SCC CHAIR’S REPORT, for meeting of December 10, 2019

1. Tourism Strategy Consultation

Having discussed our response to this consultation at the November meeting, and prepared and agreed our comments, the closing date was extended to December 15th. I will submit our comments by this date.

2. Benedict cafe

I submitted a measured objection to this change of use application. However, this raised an interesting situation that amongst the new makeup of the Community Council, there may be a different opinion to the makeup of the previous Community Council on the subject of our 'High Street' and what we want from it. I have put this on the agenda of this meeting to allow for discussion.

3. City Plan 2030 consultation

Joan, Stephen, Liz and myself attended this meeting on 19th November which was to discuss the City Plan 2030 consultation which is likely to be launched in January. This was a consultation pre-meeting at which our views were being sought as to who should be consulted, when and how.

4. EACC AGM

Bob and I attended this meeting on 21st November at the City Chambers. As well as electing the officers of the EACC for another year, we also heard a presentation about the work of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission and about the proposals of the Quaich Project to transform West Princes Street Gardens. Cllr Lezley Cameron also presented on the work of the Council, focusing on the current budget constraints.

5. Cockburn Association

On 3rd December, Bob and I attended a meeting of the Cockburn Association. This was mostly an interesting meeting although not very well attended. Topics covered included the Tourism Strategy and the City Plan 2030 consultation, as well as an analysis of the work of the Council's Planning Local Review Body, the first line of review for appeals against planning decisions.

6. Hustings

Despite my personal anxieties, the Hustings was a fantastic success, almost a full capacity room and a good evening of questions and responses from the panel of candidates. I have had a couple of follow-up emails from people who attended which indicates to me that the event also raised the profile of the Community Council. Thank you to Kaaren, Philip, Joan, Liz, and everybody else who made this such a success.

7. City Centre Network of Community Councils

Following the approach from Old Town and Broughton Community Councils, and our positive response at the November meeting, I have arranged to meet with their representatives on Saturday 14th December, as they were unable to make our December meeting. Others are of course very welcome to join our meeting.

Tim

December, 2019