LCCC June 2024 minutes

Minutes of Leith Central Community Council AGM, at Nelson Hall, McDonald Road Library, on Monday 17 June 2024 at 7:00pm

Actions and decisions are red italic. nem con means that no-one spoke or voted against a decision.

1 Welcome, introductions, attendance, apologies

1.a Present, apologies

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May
Voting members Alan Dudley P No meeting No meeting
Charlotte Encombe A
Pierre Forissier P
Nick Gardner
Luci Holland P
Sheila Kennedy A
Jed Milroy P
Harald Tobermann P
John Wilkinson P
Non-voting members Bruce Ryan P
Cllr Jack Caldwell P
Cllr James Dalgleish A
Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan A
Cllr Susan Rae A
Ben Macpherson MSP
Deidre Brock MP
Number of others attending 15

P = present, A = apology, X = neither present nor sent apology, NA = not applicable

Police Scotland also sent apologies.

1.b to note: declarations of interest in any items on the agenda

  • none

1.c to agree: order of business below

  • agreed to take item 6.d at the start of the Planning section

2 Approval of minutes of the LCCC ordinary meeting on 20 May 2024

  • Approved as-is (proposed A dudley, seconded P Forissier, nem con)

2.a to note: draft minutes AGM 20 May 2024 for accuracy

  • These were agreed to be correct nem con, but will not be formally approved until the next AGM.

3 Matters arising from previous minutes (and not included on agenda below)

Row Item Actor Action Progress
1 4.a LCCC and others Report incidents of pavement parking Closed – it was assumed that people have done and will continue to do this
2 4.a PC Crawford Liaise with CEC about the CCTV camera that had been in Dalmeny St See item 4 below
3 5.c C Encombe Try to attend a CEC peer-review session about national planning framework 4 on 30 June Closed – see item 6.e.below
4 6.a.1 Cllrs Caldwell and Rae Keep pushing for fixes to tram-route issues In progress
5 H Toberman, PForissier Check whether Albert St bin-hub changes will be OK in progress
6 6.c Cllr Caldwell Supply ‘local traffic improvement’ scheme assessment criteria. Closed – see item 7 below
7 6.c A Dudley Invite RNIB officer to LCCC’s June meeting Closed: AD has made contact, and will arrange an ‘offline’ meeting
8 6.c LCCC Decide whether it supports any LTI scheme proposals Closed – see item 7 below
9 6.d S Kennedy Reply to a resident about his/her concerns about Cambridge St and Pilrig St Closed – done
10 6.d S Kennedy write a proposal for action by CEC on traffic problems in Abbeyhill colonies Open – postponed to later this summer
11 6.d H Tobermann Put this proposal onto the next LCCC agenda Closed – will be done
12 7.b H Tobermann Attend reopening of Coalie Park (May 22, 1:30) Closed – see item 5.c below
13 8.a S Kennedy Point 1: Investigate who might want such late-night catering.Point 2: seek more information about the street trader application Complete – see item 8 below
14 9.b H Tobermann Write to CEC governance, stating that LCCC is against the proposed changes Closed
15 9.c C Encombe Sort LCCC’s noticeboard Closed – done
16 10.b B Ryan Share any NTBCC materials on its opposition to Meadow to George St plans he is allowed to Closed – done the day after this meeting
17 10.c Cllrs Rae and Caldwell Investigate progress of the Manderston St DPEA process Closed – Cllr Caldwell stated that the determination date has been postponed to August

4 Policing matters

4.a to note: local (ward) Police Report May/June 2024

H Tobermann noted:

  • Community police non-attendance is due to abstractions to events and a team-member moving to cybercrime work.
  • The Dalmeny St CCTV was only temporary: the kit is moved around Edinburgh according to demand.
    • P Forissier: it is needed to help control drug activities.
    • Action: P Forissier to contact relevant police team to ask for return of CCTV.
    • There was a serious incident in Pilrig Park last Wednesday. Investigation is at an early stage. They will attend the Picnic in the Park, to help provide reassurance.

5 Parks and green spaces

5.a to note: Update on Powderhall Railway Path conversion to a Green Corridor

H Toberman noted:

  • The path has not used since 2018 when the waste transfer station was closed. However, CEC has not taken significant action. Less than 2% of a single CEC officer’s time is being spent on this topic. CEC has undertaken a feasibility study (costing £40k). This is now waiting to go to stage 2.
    • Action: H Tobermann to express LCCC’s disappointment about the lack of progress to CEC.

5.b to note: update from Friends of Pilrig Park

The FoPP chair reported:

  • FoPP is undertaking monthly litter picks (3rd Saturday of the month through the summer)
    • Because there wasn’t as much litter as usual last time, FoPP undertook path-edging to improve the park’s amenity.
  • There will be a picnic on Saturday 22 June if the weather permits. There will be various stalls (including a clothes-swap), along with a presentation and demonstration of conducting bird-feeders from 11am, with lunch 12 noon to 2 pm.
    • A survey of park users and the local community will be launched at the picnic.
  • There will be an orienteering taster session on Sunday 23 June (1pm to 3pm).
  • FoPP is investigating ways to progress the management of the millennial woodland, given the antisocial behaviour (ASB) issues. These are currently so bad that the Green Space Trust (GST) cannot take volunteers into this area. Hence FoPP wishes to reduce the ASB. Meanwhile, FoPP is considering using paid contractors, while engaging with GST and CEC.
  • FoPP can be emailed at friendsofpilrigpark@gmail.com.

5.b.i Questions and answers

  • A resident: could the millennial wood be fenced or gated off?
    • FoPP wishes for a balance so that people can access natural areas.
  • A resident: could CCTV be used to monitor the wood?
    • This may risk simply displacing ASB. Community police suggested better management, so FoPP is seeking funding.
  • J Milroy: if the main danger is discarded needles, can community members be trained to deal with this?
    • The issue with this is who would own the risk. FoPP cannot take it on.

5.c to note: reopening of Coalie Park path following Phase 1 works (and upcoming Phase 2)

  • H Tobermann: I attended the opening ceremony after completion of phase 1. I urged that phase 2 (west of the bridge) is managed so that the path is not permanently closed.

5.d to note: any other Parks and green spaces matters relevant to LCCC area

  • no items raised

6 Planning

6.a to note: recent negotiations/correspondence between CEC Planning Department & agent regarding the application for purpose-built student accommodation @ 24 Manderston Street (24/01162/FUL)

  • P Forissier: this is the plan for the bingo hall, to which LCCC has objected. The case officer has taken up some of LCCC’s concerns (e.g. lack of general accommodation, issues with environmental survey) with the developers.
    • H Tobermann: this initiative by CEC planning is very welcome, and should be encouraged to do this in other cases.
    • Action: H Tobermann to thank CEC for undertaking this discussion, and ask that it is done in other cases.

6.b to note: DMSC ‘heads up’ report on 24/02024/PAN regarding purpose-built student accommodation @ 14 Ashley Place

  • P Forissier: CEC can only comment on what has been submitted, i.e. not take into account the ‘artificial’ shrinkage of the site below the threshold that would require some social housing. There is no legislation preventing identical applications.
    • Action: if time permits, P Forissier to submit LCCC’s objection.

6.c to note: application for purpose-built student accommodation @ Land 5 Metres South of 2 Murano Place (24/02424/FUL; deadline 28/6/24)

  • P Forissier: this is an addition to existing PBSA: only 15 to 20 more units, so it may be less impactful than others.
  • H Tobermann: while LCCC does not have data, LCCC opposes PBSA in part because of increased pressure on infrastructure.
    • Action: B Ryan to try to find contact details for NHS Lothian official who collates data to predict population changes.
    • Action: if time permits, P Forissier to submit LCCC’s objection.

6.d to note: 24/02439/FUL application to extend purpose-built student accommodation @ 8 Middlefield EH7 4QW (previous, virtually identical application recorded under different address, 7 Shrub Place EH7 4PD 22/05368/FUL) (deadline 26/6/24)

  • H Tobermann: this application is very similar to one that was refused in 2022. The change of address may mean that the CEC planning officer has not seen the previous application. LCCC is generally against PBSA, and so is minded to object.
  • A resident: I am concerned about impacts on light and privacy, and discrimination against social housing tenants.
  • H Tobermann: The development above Sainsbury’s was approved separately by CEC (not LCCC), then built earlier than other parts. The panning history here is horrendous. Anyone can object to this application: objections should cover material issues such as privacy, amenity and lighting. (CEC may not consider discrimination to be material.) If there are more than 20 objections, the decision will be taken by CEC committee rather than a single planning officer. Issues caused by the construction are not material.
  • Residents discussed the likely impacts, and poor presentation of the plans, and sought precedents for writing objections.
  • Living Rent member: LR is against purpose-built student accommodation. I will raise this instance with LR in Edinburgh.
  • Action: P Forissier to submit LCCC’s objection, based on residents’ input.

6.e to note: report on LCCC participation at National Planning Improvement Framework – CEC Peer Review Workshop

  • P Forissier: I was the only CC representative to attend this event. Attendees were invited to comment on how planning processes can be improved, e.g. staff training, challenging grading. CEC planning has no physical help-desk, and many planning staff work from home, hindering knowledge retention.
    • A resident: this issue also means that those who are not digitally able cannot engage with the planning system.

6.f to note: status of current planning applications (June 2024)

  • noted: there are two live applications (yellow background) and two awaiting assessment (cyan background)
  • Action: B Ryan to enable P Forissier to automatically count and report nummary numbers each meeting.

6.g to note: any other Planning matters relevant to LCCC area

  • P Forissier: there are many common threads between LCCC and Living Rent.

7 Transport and clean streets

7.a to note: Councillor Caldwell’s proposed schemes for the Local Traffic Improvement Programme

  • Cllr Caldwell: TEC has allocated £0·5m to deal with ‘hotspot’ issues in Edinburgh, and councillors were encouraged to bid. I have submitted 5, based on residents’ input, one of which is outwith LCCC’s area. The four LCCC ones are:
    • A drop-kerb at Pilrig House Close
    • A pedestrian island on Ferry Road
    • A signalised pedestrian crossing at the junction of Dalmeny St and Easter Rd
    • Resurfacing of the eastern pavement on Easter Rd, because this has been badly damaged by utilities work.
  • H Tobermann: LCCC thanks the councillor for this, and broadly endorses his submissions.
  • Cllr Caldwell: people should continue to raise such issues with him, because this scheme will recur annually.

7.b to note: update on Tram Project post-construction actions and inactions:

7.b.i (re-) introduction of left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road (10 second phase; TEC vote 6 for, 5 against)

  • There were different opinions in the meeting of the advisability of this change.
    • A resident: a report to TEC states that this has a total budget of £0·5m.

7.b.ii (re-) location of tree planters

  • H Tobermann: some of the planters will be moved into local parks.
    • P Forissier: some residents miss the old circular planters. One of these is now in the Tesco car-park. There appears to be lack of thought by CEC about the planters.
    • Cllr Caldwell: the wooden planters on Cambridge Avenue result from CEC trying to quickly replace earlier, unsightly temporary barriers. Long-term plans to reinstate the area are being developed.
    • FoPP rep: the main need is for properly planned greenery, rather than any specific design of planter.
    • Cllr Cladwell: I have submitted an amendment to TEC requesting that planters are moved if provision of proper trees is explored (because underground utilities may hamper such planting). Residents should contact councillors and Trams to Newhaven if they wish to adopt planters.

7.b.iii no action on the many, increasingly embarrassing outstanding defects (e.g. broken pavers, deep potholes at utility covers) and design issues (e.g. extremely narrow pavements around certain bus stops; missing TROs; unresolved Brunswick St)

  • H Tobermann: the Brunswick issue is partly addressed in a current report to TEC: left turns from Brunswick St to Leith Walk will be permitted. This will remove continuous paving. The report is very superficial.
    • Action: H Tobermann to submit a deputation decrying the lack of detail.
  • A Brunswick resident: there is a split in residents’ opinions on this change. We would like to contact WELM.

7.c to note: any other Transport and clean streets matters relevant to LCCC area

  • no points raised

8 Licensing

8.a to note: any Licensing matters relevant to LCCC area

  • Albion Rd: a request to trade 10am to 5pm Monday to Sat, selling hats, scarves, flags etc. LCCC did not object.
  • (no address supplied): Second hand dealer license. Google maps shows a dedicated venue. LCCC did not object.
  • The Spare Kitchen at 29 Crichton Place requested a catering (takeaway and delivery of hot food) license from 11pm to 5am 23.00 to 5.00. LCCC objected due to the overnight hours and possible disturbance to nearby residents.

9 LCCC Governance

9.a to agree: counter-measures to deal with the reputational risks from fake subscribers

  • H Tobermann: there are many Mailchimp subscribers with the same name but different email addresses. The addresses may be genuine, leading to their owners being spammed. LCCC will ask all subscribers to renew subscriptions.

9.b to note: co-option proposals: Avril Ewing and Simon Preston

  • H Tobermann: LCCC may have too many co-optees, but it welcomes people, perhaps as (non-voting) associate members.

9.c to note: vacancy of Vice Chair to be filled (advice and support available)

  • H Tobermann: I want to pass on the (acting) vice-chair role. I will be happy to coach my replacement.

9.d to note: any other LCCC governance issues

  • no points raised

10 Open Forum (local residents)1

  • Living Rent reps: case numbers have risen since rent controls have ended. There are issues around deposit protection, ceiling-damage, lack of factoring and rent-adjudication. Many rent increases exceed the legal limit of 12%. People are confused about processes, and unaware they can challenge increases. LR does not give legal advice, but signposts people.
  • LR is mostly run by volunteers but has 12 paid staff across Scotland, funded from members’ donations.

11 AOCB (LCCC members)2

  • No points raised

12 Bulletin3

12.a Councils Scotland: Pothole, library closure warning as funding black hole rises to almost £600 million (Scotsman, 15-05-24)

  • noted

13 Future meetings and planned meeting topics/presentations

2024: 19 Aug, 16 Sep, 21 Oct, 18 Nov; 2025: 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 17 Mar, 21 Apr, 19 May (AGM), 16 Jun