Nairnshire Partnership/Ward Forum
Agenda
Action Note of Nairnshire Partnership/Ward Forum held on Wednesday 26 September 2007 at 6.00 pm in the Chamber, the Court House, Nairn.
Attendees
Provost Liz MacDonald, Nairn Ward, Highland Council (Chair)
Iain Bain, Editor, Nairnshire Telegraph
Sheena Baker, Association of Nairn Businesses
David Brownless, Association of Nairn Businesses
Inspector David Bushell, Northern Constabulary
Louise Clark, Ward Manager, Highland Council
Anna Dougan, Youth Forum
Councillor Laurie Fraser, Nairn Ward, Highland Council
William Gilfillan, Corporate Manager, Highland Council
John Mackie, Chairman, Nairn Suburban Community Council
Campbell Mair, Practice Manager, Lodgehill Clinic
Councillor Graham Marsden, Nairn Ward, Highland Council
Councillor A S Park, Nairn Ward, Highland Council
Mrs J Tolmie, Chairperson, Nairn River Community Council
Dick Youngson, Nairn Suburban Community Council
Maureen MacKenzie, Administrative Assistant, Highland Council
John Dolan, Local Resident
Brenda Dougan, Local Resident
Jim Taylor, Local Resident
Murray Cochrane, Area Housing Manager, Highland Council
Sarah Evans, Housing Development Officer, Highland Council
1. Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received from Roddy Dyce, HIE IEH, and Ed Chambers, Council for Voluntary Service Nairn.
Provost Liz MacDonald in the Chair.
2. Minute of the Previous Meeting
The Minute of the Previous Meeting held on 5 July 2007 was approved as a true record.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 (7.2) Community Development Officer – In the absence of Ed Chambers, Louise Clark confirmed that candidates had been interviewed and an appointment had been made, however the person subsequently decided not to take the job. Louise added that the post had been re-advertised and some interest had been expressed.
4. Nairn Town Centre Redevelopment
William Gilfillan gave an update on the three main aspects of the Nairn Town Centre redevelopment as follows:-
• Somerfield – missives were concluded three weeks ago and an application for outline planning consent is expected in the near future.
• Sandown – missives were concluded with Deveron Homes in early August. Site and soil surveys will take in the order of three months to complete so an application for outline planning consent is expected around December.
• High Street Project – Louise Clark reported that the proposals would be ready in October when they would go to public consultation.
William also reported that the new Nairn Community Centre would open to the public on 15 October with the official opening taking place on 31 October.
On the question being put by Sheena Baker, William confirmed that 10% of the money from the sale of Sandown Lands would be received when Deveron Homes were granted outline planning consent and the remaining 90% when detailed planning consent was granted.
The Provost thanked William for the update.
5. Nairnshire Partnership website – www.nairnscotland.co.uk
Louise Clark spoke to her report and the following actions were agreed.
5.1 The Project Group would be re-formed as follows:-
• Louise Clark, Highland Council
• Anna Dougan to nominate a representative, with an interest in IT, from the Youth Forum
• Roddy Dyce, HIE IEH
• Iain Fairweather, Tourism Sector
• John Mackie, Nairn Suburban Community Council
5.2 At the Provost’s request Louise will organise an advert in relation to the relevant links to be included in the site.
6. Action Note
6.1 Links School – Louise Clark confirmed that the lease was in the process of being concluded.
6.2 Nairn High Street Streetscape – Louise Clark advised that the proposals would be ready in October when she would organise a meeting of the Project Group.
6.3 Shop Front Scheme – In Roddy Dyce’s absence, Louise Clark’s proposal that this be left with the Streetscape Project Group was agreed.
6.4 Seafront Interpretive Boards – Louise Clark advised that the final consultation was in hand and it was intended that work would start on site in January 2008 in good time for the next tourist season.
6.5 Small Town Network – Louise Clark reported that she had attended the Network meetings on behalf of the Nairnshire Partnership and the Provost was now a Director of the Small Town Network Company Ltd. The Lottery application had now been submitted and, if successful, a project group would require to be formed.
Extra Items:-
6.6 On the matter being raised by Sheena Baker, Councillor Sandy Park gave a brief update on the situation regarding a by-pass for Nairn.
Councillor Park agreed to give an update on this item at future Ward Forum Meetings.
6.7 Action Note – Sheena Baker commented that items 6.3 and 7.3 should be removed from this list however Anna Dougan added that the Tourism/Events Group (6.3) had been set up to have a wider remit than simply that of Highland 2007. The Provost agreed and suggested that this group be re-formed.
Louise Clark to update the Action Note as appropriate.
6.8 Seafront Interpretive Boards – On the question being put by Mrs Tolmie, Louise Clark confirmed that preliminary work would commence on the boards in January with installation taking place prior to the tourist season.
6.9 William Gilfillan commented on the process by which projects came to this meeting, outlining that one of the roles of the new Community Development Officer post would be to bring new projects forward. William added that partners eg HIE IEH should be strongly encouraged to table suitable projects.
7. Any Other Competent Business
7.1 Enterprise Companies – Mrs Tolmie queried the situation with regard to news’ reports that Enterprise Companies were being reorganised. Councillor Park clarified that Local Enterprise Company Boards were being removed, with the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Board going in 2008. Councillor Park added that HIE staff would remain in post and there would be no compulsory redundancies as a result of these changes.
William Gilfillan emphasised the need for an effective Community Planning Partnership as this would be the vehicle to attract European funding.
There being no further competent business, the meeting moved on to Ward Forum business.
NAIRN WARD FORUM
8. Minute of the Previous Meeting
The Minute of the Previous Meeting held on 5 July 2007 was approved as a true record.
9. Matters Arising
9.1 Nairn Riverside Paths – The Provost announced that the application for funding of Phase II of the riverside paths works had been successful, adding that The Highland Council and Scottish Natural Heritage would be contributing a total of £36,022 and £19,998 respectively.
The Provost further commented that the works were due to commence on 1 November on the east side of the river stretching from Firhall Bridge to the cemetery, with Phase II on the west side starting on 1 December.
9.2 Nairn District Court – Louise Clark advised that the Elected Members had recently met in the Court House with representatives from the Scottish Courts Service to show them the facilities available. The SCS gave no indication of their intentions one way or the other however Members had sent a formal objection and are awaiting a response.
On the question being put by the Provost, Mrs J Tolmie commented that Nairn River Community Council had written in support of the Court being retained in Nairn.
10. Nairn Ward Discretionary Budget 2007-2008
10.1 Louise Clark went over the details of the new Ward Discretionary Budget which stood at £58,616.
• Criteria were along the lines of the former Area Discretionary Budget but priority would be given to projects capable of attracting matched funding.
• Recognised that matched funding may not always been available.
• Elected Members would consider applications at their Ward Business Meetings held approximately every two weeks.
• The budget could also be used for complementing current Council expenditure for new priorities not currently met through mainstream budgets.
Previous allocations reported were:-
• RNLI - £200
• Nairn Academy Charity Bike Run - £350
• Nairn & District Pipe Band - £1,500
• Maggot Car Park - £7,781
• Ardersier & District Flower Show - £500
Current allocations:-
• Fornighty Hall - £716.42
• Delnies/Altonburn Path - £560
(strimming/cutting back gorse)
• Floodlighting Fisherwoman Statue - £450
• Nairn Highland Games Banners - £211.50
There are also eight pending projects which are currently under consideration.
Louise Clark added that application forms were available from either Maureen MacKenzie or herself.
10.2 Anna Dougan reported that she is involved in a renewable energy and insulation project at Nairn Academy which is looking at the possibility of a wind turbine contributing to their energy consumption. David Brownless offered to discuss this further with Anna and to give technical advice. Louise Clark also offered to meet separately with Anna to discuss the project further.
10.3 Anna Dougan reported that she is in the process of writing to Highland Council to complain about their waste management strategy, in particular to the lack of commercial paper recycling.
William Gilfillan commented that Neil Gillies, Director of TEC Services, had given a presentation to the Nairnshire Community Council Forum Meeting on 5 March 2007 when it was explained that it was necessary to raise bulk levels so the Council did not incur penalties and this is what they have been concentrating on. Mr Gillies commented that he was aware that there were certain areas eg plastics where improvements could and would be made.
William agreed to circulate the note of the meeting held on 5 March 2007 to this Group.
10.4 Sheena Baker queried if there was sufficient funding in place for the various floral displays throughout the town for next financial year. Councillor Park suggested that TEC Services be requested to put together a budget for the floral displays for next year so it can be ascertained whether any funding would be required from the Ward Discretionary Budget. This was agreed.
On the question being put by William Gilfillan, Louise confirmed that there was approximately £15-20,000 uncommitted in the Discretionary Budget to date.
11. Community Safety
Inspector Bushell reported that the Police have been very busy during the Summer months, with their main areas of activity being as follows:-
• Anti Social Behaviour – street order and quality of life; a very successful campaign in Operation Magma
• High Visibility Patrols – in the housing estates and on the High Street
• Fixed Penalties - now in place for such offences as breach of the peace, etc.
• Road Traffic Matters – seatbelt, mobile phones and speeding offenders/seizure of vehicles under Anti Social Behaviour legislation
• Dealing with Organised Crime – drugs problem
Other demands were as follows:-
• Foreign nationals – the need for interpreters
• Child Protection enquiries
• Monitoring of Sex Offenders
• Dealing with Anti Social Behaviour legislation
• Going to other Areas for policing of football matches, concerts, etc
• Terrorism eg Inverness Airport
(Sheena Baker left the meeting at this stage)
William reported that funds had been allocated from the Local Action Fund again for this financial year with a sum of £8,000 being available locally. This money is held in William’s budget and is available through Louise Clark. William added that this money is targeted at youth and in particular at hard to reach youngsters who are outside the mainstream and experiencing difficulties.
William added that there is now a youth worker based at Nairn Academy and, in conjunction with the Police, would hope that this would assist in a better relationship between young people and the authorities. Anna Dougan commented that she was hoping to run a campaign aimed at improving relationships between the Police and local young people. William agreed that this would be useful and requested feedback from Anna on this in due course.
On the question being put by David Brownless, Inspector Bushel confirmed that each school has a designated Police Officer. Inspector Bushell added that the Traffic Warden is also involved in terms of road safety and Dave Stewart, Drugs Enforcement Officer, also visits schools. David Brownless suggested that it might also be useful for officers to visit during lunch-times and not specifically about drugs.
The Provost thanked Inspector Bushell for the update on Community Safety.
(Dick Youngson and Inspector Bushell left the meeting at this stage)
12. Affordable Housing and Tenants’ Participation Groups
(Presentation by Murray Cochrane, Area Housing Manager, and Sarah Evans, Housing Development Officer)
Sarah Evans gave an informative presentation on Affordable Housing highlighting that there are two main types of Affordable Housing available, Publicly Funded and Privately Funded:-
Publicly Funded Affordable Housing – funding is available from the Government through Communities Scotland and is primarily spent on making new rented accommodation available.
Privately Funded Home Ownership - available in this Area through a new organisation called the Highland Housing Alliance. The Alliance targets young people trying to get on the housing market and also people who do not meet the criteria for renting Association housing.
Affordable housing schemes are currently available in this Area in Achareidh, Merryton and Auldearn; and in the longer term land at Sandown and Corsee will be available.
On more general issues, Murray reported that it was hoped by April next year that there would be a common Housing Register and common allocation procedures in place for the Council and the various Housing Associations.
Councillor Fraser enquired when a breakdown of the number of allocations per Ward would be available. William Gilfillan commented that he is a member of a small project group which has been set up to look at what information should be made available by Ward and he will report back on this in due course.
Provost MacDonald enquired if there was a specific policy for housing young people and what help is available to them. Murray replied that there is a worker based in Merkinch dealing with young people and that the New Start scheme can help with decorating.
On the suggestion being made by William, it was agreed that Anna Dougan and Murray meet at the conclusion of this meeting to discuss information on housing being forwarded to the Highland Youth Voice.
The Provost thanked Murray and Sarah for attending.
13. Open Question and Answer Session
Louise Clark confirmed that the following three questions were received from Mr Dick Youngson, Nairn Suburban Community Council, prior to the meeting, to which Mr Youngson had received a written response.
13.1 I would like to propose that we set up a Planning Department led working party for our Nairn Ward to progress the Development Plan.
This would involve Highland Council, Community Councils, Agencies and NGOs as well as other interested parties to formally develop the future requirements, layout and design of the area. These should be a rolling programme of assessment and reassessment to fit the Development Plan’s review dates and actual development proposals.
The working party would organise workshops, be the first “port of call” for developers and report back to the Nairn Ward Forum and to the Council’s Planning & Development Department.
As a Ward and community, we must start to be more proactive and far sighted.
There was a report on the Agenda of the Planning Environment and Development (PED) Committee earlier today (Wednesday) which sets out the recommended Development Plan Scheme. Included as part of this are details on how the Council will engage with communities as an essential part of this process. Community Councils together with the relevant agencies will play a key part, and the Ward Forum itself provide an important mechanism to facilitate participation at the local level. The Report itself is item 12 on the Agenda where the proposals are set out in more detail.
13.2 I would like to propose that we set up a second working party to formalise the exact route for the proposed Nairn by-pass.
This will allow the route to be surveyed/engineered and for Scottish Ministers to appoint Land Valuers and Assessors to enable the solum to be acquired.
The same principles of community involvement and participation should apply for this local Ward working party. This accords with the directives stemming from Scottish Ministers.
Our Ward/Highland Development Plan cannot be determined until the route of the by-pass has been secured.
Proposals for the dualling and re-alignement of the A96 play a central part in the delivery of growth envisaged for the A96 Corridor. Again a Report was on the Agenda of today’s PED Committee. Consultants have been working on advancing a framework which will identify where any line for a Nairn By-pass should go, and this will be incorporated into the Development Plan as this is progressed as part of the agreed Development Plan Scheme. The work undertaken will also provide a means of targeting the Scottish Government regarding delivery of the National Planning Framework, and provide an effective basis for future lobbying.
13.3 Highland Council’s audit of Green Open Areas in the Nairn area does not seem to be progressing very quickly.
Could this be helped by working with the Community Councils and local Environmental Organisations?
The Council is awaiting final publication of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 11 “Physical Activity and Open Space”. Once this sets the agreed framework, the Council will be preparing guidance on open space, including expected standards, and part of this work will include an audit of main settlements (including Nairn). A contribution to this work by Community Councils and other local environmental organisations will be welcomed at this stage once the main expected
parameters are set out in the SPP.
14. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would take place in December on a date yet to be determined. (Update – the date has now been fixed for Wednesday 5 December at 6.00 pm in the Council Chamber, Nairn Court House)
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7.50 pm.