DCC Minutes 2022-06

Present: Mrs J Priest, Mr E Martin, Mr B Craighead, Mr R Russel, Mr N Morland, Ms A Pearson, Mrs L Shaw Stewart

In attendance: Ms A Hunter (minutes), Cllr N Hampshire, Cllr L Allen, Fiona O’Donnell - Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) Locality Partner, Stevie McKinlay - ELC Community Development Officer, Anthony Jeffrey

1. Apologies: Mrs A Cosgrove, Mrs V Hoban, Mr D Wight, Cllr L Jardine, Cllr C McFarlane, Mr Swift

2. Minutes of meeting held 12th May were agreed.

3. Matters Arising
3.1 Community fair – 28th August
Ms Pearson reported that she is working with Mrs Hoban contacting groups who had a stall at the fair in 2019. The Tennis Club have shown interest and Mr Craighead confirmed that The Shed would take a stall. Mrs Priest confirmed that DCC will pay for rent of the hall and that the catering opportunity is offered to groups looking to raise funds. DCC will host a stall and organise publicity for the event.

3.2 Protection of Tyninghame Estuary
Mr Wight reported no developments other than he has not had clear definition of ‘responsible dog walking’ from the Countryside team.

3.3 Meetings attended
Ms Pearson reported on a successful Repair Café where 95% of items brought along were repaired. This is a higher than normal percentage for events of this type. The next Repair Café will be held on 20th August and she invited people to bring their items for repair.

Mrs Priest attended the Association of East Lothian Community Councils meeting. The constitution was defined. The impact of windfarms and their associated community benefit funds was discussed including Newlands Hill windfarm which will have a massive visual impact and will be seen from East Linton. The annual benefit from Newlands Hill could be £750,000 plus one turbine in community ownership. If was felt that everyone should benefit from the funds from all windfarms in East Lothian not only the adjacent communities and a sub–committee has been set up to examine this.
Planning concerns were discussed where conditions in planning are not adhered to. Longniddry (path under railway to new estate), Musselburgh (path to station from new estate) and Markle Quarry (trees not planted after 20 years) were given as examples. Cllr Hampshire reported that developers refusing to comply with conditions appeal to the Scottish Government and conditions are overturned leaving ELC paying for agreed development of paths. He suggested fining the developer but admitted that would need legislation from the Scottish Government. Mrs Priest confirmed that Planning Aid Scotland was recommended at the meeting. They are an educational charity and social enterprise helping people shape the future of their place and community by engaging with the planning system in an open and inclusive way.

3.4 Footpaths
3.4.1S Milne homes to school
Mrs Priest requested Cllr Jardine investigate the planning condition to put in a tarmac, lit path down the side of Andrew Meikle Grove next to the field to link the new Stewart Milne estate (The Orchard) with the path under the railway. Cllr Jardine provided the following update - I have been advised that there are planning requirements for this and it forms part of the Road Construction Consent for the site. The core path that is located along the northern boundary of the site shall be surfaced in tarmac and brought up to an adoptable standard, and the tarmac surfacing and adoptable standard finish of it shall be continued along the core path from the northeast corner of the application site eastwards to where it meets the pedestrian link to the underpass that connects Andrew Meikle Grove to the rest of the village of East Linton.
Mr Morland questioned the ownership of the land and Cllr Hampshire confirmed that once complete the path would be adopted by ELC. Concern was expressed that, given the estate has residents, this has not been addressed already. Mrs Shaw-Stewart will write to the chairman of Stewart Milne.

Mrs Priest raised the desire for a path from the centre of The Orchard to promote active travel to the village and reported that a path has been formed by residents via the shelter belt between The Orchard and Andrew Meikle Grove (AMG). She also recognized that AMG residents do not want a path through their estate. Cllr Hampshire agreed to look at the site of the path to determine ownership of the ground but suggested it might be owned by AMG residents in which case it would be difficult for ELC to create a path.

Mr Craighead reported that residents of Andrew Meikle Grove had received financial compensation from Network Rail for disturbance during construction of the station and that residents of Longstone Avenue would be seeking similar compensation when work began to create the emergency access stairs on the park side of the station.

3.4.2 Smeaton path
Nothing to report

3.4.3 Repairs at white bridge
Mr Russel reported that Neil Clark agreed the steps need repaired. He will investigate the cost of replacing the existing bridge.

3.4.4 Tyninghame Paths
Mr Wight reported that Tyninghame Village Hall and Community Committee are very supportive of Nick Morgan’s proposed path from Tyninghame to the coast around the north side of Tyninghame House and have urged him to pursue this.

3.5 Preston Road
Mrs Priest requested Cllr Jardine investigate the current situation regarding the proposed traffic lights at Prestonkirk making the road single carriageway with a proper, safe pavement made as she had been advised by Peter Forsyth it would go in the 22/23 budget and that Ian Lennock was now in charge. Cllr Jardine provided the following update - I have been advised that this issue was raised in the past but was progressed as it was not widely supported by the community and Area Partnership. If the Area Partnership wishes to propose projects of this nature the Council are happy to consider them but at this time there are no plans or budget for these works.
Cllr Hampshire was of the opinion that there is money is in the budget for this project and will confirm to Mrs Priest.

3.6 East Linton Station/Markle Crossing Update
3.6.1 East Linton Station
No update other than the letter sent to all households in East Linton. Mrs Cosgrove attended the opening of Reston Station.

3.6.2 Markle Crossing
Mr Morland reported on the update received from Peter Forsyth (ELC) : Negotiation with the landowner is on-going. ELC are pursuing a licence to start on 14th June to carry out the necessary site investigation (topography) and ground investigation (boreholes) to establish and finalise a preliminary design. Running concurrently will be detailed design. A planning application will be lodged in the autumn with work starting soon thereafter. We are now looking at an opening date late summer 2023.

3.7 East Linton Primary School – unanswered questions
Mr Morland informed the meeting of his position as Chair of East Linton Primary School Parent Council. He raised the following unanswered questions posed by Mr Swift. How can a new school be built in the Conservation area which is protected and enhanced by law? Cllr Hampshire raised the precedent of the Scottish Parliament within Edinburgh Conservation Area and committed to ensuring an attractive building suitable for the site.
Mr Swift was concerned about development of War Memorial Park. Cllr Hampshire confirmed that the consultation resulted in a preference for site A and that the school/community hub would be built within Myra’s field with some of the playground occupying War Memorial Park. The question of re-providing lost green space was raised and Cllr Hampshire confirmed this would be addressed in the next Local Development Plan (LDP). Mr Swift had also questioned the legal aspect of building on War Memorial Park which was purchased by public subscription. Cllr Hampshire confirmed that ELC have maintenance responsibility for War Memorial Park and it would be used to re-provision the recreation facilities.

4. Projects
4.1 Fountain
Mr Craighead confirmed that the fountain is operating and the electrical installation is now independent of the Christmas lights. New time switches will be adjusted and the fountain will be ready for the Gala. Mrs Priest informed the meeting that the Drysdale Fountain was built by donation from the community around 1875 in order to provide clean drinking water. Similar fountains can be found in Durban, South Africa and in Dumfries. Mr Craighead confirmed the lampery is the same as that on London Bridge. There is a feeling that it should be looked after by ELC and now that repairs are complete this will be followed up.

4.2 Bike racks near bus stops
Mr Wight had checked out possible bike rack sites. For the bus stop on Station Rd (by Bridge St. junction) the ideal would be steel hoops in the wall under bridge, so that bikes can be locked under shelter of the bridge. Hoops in the wall would take up less space than the conventional Sheffield rack on ground. The alternative is to have bike rack(s) on pavement immediately to right (west) of bus stop where there is more room. Mrs Priest will investigate the site. Mr Wight spoke to the owners of the house adjoining the Co-op to north side. They would be happy with a Sheffield bike rack on pavement to right of the front door, but not in front of the window. This would not inconvenience pedestrians and would be away from the ATM. The bike racks at the Community Hall are out of sight from the shop, so visiting cyclists would not be aware of them. The meeting was against this due to other street furniture in the vicinity.

5.0 Planning Matters: Local Place Plan
Cllr Hampshire reported that the planning application for new houses at TheManse was called in and would come before the planning committee in August.
Mr Morland reported meeting with Mr Wight, Mr Swift, Keith Dingwall and Robin Edgar in relation to the Local Place Plan(LPP). It was reported that secondary legislation relating to LPPs was in progress and no statutory guidance was available. Once the secondary legislation is passed there may be financial assistance available for development of a LPP. The timescale for developing a LPP is estimated at 18 months with guidance available from Planning Aid Scotland. Mr Morland expressed his opinion that a cross section of the community should be involved in determining how land and buildings are utilized. Cllr Hampshire confirmed that the LPP and LDP should work together and that the LPP was useful to identifying the desire for open space, path networks or tree planting which would feed the LDP. He also confirmed that conflict between the LPP and LDP would be resolved the Scottish Government Reporter. Mr Morland will share the good practice guide with DCC and study it in more detail to decide how to move forward.

6.0 Finance:
Mr Martin provided copies of the accounts for last year which are not as yet audited. He committed to having audited reports for the AGM in September. He informed the meeting of an approximate £1500 end of year balance and a smaller grant for this year.

7.0 Traprain/Markle/Whittingehame
Ms Pearson reported minor progress on roads with potholes being filled at Traprain.
Mrs Shaw-Stewart reported that despite fibre broadband being laid to Papple Steading only 4 households out of 70 in the Whittingehame area have benefitted. Ms Pearson confirmed a similar situation at Sunnyside with fibre broadband going to Stenton.
Mr Morland reported that Markle has no fibre broadband. Mr Martin expressed the ongoing frustration of Whitekirk residents who can see the cable but can’t get the service. Many rural residents are relying on Lothian Broadband or BT business broadband which is expensive. Cllr Allen recognized the importance of good broadband and will report back on an upcoming meeting between MSP Paul McLennan and BT Openreach.

Mr Morland asked whether DCC would be willing to contribute towards installation of a defibrillator at Markle. The pack and cabinet cost is £1175 and he is waiting for installation costs. Fiona O’Donnell will provide Mr Morland with details of a fund set up to assist with this. Stevie McKinlay confirmed the Dunbar and East Linton Area Partnership will not be taking funding applications until October. Mr Morland will investigate funding. DCC agreed to pay for 50% of the total cost.

8.0 Tyninghame/Whitekirk
8.1 BT Openreach
See 7.0 above.

8.2 Speed restrictions
Mr Wight reported no news from ELC on traffic calming measures in Tyninghame.
Mr Martin is investigating having a socket installed to allow the speed reactive sign at Whitekirk to be moved to the opposite end of the village. Stevie McKinlay will pursue funding with North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership.

8.3 Bus shelter
Mr Martin reported that the bus shelter in Whitekirk has now been re-instated. Mr Wight confirmed that the Tyninghame Village Hall Committee are not supportive of a bike repair kit being place in the bus shelter as they felt most cyclists would carry their own.

9.0 Correspondence
9.1 16/05 Cllr L Allen : broadband in Whitekirk, offer of help
9.2 17/05 Digital Mobile Spectrum Ltd: Shared Rural Network stakeholder survey
9.3 17/05 ELC N Morgan: Tyninghame paths
9.4 24/05 ELC P Forsyth: Markle Crossing update
9.5 30/05 ELC C Milne: Go Jauntly walks app
9.6 05/06 G DIgnan: Noisy event at Mart
9.7 06/06 ELC KDingwall: reply re noise at Mart

Mrs Priest acknowledged that paths around East Linton were developed by funding from a variety of source and details are on the East Linton website. Go Jauntly are welcome to use that information with suitable acknowledgements. The app was developed by Chris Milne – ELC Behaviour Change Officer. Stevie McKinlay will forward links to the app.

Complaints were received by DCC about loud music at The Mart on 4th June. This is an ongoing issue with The Mart failing to comply with permissions regarding volume and times. ELC Anti Social Behaviour were contacted as were the police. ELC officers asked for the volume to be reduced and the doors closed. They will submit a report to the licencing board as the single skinned unit is not suitable for live music events. Concern was expressed about additional units being installed without planning permission.
Mrs Priest has contacted Keith Dingwall regarding the planning application 21/00151/P which stipulated the requirement for a noise management plan and noise was to be below 40 DB. Mrs Priest also raised planning application 21/01081/P with Keith Dingwall regarding installation of additional units. Keith Dingwall will revert back once the relevant case officers reports to him. Mrs Priest also raised the question of whether planning for the Wok bus has run out.
The feeling of the meeting was that in principle the development of The Mart is supported but it should be done in a way that is sympathetic to the restored listed building and that clarification was required on current and future plans. Cllr Hampshire undertook to speak to Keith Dingwall to establish a master plan and layout of the site and to confirm who is operating the site. He agreed that it is not a suitable location for loud music.

10.0 Any Other Business
Mr Craighead asked about the CAPP meetings as it is important to the community to see the police taking an interest and attending in a timely manner to concerns. Cllr Hampshire needs the police to commit to a date for a meeting. Cllr Allen will raise it at the Police, Fire and Community Safety Scrutiny Committee on 14th June.
Mr Craighead raised the issue of dog breeding at Monksmuir. Cllr Hampshire confirmed that Environmental Health had visited the site. He reported on the wider issues of lack of planning for homes and lack of an operating licence all of which are under investigation by ELC who should be clearer on the current situation by September.
Fiona O’Donnell introduced herself and having visited the Tool Library is looking to see if it can be replicated elsewhere. She reported on the social innovation charity People Know How based in Edinburgh and East Lothian who refurbish digital devices and distribute them for free. They also have funding to address digital exclusion across East Lothian and could be useful for broadband issues. VCEL also offer free open university training for community councilors via their website and have a New Skills Academy offering discounted training to community organisations. She will keep an eye on DCC meeting agendas to see where she can assist and will host a stall at the Community Fair to discuss opportunities for volunteering. Posters for a Youth Befriending volunteer scheme were distributed for display in East Linton. She also recommended the Cyber Security Training and reported issues with another community council who lost money to scammers.

11.00 Date of next meeting and AGM: Thursday 1st September 2022