Thornhill, Stirling, United Kingdom

Category: Community Council Meeting Minutes

Community Council Meeting Minutes 26/09/23

 Thornhill Community Hall / 26th September 2023 at 7:30pm 

1. Present and Apologies

Present: Elaine Blanchard (EB) Secretary, Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Cllr Gene Maxwell (GM), Moira Russell (MR), Sheena Stewart (SS), Al Rawlinson (AL) Chair, Joyce Firth (JF).

Apologies: Hector Muir (HM), Andy Greig (AG), Gary Thompson (GT), Rowena Coulthard (RC)

2. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 22nd August 2023

Minutes approved, no objections or comments.

Approved by EB

Seconded by MR

3. Matters Arising

No matters arising, all covered in agenda.

4. Reports – External

a. Transport Scotland – Traffic Alleviation at Safari Park

No update on this issue at present.  

b. Police Scotland

The Police Scotland latest report has been received and details listed below.

Road Safety 

On 02/09/23 two vehicles were involved in a collision on A84 with the junction of B8075 Kirk Lane.  As a result, the road was closed for several hours.  During this period PC’s King and Deans carried out speed checks in the Thornhill area.  One driver was issued with a conditional offer of fixed penalty, one driver reported to the Procurator Fiscal and four drivers warned. 

This area will continue to be monitored. Police have been made aware of traffic problems at the Main Street with the junction of Kippen Road, Thornhill. This has been passed Stirling Council.

Theft 

Overnight on 21st into 22nd September 2023 a motorbike was stolen from a property in Thornhill. The motorbike was recovered a short distance away. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this.

Community Engagement and Reassurance

On 28/08/23 police received reports of people possibly hare coursing in the Blair Drummond area. Please continue to report any sightings of people/dogs in the area hare coursing to police.

c. Stirling County Councillor 

GM advised that Stirling Council are currently looking at budgets for 2024/25 and significant savings will be required.  

Planning

Plans for a new primary school in Callendar have been designed and are ready to be submitted to the planning department.  

Planning has approved a new housing development, Durieshill located between Stirling Services and Plean.  This development will have three thousand new homes, a mix of tenures with private housing, affordable housing, and private rented sector housing.  The site will also have a primary and secondary school and community organisations and businesses. 

Rural Living

GM advised that he is actively and collectively supporting the area with issues around safety particularly school children and providing a better understanding of rural living. 

World Cycling Championships

There was a discussion on funding for the event and JF asked about any community payback plans.

GM advised that he was not aware of any community payback plans, will pass this on the Stirling Council.

5. Reports – Internal

a. Chair

AR – Nothing to report.

b. Secretary 

Nothing to report.

c. Treasurer

EB updated the meeting with the current financial information on behalf of GT.

Treasurer’s Report: £225.36 in the bank account, still awaiting admin grant being released. GM to chase with Stephen Bly

d. Planning

AR Report circulated prior to meeting. 

AR read out new planning applications received at Stirling Council for Thornhill.

GM advised that the New National Planning Framework was published in February 2024 and has introduced stricter controls relating to flooding and the ability to build properties in flood areas.  This will affect Aberfoyle with a 15 mile stretch already sterilised due to flooding.

e. Thornhill Community Trust/ Futures Group

JF advised that the meeting scheduled for 21st September had been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and has been rescheduled for 26th November 2023.  The aim to complete a final draft by January 2024 will now not be possible.

GM asked about the submission of the local placement plan and if a different plan needs to go to the National Park and Stirling Council.

JF responded that Thornhill is out with a National Park and consultation is only required by Stirling Council.

The Community Council agreed to promote the rescheduled meeting on social media.

The meeting entered a discussion on the Light Up Thornhill Events and agreed more panning was required.

f. Blair Drummond Community Hall

Nothing to report.

6. Community Council Business

a. Dunsire and Partners’ development in Thornhill 

AR updated the meeting on the development application and advised that a decision has still not been reached, no significant update at present.  

b. Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling.

EB advised that HM has spoken to Gabriela Ingle on the work conducted previously and advised any signage and actions promised have not progressed.

Leave on agenda until resolved.    

c. Sommers Lane

GM advised that query on new signage had been submitted to Stirling Council, no response as yet.  

d. Aberfoyle Flooding 

As per agreement at TBCC meeting on 22nd Augiust 2023 a letter to Strathard Community Council has been sent offering support from TBCC.

e. Speeding in Thornhill

EB advised that new signs have been purchased highlight speed restriction in the village.  It is planned that fake police signs and bin stickers will be purchased for the village.

f. Doig Street Water Pressure

MR advised that the water pressure has been particularly bad for a prolonged period of time in Doig Street.  

GM has contacted Scottish Water, no response as yet.

g. Thornhill Primary School Fencing

EB advised that residents are complaining about the fencing around the children’s play park.  Stirling Council play maintenance team are planning a visit to the area to assess the situation and arrange repairs.

AR asked if Stirling Council carries out risk assessments on children’s play areas. 

GM responded that there are legal requirements for play spaces at schools, will check about play areas. 

h. Red Squirrel sign on Coldoch Road

EB advised on the above issue and GM advised that the request needs to be sent to Stephen Bly at Stirling Council.

i. Signing up to Scottish Forum 

EB advised that there is a Scottish Forum of Community Councils.  It is hope that the forum will provide a way to connect Community Councils across Scotland and share information about the work they do.  They hope that the Forum will be a national umbrella body for Community Councils in Scotland with a mission to support communities and to provide them with the resources they may need to succeed. 



No objections TBCC agreed to sign up to the Scottish Forum.

j. Repairs to pavement Back Yetts

No update to report.

k. Letter to Stirling Council re road markings

No update to report.

7. Residents Forum

Nothing further to report.

8. AOB

Bins on Thornhill to Callendar Road.

SS advised that residents have been leaving bins out on the road to Callendar from Thornhill, causing an obstruction .

GM agreed to follow this up.

9. Date, time, and venue of next meeting

7th November 2023 at 7:30pm

Action PointsMember Responsible
Funding for World Cycling Championships – Community Payback PlansGM
Admin Grant for TBCC GM
Local Placement Plan meeting 26/11/23 – promote on social mediaEB
Update on requested signage for Sommers LaneGM
Risk assessments for children’s play areasGM
Red Squirrel sign on Coldoch RoadEB
Sign up to Scottish Forum of Community CouncilsEB
Bins left out on Thornhill to Callendar RoadGM

Meeting closed 21:05

Community Council Meeting Minutes 12/08/23

 Thornhill Community Hall / 22nd August 2023 at 7:30 pm 

1. Present and Apologies

Present: Hector Muir (HM) Chair, Elaine Blanchard (EB) Secretary, Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Andy Greig (AG), Cllr Gene Maxwell (GM), Moira Russell (MR), Gary Thompson (GT) Treasurer, Sheena Stewart (SS), Rowena Coulthard (RC), Bob Marshall (BM), Veronica Bachelor (VB), Heather Aitkenhead (HA), Sara Fullerton (SF).

2. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 22nd February 2023

Minutes approved, no objections or comments.

Approved by MR

Seconded by AG

3. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 21st June 2023.

Minutes approved, no objections or comments.

Approved by AG

Seconded by EB

4. Matters Arising

a) Vote on co-opting members

Further to the Inaugural Meeting in June, where seven candidates were elected to the Community Council, it was advised there was the capacity to elect up to nine people. 

All agreed that new members would be welcome, and co-option nominations will be accepted from the November 2023 meeting onwards. 

5. Reports – External

a. Transport Scotland – Traffic Alleviation at Safari Park

HM – no update on this issue at present.  Agreed to leave on the agenda until funding has been agreed.

b. Police Scotland

The Police Scotland latest report has been received and details listed below.

Antisocial Behaviour

On 29/05/23 an incident took place on the A873 between Thornhill and the A84 at Blair Drummond whereby the passenger of a vehicle was threatening and abusive to the occupants of another. Enquiry was conducted and one male identified and issued with a recorded Police warning.

Cllr Gene Maxwell added that there have been a number of instances of anti-social behaviour in Stirling recently, which have raised some concerns.  This is highly unusual and has been raised with Police Scotland.

Theft

On 03/05/23 a theft by shoplifting occurred at Angling Active, Stirling Agricultural Centre. One male has been identified and issued with a recoded Police Warning. 

On 07/05/23 a theft by shoplifting occurred at Angling Active, Stirling Agricultural Centre. The person responsible for this brandished a knife at staff when leaving the store. One male was identified, arrested, charged, and kept in custody to appear at court in relation to this.

Fraud

Fraud continues to be a problem in all areas of Scotland. Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations, and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you will let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money. 

There is advice including information on a number of different types of fraud on the Police Scotland website at – Personal Fraud – 

Police Scotland Police Scotland are currently recruiting for Special Constables. “As a special constable, you’ll collaborate with our police officers in your spare time – forging strong partnerships in the community, patrolling our streets, preventing crime, and interacting with all kinds of people to give back, keep your local community safe and make a real difference.” If you think you could make a difference in your local community then head to their recruitment pages for more info – Police Scotland Recruitment – Police Scotland

c. Stirling County Councillor 

GM advised that Stirling Council Councillors are just returning from summer recess and dealing with issues with potholes and housing overcrowding.

Planning has approved a new housing development, Durieshill located between Stirling Services and Plean.  This development will have three thousand new homes, a mix of tenures with private housing, affordable housing, and private rented sector housing.  The site will also have a primary and secondary school and community organisations and businesses. 

Stirling Council are involved in a City Region Deal with Clackmannanshire Council. This is a package of significant investment in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the city region.  As part of this deal Stirling Council will see major investment into the Ministry of Defence land at Forthside.  At point of transfer, the site will have been surveyed and cleansed of any dangerous contaminants by the MOD, with the buildings and infrastructural elements being handed over on a ‘current condition’ basis. Opportunities will continue to be explored to support early release of any or all of the site.  There has been some interest in using the current buildings as they are.

World Cycling Championships

GM advised that he has received a lot of emails regarding the event and in general the feedback has been positive. It is clear there will be lessons learned from hosting such a major event in the area.

There was a discussion on funding for the event and GM agreed to check on the funding received and allocation.

Nursery Provision

GM advised that there are issues around nursery places in the area in particular Killin.  This is due to the reduction of early years provision and funding.  This has forced some nursery provisions to reduce the number of employees reducing places available and resources for provision. 

6. Reports – Internal

a. Chair

HM – Nothing to report.

TBCC email now transferred over to EB.

c. Treasurer

GT updated the meeting with the current financial information.

Treasurer’s Report: Approximately £450 in the account, awaiting admin grant being released.

d. Planning

AG – Report circulated by AL. 

AG read out new planning applications received at Stirling Council for Thornhill.

GM advised that the New National Planning Framework was published in February 2024 and has introduced stricter controls relating to flooding and the ability to build properties in flood areas.

e. Thornhill Future Group

EB advised that the group is pushing forward with the local placement plan and are currently on draft number 9, aiming to complete a final draft by January 2024.

A final public consultation has been arranged for 21st September 2023.

f. Blair Drummond Community Hall

Nothing to report.

g. North Common Trust

EB advised that the Chair of the North Common Trust has recently resigned and are currently assessing the role moving forward.  In addition, the Deed of Trust for the North Common Trust lists those members should also be members of the TBCC.  

6. Community Council Business

a. Dunsire and Partners’ development in Thornhill 

AG updated the meeting on the development application and advised that a decision has still not been reached.  The decision was previously on hold pending the decision on a planning application at Mossend, West Lothian, this has subsequently been rejected.  The Scottish Government Reporter requested any further comments to be submitted by 18th August now extended to 30th August 2023.  The Reporter will then deliberate for a period of time then pass their recommendation to the Scottish Government. 

b. Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling.

HM to check with Gabriela Ingle on the work conducted previously and will update at the next meeting.    

c. Sommers Lane

GM to check with Roads Department regarding an update on new signage. 

d. Speeding in Thornhill

Speeding in Thornhill continues to be an issue, see item 7.

e. Flooding in Callander

AG tabled a paper on  Aberfoyle Flooding.  

Background information – Aberfoyle has a long-standing problem with flooding. Since Stirling Council (SC) was given responsibility for dealing with this, many reports, and much money (rumoured to be £2M+) has been spent studying the problem but no action has resulted.  

The damage caused by flooding is presently calculated simply in terms of the damage to property. On this basis, Aberfoyle was not in the first tranche of communities selected for flood protection. In practice, the economic damage and inconvenience is much greater because all the communities, including two large hotels and the school, are frequently cut off to the west of Aberfoyle. A recent letter from SC to the planning authority recommends an objection to any development west of Aberfoyle, where the B829 is blocked on the grounds of flooding. This is difficult to quantify, and at present is not considered.

AG advised that Strathard Community Council has requested support from TBCC.  All agreed and AG will write to them and offer support.

f. Doig Street Water Pressure

EB raised the above item for consideration by the TBCC due to the issues that it is causing families in this area.  

MR advised that the water pressure has been particularly bad for a prolonged period of time.  Numerous calls have been logged with Scottish Water but no resolution to date.  Scottish Water have visited the area several times and believe the issue to due to old water pipes that are no longer fit for purpose, given the number of houses it supplies.

MR to telephone Scottish Water for an update and request details on escalation process.

GM agree to write to Scottish Water.

7. Residents Forum

Speeding in Thornhill

HA outlined the issues around speeding in Thornhill:

  • Last week a dog was killed by a speeding vehicle along our Main Street. 
  • The extent to which the situation impacts the everyday lives of Thornhill residents, especially young families and older people who are unable to live and move safely around the village.
  • Damage to cars and buildings is a regular occurrence.
  • Children cannot walk or cycle to school safely as vehicles (including buses and lorries) regularly mount the pavement rather than wait for other vehicles to pass.
  • There are no crossing points or signs around the school.
  • Pavements are too narrow for prams. It is impossible to strap toddlers into car seats along the Main Street without cars speeding inches away from the door. 

HA outlined the three main areas of concern:

  • Thornhill main street down from road narrowing to Grays Loan.
  • Thornhill Cross bottle neck.
  • Area around Thornhill Primary School.

The TBCC entered a detailed discussion on the issues outlined and agreed the issues need to be addressed urgently particularly around the primary school.  

Ideas tabled:

  • Pedestrian crossing –  previously agreed with Stirling Council, never actioned.
  • One way system 
  • Flower planters along far end of village to prevent cars mounting the pavements.
  • Council CCTV van used for surveillance in the village.
  • Signage at Primary School.
  • Line painting at crossroads.
  • Community Petition to Stirling Council.
  • Look at Safe Routes to School Programme.

GM agreed to follow up signage and issues around safety at the primary school and update on pedestrian crossing plans.

HM agreed to speak to Gabriela Ingle regarding previous petition to Stirling Council and process involved.

TBCC agreed to add issue as a standing item for future meetings.

b. Road Markings

Resident email about road markings (specifically at the junction with the A84 at the Smiddy) having seen several cars going the wrong way due to poor road markings. There is also an issue at the Main Street/Kippen Road junction – Stirling Council said they were going to repaint there after the accident earlier in the year, but still have not done so.

AG agreed to write to Stirling Council regarding repainting road markings, supported by GM.

8. AOB

Back Yetts

SF advised the meeting on the issues of cars using the Back Yetts road.  It appears that Google Maps navigation is using this road as the preferred route through Thornhill.  This road is not suitable for heavy traffic and vehicles are being damaged and pavement already collapsed on the corner of the road.  GM agreed to follow up repair of pavement with Stirling Council.   

9. Date, time, and venue of next meeting

28th September 2023 at 7:30pm

Action PointsMember Responsible
Funding for World Cycling ChampionshipsGM
Update on Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling from Gabriela IngleHM
Update on requested signage for Sommers LaneGM
Aberfoyle Flooding – Letter to Strathard Community Council offering TBCC supportAG
GM agree to write to Scottish Water.GM
MR to telephone Scottish Water for an update and request details on escalation process. MR
Stirling Council – Follow up signage and issues around safety at the primary school and update on pedestrian crossing plans for the village.GM
Speak to Gabriela Ingle regarding previous petition to Stirling Council and process involved.HM
Letter to Stirling Council re road markings.AG
Repairs to pavement Back YettsGM

Meeting closed 20:30.

Community Council Inaugral Meeting Minutes

Thornhill Community Hall / 21st June 2023 at 7:30 pm 

Present: Michelle Flynn (MF) Stirling Council, Elaine Blanchard (EB), Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Andy Greig (AG), Hector Muir (HM), Sheen Stewart (SS), Moira Russell (MR), Gary Thomson (GT), Campbell Millar, Rowena Coulthard (RC)

Apologies: Al Rawlinson (AR)

Michelle Flynn from Stirling Council chaired the Inaugural Meeting and welcomed everyone.

2. Community Council Induction

MF advised the meeting that following the close of nominations for the Community Council elections on Wednesday 7th June 2023, sufficient valid nominations were received for the Thornhill and Blair Drummond Community Council.  The following candidates were elected:

Elaine Blanchard 

Rowena Coulthard 

Andy Greig 

Hector Muir

Alastair Rawlinson 

Moira Russell 

Gary Thomson

MF added the TBCC has elected 7 candidates and has the capacity to elect up to 9 people.  The elected candidates will hold office for a period of 4 years, with the next election being held in 2027.

Additional information on induction to the Community Council was circulated at the end of the meeting.

3. Appointment of Office Bearers

MF advised that the new Thornhill and Blair Drummond Community Council was now required to appointment their office bearers and must have at a minimum a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

Nominations for appointment of Chair

Hector Muir

Proposed – Elaine Blanchard Seconded – Andy Greig

No objections Hector Muir elected as Chair.

Nominations for appointment of Secretary

Elaine Blanchard

Proposed – Rowena Coulthard Seconded – Andy Greig

No objections Elaine Blanchard elected as Secretary.

Nominations for appointment of Treasurer

Gary Thomson

Proposed – Rowena Coulthard Seconded – Hector Muir

No objections Gary Thomson elected as Treasurer.

Nominations for appointment of Vice Chair

Andy Greig

Proposed – Gary Thomson Seconded – Hector Muir

No objections Andy Greig elected as Vice Chair.

Nominations for Planning/Licensing Correspondent

Alastair Rawlinson

Proposed – Moira Russell Seconded – Elaine Blanchard

No objections Alastair Rawlinson confirmed as Planning/Licensing Correspondent.

4. Signing of the Constitution and Standing Orders

MF asked the Chair HM and Secretary EB to sign the constitution and standing orders.  Once signed a copy was given to the Chair.

5. Meeting Calendar

The following meetings have been confirmed for 2023/24

Tuesday 22nd  August       2023

Tuesday 26th  September 2023 

Tuesday 7th    November  2023 

Tuesday 12th  December  2023 

Tuesday 23rd  January       2024

Tuesday 5th    March         2024

Tuesday 23rd  April            2024 

Tuesday 4th    June             2024  AGM

6. Useful links for:

– Scheme of Establishment

– Member Booklet

– Area Profile

– Community Council Enquiry Process

MF outlined the above useful documents available to the Community Council, highlighting the main document as the scheme of establishment.

MF also advised on the enquiry process and main contact of Stephen Bly for raising any questions or queries.

7.  Document Handover and Brief Explanation

– Inaugural Additional Notes

– Administration Grant

– Community Council Enquiry

MF handed over documents on above topics to the EB.

8. Handover to duly elected Chairperson

Formal meeting concluded and handed over to HM.

Meeting closed 20:00.

Community Council AGM Minutes: 9 June 2021

Community Council Minutes: 9 June 2021

Community Council Minutes: 28 April 2021

Community Council Minutes: 17 March 2021

Community Council Minutes: 3 February 2021

  1. Present (online): Scott Patterson – Chair (SP), Hector Muir -Vice-Chair (HM), Gabriela Ingle -Secretary (GI), Elaine Blanchard (EB), Joanne Inglis (JI), Al Rawlinson (AL), Andy Greig (AG), Michelle Flynn SC (MF), Cllr Evelyn Tweed (ET), Cllr Jeremy McDonald (JM)  Yvonne Dickson -Minutes Secretary (YD)
    (7 members of the public)
    Apologies: Sheena Stewart (SS)

  2. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 19th of November 2020 Agreed  (EB) Seconded (GI)

  3. Matters arising – None

  4. Reports – External:

    (a) Transport Scotland re Traffic Alleviation at Safari Park – HM – sent a draft letter to the CC – to be agreed?  All agreed – Action HM will send this to Transport Scotland:
    Blair Drummond Safari Park / A84, Kirk Lane B8075 / A84, A873 / A84 Road Safety 
    I am writing to you on behalf of the Blair Drummond and Thornhill Community Council regarding the report commissioned by Transport Scotland for junction options at Blair Drummond. I also enclose police statistics for road traffic accidents on the 0.8mile section of the A84 between Lime Avenue and the A873. Over a 5 year period there were 66 incidents or collisions recorded on the police systems. During 2020 and lockdown when the road was significantly quieter, 11 incidents and collisions were still recorded on this small section of road.  
    The junction safety, access and traffic flow is an ongoing problem and there have been a number of near misses in the past. As traffic on the A84 increases by 2% each year, the issues will without doubt continue to intensify. The local community are keen to address these issues to ensure that the road is made safe and that any upgrading at this junction will contribute to improved safety and traffic flow on the road.
    The comprehensive report B194RFFT/A4 commissioned by Transport for Scotland setting out road junction options on this section of the A84 would indicated that there is an acknowledgement that this is a serious problem area. Given the strategic importance of the A84 as a route to the west coast, remedial works to problem sections that result in delays, would fit with a wider transport plan for improvements to the road network. 
    We hope that you will put forward our case for the Blair Drummond junction improvements at the appropriate STPR2 meetings. In the meantime, please get in touch if you require more information or have any questions. 

    (b) Police Scotland – 16/11/20 to 31/1/21 Compiled by PC Lorna Deans
    Antisocial Behaviour: On 13/12/20 damage was caused to 4 vehicles that were parked on Low Town and Back Yetts, Thornhill.  After enquiry, this remains undetected.
    Road Safety: On 23/11/20 police officers attended a 2 vehicle collision on A873.  The road was closed for a short period of time until the vehicles were moved. On 02/12/20 a vehicle came off the road on A873.  Police attended and assisted. On 20/12/20 there was a 2 vehicle collision on the A84 at the junction of Blairdrummond Safari Park.On 13/1/21 a vehicle, whilst being driven on A873, was struck by another vehicle passing in the opposite direction.  The driver of the vehicle failed to stop/report the matter.
    Theft: Sometime between 15/12/20 and 25/01/21 a shed was broken into at a property on Sommers Lane, Blairdrummond and items stolen from within.  Enquiries are ongoing.

    (c) Stirling County Councillor – (ET) Problems with Dirty Camping issue due to pandemic – trying to put plans in place to ensure it doesn’t happen like last time. Meeting with National park and police – was a positive meeting – the NP wanted better coordination of litter collection. Rubbish is being left and occasionally fires are still alight – further finance and resources going into these issue hopefully. Complaint about filming – Outlander – but this is legit. 
    People needing assistance with housing, grants and support at the moment. Enquiries about schools going back. First minister reported on this on Tues 2 Feb
    (JM) talks about strategic bin placements at hot spots discussions about a shuttle bus around the region. (JI) asked when the dirty camping solutions would be put in place – before Easter? (ET) Yes National park are hopefully gearing up for this timeline. 

  5. Reports – Internal:

    (a) Chair – noted Thornhill received £500 for community cupboard re-stock.|

    (b) Secretary – nothing to report, other than we are still using her zoom, having technical issues re Gmail account. 

    (c) Treasurer – (EB) Latest statement: £2,524.04 £40 paid out for ICO data protection fee (to be renewed September 2021) £500 paid in (food supp/sanitary) from Stirling Council grant. I’ve passed a cheque to Laura Williamson to replenish phone box with essentials and she will submit all receipts. Cheque signatory change has been completed and sent to bank, so awaiting update.­­

    (d) Planning – (HM) been sending out weekly planning apps. Questions about 3 houses near the school planning permission – on agenda to discuss

    (e) Thornhill Community Trust – (EB) Discussion on the completion of a safeguarding policy for volunteers taking part in any work in the future. A biodiversity survey has been concluded for the North Common and Matt Harding will present his findings and suggestions for management at the end of the month. Ideas to purchase cameras for nest boxes and link the feed with the school, Group keen to share photos of garden wildlife. Future plans for live talks and field trips, e.g. to see water voles. Discussion on futures group, which will be presented later in the agenda.

    (f) Blair Drummond Community Hall – no updates

  6. Community Council Business:

    (a) Dunsire and Partners’ development in Thornhill: (AG) – keen to get ahead with consultation –put together a questionnaire. But wait until planning has been applied for to get a better picture. (GI) asked if app has been submitted – (AG) timeline was end of last year but hasn’t gone in yet. (MF) suggested set up a reminder to set a reminder on the planning portal to get notifications of when it will go in. 

    (b) Windfarm – Shelloch development in Gargunnock – (GI) they have put full planning info in so we have till 22 Feb to comment on behalf of CC and TCT – there is a notice on Social Media to put comments to Stirling Council. 14 responses from the residents and some of them are here. We have copies of the responses and they have been sent to SC they are all objections. Taller than proposal 150 metres tall whereas on the planning app they are 180 metres – visual impact – significant change. Wildlife issues, tourism, natural habitat etc. Letters can be attached if required.  
    (MF) reminded CC that it is material concerns that apply i.e. visual impact is a material concern.  (GI) has concerns about changing the goal posts and setting presidents for future applications – would like to object about the changes.  (MF) You can only object to current application – previous plan was rejected by SC but passed by Scot Gvt (LJP) 180 metres turbines are 3 x taller than the Wallace Monument so a big impact on the landscape.  
    SC guidance says the land cannot take any more turbines so we can use this to put in as objections. (MF) make it clear to residents to put in objections of their own or with CC (ET) supports MF to encourage residents to put forward concerns to show strong feelings in the community.  (SP) is there anything in the Stirling Observer and should we put something in. (MF) you could put an advert in to say that the community of Thornhill are objecting to this but it would be better in your own newsletter for your area or surrounding villages. (NM) Gargunnock – trying to raise awareness in his community but has been disappointed with the response as the community believe this has already gone through and Gargunnock think they may have financial benefits. The scaling of these turbines is going to have a landscape and visual impact. This will disturb the soil and the peat in the area.  Has spoken to Arnprior past the nursery where the large vehicles will drive through a few of the villages whilst work is in progress. 
    (AW) talked about publicising this issue and thinks we can put more information out on the Thornhill community public page. (SP) asked who is in favour of the development – no one – so wants to go ahead putting in the objections (AG) wonders if we should wait until they see if there are any more letters from residents (MF) suggested to put a letter in to SC soon to let them know the concerns and that there will be an objection coming soon. (AL) thanked NM for coming to the meeting and letting the CC know that they were also unhappy with the proposal for this development. 
    (ET) asked if the CC would copy her in to the letter going to planning Action (AG)

    (c) Slow down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling – (MF) went back to them again and they said they would have another look at it but she is not hopeful. She highlight the points about the speed – because of COVID priorities have changed. 

    (d) North Common – (EB) – a few have been volunteering to clean up as it is a bit of a bog at the moment. Wonders if there is a possibility of a crossing. A few of us have been doing a lot of ditch digging/freeing over the past few weeks to lessen the standing water and inaccessibility. The aim with this and the rest of the village is to create a dry route of pathways. We have a paths for all grant waiting to be used, but the drainage has to be addressed first. One resident asked if it would be possible to put a pedestrian crossing on Main Street, near the near the phone box, It would allow safer crossing to/from the shop, PO van, community hall and give the school a safer route for walks to and around North Common. (ET) if the school has looked at the travel plan it may be given priority and possible but needs to be in the plan. (JM) safer routes to schools policy – there is a process. Action (EB) get in touch with schools. 

    (e) CC Engagement with the community – (AG) wonders how many people read the notice boards – look at a website or Facebook. (EB) I have asked that the CC has a dedicated tab on the Thornhill Stirling website (https://thornhillstirling.org) where we can engage with the community, highlight meetings and log-ins, agenda and minutes. Also created a FB page that Andy has volunteered to admin so we can engage directly with both communities. Fewer people are venturing out to look at noticeboards these days, so the information should be shared across many platforms to catch everyone. (EB) would be responsible for updating page and could link to a dedicated FB page. Not everyone is digitally connected so continue to use noticeboards and village shop etc. Proposed (AG) Agreed by all.

    Community Engagement Plan – (EB) At the village meeting in August 2020, a discussion was led on developing a vision for Thornhill’s future after the pandemic. So many things are done differently now – work patterns, travelling, shopping, exercise etc. There was a feeling of greater community caring and kindness and a village futures group was born. The group will be made up of representatives from the village groups: TCT, CC, community hall, gardening society, playgroup etc. Could we have a volunteer to represent CC in this group…– Action (AR) will be the representative and feed back and forth to the group and the CC. 

  7. Residents Forum – (SP) 
    (a) 21/00020/FUL | Erection of 3 dwelling houses | Land between Thornhill Primary School and No. 19 Low Town Thornhill – (TOMM) has issues re parking as there is no parking at the school. Feels that SC need to give advice on safety for the playground. Not sure if the school is fully aware of the houses and how close they are to the school and feels they need to be informed.  (JM) suggested he should write to planning with his concerns. (TOMM) stated he already wrote to SC (MF) said that the safety of cars coming in and out of the school may be a safety concern with these builds and this may be considered as a material concern. (JI) we should let the community know about these things as with COVID there is not as much communication in the community as much and may be missing information, we can use the community newsletter.  If we need to object tit needs to be quick as the expiry date is 10th Feb (SP) do we want to put in a formal complaint – all agreed – Action (SP)

  8. AOB – (JI) reiterated – make the community aware of these planning applications there is a lack of communication in the community there may be a bit of a disconnect, we can use the community newsletter or the webpage if it is up and running soon. (AR) agrees and perhaps we should add the planning spreadsheets AG has compiled. Action (AG) will send EB the spreadsheets. 
    (GI) Resident asking for support for a planning app Robertson Lane – trying to develop a little bit of their land. (MF) said concerns were about sewage and overbuilding in a small area. Suggested being cautious about commenting or support. (AG) has concerns about anyone asking for support from the CC as it may set a precedence and for residents to use the CC as a forum for getting planning apps through.

  9. Date, time and venue of next meeting: 17/03/2021 at 7:30pm

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