Author Archives: Bruce Ryan

About Bruce Ryan

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Community Councils Together on Trams/Trams Team meeting, 26 July 2022

These minutes consist of the Trams team’s responses to CCTT’s questions – both exchanged by email.

The June minutes are awaiting the Trams Team’s approval. Continue reading →

Minutes of the Community Councils Together on Trams/Trams Team meeting on Wednesday 19 May 2022 at 5:30pm, at Trams project compound (165 Leith Walk)

Minutes of the Community Councils Together on Trams/Trams Team meeting on Wednesday 19 May 2022 at 5:30pm, at Trams project compound (165 Leith Walk)

Continue reading →

LCCC May 2022 minutes 

Minutes of Leith Central Community Council ordinary meeting, at Nelson Hall, McDonald Road Library, on Monday 16 May 2022 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

  • LCCC voting members: Alan Dudley, Charlotte Encombe, Pierre Forissier, Sheila Kennedy, Ian Mowat, John Wilkinson
  • LCCC ex-officio and non-voting members: Bruce Ryan (minutes secretary), Cllrs Jack Caldwell, James Dalgleish, Amy McNeese-Mechan (Leith Walk ward)
  • Others: 7 residents/visitors

1.b Apologies

  • LCCC voting members: Harald Tobermann
  • LCCC ex-officio and non-voting members: Cllr Susan Rae (Leith Walk ward)

2 Approval of minutes of previous meeting

Approved subject to ensuring the title contains the correct date (proposed S Kennedy, seconded J Wilkinson, nem con)

3 Matters arising

  • Item 7b (Portacabins situation on Iona Street)
    • action Cllr Caldwell to pursue this, in liaison with Cllr Rae
  • Item 9a (check whether future meetings would clash with public holidays etc)
    • action: C Encombe to check this

4 Policing matters

The following items were noted:

5 5. LCCC Governance

5.a to note: resignation from LCCC and new ex officio members

  • Jack Caldwell has been elected to CEC, hence is now an ex-officio member of LCCC. (He had been a voting member.)
  • James Dalgelish is similarly a new ex-officio member, along with Cllrs Caldwell, McNeese-Mechan and Rae.
  • Because Cllr Caldwell had been LCCC’s engagement officer, a replacement is needed.
  • Action: P Forissier to help with LCCC digital matters.

5.b to agree: AGM arrangements, including election of office bearers

  • AGM will be on 20 June (7pm) at the Nelson Hall.
  • There was discussion of who should chair the elections, but no decision was made.
  • It was also noted that LCCC has vacancies.

6 Transport & clean streets

6.a to note: bus shelter @ Croall Place (Northbound)

  • H Tobermann (via email) The trams team has informed
  1. 1500mm advertising shelter (JCDeceaux)
  2. To be positioned against the back of the NR bridge, utilising the existing feeder pillar that is currently in place
  3. Foundation installation approx. October with shelter installation to follow
  • A resident: the proposed location of the bus shelter relative to the police box would mean waiting passengers would not be able to see approaching buses until they are very near. Hence people would need to cross the cycle-path rapidly, potentially being endangered. Stippled kerb is already in place, and space is already available for the shelter next to the cycle path.
  • Cllr McNeese-Mechan: the proposed location may be to avoid people congregating near the cycle-lane.
    • Action: C Encombe/H Tobermann to pursue this at this week’s CCTT/TT meeting.
  • Another resident: the cycle-lane here is closed, so why is this not being enforced?
    • Action: Cllr Caldwell to pursue this with trams team.

6.b to note: update on communal bin arrangements along the tram route

No update: the relevant CEC official has been on leave.

6.c to note: update on complaints about complete and partial road closures at West Norton Place and Iona Street notified to Road Occupation Team by Vice Chair

  • There has been no response to enquiries by H Tobermann.
    • S Kennedy: a better passageway has been installed.

6.d Removal of trees outside Central Bar

  • Action: C Encombe to pursue this at CCTT/TT meeting

7 Planning

7.a to note: PAN proposal (with dates) regarding the development of Former Powderhall Waste Transfer Station, Broughton Road(applicant CEC, represented by Smith Scott Mullan)

  • P Forissier: The architects/developers have offered an online meeting. However, LCCC does not possess the kit to undertake this. There will be an exhibition week beginning 12 June.
  • Cllr McNeese-Mechan: applications are already being taken for the community space. Some former Beaverhall business tenants are applying.
  • S Kennedy: this development is outwith LCCC’s area.
  • B Ryan: New Town & Broughton CC is pushing for an in-person event at the stable block. LCCC could help advertise this.
    • Decision: LCCC to keep engaging with this development, possibly in conjunction with NTBCC.
    • Action: P Forissier to invite the developers to present at the next LCCC meeting.

7.b to note: Adam Thomson’s briefing and to agree: LCCC response to 22/01563/FUL (Halmyre/Manderston/Leith Walk site)

  • P Forissier: I and H Tobermann have met with the case officer. We welcome this type of meeting. However, the application has the following flaws:
    • The application does not follow the place brief established via public consultation in 2021. The brief mandated use of the area for housing.
    • However, the application is for mostly student accommodation. It would break CEC requirements for the ratio of student accommodation to residential housing.
    • There would be an excessive concentration of student accommodation, given the site’s small size.
    • The proposal may well lead to overdevelopment: the place brief mandates that any development is no higher than 4 tenement storeys.
    • There would be issues from overshadowing.
    • The development would not be tenure-blind: affordable housing would be in a clearly separate block.
    • The affordable housing would have no car access.
  • P Forissier: Leith Harbour & Newhaven CC would like to join forces with LCCC in objecting to this application. Leith Links CC may also wish to join this effort.
    • A resident: LCCC should make a deputation to CEC on this, and a further deputation about the Bingo Hall.
    • Cllr Caldwell: I have already opposed this via social media, so am unlikely to be able to vote on this.

Action: P Forissier: to draft an objection, circulate it to LCCC members for comment, then submit it.

7.c to note: LCCC objection to 22/01402/FUL Change of Use from dwelling to short-term holiday let at 3F2 253 Leith Walk

Noted

7.d to note: explosion of Change of Use applications for retrospective consent for short-term lets

  • Decision: LCCC to decide its policy at a future meeting
  • Action: S Kennedy to share the objection she has already submitted

7.e Other planning matters

Action: P Forissier to invite a senior member of CEC planning to present to LCCC

8 Parks and green spaces

8.a to note: progress on Water of Leith works and re-opening

  • Cllr Caldwell: this area is now open

8.b to note: LCCC response to application for a burger van in Pilrig Park

There was discussion of whether the term ‘burger van’ actually described the proposal.

  • S Kennedy: I’ve received only 1 comment from LCCC members on a draft submission. I’ve written to say that LCCC is generally not in favour, and needs more information, e.g. location of the van, litter arrangements. Members of the public have also objected, so does LCCC wish to formally object to the licensing of this van? It’s worth noting that CEC parks department has already agreed to it being in the park. However, my opinion is that such things should not be in parks.
    • Cllr Cllr McNeese-Mechan: the operators would be obliged to rectify any damage. Such vans have been popular in other parks.
    • Residents: other such vans park on hard standing. There are plenty of coffee outlets etc already nearby.
  • Action: LCCC licensing committee to decide LCCC’s position [and act accordingly]

8.c to note: application for Bun Sgoil Taobh Na Pairce’s Sports Day in Pilrig Park

Noted

9 Licensing

  • See also item 8b above.
  • Decision: J Wilkinson to be LCCC’s representative to the new CEC licensing forum

10 Open Forum

  • Cllr Caldwell: I attended the NTBCC meeting covering the bin-hub roll-out. LCCC and NTBCC should collaborate on this.
  • A resident: when will tram works on the other side of Leith Walk be completed?
  • Action: C Encombe/H Tobermann to pursue this at this week’s CCTT/TT meeting

11 Bulletin

The following were noted:

12 AOCB

  • C Encombe: members should volunteer to represent LCCC at the Leith Gala (11 June). See item 9.c of April minutes.
  • Action: Cllr Caldwell to bring or had over fliers left over from a previous campaign

Leith Walk area: July changes to traffic management; effects on parking, buses and logistics hubs

The Trams to Newhaven project has told LCCC

There will be further changes to traffic management arrangements on Leith Walk  during July to carry out finishing and tram infrastructure works, including  the temporary closure of junctions.

From Monday 4 July 2022, Brunswick Road will close for five days. This will enable permanent surfacing works to be undertaken and it will reopen once completed.

From Monday 11 July 2022, Albert Street will close for five days. This will enable permanent surfacing works to be undertaken and it will reopen once completed.

There will also be a series of overnight road closures over a three-week period between the 4 July and 19 July 2022, Monday to Friday between 19:30 and 05:00. This is to allow the completion of lining, surfacing and system infrastructure works. 

From Monday 4 July 2022 for five nights between Foot of The Walk and McDonald Road, the city bound running lane will be closed. Localised access will be in place between Foot of The Walk and Jameson Place, as well as access being maintained to the Shrubhill development. In addition, from Monday 4 July 2022 for two nights the north-bound running lane between Broughton Street and London Road is scheduled to close to carry out system infrastructure works. Local access will be maintained with vehicles diverted via Bonnington Road and Easter Road.  

From Monday 11 July 2022 for five nights between Foot of The Walk and Pilrig Street, the city bound running lane will be closed. Localised access will be in place between Foot of The Walk and Jameson Place.

Additionally, from Monday 11 July 2022 for two nights the north-bound running lane between Broughton Street and London Road is scheduled to close to carry out further system infrastructure works. Local access will be maintained with vehicles diverted via Bonnington Road and Easter Road. 

From Monday 18 July 2022 for two nights between Foot of The Walk and Pilrig Street the city bound running lane will be closed. Localised access will be in place between Foot of The Walk and Jameson Place. This is to carry out surfacing works on the carriageway. 

The city bound running lane will re-open and be accessible between 0500hrs and 1930 during all of these works.

Advanced warning signs will be in place, with traffic management teams ensuring localised access is maintained.

Parking

All on-street parking will be suspended during these works.

Lothian Buses

The project has consulted with Lothian Buses on the proposed traffic management to allow the development of their bus diversion routes.  You can find further information of bus diversions and timetables at www.lothianbuses.com.

Logistic Hubs

Logistics hubs to support businesses will remain operational, to help with deliveries and dispatches. Help will also be at hand for residents expecting large deliveries such as appliances or furniture.

Proactive communications highlighting these changes will take place during the week, including visits to businesses on the route to explain the programme of works.

LCCC June 2022 AGM and ordinary meeting agendas

AGENDA: annual general meeting

  1. Welcome, introductions, attendance and apologies
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2021 Annual General Meeting
  3. Annual Report: brief review of year
  4. Treasurer’s report: accounts for FY21/22
  5. Demit of current office bearers and election of office bearers
  6. Treasurer: Nomination/s (Proposer/Seconder), vote if required
  7. Secretary: Nomination/s (Proposer/Seconder), vote if required
  8. Engagement Officer: Nomination/s (Proposer/Seconder), vote if required
  9. Vice Chair: Nomination/s (Proposer/Seconder), vote if required
  10. Chair: Nomination/s (Proposer/Seconder), vote if required
  11. Dates, times and venue of future ordinary meetings and the next annual general meeting

 AGENDA: ordinary meeting

  1. Welcome, introductions, attendance, apologies
    1. to note: declarations of interest in any items on the agenda
    2. to agree: order of business below
  2. Approval of minutes of the ordinary LCCC meeting on 16 May 2022 meeting
  3. Matters arising from previous minutes (and not included on agenda below)
    1. Cllr Caldwell/Cllr Rae – item 3, point 1
    2. Cllr Caldwell – item 6.a (final point)
    3. C Encombe – item 3 (second action)
    4. C Encombe/H Tobermann – item 6.a (1st action), item 6.d, item 10
    5. P Forrisier – item 5.a, item 7.a, item 7.b, item 7.e
    6. S Kennedy –  item 7.d, item 8.b
    7. J Wilkinson – item 9
  4. Policing Matters
    1. to note: Police Report April/May/June 2022
  5. Presentation: pre-application consultation on residential development at Powderhall site by Smith Scott Mullan (architects), City of Edinburgh Council (developer) and Cruden Building (design & construct) – papers here
  6. Planning
    1. to note: update on Bingo Hall (former Capitol Cinema in Manderston Street) and joint deputation to Planning Committee led by LCCC
    2. to agree: the need to develop LCCC’s policy on Short Term Lets in our area
    3. to note: Status of current planning applications in LCCC area (June 22)
    4. to note: any other Planning matters relevant to LCCC area
  7. LCCC Governance
    1. to note: potential costs and fire safety arrangements for future LCCC meetings in Nelson Hall
    2. to note: IT governance arrangements (admin access, fallback and costs)
    3. to note: interim IT and editorial arrangements (email, website and twitter)
    4. to note: LCCC noticeboard and monthly meeting arrangements
    5. to note: report (verbal) from joint CC stall at Leith Gala Day 11 June 2022
  8. Transport & Clean Streets
    1. Update on Trams to Newhaven construction works and final design (verbal)
      1. to note: issues for residents
      2. to note: issues for businesses
    2. to note: update on communal bin arrangements along the tram route
    3. to note: update on Pilrig Cable Wheels
    4. to note: some progress on Powderhall Green Corridor (?): consultation closes 17 July 2022
    5. to note: communal bin review rollout to Pilrig, Leith Easter Road
    6. to note: update on complaints about complete and partial road closures at West Norton Place and Iona Street
    7. to note: lack of transparency regarding roll-out of public electric vehicle charging points on already busy and often poorly maintained pavements and roads
    8. to note: proposal to ‘stop up’ public roadway around Bonnington Road
    9. to note: Dryden Street building site cement discharge into public street and gullies
    10. to note: any other Transport & Clean Streets matters relevant to LCCC area
  9. Parks & Green Spaces
    1. to note: permission for Milan’s Multicultural Event in Pilrig Park on 21 August 2022 (instead of Leith Links) has not been granted by CEC
    2. to note: any Parks & Green Spaces matters relevant to LCCC area
  10. Licensing
    1. to note: any Licensing matters relevant to LCCC area
  11. Open Forum (local residents)[1]
  12. AOCB (LCCC members)[2]
  13. Future Ordinary Meetings (usually 3rd Monday of the month) and meeting topics/presentations
    1. to note: future meetings on 3rd Monday of each month at 7pm (except July and December):
      2022: 15 August, 19 September. 17 October, 21 November
      2023: 16 January, 20 February, 20 March, 17 April, 15 May (AGM), 19 June

[1] This agenda point allows members of the public to raise issues of public interest; during online meetings, please raise your virtual hand.

[2] This agenda point allows LCCC members to raise issues not covered by the agenda.