5 March 2019 in Fairmilehead Parish Church

Fairmilehead Community Council meeting held on Tuesday 5 March 2019 in Fairmilehead Parish Church

Present: Colin Anderson (Vice Chair); Norman Tinlin (Secretary); Fiona Simon (Treasurer); Barbara Dick (Buckstone Association); Andy Lippok; Fraser Simon; Roger West (Friends of Fairmilehead Park);

Ex Officio: Councillors Arthur and Ross; PC Eric Jones

16 members of the public

Apologies: Dennis Williams (Chair); Johanna Carrie; Carol Lonie; Miss Jamieson; Douglas Grossart; Councillors Rust & Doggart; Ian Murray MP;

1. Police Report

PC Jones circulated copies of the police report for February a copy of which is attached at Appendix A. The next Coffee with a Cop is at Morrison’s on 15 March. Questions were raised about double parking at the shops at Buckstone Terrace; enforcement of 20mph limit; Morrison’s shopping trolley in Morningside Park.

The Secretary read over an e-mail he had received from PC Crow:

“OFFICIAL Councillors and Community Councils,

As a result of the recent funding cut back decision by Edinburgh Council, Ward 8 will be losing a funded police officer and will now be covered by one officer.

I am sad to say I will be the officer leaving this post, leaving PC Eric Jones alone in the role.

I will be remaining at Oxgangs Police Station for the time being, however will now have responsibilities spread across the South West area including Wards 2, 7 and 9 and other additional responsibilities, and will no longer be the main contact for Ward 8 issues, this will be Eric.

Please be aware of the extra workload Eric will now be taking on as he manages the Ward alone.

As I have said above, I will still be working within Oxgangs CPT so I will still be involved with Ward 8 meetings and appointments etc. in the future, but no longer in a funded capacity.”

Monthly Crime Prevention Tip – Thieves will search for easy ways to invade your home. Don’t leave garden tools or ladders lying around and ensure all windows and doors are locked when you leave home.

2. Energy Efficient Lighting Programme Sylvia Taylor, Project Director introduced herself. All street lighting is being upgraded to LEDs and Amy is this successful contractor. There at present 63,500 to 65,000 street lights over the 17 wards. The conservation and World Heritage Sites will meet dealt with separately.

Each column gets a new head and access is required to the plate and the top and there is a tele cell on the top. Because of this any shrubbery or hedges that obstruct the head or the plate will require to be cut back. This is the responsibility of the property owner and as a last resort the Council will cut it back and bill the owner.

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At present the electric bill is £3 million. It is hoped to reduce this by 50 or 60%.The current orange sodium lights consist of chemicals and have to be disposed of under license. The LEDs have a 22- 25 year life span and are guaranteed for 10 years. The project started with a pilot in Ward 7. This Ward (8) will be done between March and May. The control centre is at Sighthill and the tele cell on each head will allow the lights to be monitored so if one has failed it can be attended to without a member of the public having to report it.

Questions: What is the capital cost: £30m which should be recouped by year 11. Brightness – This is a subjective matter but it can be adjusted if necessary. There is no requirement to supply street lighting at all.

Further information can be found at: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/streetlighting

3. Minute Of Meeting Held On 9 January 2019 These were approved by the meeting.

4. Matters Arising: a) Pedestrian Crossing, Buckstone Terrace at Waterfield Road The Secretary reported that to finally close this saga he had made an FOI request regarding the costs of installation.

The response was: “Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 - Release of Information Subject: Recently constructed pedestrian crossing on Buckstone Terrace at Waterfield Road Thank you for your request for information of 10/01/2019 where you asked the following: Details of the total costs of the recently constructed pedestrian crossing on Buckstone Terrace at Waterfield Road.

It would be appreciated if the costs were split into design costs; construction costs and other costs.

Your request has been processed and considered under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs) and the information is provided below. The contractor’s final application for payment has still to be agreed. A final agreed cost should be in place later this month. However, at this time the estimated outturn costs are:

Design Costs: £29,454.57 Construction Costs: £77,322.01 Other Costs (Road Safety Audit): £625.00 Total: £107,401.58

5. Correspondence a) Fairmilehead Church – Reminder not to park on DYLs at junction with Frogston Road West and not to park too close to residents driveways. b) City of Edinburgh Council Forestry and Natural Heritage Conservation Report 2018 http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/12032/forestry_and_natural_heritage_nature_conse rvation_report_2018 c) Traffic Orders CEC – Proposed amendment to waiting restrictions – Caiystane View and Oxgangs Road d) Lothian Buses – Our Year 2018 e) International Women’s Day – Film Screening of “9-to-5” on 7th March at Wester Hailes Library

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

Bike Trail - Hillend Leisure Limited have been in touch to say they plan to submit a planning application to develop land at Swanston Farm (111 Swanston Road, Edinburgh, EH10 7DS - Former Lothianburn Golf Course) into an "outdoor mountain bike leisure development with associated hub building complex, located on land at Swanston Farm". This will include a mountain bike trail centre, indoor and outdoor leisure, food and beverages, professional services suites, offices, retailing, short stay visitor accommodation and associated site access, parking, landscaping and other works. This is separate to the plan to redevelop the Dry Ski Slope. Reverse Vending Machine Launch - This really was a great event at the Broadway Convenience Store. The kids were stars. Using the reverse vending machine, people get payments for returning empty bottles and cans - they can spend it in the shop or donate to the fantastic Pentland PS. Speeding - For two weeks in February I had help from PC Roberta (a cut out Police Officer) to help encourage drivers to stick to the speed limit. I spent a lot of time moving her around every day - always to residential areas where people had complained about speeding traffic: Redford Road, Buckstone Road, Buckstone Loan, Buckstone Gate, Buckstone Crescent, Pentland View (twice), Frogston Gardens, Camus Avenue, East Camus Road, Bonaly Road, Oxgangs Road North, Woodhall Road, New Swanston, Oxgangs Farm Avenue and Oxgangs Farm Gardens. Road Safety - A few weeks ago there was another serious accident on Buckstone Terrace. In the coming weeks the Council will start monitoring speed on Buckstone Terrace & Biggar Road, with the clear aim of making the case for reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph. In parallel to this, the Council has agreed to assess accident statistics on rat-runs linked to these roads - Frogston Gardens/Terrace, Pentland View (speed monitoring already underway) and Swanston Avenue. Jumbo Bus - Lothian Buses' 100 seat "Jumbo Buses" will be serving my Ward. They will work on both the 11 & 16 Routes. "The vehicles have been fitted with comfortable high-backed seating, Wi- Fi, USB charging, mood lighting and audio-visual stop announcements, offering a fantastic customer experience." Redford Barracks Working Group – Good news, the sale of Redford Barracks has been delayed until 2025 (i.e. after the next General Election). I hope the Council use this extra time to bring forward a robust plan for the future of the site that delivers both employment and affordable homes. 17 Buckstone Crescent (Abandoned Property) – A skip has appeared outside the house – I have contacted the Council to ensure it has recovered any debts due. Hunters Tryst School Site – A legal problem with the affordable housing allocation was resolved last week, so work should start soon. Comiston Farmhouse – No news. Trams to Newhaven – Overleaf are my current views, thoughts and concerns on the plan to complete the tramline to Newhaven – the “Newhaven Proposal”. I am not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I hope people will respect the fact that I have thought about it before reaching a view. Climate Change - The UK just experienced its warmest February day on record with the Met Office reporting temperatures exceeding 20°C in some places. This alone is not evidence of Climate Change, but temperature records are being broken at an unprecedented rate. This is further justification for me backing calls in the City Chambers for the Council to look seriously at its emissions to ensure it does all it can to reduce climate-changing pollution by at least 90% by 2050.

Shooting For the Moon – Thoughts on Taking the Trams to Newhaven in a Binary Political World Below are my current views, thoughts and concerns on the plan to complete the tramline to Newhaven - the "Newhaven Proposal". I am not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I hope people will respect the fact that I have thought about it before reaching a view.

We apparently live in a binary world. People are Yes or No. They are Leave or Remain. In Edinburgh, they are either for or against completing the tramline to Newhaven.

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The reality is different, however. Just like on many other binary arguments, most people are stuck in the middle between hardcore "extremists" on the tram debate. On one side we have people that want to extend the line at any cost, and on the other we have those that oppose it ideologically no matter what the benefits. For those groups, it's an easy decision and those that oppose them just don't get it. I actually envy their certainty.

That's why it's worth looking at the Final Business Case (FBC) prepared by the Council on extending the tram. It makes the case for the project, but it does so in a way that acknowledges the uncertainties and risks. It makes clear that what is needed is a considered judgment, not a knee-jerk decision.

The headline cost is £207.3m – this includes the Capital costs to completion (£156.7m), Support for business (£1.9m), Development costs (£5.5m), Risk (£31.9m) and Optimism Bias (£11.9m). It is acknowledged, however, that there is a 20% chance that the project costs will exceed £207.3m. Indeed, a more conservative approach to assessing the potential for the project to go over budget suggests there is 20% chance of the project costs exceeding £257.3m(!), and a 5% chance of it exceeding £334.8m(!!). The Council Officers should be congratulated for presenting the costs in this way. They have chosen not to simply put a price ticket on it, but instead have sought to communicate the uncertainty in a responsible manner. The clear aim is to deliver the project for £207.3m, but their approach is clear that there is a 1 in 5 chance of a cost overrun.

Nonetheless, even if the project does hit £257.3m it is still estimated to deliver £1.25 of benefit for every £1 spent – i.e. a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.25 . If the final cost is £207.3m, the BCR is 1.4. Whilst this is positive, a BCR of 1.25-1.4 is technically "low value for money".

Although it is hard to compare the proposal with other projects as a lot of work had already been undertaken on the extension route (2007-14), it is in line with other light rail/tram projects such as Nottingham Express Transit Extension (BCR = 2), Leeds Supertram (BCR = 2.0), Sydney Light Rail (BCR = 0.8), Newcastle (Australia, BCR = 0.5), Forrestfield Airport Link (BCR = 1.4 ) and ACT Capital Metro (BCR = 0.5).

With all the focus on costs, it is important to remember that this project will deliver significant benefits. Leith is one of the most densely populated and deprived areas in Scotland and it is already congested. Making it easier to move people around is key to developing brownfield sites in northern Edinburgh. The tram will link these key development sites with key employment areas (City Centre, Edinburgh Park and the Airport). Let me be clear, developing these brownfield sites in north Edinburgh will take pressure off the greenbelt in my Ward (Colinton-Oxgangs-Fairmilehead).

Since 2016 the city has been planning for an additional 47,000 people by 2024, and an additional 102,000 by 2039, taking the total population from 492,610 to 594,712 over the 25-year period from 2014 to 2039.

This is a breath-taking pace, and such a pace cannot help but create new ills as it dispels old, new ignorance, new problems and new dangers. So it is not surprising that some would have us stay where we are a little longer to rest, to wait. But our city was not built by those who waited and rested and wished to look behind them.

The question is how we accommodate this growth, and it can’t be done by expecting everyone to drive around our capital. We have one of the UK’s best bus services, but is needs to improve. In parallel, we need to improve safety for those that are able to travel by foot and bike – particularly for children going to school. We can and must do all these things, but the FBC makes the case for the tram being the best way to add capacity for the congested route to Newhaven. Without it, the FBC is clear that congestion and pollution will constrain economic development.

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Whilst these arguments hold water, the Edinburgh Tram has a troubled history. We once had an excellent network (many buses cover the same routes today), but the most recent incarnation has been a national embarrassment. A mixture of schoolboy errors and poor governance structures led to Edinburgh getting a fraction of the expected line at a much higher cost (from £375 million to the final £776m) than was ever feared. As a result, in 2014 the SNP Government set up the Hardie Inquiry in to the shambles, with Alex Salmond claiming with his customary bravado it would be “swift and thorough” and would cost an estimated £1m. Almost 5 years later it has still to report, and the costs look likely to exceed the £10.2m the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq War cost. All this may well be legitimate, but it feels like insult is being added to injury.

The monumental disaster we witnessed on our streets between July 2007 and May 2014 has three direct impacts on the proposal to complete the line to Newhaven:

1. The public lost trust in the Council. This means that the Newhaven Proposal has come under significant scrutiny by a sceptical public and a new intake of Councillors. Whilst the Tram Team has welcomed the feedback, it is notable that other larger items of expenditure are subject to a far lower level of scrutiny (e.g. I have seen no questions about the £874.112m planned spend on Council Housing in Edinburgh over the next 5 years, or the £200m the Council plans to invest in schools). 2. Lesson were learned by the Council. Unlike the 2007 project, the Newhaven Proposal will use standard contracts, the project team will have light rail experience, roads will only be closed once, robust quantitative risk analysis has been undertaken and there has been significant community engagement. It is important to note that Turner & Townsend was appointed by Edinburgh City Council to manage the project after Transport Initiatives Edinburgh was disbanded in August 2011, and after the 2012 Council elections a Labour led Council replaced the SNP/LibDem Coalition – this meant political control of the project fell to Councillor Lesley Hinds (not a passive character). Not only did she demand that the Scottish Government allow concessionary tram travel for Edinburgh’s older citizens, she had oversight of the project whilst it continued mostly on schedule and budget. Although Lesley Hinds has retired, the core Tram Team she worked with 2012-14 is behind the Newhaven Proposal and the FBC. 3. Safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists are now better understood. There has been a great deal of focus on improving safety along the existing line, and those lessons have been reflected in the Newhaven Proposal. It is notable that there has been significant constructive engagement with Community Councils, Ward Councillors, Living Streets Edinburgh and SPOKES about the detailed design of the public areas around the route. Whilst I don’t expect any of these groups are absolutely happy, I think all will agree there have been significant improvements over the original proposals (I was clear that I could not support these).

Although the case for backing the Newhaven Proposal does, on balance, have some merit I do still have concerns, and these are detailed below.

1. Optimism Bias – Although the people behind big projects are highly rational and logical, it is recognised that the human brain is sometimes too optimistic for its own good – something we all suffer from at times! To counter this, a 6% “Optimism Bias” has been added to the project. Although this equates to £11.9m, it is at the very bottom of the 6%-66% range recommended for “Non- standard Civil Engineering” projects. It is argued that this is because the project is at an advanced stage and many lessons have been learned from the 2007-14 debacle. However, there are two significant unknowns that could have real impact on the project: the “swift and thorough” Hardie Inquiry recommendations; and, the ongoing Brexit shambles. Although the Hardie Inquiry are recommendations considered in the FBC as an unknown cost, there is no mention of Brexit. An earlier version of the FBC (AKA the Outline Business Case) made this comment: “…there is a risk that uncontrollable economic and market factors adversely affect the type, structure and overall cost of borrowing the Council is able to gain access to. Two significant events that are likely to be a factor in this are the impact of Brexit and the announcement and timing of any potential second Scottish Independence Referendum.” In a review of the FBC for the Council, Scott-Moncreiff say the

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Tram Team “has excluded uncertainty surrounding Brexit from its Quantitative Risk Analysis over the construction costs and the potential impact of Brexit has not specifically been referred to within the FBC or financial model.”. 2. Sensitivity Analysis – The FBC considers the “sensitivity” of the project finances, by varying key parameters (such as travel time and economic development) and assessing the impact on the BCR. The analysis, as presented, only varies these parameters one at a time in simple “what if” scenarios and does not consider outcomes where two or more parameters vary. Scott-Moncreiff made this comment: “We note that the FBC analyses the sensitivity of each of these components individually, and does not consider the cumulative impact of more than one of these components.” 3. Environmental Impact Statement – This apparently has not been updated since 2003 and the FBC makes the point that earlier work “implicitly suggests” that there were no “unacceptable” environmental impacts. This is hardly reassuring. 4. Strategic Support – The project is of strategic importance to Scotland’s capital and the wider region, yet the Council is expected to fund it with no support from the Scottish Government. Additionally, Transport Scotland have made no comment on the FBC (nor has comment been sought). I find this highly questionable, particularly when this is seen within the context of the £125m the Scottish Government gave the Council (without it even asking) in the City Deal to upgrade Sheriffhall Roundabout. 5. Lothian Buses – The £207.3m for the project will be funded by ticket income from the new/existing line and a £20m (£2m per year for 10 years) exceptional dividend from Lothian Buses. There is concern that the impact of paying the exceptional dividend combined with losing passenger income along the Newhaven line will place undue pressure on Lothian Buses. 6. Alternative Projects – Although it should be noted that the Newhaven Proposal should put no demand on existing council budgets, it is true that the ticket income and exceptional dividend could be spent in other ways with the aim of delivering similar benefits, perhaps on a wider scale. The aim of this project appears to have been focused on extending the line, rather than delivering the benefits associated with it.

Conclusion In summation, I hope I have shown the project does have significant benefits and a degree of uncertainty associated with it, but how those are balanced is tainted by the 2007-11 segment of the 2007-14 project. What is clear, however, is that there is a need to cut congestion and stimulate development in the north of Edinburgh, and right now completing the tramline to Newhaven appears to be the best way of doing that. I say that accepting that the £207.3m target price (BCR = 1.4) has a 1 in 5 chance of being exceeded, but in the knowledge that the Council has a £50m contingency in place if needed (BCR = 1.25).

Note The full set of CEC papers on the Newhaven Proposal are here: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/info/5/key_documents/5/key_documents/1

In the absence of Cllr Rust the Secretary circulated his report:

1. I have been asking questions about electric vehicle charging programme. The latest detail is as follows:

You are indeed correct that a report went to Committee in October with a business case for the installation of on street charging across the city. You can see the full report at the link here: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/58745/item_71_- _electric_vehicle_infrastructure_business_case

We are due to report back to Committee on 5 March. I cannot pre-empt the decision by Committee but the report does propose a number of locations for on street charging. This first phase is specifically designed to address the issue of access to charging for those residents in the high density tenemental/flatted areas who don’t have access to a driveway or private parking. If the

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report is approved by Cllrs then an installation programme will start with a mix of fast and rapid chargers substantially increasing the number of charge points across the city.

The reason why you are not seeing so many charging points around the Greenbank/Fairmilehead and Buckstone areas is due to the high number of properties with access to driveways. The assumption here is that residents are more likely to install domestic EV chargers and charge their cars overnight providing much cheaper fuel. This is substantiated by the increasing enquires from residents in these areas asking about the installation of domestic chargers.

Funding is still available towards the cost of home charge points for EVs from the Energy Saving Trust and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). The typical cost for a home charge point and installation is approximately £1000. As part of its Electric Vehicle Homecharge scheme, OLEV currently offers applicants £500 towards this cost with the Energy Saving Trust providing another £300 further funding on top of this. There is a short application form to complete together with submitting a quote from your chosen supplier along with proof of purchase/lease of your EV in advance of the installation. For further information please follow the link here.

However if you were not interested in installing a home charger or perhaps unable to, I can provide you with more information (if the report is approved) following the Committee meeting on the 5 March regarding other charging locations in the city closest to you. You can also access the Charge Place Scotland site at https://chargeplacescotland.org/ which will give you all the latest charging locations.

If any residents have any particular questions around this please get in touch.

2. I supported the Community Council’s representation regarding the faded road markings around Buckstone Primary School. I am pleased to advise that these were re-painted on 26th February. 3. I was pleased to attend the launch of the deposit return scheme at Broadway Convenience Store on 15th February. Pupils from Pentland Primary School played a key role and the school will benefit from this scheme. 4. A Proposal of Application notice was submitted for mountain bike trail centre, indoor and outdoor leisure, food and beverage, professional service suites, offices, retailing and short stay visitor accommodation etc on behalf of Hillend Leisure Ltd. Arrangements have been made for the public consultation exhibition to take place on Tuesday 5th March between 2pm and 7pm at Swanston Golf Club, 111 Swanston Road, Edinburgh, EH10 7DS. 5. I attended Hunter’s Tryst Residents’ Association annual meeting with factors on 18th February. 6. The closure of Redford Barracks on Colinton Road has been postponed from 2022 to 2025. This delay is positive news and gives greater opportunity to ensure the best possible future for the site. 7. A query was received via a member of the Buckstone Association about leaf clearance and a response provided by the department. 8. The Labour/SNP Joint Council Budget reduced Police Scotland funding by £522,000. One of the results of this decision is that we have been reduced to one dedicated community funded officer in ward 8 serving from Lanark Road through to Buckstone/Frogston, PC Jones. 9. I chaired Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre AGM on 20th February 10. Comiston Farmhouse – I have just received this response from the Estates Section: “I heard from the purchaser this morning that the S75 is now in place, subject to a few final adjustments. Therefore I am pushing for the sale to complete within the next couple of weeks. I will let you know as soon as this is the case.”

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Councillor Ross reported as follows: The Braid Road consultation being held the following evening in Greenbank Church where designs for the Braidburn Terrace one way proposals wold be on display. There was also a consultation on the proposals to extend the B2 parking zone to the east and south. 760 survey forms had been returned regarding the Midmar Paddock consultation. There was also a meeting planned on A public meeting which was held at the Eric Liddell Centre on 14th February was well attended and indeed somewhat over full. The different roles and expectations of the Astley Ainslie Community Engagement Group (AACEG) and the separate AA Community Trust (AACT) were explained along with many other contributions.

NHS Lothian have made it clear that they can only negotiate with one organisation in regard to the public consultation, and that organisation is the elected group of CC reps. These are a first round of information seeking and they are being held as a drop-in session between 10 am to 4 pm on 23rd March at the Eric Liddell Centre, and 2 – 4 pm on 31st March at the Columcille Centre. Everyone is urged to attend and share their ideas for the future of the buildings and the grounds.

7. Pentlands Neighbourhood Partnership/South West Locality The Secretary reported on the recent community grants meeting where 9 applications were considered. 4 applications were declined and the remaining fund of £11,513 was awarded to the remaining 5 applications.

He also drew the meeting attention to the Review of Locality Committees which had been considered at a recent Council meeting where it had been decided to dissolve the locality committees onm 1 April 2019 and to concentrate resources on community engagement to the Edinburgh Partnership Community Planning Framework and to formally dissolve Neighbourhood partnerships from 1 April 2019 to allow for their successor Neighbourhood Networks. The relevant report can be found at: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/59942/item_82_- _review_of_locality_committees.pdf

8. Planning and Environment a) Planning - Colin Anderson distributed copies of his report which is at Appendix B. He highlighted item 1 the Pentland Bike Trail; item 2 – Scheme of delegation and the position of CCs strengthened. Item 9 House of Fraser (Binns) proposals and item 17 Sick Children’s Hospital. Discussion ensued on the proposed Lothianburn Bike Trail. There were comments for and against the proposals and note was made of them. However the meeting was informed that they should make their comments direct to the agents so that they can be included in the Pre Application Consultation (PAC) report. The meeting was also advised that they would be able to make comments/objections when the application is submitted to the Planning Department in due course.

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Initial Proposals for Bike Trail

b) Redford Barracks The Secretary reported on the Redford Workshop which had been held on 5 December 2018. Another one had been held on 18 January 2019 for stakeholders who could not make the first one. Copies of the reports of the workshops were available from the Secretary. A progress report had also been submitted to the Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/60032/item_77_- _redford_barracks_progress_report

The previous week the MOD had announced that the disposal had been put back from 2022 to 202.

9. Transport The Secretary informed the meeting of the proposed capital delivery programme for road and pavement repairs in the area. The details can be found in Appendices 5 and 6 in the following report: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/60140/item_74_- _transport_infrastructure_investment_%E2%80%93_capital_delivery_priorities_for_201920

He also informed the meeting of a consultation on the Braidburn Terrace, Cycling and Active Travel Scheme which was taking place the following evening from 5pm to 7pm in Greenbank Church. He had found out about this by accident but was now on the mailing list.

10. AOCB a) Consultation on Edinburgh Community Council Scheme The Secretary stated that consultation on the Community Council Scheme had just opened and the closing date was 22 April 2019. Attendees were encouraged to submit comments to the on-line consultation through the following link: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/ce/edinburgh- community-council-scheme-review/

He hoped to bring a response paper to the next meeting for consideration by the membership.

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b) Roger West stated that the whip trees had been planted in Fairmilehead Park.

11. Date Of Next Meeting

This was arranged for Tuesday 2 April 2019 in Fairmilehead Parish Church

Forthcoming Meetings:

Tuesday 7 May 2019 Tuesday 4 June 2019 Tuesday 3 September 2019

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

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Appendix A - Police Report

Community Council Meeting CPT Ward 8 Not Protectively Marked

The data provided in this report is for information purposes only to inform community councils in relation to relevant information for their area and enable them to carry out their responsibilities. It should be noted that the timing of this community council meeting is in advance of the ratification of any statistics or the completion of the procedures and reconciliation processes that are undertaken in association with the publication of official statistics. Given this there may be minor amendments between the information in this report and any finally reported statistics - for example due to delayed reporting or recording of crimes, road crashes or incidents. It would not therefore be accurate or appropriate to refer to, quote or use the data in this report as official statistics.

Fairmilehead Community Council Meeting Rank / Name of Officer Attending PC Eric Jones Date of Meeting – 5th March 2019 Time - 1900 End of Month – February 2019 Information (this month / local priorities / incidents) PC in February meeting cancelled attendance Community Two funded Ward 8 officers, PC Eric Jones and PC David Crow and 3 non- Police Station funded Ward 8 community officers based at Oxgangs Police Station. E Division Tackling crime reports with named suspects. Hate Crimes and meeting call Priorities attendance times. PSOS Priorities Serious and Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism, Acquisitive Crime, Road and values Safety, Violence and Anti-Social Behaviour

Good News

Police surgery is now agreed and will be running every 3rd Friday at Morrison’s Hunters Tryst, within the new café. Next surgery Friday 15 March, 1100 – 1230.

Ward Priorities Priority 1 THEFT HOUSEBREAKING Priority 2 ASSAULT / VIOLENT CRIME Priority 3 ROAD SAFETY Priority 4 THEFT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Priority 5 HATE CRIME

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Housebreakings

There was 1 housebreaking reported in February 2019.

Between 07/02/19 and 12/02/19 – Buckstone Crescent – Cycling equipment stolen from shed.

At the time of writing no suspects have been identified.

Assault

There were no assaults reported in the area in February.

Road Safety / Initiatives

There were a small number of road traffic offences committed and detected on the A720 City Bypass throughout month of February, nothing major to report.

Theft

Enquiries are still ongoing.

Between 01/02/19 – 04/02/2019 – On Biggar Road, shipping containers were broken into and tools were stolen.

Between 04/02/19 and 07/02/2019 – a pedal cycle was stolen from Pentland View.

Hate Crime

There were no Hate Crimes reported in December 2018.

ASB / NPS / incidents of note

There 3 reports of vandalism in the ward during February. 2 in the Buckstone area and one in Swanston. 3 youths will be reported in connection with one of these reports. The other 2 remain unsolved.

Actions Update From Previous Meeting

There were 59 calls made from PF56 beat during

With 12 crime reports being reported.

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Some commonly used police acronyms explained : -

HBWI – Housebreakings With Intent (to steal) – The fabric of the building has been compromised by culprit with the intention to steal from building but nothing actually stolen.

Att HBWI – Attempt Housebreaking With Intent (to steal) – An attempt made by culprit to overcome fabric of building with intention to steal from within but security has held and no entry gained.

Theft HB – Theft Housebreaking – The fabric of the building has been overcome, entry gained by culprit and property has been stolen.

Theft OLP MV – Theft Opening Lockfast Place Motor Vehicle – The security of a locked vehicle has been overcome and culprit has stolen property from within.

Att Theft OLP – Attempt Theft Opening Lockfast Place – An attempt by culprit to steal items by overcoming locked property, other than buildings but security has held and no entry gained.

Section 57 – Being within curtilage (surrounds) of property with intention of committing theft.

Theft MV – Stealing a motor vehicle.

Miscellaneous Information Ward 8

Comprises of 3 Policing Beats, with 2 City of Edinburgh Council Funded Officers,

Police Constable 12474 E Eric Jones and Police Constable 11832 E David Crow

PF56 (Fairmilehead, Buckstone and Swanston) PF57 (Oxgangs and Firrhill) PF58 (Colinton and Bonaly)

The Community Policing Team Inspector covering Wards is Police Inspector 11495 E Scott Richardson

The CPT Sergeant covering ward 8 is Police Sergeant 11480 E Kieran Dougal

The CPT consists of 3 teams of community-facing Constables, and the emphasis will be on community working, in a bid to solve local issues.

In non-emergencies, should you wish to contact us, please do not hesitate to do so.

You can contact us by email at [email protected] or by telephoning the national non- emergency number 101.

You can also follow us on Twitter @PoliceScotland or locally @EdinburghPolice

Police Surgery Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North, Wednesdays 1700 - 1800 hours.

Morrisons Hunters Tryst every 3rd Friday 1100 – 1230 hours, upcoming surgeries:

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APPENDIX B Planning Report – Tuesday 5 March 2019

FAIRMILEHEAD COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Planning Report – Tuesday 5 March 2019

A. FAIRMILEHEAD CC – LIVE

1. Development for mountain bike trail centre, indoor and outdoor leisure, food and beverage, professional service 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 this PAN was lodged by Hillend Leisure Limited. There was a previous PAN under Reference 15/00169/PAN. There will be a public consultation event on Tuesday 5 March between 2 pm and 7 pm in the Swanston Golf Club. Part of the site lies within Midlothian Council. Accordingly the PAN has been served on both local authorities, but it is understood that Edinburgh Council will be the lead determining authority of any future planning application.

B. FAIRMILEHEAD CC – PENDING

None

C. FAIRMILEHEAD CC – COMPLETED

None

D. CONSULTATIONS, GUIDANCE AND OTHER NEWS – EDINBURGH

2. Planning Service – Planning Statutory Scheme of Delegation

On 7 February 2019, the full Council agreed changes to the way that decisions are made on planning applications which will apply to all applications validated after that date. The Scheme of Delegation gives Planning Officers decision-making powers on behalf of elected members. There are three main reasons for these changes :- firstly, to reduce the amount of householder applications dealt with by the DMC to allow members to concentrate on larger and more complex cases with a wider local interest and bigger impacts; secondly, to give more prominence to objections or support comments from Community Councils when they are statutory consultees; and, thirdly, to tidy up and clarify certain issues in the previous Scheme such as the status of petitions and small changes to approved schemes. In summary the main changes are :- (i) Planning Officers can now grant planning permission for householder development (house extensions and alterations) with up to 20 material objections. (ii) Planning Officers can now grant listed building consent for householder listed building applications with up to 20 material objections. (iii) Planning Officers can now refuse planning permission, listed building consent, advert consent, etc. for any application with up to 20 support comments. (iv) A Committee decision is needed where there are unresolved objections from statutory consultees, including Community Councils where they have that status.

(v) A Committee decision is needed where the recommendation is at odds with the views of the Community Council as a consultee.

The previous number was 6 objections or support comments as appropriate. These changes will be monitored over the next year and then a report made to the Planning Committee.

This is a significant increase in community influence on planning decisions. Under the previous Scheme of Delegation, Planning Officers were allowed to make decisions even when that decision was at odds with the Community Council’s view as a statutory consultee. For reference, Community Councils are automatically made statutory consultees on major applications, e.g. 50 or more new build dwellings, but have to request that status on all other applications within 7 days of the item appearing in the Weekly List.

3. City Plan 2030

There is still no indication as to when Scottish Ministers may approve the SESPlan. In the meantime the Council have embarked on a further series of engagement events on the City Plan 2030. I attended the community briefing for South West Edinburgh on 26 February.

4. Planning Performance Framework 2017/18 (PPF)

January’s Report mentioned the latest PPF which was submitted to Scottish Ministers in July 2018. Feedback from the Minister was received on 10 January and was the subject of a Report to the Planning Committee on 27 February. The Minister’s letter enclosed the Performance Markers Report with an assessment of 15 performance markers used for all planning authorities to identify progress in priority areas for improvement action. This showed 9 green markers, 3 amber markers and 3 red markers. For the green markers the Council was performing well in e.g. LDP processes and engagement, processing agreements and sharing good practice. One of the red markers was the time taken to determine major, local and householder applications. For major applications, the Council has a timescale of 56.3 weeks and is slower than the Scottish average of 33.6 weeks. For local applications the figures are 14.7 and 10.7 weeks respectively. For householder applications the figures are 8.8 and 7.3 weeks respectively. A progress update on the Planning Improvement Plan will be reported to the Planning Committee in May 2019.

5. Planning Service Workload 2018

5,223 applications were validated during 2018 by the Planning Service. Of these, 132 were determined by the DMC plus another 109 applications carried forward from previous years. In the early part of 2018, 79 applications were validated which had originally been lodged in 2017.

E. DEVELOPMENTS – EDINBURGH and MIDLOTHIAN

6. Demolition of existing dwelling house, erection of hotel, 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 (Midlothian Council)

As mentioned in previous Reports, permission for this proposed development was granted by Midlothian Council on 26 August 2015 subject to 14 detailed planning conditions. This permission expired on 26 August 2018, 3 years after it had been granted. However the applicants lodged 2 applications in the late summer (Refs. 18/00528/S42 and 18/0000628/S42) under section 42 of the 1997 Act to vary various conditions in that planning

permission, namely nos. 3,4,5,6 and 10. The purpose was to vary the phasing of the development. As this development is considered to be ”an urban development project”, the Council also required the applicants to lodge an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. Correspondence on the Planning Portal indicated this Report would be submitted before Xmas but no documents have yet appeared on the Portal. No update.

7. Redevelopment of existing Snowsports Centre to include increased leisure facilities, tourist accommodation, hotel development, function suite, ancillary retail and restaurant, including vehicular and pedestrian access and car parking at Midlothian Snowsports Centre Reference :- 18/00970/PAC (Midlothian Council)

I attended the Public Exhibition at the Snowsports Centre on Monday 28 January. The Council intend to lodge the application for planning permission in principle after the PAN process has been completed. Some of the proposed works do not require planning permission.

8. New build primary school and early years centre at Frogston Road West Reference :- 18/08609/FUL

This is the application for the new primary school and early years centre to be built within the Broomhills Housing Development which is underway. The site extends to 1.99 hectares. There will be space for 462 primary school pupils and 80 nursery pupils. The building will be 2 storeys in height for the most part, with the exception of the nursery wing, located on the southern part of the building, which is single storey. This application was approved by the DMC at its meeting on 20 February.

9. Internal and external alterations to enable change of use from retail to whisky-themed visitor experience with ancillary retail, bars, offices, training and event space, including roof top extension at 146 Princes Street References :- 19/00574/FUL and 19/00573/LBC

This is the application by Diageo Scotland Limited and Parabola Hope Street LLP to convert the iconic former Frasers department store at the east end of Princes Street which closed its doors in November 2018. The famous clock on the corner of Princes Street and Hope Street – known as Binns corner after the former department store – which was an Edinburgh institution and traditional meeting point for city residents will be restored as part of the scheme.

10. Change of use from Offices to 6 Dwellings at 2F1, 53 George Street by Lightstorm Estates Limited References :- 19/00494/FUL and 19/00493/LBC

The movement towards converting offices into residential accommodation in the City Centre continues. The latest application lodged on 15 February is to convert the 3 upper floors of a ”classical tenement” – B Listed – which is currently used as a shop. A previous application for change of use to 12 serviced apartments (Reference :- 18/08217/FUL) was refused as a Local Delegated Decision on 31 January. In deciding this, Planning Officials were of the view the application contravened policy Des 5 of the LDP because it would have a detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents by virtue of the noise and disturbance caused by the proposed use. The applicant has appealed to the Local Review Body which will consider this appeal on 13 March.

11. Refurbishment and conversion of 1st floor office to provide 2 Flats at 1F1, 1 South Charlotte Street by Whinstane LLP References :- 19/00345/FUL and 19/00165/LBC

Yet another residential conversion application, this time about the KFC Fast Food Restaurant in South Charlotte Street. There are already flats on the upper floors.

12. Proposed 3 storey office building at 24 Canning Street by Capital Business Centre Limited References : 19/00195/FUL and 19/00193/LBC

This application seeks permission to build an annexe to CBC House at 24 Canning Street which lies within the West End Conservation Area. The site lies within the boundary wall immediately to the east of the listed former Torphichen Street School, now known as CBC House. A similar proposal was approved in 2003 but never implemented and the consent has now expired. This area has seen a number of major developments (hotels and offices) approved in recent years.

13. Partial demolition of existing buildings and development of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) with community space and associated infrastructure by Summix (CGE) Developments Limited at 179 A Canongate Reference :- 19/00117/FUL

The scheme concerns the proposed redevelopment of the site at 179 Canongate, to form a high quality 91 bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development, comprising 74 studios and 17 cluster flats over 6 floors. The site is adjacent to the Old Tolbooth Wynd and the Canongate Kirk and was in the past part of the former City Gasworks. It sits to the north of the main Canongate thoroughfare and Gladstone’s Land, in an area known as Gladstone Court. Old Tolbooth Wynd links the site to Canongate and Calton Hill. The site sits within the Old Town Conservation Area and the Edinburgh World Heritage Site and is in proximity to a number of listed buildings. Last year a previous application to build a 115 bed PBSA and a small commercial unit on the same site was withdrawn.

14. 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 23 January 2019* The reporter is in the final stages of preparing his Report to Scottish Ministers. It is anticipated that the Report will be submitted to Ministers within the coming weeks. No Update.

15. 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

The public inquiry has now finished. The Closing Submissions by the various parties can be viewed on the dpea website. The Reporters are expected to submit their Reports to Scottish Ministers in Spring 2019. No Update.

16. Residential development of 245 flats over 4 apartment buildings with heights of 7 storeys (Block A), 13 storeys (Block B), 11 storeys (Block C) and 9 storeys (Block D) with a commercial unit, car parking and associated landscaping (as amended) at Land 120 metres South East of 98 Ocean Drive by S1 Developments Limited Reference :- 18/00846/FUL

Last month’s Report mentioned this application which Planning Officials had recommended approval. At its meeting on 21 January the DMC were minded to grant approval subject to conditions and completion of a S.75 Agreement to secure payment of various sums including

Transport and Tram contributions. However the applicant has now lodged a new PAN (Reference :- 19/00414/PAN) making a number of changes to the original application. More flats are proposed – 330 and the 4 storeys will now be higher – 10, 13, 12 and 10 respectively. Car parking will be reduced by 50 % and more cycle spaces will be provided. There will no longer be covered car parking on the ground floor and in the various connectors. This would mean the site is more open. The site will be “book-ended” by a commercial unit at each end.

17. Mixed use development comprising residential (8 houses and 118 flats), student accommodation 323 beds, communal space, cycle/car parking provision, public realm enhancements, associated works and infrastructure. Development involves partial demolition of existing buildings, erection of new buildings and change of use/conversion of retained buildings (as amended) at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Sciennes Road Reference:- 18/02719/FUL; 18/02720/CON; 18/02722/LBC; 18/02723/LBC and 18/02725/LBC

Previous Reports have mentioned the proposals for the redevelopment of this iconic site. Planning Officials recommended approval. After a hearing at its meeting on 6 February, the DMC granted approval on a division.

18. Reconfiguration of roof-top structures and construction of new commercial accommodation (Class 1, 2 and 3), internal cinema use (Class 11) and creation of external multi-use space to include external seating area, performance space, open air cinema, festival/seasonal event space, pop-ups, farmers market and musical entertainment (Classes 1, 2, 3 and 11) at Roof Terrace, Waverley Mall, 3 Waverley Bridge Reference :- 18/02748/FUL

Previous Reports have mentioned the proposals for the redevelopment of this site. Planning Officials recommended approval. At its meeting on 6 February, the DMC granted approval on a division after a detailed presentation.

19. Mixed use development by Vastint Hospitality BV comprising residential (flats) and other commercial uses including classes 1, 2, 3 and 11 all with associated roads, landscaping/ public realm and car parking at the former 159 Fountainbridge Reference :- 19/00256/FUL

Last September’s Report mentioned Phase 1 (offices, hotel, residential and other commercial uses) of the proposed redevelopment of the former Fountainbridge Brewery by Vastint Hospitality BV which was granted permission by the DMC on 20 June 2018 subject to completion of a s.75 Agreement (Reference :- 17/04964/PAN and 17/05997/FUL). An application for Phase 2 of the development has now been lodged. This site lies between Phase 1 and the Union Canal.

Colin W Anderson Planning Representative

Appendix C

Notes on Pentland Hills Regional Park Consultative Forum meeting Friday 22 February 2019 in Currie Rugby Club, Balerno.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Neil Gardiner. The formal minutes will be online.

These are my record of the discussion of major points of interest.

1. The Management Plan is progressing as expected. Copies of the City of Edinburgh Council Forestry and Natural Heritage Nature Conservation Report 2018 were available. This is also available online. 2. What we used to call ‘sheep worrying’ by dogs has been renames as ‘Livestock Attack’ which gives a more realistic sense of the seriousness of such events. Dog owners should expect to keep their dogs on their leads most of the time in the park. Even if no sheep are nearby free roaming dogs can be harmful to wildlife, especially ground nesting birds. The problem of dogs in crops was not raised at this meeting, but I have heard horror stories when at a farm visit in my role as voluntary ranger in the park. All visitors to the park should be aware that they are in a workplace, where someone earns their living. Visitor behaviour must be responsible. Well behaved visitors should report incidents to either the police or the Pentland Rangers. 3. There was no update on the relationship between Balerno Village Trust and the Harlaw Visitor Centre. One of the issues is sourcing funding for improvements to the building. 4. Details were provided about the Pentland Trail Centre. Speakers were Alister McClung ( Swanston ), Richard Slipper (MRTP) and Stuart Wright ( Hillend Leisure ) The bike trails will be at a variety of levels of difficulty but the emphasis is on providing easy trails, suitable for beginners and families with young children. Where trails continue into walkers paths outside the cycle area there will be a fence and gates to discourage cyclists from continuing onto the paths. There will be buildings for changing facilities and a café. These will be to the west of the Steading car park. 5. The work of the Friends of the Pentlands was especially welcomed in the Operational Report by Jenny Hargreaves. The new round about near Flotterstone may allow Lothian busses to go there. Securing funding for new actions is, as always, a problem. Johanna Carrie Fairmilehead Community Council Representative. 27 February 2019