Muirhouse Salvesen Community Council
Note of Meeting 18th December 2012
Muirhouse Community Centre
Present
Roy Douglas, John Davidson and Lynn Dunbar
In Attendance
Eileen Carr (minutes), Robert Pearson (TRIM), Gordon Davie (TRIM), Cllr Vicki Redpath, Tom Leggit (Springfield HA),Brenda Toner (MHA) and Rev. Linda Dunbar
Apologies
Cllr Allan Jackson, Cllr Cammy Day and Ian Collins (Lothian Borders Police)
As the meeting was not quorate with Community Councillors it was agreed to proceed as reps from the Housing Associations building on the old BT site had prepared a presentation. Roy conformed that everyone present was happy with moving item 7 (presentation from Housing Associations) to item 4 on the agenda. Everyone agreed.
Note of possible conflict of interest – Roy stated that he was a Board Member of MHA
Matters arising from last notes (20th Nov)
Ward Boundaries – John raised concern that Davidson Mains and Silverknowes Association had moved their published ward boundaries to include pieces of Muirhouse. Discussion followed and it was decided to formally ask Cllr Redpath to take this up on the CC’s behalf. Cllr Redpath agreed and will keep CC informed.
Presentation from Springfield and MHA
An excellent presentation from Springfield and MHA who brought plans for the development at the old BT site and copies for people to take away.
Tom introduced himself and gave background information on Springfield HA and how they have come to be involved in developing here in North Edinburgh. As a family owned company it is important to them to use local labour where available and will use every available opportunity to advertise vacancies locally. Brenda confirmed that she will pass on all the relevant information to Ian regarding organisations that deal with employment including the schools for leavers opportunities.
Brenda explained that the build would be in 3 phases starting in March 2013 and rolling on from there. The 1st phase will be 58 units, 2nd phase 64 units and 3rd phase 80 units – a mix of family, amenity, elderly flats and houses. From the proposed units aprox half will be mid market rent and Brenda explained what that meant.
Brenda pointed out the drainage basin that will be part of the development and Tom/Brenda explained why it was needed and what it entails.
Concerns were raised about the drainage area and the safety of children if the weather was really bad and the area flooded – Tom clarified what would happen and reassured everyone that it is being built to the high specifications of Scottish Water who will be responsible for its maintenance. There is another basin in Oxgangs and Brenda has checked for any problems they have and the main one is dumping of trolleys. Tom agreed that education of children is important and will take place through the schools.
Another concern is the tight access on Muirhouse Green which is the only access that construction traffic is allowed to use as part of the planning consent.
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Tom and Brenda confirmed that Muirhouse Avenue will not be used at all as construction access which reassured everyone present as the local primary school is there and the danger to children is of over-riding concern to the community as we have suffered in the past. John asked that Banks men be used with heavy vehicles regardless of the access and Tom confirmed that this would be done.
Brenda confirmed that MHA had asked for a temp access road from Ferry Road as the access road from Muirhouse Green was dangerous and would lead to accidents and upset for the residents – the Council are of the opinion that the road from Muirhouse Green is adequate and can cope with the extra 220 new units. In time the council will adopt the roads etc inside the new site. Robert stated that the temp road from Ferry Road will be something that TRIM would take up as an issue and Roy confirmed that the Community Council would support MHA in their continued request for it. Tom ended by saying he was looking forward to getting on site and getting started. Brenda stated that she would be happy to answer any additional questions or queries and she will get back as soon as possible.
Gordon asked about the insulation factor in the building and Tom confirmed that it was Silver Sustainability which was above the required factor.
Brenda and Tom left the meeting and agenda items continued.
Correspondence
Granton SurMer – asking for support for bid and people to volunteer for their new community Board – after discussion it was decided that there was more pressing issues in Muirhouse.
Surplice Fire Fund – wants to revitalise fund by transferring it into Edinburgh Voluntary Organisation Trust – everyone agreed that this was a good idea.
How to submit a petition (needs 500 signatures) – brochure brought to everyone’s attention.
Treasurers Report
No change
Police Report
No police report submitted
Action Group
Minutes will be published for Clean Green and Safe soon.
No other business so meeting closed with Roy thanking everyone for coming.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 19th Feb
7pm in Muirhouse Community Centre