THE NEXT ORDINARY MEETING OF THE
GARVE & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL
BE HELD ONLINE ON TUESDAY 9 APRIL 2024 AT 7.00PM
AGENDA
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82547182391?pwd=c21BdWk0YnlHcGxRLzNQK2N1M1Rvdz09
Members of the public are very welcome to attend Community Council meetings and take part in the discussions under the guidance of the Chairman. This meeting will be recorded and will be archived and available for viewing for twelve months thereafter.
- Introductions and Apologies
- Declarations of interest
- Approval of the draft minutes of the last ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 5 March 2024
- Appointment of associate member – following our last ordinary meeting and further clarification of local and area place plans, where it seems a local place plan does carry weight, elected Community Council members wish to appoint Tina Hartley as an associate member. The appointment would be for six months or until the project is complete, whichever is sooner. This will give Tina access to mapping software the Community Council has access to.
- Matters arising from the minutes of the last ordinary meeting
- Treasurer’s report
- AOB from Community Council members
- AOB from members of the public
- Screening reports, scoping reports and consultations
10. Building warrants, planning issues and licensing issues
11. Dates of future meetings
Issued at 3.00pm on Monday 18 March 2024.
The latest ordinary meeting of the Garve & District Community Council (whose area covers from Garve to Aultguish and from Garve to Achnasheen) was held online on Tuesday 5 March 2024. Discussions included the proposed Carn Fearna windfarm and SSEN powerline, the future of both Strathgarve and Kinlochewe Primary Schools, tree planting in The Avenue which is awaiting a contractor to be appointed, changes to bin collections, Achnasheen public toilets, various road issues, local and area place plans, GD CORe land, Garve mains water and Garve Public Hall is now open. We noted the Garve War Memorial will be 100 years old later this year. We considered two planning applications. A full set of draft minutes are available below and do please check our social media page for further updates - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552992414355
DRAFT Minutes of the Garve & District Community Council ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 5 March 2024 on webcam
Community Council elected members present on webcam: Kenny Maclean (Chairman & Secretary), Bob Moir (Vice Chairman), Caroline Gamble (Treasurer) and Sadie-Michaela Harris.
Also present on webcam: Cllr Liz Kraft, Tina Hartley (Community Engagement and Development Officer, TG&DDC), Peter Kane & Lewis Robertson (Kane Partnership), Seumas Skinner (Community Liaison Manager, Statkraft UK) and three members of the public.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm and welcomed everyone. He reminded members of the public that although our meetings are not public meetings, they were still very welcome to attend Community Council meetings even on webcam and take part in the discussions under his guidance (see section 12 of the Constitution). Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com Our website www.community-council.org.uk/garveanddistrict/ continues to receive 150-200 visitors per month (out of a community of around 270 people). The Community Council area covers from Garve to Aultguish and from Garve to Achnasheen and is the only organisation that represents the whole community. We are elected by the community every four years or so and usually meet once a month. Draft minutes and a list of current members of the Community Council can be viewed at our website. We are also on social media - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552992414355 which now has 93 followers, thank you for doing so.
Declarations of Interest – the Vice Chairman is a Garve Public Hall Trustee and a Friend of Garve War Memorial. The Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Community Council member Sadie-Michaela Harris are all members of the traffic calming group. The Chairman (who is also Secretary) declared a financial interest in the upcoming discussion around the Secretarial fee. Community Council members confirmed that they had read all documents due to be discussed tonight before the start of this meeting.
Approval of draft minutes of the ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 30 January 2024 via webcam were proposed without amendment by Bob Moir and seconded by Sadie-Michaela Harris, unanimously agreed. Minutes are available at Garve Post Office, Achnasheen Village Noticeboard, on our website or via email. Hard/electronic copies are also available on request. Minutes will be signed by our Chairman and Treasurer in due course via post.
Matters arising – Boralex – https://www.boralex.com – no update on the project this month but Boralex do hope to be able to provide an update in the coming months.
Kirkan Windfarm – http://www.kirkanwindfarm.co.uk – no update.
Proposed Tarvie windfarm – https://tarviewindfarm.com – no update.
Proposed SSE Fairburn extension – https://www.sserenewables.com/onshore-wind/in-development/fairburn-extension – no update.
SSEN Spittal – Beauly 400kV project - https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/spittal--loch-buidhe--beauly-400kv-connection - SSEN are holding further public consultations about the proposed new powerline which could be built at the eastern end of Loch Garve. More details at https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/events/?p=2&d=1.... Please note, we did request the timings for Garve be moved to afternoon/evenings but SSEN prefer a mix of mornings, afternoons and evenings. Garve residents are welcome to attend Contin, Marybank or Strathpeffer exhibitions if those times are more suitable or they can contact SSEN directly with any questions or comments they may have. Wednesday 20 March 2024, 10am–1pm at Contin Village Hall, Wednesday 20 March 2024, 3pm–7pm at Fairburn Memorial Hall, Marybank, Thursday 21 March 2024, 10am–1pm at Garve Public Hall and Thursday 21 March 2024, 3pm–7pm at Strathpeffer Pavilion. This update has already appeared on our online channels. An online meeting called by Strathpeffer Community Council took place between Community Council representatives and SSEN on Friday 23 February 2024 which Community Council member Sadie-Michaela Harris attended. Sadie along with other Community Council members felt timings for the upcoming public exhibitions were not the best but SSEN still maintain that they want to continue to engage with key stakeholders as the project progresses. A S37 application is unlikely before the end of the year. Sadie noted around half the attendees were from SSEN, the rest from Community Councils along the proposed route. Sadie felt there was a lot of talk, but a lack of detail and explanation especially for the public who will attend the exhibitions. Undergrounding was asked again, especially as it can be done for many kms in the Alps so why not here in the Highlands? It was felt the SSEN representatives in attendance were there to deliver the project as is, rather than consider other options. Notes of the meeting are in the library section of our website. Cllr Kraft noted undergrounding of the Skye to Beauly line is happening following a planning decision on that project. Sadie felt a diagram explaining why undergrounding is not possible would be helpful and has already requested SSEN to provide one. Is capacity an issue? The Vice Chairman noted cables are buried at sea (transatlantic) as well as underground so what is the real issue here? Yesterday, SSEN called their own meeting with Community Councils for this Thursday afternoon. We hope to be able to attend though it is short notice! (Post meeting note – Bob, Kenny & Sadie did attend but were left with more questions than answers. Only 6 or 7 of the 24 Community Councils along the proposed route attended, perhaps a sign of how short the notice was).
SSEN underground cable from the Western Isles to Beauly – Lisa Marchi has been in touch to say they had planned public exhibitions in March 2024 but they have decided it would be far too early as construction is not programmed to start until January 2026 however, they do plan undertaking some Ground Investigation (GI) work starting towards the end of March 2024 - early April 2024 for approximately 10 weeks, tbc. We thank Lisa for her update. Our understanding is that the underground cable will run down beside the A835 before cutting through The Avenue, Killin Farm and then onto Beauly. Cllr Kraft does not believe planning permission is required but hopes SSEN will engage with local communities throughout the project. In slightly related news, the local MP recently had a very informative meeting with National Grid regarding their planning cycle for the nation's electricity transmission network. A briefing note to share with his constituents is now available in the library section of our website.
We have been made aware of the proposed Creachan Windfarm which is outside of our area to the north.
Proposed Carn Fearna windfarm – https://projects.statkraft.co.uk/Carn-Fearna/ The proposed Carn Fearna windfarm is proposed for an area of land 1.5km east of Garve. It is proposed that the windfarm will consist of up to 11 turbines with a maximum height of 200m and potential generation capacity of 72.6MW. An initial public exhibition took place last year, with plans for a further round this spring. We were updated at this meeting that Statkraft wanted to produce a straightforward yet detailed report. 59 people signed in at the exhibitions though it is acknowledged more attended but did not sign in, it was not mandatory. Contin attracted a large crowd, perhaps Garve people also attending. Concerns about SSEN projects were raised but this is not something Statkraft can deal with, please contact SSEN directly. Of the 1,700 freepost reply cards posted to homes and available at consultation events, 105 reply cards were completed, either by post, completed in person at the exhibitions or completed online which Statkraft felt was a good response when compared to other projects. Of those 105 individuals, 61% (63 respondents) agreed more renewable energy was required. 30% (32 respondents) agreed that this should take the form of onshore wind, with 19% (20 respondents) agreeing that the proposed site was a suitable location for a wind farm. Visual impact was a major concern for those attending the exhibitions along with renewable energy in general, community benefit/ownership and pylons which in this case will be put up to the Corriemoillie Substation rather than via Rogie. A full report is available on the Statkraft website. The next round of public exhibitions will highlight any design changes as they are not at “Design Chill” stage yet. Several additional viewpoints and noise receptors are also being considered following feedback. Community Council members thanked Peter, Lewis and Seumas for attending and for their regular updates. It is good to be getting feedback so early on in a project and we hope evenings for the public exhibitions are being considered (noted). It was also confirmed that regarding community benefit/ownership, several options could be considered but Statkraft also do not want to be making promises too early in the process, especially before planning permission is granted. Our Chairman also noted that with Boralex, even when planning permission has been granted, nothing is set in stone.
The Highland Council updates – www.highland.gov.uk – the budget for 2024/25 was passed by full council on Thursday 29 February 2024, Council Tax has been frozen - https://www.highland.gov.uk/budget
As first reported at our April 2023 ordinary meeting, there are to be changes to bin collections in our area. More details available at https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/15935/improvements_to_waste_and_recycling_collections_across_highland_%E2%80%93_starting_in_ross_and_cromarty This update has already appeared on our online channels.
Strathgarve Primary School – an initial informal meeting between council officials and parents took place recently. We have been advised that the meeting was useful for both sides and one where the parents made very constructive comments. All the parents were present except for one family, who sent in a letter instead. The parents were unanimous in opposing mothballing or closure. Council officials discussed the situation with the building, and advised there was little chance of investment in the school building in the short to medium term, due to other pressures. The parents advised that they would rather continue with the current building situation than lose the school altogether. They highlighted the long travel times from parts of the school catchment area and had significant concerns about the reliability of transport in bad weather, or if the road was blocked by accidents etc… Council officials have also confirmed there is an additional issue at Strathgarve with the low school roll, currently eight pupils in total and unlikely to rise. Council officials will now need to carefully consider the views the parents had expressed. We note the Community Council logo project is in hand. In related news, Kinlochewe Primary School (whose catchment area includes Achnasheen) – council officials contacted local parents in Kinlochewe before Christmas as the school has been “mothballed” since the summer of 2022, to try and ascertain their views on the future of the school. It was suggested postponing the review of the school’s future for another 6 months, on the basis that there were houses for sale in the Kinlochewe/Torridon area, that might lead to more families moving in. Council officials agreed but will revisit the matter in the late summer. It should perhaps be noted that there are disadvantages about leaving a school “mothballed” for an extended period, as empty buildings can deteriorate. We welcome these updates and are pleased parents are being contacted directly at both schools. In the case of both schools, neither can be closed before a formal public consultation has been carried out. Community Council member Sadie-Michaela Harris noted https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/15905/primary_strategic_network_in_education and wondered what it would bring to local schools? Cllr Kraft felt it would bring staff closer together by being able to learn and support one another, just like all being in the same building. Concern was raised at this meeting about the possible future of both schools. If Kinlochewe were to close, Achnasheen children would be nearer to Strathgarve but would Strathgarve still be there? Travel/distance, especially for the youngest was raised. Mothballing costs money but how long do you wait to see if the building is ever going to be needed again? Cllr Kraft thinks there may be limits, so called “red lines” about travel for youngsters, she has already asked but has not received a reply. Cllr Kraft also noted repopulation is a hot topic just now but no schools may not encourage families to move into an area. Some teachers feel isolated in small communities with low school roll so attracting staff could be an issue too. Our Chairman visited Kinlochewe Primary School recently and felt the building was in a very poor state of repair and no furniture in the classrooms. Play equipment outside is rusting, hardly a good sign of the “mothballing,” it reminded him of Achnasheen Primary School and how it was mothballed, then closed. Is history repeating itself he asked? Is there asbestos in these buildings? Cllr Kraft will ask as that would also be a factor. We await developments.
Replanting Trees in The Avenue – awaiting a contractor to be appointed.
Wooden sign for core path in Garve has been repaired, thanks to all. The sign has been attached to Wooden fencing which has been in disrepair for some time. Cllr Kraft is unsure if we will have Seasonal Access Rangers going forward but will keep us updated as NatureScot will no longer part fund them. Would the proposed Visitor Levy fund them? Cllr Kraft’s understanding is that the Scottish Government are still to pass all the legislation required before The Highland Council can implement such a scheme so perhaps two years away and The Highland Council would need to draw up a Highland wide Tourism Strategy first but a voluntary campervan levy could be implemented now which would raise funds following discussions at Thursday’s Highland Council meeting. It is thought responsible campervan owners would want to take part in the £40 per year scheme and they would receive a sticker to display on their campervan. A Traffic Order has also been made so they are prohibited from camping in cemetery car parks, this will be enforced.
There are two large potholes near the school on the road leading up to Blackwater Bridge. The Treasurer has reported both FS-Case-588367157 on Tuesday 20 February 2024, our thanks to her. Community Council member Sadie-Michaela Harris noted further issues over at Strathgarve w/c Monday 19 February 2024 where temporary cold tar fillings have already started to wash out. Cllr Kraft has been made aware. Cllr Kraft confirmed the hotbox in is the ward this week and we note trials of a new thermal pothole repair kit - https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/15938/chair_confirms_dates_for_thermal_trial
Wyvis Natural Playpark sign, nearest toilet signs and hedge cut back are all still outstanding. Cllr Kraft continues to make enquiries. It has also been noted that there has been no progress on the Garve biosphere gateway sign, but the Development Company will revisit this once the GD CORe land development has taken place.
Achnasheen Village Hall and Public Toilets – 89/178 of surveys sent out by The Highland Council were returned. 82% of respondents indicated they had attended events or functions within the hall but when asked if they would use the hall in the future, 64 out of the 89 participants answered no. Towards the end of the survey respondents were asked if they felt the hall was an important part of the community and 71% (59) answered no with 28% (23) stating yes. There was no mention of the Post Office service in the survey but strong support for retaining public toilet facilities. The full report can be viewed at https://garve.org/aaa-survey-feb23 In related news, we have been advised 21 people attended the Christmas party in Achnasheen, thanks to Kathy Grist for the update. The Post Office service was closed again today but we understand it is hoping to return next week. Cllr Kraft understands Highland Council officials will/have met with Hall Committee but acknowledge a Community Asset Transfer will not be possible following the survey results. The focus now is the future of the public toilets and several options are under consideration including liaising with local businesses (via Comfort Scheme where The Highland Council gives the business a fixed payment for their toilets to be made available to the public) or a new block of toilets possibly paid for by the selling of the building. Skye Councillors have, in the past, raised concern about the toilets being closed. Concern has been raised via our Chairman that Achnasheen needs public toilets going forward which he agrees. The Highland Council do not have to provide toilets (no statutory duty) so could windfarm money be used for the running of toilets? In theory yes but there could be additional costs such as vandalism, staff wages if you cannot get volunteers, frozen and blocked pipes, tap to pay etc … but lorry drivers, emergency services, delivery drivers would all be grateful for the service. Also, see
The Highland Council notes that residents should report issues directly to them by calling The Highland Council’s Call Centre on 01349 886606 or via www.highland.gov.uk/report In all cases, you will be given a reference number. The Highland Council also appreciates photos showing the actual problem.
A835 Trunk Road issues - Killin Farm railway crossing improvements and barriers east of Garve – we note works begun on Monday 12 February 2024 east of the crossing with works planned in two phases, this first phase due to last 12 weeks, ending around Friday 3 May 2024.
We also note the damage to the crash barrier at the “Check Rail Corner” which the MSP has raised, awaiting a reply from both Network Rail and Transport Scotland. Concern was raised regarding those jumping the red lights. Dashcam footage shared on social media has, we understand, been passed onto the police.
Retaining wall between Hazelbrae and Garve Hotel – the BEAR inspection team will attend the site and record any defects found regarding the stone wall, our thanks to them and our Treasurer for the updates. The Treasurer did not think flooding made the matter any better.
The damaged crash barrier at the Gorstan Junction has been repaired, our thanks to all. Cllr Kraft was disappointed a reply received by the MSP about upgrading the junction did not carry much hope. How many deaths or serious injuries does there need to be? Our Chairman worried “life changing injuries” is a phrase thrown about. Do people really stop to think what it really means?
Faults on the Trunk Road (A835) should be reported via www.bearscot.com/report-a-defect/
A local traffic calming meeting is due to be held later this week. Our Chairman has already asked those in the group if there are any issues he can investigate beforehand, to help move things along, no responses received. He also noted no issues raised online in around a year - https://garve.org/traffic-calming-may22 (Post meeting note – concern remains about the speed of traffic. Enquiries will be made by our Chairman to see what the speed zone criteria is these days and what measures we can take ourselves).
Local and area place plans – our Chairman attended a Biosphere workshop in Torridon on Thursday 22 February 2024. The Biosphere group would like the area place plan to focus on the natural and cultural heritage of the Biosphere area. They would like to understand further the role of heritage in shaping sustainable rural communities by understanding what the people who live and work in the area envision for the future. When asked, at the workshop, it was noted that a local place plan and an area place plan are different, a local place plan would only be a material consideration in the planning process whereas an area place plan will form part of the new Highland Wide Development Plan which is beginning to be drawn up - https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/15894/committee_updated_on_new_highland_local_development_plan The Biosphere group hope to have a first draft of their area place plan available for public consultation by June 2024 and a final version by October 2024. Our Chairman felt next steps were key, it is too early to say too much at this stage but it was acknowledged that other workshops had identified similar trends, issues and concerns. At this meeting, there still appeared to be confusion over the two plans and how much weight they carry in the planning process. Cllr Kraft felt a local place plan should feed into the area place plan as people and places are at the heart of any community - https://www.transformingplanning.scot/media/1208/place-placemaking.pdf and https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/178/development_plans/1043/local_place_plans (thanks to Sadie for the links). Contin/Strathpeffer/Dingwall might join their plans up, tbc. Gairloch Community Council has received funding to help them draw their local place plan up but does it also cover a wider area? Our Chairman was all for public consultation but it must be meaningful and repeated the explanation given at the Biosphere workshop as above and as reported at our last ordinary meeting. Access to mapping was again raised, perhaps a member of the Development Company might have to join the Community Council as an associate member? Perhaps a joint meeting of the three organisations is needed once further clarification is sought? Tina Hartley (Community Engagement and Development Officer, TG&DDC) confirmed the Development Company had met with Planning Aid Scotland and Highland Council planning but doubted if Planning Aid consultants now had the capacity to help. Tina has been on holiday so does not know Heather’s feedback from the Ullapool Biosphere workshop. Our Chairman will make further enquiries. (Post meeting note – our Chairman has spoken to Highland Council officials who were very helpful, a Local Place Plan does carry weight so work has begun to draw one up, our thanks to Tina for her help on this).
Proposals for a National Park that includes Ben Wyvis have been dropped due to the number of concerns raised following public exhibitions held recently. The proposed Wester Ross & Lochalsh National Park has also been dropped - https://wrb.scot/resources/national-park-consultation-2023 and the proposals for Skye & Rassay and Affric & Loch Ness have also been dropped.
GD CORe land – we note from the Development Company December 2023 board minutes that they have applied to the LCT in support of continuing costs for the GD CORe land, including fencing, legal fees, grass cutting, council tax, building maintenance and insurance. 2023/24 grant: £10,000, remaining: £767.54. https://garve.org/community-ownership-nov23 Our Chairman asked Tina Hartley (Community Engagement and Development Officer, TG&DDC) for a general update on where things stand. Tina confirmed that they were awaiting Garve Public Hall opening as they wished to link the Garve engagement event into the next coffee morning to be held there. Following this, they will gather all feedback to date and present the results to the community. Tina also confirmed that joining up with a coffee morning increased footfall and that the Events group are due to meet shortly so an exact date should be known after that.
Garve mains water – a few days after our last ordinary meeting, we received reports of further bursts in Garve which were quickly resolved. We have asked for an update when exactly the works to replace pipes will start? Concern has also been raised about possible damage to homeowners’ boilers when water pressure drops. One resident has received the following message from Scottish Water ... "Apologies it has taken so long - if there is any damages incurred to your boiler or anything due to the pressure faults then please retain receipts and get back in touch as you may be entitled to a claim." Perhaps such possible additional expenses to Scottish Water is yet another reason why this project needs to press on as soon as possible. Our Chairman has sent two emails and made two phone calls to try to get an update for this meeting, no responses. We therefore await an update. The Vice Chairman noted pressure coming back on can also be an issue if you are in the shower at the time, someone was nearly scolded recently.
Garve Public Hall is now open, see their new website for details - https://www.garvepublichall.com/ where we are told “Garve Public Hall Trustees were thrilled to open the hall’s doors once again to the community on Saturday 10 February 2024 following the recent renovations. The day was well attended, and excellent feedback received. Garve Public Hall has sat at the heart of its community for over 100 years, historically supporting residents of Garve and the surrounding area. Following community consultation, renovation of the hall has been a priority since 2016, with the project being clearly identified in the area’s Community Development Plan. The hall has undergone a major transformation whilst maintaining the traditional character of this historic building - old and new coming together.” The Treasurer asked if the extended car park was in use? Yes when Hall in use, fencing and gates under consideration so stop campervans or hill walkers using it out with Hall use times.
A joint Community Council meeting was held on Wednesday 28 February 2024 covering the future of the mobile library service (a business case is to go before The Highland Council), roads and various other matters. It was noted that it was an interesting, well attended meeting with good engagement by all. Cllr Kraft also attended whose input was appreciated. (Post meeting note – the notes of the meeting are now available in the library section of our website).
Trees on telephone lines have been reported and attended to. We also note the digital landline switchover file and where your rubbish journey goes are all in the library section of our website, both worth a read!
We have been made aware of a path that has been washed away following recent storms in Little Garve. Forestry & Land Scotland are aware of the issue and repairs are in hand. More details at https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/little-garve
Garve & District War Memorial - this year is the 100th anniversary of the Garve & District War Memorial and the volunteers who look after it are looking for any ex-service personnel who live in the Community Council area that would like to take part in the celebration on Saturday 26 October 2024. Anyone interested, just email garvewarmemorial@gmail.com This update has already appeared on our online channels.
Police report - no formal report received but as reported at previous Community Council meetings, anyone who wishes to raise an issue with the police are asked to call them directly on 101 at the time of the incident and make a witness statement. Video, dashcam or photo evidence is also welcomed, indeed encouraged by the police. The police can also be contacted on www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/ Press reports inform us a 38-year-old man who claimed to police he had smashed and overturned his car near Achnasheen after he swerved to avoid a deer last February (2023), was in fact over the drink drive limit. He was 118mcgs when breathalysed at the scene, the limit is 50mcgs. The individual was fined £320 and banned from driving for a year.
Treasurer’s report – the Treasurer reported our total bank balance is £2,147.96. The breakdown is as follows … Treasurers account was £200.11 -£30.00 petrol and public liability insurance of £97.20 (was £86.00) = £72.91. Reserve £1,613.45. Wreath fund (in memory of Eliza) £461.60. It was agreed that The Treasurer approach our Auditor to see if she is willing to audit for us once again as year-end is 31 March. Following discussion via email that excluded our Chairman at his own request, it was proposed by Caroline Gamble, seconded by Bob Moir that the Secretary fee be reduced by 50% to £175.00 as our Chairman is already doing half the Secretary work as our Chairman, agreed although it was also noted that Community Council members would like to have given more to our Chairman if funds had allowed. Our Chairman abstained from this vote. There were no questions for the Treasurer but suggestions for a fundraiser were requested, perhaps a ceilidh or a bingo night?
AOB from Community Council members – Our Chairman noted the recent figures from The Office of Rail & Road https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/station-usage showing our railway stations are, in most cases, back to pre-pandemic levels of use with 3,302 passengers using Achnasheen in 2022/23, 282 passengers using Achanalt, 182 passengers using Lochluichart and 3,290 passengers using Garve. Our Chairman thought the numbers were all very interesting when thinking about a community bus. (Post meeting note – a update on the proposed community bus is now available at https://garve.org/march-24-update)
AOB from members of the public - no issues raised by those present. Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com
Screening reports, scoping reports and consultations – none. All Highland Council consultations are available at http://consult.highland.gov.uk/portal All Scottish Government consultations are available at https://consult.gov.scot/consultation_finder
Building warrants, planning issues and licensing issues - two new planning applications have been received by The Highland Council since our last ordinary meeting. 23/05905/FUL is a proposed battery energy storage facility comprising a compound of battery and electrical equipment, access track, landscaping and ancillary works on land 705M NW Of Grudie Cottage, Grudie Bridge. We have advertised this planning application through our online channels. In other to meet tomorrow’s deadline for comments, Community Council members have already considered this application and have raised no objections.
23/05955/FUL is the formation of a hardstanding (in retrospect) on land 70M SE of The Summerhouse, Inchbae. We have advertised this planning application through our online channels and let neighbouring properties who we have email addresses for aware. Community Council members raised no objections but did note retrospective applications are concerning, why wasn’t proper homework not done to start with?
A possible planning breach can be reported at https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/180/planning_-_applications_warrants_and_certificates/170/planning_enforcement/2
All planning applications can be viewed at www.highland.gov.uk/info/180/planning_-_applications_warrants_and_certificates/143/planning_permission/4
There were no new licensing issues for us to consider this evening though we do note an application for a short term lets licence for the Gillies Rest in Achnasheen which was advertised on the premises.
Dates of future meetings – tbc.
As usual, our Chairman started to draw the meeting to a close by asking all present if anyone had any final questions or thoughts on anything they had heard this evening, a question he often asks throughout the meeting too. Nobody had any final questions or thoughts. Although our meetings are not public meetings, members of the public are still very welcome to attend Community Council meetings and take part in the discussions under the guidance of the Chairman (see section 12 of the Constitution). A copy of our Constitution is available in the library section of our own website and hard/electronic copies are available on request. Those who cannot attend our meetings can, as always, write to us by post or email with any issues they wish raised at garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending. He also thanked Community Council member Sadie-Michaela Harris for hosting the webcam session. The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.40pm.
This set of minutes were first published (in draft form) at 3.00pm on Tuesday 12 March 2024.
Since our last meeting ...
SCOTTISH TRUNK ROAD NETWORK MANAGEMENT CONTRACT - NORTH WEST UNIT A835 GARVE ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS - BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, are proposing to commence essential Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) improvement works on the A835 Trunk Road, east of Garve. The project will involve installing approximately 810m of new safety barrier to protect motorists as well as trains on the nearby railway line. In addition, new drainage, carriageway resurfacing, road markings, fencing and improvements to adjacent private level crossings will be installed to improve safety on the A835 for all road users. The project is set to get underway from Monday 12 February 2024 for up to 12 weeks. Traffic lights will be in place continuously to protect road workers as well as motorists during the improvements. This is the first phase of Vehicle Restraint System improvements planned for Garve with the second phase currently programmed to commence in 2024/25 Financial Year. Typical working hours will be between 0700 to 1700 hrs, Monday to Friday, with no works presently planned for the weekends. Emergency access will be always available throughout the works. BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland wish to thank the local community in advance for their patience whilst this vital infrastructure is installed.
Garve & District War Memorial - this year is the 100th anniversary of the Garve & District War Memorial and the volunteers who look after it are looking for any ex-service personnel who live in the Community Council area that would like to take part in the celebration on Saturday 26 October 2024. Anyone interested, just email garvewarmemorial@gmail.com
We note the damage to the crash barrier on the A835 at the “Check Rail Corner” which the MSP has raised (Case Ref: MT15572). The reply she has received has confirmed that the barrier strike has caused extensive damage to the retaining wall which rests at the top of a steep embankment above the railway line, the wall has been assessed and is beyond repair and will need replacing, a complex project considering how close the road, rail and loch are. Transport Scotland recognise the strategic importance of maintaining transport links on road and rail at this location and therefore investigation work is now required to properly consider options that allow a long-term solution to be constructed whilst keeping the trunk road and railway line open. An exact timescale for the repair is not possible to gauge at this stage however the road is likely to remain restricted to one lane until the continuing investigations are undertaken and a possible solution agreed. Our thanks to the MSP and Transport Scotland for the update which we have asked for continued updates.
Friends of the Garve War Memorial will be marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day by holding an afternoon tea on Sunday 9 June 2024 from 12.30pm in Garve Public Hall. To book places, just email them at garvewarmemorial@gmail.com (cost £8 per head). Proceeds will go towards the 100th anniversary of the War Memorial due to be held in October. Donations for the raffle would be appreciated.
New bin collection arrangements – The Highland Council are currently writing to all households with details of the new arrangements. A new grey bin will be for non-recyclable waste. Garden rubbish bins and food waste bins are not coming to our area. If anybody has any questions - recycle@highland.gov.uk
The designation of Potential Vulnerable Areas (PVAs) is a SEPA science and evidence-led process and feedback from public partners and local communities is key to making sure all relevant impacts are taken into consideration. Your views and the views of your community on the proposed PVAs will inform essential future flood risk management work so we can improve flooding resilience together and best prepare for a changing climate. You can help with this SEPA consultation by going to https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/evidence-and-flooding/potentially-vulnerable-areas/?utm_source=mailing&utm_medium=mail&utm_campaign=cc
Updates from SEPA … Do not give waste criminals a chance! Social media users will be familiar with adverts offering junk removal, waste clearances, man with a van and tip collection services. They may look professional and legitimate, but SEPA’s investigations have confirmed this is not always the case. Corrupt operators advertising their services online may dispose of the waste they collect through fly tipping and burning, blighting Scotland’s environment. This activity can quickly escalate into more serious and significant waste crime impacting compliant businesses in the waste sector. Everyone can play their part by not falling foul of digital scammers – when choosing a service provider – by always asking for their waste carrier number and checking that they are registered with SEPA, confirming where that they will take your waste and pay a fair price for the service. Anyone can also contact SEPA to check a Waste Carrier Licence number they have been given if you cannot find it online. If they are reluctant to give you information or you are in any in doubt, do not give them your waste. If you suspect they may be operating illegally, report it to SEPA online. Also from SEPA … Scots are recycling more than ever before as the nation’s recycling rate hits an all-time high in data released by Scotland’s environment watchdog, SEPA. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published the Scottish Waste From All Sources 2022 Official Statistics, which provide details on waste from Scottish households, businesses and public services. Scotland generated 10.16 million tonnes of waste, with 62.3% recycled - the highest recycling rate recorded since the start of the current series in 2011.
Future of Strathgarve Primary School – The Highland Council, having carefully considered the views expressed by parents at the meeting of Thursday 15 February 2024, has decided not to pursue any proposal to mothball or close Strathgarve Primary School for session 2024-25; that is, for the session lasting from August 2024 to early July 2025. As mentioned at the meeting, The Highland Council would potentially review this position in future years, should the roll of the school fall from its current figure. As also discussed, the current funding position is such that there are no immediate plans for investment in improving the school building. At the meeting on 15 February, parents advised as a group that they would rather keep the school as it is than lose the school altogether.
Garve mains water – our Chairman spoke with Gavin Steel on the telephone on Thursday 28 March 2024 to chase up an update and to invite him to attend our next meeting. Gavin hopes to supply a written report as he is unable to attend but hopes to attend next time. We might even see investigation works on site before we see Gavin! It is likely issues in Strathgarve are knock on issues from Garve which will be addressed when the upgrade work begins, start date tbc. Gavin sends apologies for the lack of updates but certainly has not forgotten Garve & District. Our thanks to Gavin whose written report we await …
As ever, any questions or comments on anything we are doing, please contact us directly at garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com
This website was last updated at 8.00am on Thursday 28 March 2024.