Welcome to Edinburgh's
Southside Community Council




Minutes of 69th meeting, held on Wednesday 10 October 2007, from 7pm until 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; L&BP = Lothian & Borders Police; LHC = Late Hours Catering; MMW = Multi-member ward; 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}, Hilary McDowell (Environmental Spokesperson) {HM}, and Justine Stansfield (Treasurer) {JSt}; Local Interest Groups’ Nominated Members: Margaret Bagan {MB}, George Pitcher {GP}, and Julia Wilding {JW}, Co-opted Member: Carol McHugh {CM}; City of Edinburgh Council: Cllr Ian Perry {IP}; Lothian & Borders Police: PC Ben Merrick; Members of the public: Three. Guest Speaker: Adrian Harris. Cllr Cameron Rose {CR} joined the meeting at the end of Item 3, after his surgery.

1. Welcome, and apologies for Absence

Robert Beaton welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Mary Devine, Jean Downie, Liz Mulligan, Kathleen Newis, Jo Scott {JS}, Keith Smith, Liz Walker, Cllr Steve Burgess, Cllr Gordon Mackenzie, and Sarah Boyack MSP. An official from the SCNP had been expected to attend, but did not arrive.

2. Presentation on the development plans for The Queen’s Hall by Adrian Harris, Chief Executive

Robert introduced Adrian Harris, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Hall in Clerk Street. Adrian made an illustrated presentation on the proposals for the refurbishment and redevelopment of the venue. He explained the background to the proposals, saying that about 240 events were hosted in the venue every year, with a wide mix of musical performances. Some 105,000 people had attended performances in the year to March 2007. The Hall is highly praised as a venue of international importance, both for classical and rock music, by many musicians and performers. The Hall has a capacity of 900, but as soon as numbers reach 400 and above, it is clear that the surroundings are too cramped to handle such numbers comfortably, particularly in the corridors and bar/restaurant area.

The architects, Mill Design, have been working on feasibility study of major improvements to the Hall, bearing in mind that it holds a Category A listing, and is of significant historical interest. The uncomfortable pews on the ground floor form part of the listing, and Historic Scotland would decide if these should be replaced. Adrian stressed that all the proposals are achievable on the existing site, with most of the changes to take place around the auditorium. An electricity sub-station housed within the main hall would be moved to the rear of the building. Since the Hall was built in 1823 a number of additions to the rear of the building have been made, and these would be stripped away and replaced with a modern construction, rising to three floors, to include a second 100-seater auditorium, which would be used for both performances, and for activities such as training in sound mixing and sound engineering. Much more circulation space would be available in the main part of the Hall, as well as more bars. A glass front at each side of the Hall on Clerk Street would be built, and the existing box office would remain.

Adrian explained that the total cost including fees and VAT, at present day prices, would be £10M. Fund-raising consultants would investigate the likelihood of such a sum being raised by an appeal, and if it was felt that a smaller sum would be raised, then revised plans would have to be drawn up. An initial meeting had been made with the Heritage Lottery Fund, but the impact of the London Olympic Games would put pressure on their ability to help. The Hall is owned by the trustees, and accounting constraints made it difficult for the City Council to make a capital investment in a building they don’t own. They also had the refurbishment of their own buildings to consider, particularly the King’s Theatre and the Assembly Rooms. He said that it would take about three years to raise the funds, and in answer to a question from the floor, said that all the work would be carried out between two International Festivals. In answer to other questions, he said that there would be proper compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act, and that the new building at the back would be no higher than the existing gable.

Adrian said that he would be very happy to answer any other questions, and that people could get in touch with him through Colin Christison. Members thanked him for his professional and interesting presentation.

3. Police Report

PC Merrick was welcomed to the meeting. He outlined some instances of local criminal activity, including shoplifting from charity shops in Nicolson Street, one of which had involved the use of knives earlier the same day, and arrests for possession of heroin in Dumbiedykes. Initiatives to combat under-age drinking the previous weekend in the East Preston Street area and St Leonards’s Bank, East Parkside, and Holyrood Park, using the combined forces of local officers and a member of the Youth Action Team had seen the confiscation of 122 litres of alcohol, and 34 names of offenders being taken. It appeared that children from the Royal High School, Stewarts Melville, and Heriot’s were involved, as well as some from Gilmerton. A group of youths from North Berwick who had wanted to join in the fun were beaten up by a local group. The Police were aware of two shops (which did not have cctv) which were suspected of selling alcohol to minors, and proof was being sought by means of test purchasing. A local shop found to be selling alcohol to underage youths was found not to have had a liquor licence in the first place. He mentioned that Nicolson Square appeared to continue to be trouble free, although it was pointed out that people drinking in public were now in Bristo Square, and sometimes in the small wildlife garden in Brown Street. He again stressed that the police must have instances of anti-social behaviour and crime reported so that action can be taken. Members thanked him for attending.

4. Minutes of meeting held on 12 September 2007

Subject to the correction at 10.5 where ‘sup-group’ should read ‘sub-group’, the minutes were approved; proposed by HM and seconded by MB.

5. Matters arising

Item 10.5: GP said that it had not been decided that the South Area Housing Board would become a sub-group of the SCNP, but that it would continue to stand alone.

6. Secretary’s Report

6.1 The Secretary said that Sarah Boyack MSP would be the guest speaker at the meeting on 14 November.

6.2 On behalf of the members he thanked Philip McDowell for his work on the website, and said that a preview of it had been set up on the SCC’s laptop, and invited members to look at it after the meeting. (Afternote: the site is now live, www.edinscc.org )

6.3 He informed members of the following future meetings –

16 October: Local Public Meeting, hosted by Merchiston Community Council, on the City Council’s proposals on Licensing Policy 2007-2010.

EACC Autumn/Winter Programme: a series of meetings with each of the City Council’s political party groups; open to all Community Council members.

Environmental Forum meeting – JS was attending this on behalf of the SCC this night.

ASCC AGM and Conference, 3 November. LH hoped to attend.

6.4 The CEC asked for comments, by 16 November, on their first draft of their Parental Involvement Strategy.

6.5 JS is preparing a short response to the NHS Scotland’s consultation on ‘Better Health. Better Care’, for circulation.

6.6 He said that the management committee of the community centres is very concerned about the current financial problems faced by the City of Edinburgh Council, particularly about the level of savings proposed to come from the funding of community learning and development in the Children and Families Dept. The Chair of the management committee, Fraser Goodall, asked for letters in support of retaining and enhancing the South Side Centre and the Nelson Hall to be written to the ward’s four councillors.

6.7 He mentioned the following two useful websites: www.sns.gov.uk (small area statistics for information on health, education, poverty, crime, social issues, community issues, unemployment, population, and housing (information is obtained by entering postcodes), and www.scotland.gov.uk/simd (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation).



7. Treasurer’s Report

JSt reported that the bank balance at 31 August 2007 was £1110.30, including the annual grant of £652. She was asked to ascertain how this figure was arrived at from the City Council.

8. Correspondence

The following items had been received: September Issue of Edinburgh Partnership e-News, L&BP Newsletters 35 and 37, information from L&BP on their tactics for handling the unauthorised parties which had been taking place in the Innocent Tunnel, CEC’s Leader’s Report for September, and Issue 2 of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children’s Reprovision Report.

9.1 Planning and Licensing Committee Report

Planning

9.1.1 Objection lodged, and considered material, for PA for restaurant alterations and extension at 22a Nicolson Street, on grounds that the proposals are contrary to the local plan in that they would not enhance the area nor be compatible with the surrounding structures, as well as contribute to loss of residential amenity because of increased noise. Result: PA refused. (07/03801/FUL)

9.1.2 Representation previously lodged about PA to form new front and rear dormers at 103 Newington Road considered material (07/03739/FUL).

9.1.3 PA for erection of ticket dispensing machine at Nicolson Street (objection lodged previously) had been granted (06/03466/FUL).

9.1.4 Following complaints to the SCC, a letter had been written to the Planning Dept about a proliferation of signage at the Category ‘B’ listed Salisbury Hotel, 43 Salisbury Road, which is in a conservation area, as well as the inappropriateness of the colour with which the wall next to the road had been repainted.

9.1.5 There was no news about the future of the former Odeon cinema.

9.1.6 The planning group would examine plans for the refurbishment and extension to existing buildings with additional storey and pavilion to Buccleuch Place of the Adam Ferguson Building, 40 George Square (07/04054/LBC)

Licensing

9.1.7 LA for second hand dealers at 67 Causewayside; no comment required.

9.1.8 A copy of the latest liquor licence applications had been received, including new LAs, and regular extensions.

9.1.9 An objection had been lodged to an LA for new liquor licensing hours at the Salisbury Hotel, 43-45 Salisbury Road, following representation from neighbouring flats on the grounds that noise disturbance from the beer garden to the rear of the hotel up to 1am would be detrimental to residential amenity; and pointing out that the original planning consent for the premises had a clause about restricted hours of operation, except for hotel residents, in order to safeguard this amenity.

9.1.10 Eleven HMO LAs had been received since the September meeting.

9.2 University of Edinburgh Landscape, Public Realm, and Signage Masterplan

The SCC had been invited to respond to an electronic consultation exercise by the firm of Ironside Farrar (Environmental Consultants) on behalf of the University of Edinburgh about the landscape, public realm, and signage masterplan for the Old College, Bristo Square, and George Square environs, by 15 October. It was felt that the time allowed for feedback of just less than three weeks was insufficient, and that electronic response on its own was not appropriate as not everyone had access to computers. The opportunity to view the plans on a computer at the UoE’s premises at 7 Nicolson Street was offered by Ironside Farrar, but when a member of the SCC had attempted to do so she was treated in an offhand and unhelpful manner. Members would look at the plans as best they could and make a collective response. See Item 11.7 (below).

10. Environmental Matters

10.1 Notification had been received about proposed minor waiting restrictions at Simon Square/Davie Street.

10.2 HM had been sent a list of the operating hours of all the public toilets in the city, and found that most were being closed at 6pm; this was thought to be far too early for a busy city, especially in the centre where bars can remain open until 3am. Nicolson Square toilets were open until 10pm however, but Middle Meadow Walk and Hope Park Terrace ones closed at 6pm. It transpired that the CEC had not pursued the suggestion of retractable urinals; they did say that opening hours may be adjusted if required, although instances of vandalism and budgetary constraints may influence any decision.

10.3 It was noted that a new food takeaway vehicle had appeared at the Teviot end of Middle Meadow Walk. It was thought that an LA had not been submitted.

10.4 HM had been informed in writing that orders had been raised to have the broken railings at Salisbury Road repaired (work now completed), and also to have the 18 bollards in the South Clerk area replaced, repaired, or repainted as required. Street lighting issues would also be investigated.

10.5 JS had enquired about the lack of railings around the wild flower garden at East Meadow Park.

10.6 LH thought that the packaging material green-lidded recycling bins were not being emptied often enough, leading to an accumulation of stuff on pavements. JSt would look into the matter. IP suggested that members monitor the issue and report back.

11. Reports from meetings and lectures attended:-

11.1 Braidwood Centre Management Committee (18 September) Attended by RB, who said that progress was being made with respect to letting the rooms. A committee to manage the letting was set up, and plans were underway for a new parent and baby care programme, and English as a second language classes.

11.2 Canongate Youth Project Management Committee (9 October)

Attended by LH, who reported that the Annual Report will be presented on 23 November. Under the ‘Get Ready to Work’ scheme, out of 36 trainees, 23 had secured work, 10 had gone into further education, and one had an apprenticeship. It was hoped that placements could be found for some youths with local employers, one or two days a week. She described the activities of a team building day, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, and a visit to the Andy Warhol exhibition.

11.3 Crags Sports Centre Management Committee (8 October)

RB currently chairs the newly-formed committee. Laurene Edgar is the Vice Chair, and the Secretary is David Hill. A Partnership agreement has been drafted, procedures agreed, and new partners still to be placed. There had been a discussion about involving 16 year old girls in the ‘Sports Leaders Awards Course, and a discussion about a community collaborative landscaping project for the Crags Centre.

11.4 South Area Housing Board (26 September)

Attended by GP, who said that various items had been discussed, including the role of Registered Tenants’ Organisations.

11.5 South Side Community Education Centre AGM (18 September)

Very well attended meeting, when the annual report and accounts were presented.

11.6 South Side Community Education Centre Management Committee (9 October)

Normal business meeting during which routine repairs, the future programme and lets were discussed. Two new members of the committee, Jan Fraser and Andrew Jones, were welcomed. Members met the new Facilities Co-ordinator, Angela Hall.

11.7 Southside Association (2 October)

See Item 9.2 (above). The Editor of the Evening News had been unable to be present as guest speaker, and the SA’s Secretary had arranged for a presentation by Graham Bell and Callum Robertson from the University’s Estates and Buildings Department instead. Part of the minutes is reproduced below.

A consultation on the Landscape, Public Realm, and Signage Masterplan for Old College, Bristo Square, and George Square environs was underway, and the two guests discussed these plans, using large scale diagrams for illustration. As part of the phased regeneration of the area the plans for improvement to the public realm should provide greater emphasis on the University’s identity, encourage public access, and integrate the site and its uses into the surrounding urban framework. There would be improvements to the public spaces, and the poor connection between buildings would be enhanced. Previous consultation had taken place with the planning dept and its streetscape group, as well as the Royal Museum of Scotland (who are extending their premises) and the Edinburgh Festival Theatre (plans exist to build to the rear of their premises).

There were a number of questions from the floor, including concerns about how the general public would regard the area once the changes had been completed, and it was hoped that there would not be a sense of exclusion for them. Other questions mentioned the flyover at Bristo (which would be removed in time, and the road realigned), skateboarding outside the McEwan Hall (a deterrent surface would be applied) and the area made less inward looking, and it was stressed that there would not be a proliferation of signage.

Other routine business took place.

11.8 Tenants’ Federation & Housing Dept Joint Meeting (22 September)

Attended by GP who said that it had been a routine meeting, with the seemingly endless topic of how to fund new kitchens and bathrooms for tenants.

11.9 Edinburgh Civic Forum (18 September)

Held at Waverley Court and attended by HM who reported that David Leslie had discussed the Planning (Scotland) Act 2006 with reference to better community involvement. Concern had been expressed about future consultation, and that not every change will go through the planning department.

11.10 Southside & Old Town Crime Prevention Panel (25 September)

Attended by MB, MD, JS, and CC, who reported that as well as a detailed statistical report from the Police, there had been a presentation on all aspects of road safety. Next meeting is on 20 November.

11.11 EACC (6 October)

Held in the City Chambers and attended by JS. Her written report said that Cllr Iain Whyte had spoken about his work as Convenor of the Joint Police Board, assuring representatives from Community Councils that the Board continued to press for more Scottish Government funding for the capital city. New software is to be used at the Force Communications Centre in Bilston. General concerns about lack of staff in the police force were acknowledged by him, and he assured those present that the new Chief Constable is very community minded. Iain Whyte also discussed the new City Council and how Councillors were becoming accustomed to working in groups.

11.12 Seminar on Art in Public, and Public Art Policy (25 September)

Organised by Gray’s School of Art, and attended by RB; people from the arts and political sectors shared views and experiences about how different ideas about “public” influence the way we act, work, and participate. Implications for Scotland’s changing political, cultural, and environmental landscapes were explored.

11.13 Meadows Festival Steering Group (8 October)

Attended by CR, and LH who reported that a Facebook for the Meadows Festival had been created in an effort to attract volunteers. Work was continuing with the previous organisers to smooth the take-over of the constitution. Marchmont and Sciennes Community Council are also involved.



12. Any other business

12.1 MB said that the former tiles shop in Nicolson Street was being converted into a kebab shop, and wondered if planning consent for change of use had been granted. Enquires would be made by CC.

12.2 The St Patrick Square festive lights ceremony would he held on Tuesday 4 December.

12.3 CR said that a statue to commemorate Edinburgh’s first Firemaster, James Braidwood, would (subject to planning consent) be unveiled in Parliament Square in the New Year.

12.4 RB said that he had met some of the CEC’s Learning and Development and Community Engagement staff to discuss issues concerning the training provided for members of the new NPs. Discussion also included feedback about the development of our NP from the SCC’s perspective. He put forward concerns about the impact of a lack of adequate information management, as well as time and resources to manage the new partner relationship development. Staff were very positive in their desire to bring about improvements.

13. Open Forum

13.1 Caroline Barr mentioned Forward Scotland’s website www.forward-scotland.org.uk

14. Date of next meeting

Wednesday 14 November, from 7pm until 9pm, in the Gray Room (upstairs) in the Nelson Hall.