Lynne Somerville (LS) – Chair, Dre Middleton – Vice Chair, Alannah Maurer – SLL,
Geoff Hull (GH) - Councillor, Kenny Gibson (KS) – Councillor
Ava Somerville, Pamela Scott (PS) – Treasurer
Nothing to note.
Proposed by KG, LS seconds.
It was agreed that BHCC requires the following equipment: -
Drea Middleton (DM) proposed to take be co opted on in role of Vice Chair by LS. DM is a resident of Balloch and Haldane.
All of BHCC present proposed that Alannah Maurer be co opted to join BHCC as representative of Save Loch Lomond.
Local Place Plan- ongoing development.
Kelly Cull resigned from the CC, an email was sent to LS outlining that personal matters meant she could not dedicate the time required to the CC.
Tuesday 3 September 2024.
Lynne Somerville (LS) – Chair, Pamela Scott (PS) – Treasurer, Geoff Hull (GH) – Councillor, Kenny Gibson (KS) – Councillor, Chris Aitchison (CA)- Councillor, Kelly Cull (KC) - Councillor, 2 members of the public
Ava Somerville
Nothing to note.
Proposed by PS, LS seconds.
RBS Bank Current balance £3860.11.
Previous years accounts have now been passed by WDC following submission.
Minimal support to the Treasurer has been received from WDC colleagues.
Treasurer experienced some difficulty obtaining annual Community Council grant initially, but following numerous emails and discussions this has now been rectified.
No new matters.
Flamingo Land Ongoing.
No Police report forwarded to CC this month.
To look into obtaining minutes or report from Operation Battalion that the Police Service coordinate over the summer months.
Approx 110 attended meeting held.
Supportive for creation of Steering Group.
Data is being collated from information provided by attendees of the meeting.
51% membership is required from Balloch and Haldane residents to create CDT (Community Development Trust).
Development ideas, local business, and school engagement key.
Discussion was had surrounding building upon businesses already present within the locality and offering development opportunities.
Engaging with the local population will be vital to ensure success and forward gains with the process of setup.
Agreed to have 2 month hiatus from standard meetings August/September to focus on the CDT, rather than usual 2 month summer CC holiday.
Local Place Plan- ongoing development.
Gillian Clark has resigned from the CC, an email was sent to LS on the 25.4.24 outlining her wishes to step down and focus upon other projects.
CA asked what the exact boundary of the CC was, discussion took place. GH has a map outlining; he will forward to the CA. Discussion that this should be added to the CC’s website.
Tuesday 3 September 2024.
Lynne Somerville (LS) – Chair, Pamela Scott (PS) – Treasurer, Ava Somerville (AS) – Minute Secretary, Kenny Gibson (KS) – Councillor, Geoff Hull (GH) – Councillor, Kelly Cull (KC) – Councillor, Chris Aitchison (CA) –Councillor, Kelly Clapperton (KC) – FEL Climate AH, Brenda Demster – Save Loch Lomond, Christine Aitchison (CA) - Public, Gale McAtear – Save Loch Lomond
No Apologies from Police Scotland
No Apologies from Steven Burns
Nothing to note.
Proposed by PS, GH seconds.
£511 towards print of flyers to notify public of Lomond Banks (Flamingo Land) planning application deadline.
Costs for liability insurance wasted as Drymen Show organisers cancelled BHCC at the last minute citing they were at capacity however as BHCC had been in constant comms with Drymen show organiser, it is apparent that this was not the case.
None for this month.
No major updates.
Flamingo land + Windfarm ongoing.
Volunteers needed.
Working more efficiently is needed#.
139 persons completed the Community Development Trust form.
Legal information and geographic spread.
Wednesday 19th of June for LLTNP meeting on the matter.
Surveying Local Business.
Online survey for local people to be created on Word.
Flyers to be redesigned/QR code for Green Party objection added
Speak to Greens on how much funds remain and if Save Loch Lomond volunteers are required to help raise more funds.
Complaint against elected officials, to be submitted this week.
Community Development Trust meeting date to be agreed and public notified. We need to agree legal structure. Talks with DTAS and Scottish Land Fund +others ongoing regarding an asset transfer being actioned.
Although in a self employed capacity, Kelly offers place planning services and will quote us, due to the urgency of BHCC’s needs, Kelly does not think she will have the capacity to get involved with BHCC’s LPP at this stage. She has kindly offered to support BHCC in any way possible with the FEL Climate Action Hub hat on and will take part in a public consultation event to be diarised to take place in Aug/Sept. Date TBC.
Climate Action Hub activity and guidance could also be fed into the Community Development Trust activity.
None.
Tuesday 2nd July 2024.
Lynne Somerville (LS) – Chair, Pamela Scott (PS) – Treasurer, Ava Somerville (AS) – Minute Secretary, Kenny Gibson (KS) – Councillor, Geoff Hull (GH) – Councillor, Kelly Cull (KC) - Councillor, Christine Aitchison (CA) - Public, Chris Aitchison – Councillor
None
None
Minutes from previous AGM. Not available due to BHCC disbanding.
LS presented BHCC strategy going forward and what BHCC has achieved in the last 12 months.
PS presented all accounts dating back to June last year.
New office bearers appointed in the last 12 months include: -
New Councillors to consider office bearing roles they may wish to fulfil. Notice of new office bearers advertised in Co op and on social media.
Close of AGM and start of ordinary June meeting.
Tuesday 3rd June 2025 – AGM
Lynne Somerville (LS) – Chair, Pamela Scott (PS) – Treasurer, Ava Somerville (AS) – Minute Secretary, Kenny Gibson (KS) – Councillor, Geoff Hull (GH) – Councillor, Kelly Cull (KC) - Councillor, Pamela Barnes (PB) – DTAS, Chris Aitchison (CA) – Nominated Councillor, Fiona Taylor (FT) – COSS + 14 members of the public
Police Scotland
Proposed by PS, GH seconds.
LS & PS are the signatories on Bank Account, now fully accessible.
Access to grant for 2024/25 we must provide Annual accounts for the previous year, minutes of all meetings, most recent bank statement, account to be audited and will then go to WDC for approval and payment of grant 2024/25.
Expenditure , 7th of November 2023 Poppy Wreath, 37.20 is now paid to David Keown.
No updates this month.
A rape occurred. No other major issues.
LS Proposes, AS seconds for Kelly Cull (KC) to become a councilor. Chris Aitchison (CA) application to be voted in at BHCC June meeting.
Fiona Taylor COSS + Pamela Barns DTAS kindly gave a detailed presentation on what options are available to the community if we were to set up a community development trust. Roadmap provided.
DK is no longer recognised a Community Councillor.
None
Tuesday 4th of June – AGM
None
Proposed by PS, GC seconds.
- David Keown to be given money for Poppy Reif
- BHCC Laptop to have MS Office and antivirus installed
- No updates this month
- New police officer in place
- No other matters of interest
Could this be considered ref. Community Asset Transfer.
- Tuesday 7th May 2024
Lynne Somerville (LS) – Chair, Pamela Scott (PS) – Treasurer, Ava Somerville (AS) - Secretary, Kenny Scott (KS) – Councillor, Geoff Hull, Councillor, Gillian Clark (GC) - Councillor, Stephen McGarrigle, Police Scotland, Jonathan McColl Councillor Ward 1 Lomond, James MacRae – Treasurer Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, Fiona Robertson on behalf of Lomond Banks Developer (Flamingo Land), Gary McGregor on behalf of Lomond Banks Developer (Flamingo Land)
Stephen Burns (SB) WDC, Hazel Sorrell (HS) – Councillor Ward 1 Lomond, Jackie Baillie, MSP
No Apologies Martin Rooney, Councillor Ward 1 Lomond
None
Proposed by PS and GC.
James MacRae attended on behalf of Loch Lomond Rescue Boat to discuss Loch Lomond Rescue Boat planning application 2024/0019/DET. All questions BHCC asked were satisfied and it was agreed that BHCC would support the application.
Concerns raised regarding traffic on A82 impacting on rescue crew being able to reach rescue boat(s) in a timely manner, often they have had to park their cars and run from various locations due to A82 being grid locked.
Although the planning application includes private parking, this will not make a difference during peak season and if Lomond Banks goes ahead as the rescue crew will still not be able to reach the new site by car.
BHCC to submit letter of support but will cite these concerns to LLTNP.
28 crimes recorded but no crimes of major significance.
-Discussed matter of police station closure. This is of great concern, the local community as are the police, grateful for the police to have a base close to the local area. This is a matter that we intend to follow up on in April.
Lomond Banks wants to invest 40 million into the local area. The family who own Flamingo land are Scottish although headquartered in England. They supposedly originate from the local area and want to invest in the local community.
Lomond Banks want suggestions from the local community.
Fiona delivered a detailed presentation with a focus on key objections from the local community. Not all objections were addressed. The developer is prepared to work with the local community to try and address key concerns. It was agreed another public meeting dedicated to the subject of would be called to discuss the matter of Lomond Banks (Flamingo Land) but questions would be submitted ahead of time to allow the developer to answer all key questions. Transparency and honesty are key.
The following were raised by the developer and should be noted: -
BHCC will engage the local community to gather feedback and questions to be answered by the developer at a follow up meeting. Date and venue to be agreed but it is likely this will take place sometime in April.
The local community attended and voiced concerns that this meeting had not been widely enough advertised. BHCC asks the local community;
Agreed BHCC will undertake a qualitative/quantitative approach to engaging the local community.
Subheadings agreed with the caveat based on feedback these would be adjusted as we progress.
Date for follow up meeting to be agreed between BHCC. LS to follow up.
BHCC voted unanimously against Vale of Leven Windfarm development.
This is in line with the public meeting held and the online survey - the majority of 69% against development, 24% for and 9% undecided.
Letter of objection to be sent to Scot Gov. with survey results and outcome of the public meeting attached.
Model Constitution GC to contact SB to run proposed changes via him. We will then need to adhere to notification procedure and publish notice of the proposed changes 10 days prior to the meeting where we will propose and vote suggested changes in. Per Rule 16.
GC has offered to volunteer more time in support of BHCC. LS and GC to meet to discuss this in greater detail and this can be voted on at next meeting. LS to give GC access rights to social media etc. Likely that GC will share role of Secretary with AS.
Tuesday 2nd of April at 19:30 Balloch House Hotel.
Lynne Somerville (LS) – Chair, Pamela Scott (PS) – Treasurer, Ava Somerville (AS) - Secretary, Stephen Burns (SB) WDC, Kenny Scott (KS) – Councillor, Gillian Clark (GC) - Councillor, Jim J Donnelly & Denis Blackwood – Levenhowe residents association, Hannah Robinson & Susan Brooks – Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Matthew Spurway – West Dunbartonshire Council
Geoff Hull, Councillor, Martin Rooney, Councillor Ward 1 Lomond, Jackie Bailley, MSP, Stephen McGarrigle, Police Scotland
No apologies from Hazel Sorrell (HS) – Councillor Ward 1 – Lomond
None
LS and PS propose Gillian to be a Councillor.
Proposed by PS and GC.
Place plan to cover significant places in the area.
Planning authority and community views on matters are of importance (Engaging and Inclusivity)
WDC (£500) and LLTNPs (2k) potential financial assistance.
BHCC need to decide which subcategory will be covered within the place plan (Countryside usage, Investment into nature restorations, risk assessments etc.),
Callander Place Plan to be shared to assist BHCCs decision.
Local economic data to be shared with BHCC.
Place Plan Standard online tool 14 questions to be shared
Channel lacking maintenance although some remedial work was carried out recently, this is an ongoing concern.
The advertised flood equipment fund, very hard to access for residents although some progress has been made. Lack of advice given.
SEPA not engaging with Levenhowe Residents association.
LS, Action – Emailed Jackie Bailley requesting to access £10,000 from the remaining £65,000 budget for the Levenhowe residents.
Project will assist all carers in Haldane.
Different levels of support offered depending on the carers situation.
Challenging poverty & exclusions.
AS, action - to advertise on the social media platforms.
DK to be removed from bank account. LS is to sign.
£305.72 in the bank account by the 22nd of February.
WDC ready to transfer the £3287.52 + £810.41 into the account.
DK due compensation for Poppy Reef.
St Kessog's Hall hire to be paid £40.
Trees being felled with no plans for re-plantation. KS to respond to emails on the matter.
Secretary to email Scottish Forestry.
Police report received on day of meeting which meant it was missed. The report has since been circulated around all councillor’s, no major concerns were noted. Update to be offered at March meeting.
Ross Greer, asked to comment but no response as of yet.
Jackie Bailley, rejected in Oct 2023.
Pam Gosell, rejected and she will present to Lorna Slater in the coming weeks. BHCC to submit an objection letter with all other local CC’s. Sally page is leading on this.
Survey still up circa 120 responses, 69% against, 25% for and 6% undecided.
Lennox Herald running an article ahead of the meeting and will attend on the 19th Feb to take pictures for a follow up article.
Complaint from Trevor Scott to LS (Chair), LS to respond and invite Trevor to next meeting.
Request for Gemma Energy Scotland to attend the public meeting on the 19th Feb (SB)
Developers refusing to attend public meeting on the 19th Feb
Ofgem regulations to be researched further (KS)
LS meeting Liam at St Kessogs hall to review equipment for meeting.
Entrance to Kilpatrick hills will be closed if Wind farms go ahead.
PS proposed and GC seconded that BHCC re affirms the public opinion, unanimous vote to overturn the former BHCC decision.
Statement to be issued objecting to West Riverside and Woodbank House (Lomond Banks) planning application 2022/0157/PPP - LLTNP will be asked to confirm receipt of the objection and advise on next steps.
Press release started LS to share for comment/input and to be issued ahead of the meet and greet with Ross Greer on 23rd Feb.
To remove the ‘Change Balloch train station name’ from Agenda
Dogs being poisoned, general advice to the public on how to keep your animals safe year-round.
Adoption of Model Constitution, to circulate around for all to consider ahead of the March meeting.
Balloch Library Closure update. Cara emailed update, construction has started on the Balloch Primary School. If the library closes there will be no public spaces left in Balloch for groups to meet.
Tuesday 5th of March at Balloch House Hotel.
Lynne Somerville (LS) – Vice chair
Pamela Scott (PS) – Treasurer
Ava Somerville (AS) - Secretary
Stephen Burns (SB) WDC
Gillian Clark (GC) Balloch Castle Country Park Regeneration Group (BCCPRG)
Sally Page (SP) Balloch Castle Country Park Regeneration Group (BCCPRG)
Matt Buckland (MB) Balloch Castle Country Park Regeneration
David Keown (DK) - Chair,
Denis Blackwood (DB) – Chair, Levenhowe Tenants Association
No apologies from Police Scotland
No apologies from Hazel Sorrell (HS) – Councilor Ward 1 – Lomond
None
BCCPRG presented on the great work BCCPRG is doing. Problems and potentials for the park were explored and SP offered an update on the AGM, charitable status and funding applications made on behalf of BCCPRG. BCCPRG has agreed to work with BHCC on their Place Plan and to explore other avenues to work together in support of Balloch Park.
Minutes of previous meeting held on the 5th of December 2023 meeting accepted as a true and accurate record.
Geoff Hull and Kenny Gibson voted in a Community Councillors
Social Media, PR and Marketing Update
Balloch Library closure
- Goven Law centre now involved.
- Cara Thom (LLTNP) is leading on this and will include BHCC in future meetings.
Biodiversity consultation
- Response was submitted and also posted on BHCC social media for members of the public to read.
- Consultation date, feedback not known as of yet.
Ongoing Midsteeple Quarter to be invited to a meeting with BHCC councillors to discuss community ownership of buildings.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP)
- Fiona Jackson responded to LS concerning the future of Lomond Shore Gateway Centre. This engagement is sought prior to any decisions being made regarding its future.
- LS submitted a request for an extension to the Place Plan to the LLTNP Dec Board meeting held on the 11th Dec 2024. This was accepted. LLTNP have been invited to attend the next CC meeting in Feb to set expectations for drafting the Place Plan.
- ONGOING Request LLTNP's input on their stance regarding the proposed Wind Farm development.
- ONGOING Request if BHCC can use LLTNP meeting space for future BHCC meetings.
Wind Farm update
- Meeting on the 25th January for Wind farm, involving other councils.
- Public meeting on 19th of February at 19:00, St Kessogs hall.
- £40 for hall to be hired, LS will pay and reclaim this.
- Online survey still available. LS to share this for wider dissemination.
- To gather costs for print designs for leaflet hand outs.
- Article to be featured in the Feb edition of the Community Advertiser.
- Lennox Herald to run article.
Levenhowe Tenants Association, Chair Denis Blackwood to attend Feb meeting to discuss flooding. Potential cause is gabion walls that were introduced 10 or so years ago.
- LS contacted WDC to get update on £350k Flood Prevention Budget and what this has been spent on.
-Contacted Dunbarton East CC for guidance on how they applied for funding.
-National Centre for Resilience funding to be explored in support of Levenhowe Tenants Association. Due to resources, BHCC does not have the capacity to apply to the 2024/25 funding applications as deadline is 31st Jan.
-Will apply to the 2025/26 funding call and build this into BHCC place plan.
- https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/ncr/howtoworkwithus/#applyforfunding
- All signatures attained.
- Formal complaint sent on January 16th to RBS complaints team.
-Problem arose with Murdoch Cameron's signature, required to attend the bank with identification.
-Still awaiting account to be opened.
- Microsoft to be purchased for BHCC laptop.
- Talk of the closure of Dunbarton police station - Survey consultation for this action online.
- Fixed penalty notice and the hiring of parking officers in discussion.
- SB to confirm which other police station is pending closure.
- SB to also confirm if any invoices by BHCC can be paid from BHCCs budget by WDC until the situation with the bank is resolved.
- WDC (Matthew Sparway) & LLTNP (Hannah/Susan) invited to next meeting on the 8th of February 2024.
- Action, LS, to book family room for this date.
Thursday the 8th February @ 19:30 Balloch House Hotel