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Tuesday 4 October 2022

MSCC - Minutes for June 2022 and AGM

 

mscc_logo_crop.jpgMarchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

 

 

 

Minutes of Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council

Meeting of Wed 22nd June 2022, 7.30pm at St Catherine’s Argyle

 

Present:  Brian Gilmore (Chair, MSCC), Rhianna Robinson (Minute Secretary), Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Alison Service (MSCC), Susie Agnew (MSCC), Anne Laing (MSCC), Kayleigh Gordon (MSCC), Liane Gordon (MSCC), Cllr Ben Parker, Cllr Tim Pogson, Jamie Skinner (Resident), Anthony Holmes (MSCC/TLA)

 

Apologies:  Douglas Rogers, Police, Helen Wright (Resident), Carol Howard-Williams

 

Matters Arising:

 

Minutes from May’s meeting have been circulated. Anne has approved the minutes and Alison has seconded.

 

Douglas Rogers has forwarded a comment via email, providing an update from the last meeting regarding home insulation. Douglas hopes to have an outline prepared for next week that will outline assessments for typical tenements and houses in the area and how we can be more efficient when insulating our homes to prevent heat loss. Douglas has been in contact with Cllr Pogson regarding this and Cllr Pogson has confirmed he will be having a meeting with Planning to further this issue.

 

Alison followed on from discussion in the last meeting of plans to invite Home Energy Scotland to the MSCC’s September meeting to discuss this subject matter further. This was agreed.

 

Susie commented that she feels the planning department are lagging behind in terms of having a green and environmentally focused outlooked. She raised the possibility of having solar panels and alternative insulation methods on buildings within conservation areas and is keen to see planning moving towards this outlook. Nigel has confirmed that there are restrictions to this within conservation areas, and it largely will depend on the style of house and location of the building, referring to the non-statutory guidance for planners. Susie acknowledged this, however stressed she feels more of a balance needs to be reached.

 

Cllr Pogson acknowledged the above issues and has received a response stating that solar panels are not usually permitted on any conspicuous elevation but at present, they will treat each application on its merit and if it is not particularly visible then plans would be supported. Cllr Pogson will enquire as to how the advice disseminated through the non-statutory guidance is updated and whether councillors have any input into this, with the last amended version being produced in November 2021.

 

Police Report:

 

None. Sent apologies as they are preoccupied due to a concert - The Eagles at Murrayfield.

 

 

Meadows and Bruntsfield Links

 

FOMBL:

 

FOMBL’s AGM will be held on Friday, which Alison will be attending.

 

Alison raised an issue of a proposal to the Council from a trader to have summer seating and stalls along the North Meadow Walk. FOMBL have objected saying this is not a good idea given that it will be located on the busiest part of the cycle route and pedestrian lane and introducing more seating here would be disruptive. The wildflower plots are also located on this part of The Meadows and would probably be impacted.

Cllr Pogson has clarified that the above is not a council proposal but, instead, a trader’s proposal and the council is currently seeking views on the matter. Some local Councillors strongly object to using park space for commercial purposes. Jamie queried that given the consistent opposition and precedent that green and public spaces are not to be used in this manner, whether a blanket ban can be imposed on all such applications to prevent any waste of time or resources reviewing such applications. This was discussed and considered inappropriate to ban all applications of this nature and that they would continue to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Nigel countered this stance by acknowledging the contrary views that such a proposal is indeed entrepreneurial (especially post-pandemic) and that existing spaces, like that surrounding Uplands Roast is very well used and illustrative of the fact that people do want them. He highlighted the utility in having a social area and focal meeting point in a green space. The popularity of such spaces highlights their desired nature and utility.

Tim acknowledged this but highlighted the danger with setting a precedent. Liane was also concerned with the issue of setting a precedent for local businesses or permitting for some businesses but not all. Susie suggested those limitations may be placed on a precedent to prevent it being overstretched. It was agreed that Alison contact the Council giving the views of the MSCC which are similar to those of Fombl.

 

Publicity

 

The Report has been circulated.

 

The Meadows Festival occurred this month with a few MSCC members helping man the stand with Southside Community Council. Following this, it was felt that for next year and for future events it would be helpful to have banners and a map of the area that the MSCC covers as an interactive tool. Liane will enquire as to how much this may cost and commented that an event kit would be extremely useful.

 

The MSCC website is currently delayed as we are awaiting confirmation of local businesses who will provide sponsorship.

 

The MSCC social media has been increasing its presence and following, especially on Twitter. Positive interactions with councillors and the public are visible which is promising.

 

Kayleigh revisited the potential of creating a newsletter and Cllr Pogson commented that Southside Community Council aimed for a bi-annual newsletter that provided seasonal updates. This will be considered for the MSCC in the upcoming year.

 

Liane provided an updated regarding the noticeboards and is liaising with Alison regarding this. A plan has been devised as to how best publicise the MSCC. Posters will be restricted to an A5 size to ensure all businesses/events get the same publicity. In the week prior to MSCC meetings, unnecessary posters will be taken down to highlight and attract attention to the meetings. The layout of the noticeboards will be varied to prevent it being stagnant and will be changed weekly. There will also be a permanent fixture of MSCC contact information and QR codes. The introduction of colour and images and potentially a map of the area that the MSCC covers will be installed in the hope to attract more interest.

 

The subject of a Traders Association was broached. The MSCC have previously hosted a ‘meet the traders’ evening, which they would be happy to do again. Susie commented that businesses may need to see a definite benefit in order to partake.

 

City Councillor Report on topical local issues:

 

Cllr Parker, the Green Cllr for Morningside, provided an update that there has been a full council meeting since the last MSCC meeting, where a minority labour leadership was established.  He outlined the engagement exercise around spaces for people measures and highlighted that this is not a consultation but about shifting the legal context around the traffic orders which have been put in place. These orders were installed as temporary traffic regulation orders which were introduced in an emergency context during the pandemic to allow for social distancing. This engagement exercise is to gain views when shifting this from temporary to experimental. The normal process for when the council seeks to make changes to road layouts follows this same process and views are invited until the 3rd of July. After this, these views will go to the Transport and Environment Committee in August and if they recommend into the ETRO process, then there will be a 6-month consultation period, and then after an 18-month period it will be determined whether such changes will become permanent or not.

 

Cllr Parker detailed the work of Scottish Water on Marchmont Road regarding the sewer flooding alleviation as work on this is underway to resolve the longstanding issues with flooding, which involves between 1 year to 1.5 years of work. More information is yet to come regarding this.

 

Lastly, Cllr Parker discussed the issue of trees on Warrender Park Road. New trees with beds were planted, some of which local residents put plants in. The council then put resin over the beds, which many found to be upsetting. As this work was carried out by external contractors, it was difficult to stop the work half way through and thus, it continued. Questions have arisen as to why the resin was put in as there is no guidance from the council about what choices are available it was felt appropriate to install another hard surface as locally, it is either cobbles or pavement surrounding trees. From a green and aesthetic perspective, it would have been beneficial to retain the beds. Cllr Parker stated there would be a street design guidance document coming forward to illustrate various choices available.

 

Cllr Pogson, the Labour Cllr for Southside/Newington, stated that the council are due to have another full meeting on Thursday, where ‘big-ticket’ items for the next term will be discussed.

 

He commented on the extension of the “Spaces for People” scheme which has become the “Travelling Safely” scheme and highlighted that this was because traffic conditions have not given a true picture due to the pandemic, so the extension of the assessment period is warranted to gain a full assessment when traffic returns to normal.

 

Cllr Pogson provided an update regarding Sciennes Primary School and their ongoing issue of extended playground area. The issues regarding car safety and management were discussed at a meeting with the Parent Association and all parties are keen to progress with the issue as fast as possible. A timeline for action is desired to help provide confidence to the parents and teachers at the School. Nigel queried what the aspiration for Sciennes Primary would be and it is confirmed that they seek to make the current measures permanent. Currently, it is closed to motor traffic but a lane remains open for cycle and pedestrian passage, which has a temporary fence and it is hoped for a more permanent ruling.

 

Cllr Pogson provided information about two major planning applications (both outside our remit) but that include the Scottish Widows site and a proposed hotel at Cameron Toll.

 

Cllr Pogson also confirmed he has been given the brief as Convenor for Health and Social Care and therefore any related issues should be passed to him.

 

Jamie raised the issue of trees at Sciennes Primary as all the trees within their playground and site have been removed. He queried who owned the strip of green land on the far side of the road from the school that is currently used as their extended playground and highlighted his concerns that if it was amalgamated into school grounds, the trees from this area may also disappear.

 

Kayleigh raised the issue of road surfaces and their deterioration following the closure of Warrender Park Road outside Sciennes. This implicates issues with flooding and has also increased/redirected traffic to the likes of Hatton Place which has impacted local businesses and the shopping area.

 

Susie voiced that she does not feel that the council values trees sufficiently and their importance to the environment and she believes process is to apply to chop down which you can do if you haven’t had a response to a notification within six weeks. She wants expanded remit on trees. She highlighted the issue on Palmerston Road where a resident had a tree chopped down in a Marchmont Road tenement, and this same issue resurfaced in Marchmont Street last month. Cllr Parker agreed with this point and emphasised the important role trees play within climate change. He also highlighted the issue of tree watering and whether the council are equipped for this as it is a waste of money to plant a tree, then leave it uncared for. He will query this and get back to the MSCC with an update in September.  

 

Jamie queried the policy for trees and artificial grass. The issue of artificial grass was clarified by Nigel who stated that it is not regarded as ‘development’ and so you do not require planning permission. An issue arose with this at a property on Mansionhouse Road, but the refusal got overturned as it is not a permanent fixture. Primary legislation would need to be introduced to overturn this. The complex issue of legal ownership of a tree vs planning permission was discussed and Nigel highlighted that these are two separate issues – planning and legal ownership. This had also been discussed at the last MSCC meeting.

 

Jamie highlighted that despite the work by Scottish Water on flooding in the area, it will reduce the frequency of mid-level flooding but will not cater for events outwith this. It is a case of managing people’s expectations as the Scottish Water current project is to avoid ‘foul flooding’ that comes from sewers, which is not the same as flooding from rainwater that collects in  puddles or overflows from water courses.

 

AGM

 

A1

The notes of last year’s AGM were approved Alison, seconded by Nigel.

 

A2 Matters Arising

None.

 

A3 Chair’s report

Brian: This has been a difficult year with having to hold meetings via Zoom for the majority of it, however it is positive we are now back in person Firstly, thanks to Anne for taking on secretary role and splitting roles. A specific thanks to Kayleigh and Liane for all their help with publicity and social media which has made excellent progress and looking forward to more in future. The regular information provided about Grange Cemetery from Nigel has been beneficial. The MSCC’s presence at the Meadows Festival was also a highlight.

 

Brian acknowledged the pity about not being able to host the Christmas tree event last year but we’ll hopefully have something this year. The Sick Kids development site finally started, with disruption to those whole live nearby, however there is no way around this.

 

Thanks again to Alison and Anne and Kayleigh.

 

A4 Secretary’s Report

Anne:  Last September, Anne was happy to assist on some admin work to help Brian, where she circulated papers and email, took care of planters on Marchmont Crescent, and would like to thank Mike Shields for this. Thank you to Mike for replacing planters and providing planters. Anne reaffirmed the above thank you to Liane and Kayleigh.

 

A5 Annual Report and presentation of audited accounts

Alison:  Report for the year, virtually the same as monthly statement at end of last month. Income was Edinburgh City Grant of £887. The annual expenditure was low due to Zoom meetings and a lack of Christmas event. The bank balance was £1494.11, thus leaving a surplus of £491. A forward projection has been calculated; however, this will be discussed in September. Apart from the minute secretary and insurance, there have been very few expenses. This means that there is quite a bit of money that could be used towards to aid projects in our area.

 

Nigel noted that the audited accounts and balance sheet were not circulated prior to the meeting.  Alison will circulate it to everyone asap.

 

A6 Co-option of members

None.

 

A7 Election of officers

Nominations for chair: Anne nominated Brian; this was seconded by Alison. Brian accepts.

Nominations for secretary: Brian nominated Anne; this was seconded by Alison. Anne accepts.

Nominations for treasurer: Alison nominated by Anne and seconded by Brian. Alison accepts.

 

A8

The date of the next AGM will be next year in June (this may be dependent on Community Council Elections, but this is yet to be confirmed)

 

A9

Dates of ordinary meeting as proposed: 4th Wednesday of each month, except July, August, and December.

 

A10

 

No other AGM business.

 

Sick Kids site update

 

Anne circulated statement from Downing.

 

Douglas says test bores have been drilled and the foundations of neighbouring building to be opened to inspect. This will help to prepare the foundation plan, with work to begin soon.

 

 

Astley Ainslie.

Nothing to report. There is a meeting of Community Engagement Group next week and will press NHS for update.

 

Planning applications

 

Nigel brought up an issue that is outside of the area. A resident has  built two large cabins beside the railway in Relugas Road.  The Council initially refused planning permission but a Certificate of Lawfulness has now been issued because the cabins are claimed to be ‘caravans’.   In granting the certificate, the Council relied on an earlier case in Gardiner Road (EH4) where a very large chalet has been built in the side garden of a house without planning permission.  Refusal of planning permission was overturned by the Scottish Government’s Reporter who agreed with the applicant that the chalet met the definition of a ‘caravan’ and so does not constitute development Nigel is happy to circulate the paper which he wrote for the Grange Association which discusses this issue in greater depth. The case law on the issue states that if it is caravan, then it is moveable, and you don’t need planning position. It is not classed as development which is a huge legal loophole, and one which Nigel wants to address. However, this will require legislation. It is worrying because commercial organisations market a granny annex and they will do paperwork. It is legally complicated but the papers which Nigel will circulate provide pictures, helping to aid one’s understanding.

 

Grange Cemetery

Report has been circulated.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Monthly report has been circulated. The bank balance at end May-22 is £1354.11.  A Forward Financial projection will be presented in September.

 

Meetings attended.

 

None.

 

AOCB

 

None.

 

Date of next meeting:  Wednesday 28th September at 7.30pm.

 

 

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