EDIT: Update posted on November 13, 2018

”Listed building consent for demolition of part of existing wall and erection of fence and gates” could be a test case for attitudes and policies in Burntisland’s Conservation Area.

The site on the corner of Kirkgate and East Leven Street is neglected and perhaps little known or cared about by many Burntisland residents.

The stepped area contains what remains of the former Free Church including the bell tower and entrance. The Church was, significantly, opposite the Parish Church, dating from the Disruption of 1843. Iain Sommerville records the history at Burntisland.net

“Norman Mackie tells us that, after the congregation moved to the High Street in 1861, the building became Frank Quarton’s grain store. It then took on a new life as Burntisland’s first picture house, the Palace, which closed in the mid 1920s. After that, it served as a badminton, boxing and athletic club; and latterly as a store, used by James Ferguson. It was destroyed in a fire on 28 September 1977.”

Canmore has a photo taken before the fire. John Gifford’s book on Fife buildings dates the original warehouse as c1830.

The application states “We wish to convert the area next to our home into a garden, including a small area for off street parking. We have agreement from the Council to purchase the land, subject to planning permissions for change of use & erection of a fence being agreed.“

This was raised at the recent Community Council meeting and was discussed briefly. None of the illustrations were shown to members and it’s unknown how many had seen them online.

One community councillor said the plans “look good” another wondered why the land had not been offered for sale on the open market. The CC has decided not to comment on the plan.

It is not clear how many people know about this planned development. There is no Neighbour Notification List on Fife Council’s website or the customary laminated notification on a nearby post.

Recently a plaque was unveiled outside Burntisland Library proclaiming “Burntisland Fife’s Favourite Conservation Area 2017”

The site is C Listed and within the Conservation Area.

There has been mention of ‘anti-social activities’ and also use by local children for scareboarding etc. There was not much litter visible on Saturday – unless the abandoned trees count?

There are various issues here.

Is it right for Fife Council to be willing to sell land without (apparently) going through a transparent process?

Has this particular proposal had the normal public scrutiny process carried out properly?

Are the interests of the history and amenity of Burntisland best served by excluding public access and hiding what is there behind a solid fence?

Is the proposal in the architects’ drawing suitable in a Conservation Area opposite the A Listed Parish Church?

Comment on Twitter

A couple of months ago it was The Swan and previously there was the Blue Marlin.

This time it’s sister ship White Marlin which arrived on Saturday morning.

If you know what it’s waiting for, please email.

https://www.wired.com/2014/07/dockwise-vanguard-shipping/

Poster in Coop

A boat arrives from Riga roughly every six weeks to deliver timber for Scott’s to turn into pallets.

Until this week a system has been in place to allow pedestrians through from the Beacon area to the Station.

Although the fencing is there, as before, leaving a narrow path, extra security staff have been employed to stop people passing near the unloading between 7 in the morning and 7 at night.

The Courier

There is some local concern that this temporary closure could lead to more measures to restrict access to the Docks and breakwater.

It does highlight the need for a proper path between the Station and the Beacon and Beach.

This would tie-in with the Fife Local Development Plan –

“Green Network Priorities for this site are:

* Improve access and public realm as part of any development proposals in
the harbour area.

* Incorporate green infrastructure providing habitat, SUDS and contributing to the landscape setting, including in areas where public access is impracticable or inappropriate due to the nature of site use.”

Click to access download

It also matches with the aims of the Energy Masterplan which is just about to start a new phase.

“Working with the project team, the community mapped these barriers and opportunities to increase active travel from housing developments, school, play areas in the links, the beach, the main shopping area, medical facilities, the train station, main bus stops and the popular coastal path.”

…

“Measurable objectives for the transport element of the project were to expand and develop safe active travel pathways “

From Local Energy Masterplan

The Courier has reported some of the details of the confusion around the process of nominating a station for Department of Transport funding.

In principle the process is simple.

“The Access for All Programme provides an obstacle free, accessible route to and between platforms.”

“As part of the Governments Inclusive Transport Strategy announced 25th July 2018, further funding up to £300m has been secured to continue with the Access for All Programme in Control Period 6.”

“Nominations should be sent direct to AccessforAllNominations@dft.gov.uk using the nomination form listed at the bottom of this page. Please read the nomination letter from the Department for Transport for more information. Nominations should be received by Friday 16 November 2018.”

Access for All – improving accessibility at railway stations nationwide

So far so good, but the form is in fact a 25 column spreadsheet and campaigners have been told they have to fill fewer than half of them.

They have also been told that the form has to be sent to ScotRail. ScotRail then talks to Network Rail Scotland. A list of preferred stations is drawn up with the involvement of Transport Scotland and sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity (Michael Matheson) in Edinburgh.

He will then approve (or modify) the list and send it to the DfT in London.

Decision expected in April.

The next meeting of the Burntisland Station campaign group is on Tuesday.

Contractors have begun changing all the bulbs in the platform light-fittings.

The new lights will be whiter, brighter and more energy efficient and should make the station more welcoming at night.

The addition of a long awaited lift for Platform 2 would help too!

Update (December 12th) – at least 3rd visit.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2074644945890476&id=2045700602118244

Remember REMEMBER the 5th of November

https://m.facebook.com/groups/197863780832?view=permalink&id=10156602011785833

There’s a new Facebook page with that slightly aspirational title, but participants are also know as Burntisland Open Water Swimmers.

Organiser Jo Hobbett says “Our meets are usually very spontaneous, just depends on work, weather, light and tides, the weather being the key unknown. Three of us went for a sunrise Monday morning swim yesterday at 25 minutes notice.

“As the light fades and the weather closes in it can be more of a challenge to catch a good tide at this time of year. The water has only cooled down a little so if you are an outdoor swimmer and would like to connect up with like minded souls, please get in touch.” (Email)

Jo is aware that the water will cool noticeably in the next few weeks so this may not be the best time to be encouraging people into the sea for the first time. “I can swim all year round but I am used to the temperature, though I will often don a wetsuit Dec-March. There is a real risk of cold shock for new swimmers as the water temp plummets to 5-6 degrees.”

She’s planning for next year. “Whether you want to improve your triathlon speeds or have a gentle bob about, there is room for everyone. In the late Spring we will be encouraging new swimmers to come and find out how lucky we are to have our very own beautiful, safe bay to swim in.”

Poster in Co-op.