4 February 2020 in Fairmilehead Parish Church

Fairmilehead Community Council Ordinary Meeting held on Tuesday 4 February 2020 in Fairmilehead Parish Church

Present: Colin Anderson (Vice Chair); Norman Tinlin (Secretary); Fiona Simon (Treasurer); Gillian Holmes (Winton Loan Woodland Trust); Fraser Simon; Stella Thomson (Engagement Officer);

Ex Officio: Councillors Arthur; Doggart and Rust;

25 members of the public of which 9 withdrew after item 2.

Apologies: Dennis Williams (Chair); Johanna Carrie; Barbara Dick; Carol Lonie; Margaret Walker; Gordon Lindhurst MSP

The Secretary opened the meeting by explaining that Dennis Williams (Chair) was unable to attend due to a business commitment and that the meeting would be chaired by Colin Anderson (Vice Chair).

1. Police Report The Secretary advised that due to attendance on a police course PC Jones was unable to attend the meeting. He had omitted to attach the report to his e-mail.

2. Swanston to Portobello Cycling Path Ross Woodside of the Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT), previously the Greenbelt Trust, gave a presentation on the Pentland to Portobello Feasibility Study. Mr Woodside who is a Project Manager with ELGT, explained that it is hoped to establish a walking/cycling route which runs from the base of the Pentland Hills to Portobello on the coast in Edinburgh. The plan is to establish a green active travel corridor, avoiding road usage whenever possible, for the south east which would mirror the Water of Leith Walkway. The full report (50286 Feasibility Report 19.06.19) is available on the ELGT website at www.elgt.org.uk. A copy of the presentation slides can be found at: http://www.fairmileheadcc.org.uk/Talks_Page.htm

Mr Woodside stated that the route, which is extensively mapped on the website, is thought to be the optimum route prioritising greenspace and ensuring segregation from traffic wherever possible. This should provide safe travel for both commuting and leisure. The overall aim of the path route is two- fold: to create a strategic long-distance direct route from the Pentlands to Portobello; and enhance connections to local community hubs to encourage greater use of the open spaces and local path network.

The idea for the feasibility study was initiated by Edinburgh District Council in 2015 whose aim it is to encourage cycling and walking by providing safe new routes. However, it wasn’t until funding was secured from Sustrans and the CSGNT Development fund that the study was carried out by the environmental consultancy Ironside Farrar. The mainly desk based study identified a route comprising of 4 sections:

1. Foot of the Pentlands to Burdiehouse Road 2. Burdiehouse Road to Old Dalkeith Road 3. Old Dalkeith Road to Niddrie Mains Road 4. Niddrie Mains Road to Portobello

The route crosses some established paths and also identifies missing links between the Pentlands and Portobello. The final pathways are envisaged as comprising sealed surfaces of 3-3.5metre width. Walkers and cyclists would not be separated. It is hoped that construction will begin in 2021 but is dependent on amongst other things financing and further route development. The City of Edinburgh Council own most of the land the route would cross and have indicated that it will be included within the City Plan 2030. Active travel is a priority of the Council’s Transport 2030 Vision stating that it is hoped that “By 2030, to make Edinburgh’s transport system one of the most environmentally friendly, healthiest and most accessible in northern Europe”. 1 © Fairmilehead Community Council

Questions 1) Most of the questions raised revolved around why several already established paths, currently well used by both walkers and cyclists, are not included in the proposed route. Mr Woodside explained that many of these routes involve road usage and the primary aim is for the use of greenspace. Other factors regarding the mapping of the route included the fact that alternatives might cross land not owned by the City of Edinburgh Council or other active travel organisations and could therefore present problems with access etc. 2) The idea that the route might be extended via Colinton to link with the Water of Leith was also discussed. Mr Woodside thought that long term that might be a possibility, but it would be an entirely separate project. 3) The question was raised as to how the local community might get involved as there was concern that there had not been enough consultation with local communities regarding the path network. Mr Woodside stated that the ELGT is always open to dialogue with all local groups and welcomes comment form forums such as the community council.

3. Minute of Meeting Held on Tuesday 7th January 2020 These were approved by the meeting.

4. Matters Arising a) Noticeboard The Secretary told the meeting that he had received a quote of £500 plus vat to install a new noticeboard. He asked if anyone knew of an alternative firm who may provide a more reasonable quote, perhaps a local builder.

5. Correspondence a) Fire service – a free home fire safety visit can be booked at firescotland.gov.uk. The Secretary pointed out that on his release from hospital last year he had had smoke alarms installed by the fire service at no charge. They also replaced the batteries every 2-3 years. The Fire Inspectorate were also conducting a survey on community involvement and he would respond. b) Volunteer at Marie Curie – event on Thursday 6th February 12noon – 7pm. c) Pentlands Community Grant Fund – grants are still available. Closing date for applications 12/02/2020. d) EVOC Funding Fair 11/03/2020 – EVOC Offices - 525 Ferry Road. e) Consultation on the Choices for City Plan 2030 began on Friday 31/01/2020 and will run for 8 weeks. https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/choicesforcityplan2030/ f) The next BBC Scotland debate night will be held on 26/02/2020. Apply to join the audience at www.bbc.co.uk/debatenight.

6. Councillors’ Reports Cllr Arthur distributed copies of his report:

The Council has started a major consultation regarding how Edinburgh will develop over the next 10 years. Full documents are online (linked at the bottom of this item), but residents are being asked for their opinions on the topics (AKA Choices) listed below. This includes everything from protecting our greenbelt to building carbon neutral homes in Edinburgh. Please find time to take part. There are open meetings and an online consultation: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/choicesforcityplan2030/ The "Choices": 1. Making Edinburgh a sustainable, active and connected city 2. Improving the quality, density and accessibility of development 3. Delivering carbon neutral buildings 4. Creating Place Briefs and supporting the use of Local Place Plans in our communities 5. Delivering community infrastructure

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6. Creating places that focus on people not cars 7. Supporting the reduction in car use in Edinburgh 8. Delivering new walking and cycle routes 9. Protecting against the loss of Edinburgh’s homes to other uses 10. Creating sustainable communities 11. Delivering more affordable homes 12. Building our new homes and infrastructure 13. Supporting inclusive growth, innovation, universities, & culture 14. Delivering West Edinburgh 15. Protecting our city centre, town and local centres 16. Delivering office, business and industry floorspace Full details: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/local-development-plan-guidance/city-plan- 2030?documentId=12552&categoryId=20069 Fairmilehead Area News Mounthooly Ice & Parking - Many thanks to the Mounthooly residents that contacted me about Gritting & Parking on the main access road to the estate - Mounthooly Loan On the gritting issue: “Following on from my earlier correspondence just before the Christmas break. I’m afraid that Mounthooly Loan does not meet the criteria for being classed as Priority 1 route as identified on the council’s website. However, officers do recognise that due to the elevation, incline and exposure on the eastern side that it should be treated, where possible, immediately after the P1 network. Mounthooly is located on a Priority 2 route (Bankhead 201) which means it will be the first treated route after P1 network. Moving forward we will undertake more patrolling of this area by night shift to quicker identify when conditions require treatment and where required and resources permitting we will treat. Where prolonged cold is forecast, or as was experienced on the 16th the presence of ice, then we will cover Priority 2 as soon as we can within core hours. Could I also suggest that if members of the public experience conditions that they feel requires gritting that they contact us through the following email address that is accessed by our duty managers then response, resources permitting, will be quicker: [email protected] I appreciate this is not necessarily what the residents want to hear, but as the city expands, traffic congestion increases and available resources are put under increased pressure there is only so much we can do. Can I apologies again for not being quicker off the mark to treat the loan on the 16th and hopefully by increasing patrols and having a more direct route for residents to contact us about local conditions then we can provide a better service.” This is progress, but not what I’d hoped for. I’ve asked for this to be reconsidered. I shall share an update on this as soon as I receive it. On the parking issue (parked cars blocking visibility on the bend): “We have concerns that removing the parking will increase the speed of vehicles on this stretch of road and in these cases it is about getting the appropriate balance. We will take another look as one of the solutions could be promoting a traffic regulation order to install parking restrictions on the corners”. Again, I shall share an update on this as soon as I receive it. Broomhills Primary School - It is just outside my Ward, but I have had it confirmed that the new Broomhills Primary School is due to open in August 2020 for P1 children. Further information, including the catchment area for the new school can be found here: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/broomhillsprimaryschool Information about how to apply for a place at a school which is not your current catchment school can be found here:%20https:/www.edinburgh.gov.uk/school-places/school-placing-requests Oxgangs Area News Snowdrops - The Oxgangs Snowdrop Planting at Triangle Community Garden will take place on 10-11am Tuesday 11 February. Refreshments will be provided at Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre - Email Kim ([email protected]) for details. Polite Warning - The Council are picking up regular complaints about dangerous parking around Firrhill Crescent and are trying to be more responsive. The Wardens will be out again over the next few days... including in the evenings. Colinton Area News 3 © Fairmilehead Community Council

The Dark Side of Colinton – Following concerns raised by Colinton Community Council, I have asked the lighting to be reviewed on the steps from Gillespie Road to the Shoot that leads to Pentland Avenue. Pentland Hills Access at Dreghorn Link - Below is a MoD briefing on access to the Pentland Hills via the military access road just off Dreghorn Link. https://drscottarthur.scot/2020/01/27/briefing- access-to-the-pentland-hills-via-the-military-access-road-just-off-dreghorn-link/ Colinton Dell Bridges - I have had a few complaints about the two closed bridges in Colinton Dell. They are both outside my Ward but lots of my constituents use them - below is the response I got from the Council: “…we do not have a timescale for the reopening of these. However, I can confirm a grant application has been submitted to FCC Communities Foundation, included in the application is improvements to the path/steps/drainage on the access path to/from Dell Road (by Colinton Kirk), the installation of a new Pipeline Bridge, the removal and installation of a new bridge over the river parallel to Redhall Weir. The application should be considered by the Board of Directors on 04 March 2020 who will decide whether the project should be funded. A capital bid has also been applied for internally and we should receive an answer regarding any potential funding by the end of February 2020.” Scottish Water Compound - Scottish Water have applied for planning permission to establish a temporary compound adjacent to the Water of Leith Walkway between Gillespie Road and Colinton Tunnel. They say they will need the area for up to one year. From the application: 19/05805/FUL | Temporary construction compound. | Land 111 Metres East Of 4 Gillespie Road Edinburgh "The proposed location of the onsite car parking is currently used for informal car parking by members of the public. Public car parking will continue to be provided elsewhere in this section of the Water of Leith walkway. Some vegetation and tree clearance/skimming are required to allow the positioning of the cabins and plant on site. It is intended that the site will have consent for 1 year which ties into the proposed construction duration of this section of the Water of Leith infrastructure project." Full details are online - https://tinyurl.com/w4c9a74 Farm Building Planning - A planning application has been submitted to erect a farm-related building at 67 Bonaly Road (19/05980/PNA). Details: https://tinyurl.com/slaj7px Colinton Inn Defibrillator - I queried the need for planning permission to place a defibrillator outside Colinton Inn after a member of staff raised concerns about the time it was taking. The Council have now confirmed that planning permission is NOT needed, and that the whole situation will be used as a case study during staff training. The official response: "I can now confirm that the application has been formally determined as not constituting development. The proposed defibrillator can be placed onto the front elevation of Colinton Inn." Ward News Pentland Primary Parking – Linked below is a briefing from Pentland Primary School Parent Council (PPC) about parking around the school. https://drscottarthur.scot/2019/12/19/parking- around-pentland-primary-school-a-note-from-parents/ City News City Transport Plan - The Council has published its draft "City Mobility Plan" - this details how the transport system must change over the coming decade to meet the needs of the people that live here. As well as looking at transport inside the Edinburgh, it also looks at how people travel here to work from East/West/Mid-Lothian & Fife. Please think about taking part in the consultation: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/city-mobility-plan/ 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz - It was humbling to be able to represent everyone in the Colinton, Oxgangs & Fairmilehead area on the 27th January at wreath laying in Edinburgh to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. As well as being joined by members of Edinburgh's Jewish community, we also had a short talk from a Polish holocaust survivor. Janine Webber BEM spoke about what it was like for her during the war, and how she lost most of her family. We also spoke about the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-95) and the ongoing situation in Myanmar. The event concluded with prayers in Hebrew. Amongst these was a moving recital of Psalm 20 which I am sure many victims of the holocaust said in their final moments:

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1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. 4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. 6 Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. 9 Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call! True Grit - This is a reminder that the Council focuses its gritting activity on "Priority 1" routes. I am not a fan of this approach, but there is no funding to do more due to cuts. 1. The Priority 1 routes can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/GritRoute 2. If your grit bin needs filled, please use this link to report it: https://tinyurl.com/NaeGrit Report illegally parked vehicles - Residents may be interested to know that they can now submit any parking "enforcement requests" via the Council's website. All requests are sent directly to the parking wardens to be actioned. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parking/reporting-vehicles-parked- illegally?documentId=12712&categoryId=20275. Gracemount Threat - A few people have been in touch about "plans" to close Gracemount Leisure Centre. The Council is being forced to cut services by the Scot Gov, but I have not been at any meeting where the future of Gracemount Leisure Centre was even questioned. I can't see how Edinburgh Leisure can get through the budget without any budget squeeze, but I'd oppose any plans to close Gracemount.

Councillor Doggart presented his report. The councillor started by apologising for a computer issue which had resulted in people having difficulty contacting him. The issue had now been resolved. He advised the meeting that David Ellis had presented a very poor business plan to the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the Quaich Project. Mr Ellis had been asked to improve upon the plan and resubmit. Councillors had shared similar concerns regarding the project as those raised at the Fairmilehead Community Council meeting on 7 January 2020 when Mr Ellis had made a presentation to the Community Council. With regards to Redford Barracks the council is awaiting a draft plan. The Ministry of Defence is currently doing a study concerning the historical role of the site

Councillor Rust the Secretary circulated copies of his report:

Happy New Year to all Community Councillors and residents. I hope that it is a peaceful and generous 2020.

1. In respect of the Waterfield Road development the developer has been provided with a defects list by the Council and once they have carried out what is required and have brought the development up to adoptable standard it will be adopted following a maintenance period. 2. I have been in touch with Planning regarding the status of Comiston Farmhouse. Concerns have been expressed regarding its abandoned state of the building and lack of progress. Planning are to formally respond to me, but the developer is keen to progress and the longstop date in the contract has been extended to cover every eventuality. Meantime the timber shutters have been replaced with metal shutters to further secure the property. 3. Plans for “floatels” on the canal near Boroughmuir High School have been approved on appeal by the Scottish Government’s Reporters’ Unit. The Council’s development management sub-committee originally rejected the plans in April 2019 (although it was recommended for approval by officials), following almost 300 objections. 4. Congratulations to Ian Murray and Joanna Cherry who were respectively re-elected to serve the Edinburgh South and Edinburgh South West seats at Westminster last month. 5. The Council has handed voluntary redundancy severance packages to 760 staff since 2016/17, including 64 since April 2019 equating to more than £31million. More details here: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/council/more-ps31-million-paid-out- edinburgh-city-council-staff-leaving-organisation-last-three-years-1356226

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6. Surgeries for 2020 continue on the first Monday of each month. 6.30pm at Oxgangs Library and 7.30pm at Colinton Library. No appointment is required. 7. Pentlands and Morningside Neighbourhood Networks Nothing to report

8. Planning and Environment Colin Anderson distributed copies of his report which can be found at Appendix A.

Colin highlighted a few areas: Item 1 – no news on the application by Hillend Leisure Limited; Item 3 – the planning application for Comiston Farmhouse has been withdrawn. It is likely the developer will resubmit a revised proposal; Item 5 – Choices for City Plan 2030 (outlying the preferred options, with some alternatives, re planning policy) is available for comment online until 27/03/2020. Consultation hub surgeries are being held around the city. Details of times and places, together with full details of the Choices for City Plan 2030 and Local Development Plan Scheme can be found on www.edinburgh.gov.uk; Item 7 – restrictions on short-term lets, especially Airbnb; Item 9 – no news on the planning application to redevelop the existing Snowsports Centre; Item 10 – The Braid Hills Hotel ( excluding 1-6 Pentland Terrace) has been designated as a Listed Building: Item 12 – of interest in regards to proposed development of retirement village at Winton East. Similar development given approval in Kinross: Item 14 – development of Sports village at Peffermill by University of Edinburgh; Item 21 – report and recommendations regarding Royal High School Building to be with Scottish Ministers by end of February.

Questions concerning Choices for City Plan 2030 1)The question was raised as to what is fuelling Edinburgh’s population growth and consequent need for housing development. Councillor Arthur pointed out that the population is expected to grow by 100,000 over the next 10 years. Such things as the increase in students remaining in the city following graduation; the growth in those working in the finance sector; increase in family size etc are all contributory factors. 2) The council’s preferred option for future housing would be good quality high density housing. However, people would appear to prefer low density sprawling developments, as is mirrored in the many large-scale developments in areas just outside Edinburgh’s boundary. 3) Will the FCC make comment on the proposed plans, especially those aspects concerning the local community? The FCC will comment where appropriate. 4) Councillor Arthur pointed out that whilst there is no shortened version of the Choices for Edinburgh City Plan 2030 he would encourage as many as possible to comment. The whole of the questionnaire need not be completed but the site is easy to use.

9. Transport a) Comment on the City Mobility Plan is open until 27 March 2020. Full details of the plan plus drop in events are available at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/say/city-plan-2030-city-mobility-plan/

The plan includes some marked changes in the way Edinburgh organises its transport system. The role of the car in city travel is to be reduced with an emphasis on improved public transport and walking/ cycling pathways. It offers an insight into the thinking of both elected councillors and paid officials.

Concern was expressed regarding the vast increase in local traffic arising from cars travelling from the many outlying housing developments into the city. It is hoped that the plan with help address this issue.

The question of who pays for all the new transport links was also raised. It was pointed out that many developers are required to pay for new/improved links as part of the planning process such as in the case of RBS and the tram line at Gogarburn.

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Those in attendance were encouraged to take part in the consultation regarding the City Mobility Plan.

10. AOCB

Local Place Plans (LPP) A question was raised regarding the possibility of the community council becoming involved in the development of a Local Place Plan. The area of Balerno is thought to have prepared such a plan. Colin Anderson (Vice Chair) stated that he was aware of the LPP provision in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. However, he did not possess a full working knowledge of the provision outwith it being a type of plan giving communities the opportunity to develop proposals for the development and use of land in the place where they live. Whether on a very localised, e.g., community council level, or the equivalent of a small-town district he was not sure. As with the formulation of any development plan there would likely be considerable cost involved. Colin suggested that it might be useful to ask an organisation such as Planning Democracy to give a presentation to the community council on LPP’s.

Toilets – at Fairmilehead crossroads. It was noted that this site would appear to be being used as a builder’s store/dump. Vans are being parked on the corner for loading/unloading resulting in restricted access to Frogston Road West. As well as the inconvenience caused this practice is also dangerous for other road users. .

Alleged illegally parked vehicles can be reported on-line at: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/illegalyparked

11. Date of Next Meeting

This was arranged for Tuesday 3 March 2020 in Fairmilehead Parish Church

Forthcoming Meetings:

Tuesday 7 April 2020 Tuesday 5 May 2020 Tuesday 2 June 2020

Contacts: e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fairmileheadcc.org.uk

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Appendix A

Planning Report – Tuesday 4 February 2020

A. FAIRMILEHEAD CC – LIVE

1. Development for mountain bike trail centre, indoor and outdoor leisure, food and beverage, professional services suites, offices, retailing, short stay visitor accommodation and associated site access, parking, landscaping and other works at the former Lothianburn Golf Club, 106 Biggar Road Reference :- 19/00764/PAN (CEC) and 19/00126/PAC (Midlothian)

On 13 February 2019 this PAN was lodged by Hillend Leisure Limited. There was a previous PAN under Reference 15/00169/PAN (CEC). There was a public consultation event on Tuesday 5 March 2019 in the Swanston Golf Club. Part of the site lies within Midlothian Council. The PAN was served on both local authorities, but it is understood that Edinburgh Council will be the lead determining authority of any future planning application. Alastair McClung attended the FCC meeting on 3 September 2019 and gave an update on the proposals. I attended a meeting of the Damhead and District Community Council on 3 December 2019 at which Alastair McClung and his planning agent, Richard Slipper outlined their proposals and the issues they are currently working on. No update.

B. FAIRMILEHEAD CC – PENDING

2. Numerous Tree works at 231 Braid Road Reference :- 19/05894/TPO Mortonhall Golf Club are seeking approval for numerous Tree works. The Trees are covered by a TPO dating back to 1954. In a report accompanying the application, the agent states the “aim is to improve safety and amenity value of the woods while bringing them back into active management.” The works will be staged over the next 5 years. I spoke with the Agent on 23 December when he explained the background to the application and why the works are being proposed. The application is awaiting assessment.

3. Proposed residential development at the former Comiston Farmhouse, 83 Pentland View Reference:- 19/02636/FUL Previous Reports mentioned the proposal to demolish the former Comiston Farmhouse and erect 37 flats in the grounds. Planning permission was refused by the Council, principally on the grounds of over development and this decision was upheld by the DPEA Reporter. Following a remarketing, a preferred bidder, Buckley Building UK Limited, was identified. Buckley propose to retain the Farmhouse and convert it in to 4 flats. In addition, 4 detached properties will be built in the grounds to the rear. Buckley lodged their application for planning permission in mid June. A copy of the applicant’s Planning Statement is on the Portal. 5 comments have been lodged – 3 in support, 1 against and 1 neutral. The Planning Officer is still assessing the application – no update.

C. FAIRMILEHEAD CC – COMPLETED

None.

D. CONSULTATIONS, GUIDANCE AND OTHER NEWS

4. City Plan 2030 The Main Issues Report for the next Local Development Plan - Choices for City Plan 2030 - was considered by Planning Committee on Wednesday 22 January 2020. This Report extends to 64 pages and there are also a number of accompanying documents, e.g. Housing Study which runs to 407 pages. Consultation with the public began on Friday 31 January 2020 and runs for 8 weeks. 19 “consultation” events have been arranged – details are on the Council website. There is one in Wester Hailes Library on Wednesday 19 February; and in Cameron Toll on Saturday 14 March.

5. Choices for City Plan 2030 The Council are consulting on 16 Choices. These Choices contain the preferred option(s) and at least one reasonable alternative for changing planning policy. The public are asked if they agree with the proposed changes and to say why in the Comments section. The consultation runs until 27 March and comments must be submitted online. Some items to highlight from the Choices for City Plan 2030 (note – this is a high level summary) i. housing density policy should be revised, with a minimum of 65 dwellings per hectare. ii. the aim is to create places that focus on people not cars and prioritise public transport, walking and cycling. iii. new cycling and walking routes are proposed – one is the Pentlands to Portbello link. iv. policy on purpose built student housing to be reviewed – this should be restricted to housing “built for, and managed by, one of the Universities/Colleges in Edinburgh” and cap the amount of studio flats at 10% - so these can be easily converted to residential housing in the future, if required. v. Council are committed to the delivery of 20,000 affordable houses in the next 10 years – one proposal is to increase the requirement in new developments from 25 % to 35%. vi. additional land for housing will require to be allocated. 3 options for this are set out. The preferred option is to build on brownfield sites, rather than releasing green belt land (which is option 2). Option 3 is a blended approach. If the preferred option is to be pursued, the Council may “need to intervene to deliver 275 hectares of employment land for mixed redevelopment” and this approach “may require a significant compulsory purchase order programme to ensure land comes forward.” The Council have identified a large number of brownfield sites which could be turned into locations for new houses, e.g. Redford Barracks, Liberton Hospital, Saughton House and the decommissioned runway at Edinburgh Airport. 5 green field sites have been identified as potentially becoming new housing sites if required, e.g. Riccarton, SE Edinburgh and Kirkliston. The Housing Study assesses the potential of using a number of green field sites for housing if that was to be required. One is Morton Mains but (thankfully) the conclusion is that it is not suitable for development “due to its poor accessibility, community infrastructure capacity, prominent landscape character and contribution to the strategic green network.”

6. DPEA – Planning Appeals during Quarter 2 of 2019/20 In Quarter 2, there were 30 appeal decisions issued by dpea on applications refused by the Council. Of these 21 were dismissed and 9 were allowed. There was one application which the DMC refused contrary to the planning officer’s recommendation - this appeal was allowed.

7. Short-Term Lets As of May 2019, Airbnb had 32,000 active listings in Scotland, approximately one half were either in Edinburgh or Highland Council areas. The sector is mostly unregulated, and there are inconsistencies in practice as Local Authorities treat short-term lets on a case by case basis, deciding whether or not there has been a “material change of use” to the property. Section 17 of the new Planning (Scotland) Act gives power (optional) to Local Authorities to introduce Short-Term Let Control Areas where they decide this is the best interests of the local community. All or part of the Local Authority area can be designated as a Control Area. The aim is for the Regulations to be in place by Spring 2021. Clearly there will be significant resource implications for Local Authorities (particularly in Edinburgh) in dealing with a huge number of planning applications if a Control Area is designated. In addition, the Scottish Government announced last month that Local Authorities would have further powers to regulate Short- Term Lets by introducing a licensing scheme under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 – again to be introduced in Spring 2021. This will include a new mandatory safety requirement. As with the new planning controls, will Local Authorities have sufficient resources to administer such a new scheme?

E. DEVELOPMENTS – EDINBURGH, MIDLOTHIAN and EAST LOTHIAN

8. Demolition of existing dwelling house, erection of hotel (approximately 150 rooms), erection of replacement house plot, formation of 3 house plots, formation of access roads, car parking and associated works – at Land (12.23 acres) at Calderstones, Biggar Road Reference :- 15/00113/PPP; 18/00528/S42 and 18/00628/S42 (Midlothian Council) As mentioned in last May’s Report, Midlothian Council decided to consult with various statutory consultees on the S42 application and the accompanying Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Correspondence between Transport Scotland and the Council in July on the issue of vehicle access 9 © Fairmilehead Community Council

conditions for any consent is on the Planning Portal. This raises issues of relevance for all 3 developments currently proposed in the Hillend area. The Report to the Planning Committee is on the Planning Portal and recommends the application be approved (subject to various conditions) for the following reason - “The proposed development for a hotel/tourist accommodation accords with policy VIS2 of the Midlothian Local Development Plan 2017; as such there is a presumption in favour of the proposed development. This presumption in favour of the development is not outweighed by other policies in the development plan or other material considerations. The proposed amendments to conditions 4 and 5 are considered not to undermine this policy position or have a detrimental impact”. The application in respect of 18/00628/S42 came before the Planning Committee at its meeting on 27 August and was approved subject to 14 detailed conditions. There is mention on the Planning Portal that the application 18/00528/S42 may be withdrawn by the applicant.

9. Application for planning permission in principle for redevelopment of existing Snowsports Centre to include additional leisure facilities, tourist accommodation, hotel, function suite, ancillary retail and restaurant, formation of access road and car parking (this application is accompanied by an environmental impact assessment report submitted under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment)(Scotland) Regulations 2017 at Midlothian Snowsports Centre References :- 18/00970/PAC and 19/01018/PPP (Midlothian Council) n 10 December the application for planning permission in principle was lodged. This follows on from the PAN lodged almost a year ago. All the accompanying documents are up on the Planning Portal. In May 2019 Midlothian Council approved £13.8m of capital funding into the development of the Snowsports Centre into an all year round multi activity leisure facility. The application is now being assessed by the Planning Service.

10. Designation of the Braid Hills Hotel as a Listed Building Reference – LB52543 The Braid Hills Hotel was designated as Listed Building – Category C on 21 January. This excludes the linking block and 1 – 6 Pentland Terrace to the south, the single-storey addition to the west and the detached former stable block to the west. It met the criteria for the following reasons :- its Scots Baronial architectural design; a prominently sited, landmark building in Edinburgh; an early example of a purpose-built suburban hotel in Scotland; and its social and economic history as part of the golfing and tourism boom in and around Edinburgh towards the end of the 19th Century.

11. Placement of car village/collection point within food store car park at 30 New Swanson Reference :- 19/05419/FUL December’s Report mentioned that Morrisons are proposing to extend their existing retail offer at the supermarket at Hunters Tryst by providing a new WeBuyAnyCar.com pod, to be located within the existing car park. This was granted as Fast Track Decision on 10 January 2020. In the decision letter the Planning Official states the development “complies with the LDP and represents an acceptable form of alteration of the premises and would not disrupt any residential amenity or have an adverse impact on road safety.”

12. Erection of 33 dwelling houses, 8 flats, community lounge/guest suite, formation of parking areas, landscaping and associated works at the site of the former Windlestrae Hotel, Kinross Reference:- 19/01626/FLL (Perth and Kinross) This is an application by Juniper Residential (part of the Cruden Group) to build a retirement village on the site of the now closed Windlestrae Hotel. A mix of house types is proposed together with a club lounge located in the centre of the development as the communal hub of the community. Above the club lounge on the first floor will be a guest suite which can be reserved for say a family visiting a resident. The proposal includes affordable housing (8 flats) which would be managed by a Registered Social Landlord. 22 objections were lodged, including ones by Kinross Community Council and Kinross-shire Civic Trust. Planning Officials recommended approval and this was agreed to by the Planning Committee on 15 January. (Juniper Residential are currently developing a similar retirement village on the site of the former Wheel Inn restaurant in Scone.)

13. Proposed cinema development (Class 11) with ancillary Class 1 (retail), Class 2 (Financial and Professional Services) and Class 3 (Food and Drink) use, reconfiguration of existing car park and landscaping at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, 6 Lady Road Reference :- 19/06001/FUL 10 © Fairmilehead Community Council

This proposed development by Lady Road Investment SARL is for the erection of a 10 screen cinema with ground floor ancillary Class 1, 2 and 3 uses, detached from the body of the current Centre by a new square. The proposals also reconfigure the current car parking layout and provide additional public realm/landscaping between the proposed development site and the current shopping centre. 3 restaurants are planned. Consent for a similar development was granted in 2012 (as amended in 2015), but the new owners propose changes to this. Empire Cinemas are the proposed cinema operator. Subject to approval, work could start this summer for completion by Christmas 2021.

14. The development of a Sports village for the University of Edinburgh at Peffermill playing fields to accommodate redeveloped playing surfaces and the erection of a new Sports Centre and student residence incorporating ancillary facilities at 42 Peffermill Road Reference :- 19/01249/PAN and 19/05923/FUL Peffermill has been the University’s main outdoor sporting site for decades. This proposal is to create world-class sports facilities there to improve the quality and provision of the sporting facilities available for students, staff and the local community. A Sports Village would be created, combining improved and expanded indoor and outdoor sports facilities with quality on-site student accommodation. At present, around half of the bookings at Peffermill come from the local community.

15. External alterations to building (new street level disabled access, new entrance canopy, replacement signage and flags, external flood lighting, windows at 2nd floor level, lift extension and new corridor enclosure at 5th floor level) at Overseas House, 100 Princes Street References :- 19/05790/FUL and 19/05791/LBC Last month’s Report mentioned the proposal by Red Carnations Limited to turn this building into a unique luxury 5 star hotel. 2 comments are on the Planning Portal, one in support and one against.

16. Enforcement notice served on the owner of the property at 5/9 Castle Wynd South. Scottish Government Appeals Division Reference :- ENA-230-2164 The property concerned is a 3 bedroom top floor duplex flat situated in a modern development comprising 11 flats behind the Grassmarket. The Council served an enforcement notice alleging that the use of the property for short stay accommodation represented a material change of use which would require planning permission. The flat was let out as an entire unit and not on a per room basis. No services are provided. No complaints have been received. The Reporter held there had been a material change of use. In her decision letter dated 12 December she said “in my view, the key issue is the disturbance caused by the use. Assuming a minimum stay of 3 nights, there would be a 2 to 3 changeovers a week....These relatively frequent departures and arrivals, regardless of the number of occupants, would have an impact on the character of the block of flats and would be bound to create some disturbance to the other residents. These impacts are more pertinent in this case as the flat is on the top floor.”

17. Part demolition and conversion of existing building and erection of new development for residential accommodation with associated business, commercial, leisure, ancillary uses, public realm, hard and soft landscaping, access arrangements, parking and infrastructure by Queensberry Properties Limited at Finance House, Orchard Brae Reference :- 20/00124/PAN A proposal for the future of the Finance House on Orchard Brae is out for consultation. The application form is the only document on the Planning Portal at present. The building is currently empty. There are 2 public exhibitions on 6 February and 19 March respectively between 2 and 8 pm.

18. Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op is seeking permission to install Solar PV panels on the roof of the building to generate clean energy. There is no change of use in the building in its current form at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, Unit 1, 177 - 191 Colinton Road Reference :- 19/06057/FUL This is a new application and the drawings showing the location of the proposed Solar PV panels are on the Planning Portal.

19. Development of southern phase of Edinburgh Park to comprise mix of uses including residential (class 9 houses and sui generis flats), student accommodation and serviced apartments (sui generis), offices (class 4), hotel (class 7), creche (class 10), leisure (class 11), ancillary class 1/class 2/class 3

11 © Fairmilehead Community Council and sui generis public house, car parking, landscaping, roads, access and associated works at Land Adjacent to Lochside Way Reference :- 20/00260/PAN This application by Parabola Edinburgh Limited follows a previous PAN (I attended the public exhibition for that) and reflects a revised approach to an enlarged site “to take forward a mix used residential led masterplan”. The site extends to 14.3 hectares and lies to the South of where Parabola have recently started the construction of a major new office building. There will be a Public Exhibition in the nearby Novotel on Thursday 27 February between 1 and 7 pm.

20. Demolition of rear office block and associated works and erection of music and performing arts venue (Class 11) – Dunard Centre - and associated uses at 35-36 St Andrew Square References:- 17/04757/PAN; 18/04657/FUL and 18/07127/LBC Previous Reports have mentioned the proposed concert hall (1,000 capacity) immediately behind Dundas House. Last June it was announced that the developers of the new St James Quarter (who objected to this application) had lodged a petition in the Court of Session for a judicial review of the decision to grant planning permission. Following a mediation process last month, the developers have agreed to drop the legal action. A new planning application will be submitted and both the Impact Centre and the developers will work in partnership to ensure the successful delivery and then operation of the new concert hall. A spokesman for the Impact Centre was quoted as saying “Significant changes to the original plans will be made in order to reflect the sensitivities of the site and the needs of our neighbours.”

21. Former Royal High School Building at 5-7 Regent Road, Edinburgh Refs:- 15/03989/FUL and 15/03990/LBC Scottish Government Appeals Division Refs :- PPA-230-2178; LBA-230-2076 Refs :- 16/04537/PAN; 17/00587/LBC and 17/00588/FUL (amended applications) Scottish Government Appeals Division Refs :- PPA-230-2213; LBA-230-2118

*Case Update – 13 January 2020* The report and recommendations are being finalised and is expected to be submitted to Scottish Ministers by the end of February.

22. Application for planning permission in principle for Land 1000 metres NW, W and W of Hermiston Junction M8, Gogar Road – proposed residential development, local centre, community facilities (including primary school), green network (“Phase 1 of the Garden District”) by Murray Estates. Reference :- 15/04318/PPP Scottish Government Appeals Division Reference :- NOD-EDB-002

*Case Update 21 October 2019* The report for this case was submitted to Scottish Ministers on 6 February 2019. The application has been returned to dpea for further process and the case will be re- opened with a view to providing a further recommendation to Ministers. The re-opening of the case will be focused on housing land supply, including up to date information published through the City of Edinburgh Council housing land audit. The Reporter has invited further submissions from key parties. (This aspect has now been completed.) No update.

Colin W Anderson Planning Representative