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Convention of Perth & Kinross

Community Councils
Chairman : M. Gallagher
Vice Chairman :
Hon Treasurer : S. Bruce
Hon Secretary : S. Bruce
Please reply to: S Bruce, Rosebank, Balnaguard, Pitlochry, PH9 0PY Tel 01796 482489  Email

Liaison meeting between the Convention and Perth & Kinross Council (Democratic Services).

Wednesday 31 August 2011, 11am, 2 High Street

A meeting to discuss election, legal and administrative issues relevant to Community Councils.

Present

The Convention: Michael Gallagher, Stan Bruce

Democratic Services, Perth & Kinross Council: Gillian Taylor, Brenda Lackie

Association of Scottish Community Councils: Jim Bradley

Issues raised by community councils

Officers brought various issues and suggestions raised by CCs to the attention of Gillian and Brenda:

  • Directory: One CC has suggested that the Council produces a directory of Council departments listing their functions and providing appropriate contact details. Agreed: Michael to liase with Brenda.
  • Weighting of planning objections: It was agreed that the Convention would formally submit its proposal, that where a CC objects to a planning application, but planning officers are minded to approve, the final decision should always be made by the Development Control Committee.
  • Elections:

- Notice and nomination forms: Nomination forms and eye-catching posters will be provided. These will go out to CCs, libraries and community magazines. Candidates should give a 50 word statement.

- Required number of nominations: In order for a CC to exist, there must be nominations for at least 50% of the available places.

- N.B. – Statement of persons nominated will be published on 10th October, NOT 4th as previously stated.

- Postal votes: If there is to be an election, all voting will be by post.

Concerns relevant to other departments of Perth & Kinross Council

The following concerns raised by Comrie, Kenmore and Spittalfield CCs will be raised by the Convention with the relevant departments of Perth & Kinross Council.

  • Concerns raised by Comrie CC: Perth and Kinross Council has ignored the following concerns.

- Faded road markings on safe route to school: Convention to raise directly with Roads Department.

- Signage at school car park: Children have to walk out into the flow of traffic

- Drop kerb at school gates: These are required to help avoid accidents

Agreed – The Convention will contact the Roads Department and the School, and notify the Treasurer of Comrie CC of correspondence.

  • Concerns raised by Kenmore CC:

- Holiday housing: Excessive development of holiday housing instead of affordable housing is destroying the character of the village.

- Failure to recognise local needs: Council and councillors are biased towards the wishes of the centre, i.e. Perth, over the needs and wishes of those living in Highland Perthshire.

  • Concerns raised by Spittalfield CC:

- Erosion of local identity: Concern raised that the Council is encouraging bland uniformity, when the charm and attraction of places lies in their individuality.

  • Next Liaison Meeting – Wednesday 16 November 2011, 11am.