Minutes October 2023

The October NCC hybrid meeting chaired by Jeremy Adderley captured community concerns and on-going issues. Councillor’s reports were offered and discussion regarding the Crawlees Road traffic concerns, Local Place plan, Police Report and correspondence.

1. Welcome and introductions – 
   1.  Apologies offered by Laura Joyce, Rebecca McCosh, Clr. Kelly Drummond
   2. Welcome from the Chair – and apologies for the meeting space. Action for Sarah Matthews to find new venue space for next meeting (28/11/23).
   3. Matters arising(1): Action for Community Newsletter update to be on next agenda (28/11/23)
   4. Matters arising(2): Motion passed (proposed by AM and seconded by JM) to have AGM on 28/11/23. Action for SM to advertise AGM.
   5. Matters arising(3): Crawlees Road. RMac enquired about why it takes so long to get a risk assessment. The Springfield development have a risk assessment online. RMac proposed that all the Councillors and Village Voices group walk the route. Request for a crossing from Doctor’s surgery to the bus stop which could make a difference. Add this road to the possible 850 roads that will be 20 miles per hour in the county. 
   6. Matters arising(4): Springfield Development. DykeNeuk area likely to be the first area developed. The proposed road layout will have to come back to planning. Action to see what Gorebridge/Mayfield Easthouses CC current thinking on road structure for development are.

1. Previous minutes – September 2023 minutes : proposed (after corrections) by BW – seconded MM
2. Matters arising – Action: AM still to progress flyer drop to Murderdean Rd/Old cinema residents regarding wheelie bin matter. . 
3.   Police report –  Police report was shared to members by email
   
   1. No police officer in attendance
4. Protecting and improving services:
   
   1. 1.  Local Place Plan Survey (Sarah Matthews) – SM updated meeting about survey and request for help in analysis of the 25 page document presented.  With specific help required with 14 pages / Section 9. There was 242 responses in total. Focus on the negative comments and highlight the issues raised. What skills and area of interest do you have? SM used herself as an e.g where she is using banking sector knowledge to review banking models. Interesting get in touch with secretary@newtongrange.org Need to ensure that your voice is included, especially if you think something critical is missing from responses. The Local Place Plan is considered as part of the next Planning Policy. The report needs to be complete by March 2024. Action for SM to visit Village Voice meeting and to have Local Place Plan feedback on the agenda for next meeting 28/11/23.
      2. Local Development Plan 2 Activity survey closes 31/10/23
      3. Newtongrange Gardening Competition – Action for AM to be the NCC representative for the Gardening Competition 2024. Need for clear T&Cs and earlier date than this year.
      4. Pool Site – Fiona Clandillon department currently looking at the feedback. LA asked about when the council will come back to comunity with plans (proposed to be the end of November 2023)? JR wished for insurances that this was not just some tick-box exercise and community feedback would be taken into account.
      5. Mining Museum solar panels – LA mentioned that the Mining museum were successful in getting solar panels and hoped the church would too.
      6. Lady Road path – Lady Road path bushes has been cut back thanks to the council and Lothian Estate. Action for BW to investigate.
      7. Pump Track funding – Action for LJ to approach NDT. NCC do not have the funding structure.
5. Reports

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Bowen read out report and sent report to Secretary

• Hosting local Newtongrange litter picking groups for a preliminary meeting  01/11/23 @ The Dean. Action to report back on initial discussions for next meeting. With opportunity for other representatives to join.
• Owner of derelict building on Murderedean Road has title deeds issue to resolve. 
• Lothian Estates (not Lawfield Estates) looking to create parking & modern storage units where derelict garages currently are on Morris Road.
• Newtongrange Primary School to try a Park Smart campaign around 6th Street & Park Road. Clr B looking to ensure parking wardens are in the vicinity during school drop-off/pick-up times. 
• Good news that Clr. B and council are looking to improve the library exterior. Do something about stones, seating and brickwork.
• Midlothian Council has 13 road sweepers (used to be 36). Action for Clr B to see where and when road-sweepers are utilized and whether one can be reinstated in Newtongrange. As issues regarding state of Dalhousie Road, by New Victoria Park.

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Drummond N/A

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Scott read out report and will send to Secretary:

• Crawlees Road hedge cutting has been done (sides not the tops); line truck has been brought to site and lines will be repainted in two weeks, when weather allows; signs appraised. 
• New Morris Road development streets Arroll Avenue & Place (EH22 4ST & EH22 4FS). Clr S to monitor issues relating to problematic bins.
• Clr S requested at 31/10/23 Planning Meeting that Newtongrange could be separated from Mayfield/Easthouses when it comes to development contributions. Historically part of the Parish of Newbattle.
• Midlothian Council school transport consultation coming up regarding raising the distance from 2 to 3miles before free school transport is available.

1. 1. • Treasurer – Financial figure still £1,837.00 in bank as of 31/10/23
      • MFCC – SM mentioned that we were unable to get any guidance on Local Place Plan as NCC leading the way. Action for SM to contact MFCC Chair Robert Hogg regarding meeting Mayfield/Easthouses and Gorebridge CCs regarding Crawlees Road. Look at joining the Scottish Forum for Community Councils find out what format online, face-to-face or hybrid and share representation between MFCC.
      •  Planning Applications – Big extension at Temple Quarry, Gorebridge and Newtongrange Church appeal for solar panels.
      • Correspondence 1- Local business adverts stapled to tress in the park. Action JR/LM to give the business a ring
      • Correspondence 2- Unclear lane marking on Dalhousie Road lay-by. Taxi has used the lay-by thinking it was a lane. Safe traffic team are aware of tyhis issue.
      • Correspondence 3- Park Road hedge obstruction issue now resolved
      • Correspondence 4 – Action invite representative from Health and Social Care Partnership to future meeting
2. Date of Next Meeting – AGM Tuesday 28th November 2023 at 7-8 pm, Location TBC and Zoom – register here – regular November meeting 8-9 pm