Approved Community Council ‘Nec Aspera Terrent’ (Undaunted by Adversity)

Minute of the Meeting held on Monday, 26 October 2015 At Lochan View Community Business Centre, 12 Firrhill Neuk

Attendance and Apologies: Members: H Levy; J Napier; L Linn; S Duffy; J Burt. Ex-officio Members: Cllr Aitken; PC Sonja Kaiser & PC Steve McGill ( Police station). Visitors: L McGurk; S Campbell (Residents) Apologies: P Wright; F Gosney; P Valentine; Cllr J Rust; Cllr R Lewis; L McGurk; W Allen. Non Attendance: G Duncan. The Chair, H Levy, welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for their attendance. Minutes of Previous Meeting: The draft minutes for meeting held on 28 September 2015 were reviewed. There being no corrections the minutes were moved for approval by LL, seconded by FG and agreed.

Matters Arising:

Landscaping in front of Pavilion Following on from a complaint about the state of the landscaped area in front of the Pavilion building, Cllr Lewis was going to discuss alternate options with relevant manager to seek a viable solution to the maintenance problems at this location. In the absence of Cllr Lewis this matter is deferred Action: Secretary to write to Cllr Lewis for an update.

Complaint regarding a dangerous dog The Chair gave a verbal report on the meeting that took place in the Pentland Community Centre on the 29th September, which she described as being an eye-opener as to the extent of the problem. The meeting had been arranged by local councillors to enable residents affected by the aggressive actions of their neighbour to raise their complaint to the appropriate authorities and seek a solution. As a consequence of that meeting a “Dog Control Notice” has been issued to the dog owner. Recent reports indicate the owner is complying with the notice. Action: To continue to monitor the situation.

Police Report The Chair welcomed the two police officers to the meeting and invited them to give their report on police activities within the Firrhill Community Council area for the last reporting period. Unfortunately, we were informed at the end of the report Police has introduced a policy of only providing verbal reports to community councils and therefore no written report is available for recording in the minutes.

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Items noted were PS; neighbour dispute; housebreakings (sheds/garages); assault in Oxgangs Bank (a male was arrested); theft in Oxgangs Green and a hate crime. Public attendance at the Police surgery in the library has increased. A reminder that people should be aware of receiving bargains – the old adage – if something seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Discussion on home security with a recommendation that if installing lighting outside your property, you should consider a “dusk to dawn” lighting system. Police provide a lot of information in regard to doorstep crime and home security on their website. If you do not have internet access at home then use the library.

Community Policing Team Ward 8 comprises 3 Beats, PF56 (, Buckstone, Swanston), PF57 (Oxgangs, Firrhill), and PF58 (Colinton, ) with two Council Funded Officers, PC 4179E Graeme Howie and PC11550 Sonja Kaiser. The Community Policing Team leader for the wider area is Inspector Liz Duthie. The CPT consists of 5 teams of community-facing police Constables led by a Sergeant, and the emphasis will be on community working in a bid to solve local issues. Should you wish to contact the Community Policing Team, you can do so by email at [email protected] or by telephoning the new national non-emergency number 101. You can also follow them on twitter @PentlandsPolice. If there is anything in particular that you wish to bring to their attention, please get in touch. Partnership working requires participation. Police Surgery: Wednesdays between 1700 and 1800 hours at Oxgangs Library.

Warning about doorstep callers: don't sign up with, or give money to, anyone who cold-calls, i.e., anyone you haven't arranged to call. Say NO and report them to Tel: 101 or the City Council's Trading Standards Tel: 0131-529 3030.

To pass on information about crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or fill out their secure, encrypted online Giving Information Form.

MSP/Councillors Reports

Councillors Aitken

Aldi Development The legal processes have nearly concluded. Solicitors from Aldi and CEC are discussing the section 69 for the crossing and the community safety aspects of the Stopping Up order have been addressed.

Street Bin I received complaints about street litter bins in Colinton Mains which were overflowing. I have asked that the bins be monitored and emptied on a regular basis and the frequency increased as required.

Planters at Oxgangs Broadway The Area Board members agreed to fund a project to improve the planters at Oxgangs Broadway. It will include new, hardier plants and it is hoped that the shopkeepers and community members will eventually take over the maintenance once the plants are established.

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Hope Triangle Health Group An apple harvest and bulb planting event was organised during the schools October break. This was well attended and enjoyed by the children. The group is holding a Fuel Talk by Home Energy Scotland about practical energy saving advice and advice and guidance regarding heating and energy saving tips in Pentland Community Centre on Thursday 5th November 10-12pm

Bus Shelters I’ve received complaints about the positioning of the new shelters and the height of the seats in some of them. The new shelter outside Oxgangs Library offers no protection from the elements and I have asked that this be reviewed.

Schools Firrhill HS: attended the presentation of the Sportscotland Gold Sports Award. Braidburn School: attended The Children & Families Achievement Awards and Braidburn were highly commended in the Effective Learning Category for their “Symbolising the Environment” project. Picture symbols were used throughout the school in order to increase the pupils’ communication skills, understanding of their environment and order of events in their day. Parking : Once again, problem parking at roads near Pentland and Oxgangs PS has been brought to my attention. I will organise visits with our Roads Officer and Police officers.

Community Safety Reports of incidents locally have been made which have been investigated by Police and Community Safety Officers. I will discuss these with Inspector Duthie at my regular meetings with her.

Community Safety Action Group The next meeting is on Monday 2nd November. If you have any issues you wish to be raised, please contact your representative, Pauline Valentine.

Colinton Mains Community Centre AGM The Management Committee held the AGM on Friday 2nd October. The business was followed by an excellent and joyous performance of gospel songs by representatives of the Celestine Gospel Singers who meet in the Centre on Sundays.

Issues Raised at the Meeting  Oxgangs Street – tyre over lamp post  Oxgangs Bank – railings damaged causing a hazard  Colinton Road – rubble from wall damaged in fatal road accident causing obstruction to people using pavement. This area is close to

Action: Cllr Aitken to raise with relevant council officers PNP Reports

Health and Wellbeing: 8th Oct No attendance from the community council, information obtained from draft minutes of meeting, which is available on the Pentland NP website. Page 3 of 11 Minutes of Firrhill Community Council Meeting 26 October 2015

Domestic Abuse It was reported the work done by our Chair (HL) before she moved had been successful, there were now information points in libraries and the practitioner meeting well attended. There had been a discussion of a wider community meeting however that may wait until there is significant interest from the community.

Local Community Plan The Group to consider what it wants to focus on in future and whether there should be separate workstreams between the two wards. LOOPs is a project that covers both areas, but whether there was interest in focusing on dementia and Alzheimer’s in ward 2 and healthy living around Firrhill. It was recognised that areas in Ward 8 are different, Oxgangs is different from Colinton/ Fairmilehead so it is logical to do things differently. The following were agreed as areas to focus on,  Dementia friendly communities – Lead TBC  Social isolation – Lead Allister McKillop  Health Fairs – Lead Norma McGeever and Allister McKillop

Scheduled Dates of Future Meetings  21 January 2016 – Library  5 May 2016 – Oxgangs Library

Action: Report noted

Health and Social Care Integration Consultation Meeting: 13th Oct No information.

South West Area Board: 15th Oct

NEP’s Projects for 2015/16 Update An update of the work on the 2015/16 NEP’s projects covering a selection as follows;  1248 – Hutchinson Medway, fencing  1253 – Calder Gardens, sheltered housing fencing  1054 – Firrhill Drive, fencing (minus gates) JN asked if the cost of gates had been included in the original estimate and if the residents have been consulted? Advised that the gate cost had been requested, however there were issues with public access as a number of residents have mobility issues and one tenant requires access for a motorised electric vehicle. Three projects up for consideration;  1323 - Dumbryden Gardens, replace damaged and dead trees with more mature hardy variety (Rowan). Introduce irrigation process to promote root growth  1324 - Murrayburn Park, replace damaged and dead trees with more mature hardy variety (Rowan). Introduce irrigation process to promote root growth  1325 - Oxgangs Broadway, repair planters and restock with hardy plants.

At present there was a £28K underspend from the 2015/16 NEP’s budget, the three projects under consideration would come in at between £8,800 - £10,600. Page 4 of 11 Minutes of Firrhill Community Council Meeting 26 October 2015

All the projects were addressing aesthetics in each area where parts of the original projects had received damage or vandalism spoiling the look of the areas. Complaints had been received from tenants & residents as well as being picked up during routine walkabouts. The Board voted in favour to approve the new projects. Members were advised that, since there was an underspend, to highlight potential projects. Any project suggested should be identified so it is relatively easy to obtain resources and materials off the shelf.

NEP Project Bus Tour Proposal to resurrect the NEP’s project bus tour, particularly in relation to providing members with ideas on the range of projects that can be addressed. The proposal was agreed and targeted for Saturday 20 or 27 February prior to the scheduled Board meeting on 17th March 2016. Members will have until Friday 11 December to intimate their preferred date. Duration of the tour will be from 9.30am till 2pm. The bus booked will be around a 15 seater, dependant on interest shown. Action: Report noted

Environment & Transport Action Group: 26th Oct

Assessing Supported Bus Services1: Supported services have evolved over many years, often in response to a demand from communities where commercial services are considered not to meet local needs, or commercial services have been withdrawn or reduced. Support can vary from funding the total cost of a bus service to enhancement of existing commercial services, such as increased frequency or extended operating hours (evenings and weekends). The supported bus service budget for 2015-16 is £1.17 million. Developer contributions add a further £125,000. Currently there are 16 services including Christmas, New Year and cross-boundary services at a projected cost to the Council of £1.57m. The gap of £275,000 is managed as a pressure within the Transport account. Postponed from previous meeting, Stuart Lowrie, Transport Manager for Accessible Transport gave an update on the development of a revised system for procuring supported bus services, including a tool to assess value for money and non-financial benefits of these services. A report was being presented to the full Council at its meeting tomorrow. A new assessment methodology to evaluate value for money and the non-financial benefits of supported bus services was approved by the Transport and Environment Committee. This examined the criteria applied to services and applies a set of weightings against each criteria to be used to assess the value of each service/route. The total score achieved by any route depends largely on the weighting given to the ‘travel alternatives’ (i.e. the absence of alternatives) criterion. The legislation empowering Councils to provide supported services is intended to provide services where there are few or no alternatives, hence the 40% weighting given to this criterion. The Subsam (SUpported Bus Services Assessment Module) tool will allow assessing and re-planning the supported service network. This will be undertaken in consultation with bus operators and communities that depend on supported services.

1 Transport and Environment Committee, 10am, Tuesday, 27 October 2015: Assessing Supported Bus Services; Further Report Page 5 of 11 Minutes of Firrhill Community Council Meeting 26 October 2015

The supported bus service in this area is the No. 18 bus. NT and NS to draw up a statement on how community councils can assist the department get a better understanding of the value of the service and circulate to all members of the group.

Carriageway and Footway Investment Strategy This report seeks approval for a new strategic approach to capital investment in the City’s roads and footways. The approach involves moving away from targeting investment on resurfacing works, primarily on the roads in the very worst condition, to a more preventative approach using a range of less expensive treatments. This approach over time will lead to a more sustained level of improvement in the condition of ’s roads network as measured by the Road Condition Index. Action: Report noted Members Reports

Planning Report: (JN) Report attached as Appendix 1. Also reported that the SWCF had asked Firrhill Community Council pay the hall rental for their next meeting (14th December in the Parish Church) and this he has agreed to. As Planning Officer, he has been attending meetings of the SWCF on a regular basis over the past year or so and reporting back to the members on discussions about the LDP. The Chair indicated her opposition and considered our involvement with this group should cease. Acknowledged the community council’s position is to support housing development and in particular affordable or social housing. Whilst we have expressed our support for the development of brownfield sites before greenfield areas, it is considered secondary to the need for new housing. Action: If approved at next meeting JN to withdraw from SWCF.

Treasurer’s Report No change from previous report. Action: Noted

Correspondence A list of correspondence processed during this reporting period is attached as appendix 2. For more detail on any of the correspondence listed contact the Secretary, Peggy Wright; Tel: 531 9796; email: [email protected]. AOCB:

Oxgangs Library 25th Anniversary This relates to a verbal request by John McGowan, Team Leader, Oxgangs Library seeking sponsorship for Oxgangs Library’s 25th Anniversary. The Library are keen to mark the occasion by holding special events in November and asking for financial and other support from the Community Council to make the day a success. The Chair agreed to put to the CC, a proposal for the CC to fund:- a) a community workshop or similar event for the anniversary, and b) the provision of prizes for a children’s competition, to a total limit of £300.

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J McG had also asked the CC to submit, on their behalf, an application for a community grant for the provision of equipment for the library. This was basically agreed on the proviso the Library filled in the application form. The Chair gave an update indicating that it turns out the cost of the equipment being sought was only £400. This was less than the usual applications submitted to the Community Grant Fund and therefore she proposed: “The Community Council agreed to fund this purchase on behalf of the Library” In discussion it was acknowledged the Community Council had sufficient funds in its bank account and this would be an opportunity to use those funds for the benefit of the local area. The request related to the electronic presentation of a programme covering the history of the library and the area that it serves. The proposal was agreed with the proviso that: 1. the spend was acceptable within the financial rules set out by the local authority appertaining to the use of community council grant funds 2. the equipment would remain as a fixture within Oxgangs Library as part of their facilities and be identified as having been purchased by the Community Council.

Action: The Community Council agreed to the above funds being provided subject to the Library providing a written request for such, with details of their proposals.

Oxgangs Post Office: Decision to move to new premises Received confirmation that Post Office Ltd will be proceeding with their proposal to move the branch to Day-Today express, 1-2 Oxgangs Broadway, Edinburgh, EH13 9LQ, where it will operate as one of their new local style Post Office branches. They received a small number of comments from customers and local representatives some of which supported the change whilst others opposed due to lack of space in the new arrangement. Not to happen until the new year.

Agenda for Community Council Meetings The Chair expressed a desire to change the format of meetings to enable members to raise and discuss issues of interest to them rather than listen to reports on matters that had no direct effect on their activities. Members were asked to forward to her in good time prior to the meeting, a note of any item they wished to raise for discussion and/or action to enable her to draw up an agenda. Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting: Agreed not to hold a meeting in November, no meeting is normally held in December, therefore the date of our next meeting will be: Monday, 25th January 2015 in the Lochan View Community Business Centre at 7.00pm.

Meeting closed at approx. 9.00pm

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Planning Report: Oct 2015

Planning Bulletins 29/09/2015 no applications or decisions recorded. 06/10/2015 no applications recorded. Decision on application 15/03567/FUL for a single storey extension to the side and rear of the property at 81 Colinton Mains Road has been granted 31/08/2015 No applications recorded Decision on application 15/03568/FUL for an extension to the first floor over the proposed ground floor extension to no 81 which is owned by the same company at 83 Colinton Mains Road has been refused 20/10/2015 Application 15/04460/FUL to extend to rear at 56 Colinton Mains Terrace No decisions recorded

SWCF: Notes of meeting held on 22nd September. I have not included in the report but the notes are available if anyone wants a copy. Action:

Invite to Planning Democracy AGM and Andy Wightman talk Invite to Planning Democracy’s AGM at 7-9pm on Thursday 5th November 2015 at Serenity Café, The Tun, 8 Jacksons Entry, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ. After the business of the AGM, the speaker will be Andy Wightman. His talk is entitled ‘The Bigger Picture: Land, Housing and Planning’. The Scottish Government have announced a ‘root and branch’ review of planning, with a particular emphasis on making the process quicker and more accessible for those planning new "high-quality housing developments” they have also launched their Fairer Scotland initiative. With these in mind we thought it useful to connect some of the issues of land reform housing and planning. Who better to do that than Andy Wightman? Andy Wightman is a freelance writer, researcher and analyst specialising in land rights, democracy and economics and is a leading advocate of land reform in Scotland. He is the author of publications including Who Owns Scotland (1996), Scotland: Land and Power (1999), Community Land Rights: A Citizen’s Guide (2009) and The Poor Had No Lawyers (2010). Andy was a Specialist Adviser to the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee Inquiry on Land Reform Inquiry 2013-15 and is currently a member of the Commission on Local Tax Reform. Action:

SWCF: Murray Proposals, etc. Planning Application 15/04318/PPP - Proposed residential development, local centre (including Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 uses), community facilities (including primary school and open space), green network, transport links, infrastructure, ancillary development and demolition of buildings at Land 1000 Metres NW, SW and West of Hermiston Junction M8 Station Road Edinburgh Dear all – no doubt you will be aware that the above Murray planning application has been lodged to build 1,500 houses in the Green Belt outside the Outer City Bypass. The site extends from the Gogar Roundabout to the Edinburgh/Glasgow railway line. The deadline for comments is 6th November. Page 8 of 11 http://www.firrhillcommunitycouncil.btck.co.uk/

You will also be aware of planning proposals by CALA and Miller Construction to build at Newmills (15/03458/PAN) and Station (15/03332/PAN) that could see about 330 houses constructed. If CALA’s previous Curriehill proposals were resurrected, there is a distinct possibility that another 400 houses could infill the gap in between these two proposals. LDP2 also proposed allocating land at Curriemuirend Park for 150-180 houses. The Newmills and Curriehill Station proposals were outlined in LDP2 and the Reporter has to decide whether they should form part of the LDP. On the other hand, the Murray proposals were not shown in the LDP though (as we understand it), she could propose that it be included as an option to or in addition to other proposals in the LDP. It may be seen that by objecting to the Murray proposals, there would be more pressure to develop sites that would affect , Juniper Green, Currie and , viz. infilling open space separating communities at Curriemuirend Park, Newmills plus Currie Station. This raises various questions for the SWCF members: 1. Do members wish the Forum to ask for an extension of time to view the documents – at present there are 65 documents on the portal. If so how much time would be needed to appraise them; till the end of November, for example? 2. Do Forum members wish the SWCF to lodge a formal objection to the Murray proposals, and if so on what grounds? 3. Given the number of planning proposals launched so far and the possibility of even more on the west side of the City, would Forum members wish us to write to Alex Neil, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, copied to Gordon Macdonald MSP and Joanna Cherry MP, requesting that these and any other large scale applications for development on the west side of the City be called in for ministerial consideration (as happened at )? None of the above would prevent individual organisations from submitting their own views for or against the Murray proposals to CEC. We would be grateful if you could give us your views by Wednesday 28th October. Action:

Planning Proposal at Station 15/04707/PAN - Residential including affordable housing and ancillary at Land Adjacent To 132 Glasgow Road, Newbridge, Edinburgh – this is a Green Belt site which I reckon is about 3.2ha which I guess might accommodate about 70-150 houses, just east of Newbridge, adjacent to LDP2 site HSG5. It is being promoted by Murray Estates Northern and Holder Planning. This is in the Ratho & District CC area. A public exhibition is scheduled for 25th November. Action:

Review of Planning – Have your say! The Programme for Government 2015-2016, announced an intention to review the operation of the planning system in Scotland. It stated: “We will review the operation of the planning system in Scotland, identifying the scope for further reform with a focus on delivering a quicker, more accessible and efficient planning process, in particular increasing delivery of high quality housing developments. Our aims are to:

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Ensure that planning realises its full potential, unlocking land and sites, supporting more quality housing across all tenures and delivering the infrastructure required to support development. Streamline, simplify and improve current systems and remove unnecessary blockages in the decision-making process. Ensure that communities are more engaged in the process. Continue to meet our statutory and international obligations in protecting and enhancing Scotland’s nature and environment.” In short, the Review aims to achieve, a quicker, more accessible and efficient planning process in order to build investor and community confidence in the system.

Timescale The Panel have set out the timetable for the review process and are expected to report in Spring 2016. Thereafter Scottish Ministers will respond to its recommendations with a programme for further targeted improvements to the planning system.

Key Issues The review will focus on 6 key issues – development planning; housing delivery; planning for infrastructure; further improvements to development management; leadership, resourcing and skills; and community engagement.

Getting involved The Panel would now like to invite written evidence from all interested parties. The closing date for written evidence is 1 December 2015.

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App 2: Correspondence List By e-mail, forwarded to members where possible: 1 Scott Neill: request for snow wardens to sign up again, and for new people to join: local snow info helps Council's local response. 2 Scott Neill: report problems with empty, damaged or missing grit bins: Tel 527 3816, or on Council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20227/gritting_and_salt_bins 3 Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust September update. 4 Colinton Mains Park Survey & Max Associates Report (Summary copied for members). 5 PC Graeme Howie: Sept Police Report 6 Michael Edwards re draft plan for integration of health and social care services: consultation to 31 Oct; online survey at edinburgh.gov.uk/transformededinburgh/info/12/integration/15/strategy_and_work_plans 7 Scott Neill re new community greenspace grant programme (Scotland-wide); first phase from 19th Oct to 30 Nov; funded by carrier bags sold; runs over next three years http:/Vgreenspacescotiandx>rgAik/get-ready-tbr-nevv-communitvgrant-programme.aspx 8 Keith Brown MSP: invitation to CCs Chairs to attend Cities Convention, 13 Nov, Perth. 9 Ruth Kennett, Housing Officer: no rent surgeries at Oxgangs Library in foreseeable future. 10 Scott Neill re Scot Gov's 'Winter Warrior' theme: a volunteer snow warden is required with photo and short blurb on what work a snowy day has involved them in. 11 Andy Smith, SW Roads Team, in reply to J Napier's query as to why damaged traffic barrier at Tesco roundabout has not been repaired but the one near the police station has. Andy doesn't know why this barrier was not replaced at the same time, but is chasing it up. 12 Michael Edwards re Health & Wellbeing Action Group meeting: discussion re desire to focus on Dementia Friendly Communities [attachment with info on how Portobello became dementia friendly]. 13 Julie Dickson re Special Meeting of Licensing Forum & Board to discuss 'Encouraging Live Music' - Tues 1 Dec, 10 am. City Chambers. 14 CCs Development & Support Programme update, including materials from the Intro to Planning Session: www.edinburghnp.org.uk/community-councils/community-council-support-and- development-programme/ 15 Cllr Andrew Burns: Council Leader's Oct Report, including: Nov 20, Edinburgh's Christmas starts with "Virgin Money Street of Light": 60,000 lights along 26 arches from the City Chambers to the Tron Kirk. 16 EACC AGM: Sat 28 Nov, 10 am to 12 noon, City Chambers. Office Bearers are to be nominated and form sent in by 13 Nov. 17 Michael Edwards re 2016-20 Edinburgh Council Budget Challenge [printed for members]. 18 Cllr Rust re Hallowe'en Disco at ONC: Sat 31 Oct, 3-5 pm (prizes for best costumes). 19 Gordon Macdonal MSP re Planning Review [to J Napier].

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