Fairmilehead Community Council

Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 2 September 2014 in Fairmilehead Parish Church

Present: Dennis Williams (Chair); Norman Tinlin (Secretary); Fiona Simon (Treasurer); Colin Anderson; Johanna Carrie; Barbara Dick (Buckstone Association); Alison Elfick, Carol Lonie (Buckstone Youth); Audrey Ryan (Winton Woods); Tom Strathdee

Ex Officio: Councillor Elaine Aitken;

10 members of the public

Apologies: Joyce and Bruce Beveridge; Douglass Grossart; Councillors Lewis & Rust; Ian Murray MP; PC Kenny Welsh

1. Police Report PC Welsh was on leave and there was no police presence at the meeting although a list of meeting dates had been submitted to Sgt Mackenzie. Concern was expressed about the lack of attendance particularly due to the recent break-ins in the area.

Councillor Aitken said she had been invited to a TAC meeting and would raise the issue there. The Secretary said he would contact the local Inspector and ask for a copy of the report for the minutes.

Reports for June, July and August were subsequently provided and they are attached as an appendix.

2. Minute Of Meeting Held On 3 June 2014 These were approved by the meeting.

3. Matters Arising: a) Scottish Water Site The Secretary circulated a copy of a report which had been provided by Gavin Pope of CALA.

Fairmilehead Community Council Update - September 2014 General 1. The payment to the City of Council in relation to the proposed play park improvements at Buckstone Circle has been made. At this stage it has not been confirmed when the works will be undertaken. 2. Both CALA and David Wilson have confirmed they will provide a storage container to Buckstone Primary. Dates for having the container delivered and works done is to be confirmed by CALA / David Wilson Homes. 3. To date 88 plots within the site have been reserved, or better. The first clients within both developments have now taken occupation. 4. The date for the construction of the pathway connecting the site to Buckstone Howe is dependent on the completion of plots adjacent to the pathway. The units surrounding this area are currently programmed for completion in March 2015. The actual date will therefore follow on from this and be driven by both health and safety requirements and also discussion with the school regarding the most appropriate time for works to be undertaken. It is currently envisaged this will be summer 2015. 5. Future sales releases are on‐going and will progress in line with sales achieved. 6. David Wilson Homes have lodged an application to amend some of the plots to the boundary shared with the Scottish Water office building. The amendment includes changing four detached units for one detached and eight terraced properties. The attached plan highlights the area of change. Planning 1. Clearance of Conditions completed with the exception of those relating to on‐going monitoring. Transport

1. Yellow lining on Buckstone Terrace is not yet complete. Works to be fully completed once the Traffic Regulation Order from CEC has been achieved. As part of this process CEC will conclude a report with a recommendation for/against the works. We are hopeful these works will be recommended within the coming month to allow lining to be completed. 2. With regards to the signalised junction, per the previous Consortium update, CALA and David Wilson Homes have written to CEC in support of the proposed pedestrian crossing, further to that we have, in line with CEC policy lodged the relevant applications to allow CEC to progress using the contribution. This contribution was paid to CEC in December 2013. We understand survey works are being consulted on before a decision is made by CEC.

The Secretary reported that he had contacted the Case Officer requesting an update on the application which had been submitted to allow approval for the diversion of funding to allow the pedestrian crossing to be installed. The response was that there has a problem in getting approval for a recommendation to approve this application but the matter was progressing.

Colin Anderson drew the meetings attention to an application by David Wilson Homes to amend the house styles on plots 132-135 including 5 additional units. (Details can be found at: https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/idoxpa- web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=N9MSDZEWJ5E00 )

The proposal was to change 4 bed houses to town houses. There had been no prior notification of the application and he was having a meeting the following week with Mansour Ali of DWH. It was hoped that regular contact would be maintained. If the application was approved there would be a requirement under S75 for an additional educational contribution. b) HRA Land at /Aldi Proposals The Chair declared an interest in this item and took no part in the discussion.

The Secretary invited Linda Williams to update the meeting. Mrs Williams said that it was intended to hold an exhibition held once Aldi have lodged their plans. This would put the other side of the arguments and facts to the public. She also stated that Aldi now owned the whole of the land. It was proposed that there would be 87 parking spaces including the existing library spaces and Aldi expected to have 40,000 customers per week.

It was proposed by Johanna Carrie, and agreed by the meeting, that the Community Council request statutory consultee status once the application is lodged. . c) Swanston Golf Course Pods The Secretary reported that this application had been withdrawn with a view to resubmitting following further consideration of the proposal.

4. Correspondence a) CEC – Liquor licence applications for July, August and September. None in area although attention was drawn to one in respect of 55-63 Dundee Street, Napier University. This was right next to where the new Boroughmuir School was being built. After discussion it was decided that the Secretary lodge an objection to the grant of the licence. b) CEC – Census information now available for Edinburgh in various different categries. The information for the Community Council area can be found at: c) http://www.fairmileheadcc.org.uk/Facts_and_Figures.htm d) Scottish Government – Easy read version of Community Empowerment () Bill Policy Memorandum e) CEC Waste Services – Information on new recycling service (Speaker attending November meeting) f) Criminal Justice service – Information on Community Payback orders g) Tea in the Park – Saturday 6 September 2014 h) Cllr Lewis – Information re Unearthing the pottery secrets of Portobello i) Cllr Lewis – Information on Pupils all aboard for writing competition j) Zero Waste Scotland - Community Action Fund- Applications invited k) Fairmilehead Church – Invoice for £48 for advert in magazine (Payment approved) l) Invest in Edinburgh magazine July to September 2014 edition m) Working Capital magazine – June 2014 edition n) Natural Scotland – Information event – Braid hills hotel, 25 September. o) Health Link newspaper Summer 2014 edition

5. Councillors’ Reports Councillor Aitken reported on the following:  Licence application for Napier University, Dundee Street – concerns of parents  TROs (Traffic Regulation Orders) - Pentland and Buckstone Terrace  Parking round schools  Anne Frank Exhibition at High School  Local Development Plan  Traffic Island Braid Road  Walkabout on Buckstone with disabled resident and Roads Officer identifying locations needing dropped kerbs

In response to a question the extension to yellow line at the foot of Buckstone Road was being progressed.

Councillor Rust In the absence of Councillor Rust copies of his report were circulated.

Boroughmuir High School  A preferred contractor has been appointed to build the new Boroughmuir High School.  The City of Edinburgh Council approved the awarding of the contract to O’Hare and McGovern at a meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee.  Work on the project is expected to start in October with completion due by summer 2016. The school will be built in on a site 500m away from the current Viewforth building. Road Markings at Swanston Road/Oxgangs Road  I have requested refreshing of road markings at the Swanston Road/Oxgangs Road junction. This includes both the box markings and ‘give way’ markings. Traffic Calming in Pentland Gardens  I passed to officials for assessment a request regarding traffic calming at Pentland Gardens.  There are no plans to take this forward at present, but Pentland Gardens is a street included within the proposed 20mph coverage. Aldi Planning  So far the missives have been concluded for the Aldi site where the social care centre and church used to be.  Aldi are yet to lodge a planning application. James Harbison has informed me that they are still in the process. At this time, they are considering improving links between the library and the Broadway centre, especially for disabled access. They have also been working closely with highway officers to develop plans that limit the traffic impact on the area.

Councillor Lewis Councillor Lewis supplied the following report: REMIT

City Art Centre – New exhibitions

I was delighted to open the new exhibitions at the City Art Centre earlier this month. Linked to Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games – ‘Where do I end and you begin’ looks takes its title from a work by Indian artist, Shilpa Gupta, the exhibition invites perspectives from across the

Commonwealth to explore and interrogate the ideas, ideals and myths which underpin notions of community, common-wealth, and the commons.

Other exhibitions include Urban/Suburban and A-Z: an alphabetical tour of Scottish art. Please take the opportunity to visit these exhibitions. Further details are available on the City Art Centre web- site.

Custom House, The Council at its meeting on 21st August 2014 agreed to purchase Custom House, Leith. This was a one-off opportunity to purchase a property of historical significance for Leith and Edinburgh. We will now be working with interested third parties to determine the future use of the building.

Culture & Sport Committee At Culture & Sport Committee this month we had annual reports from some of our key trusts that operate our Culture & Sport facilities across the city. Edinburgh Leisure and Festival City Theatres Trust (who operate the Festival Theatre and Kings Theatre) reported in their performance over the last 12 months. The reports are available on the Council web-site.

XX Commonwealth Games The best ever Commonwealth Games took place in Glasgow and Edinburgh played its part hosting the diving competitions at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. The RCP looked fantastic and our local divers Grace Reid and James Heatley made Edinburgh and Scotland proud with their performances.

The Lord Provost and I congratulated Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Games athletes at a special reception at the City Chambers on 29th August.

Edinburgh’s Summer Festivals Another buzzing August in Edinburgh has seen thousands of visitors descend on Edinburgh for our annual Summer Festivals. I hope you have all had a chance to soak up the atmosphere and taste some of the cultural offerings. Obviously too early to report on attendances but a report will be coming to Culture & Sport Committee by the end of the year.

Constituent Enquiries Received a couple of housing maintenance These are being dealt with through the enquiries. appropriate channels.

Enquiry received about a family of foxes being Foxes are not classed as vermin, do not fall seen in gardens in The Gallolee. Looking to within the term of "pest" and are protected from hear the Council views on this. cruelty by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They are not considered vectors of disease like rats or mice and do not cause structural damage and the Local Authority has no statutory obligation to control fox populations.

Fox attacks are extremely rare with no confirmed cases having ever been confirmed in the Edinburgh area.

6. Pentlands Neighbourhood Partnership a) Local Community Development Plan The Secretary stated that the new Community Plan was under development and would be the main item on the agenda for the next public meeting of the Partnership on Tuesday 30 September at 7pm in Bowling Club, Redford Road.

The Summer edition of the Neighbourhood Partnership newsletter had just been issued. He would put a copy on the website for information. http://www.fairmileheadcc.org.uk/Pentlands%20NP/PNP%20Digests/Neighbourhood%20Partnership%20Sum mer%202014%20newsletter.pdf

7. Planning and Environment a) Local Development Plan (LDP) Colin Anderson explained the rationale behind the updated plan. Comments could be submitted until 3rd October. 8,500 more units were needed to comply with the housing allocation and more land was required for these units. It was proposed under the Plan that the majority of these be allocated in the and areas. Colin showed the map for our area which showed existing sites. There were no proposed sites within our area.

The Secretary raised the fact that the shops in Buckstone Terrace were not included as a local centre whilst other similar sized areas such as Oxgangs Broadway were included. After discussion it was decided that representation be made to include the Buckstone Terrace shops as a local centre.

Further details on the LDP can be found at: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20164/local_development_plan/1050/second_proposed_local_dev elopment_plan b) Proposed Development – Frogston Road West Colin Anderson informed the meeting regarding the proposals by CALA for a development of 15-18 significant properties in the field to the west of the drive that went to Morton Mains Nursery. Access would possibly be Frogston Road West to each of houses fronting there.

An exhibition on the proposals was being held on Monday 29 September between 2.30 and 7.30pm in the church halls. The developers had been invited along to our next meeting. c) Calderstones Colin Anderson reported that the exhibition regarding the proposals for a major development comprising demolition of existing house; erection of hotel and replacement house; formation of three additional house plots; and associated development including formation of new access road from the A702 to the site and to facilitate improvements to the existing access road to the Snowsports Centre had been cancelled.

(The Secretary was just been informed that the Public Exhibition is now to be held on Tuesday 7 October 2014 between 4.30pm and 7.30pm at Meeting Room 1, Snowsports Centre, Biggar Road, Hillend, Midlothian)

8. Transport a) Traffic Island Braid Road – A consultation letter been received regarding the installation of a traffic island on Braid Road at the entrance to Cranley Nursery. The meeting agreed to support this initiative b) DYLs – Tusitala – The Secretary reported on a site meeting he had had with Andy Bogle regarding the lines at this locus. It was admitted that the present lines were illegal. c) DYLs – Cul de Sac, Buckstone Terrace – the proposals were out for consultation. d) 20mph consultation – The Secretary reported on the on going consultation to impose 20mph zones all over Edinburgh. Details and on-line survey can be found at: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20089/roads_and_pavements/1024/20mph_consultation

9. Youth Carol Lonie reported that there had been 1500 visits to the youth club and project during the previous year. Funding had been obtained from the Lord Provost’s Fund to enable the Nethybridge visit to be undertaken. Other funding for the Project had come from the Neighbourhood Partnership, CALA.and Buckstone Association. The new session started on 22 September.

Margaret Walker said that in relation to the MUGA she had asked CALA for a copy of the plans for the path through the new development to Buckstone Howe. Diane Palmer, the head teacher had suggested that the muga would take up to much room in the field and curtail the area for use on sports days and have other restrictions for school purposes.

10. AOCB Johanna Carrie informed the meeting that the following day there was the sod cutting for the Harlaw Hydro project and the builders would be starting the following Monday. The consultation on Sustainable Energy Action Plan had now closed. Transition Pentlands were looking for ideas for their meetings and projects.

Andy Lippok informed the meeting of an open space event entitled “What kind of community do we want Fairmilehead to be” being held on 1 October in the church.

11. Date Of Next Meeting This was arranged for Tuesday 7 October 2014 in Fairmilehead Parish Church.

Forthcoming Meetings: Tuesday 4 November 2914 Tuesday 2 December 2014 Tuesday 6 January 2015

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

Appendix

Police Reports

July 2014

Police Scotland Report

Date 07/07/2014 Rank/Name of Officer Attending

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston

In the period between 4th June to 7th July 2014, 89 calls were made to police for the Fairmilehead/Swanston area.

11 of these calls were intruder alarms, which turned out to be false alarms. 4 calls were regarding antisocial behaviour by youths.

4 calls were received to the Pentland Support Care Unit

13 crimes were reported with 8 of them being solved. There were 2 vehicle crimes and 2 reported break-ins.

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston 12. Crimes of note throughout this period Crime Date Type Description 12/6/14 Stolen MV Motorcycle stolen overnight from driveway in Swanston Terrace. Recovered a short time later in Swanston Gardens. Cement mixer stolen from private dwelling house garden in Swanston Terrace. Enquiries traced mixer, which was recovered. One male arrested and reported to 14/6/14 Theft PF for theft. 23/6/14 Theft Between 01/6/13 – 23/6/13. Large quantity of metal stolen from building site on Buckstone Avenue. 1/7/14 Theft OLP MV Theft of handbag from within vehicle parked in High Buckstone Att HB 2/7/14 Shed Entry attempted on garden shed 3/7/14 HB Smashed window and entered property stolen. Trench Knowe

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston 13. Road Traffic Matters

11 calls were received regarding the City Bypass including 3 debris calls and 3 breakdowns.

Edinburgh Pentlands Statistics 14. Beat Area Number of Calls Area PS01 130 /

PS02 117 / Hermiston / PS55 206 Clovenston / PF56 89 Fairmilehead /Swanston PF57 238 Firhill / Oxgangs PF58 139 Colinton /

15. PF56- Fairmilehead / Swanston 16. Safer Neighbourhood Team

The Community Policing Team Inspector covering the ward is Inspector Liz Duthie.

The CPT Sergeant covering ward 2 Balerno/Ratho/Currie/Baberton/Hermiston/Juniper Green and ward 8 Fairmilehead/Swanston/Oxgangs/Colinton/Bonaly is Sergeant Mac Mackenzie.

The team consists of 9 Community Facing Constables and the emphasis will be on Partnership working in a bid to solve local issues. Our principal partners will be those living and working in the Pentland Ward and the City of Edinburgh Council. That said multi agency working will incorporate so much more.

Should you wish to contact me or my colleagues, please do not hesitate to do so. You can contact us by email at [email protected], by telephoning the new national non- emergency number 101 or by popping into the Station. You can also follow us on twitter @PentlandsPolice.

If there is anything in particular that you wish to bring to our attention please get in touch. Partnership working requires participation.

August 2014

Police Scotland Report

Date 05/08/2014 Rank/Name of Officer Attending

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston

In the period between 8th July to 5th August 2014, 76 calls were made to police for the Fairmilehead/Swanston area.

9 of these calls were intruder alarms, all but one call turned out to be false alarms. One alarm call uncovered an attempt HB. 4 calls were regarding neighbour disputes and one youth call was received.

5 calls were received to the Pentland Support Care Unit

13 crimes were reported with 2 of them being solved. There was 1 vehicle crime recorded and 2 reported break-ins.

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston 17. Crimes of note throughout this period Crime Date Type Description 12/7/14 Theft MV Scooter stolen from roadway in View

19/7/14 Vandalism LRT bus had window smashed by youth whilst in Frogston Road West 21/7/14 Bogus Bogus British Heart Foundation Collector (clothes bags) reported in Swanston Collector Avenue. Enquiry ongoing 28/7/14 HBWI Patio window at The Steading Restaurant smashed. Alarm disturbed suspects Brick thrown at window and attempt to jemmy door of business premises in 28/7/14 Att HB Buckstone Terr. No entry gained

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston 18. Road Traffic Matters

21 calls were received regarding the City Bypass including 6 break-downs, 1 debris call and 1 vehicle accident.

Edinburgh Pentlands Statistics 19. Beat Area Number of Calls Area PS01 99 Balerno / Ratho

PS02 118 Currie/ Hermiston / Juniper Green

PS55 177 Clovenston /Baberton PF56 89 Fairmilehead /Swanston PF57 187 Firhill / Oxgangs PF58 119 Colinton / Bonaly

20. PF56- Fairmilehead / Swanston 21. Safer Neighbourhood Team

The Community Policing Team Inspector covering the Pentland Hills ward is Inspector Liz Duthie.

The CPT Sergeant covering ward 2 Balerno/Ratho/Currie/Baberton/Hermiston/Juniper Green and ward 8 Fairmilehead/Swanston/Oxgangs/Colinton/Bonaly is Sergeant Mac Mackenzie.

The team consists of 9 Community Facing Constables and the emphasis will be on Partnership working in a bid to solve local issues. Our principal partners will be those living and working in the Pentland Ward and the City of Edinburgh Council. That said multi agency working will incorporate so much more.

Should you wish to contact me or my colleagues, please do not hesitate to do so. You can contact us by email at [email protected], by telephoning the new national non- emergency number 101 or by popping into the Station. You can also follow us on twitter @PentlandsPolice.

If there is anything in particular that you wish to bring to our attention please get in touch. Partnership working requires participation.

September 2014

Police Scotland Report

Date 02/09/2014 Rank/Name of Officer Attending

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston

In the period between 6th August to 2nd September 2013, 101 calls were made to police for the Fairmilehead/Swanston area.

9 of these calls were intruder alarms, all were false alarms. 4 calls were regarding neighbour disputes and one youth call was received.

2 calls were received to the Pentland Support Care Unit

17 crimes were reported with 2 of them being solved. There were 8 recorded housebreakings (incl attempts) and 1 vehicle stolen

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston 22. Crimes of note throughout this period Crime Date Type Description 11/8/14 HB Buckstone Terrace. Force Patio doors. Evening. Enquiries ongoing. Margaret Rose Avenue. Vehicle keys “fished” through letterbox and vehicle stolen. 12/8/14 Theft MV Overnight. Vehicle recovered. Enquiries ongoing. 12//8/14 HB Buckstone Road. Rear door jemmied and forced. Evening. Enquiries ongoing. 13/8/14 Att HB Buckstone Rise. Rear door jemmied but failed to gain access. Overnight HBWI – 16/8/14 Business Buckstone Terrace. Smashed window. Overnight HB – 2 x Business HB Buckstone Terrace, smashed window and forced shutters. After 21/8/14 Business extensive enquiry male arrested and charged with both offences. Report with PF. 16- 24/8/14 HB Buckstone Court. Rear Patio door forced. Early evening. Enquiries ongong. ATM 28/8/14 Tamper RBS Biggar Road, Device attached to ATM, discovered by staff.

PF56 – Fairmilehead / Swanston 23. Road Traffic Matters

17 calls were received regarding the City Bypass including 6 break-downs, and 3 vehicle accidents.

Edinburgh Pentlands Statistics 24. Beat Area Number of Calls Area PS01 81 Balerno / Ratho

PS02 89 Currie/ Hermiston / Juniper Green PS55 135 Clovenston /Baberton PF56 101 Fairmilehead /Swanston PF57 192 Firhill / Oxgangs PF58 83 Colinton / Bonaly

25. PF56- Fairmilehead / Swanston 26. Safer Neighbourhood Team

The Community Policing Team Inspector covering the Pentland Hills ward is Inspector Liz Duthie.

The CPT Sergeant covering ward 2 Balerno/Ratho/Currie/Baberton/Hermiston/Juniper Green and ward 8 Fairmilehead/Swanston/Oxgangs/Colinton/Bonaly is Sergeant Mac Mackenzie.

The team consists of 9 Community Facing Constables and the emphasis will be on Partnership working in a bid to solve local issues. Our principal partners will be those living and working in the Pentland Ward and the City of Edinburgh Council. That said multi agency working will incorporate so much more.

Should you wish to contact me or my colleagues, please do not hesitate to do so. You can contact us by email at [email protected], by telephoning the new national non- emergency number 101 or by popping into the Station. You can also follow us on twitter @PentlandsPolice.

If there is anything in particular that you wish to bring to our attention please get in touch. Partnership working requires participation.