Welcome to Edinburgh's
Southside Community Council
Minutes of 88th meeting, held on Wednesday 9 September 2009, from 7.00pm until 9.00pm, in the Nelson Hall, 5 Spittalfield Crescent, Edinburgh.
Abbreviations used as required:
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; EUSA = Edinburgh University Students’ Association; HMO = House(s) in Multiple Occupancy; LA = Licence Application; L&BP = Lothian & Borders Police; LHC = Late Hours Catering; NP = Neighbourhood Partnership; PA = Planning Application; SCC = Southside Community Council; SCNP = South Central Neighbourhood Partnership; SG = Scottish Government; SP = Scottish Parliament; TRO = Traffic Regulation Order; UoE = University of Edinburgh; and other initials = members of the SCC.
PRESENT:
Chairperson: Robert Beaton {RB};
Elected Members: Colin Christison (Secretary) {CC}, Linda Hendry (Vice-Chairperson) {LH}, Bob Hodgart {BH}, Hilary McDowell (Environmental Spokesperson) {HM}, Jo Scott (Planning and Licensing Convenor) {JS}, and Justine Stansfield (Treasurer) {JSt};
Local Interest Groups’ Nominated Members: Liz Mulligan {LM}, and Kathleen Newis {KN};
Co-opted Members: Carol McHugh {CM};
City of Edinburgh Council: Councillor Ian Perry {IP};
Edinburgh Leisure: Tommy George, and Alex Harkins; and
Members of the Public: Six
1. Welcome and apologies for absence
Robert welcomed those present to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Margaret Bagan, Mary Devine, George Pitcher, Keith Smith, Liz Walker, PC Ben Merrick, and Sarah Boyack MSP.
2. Presentation by Tommy George, Community Inclusion Officer, Edinburgh Leisure, and Alex Harkins, Meadows Community Tennis Coach, on proposed developments to the Meadows Tennis facility
Robert introduced the two speakers who work for Edinburgh Leisure. They said that the Sports Development section is in the very early stages of a joint project with the Tennis Foundation (http://www.tennisfoundation.org.uk/) to develop the tennis facility in the East Meadows. The full details of the improvements they would like to make have not been decided on yet but they felt this was an appropriate time to consult with community representatives, and share their thoughts on the changes proposed, and get some feedback from local people before they progress any further.
The initial discussions of the proposals have focussed largely on extending the usage of the courts into the evening, looking at improved lighting for tennis players until 9pm/9.30pm and making some improvements to the pavilion (though not to its footprint) to enable it to be used by tennis players (and members of the public accessing the play park) for refreshments, to store equipment, etc and as a base for Edinburgh Leisure staff. They are conscious of local sensitivities. There are 16 courts which are impressive in terms of park tennis, and they are used extensively, by many people including student and school groups, and of course the members’ club, which has a league of 11 teams (eight junior and 3 adult). It was noted that other courts use floodlighting with those behind Ann Street being an example.
Members asked various questions, and HM commented that the proposals were very welcome, stressing that people are not anti-everything in the Meadows. Caroline Barr wondered about solar powered lights. Members thanked Tommy and Alex for attending.
3. Police Report
No officer present.
4. Minutes of meeting held on 10 June 2009
Approved; proposed by HM, and seconded by JS.
5. Matters arising
5.1 Item 8 – the amount of the annual grant was queried, and JSt was to make further enquires.
5.2 Item 11– there has been no action on the missing water tobies; and it had been learned, and noted with disappointment, that the promised new litter bins for the area (mentioned in a previous environmental report) will not be provided.
6. Secretary’s Report
6.1 Community Councils
6.1.1 Community Council Elections. Completed applications forms for individuals and groups have to be returned by Monday 14 September. HM observed that, now that 16 and 17 year olds can become CC members, local schools had not been given any information on the process. See www.edinburgh.gov.uk/communitycouncils for more information.
6.1.2 Community Council publicity, and response to questionnaire circulated.
6.1.3 The City Council had agreed to adopt the revised Community Council Scheme at a meeting on 20 August. New CCs have to formally adopt the revised Constitution at one of their early meetings.
6.1.4 City of Edinburgh Council and Community Councils – Joint Meeting held on 1 June 2009; minutes received.
6.1.5 ‘The Community Councillor’ – the ASCC Journal circulated. Also on www.ascc.org.uk.
6.1.6 The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney MSP, had written to say that the Model Scheme and Code of Conduct for CCs are now available for adoption by Scottish local authorities. The SG has launched two CC pilot schemes which will study how a CC might use a small sum of money for the benefit of their community. The SG is committed to the continued development of CCs, and Mr Swinney thanked members for their valuable work.
6.2 Nicolson Square: letters from Sarah Boyack MSP, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, and Insp Richard Horan. After a relatively trouble free period during the Festival, problems seemed to have resurfaced.
6.3 The Community Church Edinburgh (King’s Hall, South Clerk Street) is hosting a community ceilidh on Saturday 19 September, from 7.30pm until 10.30pm to help bring together residents and students. Also, on Sunday 27 September (4pm until 7pm), the King’s Hall will host a café-style drop in with live music and information points for newcomers to the Southside. They would like representation from the SCC.
6.4 The next meeting of the Edinburgh Civic Forum is at 4.30pm on 15 September. Minutes of the June meeting are available. The Edinburgh Doors Open Day is on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. The AGM of the Cockburn Association is on 1 October.
6.5 Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP asked that members be made aware of the Community Service Volunteers Scotland Action Earth 2009 campaign, which offers easy access to grants which are designed to empower people to take action in their communities. More info on www.actionearth.org.uk.
6.6 The next meeting of the Old Town and Southside Crime Prevention Panel is on Tuesday 22 September, in the Nicolson Street venue.
6.7 On 15 July there was a vicious attack by a pit-bull (a banned dangerous breed of dog) on a locally owned and much loved cat in Dumbiedykes. The dog owners were two youths, no older than 19 or 20 (or possibly younger) who baited and set the dog onto the cat and then did nothing except stand back and watch as their dog shook and tore the animal to death. The Police and others were informed, and Sarah Boyack MSP had written to say that although the authorities were unable to trace the dog or its owners, positive contact had been made with locals and there was greater community awareness, which, it was hoped, would prevent further instances of such offences. The police stressed that such incidents are rare.
7. Treasurer’s Report
JSt reported that the balance at 19 August 2009 was £1247.40.
8. Correspondence
The following items had been received: Inside Letting Issue 20, minutes from the AGM of the ECRN (Edinburgh Community Representatives’ Network), Queensferry & District CC Annual Report 2009, Tenants Voice Issue 72, Edinburgh Tenants’ Federation Annual Report 2008/2009, Castle Rock Edinvar’s Report Issue 16, Working Capital Issue 21, Scottish Natural Heritage’s Summer 2009 magazine, June and August 2009 parliamentary newsletters from Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, welcome pack from Edinburgh City Libraries, Health Link (NHS Lothian’s quarterly newspaper), Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust Annual Report 2008 as well as Issue 4 of their newsletter, and the August and September 2009 parliamentary updates from Sarah Boyack MSP.
9. Planning and Licensing Committee Report
Planning
9.1 Alterations and new build extension to existing office/retail space to provide 82 student rooms at 52-58 Nicolson Street: objection (on grounds of density, parking, and adverse effect on local amenity) considered material (09/01711/FUL).
9.2 New en-suite bedrooms, extension to restaurant etc at 43-45 Salisbury Road (08/043212/FUL): granted; and new signage at same address (09/00169/ADV): also granted. There had been a significant reduction to the original plans, and no trees were to be removed, and there was not to be a roof or knot garden.
9.3 Modernising planning – changes to the planning system came into force on 3 August 2009. Info on www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/environment/planning_buildings_i_i_/CEC_planning
9.4 The Draft Edinburgh Built Heritage Strategy: now up for consultation, with comments by 14 October. http://cpol.edinburgh.gov.uk/getdoc_ext.asp?DocId=129000.
9.6 Edinburgh Planning Guidance: Gardens and Designed Landscapes – draft for consultation. A survey has identified gardens and landscapes of local and regional importance and includes detailed research on 48 prioritised sites. Comments by 25 October. Documents viewable at Waverley Court, and at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/Council/CEC_have_your_say
9.6 New planning guideline for food and drink establishments: See http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/Environment/Planning_buildings_i_i_/Planning_hidden/Planning_policies/DM_Guidelines/CEC_development_quality_handbook
Licensing
9.7 Street trader (food) – Charles Street: granted.
9.8 Amusement device (funfair) on the Meadows: objection lodged on 2 July: application granted.
9.9 HMO Licence Applications: 27 received since last meeting.
10. Environmental Report
10.1 HM submitted the following report:
“A Boards (part 1) – I discovered that the reason that the Council document regulating A boards is not being implemented is that it was lost in limbo as officials moved departments and retired. As a result it never got approval from full Council. I have alerted Mark Turley’s office, roads and environmental staff, and Gordon Mackenzie as Transport Leader to its existence. Apparently there is a will to reclaim the pavements for pedestrians and clear them of extraneous clutter, so let’s hope we can get it adopted.
A boards (part 2) – Festival A boards – 3 sided A boards appeared on the Meadows, the Pleasance and the Bridges corridor. They had very sharp edges, so much so that gaffer tape was placed on the corners. I contacted Community Safety officer Kathy Evans who investigated. It transpired this was a Central Edinburgh anti fly-posting initiative which had spilled into our area without any consultation. She insisted that all the boards on the Bridges corridor in the Southside area, and those on railings on Nicolson Square and St Patrick Square were removed immediately.
Meadows – There were deputations to the Policy & Strategy committee and full Council, and a motion from the SCNP all asking for a reduction to a maximum of two weeks for any event on the Meadows. However full Council are allowing four weeks in future, including set up and take down. I obtained a copy of the Green Flag report which highlighted their concerns about the Council’s unhappy relations with community representatives. This appeared to be a major reason for the failure to obtain a green flag. Evans Funfair was moved to West Meadows this year and the damage was not as bad, but the fact that chemical toilets were emptied by somebody into the Council bins has caused questions to be asked. The Urban Circus says that they are considering an alternative site for part of their operation next year. There has been closer monitoring this year and a smaller area occupied, but the main arena site looked very damaged on Monday night.
HMO – Reports of occupants on four local adjoining roofs are being acted upon by Council staff.
Noise – Several people have complained about the noise from the live music at the Steamie on Newington Road. As the pub was unwilling to control the noise, the Council noise dept and Belhaven Brewery are both monitoring the situation.
Bin Dispute – We seem to benefit from being near the city centre, so the streets have been kept clearer than other parts of the city further out. Much evidence of litter picking at the University end of the area. Very little sign of fly posting.
Roads – Still no replacement water stop cock covers. Carriageway at the bus stop on Newington Road was in a very bad state after poor reinstatement following the gas main work. I reported this as in need of urgent repair, which was done within 3 days.
Gullies – Cllr Cameron Rose informed the Environmental Forum 2 that this area is due to have its gullies serviced starting mid September. A resident has been campaigning for the choked gullies on Dalkeith Road by the Commonwealth Pool to be cleaned out because of localised flooding, and this has eventually happened.
The pavement at the corner of Nicolson Square and Nicolson Street is still obstructed by scaffolding, and the pavement still not reinstated. There is no work in progress requiring the scaffolding as far as I can see. I believe we should ask that this scaffolding be removed forthwith, and not re-erected until there is an occupant for the ground floor and work recommences, and also that a proper pavement is constructed. Temporary barriers blow over. This situation has been going on for several years.”
10.2 St Patrick Square – a bid for funding to improve the Square has gone forward.
10.3 Nicolson Square – HM again referred to the appalling state of the pavement on Nicolson Street where it joins the south-east corner of the Square, as well as the apparently redundant scaffolding. IP said that the Council was aware of the problems there, but the solution was outwith the Council’s hands.
11. Reports from meetings attended
11.1 Braidwood Centre Management Committee (13 Aug)
RB said that crèche was now up and running. A healthy food initiative was under way. Job Centre Plus may operate from the Centre to help reduce the unemployment level from 7% to nearer the city average of 2%. A report will go to the SCNP.
11.2 Canongate Youth Project Management Committee (Aug)
LH reported that the summer programme had been run in conjunction with the Braidwood Centre. Funding is still required for different parts of the Project
11.3 Environmental Forum 2 (16 Jul)
JS said that the police had been pleased with their part in the spring week of action, and at the next meeting there will be a presentation on the progress of this year’s roads programme.
11.4 HMO Short Life Working Group (18 Aug)
IP reported that there was only one more meeting before a report and recommendation went before the SCNP. The major concern was the percentage of HMO Licences in the area, but there have been good practical suggestions.
11.5 Meadows & Bruntsfield Links Short Life Working Group (10 Jul)
JS said that the group had finished, although not entirely satisfactorily. A management group is to be set up, with a remit and membership to be decided. After the failure of the Meadows to gain Green Flag Status, the Green Flag group is to be reinstated in the meantime, with LH to attend the meetings.
11.6 Planning Focus Group (27 Jul)
JS had attended. The customer focus group meeting for community groups was held on 23 June 2009 (attended by JS); minutes available, as well as minutes of the meeting for developers and agents. A concordat for community councils, the City Council, and developers is being arranged as a community engagement tool.
11.7 Quartermile Community Liaison Group (26 Aug)
HM said that the new (marketing) people from Quartermile and the consequent lack of continuity meant that there was dissatisfaction. There was no information on the plans to refurbish the public toilets in Middle Meadow Walk. There was now a useful residents’ association in the complex. The group would like to establish good links with the local schools.
11.8 South Central Neighbourhood Partnership (10 Aug)
JS reported that the items on the agenda included an interim report by the HMO group, and the grants fund. The Dumbiedykes Fairer Scotland funding is not ready. The Meadows Short Life Working Group was the main topic, and the SCNP agreed to put forward a motion to the Council to reject the Meadows manifesto, and ask for a maximum of two weeks for large scale events. HM said that she was astonished that the NP website continued to list the date of the May meeting, and she expressed her disappointment that there was such poor attendance at NP meetings, due to the lack of up-to-date and accurate publicity.
11.9 South Side Community Centre Management Committee (13 Aug)
Attended by CC, CM, and KS. Various administrative matters were discussed, including the management of the café, and it was agreed to make a contribution from the Centre’s own budget towards the funding of certain groups’ activities.
11.10 Southside Association (8 Sep)
Attended by CC, RH, CM, IP, and JS. There had been an update on the University’s Estates and Buildings in the central area, and other normal business.
11.11 Crags Sports Centre
RB said that new board members were required, and it was hoped for a positive connection with the Community Centre.
12. Public Question Time
Nikki Thomson asked about the combined neighbourhood partnership meeting to be held on 30 September. JS said that each NP could invite 12 delegates. Sub-group members were to be invited to attend.
13. Any other business
13.1 BH told members about the Causey Project’s third ideas workshop which will take place on Saturday 17 October in the new gallery called Inspace, at the Informatics Centre in Crichton Street. Application forms were distributed.
13.2 Carol felt that the Ladyboys had kept their part of the Meadows in as good a condition as they could during their Fringe appearances.
13.3 JS said that the next EACC meeting will be on 24 September, with CEC officials present to answer questions.
13.4 JS mentioned that the Edinburgh University Students’ Association community and students meeting will be on 7 October. RB and LH hoped to attend.
13.5 JS said that Stewart Reid had not provided the final proof of the SCC leaflet. It was agreed to abandon this, as the forthcoming new community council would have some different members.
14. Date of next meeting
The final meeting of the Southside Community Council in its present composition will take place in the Nelson Hall, from 7pm until 9pm, on Wednesday 14 October 2009.
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