Monthly Archives: September 2023

Minutes of Meeting 7th September 2023

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Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 7th September 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm.

Present: Steve Byford(Chair), John Stewart(Vice Chair),  Duncan Fraser(Treasurer), Mary Graham, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, John Graham(Secretary) Cllr David Fraser, Cllr Emma Knox.

Apologies: Cllr. Chris Balance.

Guests: Andrew Stewart, Roy Templeton

Meeting Commenced at 20.00hrs (8.00pm)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Minutes of Meeting 20th August 2023: Proposed: Steve Byford, Seconded: Graham Mackay.

Police Report: No report.

Matters Arising:                         

  • Community Council elections: System of election was explained and reference on how to attain voter registration number was clarified. We should know before te next meeting whether we will need to go to a vote.
  • Lovat estates application for a battery storage facility in the Wester Balblair Quarry site was discussed in detail. Concerns expressed were noise and whether any additional noise would trigger the noise abatement order based on cumulative impact from the Transmission hub. This to be discussed with the planning officer as the limit on the Transmission hub was only just attained. Other concerns were fire risk so close to the SVC. The forthcoming public meeting at the old bank of Scotland building on the 14th September 2023. The Chair asked that all attend.
  • SSEN – There was some concerns expressed that both at Fanellan and at Wester Balblair out of hours working had resulted in disturbance to residents. MH had identified plant being used at Wester Balblair on Sunday 27th August despite an agreement that no out of hours work would take place. This compliant with normal conditions. JG to write to Sally Cooper and express our disappointment.
  • Speed cameras: The faulty camera has been returned to the manufacturers and replaced. Working fine now so fingers crossed.
  • Fairburn Wind Farm Extension Public Exhibition: The event will be held at Kilmorack Hall and it is important that as many as possible attend. JG to make sure FB is updated to encourage a full turnout. It was explained that 14 turbines of 200m to tip height with occulting red beacons to the highest fixed point were planned. It was further noted that VPs were based on the earlier extension application which was closer to Beauly/Fairburn and of a more moderate size. The only one to the south was the Great Glen Way and that identified a moderate visual impact. To be further discussed at the next meeting. Date of meeting at Kilmorack is Wednesday 13th 2pm to 7.00pm We noted that we have been noted as a future recipient of Community Benefit should the wind farm be approved.
  • Beauly Community Council – Formation of Community Trust. The Chair had been approached about this a while back asking if we were interested in joining. He asked for further detail but since has heard nothing. With potential Community Benefit from Fairburn Wind farm Extension and the 400Kv OHL We need to ensure that Kilmorack is at the front of the queue and not suborned behind Beauly.     
  • Land Reform Bill: Advised to us is a new private members Land Reform Bill which would limit land ownership to 500ha unless able to demonstrate Community benefit.
  • Drains and Ditches: Graham Mackay stated that some improvements had been made and he was keeping a watching brief on it. 

Chairman:

  • CLG: The Chair reported that the meeting had proved something of a marathon with Bill Fraser taking exception to previous minutes and his comment therein. The Chair – supported by Cllr David Fraser who chaired the CLG elucidated on the discussions and the relationship with SSEN.
  • Strathpeffer Forum letter: The Chair had been notified of a Zoom meeting from Ron Macauly of Strathpeffer CC. It was felt, on the whole, that our interests were best served through the CLG which represents all local Community Councils.

Vice Chairman: Nothing to report

Secretary: Nothing to report.

Treasurer:

  • Balance stands at £3,485.50.

Planning: Nothing to report other than that already discusses.

ANOB:

  • Cllr. Ken Gowan has written regarding ScotGov call for a new National Park in Scotland by 2026. We are aware of plan for an Affric to Attadale National Park but details are sketchy at the moment.

Meeting Closed: at 21.45hrs (9.45pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 5th October 2023 at Beauly Bowls Club starting at 7.30pm

Signed: