Agenda item

Consider verbal update by Estates Surveyor.

3.1       With reference to paragraph 3 of the Minute of 28 November 2017, the Estates Strategy Surveyor, Norrie Curtis, gave a verbal update on property issues. With regard to work on the pillars at the Victoria Hall, the stone had been ordered and work would commence once listed building consent was received.  Members noted that at their meeting of 21 June 2017 they had agreed a contribution of up to £10,000 for the refurbishment of the pillars which was being carried out as part of the Selkirk Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) project.  Mr Yallop was asked to liaise with officers responsible for the project regarding the timing of the payment.  With regard to the fencing requirement at Linglie Farm, Mr Curtis advised that as the work had not been commenced by the appointed contractor the work order had been cancelled.  Mr Curtis, the tenant and a new contractor had met on site to discuss what was required and, once a price for the work was approved, it was anticipated that work would start at the earliest time convenient to the tenant.  With reference to the proposal by Scottish Water to build a new water storage facility on Selkirk Hill, Mr Curtis advised that he expected to be able to bring a full report to the next meeting of the Sub Committee; he confirmed that the tenant’s agent was aware of the approach from Scottish Water. With regard to actions from the last meeting relating to the Green Hut, the Property Officer had visited the building to inspect the gutters and was awaiting a quotation for their repair.  As the building occupied the whole footprint of the site, Mr Curtis was asked to approach the owners of neighbouring properties to ask for permission to gain access for maintenance of the hut and to cut down encroaching branches that were potentially damaging the roof.

3.2       In terms of other property issues and with reference to paragraph 4 of the Minute of 29 November 2016 regarding the let of winter grazing on Selkirk Hill, Mr Curtis explained that the Estates section were reviewing all Common Good owned land that was let for grazing, to work towards a consistent approach in terms of rent.  Members agreed that the rent of the grazing on Selkirk Hill, which ran from August to the end of December, be renegotiated and put out for tender if necessary.  The Chairman emphasised the importance of the tenant actually using the grazing, as in recent years this appeared not to be the case. Sheep were needed to control vegetation on the hill and to maintain its appearance and accessibility. 

3.3       With reference to previous reports on the condition of buildings at Smedheugh Farm, Mr Curtis had met on site with the tenant.  He advised that the most urgent work appeared to be related to the electrical wiring in the steading.  Members agreed that quotes should be sought for the work required.  It was also agreed that quotations be refreshed for repairs to the gutters and downpipes on the straw shed.  Discussion continued on the responsibilities for maintenance and repair which lay with the landlord and tenant respectively.  In particular there was reference to the apparent regular occurrence of vehicles leaving the road along the A699 and discussion about who was responsible for repair of damage to the fence, including the responsibility to pursue third parties who may be liable to cover the cost of that repair.

DECISION

(a)          NOTED the update.

(b)          AGREED that the Estates Strategy Surveyor:-

(i)         request permission from adjacent             property owners to gain      access for  maintenance of the Green Hut and to cut down encroaching branches;

(ii)        review the arrangements for let of winter grazing on Selkirk Hill;        and

(iii)       for Smedheugh Farm, obtain quotes for renewing electrical     wiring in the steading and refreshed quotes for repair of         guttering and downpipes on the straw shed.