Welcome to Edinburgh's
Southside Community Council
Minutes of 59th meeting, held on Wednesday 11 October 2006, from 7pm - 9pm in the Nelson Hall, 5 Spittalfield Crescent, Edinburgh.
Abbreviations used:
ASCC = Association of Scottish Community Councils; CEC = The City of Edinburgh Council; CYP = Canongate Youth Project; DEG = Dumbiedykes Environmental Group; EACC = Edinburgh Association of Community Councils; HMO = House(s) in Multiple Occupation; LA = Licence Application; LDC = Local Development Committee; L&BP = Lothian & Borders Police; LHC = Late Hours Catering; PA = Planning Application; SCC = Southside Community Council; SE = Scottish Executive; SP = Scottish Parliament; and other initials = members of the SCC, as below.
PRESENT - Chairperson: Robert Beaton {RB}; Elected Members: Colin Christison (Secretary) {CC}, Linda Hendry (Vice Chairperson) {LH}; Robert Hodgart {RH}, Hilary McDowell {HM}, Jo Scott {JS}, and Justine Stansfield (Treasurer) {JSt}; Local Interest Groups’ Nominated Members: Liz Mulligan {LM}, and Kathleen Newis {KN}; Co-opted Members: Jean Downie {JD}, Carol McHugh {CM}; City of Edinburgh Council: Cllr Robert Cairns; The Scottish Parliament: Sarah Boyack MSP; Lothian & Borders Police: PC Ben Merrick; Members of the Public: Three
1. Welcome, and apologies for absence
Robert Beaton welcomed those present to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Margaret Bagan {MB}, George Pitcher {GP}, Keith Smith {KS}, and PC Alastair Mackenzie. Liz Walker’s apologies were received afterwards - see item 12.
2. Presentation by Sarah Boyack MSP
Robert Beaton invited Sarah to address those present. In a detailed and wide-ranging address, she began by mentioning some local visits she had made over the summer when more time was available. She discussed energy matters in detail, mentioning renewables and micro-renewables, and the input from Holyrood, Westminster, Friends of the Earth, Church groups, housing associations, the building trade, and the impact of fuel poverty, which as prices rise, affects more households. Examples such as the system used in certain parts of Europe where flatted developments have communal heating systems are to be encouraged in the UK.
Turning to planning matters, with reference to the current Planning Bill, she said that developers are to consult at the development stage, instead of the PA stage, and they are not to inform, but to seek views. This has already been demonstrated in some areas in the city centre, such as Old Town/Cowgate, Caltongate, and Fountainbridge. Sustainable development and affordable housing were being encouraged.
Sarah said that she had arranged a meeting with Cathy Jamieson MSP, Minister for Justice, on the implementation of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, for some constituents (see 11.1, below). ASB took many forms, and solutions involved a number of agencies. She discussed various problems, and methods used to attempt to resolve them.
In a question and answer session, there was discussion about domestic solar heating, and mini-wind vanes. Members thanked Sarah for attending.
3. Police Report
PC Ben Merrick made a brief report citing various examples of arrests and problems in the area. The exclusion order for Hunter Square had now elapsed, and there were problems with people hanging about on the steps between Drummond Street and Infirmary Street, and also in Nicolson Square, Bristo Square, and the north of Middle Meadow Walk. It was highly desirable to have a total ban on drinking in public, he thought. He discussed the lapsing of secure warrants, and the lack of available space for miscreants, as well as youth crime, which was rising.
4. Minutes of meeting of 13 September 2006
Approved; proposed by JS, and seconded by CM.
5. Matters arising
5.1 (Item 4.3) no reply from Scottish Widows plc.
5.2 (Item 4.6) Magnet Playground work had started.
5.3 (Item 5.8.1) JS had written a response.
5.4 (Item 8.2.3) Network Services are checking on the tables and chairs outside premises.
5.5 (Item 10.11) Minutes from the latest Quartermile meeting were circulated.
6. Secretary’s Report
6.1 The Secretary said that Claire MacGregor, Co-opted Member, and Tree Warden, had decided to leave the Community Council at the end of September. He had written to thank her for her invaluable work over the past few years, and since she was present as a member of the public, those present expressed their appreciation of her work.
6.2 He said that he was sure that members had seen the current edition of The Southsider in which it was announced that Councillor Cairns would not be seeking re-election in May 2007. Bob was one of the two longest serving Councillors in the city, and he had attended to his constituents with great interest and dedication over the 32 years of his tenure; there would no doubt be appropriate tributes paid nearer the time of his retirement from the City Council.
Bob thanked the SCC for its input to the well-being of the ward. The Secretary asked Bob if a tour of the new CEC HQ could be arranged for members in due course; Bob thought that would be possible.
6.3 CC said that the website now had an advertisement for the voluntary position of Tree Warden. Notices, prepared by JSt, for the positions of two youth representatives, would be placed in Community Centres and local schools, and they are on the website. The site usage meter readings were inaccurate and CC would seek more information on how to remedy this.
6.4 There was a proposal that the Meadows Festival be revived, and the Chair of the Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links had asked that 3 representatives from each of the local CCs (Marchmont & Sciennes, Southside, and Tollcross) be nominated to attend an inaugural meeting of a steering group. LH and HM asked for more information.
6.5 Edinburgh Leisure had asked to attend an SCC meeting to discuss community perceptions of the Crags Sports Centre, and it was agreed that they be invited to attend the November meeting.
6.6 The head of Community Safety of the CEC had written to all the city Councillors to advise that there was some funding for the installation of additional public space CCTV, and asking them to suggest areas in their wards which might bring benefits in relation to tackling crime, antisocial behaviour, and to improve public safety. Cllr Cairns had recommended that the Nicolson Street-Clerk Street corridor, and the Innocent Railway Tunnel be considered, and he in turn had written to the SCC to ask for any other suggestions. The SCC agreed with his two suggestions. It was stressed that there would be many applications from throughout the city, and that certain criteria would be used to prioritise such applications.
6.7 CC circulated the agenda for the forthcoming EACC meeting. RB, LH, and JS hoped to attend.
6.8 A volunteer was required to write a short article for the next edition of The Southsider, by early November.
7. Treasurer’s Report
JSt reported that the bank balance at 19 September 2006 was £1065.07. Copies of the missing bank statements had not been received.
8. Correspondence
Sundry items were circulated, and
8.1 Letter from Scottish Water advising of their plans to split the network into smaller more manageable zones in order to control the water supply and avoid disruption to larger areas. Work, in various parts of the city, started at the end of August, and would continue until March 2008.
8.2 CEC’s Leader’s Report for September.
8.3 ALFIE - Information from Adult Learners’ Forum in Edinburgh.
9. Planning & Licensing Committee Reports
9.1 Planning
9.1.1 Objections lodged for proposed erection of three bus ticket dispensing machines in Nicolson Street and Forrest Road.
9.1.2 It was decided to make a representation on the PA for the redevelopment of Nicolson Square, pointing out concerns about the shrubbery, lighting, arrangement of seating, the fountain, and with a plea for six, rather than one, cherry tree, to be planted with the other varieties.
9.1.3 A PA for change of use from 5 bedroom dwelling to HMO 6 at 15 Bernard Terrace had been lodged; objection to be submitted.
9.1.4 RB, LH, and JS had met a Mr Dale Gibson, who wished to purchase the former Odeon cinema in Clerk Street and use it as an ‘Orient Express Experience’ and hold Bollywood Premieres there, as well as having a cafe, and artists’ studios. The premises could also be used for wedding receptions. There already is planning permission for a flatted development on the site of the disused garage to the rear of the cinema. JS to ascertain progress.
They then met Charles Martin, from Duddingston House Properties, owner of the former Odeon Cinema site. He wished the SCC’s help in pinpointing adjacent flats which could be used to conduct acoustic testing of the cinema; however it was felt that he could manage this readily enough without our help. He wanted tests as a result of the Licensing Board’s refusal to grant a particular licence. The premises were still for sale, although it appeared that there was no interest. DHP would not be prepared to rent unless they were certain of 15 years income. It was pointed out that the front had become a mess, being covered with posters, but they were assured that the fabric of the building was being maintained.
9.2 Licensing
9.2.1 List of new liquor licences received; none in SCC area.
9.2.2 JS had sent Licensing Dept some comments on draft policy for dance entertainment licensed premises.
9.2.3 JS had responded to the draft consultation paper on licensing principles for gambling in relation to the 2005 Gambling Act.
9.2.4 There were no new HMO LAs in the period.
9.2.5 Salisbury Hotel had applied for a residents’ restaurant licence.
10. Environmental Issues
10.1 CC reported that George Pitcher had taken a series of photographs of street clutter, particularly ‘A’ boards in the Nicolson Street-South Clerk Street corridor, and these photographs were circulated. Some of these, when placed next to signage posts, wheelie bins, and other objects, became obstructive in already narrow pavements, especially for disabled people, and people with pushchairs.
10.2 Dumbiedykes
10.2.1 LM submitted a written report from the Dumbiedykes Environmental Group. Renewal of street lighting would begin by the end of October, and after that had been completed the next environmental contract would begin. It is not clear when the external stairs will be repaired. A public talk by the landscape architect will be arranged once the current landscaping programme is complete.
10.2.2 It was reported that there is a better police presence on the estate but there are still problems with antisocial behaviour.
10.2.3 The DEG had held a meeting with local residents’ group. External improvement works on roofs and stairwells were to start on the high rise flats in November; owners would receive grants towards these works. However, although improvements were made to two pilot stairwells in the low rise flats earlier in the year, no commitment had been made to continue this work, and there was uncertainty about grants; this was creating tension, and a feeling of exclusion in residents. This is also causing some tension for the DEG as residents see the improved landscaping, but no improvements in the stairwell.
10.3 HM said that the replacement of bollards on Newington Road and the north side of West Preston Street was to proceed.
11. Reports from meetings, conferences, and seminars attended
11.1 ASBOs meeting with Minister for Justice, Cathy Jamieson MSP (27 September). Attended by CC, who reported that Sarah Boyack MSP had chaired this public meeting at which Cathy Jamieson gave her views on the implementation of the ASB Act, together with contributions from Cllr Sheila Gilmore (CEC’s Executive Member for Communities). People had expressed their views freely and forcibly, giving many examples of ASB.
11.2 Canongate Youth Project Management Committee (9 October). LH reported that the Annual Report would be presented at 12 noon on 1 December.
11.3 Central Area Housing Board (24 September). JS said that various projects had been discussed; the different area Housing Boards were unsure of their future under the new community planning schemes. The Tenants’ Federation was discussing the matter.
11.4 Community Council Joint Meeting (14 September). RB, JS. Discussions on community planning led by Mark Turley and Alan Howie, followed by workshops.
11.5 Community Engagement Strategy Launch (27 September). JS, who said that she felt that, in common with other participants, this meeting, again on Community Planning with workshops, was not useful.
11.6 Night time security on the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links (10 October). Cllr Cairns, JS. Meeting called in response to recent articles in the Evening News. A Chief Inspector from the West End Police Station had said that there was no crime wave in the Meadows, and that crime was no worse than last year. Some of the lighting was to be improved, and any tree canopies which obscured lights would require attention. If necessary a mobile cctv unit would be used, and it might be a help once people moved into the redeveloped former Royal Infirmary site.
11.7 South LDC (2 October). HD, LH, JS. Presentation about the neighbourhood plan under the new community planning scheme, and information about funding. LH distributed a map of Community planning partnership area from which it was clear that Southside would be in South Edinburgh, rather than in Central.
11.8 South Side Community Education Centre Management Committee (10 October). CC, CM, JS, JSt. Routine matters discussed. Fraser Goodall (Chair) had returned after a period of convalescence.
11.9 Southside Association (3 October). CC, CM, GP, JS. Talk from final year sculpture students on the various temporary art work, including lighting, to be installed around the Potterrow redevelopment site for the School of Informatics. Arrangements for the Christmas Lights Ceremony at St Patrick Square would soon be finalised. The lights would be switched on by Una McLean on Tuesday 5 December at 6pm.
11.10 Southside & Old Town Crime Prevention Panel (19 September). MB, CC, MD, JS. Talk given by PC Ben Merrick.
11.11 UNESCO World Heritage Centre Director (Francesco Bandarin) Lecture (16 Sept). RB, JS, who reported that this had been an excellent lecture, with special reference to visual integrity in planning.
11.12 Caltongate Meeting. LH, JS. Although outwith SCC’s area, this area is nevertheless a matter of interest to the whole city. It was considered that the revised plans were an improvement.
12. Any other competent business
12.1 JS had an invitation through the Capital City Partnership to attend a conference entitled ‘Improving your Community - Getting Children & Young People Involved’ on 9 November, in Glasgow, at a fee of £75, which included a copy of the Save The Children’ DIY Guide, worth £30. RB said that he would attend. The SCC would fund the fee and expenses.
12.2 LH said that the Braidwood Centre produce excellent lunches every Friday.
12.3 JD again complained that black containers in the Newington area were not being emptied regularly enough, and that there was always an accumulation of rubbish on the streets.
12.4 JSt asked how successful the use of the induction loop had been during the meeting, and those who availed themselves of it seemed happy.
12.5 E-mail message from SCC member Liz Walker, which the Secretary received afterwards.
“Hi Colin Sorry I will not be at the meeting tonight - the reason being the last run of the number 60 bus is at 3-45pm and with no public transport, the weather deteriorating and the dark night, I feel it a bit too much to walk to the South Side from Dumbiedykes. We have not given up the fight for the number 60 bus. I have written to Councillor Henderson, Executive Member for Transport and had reply stating he was pursuing the points I had raised with the relevant Officers in the Council and would get back to me once he had further, substantive progress to report. Maybe Sarah Boyack will have a bit more information to report tonight at your meeting. We would appreciate any advice/help the Community Council could give us.” Afternote - Robert Beaton has written to Lothian Buses objecting to the reduction in service.
13. Open Forum
13.1 Dr Gilmour (East Parkside Proprietors' Association) reported that staff of the City Council Noise Team had visited flats and houses at East Parkside during September and taken measurements of the noise from the ventilation plant at Scottish Widows. The residents who had made the complaints had subsequently received letters from a City Council Environmental Health Officer which stated: "The measurements taken at your property, and other affected neighbours' properties, indicate that the noise from the ventilation plant at Scottish Widows is above the criterion for plant operating between 2300 and 0700 hours. The Department has, therefore, served a Statutory Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, requiring that works be done to abate the noise nuisance. The Notice has given a period of 40 days for works to be carried out. It will be necessary to take further measurements once remedial works have been carried out, to determine whether the works have been successful."
14. Date of next meeting
Wednesday 8 November 2006, from 7pm until 9pm, same venue.