GARVE & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2012
7.00 PM
ACHNASHEEN VILLAGE HALL
1. Introductions and Apologies
Cllr Campbell is hoping to attend. Also hoping to attend are representatives from Eneco and Infinergy.
2. Declarations of interest
3. Chairman’s comments
Topics include recent visits to NHS planning for Integration meeting and WRA AGM. There will also be an update on HC budget meeting held on 9 February and what the decisions mean for this CC area.
4. Approve the minutes of the last meeting
5. Matters arising from the minutes
Topics include updates on Ledgowan access, Stromeferry Bypass and the knock on effects to this community, possible deer fencing at Grudie, Achnasheen shelter, WRA update, Public entertainment license, TranServ and HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee “big lunch” event due to be held on 4 June in Garve Hall.
6. Treasurer’s report
7. Correspondence
8. AOB from CC members
Topics already received by the Chairman include the continuing fly tipping at Grudie layby; temporary closing of the Corrieshalloch Foot Bridge and clarification will be asked for in regard to press reports regarding cuts to the retained fire crews that cover this CC area. There will also be an update on the HC election that will take place on 3 May 2012.
9. AOB from members of the public
10. Scoping reports and Consultations
2 consultations – future of Post Office services in Achnasheen and The Office of Fair Trading consultation on the cost of living in remote communities.
11. Building warrants
At the time of writing, the CC has not been made aware of any building warrants for our area.
12. Planning applications
Update on changes to householder permitted development rights and changes to payment of HC planning fees will be noted. At the time of writing, the CC has not received notice of any new planning applications for our area.
13. Licensing applications
At the time of writing, the CC has not received notice of any new licensing applications for our area.
14. Dates of future meetings
Tuesday 3 April 2012, 7.00pm, Garve Village Hall
Tuesday 1 May 2012, 7.00pm, Achnasheen Village Hall
Wednesday 6 June 2012, AGM followed by ordinary meeting, 7.00pm, Garve Village Hall
Tuesday 3 July 2012, 7.00pm, Achnasheen Village Hall
ALL WELCOME
(Updated 5.00pm on Sunday, 4 March 2012)
Garve & District Community Council: SPECIAL MEETING draft minues: 17 February 2012
Draft minutes of Special Meeting of Garve & District Community Council
Held 17th Feb 2012 Garve Village Hall
Present: Kenny MacLean (Chairman), Jean Hollingdale (Secretary), Jean Bailey (Treasurer), Jennifer Haslam, Sue Tarr (Minute Sec); 8 members of public.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7pm and welcomed everyone, and introduced Mrs Bentley, Head Teacher of Strathgarve Primary School.
The Special Meeting had been called under 1.2 of Standing Orders to discuss two items, the Diamond Jubilee Celebration and one planning application.
Apologies: Lady Eliza Leslie Melville, Bob Moir, Alex Mackenzie.
Declarations of Interest: none.
Diamond Jubilee – this is the weekend of 2nd – 5th June 2012. Mrs Bentley outlined what the schoolchildren will be working towards within school: “Face Britain”, an online art project where the children draw a portrait of themselves which is then incorporated into a nationwide portrait of the Queen. Anyone who would like to assist with this is very welcome. They are also working at a permanent art based project in the form of ceramic tiles, and within school an “Evacuation Day” project. The school has a day off on Mon 4th June.
The Hall Committee has offered free use of the Hall for a Jubilee Event.
Ideas invited from members of the public included:
A commemorative presentation to every school and pre-school child, e.g. a mug, medal or coin.
Uisdean Menzies offered catering services and a display of old photographs in the Hall.
A suggestion that three flag poles could be erected at the “wee garden” beside the level crossing; also that Achnasheen could have flag poles too.
A commemorative tree or cairn was also suggested. A tree might not be suitable for Achnasheen due to the deer.
Janet Bowen, Lord Lieutenant, had suggested in her letter that communities hold a “Big Lunch” or light a beacon.
Laura Gauna offered cakes, and AGNV are willing to support Jubilee event. AGNV will be coming out 1st June and 1st April.
It was decided to aim for a “Big Lunch” for all members of the community in Garve Village Hall on Mon 4th June. Members of the community would be invited to bring with them a small contribution of food to share (for example, a plate of sandwiches), and a couple of balloons or some other decoration for the hall. The schoolchildren can provide some entertainment.
There was a lot of support for planting a tree with a small fence/railing and a plaque. A flag pole may need planning permission, and there may be insurance required.
Jean Bailey to research prices for flag poles and commemorative items for the children. Sue Tarr to research a tree.
G&DCC to write to local businesses to ask if they would like to make a financial contribution, a reply requested by 6th March 2012.
Achnasheen to be asked what ideas they have.
Arrangements to continue at next G&DCC meeting.
Mrs Bentley was thanked for attending and left.
Planning Application – G&DCC had not been advised of this planning application, due to a “computer blip” in the planning office. HC is checking to rectify their system so it doesn’t happen again, and is going to email the weekly list to make sure that we get it. As far as is known we haven’t missed any other applications.
12/00026/OHL Installation of one span line off 33,000 volt overhead line, new house 1km south of Achnaclerach. No comments.
G&DCC noted their thanks to Dorothy Stott for her help in this matter.
Community Council Training Day – Dingwall 7th March. All members present hoped to attend this.
All present were saddened to learn of the death of Lady Loch.
Date of next ordinary meeting – Tuesday 6th March 2012, 7pm, Achnasheen Village Hall.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8pm.
Held 17th Feb 2012 Garve Village Hall
Present: Kenny MacLean (Chairman), Jean Hollingdale (Secretary), Jean Bailey (Treasurer), Jennifer Haslam, Sue Tarr (Minute Sec); 8 members of public.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7pm and welcomed everyone, and introduced Mrs Bentley, Head Teacher of Strathgarve Primary School.
The Special Meeting had been called under 1.2 of Standing Orders to discuss two items, the Diamond Jubilee Celebration and one planning application.
Apologies: Lady Eliza Leslie Melville, Bob Moir, Alex Mackenzie.
Declarations of Interest: none.
Diamond Jubilee – this is the weekend of 2nd – 5th June 2012. Mrs Bentley outlined what the schoolchildren will be working towards within school: “Face Britain”, an online art project where the children draw a portrait of themselves which is then incorporated into a nationwide portrait of the Queen. Anyone who would like to assist with this is very welcome. They are also working at a permanent art based project in the form of ceramic tiles, and within school an “Evacuation Day” project. The school has a day off on Mon 4th June.
The Hall Committee has offered free use of the Hall for a Jubilee Event.
Ideas invited from members of the public included:
A commemorative presentation to every school and pre-school child, e.g. a mug, medal or coin.
Uisdean Menzies offered catering services and a display of old photographs in the Hall.
A suggestion that three flag poles could be erected at the “wee garden” beside the level crossing; also that Achnasheen could have flag poles too.
A commemorative tree or cairn was also suggested. A tree might not be suitable for Achnasheen due to the deer.
Janet Bowen, Lord Lieutenant, had suggested in her letter that communities hold a “Big Lunch” or light a beacon.
Laura Gauna offered cakes, and AGNV are willing to support Jubilee event. AGNV will be coming out 1st June and 1st April.
It was decided to aim for a “Big Lunch” for all members of the community in Garve Village Hall on Mon 4th June. Members of the community would be invited to bring with them a small contribution of food to share (for example, a plate of sandwiches), and a couple of balloons or some other decoration for the hall. The schoolchildren can provide some entertainment.
There was a lot of support for planting a tree with a small fence/railing and a plaque. A flag pole may need planning permission, and there may be insurance required.
Jean Bailey to research prices for flag poles and commemorative items for the children. Sue Tarr to research a tree.
G&DCC to write to local businesses to ask if they would like to make a financial contribution, a reply requested by 6th March 2012.
Achnasheen to be asked what ideas they have.
Arrangements to continue at next G&DCC meeting.
Mrs Bentley was thanked for attending and left.
Planning Application – G&DCC had not been advised of this planning application, due to a “computer blip” in the planning office. HC is checking to rectify their system so it doesn’t happen again, and is going to email the weekly list to make sure that we get it. As far as is known we haven’t missed any other applications.
12/00026/OHL Installation of one span line off 33,000 volt overhead line, new house 1km south of Achnaclerach. No comments.
G&DCC noted their thanks to Dorothy Stott for her help in this matter.
Community Council Training Day – Dingwall 7th March. All members present hoped to attend this.
All present were saddened to learn of the death of Lady Loch.
Date of next ordinary meeting – Tuesday 6th March 2012, 7pm, Achnasheen Village Hall.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8pm.
Highland Council press release: Communities at the heart of benefits from renewable energy developments
Communities at the heart of benefits from renewable energy developments
The Highland Council has taken an important step towards securing the highest level of benefit possible for local communities across the Highlands from renewable energy developments by agreeing a policy on how future funds are allocated.
Council Leader Michael Foxley and Councillor Isobel McCallum, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Rural Affairs and Climate Change Strategy Group, highlighted the Council’s commitment to community benefit at a conference in Inverness today (Friday) organised by the Council.
Councillor Foxley said: “We are committed to maximising community benefit accruing to all Highland communities from onshore and offshore renewable energy developments. We will lobby Scottish and UK Governments so that the aims of the policy can be achieved in a realistic timescale. We will spread benefits as widely as we can throughout Highland for the good of all communities. Communities will be able to apply for funding to their Local Fund and to the new local Area Fund(s) and Highland Trust Fund. The Council will not get any financial benefit. We are driving this policy through entirely so that local communities benefit.”
Councillor McCallum said: “We want to ensure that local communities benefit directly from the use of their local resources. Any development that has an impact on the environment and local resources should have clear and direct benefits for those who live and work in the area.”
Keynote speaker at the conference, Energy Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “I want Highland communities to share in the economic and social benefits of Scotland’s onshore and offshore renewables revolution. Scotland leads the UK in our support for local ownership of renewables projects and we have set a new target of 500 megawatts of community and locally owned renewables by 2020, which could be worth up to £2.4 billion to communities and rural businesses. We provide loan support under our Community and Renewable Energy Scheme and we want to maximise the community benefits of commercial developments. Successful events like these give us a greater shared understanding of those new opportunities for the Highlands.”
The Council’s policy applies to all onshore renewable energy developments. It seeks a minimum payment to community benefit funds equivalent to £5,000 per Megawatt of installed capacity per year. The Council will seek to negotiate concordats with developers, which will ensure that developers operate within the Council’s policy and that developers negotiate directly with the Council on behalf of communities to secure the greatest level of benefit possible.
The 4 Allocation Factors will be - Proximity to the Site; Visual Impact; Construction Impact; Number of Residences
The Council’s policy is a 3-tier system of benefit with all of the first £100,000 per year of benefit going to local communities and managed within a Local Fund. Of the community benefit that remains:
• 55% will also go to local communities through their Local Fund
• 30% will go to one of ten local Area Funds covering Caithness; Sutherland; Dingwall and Black Isle; Easter Ross; West and Mid Ross; Lochaber; Inverness; Skye; Nairn and Ardersier; Badenoch and Strathspey
• the remaining 15 % will go to the Highland Trust Fund
It is intended that all three funds would receive bids from communities, groups and other appropriate organisations for the following project types:
• Financial and other support for business and community projects (including provision of infrastructure)
• Alternative and renewable energy research
• Energy generation and efficiency schemes (including community ownership or stakes in renewable energy developments)
• Community ownership or control of assets
• Projects which address issues of fuel poverty
• Other community interest projects based within the community
• Skills development and apprenticeships
Communities that do not have access to community benefit funding at the Local or Area Fund level will be able to bid into The Highland Trust Fund, which will be operated by an organisation at arm’s length from the Council. These communities do not often host renewable energy developments, but they may provide services for those that do; they may have grid lines carrying renewable electricity passing through them; or they may be subject to transport of renewable energy equipment during construction.
The council is also determined that local communities benefit from off-shore developments, which are regulated by the Crown Estate Commissioners and by Marine Scotland. The Council will negotiate with these bodies to ensure that Highland communities benefit from developments around their shores. The Council will negotiate directly with developers to achieve the same aim and once again will seek £5,000 per Megawatt installed capacity per year.
The Council recognises the significant sums that may, in time, accrue in the way of community benefit from off-shore activity. Again, the Council is of the view that these benefits should be spread as widely as possible across Highland. The Council proposes that where development takes place in open waters, 20% of the benefit realised will go to coastal communities. The remaining 80% will go to The Highland Trust Fund. Given the potential amounts of benefit, the Council believes the Highland Trust Fund should realise significant sums that are currently not available to support development in any Highland communities. The Highland Trust Fund will be open to bids from communities impacted by development and other appropriate organisations working with communities, including, for example, the University of the Highlands and Islands.
In inshore waters, such as the Pentland Firth, the Council will look at each case on its merits so that benefit accrues to those communities more closely affected by developments. This will reflect the proximity of development to local coastal communities and, for example, construction activities and any displacement of fishing activities. It may also be that the Council will need to involve other Local Authorities in negotiation.
The Highland Council has taken an important step towards securing the highest level of benefit possible for local communities across the Highlands from renewable energy developments by agreeing a policy on how future funds are allocated.
Council Leader Michael Foxley and Councillor Isobel McCallum, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Rural Affairs and Climate Change Strategy Group, highlighted the Council’s commitment to community benefit at a conference in Inverness today (Friday) organised by the Council.
Councillor Foxley said: “We are committed to maximising community benefit accruing to all Highland communities from onshore and offshore renewable energy developments. We will lobby Scottish and UK Governments so that the aims of the policy can be achieved in a realistic timescale. We will spread benefits as widely as we can throughout Highland for the good of all communities. Communities will be able to apply for funding to their Local Fund and to the new local Area Fund(s) and Highland Trust Fund. The Council will not get any financial benefit. We are driving this policy through entirely so that local communities benefit.”
Councillor McCallum said: “We want to ensure that local communities benefit directly from the use of their local resources. Any development that has an impact on the environment and local resources should have clear and direct benefits for those who live and work in the area.”
Keynote speaker at the conference, Energy Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “I want Highland communities to share in the economic and social benefits of Scotland’s onshore and offshore renewables revolution. Scotland leads the UK in our support for local ownership of renewables projects and we have set a new target of 500 megawatts of community and locally owned renewables by 2020, which could be worth up to £2.4 billion to communities and rural businesses. We provide loan support under our Community and Renewable Energy Scheme and we want to maximise the community benefits of commercial developments. Successful events like these give us a greater shared understanding of those new opportunities for the Highlands.”
The Council’s policy applies to all onshore renewable energy developments. It seeks a minimum payment to community benefit funds equivalent to £5,000 per Megawatt of installed capacity per year. The Council will seek to negotiate concordats with developers, which will ensure that developers operate within the Council’s policy and that developers negotiate directly with the Council on behalf of communities to secure the greatest level of benefit possible.
The 4 Allocation Factors will be - Proximity to the Site; Visual Impact; Construction Impact; Number of Residences
The Council’s policy is a 3-tier system of benefit with all of the first £100,000 per year of benefit going to local communities and managed within a Local Fund. Of the community benefit that remains:
• 55% will also go to local communities through their Local Fund
• 30% will go to one of ten local Area Funds covering Caithness; Sutherland; Dingwall and Black Isle; Easter Ross; West and Mid Ross; Lochaber; Inverness; Skye; Nairn and Ardersier; Badenoch and Strathspey
• the remaining 15 % will go to the Highland Trust Fund
It is intended that all three funds would receive bids from communities, groups and other appropriate organisations for the following project types:
• Financial and other support for business and community projects (including provision of infrastructure)
• Alternative and renewable energy research
• Energy generation and efficiency schemes (including community ownership or stakes in renewable energy developments)
• Community ownership or control of assets
• Projects which address issues of fuel poverty
• Other community interest projects based within the community
• Skills development and apprenticeships
Communities that do not have access to community benefit funding at the Local or Area Fund level will be able to bid into The Highland Trust Fund, which will be operated by an organisation at arm’s length from the Council. These communities do not often host renewable energy developments, but they may provide services for those that do; they may have grid lines carrying renewable electricity passing through them; or they may be subject to transport of renewable energy equipment during construction.
The council is also determined that local communities benefit from off-shore developments, which are regulated by the Crown Estate Commissioners and by Marine Scotland. The Council will negotiate with these bodies to ensure that Highland communities benefit from developments around their shores. The Council will negotiate directly with developers to achieve the same aim and once again will seek £5,000 per Megawatt installed capacity per year.
The Council recognises the significant sums that may, in time, accrue in the way of community benefit from off-shore activity. Again, the Council is of the view that these benefits should be spread as widely as possible across Highland. The Council proposes that where development takes place in open waters, 20% of the benefit realised will go to coastal communities. The remaining 80% will go to The Highland Trust Fund. Given the potential amounts of benefit, the Council believes the Highland Trust Fund should realise significant sums that are currently not available to support development in any Highland communities. The Highland Trust Fund will be open to bids from communities impacted by development and other appropriate organisations working with communities, including, for example, the University of the Highlands and Islands.
In inshore waters, such as the Pentland Firth, the Council will look at each case on its merits so that benefit accrues to those communities more closely affected by developments. This will reflect the proximity of development to local coastal communities and, for example, construction activities and any displacement of fishing activities. It may also be that the Council will need to involve other Local Authorities in negotiation.
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