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MERCHISTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER AT 7.00PM IN VIEWFORTH PARISH CHURCH HALL 1.0 CHAIRPERSON’S WELCOME Bridget Stevens welcomed those present, who included Cllrs. Sue Tritton andLorna Shiels, Frances Hawarden (Treasurer), Derek Ainslie, Beccy Brooks, Ian Doig, Desmond Hodges, Ian Hopper, Alison Elwell-Sutton, Belinda and John Lennie and around 20 members of the public. 2.0 Update from Cllr. Lorna Shiels on Developments in Fountainbridge/Fountainpark Cllr Shiels presented a report on the above development which included: Various questions came from the floor, in particular queries related to the granting of casino licenses. Cllr. Shiels explained that such licenses were not granted by the Council as such but by a Licensing Board of the Council. The Board bases its granting of licences on principally whether or not the area is already sufficiently catered for by casinos in the vicinity. With regard to other developments in the area, Cllr Shiels also explained that development approval frequently involves conditions requiring applicants to make contributions towards the infrastructure eg. educational, roads and traffic management, and in the case of any development within a certain distance of the proposed tramway, a sizeable contribution towards the cost of it. Negotiations between the owners of the site, Scottish & Newcastle, the City Council and developers and their agents have been protracted. Bridget thanked Lorna warmly for her detailed and comprehensive survey of multi-faceted development area. A copy of Cllr. Shiel’s notes is available upon request. BUSINESS MEETING 3.0 Apologies for Absence Robin Morris, Ann Royden, Colin Young, Chris Sharman, Cllrs. Liz O’Malley and Donald Wilson, Kay Smith, Jim Geekie. 4.0 Minutes of Last Meeting held on 19th September 2006 were circulated Moved for adoption by Frances Hawarden. 5.0 MATTERS ARISING 5.01 Tesco/Starbucks There has been some reported improvement in noise levels. This is thought to have resulted from later deliveries. 5.02 Nomination Bridget welcomed Dr. Marianna Clyde to the meeting. Written nominations had been received from 2 constituents. Atholl Stuart proposed that Marianna be adopted as our sixteenth community councillor; this was seconded by Alison Elwell-Sutton. 6.0 REPORTS 6.1 Police Report P.C.Alan Hopper gave a brief summary of recent trends A bicycle crimes initiative has been started. There has been an increase in car crimes; especially attractive are “SatNav” systems, when visible on car dashboards. He warned of a recent scam promoted by a leaflet through the door, inviting contacts via a ‘phone number which would land the person making the call with a charge of £15 on their ‘phone bill. 6.2 Licensing/Planning Reports
A new application for an extension to the late license has been submitted. 60 letters of objection had been received. The meeting agreed that MCC should write in support of local residents Bridget and Robin will attend the Licensing Board and make strong representations against approval. 2. Redholme Hotel An HMO license has been applied for. The intention appears to be to convert the hotel into a hostel for the homeless. Sue, Bridget and Atholl had attended a meeting called by residents of Abbotsford Court at which approximately 50 people from there and other addresses were present. After some discussion it was decided that the applicants, who have a less than impressive track record, could not be trusted to observe local sensitivities in operating such an HMO establishment. Accordingly it was agreed that a letter of objection would be written on a number of grounds to be lodged by the 23rd October 2006 (the closing date). 3. Pitsligo Road (BT Exchange) Development The Council Planning Department have issued a formal “minded to approve” letter. It appears that the application is likely to be approved in full, namely a total of 110 new domestic residences on the old Exchange site. In terms of the size of the site, this cannot be considered as other an over-development and represents another intrusive addition in a conservation area. 4. Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) extensions Cllr. Sue Tritton announced that it has been decided to synchronise the Merchiston and Morningside extensions so as both will start from March 2007. 6.3 Treasurer’s Report Frances Hawarden, Treasurer, gave an overview of the present financial position. An improved situation with an outstanding balance, after meeting all recent bills, of over £400. Bridget thanked Frances for her report. 6.4 MEETINGS ATTENDED BY BRIDGET STEVENS FOR MCC SINCE SEPTEMBER 2006 - paper tabled 7.00 ANY OTHER BUSINESS 7.01 Diana Dunthorne Memorial This commemoration is to take place on Saturday 21st October at 11.13am in Harrison Park. Members of her family will be present. A number of people have agreed to attend this ceremony 7.02 The issue of Scottish Gas Road Works was raised. Cllr. Tritton advised that the Council had no powers to direct these road works, and recommended people who were unhappy with the behaviour of Scottish Gas to write to their MSP. 8.00 DATE OF NEXT MEETING Christchurch Centre, Holy Corner Tuesday 23rd November. 7pm. It was agreed to invite a Council spokesman to talk to the meeting on the subject of “Neighbourhood Planning |
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