Agenda item
Property
Verbal update from Estates Surveyor including:
(a) Shawburn Toll Consultation
(b) Boundary Fence at Pringle Park
(c) Green Shed
Minutes:
The Estates Surveyor, Norrie Curtis, introduced Tricia Hill, who had recently joined the Council and would be the member of the Estates team providing support to Selkirk Common Good at future meetings.
4.1 Shawburn Toll and Embankment
Mr Curtis, gave further information following the public consultation, for ideas to tidy up the area around Shawburn Toll and Embankment.There had been approximately 250 responses to the consultation. 82.4% of respondents lived in Selkirk and all were from individuals rather than from organisations. 93.6% thought that there should be changes to Shawburn Toll Embankment and 56.8% of respondents indicated that they would like to take part in future discussions about possible options. There had been around 240 comments/ideas about what should be done. Mr Curtis had collated these by theme as follows: 55.6% wanted the embankment turned back into a viewing point primarily for the Common Riding; 12% wanted the ground and shrubbery tidied up; 16.8% wanted it tidied up and/or returned to its original condition; 6% said keep in its current condition; and 8% of comments were unspecific. In summary Mr Curtis said there was an obvious desire from the community for something to be done with the embankment. Members asked for a note of the comments to be circulated and for this to be discussed again at the next meeting. With reference to paragraph 4.1 of the Minute of 18 December 2019 and the question about the alienability of the piece of Common Good-owned amenity ground at the bottom of Shawburn Road, solicitor Ms Webster, advised that there was no Common Good dedication in the title deed. If the land was not used by the public it may be alienable. Mr Curtis confirmed that the piece of land was fenced off, was maintained by Neighbourhood Services and did contain benches. Members agreed that more investigation should be carried out about use of this piece of ground.
DECISION
AGREED:-
(a) to continue discussion at the next meeting about options for the embankment; and
(b) to investigate usage of the piece of amenity ground at the bottom of Shawburn Road.
4.2 Mr Curtis advised that Neighbourhood Services had been contacted by the owner of Shawpark House about the boundary fence, between his land and Common Good-owned Pringle Park, and the need for its replacement. The disposition of the land to the Burgh was silent about responsibility for the boundary fence so in these cases maintenance would be assumed on a 50:50 basis. Mr Curtis confirmed that the boundary was in woodland and was not a stock fence. After discussion Members agreed that it was appropriate for the Common Good Fund to contribute 50% of the cost of a basic post and wire fence and asked Mr Curtis to obtain quotes for this. Should the adjoining owner require a different and more expensive type of fence he would be expected to cover the difference in cost.
DECISION
AGREED that the Estates Surveyor obtain quotes for a basic post and wire fence to replace the boundary fence between Shawpark House and Pringle Park and that the Common Good Fund would pay for 50% of the cost of that type of fence.
4.3 Green Shed
With reference to paragraph 4.3 of the Minute of 18 December 2019, Mr Curtis had obtained a quote of just under £6k for the work required on the roof, gutters and down pipes at the Green Shed. Members asked for a second quote to be obtained but gave approval for a maximum of £6k for the work and asked for this to be carried out as soon as possible. Further to the request to change the lock on the building to increase security, it was agreed that 3 keys be provided for each door and that a new access agreement be drafted.
DECISION
AGREED
(a) to approve a cost of up to £6k for the work required on the Green Shed and that this be carried out as soon as possible; and
(b) that new security locks be fitted and a new access agreement drafted to accompany new keys provided to an agreed representative of the tenant.
OTHER PROPERTY MATTERS
4.4 Farms
Mr Curtis explained that the tenant had replaced a drain across the yard at South Common at a cost of around £3,500 and was asking to be reimbursed. The Common Good, as landlord, was responsible for this and Members agreed to reimburse the cost in full. Ms Hill would be visiting all three farms in the near future to carry out inspections of the properties and prepare maintenance plans.
DECISION
AGREED to reimburse the tenant of South Common Farm for the cost of replacement of a drain.
4.5 Faw Side Wind Farm
Ms Hill had met with an agent from Community Windpower for initial discussion about road access for transport wind turbine sections to the proposed Faw Side Wind Farm and possible construction of a new road across Common Good-owned land.
4.6 Plant Well – Market Place
Following a request from Councillor Penman, Members agreed that a raised floor could be constructed in the Plant Well in the Market Place, where tables for the Farmers’ Market were stored.
4.7 Town Hall Clock
It was noted that the Town Hall Clock had stopped working. Mr Curtis agreed to report this to the Property Officer.
4.8 Victoria Hall
Councillor Edgar asked for a full assessment of the external condition of the Victoria Hall for the next meeting.
DECISION
(a) NOTED the updates above.
(b) AGREED to request a full assessment of the external condition of the Victoria Hall for the next meeting.