The community council decided it would not pursue inviting AWPR representatives to another meeting now that the project is in its final stages. Members and the dozen residents present felt it would not achieve anything.

Members will look favourably on an application for a grant from Banchory Devenick School to help with outings for the pupils. Similarly assistance will be given to the Portlethen Community Ambulance Association towards purchasing a new vehicle. Replacing the minibus which covers the area served by Portlethen medical centre will be in the region of £24,000. The community council will decide on the level of grants at a future meeting.

There was disappointment at the decision of a Scottish government reporter to grant planning permission for a biomass plant, house and associated development to the west of Cookney Church. The application had been refused by local councillors.

It was noted that Beannachar Camphill Community has applied for planning permissions for a single storey strawbale building at Banchory Devenick. The application says it will be a low carbon sustainable building constructed using bio‐renewable materials, with walls fashioned from locally grown straw and timber. More at https://upa.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=P219JHCALP400.

Concerns were raised by a resident about syndicates shooting on local land at night and the potential for a serious accident given that no warning signs had been erected. It is thought deer may have been the target, however local people use the area for recreation. The police have been informed.

The lack of progress with the Blairs development was raised. The Riverside of Blairs housing is being built, but no sign of progress with the main development, the community council heard. Would planning permission for the main plans time expire?

Many other matters were also discussed. Come along if you would like to know more! The next meeting is on 19 February in the school, starting at 7.30pm.