February 2015
Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council Meeting
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
Minutes of meeting held Thursday 19 February 2015 at 7:30pm
Attending
1.Community Councillors – Darius Namdaran (Chair), Janet Clark, Bill McDonald, Mike Moore, Brian Scott,Gibby Scott; Ruth Scott, Dougi Stewart, Moira Wilson.
2.Visitors – a number of visitors attended the following provided their names: Karen Halliday, Derek Milligan,Ed Angus, George Barnes, Jacqueline Charter, Stuart Bruce, John White, John Barton, Margaret McDougall,David McDougall
Welcome and introductions
3.The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and short introductions were made by those attending.
Apologies
4.Apologies were received from Jo Lee, Elaine Ferguson, Cam Scott and Councillor Ian Baxter.
Police Report
5.There was no police presence at the meeting and a police report had not been provided.
6.Concerns had been expressed about the level of crime in Bonnyrigg and Lasswade as reported through the Residents Forum. Following a short discussion it was that it was inconclusive whether crime was on the increase or whether awareness had merely been raised. It was agreed that crime would feature as an agenda item at the next meeting with the aim of having a focused discussion with the police representative.
Minutes of Last meeting
7.The minutes were proposed by Gibby Scott and seconded by Ruth Scott and approved.
Matters Arising
8.There were no matters arising from the minutes.
Community Council Notice Board
9. Ruth Scott reported that the Co-operative was content that the notice board be sited beside their store.
10. Ruth Scott had also spoken with the Midlothian Council Planning Department and had been advised that while planning permission was not required for a notice board advertising consent would be needed. A proforma with a photograph of what was planned and a fee of £101 should be submitted.
11. The Community Council was concerned that advertising consent had never been mentioned before when enquiries had been made and Derek Milligan agreed to check this out.
Planning
12. Old Leisure Centre (response from Midlothian Council) – as agreed at the last meeting, the Chairman had written to Midlothian Council on behalf of the Community Council asking for a public meeting so that residents can be part of the final design process. A reply had been received confirming that a final decision had been made and plans were now being drawn up. If a public meeting was required it would be for the Community Council to make the arrangements and local councillors and council officials would consider whether they would attend.Copies of this correspondence can be found on the Residents Voice: Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council website at http://bonnyriggandlasswade.weebly.com
13. Disappointment was expressed at this outcome however; the Community Council decided that it had done what it could at this stage in the process to try to ensure that the old leisure centre was developed in a way that the site continued to be used for the optimum benefit of the wider community. Detailed plans for the site would be awaited and further consideration would be given at that stage.
14. Market Car park planning application – the Chairman expressed a conflict of interest in this item as he was a near neighbour of the site. This item of the agenda was therefore chaired by Mike Moore. Following discussion of the planning application it was proposed by Dougie Stewart and seconded by Janet Clark and agreed that, although the Community Council had no objections in principle to the development of the site, it would lodge a neutral stance to the particular planning application expressing the following concerns about these plans:
•
The design was out of character with the rest of Bonnyrigg town centre
•
The proposed flat roofs rather than pitch were a particular concern
•
Access to the site was considered poor with considerable difficulties envisaged for emergency vehicle access
•
There is insufficient parking proposed for the number of houses – 2 too many houses proposed for the site.
15. Greenbelt Action Group – the Greenbelt Action Group had met with the Federation of Community Councils and had gained support for their cause across Midlothian Community Councils. Apart from the erosion of the green belt and consequent coalescence of towns and areas, a key concern was the need for Midlothian Council to ensure that the infrastructure was out in place before its local development plan was agreed and put in place.
16. The Group tabled its strategy for action which included: raising public awareness of key issues through local media and various community groups; seeking support of local councillors and MSPs; seeking a debate in the Scottish Parliament. The Group also planned to hold a public meeting at Lasswade High School Centre chaired by a Town Planner. The Community Council agreed to attend this meeting to listen and try to reflect the views of the residents at the meeting to those in authority.
17. As part of this discussion it was reported that that Midlothian Council Road Safety Manager had lodged formal objections to the Cala Homes development at the old golf practice ground based on the proposed access to the site and discussions were ongoing with Cala Homes.
Fitness Trail Update
18. It was reported that the funding application for an investing ideas grant of £4,600 from the Big Lottery Fund to investigate the feasibility of a Fitness Trail for Bonnyrigg had been turned down. It was agreed that further research would be made into other funding options and support for the proposal would be sought from the Medical Practice.
Neighbourhood Plan
19. It was reported that the representatives of the Community Council who attended these meeting had lost heart due to the lack of productivity and wished to withdraw from their representative role. No other volunteers from the Community Council were prepared to take their place. After some discussion it was decided by a majority that the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council would withdraw from the Neighbourhood Planning process. The 25 priorities that had been identified for the area would be pursued by different means.
Residents Forum Update
20.The Forum was proving to be a great success and an asset to the community. 1600 members had joined within the first 3 to 4 months of its activity and many and varied issues of interest to residents in Bonnyrigg and Lasswade had been discussed. However, it was agreed that the formal advertising by businesses was not an appropriate use of the forum and would no longer be allowed.
Report from Federation of Community Councils
21.There was nothing to add to the report already made about the Greenbelt Action Group activity.
Report from Midlothian Councillors
22.Derek Milligan reported on the following issues:
•
He continued to actively pursue the issue of the out of hours service with the local Health Centre and NHS Lothian as he feared that the consultation, being billed as about a better more efficient service, wasactually to cover cuts to the service.
•
Polton hall Bowling Club was being upgraded with benefits and improvement for the club and thesurrounding area.
Lasswade Centre Litter
23.There was some dispute about who was responsible for clearing the litter at the Lasswade Centre, the Centre and Midlothian Council both denying responsibility for the issue. Derek Milligan agreed to look into the matter and it was agreed that this should be an agenda item for the next meeting.
Financial Report
24.There was no financial report to this meeting
Correspondence
25. Attention was drawn to the Midlothian Council minutes, the Health Link magazine and the Midlothian News.
AOB
26.The Community Council agreed to support a petition about parking in Laird Terrace.
27.The Community Council agreed to support a complaint about school parking at the Lasswade High School Centre which would be raised with the Head Teacher.
28. Given the many issues raised at these meetings it was agreed to bring forward the start time to 7:00pm for future meetings.
Date of Next Meeting
29. It was agreed that the next meeting would be held at 7:00pm, at the Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg on Thursday 19 March 2015.
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
Minutes of meeting held Thursday 19 February 2015 at 7:30pm
Attending
1.Community Councillors – Darius Namdaran (Chair), Janet Clark, Bill McDonald, Mike Moore, Brian Scott,Gibby Scott; Ruth Scott, Dougi Stewart, Moira Wilson.
2.Visitors – a number of visitors attended the following provided their names: Karen Halliday, Derek Milligan,Ed Angus, George Barnes, Jacqueline Charter, Stuart Bruce, John White, John Barton, Margaret McDougall,David McDougall
Welcome and introductions
3.The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and short introductions were made by those attending.
Apologies
4.Apologies were received from Jo Lee, Elaine Ferguson, Cam Scott and Councillor Ian Baxter.
Police Report
5.There was no police presence at the meeting and a police report had not been provided.
6.Concerns had been expressed about the level of crime in Bonnyrigg and Lasswade as reported through the Residents Forum. Following a short discussion it was that it was inconclusive whether crime was on the increase or whether awareness had merely been raised. It was agreed that crime would feature as an agenda item at the next meeting with the aim of having a focused discussion with the police representative.
Minutes of Last meeting
7.The minutes were proposed by Gibby Scott and seconded by Ruth Scott and approved.
Matters Arising
8.There were no matters arising from the minutes.
Community Council Notice Board
9. Ruth Scott reported that the Co-operative was content that the notice board be sited beside their store.
10. Ruth Scott had also spoken with the Midlothian Council Planning Department and had been advised that while planning permission was not required for a notice board advertising consent would be needed. A proforma with a photograph of what was planned and a fee of £101 should be submitted.
11. The Community Council was concerned that advertising consent had never been mentioned before when enquiries had been made and Derek Milligan agreed to check this out.
Planning
12. Old Leisure Centre (response from Midlothian Council) – as agreed at the last meeting, the Chairman had written to Midlothian Council on behalf of the Community Council asking for a public meeting so that residents can be part of the final design process. A reply had been received confirming that a final decision had been made and plans were now being drawn up. If a public meeting was required it would be for the Community Council to make the arrangements and local councillors and council officials would consider whether they would attend.Copies of this correspondence can be found on the Residents Voice: Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council website at http://bonnyriggandlasswade.weebly.com
13. Disappointment was expressed at this outcome however; the Community Council decided that it had done what it could at this stage in the process to try to ensure that the old leisure centre was developed in a way that the site continued to be used for the optimum benefit of the wider community. Detailed plans for the site would be awaited and further consideration would be given at that stage.
14. Market Car park planning application – the Chairman expressed a conflict of interest in this item as he was a near neighbour of the site. This item of the agenda was therefore chaired by Mike Moore. Following discussion of the planning application it was proposed by Dougie Stewart and seconded by Janet Clark and agreed that, although the Community Council had no objections in principle to the development of the site, it would lodge a neutral stance to the particular planning application expressing the following concerns about these plans:
•
The design was out of character with the rest of Bonnyrigg town centre
•
The proposed flat roofs rather than pitch were a particular concern
•
Access to the site was considered poor with considerable difficulties envisaged for emergency vehicle access
•
There is insufficient parking proposed for the number of houses – 2 too many houses proposed for the site.
15. Greenbelt Action Group – the Greenbelt Action Group had met with the Federation of Community Councils and had gained support for their cause across Midlothian Community Councils. Apart from the erosion of the green belt and consequent coalescence of towns and areas, a key concern was the need for Midlothian Council to ensure that the infrastructure was out in place before its local development plan was agreed and put in place.
16. The Group tabled its strategy for action which included: raising public awareness of key issues through local media and various community groups; seeking support of local councillors and MSPs; seeking a debate in the Scottish Parliament. The Group also planned to hold a public meeting at Lasswade High School Centre chaired by a Town Planner. The Community Council agreed to attend this meeting to listen and try to reflect the views of the residents at the meeting to those in authority.
17. As part of this discussion it was reported that that Midlothian Council Road Safety Manager had lodged formal objections to the Cala Homes development at the old golf practice ground based on the proposed access to the site and discussions were ongoing with Cala Homes.
Fitness Trail Update
18. It was reported that the funding application for an investing ideas grant of £4,600 from the Big Lottery Fund to investigate the feasibility of a Fitness Trail for Bonnyrigg had been turned down. It was agreed that further research would be made into other funding options and support for the proposal would be sought from the Medical Practice.
Neighbourhood Plan
19. It was reported that the representatives of the Community Council who attended these meeting had lost heart due to the lack of productivity and wished to withdraw from their representative role. No other volunteers from the Community Council were prepared to take their place. After some discussion it was decided by a majority that the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council would withdraw from the Neighbourhood Planning process. The 25 priorities that had been identified for the area would be pursued by different means.
Residents Forum Update
20.The Forum was proving to be a great success and an asset to the community. 1600 members had joined within the first 3 to 4 months of its activity and many and varied issues of interest to residents in Bonnyrigg and Lasswade had been discussed. However, it was agreed that the formal advertising by businesses was not an appropriate use of the forum and would no longer be allowed.
Report from Federation of Community Councils
21.There was nothing to add to the report already made about the Greenbelt Action Group activity.
Report from Midlothian Councillors
22.Derek Milligan reported on the following issues:
•
He continued to actively pursue the issue of the out of hours service with the local Health Centre and NHS Lothian as he feared that the consultation, being billed as about a better more efficient service, wasactually to cover cuts to the service.
•
Polton hall Bowling Club was being upgraded with benefits and improvement for the club and thesurrounding area.
Lasswade Centre Litter
23.There was some dispute about who was responsible for clearing the litter at the Lasswade Centre, the Centre and Midlothian Council both denying responsibility for the issue. Derek Milligan agreed to look into the matter and it was agreed that this should be an agenda item for the next meeting.
Financial Report
24.There was no financial report to this meeting
Correspondence
25. Attention was drawn to the Midlothian Council minutes, the Health Link magazine and the Midlothian News.
AOB
26.The Community Council agreed to support a petition about parking in Laird Terrace.
27.The Community Council agreed to support a complaint about school parking at the Lasswade High School Centre which would be raised with the Head Teacher.
28. Given the many issues raised at these meetings it was agreed to bring forward the start time to 7:00pm for future meetings.
Date of Next Meeting
29. It was agreed that the next meeting would be held at 7:00pm, at the Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg on Thursday 19 March 2015.
March 2015
Meeting of the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council
AGENDA
Thursday 19 March 2015 at 7.00pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
AGENDA
Thursday 19 March 2015 at 7.00pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
- Welcome and Introduction
- Apologies
- Police Report
- Minutes
- Matters Arising
- Community Council Notice Board
- Reports from Midlothian Councillors
- Planning
- Federation of Community Council update.
- Plan AGM for 16th April.
- Financial Report
- Correspondence
- Any other competent business
- Date of next meeting
April 2015
BONNYRIGG AND LASSWADE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
AGM Agenda
held on 16th April 2015
at Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
From 19.15- 19.45 hours
11. AOBMeeting of the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council
AGENDA
Thursday 16 April 2015 at 7.45pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
AGM Agenda
held on 16th April 2015
at Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
From 19.15- 19.45 hours
- Welcome
- Apologies
- Agree Minutes of AGM 2013
- Constitution highlights
- Financial Report
- Thanks
- Chairmans Report
- Step down of all Councillors
- Hand over to Presiding officer for elections
- Applications received for council members:
- Elections of office bearers
- Chairman:
- Vice Chair:
- Correspondence Secretary
- Minutes Secretary:
- Treasurer:
- Planning Convener:
11. AOBMeeting of the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council
AGENDA
Thursday 16 April 2015 at 7.45pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
- Welcome and Introduction
- Apologies
- Minutes
- Matters Arising
- Police and crime.
- Litter- Brian.
- Residents Forum
- Reports from Midlothian Councillors.
- Planning
- Financial Report
- Correspondence
- Any other competent business
- Date of next meeting
May 2015
Meeting of the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council
AGENDA
Thursday 21 May 2015 at 7.00pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
AGENDA
Thursday 21 May 2015 at 7.00pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
- Welcome and Introduction
- Apologies
- Giggis Carpark proposal
- Minutes
- Matters Arising
- Police and crime. - Inspector John Dryden?
- Litter- Brian.
- Doctors Surgery
- Getting new members and office bearers
- Federation
- NHS lothian Planning.
- Constitution.
- Residents Forum
- Reports from Midlothian Councillors.
- Planning
- Financial Report
- Correspondence
- Any other competent business
- Date of next meeting
June 2015
Meeting of the Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council
AGENDA
Thursday 18 June 2015 at 7.00pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
AGENDA
Thursday 18 June 2015 at 7.00pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
- Welcome and Introduction
- Apologies
- Minutes
- Matters Arising
- Police and crime. - Inspector John Dryden
- BLCC response to Midlothian Local Development Plan
- Fitness trail
- New members?
- Reports from Midlothian Councillors.
- Planning
- Financial Report
- Correspondence
- Any other competent business
- Date of next meeting
August 2015
BONNYRIGG & LASSWADE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Meeting to be held on Thursday 20 August 2015
In Sports Pavilion, King George V Park at 7 pm
Agenda
Attendance
Apologies
Introductions + Craig Finlay Funeral
Minutes
Matters Arising
Police and crime.
BLCC response to Midlothian Local Development Plan
Fitness trail
Community Council Secretary
Reports from Midlothian Councillors.
Planning
Financial Report
Correspondence
Any other competent business
Date of next meeting
Meeting to be held on Thursday 20 August 2015
In Sports Pavilion, King George V Park at 7 pm
Agenda
Attendance
Apologies
Introductions + Craig Finlay Funeral
Minutes
Matters Arising
Police and crime.
BLCC response to Midlothian Local Development Plan
Fitness trail
Community Council Secretary
Reports from Midlothian Councillors.
Planning
Financial Report
Correspondence
Any other competent business
Date of next meeting
Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council
Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 20 August 2015 at 7.00pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
Attendance, Ian Baxter, Jan Irvine, Bill Macdonald, Marie Knowles, Gillian Hunter, Mike Moore, Elaine Ferguson, Darius Namdaran, Joan. Jade Knowles
Apologies, Ruth and Gibby Scott.
Introductions + Craig Finlay Funeral. The chair expressed a tribute to Craig, on which all present concurred.
Minutes, no minutes were available from previous meeting although they were prepared by Bill.
Matters Arising- None.
Police and crime report by Michele Lindsay. Some criticism was raised by the lack of information of the attack in the venal beside the Bank of Scotland. Regarding the bogus workmen who stole jewellery from an elderly lady, and the Mishandling by the receptionist at the call handling centre. Ian Baxter will investigate why the receptionists was lacking in proper call handling procedure.
BLCC response to Midlothian Local Development Plan discussed
Fitness trail. Bill reported that the fitness trail is still under consideration by Edinburgh Airport community board. Midlothian Council confirmed that they would be willing to undertake maintenance of the equipment for up to 10 years. Councillor Constable has expressed and interest in contributing from his environmental fund.
Darius Namdaran, said needs to stop doing the role of secretary in a secretaries absence. Community Council Secretary. We need one. The decision was made that a meeting be held with Poltonhall Community Council to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest. Mike Moore volunteered to take the initiative. There was interest in merging the community councils to our mutual benefit.
Jade Knowles (13) was proposed as honorary youth Community Councillor by Darius and unanimously agreed.
Reports from Midlothian Councillors. Ian Baxter gave a report on various issues.
Planning. Mayshade wants to turn into Aldi. Elaine gave feedback from information evening. Community Council felt residents are in favour of the change on the basis of the entrance and traffic issues are satisfactorily resolved, for example a central reservation waiting lane.
Treasurers report. Previous balance- £2005.84, Transaction £35 for information commission. Current balance £1,970.84. Twinning account £1,713.89. as at 20th August. Agreed a direct debit for information commissioners. Agreed purchase of two wreaths. £500 cheque was paid as a contribution to the fun day inflatable hire.
Correspondence. Marie shared a number of recent emails.
Any other competent business
Date of next meeting 17th Sept 7pm.
Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 20 August 2015 at 7.00pm
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg
Attendance, Ian Baxter, Jan Irvine, Bill Macdonald, Marie Knowles, Gillian Hunter, Mike Moore, Elaine Ferguson, Darius Namdaran, Joan. Jade Knowles
Apologies, Ruth and Gibby Scott.
Introductions + Craig Finlay Funeral. The chair expressed a tribute to Craig, on which all present concurred.
Minutes, no minutes were available from previous meeting although they were prepared by Bill.
Matters Arising- None.
Police and crime report by Michele Lindsay. Some criticism was raised by the lack of information of the attack in the venal beside the Bank of Scotland. Regarding the bogus workmen who stole jewellery from an elderly lady, and the Mishandling by the receptionist at the call handling centre. Ian Baxter will investigate why the receptionists was lacking in proper call handling procedure.
BLCC response to Midlothian Local Development Plan discussed
Fitness trail. Bill reported that the fitness trail is still under consideration by Edinburgh Airport community board. Midlothian Council confirmed that they would be willing to undertake maintenance of the equipment for up to 10 years. Councillor Constable has expressed and interest in contributing from his environmental fund.
Darius Namdaran, said needs to stop doing the role of secretary in a secretaries absence. Community Council Secretary. We need one. The decision was made that a meeting be held with Poltonhall Community Council to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest. Mike Moore volunteered to take the initiative. There was interest in merging the community councils to our mutual benefit.
Jade Knowles (13) was proposed as honorary youth Community Councillor by Darius and unanimously agreed.
Reports from Midlothian Councillors. Ian Baxter gave a report on various issues.
Planning. Mayshade wants to turn into Aldi. Elaine gave feedback from information evening. Community Council felt residents are in favour of the change on the basis of the entrance and traffic issues are satisfactorily resolved, for example a central reservation waiting lane.
Treasurers report. Previous balance- £2005.84, Transaction £35 for information commission. Current balance £1,970.84. Twinning account £1,713.89. as at 20th August. Agreed a direct debit for information commissioners. Agreed purchase of two wreaths. £500 cheque was paid as a contribution to the fun day inflatable hire.
Correspondence. Marie shared a number of recent emails.
Any other competent business
Date of next meeting 17th Sept 7pm.