Welcome to Edinburgh's
Southside Community Council
Minutes of 70th meeting, held on Wednesday 14 November 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}, Robert Hodgart {RH}; Hilary McDowell (Environmental Spokesperson) {HM}, Jo Scott (Planning and Licensing Convenor) {JS}, and Liz Walker {LW};
Local Interest Groups’ Nominated Members: Margaret Bagan {MB}, Liz Mulligan {LM}; Kathleen Newis {KN}, and Julia Wilding {JW};
Co-opted Member: Keith Smith {KS};
City of Edinburgh Council: Cllr Gordon Mackenzie;
Scottish Parliament: Sarah Boyack MSP;
Lothian & Borders Police: Inspector Tom Galbraith; and
Members of the public: Five.
1. Welcome, and apologies for Absence
Robert Beaton welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Mary Devine, Jean Downie, Carol McHugh, George Pitcher, Justine Stansfield (Treasurer), Cllr Steve Burgess, Cllr Ian Perry, Cllr Cameron Rose, PC Ben Merrick, and an official from the South Central Neighbourhood Partnership.
2. Presentation by Sarah Boyack MSP
Members welcomed Sarah to the meeting. She gave a summary of the how the Scottish Parliament had changed following the May elections, followed by a description of her own responsibilities as Shadow Cabinet member looking after environmental and climate matters, as well as rural affairs.
She said that there had been a huge change, with the renamed Scottish Government being in a minority, compared to the previous Labour and Liberal Democrat coalition. There would be a further period of adjustment as the SNP tried to implement its manifesto, and she went on to describe some of the particulars.
She stressed that although her role in the Shadow Cabinet was a national one, she was still very active in her Edinburgh Central constituency, including matters pertinent to the Southside and Old Town. She had visited local nurseries and community centres following the recent outcry about possible closures. She was keeping in contact with the Council about possible cuts to home services, and she was continuing to support the work of community groups and churches. Housing matters were also getting her attention, and she said that now there was proper legislation governing the repairs and maintenance to the fabric of buildings, it was time to examine factoring, city stairs partnerships, upkeep of shared gardens etc. Sports facilities for children at primary and secondary schools, and clubs, were important, as was the upgrade of the Royal Commonwealth Pool, which, it was hoped, would be used for the diving events at the Commonwealth Games. She was pleased that some city schoolchildren from two schools had been involved in a Fair Trade project with schools on the Burma and Thailand border.
Sarah said that the city centre MSPs and Councillors had had a briefing from the Lothian & Borders Police about the funding required to maintain the city’s capital status, and that there would be lobbying of the SG for more funds. There is a huge range of activities for the police, and Edinburgh is second to London in terms of Royal and VIP visits, but it was important that the focus on the city centre was not detrimental to other areas.
There were a number of questions and comments from the floor. HM was concerned at the misuse of fireworks (tennis players in the Meadows had fireworks thrown at them), and was advised that the subject came under the responsibilities of Kenny MacAskill at the SG. On the subject of overgrown gardens (which could cause structural damage), whether shared or not, hedges, and junk left in gardens, there should be a means to establish responsibility. KS was concerned about having a properly balanced community in the area, as there are now fewer families in the Southside, and he made a plea for more affordable rented housing. LW asked about satellite dishes on the high rise Dumbiedykes properties (JS will ask the planning dept). Sarah distributed a written Scottish Parliament update. Members thanked her for attending.
3. Police Report
Inspector Galbraith said that the next issue of the local newsletter would be published shortly. There had been substantial recoveries of drugs in the Nicolson Street area, and Dumbiedykes. He described briefly the following ongoing or imminent policing iniatives: -
Operation Apache - distribution of crime prevention advice literature, e.g. install mortise locks;
Operation Allegro - local neighbourhood tasking and co-ordination process. As the North Bridge/Nicolson Street/Newington Road corridor has a high volume of foot and vehicular traffic passing along it, there are more problems, and there is now high visibility police officer presence at nights over the weekend.
Operation Arctic - over the Christmas period, to tackle retail crime and violent crime.
Operation Aura - to tackle alcohol consumption by youths.
Operation Ablaze - will involve the lock-down of an area, including Dumbiedykes, in an effort to locate drugs and weapons.
He said that crime rates were down in the area, and solvency rates were up. There was a discussion about the security of pedal cycles, and he said that one of his officers had completed an educational drive with students, with help from cycle shops. The problem of anti-social drinkers was city-wide, and there would be targeting of specific individuals to obtain ASBOs. Liaison with businesses and residents was useful. There were multi-agency efforts underway to stamp out flyposting, and the Community Beat Sergeant together with Council officials were working in Holyrood Park Road, and he acknowledged the efforts of local residents who were removing and recycling the posters, as well as mentioning that in Glasgow, the Council had taken to sticking ‘CANCELLED’ notices over illegal posters, a ploy which had met with some success. There were questions from the floor.
4. Minutes of meeting held on 10 October 2007
Subject to the correction at Item 10.2, where 3pm should have read 3am, the minutes were approved; proposed by HM, and seconded by JW.
5. Matters arising
Item 6.6: SCC to write to CEC expressing concerns about the future of community centres and staff.
Item 9.2: HM had not received any information from the UoE about the Central Masterplan.
Item 10.3: Takeaway food vehicle did have a licence, although the SCC had not been notified about the application.
Item 10.4: No action; subject to be raised at SCNP meeting on 19 November.
Item 10.5: HM reported that the inadequate fencing was being knocked down as soon as it had been repaired.
Item 10.6: It was thought that the packaging recycling bins were being emptied more frequently. There was a discussion about the difficulty of getting material into locked bins through the small flap, and the problem would be raised at the next Environmental Forum meeting.
6. Secretary’s Report
6.1 The Secretary reported that the website was now firmly established. The CEC had been asked to update their on-line records. It was thought that a visitor counter would be useful, and this would be arranged.
6.2 He distributed a list of South East local team personnel in the Children and Families Department.
6.3 Further to the series of EACC meetings already announced, one for 8 March was likely, with a Councillor from the Green Party as speaker. Confirmation to follow.
6.4 He said that most of the arrangements for the Christmas Lights Event were in place, and he hoped that members would be able to attend the Ceremony at St Patrick Square at 6pm on Tuesday 4 December.
6.5 The next SCNP meeting would be held on 19 November at Pollock Halls. Future meetings in 2008 would be on the following Mondays, at venues to be decided - 28 January, 7 April, and 16 June. AFTERNOTE - THE DATES HAVE BEEN REVISED TO THESE MONDAYS - 14 JANUARY, 10 MARCH, AND 12 MAY.
6.6 He said that there would be a public talk and workshop on a practical response to Climate Change and Peak Oil towards making Edinburgh Scotland’s first Transition city (Bristol, Nottingham, and Brighton being the present ones in England) on 9 December at 2pm in the Melting Pot, Thorn House, Rose Street, and to contact him to book a place.
6.7 The Community Council had made a brief reply to the CEC’s Draft Parental Involvement Strategy.
6.8 Postwatch Scotland had sent an invitation to take part in a mail delivery survey for most of December.
6.9 Scotland’s Futures Forum meeting on 6 December 2007: subject Fresh Perspectives on Alcohol and Drugs - Client Empowerment and Change. Details from CC.
6.10 Consultation on Service Standards for Libraries - Community Councils asked to respond, link from CC.
6.11 As a continuation of Edinburgh’s twinning with San Diego in 1978, and the donation of a statue of Greyfriars Bobby by somebody in 1998, the San Diego authorities wished to reciprocate by bringing a statue of their official town dog, called Bum, to Edinburgh, for installation next summer. Bum, a St Bernard and spaniel mix gained fame after stowing away in San Francisco in the steamship Santa Rosa bound for San Diego in 1886, and he was cared for by a Chinese businessman, becoming highly popular with locals until he died in 1898. A decision has to be made about where the statue is to be sited, but it is likely to be in the Greyfriars, Old Town, or Southside area, and John Wilson, who is organising the enterprise, would like to speak to members at a future meeting.
7. Treasurer’s Report
As the Treasurer was unable to attend, CC reported that the bank balance was £1111.06. It was agreed to donate £50 towards the Southside Christmas Event, to renew the annual subscription of £15 for the Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, and to refund Philip McDowell the Freezone Internet charge of £21.01.
8. Correspondence
The following items were received and circulated: Information on training courses run by Friends of the Earth Scotland, report of the Scottish Landscape Forum, centrepiece October and November issues, the autumn newsletter from the Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, Spokes Bulletin No 98, Tollcross Community Council October minutes, Inside Letting Issue 13, and an invitation to Edinburgh Landlord Day 2007 on 22 November.
The West Crosscauseway Association had written to thank the SCC for the support given to the Causey Project, and had sent a CD Rom detailing the activities. Caroline Barr had also provided photographs.
9. Planning and Licensing Committee Report
Planning
9.1 Following the SCC’s request for an enforcement investigation at 43-45 Salisbury Road, the owners of the premises have been requested to remove the recent additional signage, and to repaint the boundary wall to a colour more in keeping with a Category B Listed building within a Conservation Area. (07/00516/EADV).
9.2 PA for office development at Reekies Court (objection lodged previously) - granted (07/003356/FUL).
9.3 PA for restaurant alterations and extension at 22a Nicolson Street (objection lodged previously) - refused (07/03801/FUL).
9.4 Comments were invited on the draft tram developer contribution guideline before 30 November.
9.5 JS said that the SCC had been approached by a potential purchaser of the Odeon to attend a meeting, and perhaps this could be arranged for December. His plans include small cinema and conference facilities, coffee shop, restaurant, and large public house.
9.6 A consultation meeting on proposals by Hillcrest Housing Association Ltd to retain and rehabilitate Thornybauk House, 24 St Leonard’s Bank, will be held at 6.30pm on 22 November. The Secretary had already e-mailed as many locals as possible.
9.7 PA signage for Starbucks Coffee Shop at 140 Nicolson Street - no comment required. (07/04380/ADV).
9.8 PA for change of use of shop to form café and takeaway at 51 Nicolson Street (objection lodged in May) had been considered material. (07/01785/FUL).
9.9 PA to form new rear dormer windows etc at 103 Newington Road (comment lodged previously) - refused.
9.10 Premises at 119 Nicolson Street, said to be being refitted as a takeaway, had neither change of use consent nor a licence.
9.11 Work to complete the renovation of Nicolson Square would continue in early 2008. The existing cherry trees would be replaced by the rowan (sorbus commixta), inside the perimeter rather than the previously proposed snake bark maple, and three multi-stem cherry trees (prunus serrula), and one individual great white cherry (prunus serrulata) would also be planted.
9.12 Two PAs in the current weekly list would be examined: one to demolish existing store and erect 10 flats and shop at 65 Dumbiedykes Road, and one to construct 9 apartments on 5 levels to rear of former cinema at 7 Clerk Street.
Licensing
9.13 The Salisbury Hotel had withdrawn the application for late extended hours, but had been granted a hotel licence. The garden would not be used after 9pm.
9.14 Copy LA for Street Trader Food in car park of Homebase, 102 St Leonard’s Street - no comment made.
9.15 Copy LA for Second Hand Dealers 3 Years at 47a South Clerk Street - no comment required. Julian Bukits expressed concert that pedal cycles were again being attached to racks at the west end of Lutton Place. Members were asked to observe and report.
9.16 HMO LAs - 20 received since last meeting.
10. Environmental Report
10.1 The Blyth Bridge Action Group had sent an appeal for support in its opposition to proposals for a new chicken farm. "The water supply for Edinburgh reaches the city by way of the Talla Main Aqueduct. The land which ‘houses’ the Aqueduct is the Blythbank Estate which is situated close to the villages of West Linton, Romanno Bridge, Mountaincross, and Blyth Bridge. It is owned by the largest egg producer in Scotland, Glenrath (Farms) Ltd and the company have lodged a planning application which, if granted, would create the largest free range egg farm in Europe. The potential to pollute the water supply for the surrounding area and Edinburgh is a risk that needs to be fully evaluated now - before the application is granted."
See http://bbag.blythbridge.org.uk for more information.
10.2 JS said that the Environmental forum would meet every second month, and a chairperson is to be appointed at the next meeting. The SCC agreed that this appointee should ideally be from the community, rather than an official. The forum is open to everyone.
10.3 Advance notice of proposed minor amendments to waiting restrictions at East Parkside and St Leonard’s Hill had been sent from City Development.
10.4 HM reported that the railings at the foot of Brown Street would be repaired, and that the clearing of leaves from the Meadows had started. She also spoke about fireworks, and the damage caused to bushes in Holyrood Park by fire.
10.5 LH distributed a copy of a leaflet on shared surfaces of the pedestrian environment, with implications for disabled people.
11. Reports from meetings attended:-
11.1 Southside Association (6 November)
CC said that there had been a presentation by David Doig, Local Environmental Manager, on measures being taken to improve street cleanliness, lighting etc. Police report.
11.2 South Side Community Education Centre Management Committee (13 Nov)
KS reported that there had been discussion about various matters, including the management structure of the Nelson Hall in relation to SCOOSH, future lets, etc. He was pleased that a new Scout group had been established for Muslim boys. Youth drama classes on Saturday mornings were very popular.
11.3 Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links (12 November)
JS said that the Meadows Short Life Working Group was to be restarted, and the first meeting was to be held on 15 November. Strong feelings about the overuse of the Meadows were expressed, and it was felt that the park should be managed locally. There would be a meeting about the Meadows Festival on 29 November.
11.4 University of Edinburgh Central Area Masterplan (7 November)
Attended by four members. A presentation on the long-term plans for the Teviot/George Square area, as well as an update on the Holyrood and Pleasance sites was given.
11.5 Other meetings
JS had attended a meeting of the Merchiston Community Council at which there had been a discussion on licensing matters chaired by former Sheriff Gordon Nicholson. She also attended the NHS Lothian Annual Review, which seemed positive, as well as the EACC meeting at which Jenny Dawe, Leader of the Council, had spoken, and had taken questions from participants. LH had attended the CYP management committee meeting, and reported that funds were satisfactory.
12. Any other business
12.1 RH expressed his personal view that the existing cherry trees should not be removed from Nicolson Square.
13. Open Forum
13.1 Dr Gilmour was concerned that Neighbourhood Partnerships might see themselves as the lead organisation of city local plans, and he stressed that they should be facilitating the various groups within it to take local plans forward, and to identify any gaps.
13.2 Julian Bukits asked the Community Council if it could help stop the public anti-social behaviour of two brothers who live in the area. JS hoped to assist with this request.
13.3 Julian felt that there was a worsening problem with begging in the area, and compared Edinburgh to Newcastle, where there was no problem with begging as the Vagrancy Act was in place.
14. Date of next meeting -
Wednesday 12 December 2007, from 7pm until 9pm.