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- Welcome: The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that there would be a presentation by EPower in regard to the proposed windfarm in the Ochils. Those present were: Neil Johnston (NJ) – Chair, Ann Myles (AM) – Treasurer, Colin Young (CY) – Secretary, Amanda Howie (AH), Tony Fitzpatrick (TF), Lori Corbet Mann (LCM)< Ally Dewar (AD), Scott Jeffrey (SJ), Councillor Steven Carr (SC), Councillor Keith Allan (KA) and members of the public.
- Apologies: John Stockley (JS), Councillor Crawford Reid (CR)
- Update from Police: No officers were available to attend and members continue to receive the Local Area Commander’s Weekly Bulletin by email.
- Minutes of the meeting of 4th September 2023: These were agreed and signed by the Chair.
- Presentation of Brunthill Windfarm: Alan McIntyre of EPower explained the proposal to erect 18 turbines on the south aspect of the Ochils about 4.6 kilometers from Dunning. This site had been previously scoped for this purpose but not developed due to economic circumstances. It is in one of the least constrained designations for this type of development and 18 turbines of varying heights will produce 129.6 Megawatts when completed. Access will be from the south with the turbines being transported by road from Rosyth. It is hoped that the various surveys on the site will be completed soon and the application lodged by 20th November 2023. EPower is committed to the Community Benefit programme and will contribute £5K per Mw per year. Further details of the whole proposal can be found at Brunthillinfo.co.uk. The Chair thanked Alan for his presentation and looked forward to engaging with EPower in the future.
- Treasurer’s Report: This had been circulated to members prior to the meeting and AM explained that we now had access to the accounts via a card instead of having to issue cheques.
- Matters arising from the Minutes:
- NJ reported on the proposal to produce a newsletter to celebrate the 50 anniversary of the establishment of Community Councils and indicated that as such things are quite costly, it is his intention to put together a summary of the activities that the CC has been involved in and publish this on the website that is nearly ready to launch.
- 40mph Cycling & Walking Friendly routes – CR was investigating this matter but SC reported that there is a meeting with Roads officers tomorrow at which this can be raised. Action: SC
- Dunning Burn wall at old garage site – JS had sent a report about the condition of one section of the wall that had a 1 metre length of coping missing. The location did not create any great danger and it was suggested that the matter be referred to the landowner. Action: CY
- Planning Matters:
- 23/01409/FLL - Switch Room at Findony Farm
- 23/01345/FLL - Extension, alterations to form accommodation at Balearn House
- 23/01210/FLL - Extension at Braehead, Newton of Pitcairns – Approved
- 23/00618/FLL - Shed 200m SE of A M Howie’s Yard – Approved
- Roads Matters: Restrictions on various roads in the village for Scottish Water
- Correspondence: None
- Meetings Attended:
- TF had attended the PKC Warm Welcome Fund meeting at which the £15K available funding for Ward 7 was divided up with Auchterarder getting the largest share. In Dunning the Craft Ladies Group will continue to meet on Thursdays at 1.30pm and from 2nd November onwards there will be a light lunch from 12noon for anyone. It is hoped to provide Warm Packs again this Winter but limited funding will result in the only venue being the Church Hall. There are, however, quite a number of activities taking place in Auchterarder to which we have been extended an invitation. TF will be investigating how to transport people to these.
- AH had been in touch with the lady from Historic Environment Scotland who has been keeping St. Serf’s Church open and asked that she put pressure on PKC to get the wall repaired. The DCC has already reported this problem to PKC.
- Councillors’ Reports:
- SC reported that the Dunning Scouts had been granted £6,500 for a trailer to transport their equipment.
- KA reported that Dunning CC had been granted £1,000 for a portable PA System that can be used by any organisations in the village.
- Any other business:
- TF asked about the bus timetable and whether this could be amended in future to assist more people to get to Auchterarder and other destinations. Kinross has operated a Volunteer Drivers scheme for many years and is seeking further information on how this system works. The Auchterarder Bus was mentioned and contact will be made with the person who runs this. Action: TF
- AH reported that the damaged step at the footbridge had been repaired by a local resident and would it be possible to reimburse this person for the materials. This was agreed on production of receipts.
- AM had been contacted by Scottish Woodlands to ask if we required a Christmas Tree. This was agreed and AM will let them know. Action: AM
- CY reported that new seats had been placed around the village with a further one to be placed opposite the NISA store. There had also been paths cleared and paths restored. All this was done by the people employed by a local contractor who had also done work at Kincladie Wood. The DCT wished to thank these people by providing gift vouchers in the run-up to Christmas and would like the DCC to contribute £120 to this gesture. This was agreed.
- Village Hall – there will be a further meeting in early November to pursue the possible takeover of the management and operation of this building. LiveActive are withdrawing from the management of local halls in the near future so this is a necessary step to allow continued use of the Village Hall. Beyond this first step it is believed that there is funding for a possible Community Asset Transfer but no details are yet available.
The next meeting will be held on Monday 6th November at 7.30pm in Dunning Church Hall