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MERCHISTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday, 21 June 2005 at 7.00pm at the Eric Liddell Centre. The meeting was preceded by a short presentations on: The Youth Programme based on the Eric Liddell Centre; The Local City Plan; The New Development at Holy Corner and Proposal to Declare part of Bruntsfield a Conservation Area (reports attached). Around 80 people were present. 1.0 Chairperson’s Welcome Bridget Stevens (Chair) welcomed those present: Brian Cohen, Eric Fèvre, James Geekie, Frances Hawarden, PC Alan Hopper, John Lennie, William Mykura, Chris Sharman, Atholl Stewart, Cllr Sue Tritton, Janice Laxton (Minutes Secretary). Members of the public present for the business meeting included Jake Angell, Tom Barron, Ian Bouchier, Ian Clement, Louise Coghill, GSL Coltart, Mike Duriez, J.C. Elliott, John Fanning, BM Flannigan, E Grieve, Elizabeth Hutchings, Bill Johnston, P Langmuir, W Langmuir, JA Leask, Katy Martinek, Fiona Mitchell, F McDonald, Kerry McDonald, Lara Mackenzie, S McKernan, Mary McVie, John Richardson, Elaine Robertson, Joseph Rosenheim, Gavin Ryan, J Scott, Robert Stewart, G. Still, Vicki Williamson, Bunty Wilson. Susan Wong, Chair of Morningside Community Council was in attendance for part of the meeting. Bridget Stevens welcomed the speakers of the four presentations to be meeting: Lucy Howie, Andrew Sikes, Charles Martin and Helen Lucas. She also welcomed Rev Dr Linda Dunbar, who has recently taken up the post of minister to Polwarth Parish Church, 2.0 Apologies for Absence Derek Ainsley, Desmond Hodges, Cllr George Hunter, Inspector Graham Jones, Charlie Miller, Robin Morris, Mike Pringle MSP, Kay Smith, Cllr Wilson. 3.0 Minutes of Last Meeting held on 15 March 2005 Ian Clement moved the adoption of these minutes, with the following amendment: 4.0 Matters Arising 4.1 Tree Memorial to Diana Dunthorne Eric Fèvre will buy a tree in a commercial garden centre and arrange for a memorial plaque to be made before liaising with the City of Edinburgh Council re. a suitable place to plant the tree in Harrison Park. 4.2 New Development at Holy Corner (See attached report.) 4.3 Misuse of Disabled Parking Spaces Ian Clement stated that a disabled driver’s permit has a photograph of the disabled person on it. This fact should help the Police identify misuse of disabled parking spaces. The Police have power to take away a permit if used inappropriately. Frances Hawarden confirmed that ‘advisory’ disabled parking spaces, outside a private house, are understood to be for the use of the disabled resident only. 4.4 Consultation on the Proposed Extension to the 20mph Zone in Merchiston James Geekie has obtained details of the feedback on the above consultation referred to by Andrew McBride in his presentation on this subject at the AGM in May 2005. On the basis that four people responded in favour and four against, the CEC concluded that local people want the proposed changes. Cllr Tritton explained that CEC had received money from the Scottish Executive to improve road safety but that this funding is to be used exclusively for building speed bumps and cushions, and no other form of traffic management. 5.0 Treasurer’s Report Frances Hawarden reported a balance of £718.51. This will be reduced to a minimum once grant money has been used to settle invoices for the printing and distribution of bookmarks. Derek Ainsley asked her to point out an error in the draft minutes of the 2005 AGM. The position is that the new requirement imposed by the CEC means that, although MCC now has three cheque signatories, none of these individuals is allowed to sign in respect of their own expenses claims. 6.0 Other Reports 6.1 Police Report PC Hopper distributed copies of the Police Bulletins for Wards 45 and 46 for June. He was pleased to report a significant reduction in crime in Merchiston last month. He assured the meeting that, although officers from throughout Lothian Police will be drafted to cover the G8 Summit and associated marches etc in July, good cover will remain to tackle normal duties throughout the city. People have responded warmly to him in his new role as Community Officer for Merchiston and he will endeavour to continue to patrol the area as often as possible during the Summit, even although it will need to be by car during that time. He confirmed that the Police are in consultation with the Fire Brigade re. double parking impeding essential access on city streets. Bridget Stevens thanked him for attending the meeting and delivering this report. 6.2 City Development and Transport Neighbourhood Group In response to comments from the floor, Bridget Stevens recommended this Group, which is attended by CEC Councillors and officers, as the ideal forum in which to raise concerns about transport, lighting, drainage and other services operated by City Development. Anyone wishing to raise a concern is welcome to either attend themselves or ask Bridget Stevens or Cllr Tritton to represent them. The next meeting would be held in the City Chambers at 7.00pm on Wednesday, 22 June 2005. Bridget Stevens pointed out that MCC relies on local residents to inform them of problems in the area. She explained that, although MCC’s powers are very limited, nonetheless a great deal has been achieved in the time since its inception. She welcomed the participation of anyone who feels they could improve its effectiveness further. 6.3 List of Meetings attended by Bridget Stevens since 18 May 2005 Distributed and in circulation file. 6.4 Planning and Licensing Applications Chris Sharman confirmed that a paper copy of the Weekly List is now being sent to him directly from the Planning Department. Billboard advertising at 198 & 208 Bruntsfield Place MCC has lodged an objection to this proposal, which would be in place for a year while repairs to the building were being undertaken. The point was made, however, that allowing advertising of this nature reduced the cost of repairs to local residents. It was noted that, because there is no statutory obligation for them to do so, some unscrupulous repair/building companies fail to inform customers that the proposed work is not permitted in a conservation area. Polwarth Tavern There are continued problems with noise disturbance associated with these premises, which are now owned by Festival Inns. In addition, the bar still regularly sets out tables and chairs on the pavement, even although this is not permitted. Cllr Tritton emphasised the importance of keeping a diary of noise disturbance. Any member of the public who as a complaint about noise should telephone 311 3131 during working hours. In the evening and at weekends, if the noise is really bad, the number to ring is 200 2000, the City Council’s main switchboard & Emergency Service. Environmental Officers can be called out to “witness” excessive noise up until 4.00 am. Complaints about street furniture, etc. should also be made to the CEC. PC Alan Hopper will clarify in which circumstances it is possible for the Police to impose a £100 fine. 7.0 AOCB 7.1 Proposal to Create a Conservation Area in Bruntsfield (See attached report.) Desmond Hodges (the only architect on the current MCC committee) supports this proposal and the meeting agreed that MCC should do likewise. Desmond Morris and three other individuals present at the meeting (who gave their names to Helen Lucas) will join the Bruntsfield Conservation Area Support Group, which also undertook to report back regularly to MCC. 7.2 Youth Programme based in Eric Liddell Centre. (See attached report.) It was agreed that information about the Youth Programme be posted on the MCC website. 7.3 Local City Plan (See attached report.) 7.4 Political Impartiality of MCC James Geekie objected to the poster currently displayed on the MCC notice board which, in addition to information about Mike Pringle’s MSP’s surgeries, advertised that he is ‘working for you’. It was agreed that this notice be taken down and in future only notices with basic information about surgery times, etc be displayed. Bridget Stevens reaffirmed MCC’s political impartiality and confirmed that all elected representatives for the area, irrespective of their political party, were invited to attend MCC meetings. There was general disappointment that, not only Mike Pringle but some other elected representatives attended MCC meetings very seldom, if at all. Bridget Stevens will contact them all again and invite them to attend future meetings. 7.5 Littering by Local School Children The question of littering by pupils from Boroughmuir and James Gillespies High Schools was raised. Most of this littering occurs over lunchtime, but keeping pupils within the school during that time (which has proved effective in some parts of England) would not be possible in Scotland, where head teachers have no power to do this. Anyway wishing for this law to be changed should write to their MSP. 7.6 Consultation on Proposed Changes to Council Ward Boundaries Submissions should be made by 25 August 2005. Anyone with any views on this subject should contact MCC. 7.7 Consultation on Proposed Changes to Community Council Boundaries Submissions are requested by 4 July 2005. Anyone with any views on this subject should contact MCC. 7.8 Morningside Road Traffic Disruption Andrew Sikes confirmed that the current road works are due to work being done by Transco. This will be completed before the first stage of the ‘beautification’ work 8.0 Date and Information of Next Meeting Tuesday, 20 September 2005. It time permits there will be one or more presentations beforehand. Anyone wishing to receive notice of this and future meetings should give their name to Bridget Stevens. PRESENTATION on PROPOSALS TO DECLARE A CONSERVATION AREA FOR PART OF BRUNTSFIELD By HELEN LUCAS BRUNTSFIELD CONSERVATION AREA SUPPORT GROUP Helen Lucas presented a short, illustrated summary of this proposal, highlighting the main features of architectural and historical interest in the part of Bruntsfield concerned. This is the rectangle adjacent to the three other existing conservation areas in Bruntsfield (ie. Meadows and Marchmont; Merchiston and Greenhill; and Merchiston and Greenhill) and bounded by Leamington Terrace in the east and Gilmore Place in the north. She explained that, without conservation area status, these features are in danger of being lost through future development. The area is strikingly lacking in ‘public amenity’ green spaces, and it is hoped that conservation status might help residents reclaim more green space following the redevelopment of Boroughmuir High School. As a professional architect, she was able to give reassurance about the increased cost to householders which conservation status is likely to incur. Desmond Hodges (the only architect on the current MCC committee) supports this proposal. He and one other individual will represent MCC on the Bruntsfield Conservation Area Support Group, who also undertake to report back regularly to MCC. 21 June 2005 PRESENTATION on 3MS YOUTH PROGRAMME by LUCY HOWIE FULL-TIME YOUTH WORKER at the ERIC LIDDELL CENTRE Ms Howie introduced herself and outlined the work she plans to do for and with young people in the local community over the next few months. An initial survey of young people revealed a high level of interest in and enthusiasm for greater participation in the community, including representation on Merchiston Community Council. Ms Howie suggested that a separate sub-group be set up for young people and that their views be fed into the full MCC – a suggestion which was welcomed by those present at the meeting. Preparations were already well underway for a full and varied programme of sporting and cultural activities – the 3Ms Programme - over the summer. Ms Howie asked that information about this be advertised on the MCC notice board and website, along with other information relevant to young people over the coming months. MCC were happy to agree to this request. At is hoped to work closely with the Police and help young people build a good rapport with them. Ms Howie will be happy to talk again at future MCC meetings. 21 June 2005 PRESENTATION on GARDEN CENTRE SITE, HOLY CORNER by CHARLES MARTIN DUDDINGSTON HOUSE PROPERTIES LTD Plans to develop the former Garden Centre site at Holy Corner have now progressed and Charles Martin was now able to confirm that the retailer who will occupy the new build part of the site will be Tesco, not Marks and Spencer as originally understood by many local residents. The villa (which is a listed building) remains to be let, but planning permission has been obtained for use as a café/bar. A table licence has been approved for up till 10.00pm Monday to Saturday, with a slightly shorter closing time on Sunday. It is likely that the let will be awarded to a high street brand café/bar rather than a small, locally owned business, as Duddingston favour tenants with a proven track record. Concerns were expressed about the extra pressure on car parking which both the supermarket and café/bar would generate in surrounding streets. Just nine parking spaces have been allocated on site for the supermarket and, although it is technically a ‘basket operation’only, it was felt that, if successful, people would travel from outwith the immediate area to shop there. The same is true of any café/bar. Local residents are also concerned about the disruption and noise caused by large trucks loading and unloading from the supermarket. Mr Martin gave the assurance that loading times would be in line with other businesses in the area. A vote was taken of those present at the meeting, and an overwhelming majority were against another café/bar on this site. Mr Martin said that he would take these comments back to his colleagues. Plans are available for viewing any time and he welcomed individuals to contact Duddingston House Properties Ltd directly with their views. He will be happy to talk at a future MCC meeting. 21 June 2005 PRESENTATION on LOCAL CITY PLAN by ANDREW SIKES, PRINCIPAL PLANNING OFFICER WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL The Local City Plan grew out of the former five local plans within the city of Edinburgh. Working in close conjunction with each other, the CEC and adjacent local authorities aim to construct a consistent and feasible plan for the whole region. Plans for Fountainbridge remain at an early stage, with planning approval still awaited for many projects, some of which are significant changes from the original plan Andrew Sikes presented to Merchiston Community Council in June 2004. Extensive consultation with the public and interested groups, such as MCC, will take place before final decisions are made. Among these decisions are: - should the Council continue to encourage high density accommodation within the city? - what should the target percentage of affordable housing be throughout the city? - is there a demand for new family accommodation within areas like Fountainbridge? - is there support for the Council’s plans to build 400 new houses on green field sites on the edge of the city (some of which are within the Green Belt)? - should small businesses be helped to stay near the centre of city? - what can be done to preserve the city centre as the premier retail centre within the region? The plans will be published on 27 June 2005. Individuals are invited to submit their comments on the Local City Plan to the Planning Department. Although the official deadline for submissions is mid-August 2005, allowance will be made for the time of year, when many people are on holiday. After working plans have been submitted to the Planning Committee, there will be a formal consultation period in the new year. Details will be posted on the CEC website (www.edinburgh.gov.uk). Andrew Sikes will be glad to come and talk to the MCC again on this subject. 21 June 2005 |
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