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MINUTES OF MERCHISTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 19th JUNE 2007 AT 7.00PM ERIC LIDDELL CENTRE, HOLY CORNER CHAIRPERSON'S WELCOME Bridget Stevens welcomed those present, including Cllrs. Alison Johnstone, Gordon Buchan, Marilyne Maclaren, Andrew Burns and Jim Lowrie; William Mykura, Robin Morris, Frances Hawarden, Desmond Hodges, Ian Doig, PC Alan Hopper, Kay Smith, Beccy Brooks, John and Belinda Lennie and around 11 members of the general public. South Suburban Railway Lawrence Marshall, chairman of CRAG (Capital Rail Action Group, founded 20 years ago), delivered a presentation on the proposed re-opening to passenger traffic of the South Suburban Railway (SSR). Among other interesting details, Lawrence produced figures showing potentially favourable investment/return ratios. It is also accepted that the reopening of the SSR is likely to attract significant development, which it is hoped would make useful contributions to the overall cost of reopening the line. After answering various question from the floor regarding finance, electrification of the line, and location, Lawrence was thanked for talking so enthusiastically about this subject. Development at Fountainbridge Mary Turner, General Manager of Fountainpark Entertainment Centre together with Fraser Littlejohn, representing Montague Evans, Property Consultancy, gave a short presentation outlining the plans for extension at the east end of the building in Fountainbridge. This is expected to include: • Mix of Restaurant/leisure/hotel on higher level • Leisure/ family reservations - similar to Omni • Casino proposal to open the end of June, with 6am closing Both Mary and Fraser apologised for the lack of images or details to illustrate this development Various questions were raised: Jim Geekie asked what was intended concerning Boroughmuir School? Cllr Maclaren said there was nothing definite to report, but the suggested move to Fountainbridge now seemed unlikely. Robin Morris asked whether any other commercial development was planned? Would there be further changes to parking.? Apparently none are planned. Would there be a noise issue if a hotel is sited on top of a restaurant?. Remains to be seen. William Mykura questioned the need for more restaurants in the area. Bridget thanked Mary and Fraser for their presentation and expressed appreciation for their taking time out to address MCC. MCC looked forward to hearing at a later date the answers to some of the questions raised, and to being consulted as the development progressed. BUSINESS MEETING 1.0 Apologies for Absence Clls. Paul Godzik and Mark McInnes 2.0 Minutes of Last Meeting held in March 2007 were circulated Approved by Ian Doig. 3.0 Matters Arising There were no matters arising 4.0 REPORTS 1. Police Report PC Alan Hopper reported that there had been seven incidents of house breaking in the Bruntsfield area. He reminded all present to be extra vigilant regarding security in the home. He advised that the police ran a free advisory service regarding home safety. There had also been several cases of stealing tax discs from cars. Discussions about the installation of surveillance cameras around the Meadows were ongoing. This would require Council approval. 2. Planning 6b Merchiston Park There has been a revised application which has not significantly changed the original design, to which there had been numerous objections. MCC intended to re-submit essentially the same original objections. TESCO - Colinton/Holy Corner Tesco had applied to incorporate an external ATM on Colinton/Holy Corner site. It was not clear to MCC that another ATM is essential so close to an existing one in the neighbouring Bank. It has been suggested that one be fitted inside the store. Phoenix Club - Redevelopment of the Phoenix Club site on the North side of Harrison Gardens. A lot of concern had been expressed regarding this development, as it is proposed to erect a large building four storeys high, incorporating a penthouse. The principal objections appeared to centre around the strongly modernistic flavour of the design, which is felt to be incompatible with the neighbouring buildings. A suitably phrased letter has been sent summarising these general views. Telephone Exchange - Pitsligo Road Interest was expressed regarding the status of this site. There appeared to be a notice offering a development package for sale. It is thought that the BT subsidiary had ceased to contemplate carrying out the development itself. 3. Licensing Robin Morris, representing the MCC, would be attending the Licensing Board on 25 June. Noise emanating from the Polwarth Tavern was still a real problem for neighbours and noise from the Ettrick and the Orwell Lodge Hotel also continued to be the occasion of nuisance. There was also an issue about apparently unauthorized changes to parking arrangements in Temple Park Crescent at the Polwarth Tavern. 4. Treasurer - Report circulated It was agreed in future that items relating to the Chair’s expenses would be recorded in detail. Having paid all outstanding items at the end of the year, the balance was £2.65. Cllr Jim Lowrie informed the meeting that £500 plus £900 was due to the MCC It was agreed that MCC should question the practice of making "deductibles" from our budget for expenses that we had not incurred such as election costs. Bridget expressed thanks to Frances for her excellent report. 5. Chair's report • A new local Publication, 702, had been produced. Jim Geekie was supplying it with articles about MCC. • 30th June in Edinburgh City Chambers - Roger Sideaway's MSC Students’ would be giving a presentation on their research into Community Councils. • Bridget had passed on the news of the planning refusal for Tesco's application to retain an external trolley rack outside the Holy Corner store to the Evening News. • Frances and Bridget undertook to skim the large amount of material produced by the Public Partnership Health Forum. • Many complaints had been received regarding low flying helicopters, particularly on Sundays. • Ann Royden had investigated the possibility of a pedestrian access to the canal at Yeaman Place but it seemed to be a non-starter. It was suggested that any difficulty in obtaining access should be countered by letters to MSPs. • The Eric Liddell Centre is seeking funds to assist in refurbishing their café. • Plans are being made to resurrect the Meadows Festival. The Bruntsfield Conservation Action Group is holding an Open Day on 28th June with an exhibition mounted in Morningside Library. 5.00 ANY OTHER BUSINESS • Some residents of Harrison Road had decided they no longer wished to be included in the extended CPZ. • Neighbourhood Partnership - Robin was interested to know which Councillor would deal with what topic in the future. This has yet to be sorted out between them. At the moment any Councillor may be approached on any topic. • There was some discussion regarding the space on the pavement outside cafes occupied by tables and chairs, and the degree to which they encroached on pedestrians use of the public thoroughfare. 6.00 Date of Next Meeting Tuesday 18th September at Eric Liddell Centre |
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