October 2008
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Monimail Community Council
Minutes of meeting, 6th October 2008
Letham Toll : BEAR Scotland : no update specifically regarding the junction.
Holes being dug last week along the bottom of the Park were to do with drainage issues.
The large “plinth” recently constructed further along the main road towards Fernie is for a large sign for “Tay Bridge Warnings” and not a lay-by as originally hoped!
The footpath between Letham Toll and Ballantager is on the list to be tidied up, along with the kerbs at the bottom of the Village
- Mower to be looked at
- Money to be used for tubs at Monimail
- Tub for the corner of the Hall Car Park to be purchased. This will prevent Council Refuse Lorries from ruining the grass when they collect the recycling bins!
Again nobody from Fife Council Planning were able to attend the meeting however they have assured us that they will send a representative to the December Meeting. They have requested an advance list of the issues we have so they can be prepared with the correct advice. This will be sent to them well in advance of the next meeting, to include the various “home improvements” that have been carried out within the Village without Planning Permission.
- Bakehouse :
Concerns raised over the apparent height of the works being carried out – Planning were contacted and have been out to look at the roof-line – it does conform with the approved plans.
There has been a request for a change to the Planning Consent to allow the use of xxx stone rather than natural stone. The various submissions were read out and they appear to centre on the finacial side of the project. The overall feeling from those present at the meeting was that surely the developer would have realised the costs involved and budgeted accordingly?
Such a material change surely is making a mockery of the whole planning process and although a few present raised concerns over the potential viability of the project being in jeopardy if not allowed to change, it was agreed that the CC write to Planning to object to the request.
- Tree Preservation Orders :
A map outlining all the trees we wished to have TPO’s on is to be re-done to outline specific trees in the Village. Also need to establish what protection such an order would actually give. It was stated that there was an objection raised in 2002 regarding the removal of healthy trees around the Bakehouse area when the original plans were submitted!
- Tremlins :
The CC have been informed of a possible request for the Planning Envelope to be extended to include the Tremlins when the Local Plan is due to be finalised early 2009. The area was purchased a few years ago after planning permission for 4 houses in the area was turned down. The local plan is due to be reviewed early next year and the request would be that the area is extended to allow a better opportunity for one house to be built in the area. The proposal would also include donating an area of the woodland to the village.
Potential benefits could be :
School Brae itself / access would need to be improved as a condition of Planning
Would help parking issues at the top of the village as a number of cars would then park up behind any new house
The Community Council were being informed of this to give plenty of notice and time to think about any benefits this would bring to the village, rather than being “sprung” on everyone at the last minute. It is good also to gauge Community feeling on this.
It was commented however that such an alteration would be setting a very dangerous precedent as what is to stop other developers requesting further alterations? Eg The Row, improved School Brae could open up options for the field out behind the houses on Monimail Rd etc
The Grant applications for Double Glazing have been submitted – special thanks were offered to Ian Smith who spent a lot of time & effort obtaining the relevant planning authorisation and quotes.
There is a Gardener’s Question Time scheduled for 17th October
The resident of the Corner House at The Toll junction has offered that any events being advertised in the corner of their property.
A meeting was held in Letham Hall on 15th July where various options for the Park were presented. A further meeting was held last week to look at fundraising ideas to help raise money to supplement Grants. There is a meeting due this week with Fife Council to take on the whole project
The Community Council have received concerns from a number of local residents over the inclusion of a “Graffiti Wall”. These concerns were voiced at the CC meeting, the main concern being that there is active encouragement for youngsters to paint/graffiti the wall – there are currently no issues in Letham with any sort of Graffiti so why encourage it?
Also, maybe local youths would be responsible in their use of such a wall, however it could attract youths from other areas to leave their mark on the wall and possible further afield within the village.
It was suggested that “Graffiti” was just a name for the wall and it could purely be a “kicking” wall and also there for younsters to “express” their artistic talents. While everyone agrees that there is a gap in facilities for teenagers and the proposals for the Park will address this the feeling was it would still attract all the negative issues surrounding Graffiti in general.
It was commented that Newburgh has a beautiful, well looked after park however further down the park an area is covered with Graffiti which spoils the whole area.
It was mentioned that there were no objections raised at the meeting in July, however it was pointed out that this meeting was during the first weeks of the School Holidays when a lot of people are away. It is only since residents have received information about what was presented at that meeting that the CC have had people raising concerns.
The total cost of the Park project will be in the region of £50-60,000 of which at least 10% needs to be put forward by the community (not simply in cash term but also time/labour etc) so any help that people can offer would be most welcome.
It was suggested that instead of looking at the woodland, some consideration could given to the Field adjacent to the Hall. If there is overall support for this then it would be easy to set up a trust. Fife Rural Partnership could offer help/advice on Community Trusts if required
11. Best Kept Village :
Again, the areas did not progress through the initial stages! Grass-cutting around the hall has been curtailed slightly due to the “Lawnmower Society’s” lawnmower being broken. It was suggested that “Freecycle” for the possibility of obtaining a replacement, however if this is not forthcoming then it has been agreed that the Community Council will supply funds for a new mower.
12. Transition Toun :
A meeting was held in Falkland recently for all interested people in Scotland. New group started in Tayport and meetings have been held in Cupar. Involvement in Climate Change Fund – community ways to reduce carbon footprint (local food, car-sharing etc). Possibility of a Community Pub also to be discussed.
13. Questions :
Paperless Planning – there has been no action progressed on this and consultation is required. Those without access to pc’s should not be prejudiced against !
14. Any Other Business
15. Date of Next Meeting : Monday 6th October 2008, Letham Village Hall, 7.30pm
Please note this has been brought forward a week so it doesn’t clash with School Holidays
** COFFEE MORNINGS
(IN AID OF HALL FUNDS)
3RD SATURDAY EVERY MONTH
LETHAM HALL
10AM – 12NOON
(RAFFLE DRAWN 11.30AM)
** GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME
FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2008
LETHAM HALL
7.30PM
Panel of well-known Local Horticulturalists
Bob Mitchell
Willie Duncan
Alistair Barnard
Entry £5 (includes Glass of Wine)
** WINE-TASTING
Forthcoming Event
Towards End November/Start December
(date to be finalised)
Details will be posted Soon !