One of the longest meeting of Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee today that I have attended. I’m off shortly to another meeting so here are the headlines:
• Maryculter Community Hall Association is being given a grant of £7000 for the provision of a toilet which will be accessible for disabled people, including a changing area. Total cost is £14,038.
• Portlethen is the only settlement in Scotland that has progressed so far through the place-making process. There has been a reasonable level of applications under the fund to disperse £20,000.
• The 2G artificial pitch at Portlethen Academy will see a like-for-like replacement as agreed between council officers and Robertsons. Craig McMorrin from the sports club spoke in favour of it being a 3G replacement. However it was clear that the decision could not be overturned by councillors.
I supported a motion that the area committee request the Aberdeenshire-wide communities committee to consider funding options for a 3G pitch in the town. This was defeated on the casting vote of the chairwoman, Cllr Agnew.
• We then discussed whether money raised from selling Maryculter East School could be allocated to a 3G pitch in Portlethen. However this would not conform with council policies. I supported a motion by Cllr Pike that the area committee request the Aberdeenshire-wide communities committee to consider funding options for a 3G pitch in the town. Yes, pretty much the same as before. This time it was supported by 9 votes to three. As I said at committee: “Let’s do something!”
• Next up was a discussion on integrated travel in Portlethen. Various projects are coming forward to encourage more cycling and walking. I pressed the case again for a safe link from Marywell to Cove, and from Portlethen to Cammachmore.
• The roads service presented a response to two petitions highlighting concerns about road clearance and gritting at Kirkton of Maryculter and at Banchory Devenick. I called for a fuller report with much more information to be presented to the next meeting.
• Planning permission in principle was given – against officer recommendation – for a house on scrub land to the north of Cedar Pines at Bridge of Muchalls. An application I was happy to support.
• Asda has received full planning permission for a fast-food drive-through and a new petrol station at its Portlethen store. Unanimous backing from councillors. There is more in the Evening Express: https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/plans-for-new-two-storey-mcdonalds-drive-thru-in-north-east-town-approved/
All the reports can be found on the council website at http://committees.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/committees.aspx?commid=8&meetid=18923
It might sound bad but I cannot wait to have a KFC this side of Aberdeen!
Thanks for continuing to push for the improved cycle links Ian, I’m going to need it with a new fast food place near by!!