Minutes of meeting of November 14^th 2001

Venue:           Cockburnspath Primary School, 7pm

 

1         Apologies

 

2        East of Scotland Water  (Graeme Drummond) – discussed proposed waste water treatment plant at Cove & dealt with questions arising from members and residents (Mr and Mrs Renwick of 1 Coastguard Cottages)

 

2.1.1        Key issue from residents perspective are:

2.1.1.1  The sudden change of plan (from septic tank enlargement) without prior consultation

2.1.1.2  the risk of smell

2.1.1.3  impact on bathing waters

2.1.1.4  visibility of the facility (particularly “blower houses” housing controls)

2.1.1.5  landscaping to hide the facility from view as much as possible

2.1.1.6  discrete signage if possible

2.1.1.7  working arrangements with contractors – particularly HGVs on access road to Cove

 

2.1.2        The plans have been adapted to reflect improved landscaping, while signage will be noted as being required to be discrete.  Assurances were given on smell (low risk) and noise levels (almost silent), while bathing waters will be better in Summer but possibly of worse quality in Winter which may affect fishing (?). Facility will be sunk into landscape to reduce visibility and surrounded by bunding (banking) and hedgerows (Hawthorn).  Landscaping will be something that requires further discussion re promoting wildlife rather than large gravel areas.  Working arrangements will be sensitive to need for access and hours of work / noise of contractors will need to be monitored.

 

3        Adoption of Minutes for October 12^th – Councillor Elliott clarified the role of the scrutiny committee .  Minutes of October 12^th corrected accordingly.

 

4        Matters Arising from the Minutes of October 12th:

 

4.1               Report on Coastal Villages Forum / Eyemouth & East Berwickshire Partnership meeting at Coldingham on Saturday 3^rd November

 

4.1.1        Further meeting at 7pm on December 3^rd @ Coldingham Village Hall - up to 3 representatives to attend

4.1.2        Future shape of the CVF - Reston and Ayton to join (and perhaps Lamberton)

4.1.3        New name (any suggestions? - ones mentioned so far = East Berwickshire Villages Forum or East Berwickshire Communities Forum)

4.1.4        Remit (long term remit as Charitable Trust to finance projects locally?)

4.1.5        Representation on EEBP Board  (currently Jim Morton of Burnmouth represents the 4 coastal villages of Co'path, Burnmouth, St Abbs, Coldingham)

4.1.6        Long term future for EEBP and funds which may be available

4.1.7        Agreed that Paul W and Lorna S would represent CCC

 

4.2              Outstanding Repairs (Update):

 

4.2.1        Village Benches (not yet relocated)

4.2.2        Picnic tables / benches (G Fraser fitting footplates to make more difficult to remove)

4.2.3        Play area gate (Jim Hogg of SBC has undertaken to take action)

4.2.4        Give Way sign on Setts at North East side of Village Cross -yet to appear (B O'Sullivan has previously undertaken to deal with this)

4.2.5        Cove Steps:  Contractors will be appointed soon after clarification of responsibility for this – misunderstanding between SBC and Mr Tyndall, owner of Cove Harbour as to who was taking action.

 

4.3              Cove - repairs under way to access road land slip - shoring up of cliff face following assessment by Babties (Engineers).

 

4.4              Proposed Cuts in Snow Clearing / Gritting Service (letter signed / sent)

 

5        Other Correspondence Received:

 

5.1               Scottish Borders Council - Planning Matters

 

5.1.1        Cove Water Treatment Facility opposite Coastguard Cottages - detailed planning consent (see earlier discussion with East of Scotland Water – concerns raised with ESW).

5.1.2        Hoprig Farm Steading - application for two storey detached house/garage (No Objection as property relatively isolated and broadly attractive design)

5.1.3        Pathhead Farm - application for change of use to dwelling house (No objection as works internal)

 

5.2              Scottish Borders Council: 

5.2.1        Community Facilities Monitor Survey - opportunity to inform Planning Dept of lack of amenities in Co'path. Survey completed by assembled members.

5.2.2        Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy  Report for Scottish Borders

5.2.3        Consultation on Issues for new Local Plan – issues to be submitted by March.

 

5.3              British Energy : Torness

5.3.1        Only one reportable event rated at level 1 on INES scale over the period between 10th September and 8^th October.  Nothing yet received regarding October to November.

5.3.2        Paperwork received for Torness performance over previous year/environmental reports.

 

5.4              Blue Circle Industries plc (now part of Lefarge Group) - Environmental Statement including details of performance at Dunbar.  Success in gaining an environmental award.

 

5.5              Future Presentations to be Made:

5.5.1        Perrymans Buses (28^th November - difficulty in confirming this at present, may need suggested later dates )

5.5.2        Scottish Wildlife Trust  (have offered to attend 12^th December Meeting)

 

6        Any Other Business

 

6.1              Dog dirt problem  - new bin at Cove.

 

7        Date for next meeting:  Confirmed as Wednesday 12^th December 2001