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.
