Minutes
of Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council
Meeting of Wed 24th April 2019 at St
Catherine’s Argyle Church Halls,
Beaufort Road
Present: Brian Gilmore (Chair), Sophia
Coyne (Minute Secretary), Mike Shields (MSCC), Shane Voss (MSCC), Douglas
Rogers (MSCC), Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Alastair McClunes (Resident),
Anne Laing (MSCC), Cameron Ross (Cllr), and Neil Ross (Cllr).
Apologies: Alison Service
(Treasurer), Susan Agnew (MSCC), Anthony Holmes (Thirlestane Lane Assoc).
Minutes from March’s meeting have been circulated, with a minor change
regarding the apologies, and were subsequently approved and seconded by present
members.
Matters arising:
Brian circulated the agenda, apologies, and noted an action for item 7
on the agenda. He
also commented on a misunderstanding about the planning applications regarding
the Royal Sick Hospital from March’s meeting but the minutes are strictly
correct..
Police Report:
None.
There are a number of ongoing activities that have rendered the police
unavailable to attend tonight’s meeting.
Meadows & Bruntsfield Links
There was a discussion concerning the effort of Parks to raise funds from
commercial units, and to nominate certain units for this purpose, rather than
raising income via cuts.
An inquiry was made concerning the source of power for energy intensive
mobile units. Power
for big events cannot run off lamp posts. Use of generators was
discussed.
The Meadows Festival Committee challenged fees charged in connection
with the festival. They
were successful in obtaining a reduction in charges from £5,000 to £1,000. Organizers of the event said
the event might have been cancelled had the discount not been attained.
The arbitrary redrawing of boundaries in the Meadows in 2017 placed the
event in the city centre council ward and resulted in increased licensing fees.
An inquiry was made concerning repairs conducted in the Meadows. There is usually no warning
when the repair is urgent.
City Councillor report on topical local issues:
Edinburgh City Council’s planning committee approved proposals for a
concert hall in St. Andrews Square today. The venue will be the base
for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and will have a range of other uses. It will be built behind the
Royal Bank of Scotland at St. Andrew’s Square. the campaign to build the
concert hall was backed by a number of sources including charitable trust
Impact Scotland and a generous donor who put up £30 million.
There was discussion concerning planning applications for a flat in the
attic at 100 Thirlstane Road.
Considerations such as the extent of impact on a conservation area
influence whether the council will refuse the application.
In evaluating what constitutes “development” the council considers
“material changes in
principal elevation” and insertion of roof windows among other things.
Consistency in comments and evaluation on submitted planning
applications in Marchmont is the aim.
Election of Secretary (repeat)
None.
Royal Hospital for Sick Children:
It was reported that the planning application passed, and the Mansfield
Chapel Building was approved although the final document sent to Downing Group has
not yet been seen by Douglas.
Concern was expressed regarding protection of murals inside the space if
flats were allowed above it.
There have been discussions between Downing Group developers and
community groups including the neighborhood watch group. MSCC should continue to be
involved regarding community space. Level of participation has
waned. Church
historic trust group want to take space as well. Community council and school
involved blocked the idea of community space being a joint community
space/school.
The concept of housing, one and two bedroom flats, at the site is
debated.
There was uncertainty as to moving date for the nursery. There was uncertainty as to the
Lease transfer date to the Downing Group. There was no clarity as to
road closures, widening of pavement and parking arrangements.
The premises for the Boroughloch Medical Practice is potentially
threatened.
Emphasis was placed on keeping lines of communication open with various
players here.
Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment: update
There have been no further updates. The Astley Ainsley Community Trust
held a feedback session with approximately 100 people. A leaflet of combined
preferences was prepared.
A May 27th meeting has also been scheduled. The NHS have been slow to
advise of updates.
Agreement must be reached concerning next steps and status of community
engagement by the council on this issue.
Review of Community Councils Scheme:
There was discussion concerning the new draft scheme distributed.
Planning matters (Applications & consultations):
New School on Canaan Lane
Objections have been raised and there is a campaign against a new school
on Canaan Lane. Traffic
issues appear to be the main objection.
Treasurer's report:
Apologies
from the treasurer but the books are currently with the Auditor ahead of the
AGM.
Meetings attended:
An event was held examining Climate Change in Scotland: Meeting
Emissions Reduction Targets.
A new Climate Change Bill is being considered in Parliament.
There are long term targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at
least 90% by 2050 .
Issues examined include space heating, transport, foods people eat, and
lifestyle changes. There
was discussion as to whether there is any role that the community council could
play. It
is worth considering the problem with heating, insulation and environmental
impacts in Marchmont. Environmental
benefits of renewable energy such as wind power, and tidal power were
discussed.
AOCB:
Brian has circulated information concerning tri-annual elections to the
members.
9th of September -
start of nominations.
30th of September -
close of nominations. All
forms must be received by then.
This CC has a maximum number of Councillors of 14, so more than 7 will
need to be nominated..
If there are sufficient nominations, a meeting will be held on the 10th of October.
If the number of nominations is higher than the number of places
available, an election will be held on the 31st of October.
Date of next meeting:
22nd of May 2019.
The meeting closes at 8:38 PM.
