this address. At the resulting PAN 41 Hearing on 7 May, ABC appeared to be unanimous in their desire to refuse the application, but the final decision was to continue the application until the Area Committee Meeting on 3 June to allow Councillors to receive further advice on the competence of a proposed motion to refuse the application.
For further information on any of the above or the work of the Planning Group, contact Catriona Malan or Kathleen Siddle.
APPENDIX IV
WEE GREEN PROJECTS
· By FRIDAY 9 June at the latest please
PROJECTS IDENTIFIED AT 29 MAY HCC MEETING |
YOUR VOTES |
1. Plantings & shrubs in the Helensburgh Cemetery 2. Planting & shrubs along the Old Luss Road – from Winston Road to the Golf Course 3. Provision of bollards to prevent access to Old Luss Road 4. Tidy up the Helensburgh Pier Head with flowers and shrubs 5. Tree planting on the central reservation of the A814 6. Tree planting on the northern approach to the town 7. Construct a miniature garden on the small piece of open ground in the East King Street Industrial Site |
Name : ………………………………….