Community Council Minutes - March 2007
COLDINGHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL (CCC)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 20th March 2007 (Download Printable Copy)
ATTENDANCE:
George Russell, Ged Hearn, Chris Anderson, Allan Simmons, Alan Bogle.
Absent: Morag Duff. Apologies: Gwyn Thomas.
1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – as above
2 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING (Feb 20th 2007)
Approved
3 TREASURY REPORT:
CA reported that there the current balance was £468.43. The SBC grant had been approved. Margaret Bell (Eyemouth Herring Queen and Lifeboat fund treasurer) had offered to complete the signing off of the 2005/06 account due to the unavailability of Ian Jarvie (who had previously volunteered for the task).
GR advised that SBC were considering advising CC’s to adopt an accounting year in line with SBC financial year. AS advised that if this was not a compulsory SBC dictate then any change would need to be subject of an AGM motion.
4 POLICE REPORT
Two officers in attendance. There had been some incidents involving youths and alcohol which in some cases had resulted in redress with parents. Others had been cautioned
5 MATTERS ARISING
Car park lighting
It was clarified that AB would pursue improvement to the brightness of the lighting in the car park vicinity to help reduce youth antisocial behaviour.
AB to progress via SBC contact Lisa Chiles re this
Wind farm
As the formal submission to SBC planning had now been made this item is addressed under Planning (below)
Youth Club
GH reported that following an organisation meeting, a pilot youth club (8-12 age range) evening was planned for March 23rd at 6.45pm in the village hall. There would be someone on the door to keep trouble out. There would be a review after the pilot before committing to how the youth club would proceed longer term.
Dave Jones expressed some concern about potential damage to the interior of the hall, given the amount of renovation and repair that had been undertaken. The CC acknowledged responsibility for any damage arising from the youth club but envisaged proper supervision and door control would prevent malicious damage. Any malicious damage that might occur from outwith the youth club was not the responsibility of the CC.
Beach updates
GT had submitted a short report, the key points being:
Signage has now been corrected by SBC but some key signs have disappeared, such as those between car park and beach telling dog-owners to keep dogs on lead and clear-up. The new general information sign at the Toilets is in lettering that is too small to be noticed. There is no sign marking the dog walk path.
Rubbish bins have not yet appeared down at the beach and the wheelie bins in the car park (emptied twice a week) tend to blow over and lose their contents.
Concerns remain as to whether the car park extension can be achieved ahead of the summer season because a lease agreement with Dawn Aitcheson has not been agreed.
GR advised that, re the waste bins, the plan was to empty routinely twice a week and empty the car park bins at weekends.
It was also noted that water leakage was occurring over the steps to the beach.
AS to draw this to the attention of GT/SBC
Garden competition – under 16s
It was agreed the judge should be independent. Peter Daniel (who is involved with priory gardens planning) was suggested. A notice needs to be drawn up for promotion of the competition in the community and schools.
AS to draft notice in conjunction with CA
6 PLANNING
O2 mobile phone mast – update
A request for a flagpole-style mast had a response explaining that the multifunctional mast being proposed did not allow the flagpole option but did mean that a number of different networks could make use of the single mast.
05/0425/FUL – Coldingham Moor Wind farm
A public debate meeting had been arranged for 7pm in the village hall on March 30th.
It was agreed that as well as PM Renewables, representatives from SBC (Ian Aikman) and neighbouring CC’s who have experienced Wind farm development (Cranshaws) should be invited to attend.
The focus for the debate would be on whether Coldingham is the correct site for a wind farm, considering both site and access issues. It was noted that 22 extra long loads were anticipated.
Several in attendance pointed out that generated pictorial montages did not always reflect the true size of the turbines in reality.
A separate meeting would be held on Thurs 22nd at GH’s house to agree a form of words for promoting the Wind farm debate meeting and distribution of associated flyers/information.
AS to draft flyer and press release
AS to seek extension for formal response from SBC
GR urged residents to look at plans at Eyemouth Library and consider the various implications. AS would also make the plans available at Coldingham Post Office – the Book Shop could remove it for display when they are open also.
GR advise that Community Benefits consultation had resulted in the Planning team being required to produce a ‘toolkit’ for communities to use with developers to aid management and disbursement of funds (anticipated for June)
07/00362/FUL – Hill View – Fishers Brae – extension at rear
07/00283/FUL – Glenlea (The Bow/Bridge St) – extension at rear
07/00284/OUT – land north of Hawthorndean - erection of new dwelling house
07/00286/FUL – Hawthorndean - change of use of old barn to form two dwelling houses
The above four were supported with the usual observation for traditional materials in keeping with village idiom to be used.
07/00411/OUT – NW of Whinney Farm, Westloch - erection of self-catering holiday lodge.
It was noted that previous new-build plans involving West Loch Road had been rejected because the road could not sustain the traffic increase, having few bypass places, and residents did not wish to see the country lane, which is used for walking, upgraded. There were differing views on whether a holiday-cottage would have the same impact.
SBC would be reminded of precedents set by previous applications
7 SBC COUNCILLOR'S REPORT (where not already covered above)
Wind farm – covered above
Police – GR has written to Inspector Milne regarding vandalism and alleged drug-taking in the village. A Berwickshire Bulletin has also been issued – AS to display this on the noticeboard.
Coldingham Hall car park – GR has written to SBc lighting officer to see what improvements are feasible.
Cemetery – no further news regarding its closure to new burials, nor any plans regarding a ne war memorial garden area. Contact is understood to have been made with landowners regarding an alternative means of access.
Priory Community Garden – proposals are expected to be finalised shortly and it is hoped that the aspirations of the many local people invovled can be satisfied.
Coldingham Sands – planning application has been approved for the car park, but it needs to go to Scottish Exec to be signed off.
Scottish Water – a liaison group is in place dealing principally with the Eyemouth issues but it is a useful vehicle if Coldingham residents have other complaints.
Traffic – GR awaits a report from SBC addressing how best to deal with High Street congestion. Meanwhile GR has received requests from from a resident for additional bollards to protect their property from passing vehicles.
8 CORRESPONDENCE
Digital Forum – March 23rd Melrose – no attendees available
Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service (BAVS) – announcement. This explained BAVS intention to remain independent rather than become part of a new Community Development Company, amalgamating several voluntary services.
Scottish Exec – National Planning Network – copies of ‘The Big Plan’ leaflet were distributed to those present so individuals could return the questionnaire if they wished.
NHS Borders – Chirnside Pharmacy request – this was fully supported
Lothian&Borders Police newsletter – noted – AS to display on noticeboard for general awareness.
9 AOB
It was noted that giant hogweed is once again appearing in the Scoutscroft area.
GH said that the CC would be formally seeking nominations for new members, following due process.
10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 17th April at 7.30 p.m. – Coldingham School
Meeting closed at 9.20pm
|
