Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 20^th July 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), John Stewart(Vice Chair),  Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Mary Graham, Graham Mackay, John Graham(Secretary)

Apologies: Cllr. Chris Balance, Cllr. David Fraser, Cllr. Helen Crawford, Cllr Emma Knox, Mark Hedderwick.

Guests:

Meeting Commenced at 20.00hrs (8.00pm)

Minutes of Meeting 8^th June 2023: Proposed: John Stewart, Seconded: Duncan Fraser.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:

• Caulternich Battery Storage Planning Application. A large number of residents have expressed alarm and annoyance that this application has been resurrected eleven months after the previous application was rejected. The Chair asked that the Secretary contacts David Mudie and question why an identical application, right down to the original dates could be accepted by The Highland Council Planning Office and express concern that the timeline, right in the middle of the holidays, left little or no time for residents to respond. It was noted that the Secretary had arranged an extension to the 14^th August but some people had been finding accessing the web portal and lodging comments a problem. After the large numbers of negative comments from the Community and taking into account changes in NPF4 and National Infrastructure targets it was proposed that we again ask Ian Kelly MRTPI to produce a new response on our behalf taking into account any changes that might effect the application. Proposed by John Stewart, seconded by Duncan Fraser. All in favour. A note was made that Mark Hedderwick who was away had asked if an alternative site that did not impact the neighbours was available on this property. Comment was noted but no one could think of anything within this application. Comments were made on the inaccuracy of the application and questioned the status as Croft Land or an Agricultural Holding.
• Lovat estates proposed application for a battery storage facility in the wester Balblair Quarry site. Simon, Lord Lovat, had met with Steve Byford and identified the proposed site. Whilst this is a brown filed site it is still very close to the residents in both Wester Balblair and the Groam and concerns over battery fires and toxic gases will create much concern if this proposal reaches Planning. It was noted that Keith Fire Service reported that fighting a battery fire of this nature is virtually impossible and they would just leave a fire to burn out and evacuate residents. With the proximity of Wester Blablair, the Groam, Kiltarlity and even Beauly, that does not really bare thinking about. The Chairman was very clear to Simon, Lord Lovat, that we would oppose such an application based on cumulative impact on the noise issue, over development of the site and environmental health issues. The Chair also commented on the cost of repeated challenges which we are simply not funded for.
• Strathpeffer Forum letter. The Chair asked if all had read the letter from Ron Macauly. The general opinion was good in places but not really relevant to much of our situation. Concerns that existing line is suggested for re-powering ignores the impact on many close to the existing line. No reference to Beauly Peterhead line or the Fenallan

 substation proposal. It was felt we are better placed to work within the CLG as exists already, which not perfect, does address our specific interests.

• Visitor Levy – The conversation Toolkit was discussed and a quick run through exposed the concerns felt by the Community Council. Excluding camper vans/motor homes and Cruise Ships seems to punish those that already pay and let those that are most disruptive a free ride. Expecting land lords, guest house and hotel owners to collect the tax and impose penalties on them if they fail in any way would seem counter productive.
• SSE Speed Cameras – Update –  Although installed we have an issue with the one by the quarry as the battery keeps running down. Five hours charging cycle and four hours of darkness this time of year. Alan is looking at the option of a second battery.

Chairman: No report

Vice Chairman: JS spoke to Kris Bremner at Breedons re future plans for the quarry and regarding a third speed sign on Altyre and we await their response.

Secretary: Nothing to report.

Treasurer:

• Balance stands at £4555.50. Progress is slow but positive on the internet banking facility. The Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer are still awaiting the readers and cards but the account is active…

Planning: Caulternich Battery Storage 23/03113/FUL

ANOB:  

• DF asked that our thanks be conveyed to John Taylor for the verge cutting and ditch clearing.
• British Legion Wreath. Approved with an enhanced donation of £35.00

Meeting Closed: at 21.42hrs (9.42pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 7^th September 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed: