Merchiston Community Council AGM and Business Meeting

26th May 2009

at Eric Liddell Centre, Holy Corner 7pm.

In attendance: 

Bridget Stevens                      Chair MCC

Ann Royden                           Secretary

Frances Hawarden                  Treasurer

Jenny Mackenzie                     Minute taker

Robin Morris                           MCC Licensing

Mairianna Clyde                     MCC Planning

William Mykura                      MCC Transport

Ian Doig                                  MCC

Bob Rendall                            Eric Liddell Centre

Cllr Andrew Burns                 CEC (Lab)

Cllr Jim Lowrie                       CEC (SLD) Convenor for Planning

Cllr Gordon Buchan               CEC (Cons)

Cllr Alison Johnstone              CEC (Green party)

Cllr Marilyne McLaren           CEC (SLD)

Cllr Andrew Burns                 CEC (Lab)

Mairianna Clyde                     MCC

James Geekie                          MCC

Kay Smith                               MCC

Elizabeth Hutchings                Resident

Rebecca Brooks                      Resident

Edward Warwick                    Resident

Jeff Middlecote                      Resident

Dr John Higginbotham           Resident

Anne Pont                               Resident

Donald Easton                                    Resident

Suzanne Burns                        Resident

John Burns                              Resident

Ian Clement                            Resident     “

The chairman welcomed everyone to the 2009 AGM and Business Meeting.

AGM

1.  Apologies

Cllr Mark McInnes                  CEC (Cons)

John Lennie                             MCC Planning

Dr Helen Zealley                     MCC Health Issues Adviser  

David Rintoul                         Tollcross CC

PC Julie Cochrane                   CBO Lothian & Borders Police

PC Allan Hopper                        “            “            “

PC Paul Scott                              “            “            “

2.            Adoption of the minutes of the 2008 AGM  was moved by James Geekie.

Reports

The Chair requested that all present stand and observe a two-minute silence in remembrance of MCC founder member Alison Elwell-Sutton who had died on 14^th May this year.  Alison remained on MCC since its inception and served it well until her death. 

3                    Chairman’s Annual Report 2008/09  (See attached).

The chairman noted that MCC had been through a busy year, with numerous commitments, events, developments, issues and successes.  The most spectacular of these was that we had managed, with the support of ward, councillors to persuade CEC that a restoration of all-day parking in Spylaw Road was not a good idea. 

4. Treasurer’s Report

Examined and agreed that it would be signed by the Chair.  

5.  Other Reports and Action Points.

Planning

Mairianna Clyde and John Lennie

A betting shop which had opened in Bruntsfield despite huge local opposition had not been a commercial success and had now closed. 

A proposal to build a two-storey extension at the rear of a villa on the west side of Greenhill Gardens was eventually withdrawn.  The MCC was concerned for two reasons – first the strongly modernistic flavour contrasted with the 19^th century style of the villa – and second it would have cast a significant shadow over the rear garden ground area of the next door villa.  There were concerns that this could establish a precedent for similar extensions in this section of the conservation area. 

MCC fully understands that owners of local 19^th century villas, with their extensive garden grounds often wish to upgrade and expand heir premises in a sensitive and proportionate fashion.  However the CC believes that such developments should respect and be in sympathy with the character of the valuable architectural heritage. 

Scrutiny of planning applications needs vigilance.  Consultation needs to be done as widely as possible and  views submitted on behalf of the CC.

Licensing

Robin Morris has been re-elected to the Licensing Forum

Noisy disturbances from the licensed premises Ettrick Hotel and Polwarth Tavern continue to be of concern.  Orwell Lodge has been resold and the buyer is unknown.  If it were a student union, this could raise huge licensing issues.  

Transport

William Mykura report to follow..

Health

Dr Helen Zealley

With the dissolution of the South Edinburgh Public Partnership Forum (SEPPF)  in June 2008, a new interim ‘co-ordination’ group has been established, with membership drawn mainly from ‘interest groups’ rather than CCs.  As a result, some former members of the SEPPF have established a separate independent group, the South Edinburgh Health Forum (SEHF).  MCC is represented by Dr Helen Zealley.  The main activities of the Forum consists of the consideration of and submission of formal comments to Consultation Papers, mainly from the Scottish Government, but also from NHS and CEC. 

The Forum can be accessed via the website: www.south-edinburgh-health-forum.org.uk

It is suggested that a link be established via the MCC website. 

Other

Secretary Ann Royden reported that, as MCC’s representative on the South West Neighbourhood Partnership, she had attended many meetings .  The Neighbourhood Partnership area covers a huge range of very different neighbourhoods.   Allocated funds have so far gone to the Wester Hailes area. 

(However some money has been allocated to MCC area through the SCNP under the Capital Roads programme.) 

The Green Flag application for The Meadows is one of the major issues outstanding.  The results for this application will be known in July this year.

Cllr Gordon Buchan formally thanked the CC and the Chair for all their work during the past year. 

6.         Office Bearers 2009/10

All office bearers have been approved to continue in their current posts. 

7.               Community Council elections. – Advance notice.

Nominations for the CC elections can be made between 31^st August and 14^th September.  Cllr Gordon Buchan will be the returning officer.  All nominees must be nominated and seconded by two people on the electoral roll.  Election will take place in October if there are more nominations than places.  There are three vacancies on the current MCC. 

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Monthly Business Meeting

1. Minutes of meeting held on 17th March 2009 & Matters Arising.

Additions:  Re Shandon Colonies parking.  The Shaftesbury Colonies are excluded from the proposals under consideration for the area. (see addendum)

Cllr Gordon Buchan is waiting to hear when the proposed meetings will take place.

NB.  Cllr Wheeler is no longer Convenor or the Transport Committee, having been succeeded by Cllr Mackenzie. 

Matters Arising   

Re:  Parking on the pavements.  Ann Royden said that parking on the pavement in Ashley is anti-social. The council advises that we should call the police if people are parking on the pavement.  But the police will only attend if you report an obstruction.

Cllr Buchan noted that it is illegal to drive on the pavement but not to park on the pavement.  A detailed CPZ consultation should resolve these matters.  If those concerned take the time that the vehicle is left on the pavement and its registration this can be useful.  PC Scott has been paying retrospective visits and this is having some effect. 

Kay Smith said that between 8.30 and 5.30pm responses to complaints are the parking warden’s responsibility and outwith those hours, it is a police matter.  PC Julie Cochrane had made a trip to monitor the double-parking in front of wheelie bins, but unfortunately there was no offender on that occasion.

The Chair noted that Cllr Buchan would raise the matter at the next full council meeting

Ann Royden noted that a Transport Forum could be introduced.on CPZ and parking.    

2. Reports.

Chair’s report.  Includes list of all meetings attended by Bridget Stevens since 17^th March 2009.  See attached.

Police Report:  See three reports attached. 

City Councillors’ Reports

Cllr Gordon Buchan:

Comments are invited on a major planning application by housing developer AMA , for Pembrose Terrace. 

Discussions taking place with Network Rail and Freight company about railway land at Shandon which is currently landlocked waste ground.  Could become allotments. 

Matter recently raised at full council meeting of private landlord registration.  A report was also requested on the effectiveness and efficiency of some landlords.

There is a problem of graffiti along the canal area. 

The Chair expressed thanks to Robin Morris for cleaning the graffiti off the boards in Harrison Park.

Cllr Jim Lowrie: A public enquiry is under way regarding the Haymarket hotel proposal.

Orwell Lodge has recently been purchased and will probably go ahead as flats.  Neighbour notification will be done in future by CEC.

Pursuing the issue of quotas for HMOs.   Chair:  There is opposition from students on this matter but most residents would like to quotas introduced.   

Cllr Alison Johnstone: Will be raising the issue of increasing graffiti in Edinburgh at next full council meeting.

Pleased to see that sense has prevailed over the CPZ.

Re NP matters:  An events management plan is to be considered at the next full council meeting.

Thirty-six members of the Tollcross Traders have each sponsored a golf hole on the Links.

Chair noted that the CPZ/Spylaw Road decision has been an all-party one which has taken years of emailing and attending meetings.  Welcomed by all.     

AOB

Kay Smith presented a report on overgrown gardens in the area.  A petition has been signed by over 100 people emphasising their concerns.  Chair is to write to the EACC about this issue which affects whole neighbourhoods. 

Cllr Buchan is seeking to raise the issue at a full council meeting, seeking a report on what powers the council has, and with a suggestion that a working party be set up at CEC level, with local representation.  Cllr Johnstone noted that she will certainly be supporting this motion. 

The Chair noted that tidy gardens were important for the maintenance of amenity and well-being of residents. 

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 16^th June at Polwarth Parish Church hall. Polwarth Terrace.