Leith Walk repairs announcement

(with thanks to Leith Harbour and Newhaven, and Leith Links CC web weavers for their posts)

The following is (presumably) an email from Alan Dean of Edinburgh Council:

We can announce that the Tender assessment for the next phase of the Leith Programme (Pilrig Street to the Foot of the Walk) is complete and the winning Tenderer is Crummock (Scotland) Ltd. The contractors will now begin to mobilise for an anticipated works start date of 5^th May 2014.

Our contractors have assured us that they will make every effort to keep disruption to a minimum, keep the worksites safe and maintain access to properties and businesses. Measures to endeavour to ensure this include:

Providing safe segregated working sites and safe surrounds

Providing appropriate signage and information

Working outwith normal site hours of operation if issues are identified with maintaining access during the working day

Minimise parking restrictions as much as possible

Dust suppression during cutting procedures

Daily inspection of site for cleanliness, security, trip hazards

At times, it will be necessary to close side roads during resurfacing and work on junctions but these will be kept to a minimum and diversion routes carefully signed.

In order to keep people in both the immediate and wider area informed of the work, letters are going out to 16,600 addresses in the broader Leith Programme area.

During the works, timescales, road diversion and access information will be regularly updated on the Council website www.edinburgh.gov.uk/leithimprovements

General questions regarding the work can be emailed to the City Centre and Leith Neighbourhood Team, citycentreteam@edinburgh.gov.uk, or phoned in 0131 529 7061. Issues related to the works on site, such as access enquiries or concerns can be directed to myself, in the first instance, as I will be based in the area and available on mobile number 07739 188438 or email alan.dean@edinburgh.gov.uk

154 Mcdonald Road planning permission likely to be granted

A letter from Edinburgh Council’s planning department says that the appeal by the developer is likely to be allowed:

Dear Leith Central Community Council,

I am writing on behalf of Councillor Ian Perry, Convener of Planning for the City of Edinburgh Council.

I expect you will be aware that the reporter has indicated that he is minded to allow the appeal and grant planning permission for the conversion of 154 Mcdonald Road to residential accommodation (application reference 13/02458/FUL):

http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=94221&T=20

Councillor Perry has now written to the appellant to ask about their intentions for 5 windows to the rear of the property which directly overlook the playground. The appellant proposed to install opaque glazing in their appeal statement, however the reporter did not deem it necessary to add a condition that would secure this aspect of the development.

I will inform you of the outcome of any discussions.

Regards,

Ian Tame

Departmental Assistant to the Planning Convener

Planning and Building Standards I Services for Communities I City of Edinburgh Council, Room 9.16, 329 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PN I Tel 0131 529 6133 I ian.tame@edinburgh.gov.uk I www.edinburgh.gov.uk

The Big Lunch!

The Big Lunch 2014 Countdown – 50 days to go!

On April 12th, with just 50 days to go until the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours, The Big Lunch is urging everyone across Scotland to get involved in this year’s event on Sunday 1 June.

The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project. The aim of the Lottery-funded event, now in its sixth year, is to get as many people as possible to have lunch with their neighbours once a year.

Free packs can be requested online, they include posters, invitations, an inspiration booklet and other materials to help organise a Big Lunch, and get-together for a day of friendship, community and fun.

Michelle McManus, who has been a supporter of The Big Lunch since 2013, said: ‘The Big Lunch is a fantastic idea that is having a positive impact in communities across Scotland and I’d encourage anyone to get signed up and get organising.

‘I got the ball rolling in my street last year and held one for my neighbours. We had a great day getting to know each other better. It makes a difference knowing who lives on your doorstep, you can make new friendships and look out for each other.’

Getting your own Big Lunch off the ground is simple and inexpensive, people are the key ingredient.

Organising a Big Lunch is easier than you think; all you need to do is follow a few simple steps:

Settle on a venue, anywhere from a street to a garden or local community space
If you’re planning a street party, don’t forget to apply to close your road (contact your local council for advice – see www.thebiglunch.com for advice)
Invite your neighbours, with free invitations available in your Big Lunch pack
Decide on who will bring what food, such as a bring-your-own picnic or a barbeque
Arrange your decorations and music, bunting templates are also included in the pack.

The benefits of having a Big Lunch? Research from The Big Lunch showed that over 60% of organisers say having an event in their community made them feel less isolated and 86% of the 3.65 million people that took part in last year’s Big Lunch reported a positive long term effect in their neighbourhood as a result.

Emily Watts, communications manager for The Big Lunch in Scotland said: ‘The Big Lunch is all about getting together and having fun. They can be big or small and don’t need to cost much because everyone brings something to the table.

‘It’s a great way to get neighbours talking, sharing conversation, skills, resources – and, of course, the key ingredient is food! It’s not too late to take part in this year’s event on 1 June so why not sign up now for your free pack and get your own event started.’

The Eden Project started The Big Lunch in 2009 with the belief that we’re better equipped to tackle the challenges we face when we face them together
The Big Lunch is led by the Eden Project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and supported by Halifax, Asda and Streetclub by B&Q. Find out more about The Big Lunch at www.thebiglunch.com
The aim is simply to bring as many people as possible together for lunch with their neighbours once a year and encourage the sharing of conversation, ideas, skills and resources
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall is Patron of The Big Lunch
The Big Lunch takes place annually on the first Sunday in June, but events can be held on another day if it works better for the community

See how The Big Lunch comes to life

The Big Lunch Impact: Feeding Community Spirit

For further information contact:

Julie Gracie, Golley Slater, 0131 220 8787 / jgracie@golleyslater.co.uk

High Hedges

This week (from 1 April) the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 came into effect to help resolve issues with high hedges which are having a negative impact on domestic properties.

Where neighbours are unable to resolve the issue of a high hedge, this new legislation gives homeowners and occupiers a right to apply to Edinburgh Council for a high hedge notice.The Council will act as an independent and impartial adjudicator, considering the position of each party, before making a decision.

The intention is that the new law will resolve problems caused by hedges (hedges which are over two metres tall and block out light) and allows Edinburgh Council to enforce decisions taken. You can find more about the new legislation and how to make an application for a high hedges notice including the relevant fees on the Edinburgh Council website.

(copied from Planning Edinburgh blog)