helmsdale development group's minute 25th november 2011

Minutes of the Meeting of the Helmsdale and District Development Group

held on the 25 November 2010 in the Community Centre

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Present Lucy Fraser (Chairman)Valery George (Secretary)Pete Carson (LDO)Alex JappyBarbara Jappy Nicola HendersonRachel Skene

The Chairman read out the apologies.The Chairman introduced William Sutherland of the Sutherland Partnership and thanked him for attending the meeting to meet the Group. William Sutherland thanked the Chairman and went on to speak of the Sutherland Partnership and the changes being undertaken. He continued by talking about the Sutherland Development and Action Plan. This aims to highlight the main activities for Sutherland Partnership, working with Sutherland's Community groups, over the next 5 years and beyond. He said that the Plan, launched by John Thurso MP at the Sutherland Partnership AGM in September, was a product of an extensive consultation process which began at the Sutherland Summit in September 2009 and continued with a series of work-shops around the county last winter.The work was then carried forward by a subgroup of the Sutherland Partnership, which gave close direction to Golspie-based consultant Becky Shaw and her colleagues in Rural Analysis Associates, who drafted the Plan.He then said he would leave copies of the Plan for Committee and the Library.The Chairman asked for approval of minutes of the previous meeting.Approval of the MinutesAcceptance of Minutes proposed by Pete Carson and seconded by Nicola Henderson .Agreed with an amendment to the item regarding the article for the Northern Times.Matters Arising from Previous MinuteCommunity CommunicationsIt was agreed to hold a Community Event in the New Year, after the Newsletter has gone out and the Consultation forms returned and analysed. AgreedConstitutionOngoingMatters ArisingFinanceKaren Sutherland is now in direct contact with the Data Centre. Valery George continued that the original bank statements had not yet been returned. OngoingCommunity PlanThe Chairman said now that all results from the Residents Survey and the Open Days and the Community Group meetings had been analysed, was it time to prioritise the Community's 'wish list' into issue one of the Plan. Agreed. Ongoing



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WindfarmsProposed Glen Loth WindfarmPete Carson said that he had received the paperwork, for 2004 / 05 and was going to speak to Michael Dudgeon with the following proposal -1 Turbine would be for the Community (approx £26k benefit pa).If this is agreed the proposal would need to go to the Community before proceding.It was also agreed to wait for a response before inviting him to a meeting.Off-Shore WindfarmsPete Carson updated the Committee on the proposed off - shore developments and that Jon Priddy (CES) was actively involved.Gordonbush Community Benefit fundDiscussions were continuing with the 4 involved Community Councils as to the best way to proceed with more involvement in the way that the fund is allocated. Ongoing A meeting the other Community Council representitives is scheduled for 29 November, weather permitting.

Leader FundingPete Carson said that he had been discussing, with Nicola Henderson, projects to put in the composite bid for Leader Funding. The suggested projects were as follows:-Sign PostsErection of Interpretive panels at the HarbourHarbour clean - upFoot PathsSeatingAnn Sutherland asked if the projects were costed and Nicola Henderson replied that theywere. OngoingMarketing StrategyRachael Skene & Nichola Henderson to arrange a meeting with Pete Carson.LDO ReportPete Carson updated the Committee on the weekly notes that had been circulated.Core PathsThe funding application had been unsucessful, but was being held for the next round inMarch.Pete Carson continued that one of the sucessful applicants was Sutherland Estates. DeidreMackay is to ask Matt Dent (HC Access Officer) how the decisions were reached.COMMUNITY COMMUNICATIONThe approved minutes of the meeting, dated 14 October 2010 , would be sent to thewebsite. Also the Community Newsletter and Consultation form.Nicola Henderson and Pete Carson to liaise on a Blog. Ongoing.Community Newsletter - this will be sent out 17/12/10 with the NT & a supply to Kinbrace.

There will be additional copies in the Library & PO.ANY OTHER BUSINESSThe Chairman asked if there was any further business.It was proposed to invite ES Producers to a future meeting. Agreed.There was no further business.The date of the next meeting will be 06/01/11..The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.



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ApologiesGary MacMillanKaren SutherlandRonald SutherlandIn AttendanceDeidre MackayWilliam SutherlandAnne Sutherland HIE

ACTION

Pete Carson

Ann Sutherland



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Pete Carson

Pete Carson

Deidre Mackay

Valery GeorgeNicola Henderson



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helmsdale development group's minute 25th november 2011

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