Marchmont & 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment