The latest Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee meeting was held on Tuesday 29th April at Viewmount. The agenda and supporting reports are available here along with the recording of the public part of the meeting.
The main reports presented and discussed were
· Two planning applications, relating to Chapelton and to Drumlithie.
· Roads and Infrastructure programme of work for 2025/26 and an update on works for 2024/25.
· Coastal Communities Funding 2024/25
· Nominations to Kincardineshire Educational Trust
The first planning application related to a minor amendment to previously approved plans in Chapelton and was recommended for approval by the planning department. The committee agreed unanimously to approve the application. The second application, for a house and garage in a rural location near Drumlithie, was recommended for refusal by the planning department, as it did not currently meet the necessary criteria. After much discussion relating to the viability and sustainability of the associated business, the committee voted to refuse the application by eight votes to four, as the business is currently in its infancy.
The committee then received a comprehensive presentation on the roads and infrastructure report. This document, and appendices, details the work carried out in 2024/25, and the proposed works for 2025/26. The impact of the reduction in budget allocation for 25/26 is that no preventative work, for example surface dressing, is planned for the coming year. Appendix 6 (here) lists major road maintenance projects, yet none will be undertaken this year. Councillors raised concerns that the public, on seeing this list, would expect the work to be completed, and asked for more transparency in the documents. The discussion continued, with councillors raising concerns about specific roads, bridges and lighting issues, which will be investigated. In conclusion the committee noted and appreciated the work completed for 2024/25, and accepted the recommendations for the work for 2025/26.
Area Manager, Tim Stephen, presented the report on the Coastal Communities Funding for 2024/25. This funding was received late in 2024 and will be carried over into 2025/26. The K&M allocation of £100,383.05, is proposed to be allocated as follows
· £49,999 – Stonehaven Promenade
· £3,030 – Gourdon Community Council
· £7,968 – Stonehaven Tolbooth Association
· £11,070 – Portlethen Steps
· £16,818 – Mill of Benholm
· £1,800 – St Cyrus Community Council
The allocation for Stonehaven Promenade relates to the plan to permanently widen the promenade. Two grant applications for this project are currently pending, and assuming they are approved, this funding will make up the shortfall. If they are unsuccessful, the funds can be reallocated. The allocation to Stonehaven Tolbooth Association is for work to restore the outer courtyard, following the recent restoration of the inner courtyard. The balance of £9,698.05 is available to other projects which meet the criteria. These applications were all approved.
The final matter discussed was the nomination of a councillor to Kincardineshire Educational Trust, due to the resignation of the former representative. Councillor Tracey Smith was nominated and seconded, and her appointment was approved by the committee.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 20th May.