Agenda item
Property Update
Verbal private update from Estates Manager and Property Officer on the following:-
· Campervans at the Common Haugh.
· Property Update Visits
Minutes:
.0 FACILITY FOR CAMPERVANS AT THE COMMON HAUGH
With reference to paragraph 1 of the Private Minute of 18 June 2021, Mr Curtis explained that this matter had been ongoing for some time and Scottish Water had originally advised that chemical toilets could be discharged into the mains sewer. CCTV footage had been taken of the drains and Scottish Water had now advised that they had concerns about the potential damage to the drains from the chemical waste. If the waste cannot be discharged down the sluice a septic tank would be required, which would require emptying and transportation by lorry to the waste disposal plant and ongoing cost to the Common Good. The cost of a tank was estimated at £4,065 excluding delivery and installation, however it was not considered feasible and was not recommended by Officers. The Sub-Committee were very frustrated and requested that Scottish Water be contacted to request that they attend a site visit as soon as possible.
DECISION
AGREED that Mr Curtis contact Scottish Water to invite them to attend as site visit as a matter of urgency.
10.0 PROPERTY UPDATE
10.1 The Property Officer and Estates Strategy Manager carried out the annual property visits on 23 June 2021 and were accompanied by Councillors Turnbull, Paterson, McAteer and Ramage. No visits were carried out in 2020 due to Covid restrictions and several works were delayed due to these issues. Every property was occupied although it was agreed not to go into any of the properties this year.
10.2 Golf Course
All the tree removal and associated tidying works were complete.
10.3 St Leonards Farm Steading
The work on the storm damaged roof on the byre had been completed although this was locked during the visit. Some associated electrical upgrades were also completed and the works on the other steading buildings (agreed at £2,000 per annum) were ongoing and making a difference.
10.4 St Leonards Farmhouse
The tenants, Brian McDonnell and Gemma Golubowsky, have been the tenants since December 2017 and were not on site during the visit. Some damp proofing works, woodworm treatment and external paintwork had been completed this financial year. There were no works outstanding.
10.5 St Leonards Farm Cottage
Bruce Richardson, the tenant began occupation in August 2018 and had carried out significant improvements and tidying up since moving in. The stables had been renovated internally and new roof sheeting had been fitted. The paddock fencing had been replaced as well as drainage and other improvements in the field. The condition of the pasture has improved considerably. Some damp proofing works and replacement of the porch window have been completed. It was noted that new windows will be required to the house and this should be included in the five year plan. Councillor Ramage suggested that replacement windows include architectural detailing such as faux glazing panels. The tenant requested replacement cladding to the roof of the shed and the external wall at the stables and this to be carried out next financial year. The tenant was also given permission to erect a permanent fence in the field. Discussions to install a new hay barn were ongoing.
10.6 St Leonards Hut
Although not used this year, the usual annual maintenance had been carried out.
10.7 Williestruther Cottage
The tenant, Lisa Bell, was keen to show us the improvements she had made to the kennels and garden. Her business had suffered greatly due to the Covid restrictions but bookings were picking up again. The bathroom suite was replaced in 2019 as well as external paintwork to the woodwork at the eaves. The kennel building still had a leaking roof and it was agreed to renew next financial year.
10.8 Acreknowe Reservoir
We visited the reservoir to discuss a verbal request to form a permanent hard standing car park. The five different cars we arrived in had no difficulty parking on the grass at the side of the road and it was felt a hard standing car park would detract from the rural ambience. It was also noted that the entrance to the pedestrian/hunting gate was uneven and this should be considered when responding to a formal request for the car park.
PILMUIR
10.9 Pilmuir Farm Cottage
The tenant, Colin Purvis, was not on site during the visit. The surrounding trees had been removed and boundary fencing replaced. The boiler and oil tank had been renewed since the last visit and a roofer was on site carrying out minor repairs after wind damage. There were some minor repairs required to window sills etc. but due to the untidy condition of the surroundings no work to be instructed at this time. The untidy state of the place had been noted.
10.10 Pilmuir Farmhouse
The double glazed window in the living room had been replaced with new patio doors and this had been a good addition to the house. The tenant reported the kitchen extractor fan was not working which led onto a discussion regarding the age and condition of the kitchen units. It was agreed to revisit and work this into the five year plan.
10.11 Pilmuir Farm Steading
The works to repair the main steading buildings had started although had been delayed by Covid. The first section was started in May after lambing season and phase two would continue weather permitting later this year. There were discussions about forming a slatted shed and adding the work to the ongoing programme and discussion discussed as part of the lease renewal process in 2024.
10.12 Pilmuir Farm
Some drainage and fencing repairs have been carried out although it was noted these would be ongoing.
10.13 Nipknowes Footpath
The recently formed footpath was inspected and members noted the spectacular view of the town from the top. As the path goes through an old tip several fragments of glass have been uncovered. It was agreed to lay some wood chippings on the uneven section, uplift some fly tipping and open the gate to make the footpath accessible to the public.
10.14 Golf Course access track
Repairs to the drainage were complete although the neighbour had requested some additional work. He had purchased a length of poly drain and it was agreed that SBC would install same.
10.15 HAWICK MOOR
The group did not visit on this occasion but the toilet buildings had been removed and any other improvements were on hold due to plans by others to develop the racecourse.