This blog is where you will find community council information, including meeting times, minutes and agenda. Do please comment on postings.

Saturday 4 December 2021

MSCC Minutes for October 2021

 

mscc_logo_crop.jpgMarchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

 

 

 

Minutes of Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council

Meeting of Wed 27TH October 2021, 7.30pm by Zoom.

 

Present:  Brian Gilmore (Chair, MSCC), Rhianna Robinson (Minute Secretary), Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Susie Agnew (MSCC), Alison Service (MSCC), Anne Laing (MSCC), Alastair Philp (Resident), Anthony Holmes, Cllr Cameron Rose.

 

Apologies:  The Police and Alison Johnstone MSP

 

Matters Arising:

 

Minutes have been circulated; approved by Alison and seconded by Nigel.

 

Police Report:

 

Apologies from the Police that there is no Police Report as they are currently occupied with COP26.

 

Meadows and Bruntsfield Links:.

 

FOMBL

 

There will be a meeting held next week. The only current update is the approval of a large climbing infrastructure for playing in the Bruntsfield children’s play park that will come with a new soft surface. The cost is estimated at £10,000 which will be divided between the Council and Friends of the Meadows.

 

City Councillor Report on topical local issues:

 

Cllr Rose:

 

Streetlamps: Cllr Rose outlined the replacement of streetlamps along Melville Drive which involved the complete replacement of lampposts and is ongoing work. The historic nature of the placement of the lamps directly opposite each other, rather than staggered dates back to using the posts supporting the wires powering  the trams.  The streetlamps will be up and running shortly.

 

HMO: Cllr Rose has confirmed the upcoming HMO Standards meeting and the written deputation from MSCC which was written by Cllr Neil Ross.

 

LEZ: Consideration was given regarding the issue of a LEZ (low emission zone), with a meeting being held on the matter on 26th October. The LEZ proposal was not approved but was sent back  to be considered for revision in line with the amendments passed  at this meeting. The LEZ proposal concerned only the central Edinburgh area, with intention of encouraging people to have vehicles with lower emissions, which was mandated by the government. This issue will be revisited in line with the amendments agreed.

 

Susanne Tanner QC Inquiry: A meeting will occur on 28th October regarding the result of the QC inquiry. To give context to this, around a year ago there was a suicide of a senior social work manager who threw himself off the Crags. He had a month or so previously been charged with a series of offences including domestic abuse and rape.

 

The result of the inquiry is being presented to the Council tomorrow. People had made a number of disclosures going back to late 1990s over a number of years on a number of occasions and no action taken of him being a risk working in social work. Former director of education and senior manager in social work were described as having a dereliction of duty and council has been found guilty of maladministration. Whistle-blowers featuring in a number of disclosures not acted upon. Councillors have another branch of inquiry which extends to the culture of the council and how this has been allowed to continue and these people to get away with it. Due to its broader nature, the outcome of this inquiry is expected towards the end of the year.

 

Grange Loan Resurfacing: Cllr Rose seeking feedback on the Grange Loan resurfacing  work.  Nigel provided positive feedback of his interaction with the engineer in charge regarding the project and communication with residents. There has been a fast-paced work rate, completing the project ahead of schedule.  This contrasts with the very slow delivery rate for the recent new crossings on Grange Road.

 

Bicycle crossing: Query of what is happening to bicycle crossing at Lauder Road – unsure as to next phrase as it looks completed but the traffic signals have not yet been switched on and the cycle lanes remain blocked off.  There was a near accident as someone in a car turned into the road. 

 

Box Junction: Anthony queried the status of yellow box at junction of Marchmont Road and Melville Drive as to whether this will this be repainted as some others locally have been. Cllr Rose has confirmed he will take it up and ask for it to be refreshed.

 

Alastair:

 

Recycling Uplifting:  Query regarding the frequency of packaging recycling uplifting as at present it is only really available a couple of days a week. This leads to rubbish overflowing and residents putting recyclable material in the landfill bin. Established this is an ongoing issue and is not limited to a seasonal increase. Alison raised concern of overflowing glass bins for dogs’ paws. Suggestion of more bins or frequent collection.

 

Brian received complaint from Marchmont on glass bin, every glass bin was full and overflowing – particularly in the Causewayside area. This was reported via website and picked bin up in 1 working day.

 

 

 

 

Co-option of social media Publicity Officer

 

Kayleigh Gordon from Marchmont Hardware is keen to take up the social media position on behalf of MSCC. Although she resides outside the area, she works within the area and has therefore happily been co-opted as a member of MSCC. Her offer of the Social Media Officer position has been gladly accepted.

 

Sick Kids Hospital Site Redevelopment

 

Anne has provided an update that the chimney is yet to be demolished– this is likely to happen next week. She has reported lots of dust and noise due to the demolition as has been experienced previously. The demolition is estimated to be completed by the end of November.

 

There are no other major updates. The existing buildings on the site have been up for sale either as one complete unit or in seven discrete lots.  There are two offers. One is from a company who have done a lot of refurbishment of large properties and another unknown buyer.,  Downing (the present owner) will construct the new-build developments for the student accommodation and the affordable homes, on the areas that are currently being demolished.

 

Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment

 

Nothing to update, with Nigel receiving confirmation there is currently no further progress.

 

 

Planning applications

 

Nigel:

 

Discussion of extensions to property in the area, mostly notably was 15 Hatton Place. This is now being reconverted into a family home but h listed building consent has been refused and planning permission remains pending. Objection was focused on their desire to turn the front garden into a car park and insert a glass box window at the back.   

 

Consideration was also raised regarding a house on the northern end of St. Catherine’s Place as the owner wants an entrance to Sciennes Road which would entail removing a large part of the wall. The outcome of this is also still pending.

 

Alison:

 

The objection to Café Artista and the lack of planning permission for building a staff room in the back garden of the café is still ongoing. More information has been sought by the Council to investigate this issue fully.

 

Grange Cemetery

 

Nigel: Paper has been circulated. The key things to note are that the Doors Open Days were very successful and attracted over 300 members of the public which created a community atmosphere. Special thanks were given to the team for a such a successful opening, in addition to the impressive leaflets distributed. Always looking for volunteers for Friends of the Cemetery which can be contacted via

cemetery@grangeassociation.com.

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

Monthly report has been circulated. The bank balance is currently £1744.11. Alison has also calculated a forward financial projection until year end in April 2022.

 

Meetings attended.

 

None.

 

AOCB

 

Alison: Discussion of the Christmas Carol event that will be held on December 4th at 4pm. Due to ongoing COVID restrictions, children from the local schools will be unable to participate in the usual manner. There is the hope that promotion of the event via Social Media will help to advertise and increase attendance. Mince pies will be provided.

 

Anne: Confirmed that she circulated an email regarding the status of electric charging points for cars. Confirmed that within the MSCC area, there will be a bay in Thirlestane Road that will have 8 charging spaces.  More information is at:

http://gaedin.co.uk/wp/forum-test?mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=764

 

Anne also confirmed that Alison is now looking after noticeboards and that she received bedding plants from the Council Gardening Centre for planters which will be put in shortly.

 

Date of next meeting:  Wednesday 24th November at 7.30 – Planned to be held on Zoom via two 45-minute links.

 

Tuesday 16 November 2021

Agenda for November 2021

 

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

 

 

Zoom Meeting on Wed 24th November 2021 at 7:30pm

For Zoom details, see the end of the Agenda

 

A G E N D A

 

 1             Sederunt and apologies

 2            Draft Minutes of last meeting, 27th October 2021, and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

 3             Police Report

 4             Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

                * Ongoing issues

                * Including FOMBL

 5             City Councillor report on topical local issues

Items for discussion

 6           Progress on appointment of Publicity member

 7             Royal Hospital for Sick Children Redevelopment               

 8             Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment

                                -  any updates?

 9             Planning (Applications & consultations)

·         Edinburgh City Plan 2030

10           Grange Cemetery

                                * See Attached Report

11.       Rev Stuart Irvin leaving St Catherine’s Argyle

               

Items for information

11           Treasurer's report

12           Meetings attended

13           AOCB

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 26th January 2022 (Zoom or in person to be decided)           

 

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend.

MSCC is online at: https://www.facebook.com/MarchmontSciennesCommunityCouncil

Brian Gilmore is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting:

Topic: MSCC - November - Part 1

Time: Nov 24, 2021 07:30 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78686114604?pwd=eXZRMVBXYTkxWUQva0hFMWRjMzY5UT09

Meeting ID: 786 8611 4604

Passcode: mfVd1W

 

Topic: MSCC - November - Part 2

Time: Nov 24, 2021 08:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74316009586?pwd=TGFWTittbitiSVZRWEZaSllOMUpsUT09

 

Meeting ID: 743 1600 9586

Passcode: wp0xVX

Thursday 28 October 2021

MSCC Minutes for September 2021

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

 

 

 

Minutes of Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council

Meeting of Wed 22nd September 2021, 7.30pm by Jitsi Meet.

 

Present:  Brian Gilmore (Chair, MSCC), Rhianna Robinson (Minute Secretary), Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Susie Agnew (MSCC), Alison Service (MSCC), Anne Laing (MSCC), Cllr Melanie Main, Alastair Philp (Resident), Christopher Cowdy (Resident)

 

Apologies:  Cllr Dickie, Cllr Ross.

 

Matters Arising:

 

Minutes have been circulated; approved by Alison and seconded by Susie.

 

Police Report:

 

Has been circulated.

 

Points of note include continuation of regular vehicle and foot patrols around the area and the operation of number of speed checks locally including Grange Drive and Melville Road.

 

Meadows and Bruntsfield Links:.

 

Provision of New Water Tank

 

Discussion of the new water tank to be installed in Bruntsfield Links, with work to begin in January/February 2022. Scottish Water have planned to install this new tank to combat the terrible issues with water overflow in the sewage system which has been noted to be particularly bad on Marchmont Road and Marchmont Place. The sewer system will run the length of Marchmont Crescent and feed into the new tank which is deemed a sensible solution to the ongoing problem. Three main issues with the project were discussed. Firstly, the ‘Motor Control Centre’ (MCC) will sit above ground in a kiosk which is 6m x 3m and concern was raised over its visibility as its location was suggested at the top of the hill. The issue of the visual profile of this has been acknowledged by Scottish Water who will re-evaluate. Secondly, the issue of preserving the Wildflower Meadow was raised with the hope that Scottish Water’s laydown areas can work around this to prevent minimal damage. Thirdly, residents of Marchmont Crescent have expressed concern regarding parking, which will have to be reviewed by Edinburgh Council. The bus route ‘41’ will also be diverted during the course of this work.

 

Edinburgh World Heritage Trust Board

 

Alison expressed concern regarding the expensive and appearance but is liaising with them.

 

Playground

 

A donation of £4000 was made by Forbes Nursery. Planning permission is still required.

 

The Meadows Cricket Pavilion

 

Considerable work required to prevent leaking and damage. There is discussion of a community asset transfer to become a community hub. Edinburgh Council have expressed interest in this which is promising but subject to ongoing discussions.

 

City Councillor Report on topical local issues:

 

Cllr Main:

 

Short-term lets: ongoing issue raised in Marchmont.

 

Waste: concern raised regarding the collection of rubbish and recycling and the ongoing presence of overflowing bins. Discussion concluded that there may be a rise in this due to the student population returning to the area. However, a concern of a potential missed route near the Sick Kids Hospital demolition site was raised which Cllr Main will investigate.

 

Council Meeting: Upcoming meeting on 23rd September to discuss care home provision and provision of intermediate care homes which would be facilitated with IGB, not The Council. Impactful due to the substantial elderly population in the area. The outcome of this meeting will affect many residents.

 

Electrical car charging points: Query of how this will be adopted and accessible for tenements. Cllr Main to forward additional information to Nigel and Alistair regarding location and dates for charging points.

 

Continuation of AGM – Election of Chair and Secretary

 

Chair: Brian was nominated and has accepted.

 

Secretary: Anne was nominated and has accepted. Alison to provide additional support to Anne during her role.

 

Sick Kids Hospital Site Redevelopment

 

Anne detailed a group of residents to liaising with Downing Group to form one point of contact, of which she is lead. Downing Group has been responsive to all issues. At present, demolition has been halted to clear all demolishment scraps, a lot of which is being recycled. The rest of the property has been on for sale since late June/early July with the stipulation of following current plans.

 

Cllr Rose in contact with Downing Group. Cllr Rose has received correspondence from Steve Burges who is attempting to gain further clarification regarding the selling process and future plans for the site. The deadline of sale is 13th October 2021, indicating they may have a buyer in mind.

 

Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment

 

Nothing to update, with Nigel receiving confirmation there is currently no further progress.

 

 

Planning applications

 

Nigel:

 

The Bruntsfield Links sewer tank is the main topic of interest, as discussed above. The Grange Association Website has details of all proposed planning applications in the area.

 

Alison:

 

Café Artista: There is a lack of planning permission, however work has started to build a staff room in the back garden of the café. Concern was raised by a neighbour as it is very close to their boundary. Held that this work should be halted instantly, with the importance of work being stopped before construction commences. An enforcement request needs to be raised with The Council. Cllr Main will email David Givan regarding these issues, copying Alison in as a matter of urgency.

 

Grange Cemetery

 

Nigel: Paper has been circulated. The key things to note are that the open day is this weekend (Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September). Always looking for volunteers for Friends of the Cemetery which can be contacted via cemetery@grangeassociation.com.  

 

A tree trail laid out with a few dozen trees with descriptions. Wall graves walk and walk around notable burials. Upcoming projects include standing up fallen gravestones, which the Grange Associations have partially funded. This work will be carried out imminently.  

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

Monthly report has been circulated. The bank balance is currently £1774.11. Alison has also calculated a forward financial projection until year end in April 2022.

 

Meetings attended.

 

None.

 

AOCB

 

Noticeboard Keys: Anne has received keys back from Adam and plans to make new notices, advertising upcoming meetings and points of interest.

 

Planters:  The Council Nursery will provide plants when required for free going forward.

 

Future Meeting Location: The church hall would be available for the next meeting if desired. Nigel raised the potential of a ‘hybrid’ style where a live stream could be set up to offer both virtual and in person attendance. Decision held to remain online for the present, but this is to be reviewed again in January 2022.

 

Resignation: Shane Voss has resigned.

 

Date of next meeting:  Wednesday 27th October at 7.30 – Planned to be held on Zoom via two 45-minute links.

  

Thursday 21 October 2021

Draft Agenda for October 2021 Meeting

 

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

 

 

Zoom Meeting on Wed 27th October 2021 at 7:30pm

 

For Zoom details, see the end of the Agenda

 

A G E N D A

 

 1             Sederunt and apologies

 2            Draft Minutes of last meeting, 22 September 2021, and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

 3             Police Report

 4             Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

                * Ongoing issues

                * Including FOMBL

 5             City Councillor report on topical local issues

Items for discussion

 6           Co-option of social media Publicity officer

 7             Royal Hospital for Sick Children Redevelopment

                                – Any planning changes since the last meeting?

 8             Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment

                                -  any updates?

 9             Planning (Applications & consultations)

·         Any others

10           Grange Cemetery

                                * See Attached Report

               

Items for information

11           Treasurer's report

12           Meetings attended

13           AOCB

Date of next meeting: 27th October 2021            Please note this meeting will be held on Zoom

 

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend.

MSCC is online at: https://www.facebook.com/MarchmontSciennesCommunityCouncil

Zoom - Part 1

Brian Gilmore is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7378808829?pwd=aTBmckxFSDhoNmF3eFNOSVVCTG9DUT09 Meeting ID: 737 880 8829 Passcode: 4yKAH8

Zoom - Part 2


Brian Gilmore is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7378808829?pwd=aTBmckxFSDhoNmF3eFNOSVVCTG9DUT09 Meeting ID: 737 880 8829 Passcode: 4yKAH8