Sutherland Access Panel


Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 31st May 2001, in Alba, Main Street, Golspie at 2:00pm

Present:	Christian Goskirk	North & West Sutherland CCF
Carl Lemkes		Carer
Gerry Lemkes		User
Shirley McHardy	East Sutherland CCF
		John Sutherland	Highland Council - Planning

In the absence of Monica Mouat and Denise Carroll, Carl Lemkes took the Chair.


1. Welcome & Apologies

Apologies were received from Sheila Board, Joyce Buchanan, Maggie Coupland, Fiona Gordon, Rosie James, Ann Keatinge, Nick Lindsay, Martin Macleod, Monica Mouat, David Polson and Jamie Stone MSP.


2. 	Meeting of Meeting held on 26th April 2001

Item 5 - The Planning Department makes plans available to the Access Panel on a weekly basis rather than a monthly basis as in the Minutes.

Item 7.1 - Hector Macdonald is a partner with Hurd Rolland, Chartered Architects, Queensgate Inverness and not a member of Highland Council Staff as in the Minutes.

Subject to the above alterations the Minutes of the meeting held on 26th April 2001 were approved.  Proposed by Gerry Lemkes and seconded by Shirley McHardy.  


3.	Matters Arising

3.1 Fundraising Issues 

* Hydro Electric - £100 grant has now been received.
* Highland Council, Sutherland Members - Cllr Ross has indicated his intention to make available to the Access Panel £65 from his discretionary budget.

3.2 Forest Enterprise

It was reported that despite the small numbers the meeting and walk held on 14th May had gone well.  Information leaflets etc were made available from Forest Enterprise.  These will be distributed at the next meeting.

It was proposed that another walk, perhaps this time in Lairg be arranged for late summer.  Shirley to action.

3.3 Roads & Transport

Shirley has written to all Community Council regarding dropped kerbs as instructed. As yet no response has been received.

Marking of the Disabled Bay outside the Post Office in Dornoch should take place soon. 

3.4 Shop Mobility

Shirley reported that she has not written to Highland Council on behalf of Shop Mobility as yet.  When the situation becomes clearer she will do so.

4.	Planning Applications

Bank of Scotland, Golspie: There was an opportunity to study the plans for the new Bank of Scotland in Golspie.  There was some concern over the ramp and handrail, external steps and the height of the ATM.  Details of the agent (Artenis Design Partnership, 4 Newlands Place, West Mains, East Kilbride) were passed to Shirley.  Details of comments are to be sent directly to the agent.

Treecraft Dornoch: This is to be an extension to the existing workshop.  John indicated that he has written to him asking for further details.  More detailed drawings are required before the panel can commen in detail.

Parkhill Guest House, Durness: Alterations proposed include an en suit disabled bedroom downstairs.  In general terms this was though to be a very good proposal, although it was noted that the plans being studied are not the final version.

5. Access Issues

The following issues were reported:

* Dunrobin Castle - concern was raised that the disabled parking space is quite a distance from the castle entrance.  Shirley to write raising the Panel's concerns.
* Golspie Health Centre - the double doors are proving to be quite a problem for some.  It was suggested that electronic doors might be helpful. 

6. AOCB

6.1      Panel Membership - HOST

It was agreed to approach HOST re membership of the Panel, due to the possible impact the DDA will have on many of its members.  Shirley is to write to HOST inviting them to attend future meeting.

10.	DONM

The next meeting of the Sutherland Access Panel will take place on Monday 16th July 2001 at 2:00pm in the Council Buildings, The Meadows, Dornoch

Also arranged at this time were the dates for the meeting immediately following, it will take place on 27th August, possibly in Lairg, with a walk at Ferrycroft wood to follow.

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