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Minute of the meeting of Garioch Area Community Council Forum on June 14, 2011 Read More...
Community Council Annual General Meeting
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The Annual General Meeting of Kintore and District Community Council will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, September 27 in Kintore School. Read More...
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Minutes of the meeting of Garioch Community Council Forum on June 14, 2011 Read More...
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Minutes of Garioch Area Committee
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ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL: GARIOCH AREA COMMITTEE 21 JUNE 2011 Read More...
Minutes of Garioch Area Committee
27/05/11 10:33
ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL
GARIOCH AREA COMMITTEE
GORDON HOUSE, INVERURIE 10 MAY 2011
Present: Councillors M Kitts-Hayes (Chair), H Al-Kowarri, A Allan, R Cowling, M Cullen, N Cullinane, M Ford, A Grant, F Hood, S Lonchay, R McKail, M Raeburn, G Saluja and B Stuart.
Officers: Ian Fowell (Garioch Area Manager), Martin Ingram (Senior Solicitor), Darren Ross (Area Planning Officer), Jane Turnbull (Analysis and Research Officer), Graeme Steel (Principal Engineer), Tom Barratt (Planner) and Alison Cumming (Area Committee Officer).
The Chair confirmed that an item of urgent business had been accepted on to the agenda and would be considered as item 13.
1. APOLOGIES
All Councillors were present.
2. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
In accordance with Standing Order 2(5) the following interests were declared:-
Item 8B – Councillor Stuart as the agents are former employees of his company; and
Item 8E – Councillor Raeburn as the wind turbine company involved in the application is the same company that installed a wind turbine next to his croft which has resulted in shadow flicker on his property.
Both Councillors continued to take a full part in considering these items.
3a. MINUTE OF MEETING OF 19 APRIL 2011
The Minute of Meeting of 19 April 2011 was approved as a correct record of proceedings.
3b. MINUTE OF MEETING OF AREA CHAIR’S SUB-COMMITTEE OF 26 APRIL 2011
The Minute of Meeting of 26 April 2011 was approved as a correct record of proceedings.
4. INTIMATION OF PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
No public questions were intimated.
5. EDUCATION, LEARNING AND LEISURE: QUARTERLY SERVICE PERFORMANCE TRENDS - QUARTER THREE (OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2010) (ABERDEENSHIRE PERFORMS)
A report by the Interim Director of Education, Learning and Leisure was circulated asking the Committee to discuss the performance information, consider the actions being taken to improve Service performance and request further reports on performance and service plans in due course.
The Committee sought clarification on a number of performance indicators and asked that further information be provided to the Committee on a number of other indicators.
The Committee agreed to:-
1. note the performance monitoring for Education, Learning and Leisure;
2. request further reports on performance and future Service Plans; and
3. request:-
(i) that the following information be provided:-
a) base numbers for PIs 1.5/2.4/3.5;
b) further detail regarding the reasons for the large difference between the Areas (ref PI 1.5);
c) explanation within the commentary to explain the PI 1.4;
d) number of Garioch children involved in PI 2.3;
e) which Garioch schools were not satisfactory in relation to PI 4.1; and
f) actual school rolls for Garioch schools (ref 4.3)
(ii) that consideration be given to PI 1.4 being made a positive indicator; and
(iii) that consideration be given as to whether 100% is achievable for PIs 4.3 and 4.4
6. CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S SERVICE – QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE MONITORING OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2010 (ABERDEENSHIRE PERFORMS)
A report by the Chief Executive was circulated asking the Committee to consider the performance information for the Chief Executive’s Service and agree to receive further reports in due course.
The Committee was particularly concerned about the level of staff absence reported, but felt that a more accurate picture could be given if long term absences were reported separately. It was also keen to see a breakdown on a Service basis to identify particular trends.
The Committee agreed to:-
1. note the performance monitoring for the Chief Executive’s Service;
2. request that absence information be provided broken down by number of days per Service (ref 5.4);
3. request the reasons for the absence rate for staff being higher than that for teaching staff; and
4. suggest that long term absences be removed from the PI and reported as a separate PI to give a truer picture of staff absences.
7. CORPORATE SERVICES’ QUARTERLY SERVICE PERFORMANCE TRENDS (OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2010) – ABERDEENSHIRE PERFORMS
A report by the Director of Corporate Services was circulated asking the Committee to consider the performance information and agree to receive further reports in due course.
The Committee highlighted the work of a number of parts of Corporate Services and congratulated the staff concerned.
The Committee agreed to:-
1. note the performance information for Corporate Services;
2. congratulate all Council Services, particularly Finance, for budget expenditure being so close to target;
3. congratulate the ICT Service for the efficient service provided when issues occur; and
4. congratulate the Internal Audit team for its good work.
8. PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DETERMINATION
The following planning applications were considered along with any valid representations received and were dealt with as recorded in the Appendix to this Minute.
Item Reference Application Decision
A. APP/2010/0027 Quarrying and recycling operations at Pitcaple Grant
Quarry, Pitcaple, Inverurie
B. APP/2011/0975 Alterations and extension to dwellinghouse at Grant
Bridgefoot Cottage, Old Rayne
C. APP/2011/0402 Formation of hardstanding to provide car parking Defer for
(retrospective) at 23 Bennachie Avenue, Inverurie Site Visit
D. APP/2010/2110 Erection of 52 dwellinghouses, extension of Delegated access road, footpaths, cyclepaths with Grant associated infrastructure and landscaping
at Phase 4, Westgate Residential Development,
Blackhall Road, Inverurie
E. APP/2010/2325 Installation of 850kw high wind turbine at Mains Defer for
of Balquhain, Chapel of Garioch, Inverurie Site Visit
F. APP/2010/4002 Replacement of timber windows at Kemnay Primary Delegated
School, Grove Road, Kemnay, Inverurie Grant
9. ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME 2011/2012 – B992 AUCHLEVEN VILLAGE
AND B9002 OYNE VILLAGE ASPHALT OVERLAY
A report by the Head of Roads and Landscape Services was circulated to Members asking the Committee to accept a tender submitted by Aberdeenshire Council, Infrastructure Services for the works in Auchleven and Oyne.
The Committee agreed to accept the tender submitted by Aberdeenshire Council, Infrastructure Services amounting to £182,891.77.
10. C108C/30 CUNNINGAR WOOD BRIDGE STRENGTHENING SCHEME
A report by the Head of Roads and Landscape Services was circulated asking the Committee to approve the scheme to carry out strengthening and refurbishment of the Cunningar Wood Bridge.
The Committee agreed to approve the scheme to carry out strengthening and refurbishment of Cunningar Wood Bridge to be undertaken by Roads and Landscape Services In House Construction Team at an estimated works cost of £78,900.
11. LOCAL REVIEW BODY DECISION NOTICE –
LAIRSHILL, NEWMACHAR, ABERDEEN
A report by the Head of Legal and Governance was circulated informing the Committee of the outcome of an appeal against refusal of Full Planning Permission for change of use from agriculture to vehicle repair and retrospective extension to form office at Lairshill, Newmachar.
The Committee agreed to note the decision of the Local Review Body to agree with the officer recommendation and refuse Full Planning Permission for change of use from agriculture to vehicle repair and retrospective extension to form office at Lairshill, Newmachar.
12. STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING BUSINESS
A report by the Garioch Area Manager was circulated informing the Committee of the items of outstanding business for the Garioch Area Committee as at May 2011.
The Area Committee Officer informed the Committee that work was being undertaken to develop Supplementary Planning Guidance for Wind Turbines (ref 2), but that discussions would need to take place with developers and consultants and it was not expected that any guidance would be ready until December 2011. The Committee Officer also confirmed that the seminar on Planning Appeals would take place on Tuesday 7 June 2011 along with training on Lotus Notes 8 and refresher training on Ward Pages. Members asked that information regarding the decisions taken by the Local Review Body also be included in the seminar.
The Committee agreed to:-
1. note the items of outstanding business as at May 2011 and the verbal update provided by the Committee Officer; and
2. request that the decisions of the Local Review Body are included within the seminar on Planning Appeals due to take place on 7 June 2011.
13. ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT OF AREA MANAGER
A report by the Area Manager was circulated seeking agreement for the arrangements for the appointment of the new Garioch Area Manager.
The Committee unanimously agreed that a Sub-Committee should be set up to appoint the new Area Manager, however, there was some discussion about the most appropriate number and composition of this Sub Committee. It was agreed that the Sub Committee should reflect the political make-up of the Area Committee.
The Committee agreed:-
a) to set up a Sub-Committee of 7 members and delegate authority to the Sub-Committee to appoint the next Garioch Area Manager;
b) the membership of the Sub-Committee as follows:-
Cllr Kitts-Hayes;
Cllr Lonchay;
Cllr Saluja;
Cllr Hood;
Cllr Grant;
Cllr McKail; and
Cllr Ford; and
c) to note the timetable for the appointment.
GARIOCH AREA COMMITTEE
10 MAY 2011
APPENDIX
PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DETERMINATION
A Reference No: G/APP/2010/0027
Full Planning Permission for quarrying and recycling operations at Pitcaple Quarry, Pitcaple, Inverurie
Applicant: Aberdeenshire Council, Harlaw Repair Depot, Harlaw Road, Inverurie
Agent: Aberdeenshire Council, Harlaw Repair Depot, Harlaw Road, Inverurie
The Committee agreed to grant Full Planning Permission subject to the following conditions:-
1. During the period from initiation to completion of the development, a Notice, in the form set out in the appended Note ‘Display of Notice while Development is Carried out – Note to Developer’, shall be displayed in a prominent place at or in the vicinity of the site. The Notice must be readily visible to the public and printed on durable material.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27C(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
2. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, working hours shall be restricted such that the quarry and recycling operations shall be limited to Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19.00 hours and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00 hours (noon). No operations shall be undertaken on Sundays nor public holidays without the prior written consent of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To control normal hours of operation in the interests of the residential amenities of the occupants of nearby properties.
3. Quarrying and recycling operations shall not be undertaken outwith the normal working hours of Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19.00 hours and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00 hours (noon) unless:
(a) an explanation for the need to work outwith normal working hours has been provided to the Planning Authority and the prior written consent of the Planning Authority to the temporary variation in working hours has been received by the operator, and
(b) residents of any noise sensitive premises (a list of which has been agreed in advance by the Planning Authority) have been notified in advance by the quarry operator of the agreed variation in working practices/working hours, and
(c) the operator has confirmed to the Planning Authority that this notification under (b) has been carried out.
Reason: To control hours of operation and to maintain the residential amenities of the occupants of nearby properties.
4. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, during the normal working hours of Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19.00 hours and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00 hours (noon) noise levels from the quarry operations shall not exceed 50dB LAeq1h when measured at the nearest noise sensitive premises, i.e. Damhead Farm.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area.
5. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, during any agreed hours of working outwith the normal working hours of Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19.00 hours and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00 hours (noon), noise levels from the quarry operations shall not exceed 45dB LAeq1h when measured at the nearest noise sensitive premises, i.e. Damhead Farm.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area.
6. Within 3 months of the date of this permission a scheme for the monitoring of noise, including details of the location(s) of monitoring points, period and frequency of monitoring periods, equipment to be used and reporting of results, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. All operations, monitoring and reporting shall thereafter be carried out fully in accordance with the scheme as approved or with such subsequent amendments as may receive the written approval of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure that noise levels are appropriately monitored and reported and to check compliance with the set noise levels, in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
7. The operator shall take noise readings during the first period of work outwith the normal working hours specified in Condition 2 above, to ascertain whether the level set out in Condition 5 above are being met, and submit these to the Planning Authority within one week of the start of such work. If noise levels are found to exceed set levels then a report identifying further mitigation measures to be taken shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority before any further early morning work is undertaken. Further work outwith normal working hours shall not be undertaken unless it can be demonstrated that the set noise level is being met and unless the approved mitigation measures are implemented.
Reason: To ensure that noise levels are appropriately monitored and reported and to check compliance with the set noise levels, in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
8. No blasting shall be carried out on site except between 9.00 and 16.00 hours Monday to Friday and 9.00 and 12.00 hours (noon) on Saturdays.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area.
9. The ground vibration due to blasting when measured at vibration sensitive buildings shall comply with a vibration criteria of 6mm per second peak particle velocity at 95% confidence level as measured in any 3 planes of measurement and no individual blast shall result in a peak particle velocity greater than 12mm per second. The measurement shall be the maximum of 3 mutually perpendicular directions taken at the ground surface at any vibration sensitive building.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area.
10. Within 2 months of the date of this permission a scheme for the notification of blasting shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The scheme shall include the following details:
• A list of all properties to which advance notification of blasting will be provided (this should include all dwellings where ground vibration of 0.55mm per second peak particle velocity or more is anticipated);
• The method(s) by which the above properties will be notified;
• Details of the location(s) and content of appropriate notices warning members of the public using footpaths or visiting any land or buildings in the vicinity of the quarry where the blast will cause ground vibration levels in excess of 6 mm per second peak particle velocity in any plane.
• The timescale(s) for undertaking the above notification (at least 24 hours prior to the time of blasting).
All operations and notifications shall thereafter be carried out fully in accordance with the scheme as approved or with such subsequent amendments as may receive the written approval of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area and ensure that appropriate notification arrangements are made.
11. Within 3 months of the date of this permission a scheme for the monitoring of blasting (to determine the peak particle velocity), including details of the location(s) of monitoring points, frequency of monitoring, equipment to be used and reporting of results, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. All blasting operations, monitoring and reporting shall thereafter be carried out fully in accordance with the scheme as approved or with such subsequent amendments as may receive the written approval of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure that vibration levels and the effects of blasting are appropriately monitored and reported and to check compliance with the set levels, in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
12. Within 3 months of the date of this permission, a scheme for control, mitigation and monitoring designed to limit the emission of dust from the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The operations shall thereafter be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved scheme.
Reason: To ensure that the emission of dust is limited, in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
13. Within 3 months of the date of this permission, a detailed site specific environmental management plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The operations shall thereafter be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved environmental management plan.
Reason: To prevent any potential adverse impacts on the water environment, to minimise and prevent mineral waste on site and ensure the efficient operation of the site.
14. With immediate effect from the date of this permission, all operations at the site shall be carried out fully in accordance with, and following the measures detailed in, the approved Ecological Impact Mitigation statement (Issue 4, September 2010) or with any subsequent amended statement as may receive the written approval of the Planning Authority. This includes surveying the quarry face for evidence of nesting on the face and wildlife activity on the bench above the face, prior to any drilling and blasting operations.
Reason: To minimise and mitigate any effect on protected and priority species using the site.
15. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, no faces shall be covered with overburden or otherwise concealed.
Reason: To maintain the geological interest of the site.
16. That earth bunds at the site margins shall not exceed a height of 4 metres when measured from the level of the surrounding land and shall be graded to give as natural appearance as possible.
Reason: To limit the visual and landscape impact of any earth bunds.
17. Permission for the quarrying and recycling operations on site shall be limited to a period of ten years from the date of this permission. By six months prior to the end of this period, or within 6 months of the cessation of mineral extraction (whichever is earlier), a detailed scheme of the final restoration of the whole site shall be submitted for the written approval of the Planning Authority. The scheme shall be broadly in accordance with the approved Restoration statement (Issue 6) and Proposed Restoration Plan and shall include details of the following:
(i) Existing and proposed finished ground levels relative to a fixed datum point;
(ii) The locations, treatment and retention of different rock faces for geological study and to provide habitat for raptors;
(iii) Access and interpretation provision;
(iv) Ecological survey and demolition of all existing buildings on site;
(v) Surface water drainage arrangements
(vi) Existing landscape features and vegetation to be retained;
(vii) The locations of new trees, shrubs, hedges, grassed areas and water features;
(viii) A schedule of plants to comprise species, plant sizes and proposed numbers and densities;
(ix) The location, design and materials of all hard landscaping works including walls, fences and gates;
(x) The effect that any restoration will have on the water environment, including groundwater quality and quantity;
(x) An indication of existing trees, shrubs and hedges to be removed;
(xi) A programme for the completion and subsequent maintenance of the proposed landscaping.
The final restoration of the site shall thereafter take place fully in accordance with the approved scheme and shall be completed within 11 years of the date of this permission, or within 6 months following the cessation of quarrying and recycling operations (whichever is sooner) or by such other date as may be agreed in writing by the Planning Authority. Any planting which, within a period of 5 years from the expiry of this permission, in the opinion of the Planning Authority is dying, being severely damaged or becoming seriously diseased, shall be replaced by plants of similar size and species to those originally required to be planted.
Reason: To retain control over this temporary form of development and ensure that the site is appropriately restored to maintain and enhance the geological interest and ecological value of the site.
18. An aftercare scheme shall be submitted for the written approval of the Planning Authority within 10 years of the date of this permission. The aftercare scheme shall specify the steps to be taken, and the period during which they are to be taken, and who will be responsible for taking those steps to bring the land to the required standard.
Reason: To ensure effective management to bring and maintain the land up to the required standard for the afteruses.
19. Following the completion of the development, a notification of the completion, shall as soon as practicable, be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Completion of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27B(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
Reason for Decision
The ongoing extraction of minerals, and recycling operations, at the site would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the surrounding area or environment. The activities would help to meet demand for minerals and also contribute to more sustainable waste management through the recycling and reuse of waste materials, mainly for road construction. The application is considered to comply with relevant policies of the development plan, and there are no material considerations of sufficient weight to indicate that permission should be refused.
B. Reference No: G/APP/2011/0975
Full Planning Permission for alterations and extension to dwellinghouse at Bridgefoot Cottage Old Rayne Insch
Applicant: Dr Georgina Cook, Bridgefoot Cottage, Old Rayne, Insch
Agent: Rayne Construction Ltd, Highmuir, Rayne North, Inverurie
As previously indicated, Councillor Stuart declared an interest, but continued to take a full part in determining the application.
The Committee agreed to grant Full Planning Permission subject to the following conditions:-
1. That the development hereby granted shall be begun on or before the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which the planning permission is granted or deemed to have been granted.
Reason: Pursuant to Sections 58 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
2. Prior to the commencement of the development, a notice of the intended date of initiation of development shall be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Initiation of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27A(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
3. Following the completion of the development, a notification of the completion shall as soon as practicable be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Completion of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27B(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
C. Reference No: G/APP/2011/0402
Full Planning Permission for formation of hardstanding to provide car parking (retrospective) at 23 Bennachie Avenue, Inverurie
Applicant: Mr Richard Mechen, 23 Bennachie Avenue, Inverurie
The Committee agreed to hear from the party that had requested to speak.
The Area Planning Officer confirmed that the site was in a built up area and that an area of hardstanding would not need planning permission if it was for a house, but was required for a flat. He confirmed that the Roads Service had objected to the application as it was not the required 5 metres from the public road, but the Planning Service did not consider that the laying of hardstanding would affect road safety. He confirmed that the lamp post would need to be relocated and this would be brought to the attention of the applicant.
Miss Gordon, an objector to the application, confirmed that she was the resident on the ground floor and the applicant was the upstairs resident. She expressed concern at the potential for large vehicles to be parked on the hardstanding area which would result in a significant loss of light through her windows. She pointed out that the neighbour already had parking provision to the side of the property.
The Committee sought clarification on the distance between the windows and the hardstanding area, the size of the area and the ownership of the land.
The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application for a site visit in order that Members can see for themselves the impact of the proposals on the residents of the ground floor flat.
D. Reference No: G/APP/2010/2110
Full Planning Permission for erection of 52 Dwellinghouses, extension of access road, footpaths, cyclepaths with associated infrastructure and landscaping at Phase 4, Westgate Residential Development, Blackhall Road, Inverurie
Applicant: Malcolm Allan Housebuilders Ltd, Castle Office, Castle Farm, Kintore
Agent: TCD Architects, 4 Alford Place, Aberdeen
The Area Planning Officer confirmed that condition 10 (relating to the provision of an underpass) recommended in the previous report to Committee had been removed as further information had confirmed it was not competent to attach that condition to this application. He confirmed that an appeal to the Local Review Body was due to be heard in relation to the removal of this condition from another application and appropriate action would be taken after that decision was taken.
The Committee agreed:-
1. to note that the request to speak had been withdrawn prior to the start of the meeting;
2. that authority to grant Full Planning Permission be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Standards subject to:-
a) The completion of a section 75 agreement, covering affordable housing, planning gain contributions, and a contribution towards off site play equipment, and;
b) The following conditions;
1. That the development hereby granted shall be begun on or before the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which the planning permission is granted or deemed to have been granted.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 58 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
2. Prior to the commencement of the development, a notice of the intended date of initiation of development shall be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Initiation of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27A(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
3. Following the completion of the development, a notification of the completion, shall as soon as practicable, be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Completion of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27B(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
4. Notwithstanding the details shown on the approved drawings the roof materials shall be finished in a smooth grey flat concrete roof tile, to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area.
5. That all strategic landscaping, public open space and amenity areas shall be planted in accordance with the approved scheme as shown on drawing SMcF 176-15 dated 14 December 2010, and shall be completed during the planting season immediately following the commencement of development or such other date as may be agreed in writing with the Planning Authority. Any planting which with a period of 5 years from the completion of development, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, is dying, being severely damaged, or becoming seriously diseased, shall be replaced by plants of similar size and species to those originally required to be planted. For the avoidance of doubt, the planting of Ash and Oak within the plantations is not acceptable and should be replaced with more appropriate species to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure the development blends in with its rural surrounding.
6. That the proposed surface water drainage system shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans and no dwellinghouse shall be occupied unless its approved drainage system has been completed to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area.
7. That no development in connection with the permission hereby approved shall take place unless a finalised Energy Statement has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority, including the following items:
(i) Full details of the proposed energy efficiency measures and or renewable technologies to be incorporated into each house in the development.
(ii) Calculations using, the SAP or SBEM methods, which demonstrate that the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions rates for each house in the development, arising from the measures proposed, will enable the development to comply with the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance on Carbon Neutrality in New Developments. (In this case a reduction in the predicted carbon dioxide emissions by 30% beyond the 2007 Building Regulations Carbon Dioxide Emissions Standard.)
The development shall not be occupied unless it has been carried out in accordance with the approved details in the Energy Statement. The carbon reduction measures shall be retained in place and fully operational thereafter.
Reason: To ensure this development complies with the on-site carbon reductions required in Scottish Planning Policy and the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance - Carbon Neutrality in New Developments.
8. That within 6 months of the occupation of the penultimate residential unit in this development, all roads, footpaths, parking and turning areas within and serving the development shall be completed to their final specification to the adoptable standards of Aberdeenshire Council. Once provided, all parking and turning areas shall thereafter be permanently retained as such.
Reason: To ensure the provision of a means of access and turning space to an adequate standard, in the interests of road safety.
9. That prior to the occupation of any residential unit full details of the proposed means of enclosure shall be submitted for the further written approval by the planning service and the fencing shall be erected to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
Reason: In the interests of privacy of neighbouring properties.
10. All trees planted within the development shall be species that have a mature height that will not exceed 12 metres in height, and no tree shall be planted within 20 metres of any building.
Reason: In the interests of residential amenity.
11. The maximum gradient of the first 5 metres of the new access must not exceed 1 in 20, and shall be fully paved.
Reason: In the interests of road safety
12. That from the date on which this planning permission is granted the existing trees and shrubs on the site that are marked for retention in the Tree Survey Report (October 2010) shall not be lopped, topped, felled, removed or disturbed in any way without the prior written consent of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure the retention of important landscape features and retain the existing amenities of the site.
13. That no works in connection with the permission hereby approved shall take place unless the trees marked for retention on the approved plans have been protected by suitable fencing in accordance with BS5837 2005(Trees in Relation to Construction). No works shall commence unless details of the protective fencing have been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Planning Authority. No materials, supplies, plant, machinery, soil heaps, changes in ground levels or construction activities shall be permitted within the protected areas without the written consent of the Planning Authority and no fire shall be lit in the position where the flames could extend to within 5 metres of foliage, branches or trunks.
Reason: In order to ensure adequate protection for the trees on the site during the construction of development, in the interests of the visual amenity of the area.
14. All stored or trench laid pipes with a diameter greater than 200mm should be capped at the end of each working day.
Reason: In the interests of preventing harm to a protected species.
15. Open trenches or pits of a depth greater than 1 metre should have escape ramps provided and must be checked at the beginning of each day for potential entrapments.
Reason: In the interests of preventing harm to a protected species.
16. That the rear gardens of the 4 plots (plots 73, 74, 75 and 76) to the west of the electricity substation on Blackhall Road, as shown on drawing PL02 received on 16th December 2010, shall be enclosed with a close boarded 1.8 metre high timber fence along the eastern boundaries and the northern boundary of plot 73.
Reason: In the interests of public health and safety to minimise any noise nuisance.
17. Notwithstanding the details shown on the drawings hereby approved, bedroom 2 of plot 75 shall be provided with mechanical ventilation in addition to openable windows.
Reason: In the interests of public health and safety to minimise any noise nuisance.
Reason for Decision
The proposed development fully accords with the relevant policies of the Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan (August 2009) and the adopted Aberdeenshire Local Plan 2006
E. Reference No: G/APP/2010/2325
Full Planning Permission for installation of 850kw, 80m high wind turbine at Mains of Balquhain, Chapel of Garioch, Inverurie
Applicant: Mark W Strachan, West Balquhain, Pitcaple, Inverurie
As previously indicated, Councillor Raeburn declared an interest, but continued to take a full part in considering the application.
The Committee agreed to hear from the party who had requested to speak.
Mr Gauld, the agent for the application, gave the Committee background to the proposals and the applicant’s farming operations. He gave information about the reasons for the siting. He stressed the importance of local projects of this nature and suggested that as the Area of Landscape Significance was not a national designation the proposal would be acceptable.
The Committee sought clarification about potential radio interference, whether barn owls would be affected by the proposals and shadow flicker.
The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application for a site visit in order that Members can assess the impact of the proposals on the Area of Landscape Significance.
F. Reference No: G/APP/2010/4002
Listed Building Consent for replacement of timber windows at Kemnay Primary School, Grove Road, Kemnay, Inverurie
Applicant: Aberdeenshire Council Education, Learning and Leisure, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen
Agent: Aberdeenshire Council Property Service, Gordon House, Blackhall Road, Inverurie
The Committee agreed that authority to grant Listed Building Consent be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Standards subject to:-
a) notification to Historic Scotland; and
b) the following condition:-
That works to implement this consent shall begin before the expiration of five years from the date of this consent.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 16 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.
Reason for Decision
The design and dimensions of the proposed windows are of a high quality and would respect the character of the building, the adjacent B-Listed Old School House and surrounding area. Therefore the proposal would not have a detrimental effect on the setting of the adjacent B-Listed building. As such, the application complies with policies Gen\2 and Env\18.
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GARIOCH AREA COMMITTEE
GORDON HOUSE, INVERURIE 10 MAY 2011
Present: Councillors M Kitts-Hayes (Chair), H Al-Kowarri, A Allan, R Cowling, M Cullen, N Cullinane, M Ford, A Grant, F Hood, S Lonchay, R McKail, M Raeburn, G Saluja and B Stuart.
Officers: Ian Fowell (Garioch Area Manager), Martin Ingram (Senior Solicitor), Darren Ross (Area Planning Officer), Jane Turnbull (Analysis and Research Officer), Graeme Steel (Principal Engineer), Tom Barratt (Planner) and Alison Cumming (Area Committee Officer).
The Chair confirmed that an item of urgent business had been accepted on to the agenda and would be considered as item 13.
1. APOLOGIES
All Councillors were present.
2. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
In accordance with Standing Order 2(5) the following interests were declared:-
Item 8B – Councillor Stuart as the agents are former employees of his company; and
Item 8E – Councillor Raeburn as the wind turbine company involved in the application is the same company that installed a wind turbine next to his croft which has resulted in shadow flicker on his property.
Both Councillors continued to take a full part in considering these items.
3a. MINUTE OF MEETING OF 19 APRIL 2011
The Minute of Meeting of 19 April 2011 was approved as a correct record of proceedings.
3b. MINUTE OF MEETING OF AREA CHAIR’S SUB-COMMITTEE OF 26 APRIL 2011
The Minute of Meeting of 26 April 2011 was approved as a correct record of proceedings.
4. INTIMATION OF PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
No public questions were intimated.
5. EDUCATION, LEARNING AND LEISURE: QUARTERLY SERVICE PERFORMANCE TRENDS - QUARTER THREE (OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2010) (ABERDEENSHIRE PERFORMS)
A report by the Interim Director of Education, Learning and Leisure was circulated asking the Committee to discuss the performance information, consider the actions being taken to improve Service performance and request further reports on performance and service plans in due course.
The Committee sought clarification on a number of performance indicators and asked that further information be provided to the Committee on a number of other indicators.
The Committee agreed to:-
1. note the performance monitoring for Education, Learning and Leisure;
2. request further reports on performance and future Service Plans; and
3. request:-
(i) that the following information be provided:-
a) base numbers for PIs 1.5/2.4/3.5;
b) further detail regarding the reasons for the large difference between the Areas (ref PI 1.5);
c) explanation within the commentary to explain the PI 1.4;
d) number of Garioch children involved in PI 2.3;
e) which Garioch schools were not satisfactory in relation to PI 4.1; and
f) actual school rolls for Garioch schools (ref 4.3)
(ii) that consideration be given to PI 1.4 being made a positive indicator; and
(iii) that consideration be given as to whether 100% is achievable for PIs 4.3 and 4.4
6. CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S SERVICE – QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE MONITORING OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2010 (ABERDEENSHIRE PERFORMS)
A report by the Chief Executive was circulated asking the Committee to consider the performance information for the Chief Executive’s Service and agree to receive further reports in due course.
The Committee was particularly concerned about the level of staff absence reported, but felt that a more accurate picture could be given if long term absences were reported separately. It was also keen to see a breakdown on a Service basis to identify particular trends.
The Committee agreed to:-
1. note the performance monitoring for the Chief Executive’s Service;
2. request that absence information be provided broken down by number of days per Service (ref 5.4);
3. request the reasons for the absence rate for staff being higher than that for teaching staff; and
4. suggest that long term absences be removed from the PI and reported as a separate PI to give a truer picture of staff absences.
7. CORPORATE SERVICES’ QUARTERLY SERVICE PERFORMANCE TRENDS (OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2010) – ABERDEENSHIRE PERFORMS
A report by the Director of Corporate Services was circulated asking the Committee to consider the performance information and agree to receive further reports in due course.
The Committee highlighted the work of a number of parts of Corporate Services and congratulated the staff concerned.
The Committee agreed to:-
1. note the performance information for Corporate Services;
2. congratulate all Council Services, particularly Finance, for budget expenditure being so close to target;
3. congratulate the ICT Service for the efficient service provided when issues occur; and
4. congratulate the Internal Audit team for its good work.
8. PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DETERMINATION
The following planning applications were considered along with any valid representations received and were dealt with as recorded in the Appendix to this Minute.
Item Reference Application Decision
A. APP/2010/0027 Quarrying and recycling operations at Pitcaple Grant
Quarry, Pitcaple, Inverurie
B. APP/2011/0975 Alterations and extension to dwellinghouse at Grant
Bridgefoot Cottage, Old Rayne
C. APP/2011/0402 Formation of hardstanding to provide car parking Defer for
(retrospective) at 23 Bennachie Avenue, Inverurie Site Visit
D. APP/2010/2110 Erection of 52 dwellinghouses, extension of Delegated access road, footpaths, cyclepaths with Grant associated infrastructure and landscaping
at Phase 4, Westgate Residential Development,
Blackhall Road, Inverurie
E. APP/2010/2325 Installation of 850kw high wind turbine at Mains Defer for
of Balquhain, Chapel of Garioch, Inverurie Site Visit
F. APP/2010/4002 Replacement of timber windows at Kemnay Primary Delegated
School, Grove Road, Kemnay, Inverurie Grant
9. ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME 2011/2012 – B992 AUCHLEVEN VILLAGE
AND B9002 OYNE VILLAGE ASPHALT OVERLAY
A report by the Head of Roads and Landscape Services was circulated to Members asking the Committee to accept a tender submitted by Aberdeenshire Council, Infrastructure Services for the works in Auchleven and Oyne.
The Committee agreed to accept the tender submitted by Aberdeenshire Council, Infrastructure Services amounting to £182,891.77.
10. C108C/30 CUNNINGAR WOOD BRIDGE STRENGTHENING SCHEME
A report by the Head of Roads and Landscape Services was circulated asking the Committee to approve the scheme to carry out strengthening and refurbishment of the Cunningar Wood Bridge.
The Committee agreed to approve the scheme to carry out strengthening and refurbishment of Cunningar Wood Bridge to be undertaken by Roads and Landscape Services In House Construction Team at an estimated works cost of £78,900.
11. LOCAL REVIEW BODY DECISION NOTICE –
LAIRSHILL, NEWMACHAR, ABERDEEN
A report by the Head of Legal and Governance was circulated informing the Committee of the outcome of an appeal against refusal of Full Planning Permission for change of use from agriculture to vehicle repair and retrospective extension to form office at Lairshill, Newmachar.
The Committee agreed to note the decision of the Local Review Body to agree with the officer recommendation and refuse Full Planning Permission for change of use from agriculture to vehicle repair and retrospective extension to form office at Lairshill, Newmachar.
12. STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING BUSINESS
A report by the Garioch Area Manager was circulated informing the Committee of the items of outstanding business for the Garioch Area Committee as at May 2011.
The Area Committee Officer informed the Committee that work was being undertaken to develop Supplementary Planning Guidance for Wind Turbines (ref 2), but that discussions would need to take place with developers and consultants and it was not expected that any guidance would be ready until December 2011. The Committee Officer also confirmed that the seminar on Planning Appeals would take place on Tuesday 7 June 2011 along with training on Lotus Notes 8 and refresher training on Ward Pages. Members asked that information regarding the decisions taken by the Local Review Body also be included in the seminar.
The Committee agreed to:-
1. note the items of outstanding business as at May 2011 and the verbal update provided by the Committee Officer; and
2. request that the decisions of the Local Review Body are included within the seminar on Planning Appeals due to take place on 7 June 2011.
13. ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT OF AREA MANAGER
A report by the Area Manager was circulated seeking agreement for the arrangements for the appointment of the new Garioch Area Manager.
The Committee unanimously agreed that a Sub-Committee should be set up to appoint the new Area Manager, however, there was some discussion about the most appropriate number and composition of this Sub Committee. It was agreed that the Sub Committee should reflect the political make-up of the Area Committee.
The Committee agreed:-
a) to set up a Sub-Committee of 7 members and delegate authority to the Sub-Committee to appoint the next Garioch Area Manager;
b) the membership of the Sub-Committee as follows:-
Cllr Kitts-Hayes;
Cllr Lonchay;
Cllr Saluja;
Cllr Hood;
Cllr Grant;
Cllr McKail; and
Cllr Ford; and
c) to note the timetable for the appointment.
GARIOCH AREA COMMITTEE
10 MAY 2011
APPENDIX
PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DETERMINATION
A Reference No: G/APP/2010/0027
Full Planning Permission for quarrying and recycling operations at Pitcaple Quarry, Pitcaple, Inverurie
Applicant: Aberdeenshire Council, Harlaw Repair Depot, Harlaw Road, Inverurie
Agent: Aberdeenshire Council, Harlaw Repair Depot, Harlaw Road, Inverurie
The Committee agreed to grant Full Planning Permission subject to the following conditions:-
1. During the period from initiation to completion of the development, a Notice, in the form set out in the appended Note ‘Display of Notice while Development is Carried out – Note to Developer’, shall be displayed in a prominent place at or in the vicinity of the site. The Notice must be readily visible to the public and printed on durable material.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27C(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
2. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, working hours shall be restricted such that the quarry and recycling operations shall be limited to Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19.00 hours and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00 hours (noon). No operations shall be undertaken on Sundays nor public holidays without the prior written consent of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To control normal hours of operation in the interests of the residential amenities of the occupants of nearby properties.
3. Quarrying and recycling operations shall not be undertaken outwith the normal working hours of Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19.00 hours and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00 hours (noon) unless:
(a) an explanation for the need to work outwith normal working hours has been provided to the Planning Authority and the prior written consent of the Planning Authority to the temporary variation in working hours has been received by the operator, and
(b) residents of any noise sensitive premises (a list of which has been agreed in advance by the Planning Authority) have been notified in advance by the quarry operator of the agreed variation in working practices/working hours, and
(c) the operator has confirmed to the Planning Authority that this notification under (b) has been carried out.
Reason: To control hours of operation and to maintain the residential amenities of the occupants of nearby properties.
4. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, during the normal working hours of Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19.00 hours and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00 hours (noon) noise levels from the quarry operations shall not exceed 50dB LAeq1h when measured at the nearest noise sensitive premises, i.e. Damhead Farm.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area.
5. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, during any agreed hours of working outwith the normal working hours of Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19.00 hours and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00 hours (noon), noise levels from the quarry operations shall not exceed 45dB LAeq1h when measured at the nearest noise sensitive premises, i.e. Damhead Farm.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area.
6. Within 3 months of the date of this permission a scheme for the monitoring of noise, including details of the location(s) of monitoring points, period and frequency of monitoring periods, equipment to be used and reporting of results, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. All operations, monitoring and reporting shall thereafter be carried out fully in accordance with the scheme as approved or with such subsequent amendments as may receive the written approval of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure that noise levels are appropriately monitored and reported and to check compliance with the set noise levels, in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
7. The operator shall take noise readings during the first period of work outwith the normal working hours specified in Condition 2 above, to ascertain whether the level set out in Condition 5 above are being met, and submit these to the Planning Authority within one week of the start of such work. If noise levels are found to exceed set levels then a report identifying further mitigation measures to be taken shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority before any further early morning work is undertaken. Further work outwith normal working hours shall not be undertaken unless it can be demonstrated that the set noise level is being met and unless the approved mitigation measures are implemented.
Reason: To ensure that noise levels are appropriately monitored and reported and to check compliance with the set noise levels, in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
8. No blasting shall be carried out on site except between 9.00 and 16.00 hours Monday to Friday and 9.00 and 12.00 hours (noon) on Saturdays.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area.
9. The ground vibration due to blasting when measured at vibration sensitive buildings shall comply with a vibration criteria of 6mm per second peak particle velocity at 95% confidence level as measured in any 3 planes of measurement and no individual blast shall result in a peak particle velocity greater than 12mm per second. The measurement shall be the maximum of 3 mutually perpendicular directions taken at the ground surface at any vibration sensitive building.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area.
10. Within 2 months of the date of this permission a scheme for the notification of blasting shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The scheme shall include the following details:
• A list of all properties to which advance notification of blasting will be provided (this should include all dwellings where ground vibration of 0.55mm per second peak particle velocity or more is anticipated);
• The method(s) by which the above properties will be notified;
• Details of the location(s) and content of appropriate notices warning members of the public using footpaths or visiting any land or buildings in the vicinity of the quarry where the blast will cause ground vibration levels in excess of 6 mm per second peak particle velocity in any plane.
• The timescale(s) for undertaking the above notification (at least 24 hours prior to the time of blasting).
All operations and notifications shall thereafter be carried out fully in accordance with the scheme as approved or with such subsequent amendments as may receive the written approval of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To minimise disturbance to residents and other users of the surrounding area and ensure that appropriate notification arrangements are made.
11. Within 3 months of the date of this permission a scheme for the monitoring of blasting (to determine the peak particle velocity), including details of the location(s) of monitoring points, frequency of monitoring, equipment to be used and reporting of results, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. All blasting operations, monitoring and reporting shall thereafter be carried out fully in accordance with the scheme as approved or with such subsequent amendments as may receive the written approval of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure that vibration levels and the effects of blasting are appropriately monitored and reported and to check compliance with the set levels, in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
12. Within 3 months of the date of this permission, a scheme for control, mitigation and monitoring designed to limit the emission of dust from the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The operations shall thereafter be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved scheme.
Reason: To ensure that the emission of dust is limited, in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
13. Within 3 months of the date of this permission, a detailed site specific environmental management plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The operations shall thereafter be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved environmental management plan.
Reason: To prevent any potential adverse impacts on the water environment, to minimise and prevent mineral waste on site and ensure the efficient operation of the site.
14. With immediate effect from the date of this permission, all operations at the site shall be carried out fully in accordance with, and following the measures detailed in, the approved Ecological Impact Mitigation statement (Issue 4, September 2010) or with any subsequent amended statement as may receive the written approval of the Planning Authority. This includes surveying the quarry face for evidence of nesting on the face and wildlife activity on the bench above the face, prior to any drilling and blasting operations.
Reason: To minimise and mitigate any effect on protected and priority species using the site.
15. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, no faces shall be covered with overburden or otherwise concealed.
Reason: To maintain the geological interest of the site.
16. That earth bunds at the site margins shall not exceed a height of 4 metres when measured from the level of the surrounding land and shall be graded to give as natural appearance as possible.
Reason: To limit the visual and landscape impact of any earth bunds.
17. Permission for the quarrying and recycling operations on site shall be limited to a period of ten years from the date of this permission. By six months prior to the end of this period, or within 6 months of the cessation of mineral extraction (whichever is earlier), a detailed scheme of the final restoration of the whole site shall be submitted for the written approval of the Planning Authority. The scheme shall be broadly in accordance with the approved Restoration statement (Issue 6) and Proposed Restoration Plan and shall include details of the following:
(i) Existing and proposed finished ground levels relative to a fixed datum point;
(ii) The locations, treatment and retention of different rock faces for geological study and to provide habitat for raptors;
(iii) Access and interpretation provision;
(iv) Ecological survey and demolition of all existing buildings on site;
(v) Surface water drainage arrangements
(vi) Existing landscape features and vegetation to be retained;
(vii) The locations of new trees, shrubs, hedges, grassed areas and water features;
(viii) A schedule of plants to comprise species, plant sizes and proposed numbers and densities;
(ix) The location, design and materials of all hard landscaping works including walls, fences and gates;
(x) The effect that any restoration will have on the water environment, including groundwater quality and quantity;
(x) An indication of existing trees, shrubs and hedges to be removed;
(xi) A programme for the completion and subsequent maintenance of the proposed landscaping.
The final restoration of the site shall thereafter take place fully in accordance with the approved scheme and shall be completed within 11 years of the date of this permission, or within 6 months following the cessation of quarrying and recycling operations (whichever is sooner) or by such other date as may be agreed in writing by the Planning Authority. Any planting which, within a period of 5 years from the expiry of this permission, in the opinion of the Planning Authority is dying, being severely damaged or becoming seriously diseased, shall be replaced by plants of similar size and species to those originally required to be planted.
Reason: To retain control over this temporary form of development and ensure that the site is appropriately restored to maintain and enhance the geological interest and ecological value of the site.
18. An aftercare scheme shall be submitted for the written approval of the Planning Authority within 10 years of the date of this permission. The aftercare scheme shall specify the steps to be taken, and the period during which they are to be taken, and who will be responsible for taking those steps to bring the land to the required standard.
Reason: To ensure effective management to bring and maintain the land up to the required standard for the afteruses.
19. Following the completion of the development, a notification of the completion, shall as soon as practicable, be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Completion of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27B(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
Reason for Decision
The ongoing extraction of minerals, and recycling operations, at the site would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the surrounding area or environment. The activities would help to meet demand for minerals and also contribute to more sustainable waste management through the recycling and reuse of waste materials, mainly for road construction. The application is considered to comply with relevant policies of the development plan, and there are no material considerations of sufficient weight to indicate that permission should be refused.
B. Reference No: G/APP/2011/0975
Full Planning Permission for alterations and extension to dwellinghouse at Bridgefoot Cottage Old Rayne Insch
Applicant: Dr Georgina Cook, Bridgefoot Cottage, Old Rayne, Insch
Agent: Rayne Construction Ltd, Highmuir, Rayne North, Inverurie
As previously indicated, Councillor Stuart declared an interest, but continued to take a full part in determining the application.
The Committee agreed to grant Full Planning Permission subject to the following conditions:-
1. That the development hereby granted shall be begun on or before the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which the planning permission is granted or deemed to have been granted.
Reason: Pursuant to Sections 58 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
2. Prior to the commencement of the development, a notice of the intended date of initiation of development shall be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Initiation of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27A(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
3. Following the completion of the development, a notification of the completion shall as soon as practicable be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Completion of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27B(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
C. Reference No: G/APP/2011/0402
Full Planning Permission for formation of hardstanding to provide car parking (retrospective) at 23 Bennachie Avenue, Inverurie
Applicant: Mr Richard Mechen, 23 Bennachie Avenue, Inverurie
The Committee agreed to hear from the party that had requested to speak.
The Area Planning Officer confirmed that the site was in a built up area and that an area of hardstanding would not need planning permission if it was for a house, but was required for a flat. He confirmed that the Roads Service had objected to the application as it was not the required 5 metres from the public road, but the Planning Service did not consider that the laying of hardstanding would affect road safety. He confirmed that the lamp post would need to be relocated and this would be brought to the attention of the applicant.
Miss Gordon, an objector to the application, confirmed that she was the resident on the ground floor and the applicant was the upstairs resident. She expressed concern at the potential for large vehicles to be parked on the hardstanding area which would result in a significant loss of light through her windows. She pointed out that the neighbour already had parking provision to the side of the property.
The Committee sought clarification on the distance between the windows and the hardstanding area, the size of the area and the ownership of the land.
The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application for a site visit in order that Members can see for themselves the impact of the proposals on the residents of the ground floor flat.
D. Reference No: G/APP/2010/2110
Full Planning Permission for erection of 52 Dwellinghouses, extension of access road, footpaths, cyclepaths with associated infrastructure and landscaping at Phase 4, Westgate Residential Development, Blackhall Road, Inverurie
Applicant: Malcolm Allan Housebuilders Ltd, Castle Office, Castle Farm, Kintore
Agent: TCD Architects, 4 Alford Place, Aberdeen
The Area Planning Officer confirmed that condition 10 (relating to the provision of an underpass) recommended in the previous report to Committee had been removed as further information had confirmed it was not competent to attach that condition to this application. He confirmed that an appeal to the Local Review Body was due to be heard in relation to the removal of this condition from another application and appropriate action would be taken after that decision was taken.
The Committee agreed:-
1. to note that the request to speak had been withdrawn prior to the start of the meeting;
2. that authority to grant Full Planning Permission be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Standards subject to:-
a) The completion of a section 75 agreement, covering affordable housing, planning gain contributions, and a contribution towards off site play equipment, and;
b) The following conditions;
1. That the development hereby granted shall be begun on or before the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which the planning permission is granted or deemed to have been granted.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 58 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
2. Prior to the commencement of the development, a notice of the intended date of initiation of development shall be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Initiation of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27A(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
3. Following the completion of the development, a notification of the completion, shall as soon as practicable, be submitted to the Planning Authority and such notification shall contain the information set out in the ‘Notification of Completion of Development’ Notice as appended.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 27B(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
4. Notwithstanding the details shown on the approved drawings the roof materials shall be finished in a smooth grey flat concrete roof tile, to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area.
5. That all strategic landscaping, public open space and amenity areas shall be planted in accordance with the approved scheme as shown on drawing SMcF 176-15 dated 14 December 2010, and shall be completed during the planting season immediately following the commencement of development or such other date as may be agreed in writing with the Planning Authority. Any planting which with a period of 5 years from the completion of development, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, is dying, being severely damaged, or becoming seriously diseased, shall be replaced by plants of similar size and species to those originally required to be planted. For the avoidance of doubt, the planting of Ash and Oak within the plantations is not acceptable and should be replaced with more appropriate species to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure the development blends in with its rural surrounding.
6. That the proposed surface water drainage system shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans and no dwellinghouse shall be occupied unless its approved drainage system has been completed to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area.
7. That no development in connection with the permission hereby approved shall take place unless a finalised Energy Statement has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority, including the following items:
(i) Full details of the proposed energy efficiency measures and or renewable technologies to be incorporated into each house in the development.
(ii) Calculations using, the SAP or SBEM methods, which demonstrate that the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions rates for each house in the development, arising from the measures proposed, will enable the development to comply with the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance on Carbon Neutrality in New Developments. (In this case a reduction in the predicted carbon dioxide emissions by 30% beyond the 2007 Building Regulations Carbon Dioxide Emissions Standard.)
The development shall not be occupied unless it has been carried out in accordance with the approved details in the Energy Statement. The carbon reduction measures shall be retained in place and fully operational thereafter.
Reason: To ensure this development complies with the on-site carbon reductions required in Scottish Planning Policy and the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance - Carbon Neutrality in New Developments.
8. That within 6 months of the occupation of the penultimate residential unit in this development, all roads, footpaths, parking and turning areas within and serving the development shall be completed to their final specification to the adoptable standards of Aberdeenshire Council. Once provided, all parking and turning areas shall thereafter be permanently retained as such.
Reason: To ensure the provision of a means of access and turning space to an adequate standard, in the interests of road safety.
9. That prior to the occupation of any residential unit full details of the proposed means of enclosure shall be submitted for the further written approval by the planning service and the fencing shall be erected to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
Reason: In the interests of privacy of neighbouring properties.
10. All trees planted within the development shall be species that have a mature height that will not exceed 12 metres in height, and no tree shall be planted within 20 metres of any building.
Reason: In the interests of residential amenity.
11. The maximum gradient of the first 5 metres of the new access must not exceed 1 in 20, and shall be fully paved.
Reason: In the interests of road safety
12. That from the date on which this planning permission is granted the existing trees and shrubs on the site that are marked for retention in the Tree Survey Report (October 2010) shall not be lopped, topped, felled, removed or disturbed in any way without the prior written consent of the Planning Authority.
Reason: To ensure the retention of important landscape features and retain the existing amenities of the site.
13. That no works in connection with the permission hereby approved shall take place unless the trees marked for retention on the approved plans have been protected by suitable fencing in accordance with BS5837 2005(Trees in Relation to Construction). No works shall commence unless details of the protective fencing have been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Planning Authority. No materials, supplies, plant, machinery, soil heaps, changes in ground levels or construction activities shall be permitted within the protected areas without the written consent of the Planning Authority and no fire shall be lit in the position where the flames could extend to within 5 metres of foliage, branches or trunks.
Reason: In order to ensure adequate protection for the trees on the site during the construction of development, in the interests of the visual amenity of the area.
14. All stored or trench laid pipes with a diameter greater than 200mm should be capped at the end of each working day.
Reason: In the interests of preventing harm to a protected species.
15. Open trenches or pits of a depth greater than 1 metre should have escape ramps provided and must be checked at the beginning of each day for potential entrapments.
Reason: In the interests of preventing harm to a protected species.
16. That the rear gardens of the 4 plots (plots 73, 74, 75 and 76) to the west of the electricity substation on Blackhall Road, as shown on drawing PL02 received on 16th December 2010, shall be enclosed with a close boarded 1.8 metre high timber fence along the eastern boundaries and the northern boundary of plot 73.
Reason: In the interests of public health and safety to minimise any noise nuisance.
17. Notwithstanding the details shown on the drawings hereby approved, bedroom 2 of plot 75 shall be provided with mechanical ventilation in addition to openable windows.
Reason: In the interests of public health and safety to minimise any noise nuisance.
Reason for Decision
The proposed development fully accords with the relevant policies of the Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan (August 2009) and the adopted Aberdeenshire Local Plan 2006
E. Reference No: G/APP/2010/2325
Full Planning Permission for installation of 850kw, 80m high wind turbine at Mains of Balquhain, Chapel of Garioch, Inverurie
Applicant: Mark W Strachan, West Balquhain, Pitcaple, Inverurie
As previously indicated, Councillor Raeburn declared an interest, but continued to take a full part in considering the application.
The Committee agreed to hear from the party who had requested to speak.
Mr Gauld, the agent for the application, gave the Committee background to the proposals and the applicant’s farming operations. He gave information about the reasons for the siting. He stressed the importance of local projects of this nature and suggested that as the Area of Landscape Significance was not a national designation the proposal would be acceptable.
The Committee sought clarification about potential radio interference, whether barn owls would be affected by the proposals and shadow flicker.
The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application for a site visit in order that Members can assess the impact of the proposals on the Area of Landscape Significance.
F. Reference No: G/APP/2010/4002
Listed Building Consent for replacement of timber windows at Kemnay Primary School, Grove Road, Kemnay, Inverurie
Applicant: Aberdeenshire Council Education, Learning and Leisure, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen
Agent: Aberdeenshire Council Property Service, Gordon House, Blackhall Road, Inverurie
The Committee agreed that authority to grant Listed Building Consent be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Standards subject to:-
a) notification to Historic Scotland; and
b) the following condition:-
That works to implement this consent shall begin before the expiration of five years from the date of this consent.
Reason: Pursuant to Section 16 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.
Reason for Decision
The design and dimensions of the proposed windows are of a high quality and would respect the character of the building, the adjacent B-Listed Old School House and surrounding area. Therefore the proposal would not have a detrimental effect on the setting of the adjacent B-Listed building. As such, the application complies with policies Gen\2 and Env\18.
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Meeting about GMED Out of Hours Service
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26/11/10 13:14
GARIOCH AREA BUS FORUM
MINUTES OF MEETING ON MONDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2010
FRIENDSHIP ROOM, VILLAGE HALL, KEMNAY
In Attendance
Councillor R. Cowling (Aberdeenshire Council) (Chair)
Chris Hunneyball (Kemnay Community Council)
Mavis Wainman (Kemnay Community Council)
Christian Allard (Westhill & Elrick Community Council)
Sheila Gray (Kintore Community Council)
Ann Marston (Kintore Community Council)
Jim Piggins (Kemnay Community Council)
Morag Morrell (Blackburn Resident & Bus User)
Doreen Abel (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Margaret Basley (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Iain Black (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Shonagh Donachie (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Heather Stoddart (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Irene Tewnion (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Alison Bainbridge (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Bill Blackie (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Pauline Bennett (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
John McLauchlan (Kintore Resident & Bus User)
Evelyn Gray (Monymusk Resident & Bus User)
Elizabeth Riley (Alford Resident & Bus User)
D Riley (Alford Resident & Bus User)
Neil Robertson (Central Taxis)
William Mainus (Commercial Manager, Stagecoach Bluebird)
Alan Robertson (Assistant Operations Manager, Stagecoach Bluebird)
Neil Stewart (Principal Officer, Public Transport Unit, Aberdeenshire Council)
Susan Watt (Senior Transport Officer, Public Transport Unit, Aberdeenshire Council)
Apologies
Councillor C. R. McKail (Aberdeenshire Council)
Councillor A. J. Allan (Aberdeenshire Council)
Councillor G. S. Saluja (Aberdeenshire Council)
Councillor F. C. P. Hood (Aberdeenshire Council)
Richard Taylor (Fintray and Kinnellar Community Council)
Pamela Young (Newmachar Community Council)
1. Welcome and Introduction
Councillor Cowling welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were given.
2. Minutes of Meeting on 15th March 2010
The minutes were approved.
3. Matters arising from the Minutes
Alan Robertson provided the following update on behalf of Stagecoach Bluebird:
i) He advised that, whilst bus service complaints are not split by Council Area, the best estimate was approximately 7 complaints per week for Garioch, but he was unsure as to whether each of these was resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction. He added that the Data Protection Act does not allow the company to disclose details of any action taken against individual drivers.
He did, however, confirm that all complaints are logged with the date (day, week and period) and given a reference number. He agreed to a request from ‘the floor’ that these reference numbers be added to the company’s responses.
ii) Regarding the reports of frequent late running, or non-operation, of the 0723 hours ex Kemnay – Aberdeen (Monday to Friday) (Service 220: Alford – Aberdeen), he confirmed that they had no further complaints had been received in this regard.
iii) In response to the confusion surrounding the 0623 hours ex Kemnay – Aberdeen on 25th February 2010, he confirmed that the journey had not operated due to severe weather conditions and the company’s web site had incorrectly stated that it had. He apologised for this and confirmed that the new system, now in place, should ensure more accurate information in the future.
Neil Stewart provided the following update on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council:
iv) He referred to a meeting had been held in Tullynessle and Forbes Hall, Alford, on Thursday 1st July 2010, to discuss positional bus workings between Insch depot and Alford.
The Note of the Meeting is provided below:
In Attendance
Councillor J Strathdee (Aberdeenshire Council)
Malcolm Christie (Roads Manager, Aberdeenshire Council)
Bob Gray (Principal Roads Engineer, Aberdeenshire Council)
Yvonne Buckingham (Donside Community Council)
Margaret Parfitt (Brindy Neighbourhood Watch)
William Mainus (Commercial Manager, Stagecoach Bluebird)
Jim Gardner (Commercial Manager, Stagecoach Bluebird)
Neil Stewart (Principal Officer, Aberdeenshire Council)
Susan Watt (Senior Transport Officer, Aberdeenshire Council)
The following points were raised at the meeting
Concerns regarding the volume of buses using the B992 (Insch - Alford), given the number of tight bends and steep gradients along the route, and whether the route is suitable for bus operation.
William Mainus confirmed that, since the closure of the company’s Alford depot, 8 buses operate from Insch to Alford in the mornings and a further 2 cross the B992 during the day. The last bus returns from Alford to Insch at approximately 0045 hours.
He confirmed that the company had undertaken its own risk assessment on the route and that no major issues had arisen. However, he agreed to carry out further checks.
Malcolm Christie confirmed that there are no plans to impose restrictions regarding the size/weight of vehicles using the B992.
Request for additional signage to be erected at key locations along the route.
Malcolm Christie confirmed that this would be considered and requested that details of the locations causing concern be provided by the operator and local community.
Query regarding Aberdeenshire Council’s winter maintenance schedule for the B992.
Malcolm Christie confirmed that B992 is a Priority 2 route and therefore many buses would be crossing to Alford before commencement of morning roads treatment.
Query as to Stagecoach Bluebird’s procedures if the B992 is impassable during severe weather conditions.
William Mainus confirmed that cognisance would be given to weather forecasts and early morning conditions/roads reports, and alternative routes, if passable, would be used if necessary.
Allegation regarding Stagecoach Bluebird drivers speeding on the B992
William Mainus requested that times and dates be provided, in order that the company can undertake a full investigation. He confirmed that the majority of vehicles are fitted with cctv and also suggested that the Police could be notified if preferred.
Jim Gardner provided Stagecoach Bluebird’s contact details for complaints.
William Mainus confirmed that he would make arrangements for all relevant drivers to be reminded to exercise extreme caution on the route.
Request for appropriate positional journeys to be registered for use by the fare-paying public, as there are currently no local bus services on the route.
William Mainus confirmed that Stagecoach Bluebird would consider this request and inform the Council accordingly.
4. Bus Service Update
4.1 Stagecoach Bluebird
William Mainus provided the following update:
i) In the near future (date to be advised), the following additional journeys would be introduced on a commercial basis between Kemnay and Aberdeen, by- passing Kintore and Kemnay, and would be numbered Service X20.
1205 hours (Monday to Saturday), 1410 hours (schooldays), 1430 hours (non-schooldays), 0805 hours (Saturday) and 1535 hours (Saturday) ex Aberdeen – Kemnay.
0857 hours and 1257 hours (Monday to Saturday), 1527 hours (non-schooldays) and 1628 hours (Saturday) ex Kemnay – Aberdeen.
Unlike the Council supported Service 420 (Kemnay – Aberdeen limited stop), operated by Central Taxis, Service X20 would be a normal picking-up and setting-down service within City of Aberdeen.
4.2 Aberdeenshire Local Bus Services
Neil Stewart provided the following update:
i) The tendering of all Aberdeenshire Local bus services had been undertaken at the end of 2009 and following a prolonged process, the award of the majority of contracts had been approved by the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee in June 2010.
In view of the limited Revenue funding available and the fact that the lowest bids for some contracts represented increases of more than100% on current rates, 28 contracts were subject to re-tender and the award of 13 others was deferred pending the outcome of the re-tendering process.
The need to re-tender and at the same time review the network to identify further savings, meant that the contract award took place some 2 months later than previously scheduled and this had resulted in late service registrations submissions to the Traffic Commissioner and, in turn, delays in revised service publicity.
Whilst bus stop publicity had been updated during the weekend prior to the changes on 16 August 2010, and the Council’s website had provided accurate information at least 14 days in advance of implementation, a number of timetable leaflets had not been distributed prior to this date and for this he apologised.
ii) He confirmed the following revisions to contracted journeys affecting the Garioch Area with effect from 16 August 2010:
Service X15/215 (Aberdeen – Westhill - Alford)
A number of contracted journeys (1 early morning and various inter-peak journeys) between Elrick and Dunecht/Alford were withdrawn on the basis of limited passenger demand and/or the availability of alternative journeys
Service 220 (Aberdeen – Kemnay – Alford)
The 2129 hours ex Alford – Aberdeen (Sunday) was withdrawn on the basis of an average demand of 1 passenger per day.
Service 222/223 (Inverurie Town Service)
Service 222 operates via Provosts Circle and Port Elphinstone, whilst Service 223 operates via the Westgate development, North Street and Golf Park/Golf Crescent. Both services operate to/from Inverurie town centre and serve Blackhall Road, Brankie Road, Inverurie Hospital and both Tesco and Morrision superstores.
The overall frequency was reduced from 30 minutes to 40 minutes and the services, which were previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, were now operated by Kineil Coaches.
Service 240 (Oldmeldrum – Inverurie)
This Saturday contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Bain’s Coaches, was now operated by Stagecoach Bluebird.
Service 306 (Inverurie – Huntly)
The 1820 hrs ex Huntly to Oyne (Saturday) was extended to Inverurie at nil additional cost.
Service 308 (Inverurie – Aberchirder)
The Aberchirder/Turriff ‘short workings’, which connected with peak journeys to/from Aberdeen (Service 305: Elgin – Turriff – Aberdeen), and the Sunday service between Aberchirder and Inverurie, were withdrawn on the basis of extremely limited passenger demand. In addition, an inter-peak shoppers’ return journey between Aberchirder and Inverurie was withdrawn on the basis that alternative facilities exist within approximately one hour.
The contract, previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Bain’s Coaches.
Service 402 (Kingseat – Newmachar - Hatton of Fintray - Inverurie)
This contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Burns Coaches. The service was also extended to the Kingseat development to provide a shoppers’ facility to/from Inverurie.
Service 403 (Kingseat – Newmachar - Kinmuck – Inverurie)
This contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Burns Coaches. The service, which now operated on a Tuesday, was also extended to the Kingseat development to provide a shoppers’ facility to/from Inverurie.
Service 404 (Kingseat – Newmachar)
A new peak service between the Kingseat development and Newmachar, connecting with commercial journeys between Newmachar and Aberdeen (Service 305A: Oldmeldrum – Aberdeen operated by Bain’s Coaches and Services 305/325: Aberdeen – Banff – Elgin operated by Stagecoach Bluebird), was introduced with Planning Gain monies provided by developers.
The service, which will be reviewed after 6 months, is operated by Bain’s Coaches.
Service 417 (Alford - Lumsden – Insch)
This contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Philips Coaches. The new contractor registered the service to extend to/from Alford.
Service 420 (Aberdeen – Kemnay)
This contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Central Taxis.
Service 421 (Alford – Inverurie)
The evening service was withdrawn Monday to Thursday, on the basis of limited passenger demand, and the 1720 hours ex Inverurie – Alford (Monday to Friday) was truncated to terminate in Monymusk as an average of only 1 passenger per day travelled to Alford.
Service 493 (Ellon – Inverurie)
The evening service was withdrawn on the basis of limited passenger demand and the contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Kineil Coaches.
5. Bus Service Requests / Development
Neil Stewart referred to the papers circulated, detailing pending and fulfilled service requests in the Garioch Area and confirmed that there were no additional pending requests, whilst the following had been fulfilled since the last Forum meeting:
i) The 1231 hours ex Kemnay – Inverurie (Service 240) connects with Service 10 (Inverness - Inverurie - Aberdeen).
ii) Request to fill the gap between 2042 hrs and 2242 hrs from Kintore to Aberdeen was fulfilled commercially by Stagecoach Bluebird with the provision of additional departures at 2103 hrs and 2153 hrs ex Kintore (Monday to Saturday).
6. Public Transport Infrastructure / Information
6.1 Update
Neil Stewart confirmed that there had been no further developments to report in this regard.
6.2 Discussion
i) Request for provision of a bus shelter on Westhill Drive (Westhill), between the ‘’Tesco roundabout’’ and the town centre.
Neil Stewart confirmed that this would be investigated.
ii) Complaint regarding a lack of timetable information being available at various outlets, with particular regard to Blackburn and Inverurie (Post Office and Gordon House), prior to the service revisions on 16 August 2010.
Neil Stewart confirmed that this would be investigated.
iii) Request for the full service timetables to be provided in publicity cases at bus shelters/bus stops, particularly at locations in rural areas where there is plenty of space available to allow this.
Neil Stewart confirmed that the current automated system does not allow for this and it would be not be practicable to treat individual locations differently.
In response to further complaints regarding this issue, he advised that they contact his colleague Martin Hall (Principal Officer, Information and Infrastructure) for further information Tel (01224) 664587 or email martin.hall@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
iv) Complaint that the bus shelter, promised for Sunnyside (Kintore), had still to be installed.
Neil Stewart confirmed that he would inform Martin Hall.
7. Bus Service Discussion
7.1 Service 220: Alford/Kemnay – Aberdeen
i) Claim regarding frequent late running, or non-operation, of the 0717 hours ex Kemnay – Aberdeen (Monday to Friday), with particular reference to 27th August 2010, on which date it was claimed that the bus didn’t arrive in Kemnay until 0755 hours.
Alan Robertson confirmed that this would be investigated.
ii) Request for the provision of a 0745 hours departure from Kemnay to Aberdeen (Monday to Friday)
Neil Stewart confirmed that Aberdeenshire has no funds at its disposal to support the provision of such a journey.
Alan Robertson confirmed that this request would be considered by Stagecoach Bluebird.
iii) Request to re-route the service to operate as per Service 420 (Kemnay – Aberdeen) omitting Kintore and Blackburn.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the company’s next service revision would include some additional journeys which would omit both Kintore and Blackburn.
iv) Request for the service to operate as limited stop within City of Aberdeen, also as per Service 420.
Alan Robertson confirmed that it would not be commercially viable for the company to do this.
It was queried from ‘the floor’ as to why Service 420 can be operated as a limited stop service.
Neil Stewart confirmed that, as Service 420 is wholly subsidised by Aberdeenshire Council, the principal reason for the picking-up / setting-down restrictions is to avoid the potential for a supported bus service to compete with a number of commercial bus services, as this could be deemed as anti-competitive. He also confirmed that these restrictions had the added attraction to Kemnay bus users of reducing journey times between the town and Aberdeen.
v) Request for Stagecoach Bluebird to review the running time on the 1715 hours ex Aberdeen – Alford (Monday to Friday). It was reported that drivers regularly need to wait at bus stops in Bucksburn and Blackburn, whilst they struggle to travel from Kintore to Kemnay in the 8 minutes allowed in the timetable.
Alan Robertson confirmed that this would be investigated.
vi) Query as to why there is a 1350 hours departure from Aberdeen – Alford on schooldays but, on non schooldays, it departs at 1410 hours. It was also queried as to how passengers are supposed to differentiate between schooldays and non-schooldays.
William Mainus confirmed that, as journey times are reduced on non schooldays, the departure has been retarded by 20 minutes to allow the arrival time at the final destination to be retained.
Alan Robertson confirmed that consideration would be given to listing the non-schooldays on timetable publicity.
Neil Stewart confirmed that this would also be considered for supported service publicity.
vii) Request for the 1240 hours ex Aberdeen – Kemnay (Mopnday to Saturday) to extend to Monymusk (Monday to Saturday).
William Mainus confirmed that this would be considered.
viii) Complaint regarding an increase in the price (+£11.20) of a monthly CommuterCard offered by Stagecoach Bluebird for travel between Monymusk and Aberdeen.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the cost of CommuterCards had not increased for 3 years, hence the significant increases in some areas.
ix) Complaint regarding the lack of information provided by the operator prior to the service changes in August 2010.
Neil Stewart again apologised for the late distribution of timetable leaflets but re-iterated that details had been provided on the Council’s web site and passengers should have been advised that the services in question were being amended, by means of notices displayed on buses 21 days in advance of the implementation date.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the late award of contracts had delayed publicity and that notices would be posted on buses prior to the next service change.
x) Query as to whether the heating systems on buses would be functioning properly during the coming winter months.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the problem last winter had been due to faulty heat pumps and this had now been rectified.
xi) Claim that the first departure to Aberdeen in the mornings (0523 hours ex Alford (Monday to Friday)) does not arrive in Kintore at a consistent time.
Alan Robertson confirmed that this would be investigated.
7.2 Service 420: Kemnay - Aberdeen
i) Request for the provision of additional limited stop journeys between Kemnay and Aberdeen
Neil Stewart confirmed that the Council had no plans to support more journeys as the overall level of service provision between Kemnay and Aberdeen meets minimum policy levels. He also advised that journeys contracted to the Council can not operate in competition with commercial services, as this could be deemed ant-competitive and also inappropriate use of local authority funds.
He advised, however, that Central Coaches, or other operators, could consider additional provision on a commercial basis should they deem it viable.
It was queried from ‘the floor’ as to what action the Council would take if Stagecoach Bluebird or another company introduce journeys at similar times to those already operating on Service 420.
Neil Stewart confirmed that consideration would need to be given to the withdrawal of supported journeys.
ii) There were a number of compliments received, from ‘the floor’, by Aberdeenshire Council for its decision to introduce Service 420, and Central Taxis for its efficient reliable operation and the courtesy of its staff.
iii) Query as to why Stagecoach Bluebird will not accept tickets issued by Central Taxis on their services.
Neil Stewart confirmed that, whilst Aberdeenshire Council’s Terms and Conditions of Contract stipulate that contractors must accept tickets issued by other operators on the route, the local authority has no such control over commercial services.
William Mainus confirmed that discussions were currently being held with the Council regarding this particular issue.
7.3 Service X15/X17/215: Alford / Westhill - Aberdeen
i) Request for Service X15 to be re-routed within the City to serve Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
William Mainus confirmed that there was insufficient time in the current schedules to accommodate this, due to congestion on Foresterhill Road, and this would adversely affect the viability of the services concerned.
ii) Claim that the 0954 hours ex Alford – Aberdeen (Service X15) is operating via Wellgrove Road and Old Skene Road in Westhill, instead of direct via Straik Road (Elrick).
Alan Robertson confirmed that this would be investigated.
iii) Claim that a Westhill based passenger, with a child in a pushchair, was unable to board 3 buses in a row, as they were not low floor accessible vehicles.
William Mainus expressed surprise and requested that dates and times be provided in the future.
7.4 Service 305: Elgin – Banff – Newmachar - Aberdeen
i) Request for re-instatement of the route which operated prior to 21 June 2010 within City of Aberdeen, with particular regard to journeys which previously served Mecca Bingo and the Berryden Road retail development.
William Mainus confirmed that the service was currently being reviewed and this request would be taken into consideration.
7.5 Service 307: Inverurie - Aberdeen
i) Claim that Stagecoach Bluebird had allocated non DDA compliant vehicles to the route during the summer months
Alan Robertson confirmed that some of the low floor buses had been recalled by the manufacturer for minor modifications to be undertaken, and this had resulted in spare vehicles being allocated to the corridor.
ii) Query as to why a number of ‘Inverurie Connect’ branded vehicles appeared to have been allocated to other bus service corridors in Aberdeenshire.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the decision to reduce the frequency on Service 307 had resulted in a small number of surplus vehicles being re-allocated to other corridors.
This was refuted from ‘the floor’, with the assertion that branded vehicles from several different services are seen on unrelated corridors throughout Aberdeenshire.
iii) Claim that a number of Stagecoach Bluebird drivers do not negotiate the raised boarding kerbs at bus stops correctly, resulting in buses stopping some distance from the kerbs, making it difficult for the elderly and mobility impaired to board and alight.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the requirement to access the raised board kerbs is an essential component of driver training and this would be reinforced to drivers.
He also advised that, in areas where coaches operate, it is sometimes necessary to stop before or beyond bus shelters to avoid the possibility of the doors opening onto shelters, and this could result in the vehicles failing to access the raised boarding kerbs.
7.6 General
i) Request for Stagecoach Bluebird’s new limited stop “Jet Service” (Service 727: Union Square Bus Station - Aberdeen Airport) to serve additional bus stops on the route.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the service would be reviewed and consideration would be given to serving additional bus stops, as long as this would not have a detrimental effect on existing demand levels, which were already exceeding the company’s expectations.
There was a query from ‘the floor’ as to why Service 220 (Alford / Kemnay – Aberdeen) still operates via Aberdeen airport, in view of the introduction of Service 727.
Alan Robertson confirmed that demand from Aberdeenshire based passengers had also to be taken into account.
ii) Query as to the procedure for Stagecoach Bluebird drivers with regard to the provision of assistance to passengers travelling with children in pushchairs.
Alan Robertson confirmed that, for health and safety reasons, drivers are not allowed to handle the pushchairs when children are still seated. However, he also confirmed that the company encourages the drivers to use their discretion and provide assistance when required.
iii) Allegation that some Stagecoach Bluebird drivers do not assist passengers boarding at Aberdeen airport, with the storage of suitcases inside the coaches, in view of the space taken up by the wheelchair lift.
William Mainus confirmed that drivers should store suitcases in the boot or side compartments of the coaches and that they would be re-instructed accordingly.
There was a query from ‘the floor’ as to the procedures with regard to drivers leaving their seats to assist passengers.
William Mainus confirmed that the engine should be switched off and the hand brake applied.
There was an allegation from ‘the floor’ that some Stagecoach Bluebird drivers request passengers to purchase items for them in shops on the route, so that they don’t leave their vehicles unattended.
Alan Robertson confirmed that such practice was unacceptable and drivers would be re-instructed accordingly.
iv) Query as to whether there are sufficient Stagecoach Bluebird drivers based at Insch Depot, to cover for late call-offs due to sickness.
Alan Robertson confirmed that a system was being set up to ensure there was sufficient cover at short notice.
v) Request for the Kemnay Newsletter to be informed of any pending revisions to local bus services. Such information would need to be provided by the 23rd of the month, so it can be published prior to service implementation.
William Mainus and Neil Stewart confirmed that they would make every effort to arrange this.
8. Date of Next Meeting
Councillor Cowling advised that the next meeting would be held in the same venue in spring 2011.
MINUTES OF MEETING ON MONDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2010
FRIENDSHIP ROOM, VILLAGE HALL, KEMNAY
In Attendance
Councillor R. Cowling (Aberdeenshire Council) (Chair)
Chris Hunneyball (Kemnay Community Council)
Mavis Wainman (Kemnay Community Council)
Christian Allard (Westhill & Elrick Community Council)
Sheila Gray (Kintore Community Council)
Ann Marston (Kintore Community Council)
Jim Piggins (Kemnay Community Council)
Morag Morrell (Blackburn Resident & Bus User)
Doreen Abel (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Margaret Basley (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Iain Black (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Shonagh Donachie (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Heather Stoddart (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Irene Tewnion (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Alison Bainbridge (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Bill Blackie (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
Pauline Bennett (Kemnay Resident & Bus User)
John McLauchlan (Kintore Resident & Bus User)
Evelyn Gray (Monymusk Resident & Bus User)
Elizabeth Riley (Alford Resident & Bus User)
D Riley (Alford Resident & Bus User)
Neil Robertson (Central Taxis)
William Mainus (Commercial Manager, Stagecoach Bluebird)
Alan Robertson (Assistant Operations Manager, Stagecoach Bluebird)
Neil Stewart (Principal Officer, Public Transport Unit, Aberdeenshire Council)
Susan Watt (Senior Transport Officer, Public Transport Unit, Aberdeenshire Council)
Apologies
Councillor C. R. McKail (Aberdeenshire Council)
Councillor A. J. Allan (Aberdeenshire Council)
Councillor G. S. Saluja (Aberdeenshire Council)
Councillor F. C. P. Hood (Aberdeenshire Council)
Richard Taylor (Fintray and Kinnellar Community Council)
Pamela Young (Newmachar Community Council)
1. Welcome and Introduction
Councillor Cowling welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were given.
2. Minutes of Meeting on 15th March 2010
The minutes were approved.
3. Matters arising from the Minutes
Alan Robertson provided the following update on behalf of Stagecoach Bluebird:
i) He advised that, whilst bus service complaints are not split by Council Area, the best estimate was approximately 7 complaints per week for Garioch, but he was unsure as to whether each of these was resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction. He added that the Data Protection Act does not allow the company to disclose details of any action taken against individual drivers.
He did, however, confirm that all complaints are logged with the date (day, week and period) and given a reference number. He agreed to a request from ‘the floor’ that these reference numbers be added to the company’s responses.
ii) Regarding the reports of frequent late running, or non-operation, of the 0723 hours ex Kemnay – Aberdeen (Monday to Friday) (Service 220: Alford – Aberdeen), he confirmed that they had no further complaints had been received in this regard.
iii) In response to the confusion surrounding the 0623 hours ex Kemnay – Aberdeen on 25th February 2010, he confirmed that the journey had not operated due to severe weather conditions and the company’s web site had incorrectly stated that it had. He apologised for this and confirmed that the new system, now in place, should ensure more accurate information in the future.
Neil Stewart provided the following update on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council:
iv) He referred to a meeting had been held in Tullynessle and Forbes Hall, Alford, on Thursday 1st July 2010, to discuss positional bus workings between Insch depot and Alford.
The Note of the Meeting is provided below:
In Attendance
Councillor J Strathdee (Aberdeenshire Council)
Malcolm Christie (Roads Manager, Aberdeenshire Council)
Bob Gray (Principal Roads Engineer, Aberdeenshire Council)
Yvonne Buckingham (Donside Community Council)
Margaret Parfitt (Brindy Neighbourhood Watch)
William Mainus (Commercial Manager, Stagecoach Bluebird)
Jim Gardner (Commercial Manager, Stagecoach Bluebird)
Neil Stewart (Principal Officer, Aberdeenshire Council)
Susan Watt (Senior Transport Officer, Aberdeenshire Council)
The following points were raised at the meeting
Concerns regarding the volume of buses using the B992 (Insch - Alford), given the number of tight bends and steep gradients along the route, and whether the route is suitable for bus operation.
William Mainus confirmed that, since the closure of the company’s Alford depot, 8 buses operate from Insch to Alford in the mornings and a further 2 cross the B992 during the day. The last bus returns from Alford to Insch at approximately 0045 hours.
He confirmed that the company had undertaken its own risk assessment on the route and that no major issues had arisen. However, he agreed to carry out further checks.
Malcolm Christie confirmed that there are no plans to impose restrictions regarding the size/weight of vehicles using the B992.
Request for additional signage to be erected at key locations along the route.
Malcolm Christie confirmed that this would be considered and requested that details of the locations causing concern be provided by the operator and local community.
Query regarding Aberdeenshire Council’s winter maintenance schedule for the B992.
Malcolm Christie confirmed that B992 is a Priority 2 route and therefore many buses would be crossing to Alford before commencement of morning roads treatment.
Query as to Stagecoach Bluebird’s procedures if the B992 is impassable during severe weather conditions.
William Mainus confirmed that cognisance would be given to weather forecasts and early morning conditions/roads reports, and alternative routes, if passable, would be used if necessary.
Allegation regarding Stagecoach Bluebird drivers speeding on the B992
William Mainus requested that times and dates be provided, in order that the company can undertake a full investigation. He confirmed that the majority of vehicles are fitted with cctv and also suggested that the Police could be notified if preferred.
Jim Gardner provided Stagecoach Bluebird’s contact details for complaints.
William Mainus confirmed that he would make arrangements for all relevant drivers to be reminded to exercise extreme caution on the route.
Request for appropriate positional journeys to be registered for use by the fare-paying public, as there are currently no local bus services on the route.
William Mainus confirmed that Stagecoach Bluebird would consider this request and inform the Council accordingly.
4. Bus Service Update
4.1 Stagecoach Bluebird
William Mainus provided the following update:
i) In the near future (date to be advised), the following additional journeys would be introduced on a commercial basis between Kemnay and Aberdeen, by- passing Kintore and Kemnay, and would be numbered Service X20.
1205 hours (Monday to Saturday), 1410 hours (schooldays), 1430 hours (non-schooldays), 0805 hours (Saturday) and 1535 hours (Saturday) ex Aberdeen – Kemnay.
0857 hours and 1257 hours (Monday to Saturday), 1527 hours (non-schooldays) and 1628 hours (Saturday) ex Kemnay – Aberdeen.
Unlike the Council supported Service 420 (Kemnay – Aberdeen limited stop), operated by Central Taxis, Service X20 would be a normal picking-up and setting-down service within City of Aberdeen.
4.2 Aberdeenshire Local Bus Services
Neil Stewart provided the following update:
i) The tendering of all Aberdeenshire Local bus services had been undertaken at the end of 2009 and following a prolonged process, the award of the majority of contracts had been approved by the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee in June 2010.
In view of the limited Revenue funding available and the fact that the lowest bids for some contracts represented increases of more than100% on current rates, 28 contracts were subject to re-tender and the award of 13 others was deferred pending the outcome of the re-tendering process.
The need to re-tender and at the same time review the network to identify further savings, meant that the contract award took place some 2 months later than previously scheduled and this had resulted in late service registrations submissions to the Traffic Commissioner and, in turn, delays in revised service publicity.
Whilst bus stop publicity had been updated during the weekend prior to the changes on 16 August 2010, and the Council’s website had provided accurate information at least 14 days in advance of implementation, a number of timetable leaflets had not been distributed prior to this date and for this he apologised.
ii) He confirmed the following revisions to contracted journeys affecting the Garioch Area with effect from 16 August 2010:
Service X15/215 (Aberdeen – Westhill - Alford)
A number of contracted journeys (1 early morning and various inter-peak journeys) between Elrick and Dunecht/Alford were withdrawn on the basis of limited passenger demand and/or the availability of alternative journeys
Service 220 (Aberdeen – Kemnay – Alford)
The 2129 hours ex Alford – Aberdeen (Sunday) was withdrawn on the basis of an average demand of 1 passenger per day.
Service 222/223 (Inverurie Town Service)
Service 222 operates via Provosts Circle and Port Elphinstone, whilst Service 223 operates via the Westgate development, North Street and Golf Park/Golf Crescent. Both services operate to/from Inverurie town centre and serve Blackhall Road, Brankie Road, Inverurie Hospital and both Tesco and Morrision superstores.
The overall frequency was reduced from 30 minutes to 40 minutes and the services, which were previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, were now operated by Kineil Coaches.
Service 240 (Oldmeldrum – Inverurie)
This Saturday contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Bain’s Coaches, was now operated by Stagecoach Bluebird.
Service 306 (Inverurie – Huntly)
The 1820 hrs ex Huntly to Oyne (Saturday) was extended to Inverurie at nil additional cost.
Service 308 (Inverurie – Aberchirder)
The Aberchirder/Turriff ‘short workings’, which connected with peak journeys to/from Aberdeen (Service 305: Elgin – Turriff – Aberdeen), and the Sunday service between Aberchirder and Inverurie, were withdrawn on the basis of extremely limited passenger demand. In addition, an inter-peak shoppers’ return journey between Aberchirder and Inverurie was withdrawn on the basis that alternative facilities exist within approximately one hour.
The contract, previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Bain’s Coaches.
Service 402 (Kingseat – Newmachar - Hatton of Fintray - Inverurie)
This contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Burns Coaches. The service was also extended to the Kingseat development to provide a shoppers’ facility to/from Inverurie.
Service 403 (Kingseat – Newmachar - Kinmuck – Inverurie)
This contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Burns Coaches. The service, which now operated on a Tuesday, was also extended to the Kingseat development to provide a shoppers’ facility to/from Inverurie.
Service 404 (Kingseat – Newmachar)
A new peak service between the Kingseat development and Newmachar, connecting with commercial journeys between Newmachar and Aberdeen (Service 305A: Oldmeldrum – Aberdeen operated by Bain’s Coaches and Services 305/325: Aberdeen – Banff – Elgin operated by Stagecoach Bluebird), was introduced with Planning Gain monies provided by developers.
The service, which will be reviewed after 6 months, is operated by Bain’s Coaches.
Service 417 (Alford - Lumsden – Insch)
This contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Philips Coaches. The new contractor registered the service to extend to/from Alford.
Service 420 (Aberdeen – Kemnay)
This contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Central Taxis.
Service 421 (Alford – Inverurie)
The evening service was withdrawn Monday to Thursday, on the basis of limited passenger demand, and the 1720 hours ex Inverurie – Alford (Monday to Friday) was truncated to terminate in Monymusk as an average of only 1 passenger per day travelled to Alford.
Service 493 (Ellon – Inverurie)
The evening service was withdrawn on the basis of limited passenger demand and the contract, which was previously operated on behalf of the Council by Stagecoach Bluebird, was now operated by Kineil Coaches.
5. Bus Service Requests / Development
Neil Stewart referred to the papers circulated, detailing pending and fulfilled service requests in the Garioch Area and confirmed that there were no additional pending requests, whilst the following had been fulfilled since the last Forum meeting:
i) The 1231 hours ex Kemnay – Inverurie (Service 240) connects with Service 10 (Inverness - Inverurie - Aberdeen).
ii) Request to fill the gap between 2042 hrs and 2242 hrs from Kintore to Aberdeen was fulfilled commercially by Stagecoach Bluebird with the provision of additional departures at 2103 hrs and 2153 hrs ex Kintore (Monday to Saturday).
6. Public Transport Infrastructure / Information
6.1 Update
Neil Stewart confirmed that there had been no further developments to report in this regard.
6.2 Discussion
i) Request for provision of a bus shelter on Westhill Drive (Westhill), between the ‘’Tesco roundabout’’ and the town centre.
Neil Stewart confirmed that this would be investigated.
ii) Complaint regarding a lack of timetable information being available at various outlets, with particular regard to Blackburn and Inverurie (Post Office and Gordon House), prior to the service revisions on 16 August 2010.
Neil Stewart confirmed that this would be investigated.
iii) Request for the full service timetables to be provided in publicity cases at bus shelters/bus stops, particularly at locations in rural areas where there is plenty of space available to allow this.
Neil Stewart confirmed that the current automated system does not allow for this and it would be not be practicable to treat individual locations differently.
In response to further complaints regarding this issue, he advised that they contact his colleague Martin Hall (Principal Officer, Information and Infrastructure) for further information Tel (01224) 664587 or email martin.hall@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
iv) Complaint that the bus shelter, promised for Sunnyside (Kintore), had still to be installed.
Neil Stewart confirmed that he would inform Martin Hall.
7. Bus Service Discussion
7.1 Service 220: Alford/Kemnay – Aberdeen
i) Claim regarding frequent late running, or non-operation, of the 0717 hours ex Kemnay – Aberdeen (Monday to Friday), with particular reference to 27th August 2010, on which date it was claimed that the bus didn’t arrive in Kemnay until 0755 hours.
Alan Robertson confirmed that this would be investigated.
ii) Request for the provision of a 0745 hours departure from Kemnay to Aberdeen (Monday to Friday)
Neil Stewart confirmed that Aberdeenshire has no funds at its disposal to support the provision of such a journey.
Alan Robertson confirmed that this request would be considered by Stagecoach Bluebird.
iii) Request to re-route the service to operate as per Service 420 (Kemnay – Aberdeen) omitting Kintore and Blackburn.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the company’s next service revision would include some additional journeys which would omit both Kintore and Blackburn.
iv) Request for the service to operate as limited stop within City of Aberdeen, also as per Service 420.
Alan Robertson confirmed that it would not be commercially viable for the company to do this.
It was queried from ‘the floor’ as to why Service 420 can be operated as a limited stop service.
Neil Stewart confirmed that, as Service 420 is wholly subsidised by Aberdeenshire Council, the principal reason for the picking-up / setting-down restrictions is to avoid the potential for a supported bus service to compete with a number of commercial bus services, as this could be deemed as anti-competitive. He also confirmed that these restrictions had the added attraction to Kemnay bus users of reducing journey times between the town and Aberdeen.
v) Request for Stagecoach Bluebird to review the running time on the 1715 hours ex Aberdeen – Alford (Monday to Friday). It was reported that drivers regularly need to wait at bus stops in Bucksburn and Blackburn, whilst they struggle to travel from Kintore to Kemnay in the 8 minutes allowed in the timetable.
Alan Robertson confirmed that this would be investigated.
vi) Query as to why there is a 1350 hours departure from Aberdeen – Alford on schooldays but, on non schooldays, it departs at 1410 hours. It was also queried as to how passengers are supposed to differentiate between schooldays and non-schooldays.
William Mainus confirmed that, as journey times are reduced on non schooldays, the departure has been retarded by 20 minutes to allow the arrival time at the final destination to be retained.
Alan Robertson confirmed that consideration would be given to listing the non-schooldays on timetable publicity.
Neil Stewart confirmed that this would also be considered for supported service publicity.
vii) Request for the 1240 hours ex Aberdeen – Kemnay (Mopnday to Saturday) to extend to Monymusk (Monday to Saturday).
William Mainus confirmed that this would be considered.
viii) Complaint regarding an increase in the price (+£11.20) of a monthly CommuterCard offered by Stagecoach Bluebird for travel between Monymusk and Aberdeen.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the cost of CommuterCards had not increased for 3 years, hence the significant increases in some areas.
ix) Complaint regarding the lack of information provided by the operator prior to the service changes in August 2010.
Neil Stewart again apologised for the late distribution of timetable leaflets but re-iterated that details had been provided on the Council’s web site and passengers should have been advised that the services in question were being amended, by means of notices displayed on buses 21 days in advance of the implementation date.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the late award of contracts had delayed publicity and that notices would be posted on buses prior to the next service change.
x) Query as to whether the heating systems on buses would be functioning properly during the coming winter months.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the problem last winter had been due to faulty heat pumps and this had now been rectified.
xi) Claim that the first departure to Aberdeen in the mornings (0523 hours ex Alford (Monday to Friday)) does not arrive in Kintore at a consistent time.
Alan Robertson confirmed that this would be investigated.
7.2 Service 420: Kemnay - Aberdeen
i) Request for the provision of additional limited stop journeys between Kemnay and Aberdeen
Neil Stewart confirmed that the Council had no plans to support more journeys as the overall level of service provision between Kemnay and Aberdeen meets minimum policy levels. He also advised that journeys contracted to the Council can not operate in competition with commercial services, as this could be deemed ant-competitive and also inappropriate use of local authority funds.
He advised, however, that Central Coaches, or other operators, could consider additional provision on a commercial basis should they deem it viable.
It was queried from ‘the floor’ as to what action the Council would take if Stagecoach Bluebird or another company introduce journeys at similar times to those already operating on Service 420.
Neil Stewart confirmed that consideration would need to be given to the withdrawal of supported journeys.
ii) There were a number of compliments received, from ‘the floor’, by Aberdeenshire Council for its decision to introduce Service 420, and Central Taxis for its efficient reliable operation and the courtesy of its staff.
iii) Query as to why Stagecoach Bluebird will not accept tickets issued by Central Taxis on their services.
Neil Stewart confirmed that, whilst Aberdeenshire Council’s Terms and Conditions of Contract stipulate that contractors must accept tickets issued by other operators on the route, the local authority has no such control over commercial services.
William Mainus confirmed that discussions were currently being held with the Council regarding this particular issue.
7.3 Service X15/X17/215: Alford / Westhill - Aberdeen
i) Request for Service X15 to be re-routed within the City to serve Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
William Mainus confirmed that there was insufficient time in the current schedules to accommodate this, due to congestion on Foresterhill Road, and this would adversely affect the viability of the services concerned.
ii) Claim that the 0954 hours ex Alford – Aberdeen (Service X15) is operating via Wellgrove Road and Old Skene Road in Westhill, instead of direct via Straik Road (Elrick).
Alan Robertson confirmed that this would be investigated.
iii) Claim that a Westhill based passenger, with a child in a pushchair, was unable to board 3 buses in a row, as they were not low floor accessible vehicles.
William Mainus expressed surprise and requested that dates and times be provided in the future.
7.4 Service 305: Elgin – Banff – Newmachar - Aberdeen
i) Request for re-instatement of the route which operated prior to 21 June 2010 within City of Aberdeen, with particular regard to journeys which previously served Mecca Bingo and the Berryden Road retail development.
William Mainus confirmed that the service was currently being reviewed and this request would be taken into consideration.
7.5 Service 307: Inverurie - Aberdeen
i) Claim that Stagecoach Bluebird had allocated non DDA compliant vehicles to the route during the summer months
Alan Robertson confirmed that some of the low floor buses had been recalled by the manufacturer for minor modifications to be undertaken, and this had resulted in spare vehicles being allocated to the corridor.
ii) Query as to why a number of ‘Inverurie Connect’ branded vehicles appeared to have been allocated to other bus service corridors in Aberdeenshire.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the decision to reduce the frequency on Service 307 had resulted in a small number of surplus vehicles being re-allocated to other corridors.
This was refuted from ‘the floor’, with the assertion that branded vehicles from several different services are seen on unrelated corridors throughout Aberdeenshire.
iii) Claim that a number of Stagecoach Bluebird drivers do not negotiate the raised boarding kerbs at bus stops correctly, resulting in buses stopping some distance from the kerbs, making it difficult for the elderly and mobility impaired to board and alight.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the requirement to access the raised board kerbs is an essential component of driver training and this would be reinforced to drivers.
He also advised that, in areas where coaches operate, it is sometimes necessary to stop before or beyond bus shelters to avoid the possibility of the doors opening onto shelters, and this could result in the vehicles failing to access the raised boarding kerbs.
7.6 General
i) Request for Stagecoach Bluebird’s new limited stop “Jet Service” (Service 727: Union Square Bus Station - Aberdeen Airport) to serve additional bus stops on the route.
Alan Robertson confirmed that the service would be reviewed and consideration would be given to serving additional bus stops, as long as this would not have a detrimental effect on existing demand levels, which were already exceeding the company’s expectations.
There was a query from ‘the floor’ as to why Service 220 (Alford / Kemnay – Aberdeen) still operates via Aberdeen airport, in view of the introduction of Service 727.
Alan Robertson confirmed that demand from Aberdeenshire based passengers had also to be taken into account.
ii) Query as to the procedure for Stagecoach Bluebird drivers with regard to the provision of assistance to passengers travelling with children in pushchairs.
Alan Robertson confirmed that, for health and safety reasons, drivers are not allowed to handle the pushchairs when children are still seated. However, he also confirmed that the company encourages the drivers to use their discretion and provide assistance when required.
iii) Allegation that some Stagecoach Bluebird drivers do not assist passengers boarding at Aberdeen airport, with the storage of suitcases inside the coaches, in view of the space taken up by the wheelchair lift.
William Mainus confirmed that drivers should store suitcases in the boot or side compartments of the coaches and that they would be re-instructed accordingly.
There was a query from ‘the floor’ as to the procedures with regard to drivers leaving their seats to assist passengers.
William Mainus confirmed that the engine should be switched off and the hand brake applied.
There was an allegation from ‘the floor’ that some Stagecoach Bluebird drivers request passengers to purchase items for them in shops on the route, so that they don’t leave their vehicles unattended.
Alan Robertson confirmed that such practice was unacceptable and drivers would be re-instructed accordingly.
iv) Query as to whether there are sufficient Stagecoach Bluebird drivers based at Insch Depot, to cover for late call-offs due to sickness.
Alan Robertson confirmed that a system was being set up to ensure there was sufficient cover at short notice.
v) Request for the Kemnay Newsletter to be informed of any pending revisions to local bus services. Such information would need to be provided by the 23rd of the month, so it can be published prior to service implementation.
William Mainus and Neil Stewart confirmed that they would make every effort to arrange this.
8. Date of Next Meeting
Councillor Cowling advised that the next meeting would be held in the same venue in spring 2011.
Aberdeenshire Council meeting about roads
19/02/10 16:13
Representatives of Kintore and District Community met with Ian Rendall of the Roads Dept at Aberdeenshire Council, on Friday 22 January 2010
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