Fairmilehead Community Council meeting held on Tuesday 3 April 2018 in Fairmilehead Parish Church

Transcription

1 Fairmilehead Community Council meeting held on Tuesday 3 April 2018 in Fairmilehead Parish Church Present: Dennis Williams (Chair); Norman Tinlin (Secretary); Fiona Simon (Treasurer); Colin Anderson; Barbara Dick (Buckstone Association); Gilliam Holmes (Winton Loan Woodland Trust); Carol Lonie; Fraser Simon Ex Officio: Councillor Arthur; PC Gavin Mears 18 members of the public Apologies: Councillors Doggart & Rust; Ian Murray MP; Gordon Lindhurst MSP; Douglas Grossart; The Secretary apologised for having had to cancel the previous month s meeting on 6 March but this had been unavoidable due to the adverse weather conditions. He had issued the reports which had been received for the meeting and an Information Bulletin. 1. Police Report Constable Mears said he was substituting for PC Crow who was unable to attend. He went over the report which had been compiled by PC Crow and is attached at Appendix A. He highlighted the additional surgery being held at Morrison s cafe, Hunters Tryst, on the morning of the third Friday of the month. There had been 3 housebreakings and one with intent in the area during March. Questions were raised about parking on Buckstone Terrace at traffic islands and dropped kerbs and off-road motor cycles. Responses: Cllr Arthur and the Secretary reported that DYLs were going to be installed on Buckstone Terrace opposite Buckstone Road to prevent inconsiderate parking there. PC Mears reported that several persons had been charged in connection with the use of off-road bikes. 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. Reverend Cheryl McKellar-Young, Minister Fairmilehead Parish Church Rev. McKellar-Young introduced herself and said she had been inducted as minister in mid- February. She had previously been associate minister in St Michaels, Linlithgow. She has an interest in dementia. For the older and more vulnerable she had introduced a dementia sensitive worship in the community hospital and care home as well, and started a singalong for dementia similar to the wonderful one at Fairmilehead, as well as sharing home communions with those with dementia, awakening memories in them which in turn gave her memories that she will treasure forever. She was also interested in setting up a Caring Café. She has also undertaken some working with the local primary schools, Pentland and Buckstone, and 78 school pupils had come to visit the church. 3. Friends of Fairmilehead Park The City Council had approved the Friends of the Park as a local interest group and they were formally welcomed to the Community Council. 1

2 4. Minute Of Meeting Held On 6 February 2017 These were approved by the meeting. 5. Matters Arising: a) Pedestrian Crossing, Buckstone Terrace at Waterfield Road The Secretary informed the meeting that he had received information on the up to date position late that afternoon via Cllr Rust. He read over the information as follows: Good afternoon Councillor Rust, Thanks for your patience. Unfortunately, the design of this crossing has taken longer to progress than we would have liked, due to a shortage of available staff resources within our internal design section. The design has also recently been revised to include an island in the centre of the road, which will host an additional signal head to improve the visibility of the signals for approaching drivers. The revised design will be submitted for a Road Safety Audit this week, with a view to preparing the invitation to tender for construction thereafter. This should enable construction to begin before the Autumn. I hope this is helpful. Regards, Allan Hoad I Transport Officer - Road Safety The meeting was disappointed that the matter was being delayed further and Cllr Arthur said he had asked for a report for the SW Locality Committee. b) Boroughmuir High School This had opened on 21 February 2018 as previously mentioned although this was several months after the original date. c) Lothianburn Park and Ride Officer Bearers from Morningside CC were due to attend a further meeting with transport officials on 19 April. They expect to have an update on the further research that was requested by their Ward Cllrs. d) Braid Road Proposals The Secretary updated the meeting with information he had received from Council officials regarding this scheme. He had been supplied with proposals for waiting/loading restrictions on Braid Road. These were mainly sensible ones being DYLs on corners. There was also a proposal for restrictions on Braid Road at Buckstane Park. It was thought these restrictions were unnecessary due to the road layout and the existing solid line and hatching on the south west at the entrance to Buckstane Park. 6. Correspondence a) CEC Traffic Orders proposals for parking restrictions Buckstone Terrace opp. Buckstone Road and opposite Waterfield Road b) Friends of Fairmilehead park AGM 18 April 2018 at 7.30pm in Pentland Centre c) Edinburgh Airport Advisory Board Details of Code of Conduct and Terms of Reference d) CEC Planning Public consultation on draft supplementary guidance on heat opportunities mapping Closing Date 10 May Details can be found at: e) CEC Planning Department Planning and Building Standards Performance and Service Improvements _planning_and_building_standards_performance_and_service_improvements 2

3 f) Scottish Water Consultation on plans for next 25 years - g) Scottish Water Details of improvement to supply network in area including Pentlands h) Improvement Service Consultation on update of Licensing (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations i) CEC Road Safety School Crossing Patrol Review j) Living Streets Edinburgh Guidance on roadworks 7. Councillors Reports Councillor Arthur presented his report as follows: Buckstone Walkabout This went well. Lots of issues were noted and the visit was followed up by a flurry of patching activity and a number of other small improvements. In addition to this, I have asked for the KEEP CLEAR markings to be refreshed on Buckstone Hill/Row along with the SLOW marking between Winton Terrace and Winton Park. Winter I am still pressing for new grit bins in one or two places. Winton East Development The developer has appealed the rejection. I have written to the Scottish Governments reporter summing up local views and supporting the rejection. Hunters Tryst School Site Plans are now online for comment I have promoted this locally and via Facebook. Comiston Farmhouse No News. 20mph Scheme Signs have now been erected and the scheme is now live. I am progressing an issue relating to the placement of one sign in the Ward and passing enforcement requests on to the Community Police. New Pedestrian Crossing on Buckstone Terrace Now delayed until May! If there is a further delay the Council have agreed to issue a formal report explaining the delays to date. Lothianburn Park & Ride Proposal Report delayed until May. 17 Buckstone Crescent (Abandoned Property) Council Officers have now visited the site and have promised a joined up approach to solving the problem. The bank action is still ongoing. Pentland Primary School - Many thanks to the Pentland Primary parents who contacted me about the problems the muddy playground was causing them. I am working with the Council to improve this for the kids. Buckstone Primary School I attended the school s 40th birthday celebrations. It was great to see Elaine Aitken there too - she did so much to help the school over the years, not least getting the hall built. Oxgangs YPC - A few people have noticed that the old Oxgangs Young Person's Centre is being demolished. The existing building should be demolished by mid-april and we will have a new facility by March In Council The Locality committee is now preparing for its first full meeting. Promoted on my Facebook 20mph scheme, Winton East appeal & Hunters Tryst development. More local news on my Facebook page: In the absence of Cllr Doggart the Secretary read over his report:. 1. Property I met with the developers of both the Winton East and the Oxgangs Green applications. Of more interest to FCC will be Winton East. Millers have suggested they would be very keen to enter into discussions with residents about the future use of the property if their appeal is unsuccessful. While the appeal process will take some time, it would be useful to have a longer discussion about the matter at a future FCC meeting. 2. Education I attended the Reading Force event at Colinton Primary where the author, Vivienne French, conducted workshops with the children. I also attended the Parent Councils at Buckstone and Oxgangs Primaries. The main issue was the falling tile at Oxgangs. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Buckstone 40 th anniversary celebrations as I was attending the COSLA meeting. 3. Weather and Roads The severe weather over the first part of the month took up a lot of time with constituent enquiries about lower priority road clearing. What was encouraging was the efforts by residents in clearing 3

4 roads and footpaths. In particular, the efforts by parents, teachers and children (not forgetting local councillors) in clearing schools was significant. I was delighted to be able to assist at both Buckstone and Colinton. One of the consequences of the poor weather has been an increase in the number of complaints about road conditions in the ward. I have raised this again with officers following the January ward walkabout. 4. Redford Barracks Working Group Following the initial meeting of the group in February, my joint convenor, Gavin Barrie, has resigned from the group. As yet, there is no news of the SNP replacement member. 5. South West Localities Committee The next meeting of the Committee will be on April 24. However, there is no clear direction as yet for the Committee and there is no clear direction about the future of the Neighbourhood Partnerships. In the absence of Cllr Rust the Secretary circulated his report: 1. Comiston Farm House - The Housing Team at CEC met with planning and roads in relation to the affordable housing scheme. They are pleased with the retention of the existing building and lower density proposed. However, roads have confirmed that the existing access is not suitable and a new road access will be required. This could be designated for cars and bin lorries only with pedestrian access via the existing entrance. This junction could be designed to look more like a drive entrance to the site as opposed to a road. CEC has a problem in that the RSL (Dunedin Canmore) have confirmed that, due to the retention of the building, new access road and high building costs, there will be very little capital receipt for the site (at this stage 0). Corporate Property are considering the position and we are waiting on their response. 2. Garden Tax the 25 charge per bin for collection of garden waste which was voted through by Labour and SNP Councillors, will commence in July I have received several queries in relation to this and can circulate the answers to my questions at Council to anyone who wishes sight. 3. Former Hunters Tryst School Site An application has been submitted by Hopefield Partnership Ltd. for 85 affordable dwellings (79 flats and 6 houses). Comments are permitted until Friday 27 th April and the case officer is Jennifer Paton. The determination date is the end of July. 4. Land East of Winton An appeal was received on 15 th March According to the DPEA site a Reporter has still to be appointed. There will be a site inspection and the reference for the appeal is PPA HRA Land at Swanston - Offers have been issued to those interested in proceeding with the purchase of extra land for garden ground. As of the end of last week two had been accepted. The intention would be for agreed missives to go to the Finance and Resources Committee on 12 th June 2018 for final approval. 6. Dreghorn Barrier the height of the vehicle restriction barrier has now been increased from 1metre to 1.5metres. While an improvement, it still does not allow for access for most vehicles and discussions will be continued. 7. Buckstone Terrace there is a TTRO for iron works repair on 4 th April Bailie duties recent duties include judging Oxgangs Junior Bake-off. Councillor Jason Rust, Room 9.27, City Chambers, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ jason.rust@edinburgh.gov.uk Pentlands Neighbourhood Partnership/South West Locality The Secretary reported on the Community Grants meeting which had been held on 21 February The remaining funds out of the total of 43,583 for the year had been dispersed. 11 Applications had been considered; 2 had been refused; 3 had been awarded full grants and 6 partial awards. Buckstone Scout Group had been awarded a partial grant of 2000 and Friends of Fairmilehead Park had been awarded

5 It appeared that Neighbourhood Partnerships will continue in some form at least until the Edinburgh Partnership complete their governance review towards the end of the year. The initial locality meetings had been held mainly to elect their conveners and vice conveners. The SW convener was Cllr Denis Dixon (SNP Wd7) and Vice Convener Cllr Henderson (Lab Wd2). The SE convener was Cllr Mandy Watt (Lab Wd10) and Vice Convener (Cllr Main (Green Wd10) Due to the Chair having to leave the meeting due to an urgent matter, Colin Anderson assumed the Chair. 9. Planning and Environment Colin Anderson, Planning Representative distributed his report which can be found at Appendix B.. He highlighted item 5 to 8 in the report which detailed proposed changes to the way planning applications would be dealt with. a) Miller s Appeal re Winton East In respect of Miller s appeal regarding Winton East the community council maintained its objections. It was pointed out that there had been 36 years of constant opposition to the expansion of the Winton estate. It was agreed that the area should remain as open space and/or agricultural land. Miller s had written to the local councillors and Ian Murray MP in which they had justified their position taking the matter to appeal. They also stated if this appeal is unsuccessful, we will accept the decision. We will continue maintain dialogue (sic) with local stakeholders once the appeal outcome is known to either deliver the site or discuss its alternative use as a responsible owner of the site. It should be noted that when Miller s purchased the whole of the land, including the existing Winton estate, in 1965 the total purchase price was 19,822, 13 shillings and 9 pence in old money. They have more than recovered their initial outlay. b) Garden Refuse The Secretary informed the meeting that at the last Council Meeting Cllr Rust had tabled questions regarding the proposals for garden refuse colle ctions now that a charge was to be implemented. The questions and answers can be found at the following link. Go to Question Transport a) Roads and Footway Capital programme for 2018/19 The Secretary informed the meeting regarding the above report and highlighted those roads and pavements in the area that were on the list. The full report can be found in the appendices at: _road_footway_and_bridges_investment_capital_programme b) Adverse Weather Conditions The Secretary said that anybody had any comments/suggestions to make to the review that was being undertaken then these could be forwarded to him or the local councillors. c) Trams Consultation Although not directly affecting our area, the Secretary informed the meeting of a consultation that was being undertaken with regard to the proposed tram link to Newhaven. An online consultation and other events were being held. The closing date for the consultation is 29 April and it can be found here: AOCB a) Trees in Swanston Park The Secretary explained that this item was on the agenda at the request of Cllr Rust. 5

6 Lex Harrison, a resident in Swanston Park, addressed the meeting having been volunteered by about a dozen residents to provide a brief overview of relevant matters to help understand the residents concerns and the history of the matter. The residents had been dealing directly with the Council for 10 to 12 years regarding the amenity space in Swanston Park some 3000 sq. m. The builder of the estate, Wimpey, planted some trees and the Council planted further trees to thwart footballers. There were now a total of 39. The problem is the shedding of leaves each year which in addition to the brown bin collections, the volume of leaves can result in 24 to 30 bags of leaves to be disposed of which is causing a burden to an ageing population. Also the Council are undertaking less maintenance of the grass and are treating the area as a living landscape. The grass is allowed to grow high and the trees impede the grass cutting. An online consultation had been held recently but the results were still awaited. Discussion followed. Several solutions were suggested to the residents such as forming a Friends of Group; negotiating with the Council to purchase the area; take over maintenance of the area from the Council; forming a residents group to look after the area. On being asked the Secretary stated that the community council did not have a position on the matter and had not discussed the matter. Any decision would be up to the members to make. The acting chair suggested that it was difficult to decide until the results of the consultation were known. It was agreed to await the result of the consultation before taking any further action. b) Buckstone Post Office Colin Anderson drew the meeting attention to the closure of Buckstone Post Office and the lack of banking facilities in the area with this closure Date Of Next Meeting This was arranged for Tuesday 1 May 2018 in Fairmilehead Parish Church Forthcoming Meetings: Tuesday 5 June 2018 Tuesday 4 September 2018 Tuesday 2 October 2018 Contacts: Secretary@fairmileheadcc.org.uk Website: 6

7 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. Good News Fairmilehead Community Council Meeting Rank / Name of Officer Attending PC David Crow Date of Meeting 3 rd April 2018 Time End of Month March 2018 Information (this month / local priorities / incidents) PC in David Crow attendance Community Police Station Two funded Ward 8 officers, PC Graeme Howie and PC David Crow and 3 nonfunded 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 A new police surgery is now agreed and will be running every 3 rd Friday from Friday 16 th March 2018 at Morrisons Hunters Tryst, within the new café. Ward Priorities Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 Priority 4 Priority 5 THEFT HOUSEBREAKING ASSAULT / VIOLENT CRIME ROAD SAFETY THEFT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY HATE CRIME 7

8 Housebreakings Theft HB Caiystane Avenue on 3 rd March 2018 (watch, electrical items and coins stolen), enquiry is ongoing. Theft HB Biggar Road on 21 st March 2018, 10 worth of good stolen from garage area. Theft HB Buckstone Terrace on 28 th March 2018, business forcibly entered and food and the safe were stolen. HBWI (Business) Biggar Road also on 28 th March Door forced, entry gained but nothing reportedly stolen. Assault There were no assaults reported in the area in March Road Safety / Initiatives Op Heddle being run by PC Kaiser - Ferris related to the implementation of the new 20mph zones. Specific tasks are being carried out each day including speed checks, school visits and road checks. Theft There were no reported thefts in the area in March Hate Crime There were no specific Hate Crimes reported in March 2018, however. A vandalism to a car in Skerryvore Loan on 14 th March was initially being treated as a racial incident but this was disproved following further enquiries.. ASB / NPS / incidents of note 3 male teenagers were charged with causing vandalism to a car in Swan Spring Avenue on 3 rd March. Two other incidents took place in the neighbouring beat down at Oxgangs Bank, the likelihood being those males were also responsible. Actions Update From Previous Meeting Actions To Be Taken From This Meeting 8

9 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. Miscellaneous Information Ward 8 Comprises of 3 Policing Beats, with 2 City of Edinburgh Council Funded Officers, Police Constable 4179E Graeme Howie and Police Constable 11550E Sonja Kaiser-Ferris PF56 (Fairmilehead, Buckstone and Swanston) PF57 (Oxgangs and Firrhill) PF58 (Colinton and Bonaly) The Community Policing Team Inspector covering Wards is Police Inspector E Scott Richardson The CPT Sergeant covering ward 8 is Police Sergeant 5890 E Billy Telford 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 at: EdinburghCPTColintonFairemilehead@Scotland.pnn.police.uk or by telephoning the national non-emergency number 101. You can also follow us on or Police Surgery Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North, Wednesdays hours. 9

10 APPENDIX B Planning Report Tuesday 3 April 2018 A. FAIRMILEHEAD CC - LIVE FAIRMILEHEAD COMMUNITY COUNCIL 1. Change of use and Conversion of former Scottish Water Filter House to 3 residential dwelling houses at former Water Board Site, Buckstone Terrace References:- 17/05564/FUL and 17/05565/LBC At November s Meeting I mentioned I had met with Donald MacLeod of Turret Developments Limited when he outlined his company s initial proposals for the former Filter House and handed me a set of the original drawings. The applications for planning permission and listed building consent were lodged at the end of December and are now being assessed. There is no update. 2. Miller Homes, Land to the East of Winton Gardens, Edinburgh Reference:- 15/02778/PAN and 17/00108/FUL Scottish Government Appeals Division Reference:- PPA On 15 March Miller Homes lodged an appeal against the Council s refusal of their application for planning permission. This was not unexpected but disappointing in view of the significant opposition to their proposal for a housing development at Winton East. All objections are automatically carried forward for consideration by the Reporter unless the individual objector asks for it to be disregarded. Clearly FCC will maintain its objection and I have written to dpea to confirm this. On the dpea website it is stated the appeal will be determined following a site inspection. However in their Appeal Statement Miller Homes request that the further procedure should be - Holding one or more hearing sessions on specific matters. They go on to say In order for proper consideration to be given to the matter of impact on the Conservation Area, as well as considering the further reason for refusal in relation to the impact of development on the setting of the City, we believe it is absolutely essential for the Reporter to undertake an accompanied site visit and to convene a Hearing session in order to explore in detail the basis of the opposing professional views regarding the impact of this development in this location. The dpea website also indicates that the case is now ready for a Reporter to be allocated to it. 3. Replace existing doors with mild steel security doors, fit micro-mesh blanking plate, fit antitamper fixings to existing mesh blanking plates on windows at former Water Board Site, Buckstone Terrace (Hillend Treated Water Pumping Station (TWP)) Reference:- 18/00586/LBC Scottish Water has a long-term programme of upgrading general security arrangements at its operational sites. The purpose of the programme is to minimise the impact of criminal activity such as theft and vandalism thereby safeguarding the public water supply. As part of this programme enhanced security measures are required at Hillend TWP. These works do not require planning permission. However Hillend TWP is a listed structure (Category B) and therefore listed building consent is required for the work. B. FAIRMILEHEAD CC - PENDING 4. Proposed mountain bike trails and other activities at the former Lothianburn Golf Course - Swanston Farms Reference:- 15/00169/PAN Nothing has been heard about this application for some considerable time. 10

11 C. FAIRMILEHEAD CC COMPLETED Nothing to report D. CONSULTATIONS, GUIDANCE AND OTHER NEWS EDINBURGH 5. Making Representations on Planning Applications January s Report mentioned the proposal by Planning Officers to stop accepting representations by and directing people to the Planning Portal to make comments. A 6 month trial was proposed. (This would not apply where the Community Council is a statutory consultee and wishes to make comments.) However consultation responses from Community Councils and other amenity groups expressed widespread opposition to this. (FCC is supportive of this proposal.) In their Report, Planning Officers stated.. What is evident is that there are misunderstandings and misconceptions about the portal word number restrictions, formatting, portal downtime, lost representations. The majority of community councils do object to the proposals but it is clear that many have not tried to use the portal for their comments. This is inconsistent with the 87% of the general public who are using the portal for comments. At its meeting on 14 March the Planning Committee did not accept this recommendation from Planning Officers, while making it clear it was not opposed to the principle of this. The Committee wanted the upgrade of the Planning Portal proposed for this summer to be in place and tested before any trial started. Planning Officers will go back to the Committee after the proposed upgrade later this year. 6. Planning Service Performance and Service Improvements A Report on Performance and Service Improvements was before the Planning Committee at its meeting on 14 March. Some recommendations were accepted; some were not; and some were amended. The key changes related to the Council s current Scheme of Delegation which allows Planning Officers to determine planning applications on the Committee s behalf. The following items are highlighted:- (i) Planning Officers had proposed full delegated powers for all householder applications and associated listed building consent, no matter the number of objections. Other criteria would still apply such as a Ward Councillor calling for it to go to Committee etc. The Committee was not in full agreement with this proposal and instead put forward an amendment to the recommendation raising the number of objections to more than 20 (currently this is more than 6). Please note this only applies to householder applications and associated listed building consent. More than 6 objections would still apply to other development types. (ii) Planning Officers had proposed that applications could be refused by Planning Officers no matter the number of support comments unless the Community Council supported the application as a statutory consultee. The Committee decided it would prefer that the more than 20 support criteria applied for refusals as well but this would relate to all local developments including housing development of up to 49 houses. (iii) Currently there are no delegated powers for petitions so technically any application with a petition should go to Committee. Planning Officers had proposed petitions should be aligned with the proposals in (i) and (ii) above but the Committee decided the more than 20 criteria should apply to the numbers of signatures in a petition whether support or objection. However, the Committee also decided that this should not apply to householder development, and petitions should not be taken into account for house extensions or alterations in determining delegation. (iv) There is nothing at all about statutory consultees in the current Scheme of Delegation and the aim was to resolve this. Currently an application can be approved even if the Community Council objects as a statutory consultee. The recommendation, which was agreed, was that where there are unresolved objections from statutory consultees and the application is recommended for approval, it must be decided by Committee. However, if the application is recommended for refusal and it is supported by a statutory consultee, it can still be refused under delegated powers unless the community council supports it. This has enhanced the powers of Community Councils to get a Committee decision on an application with wider local interest. 11

12 Other minor amendments to the Scheme of Delegation were approved. However, it should be noted that the final decision on these changes lies with full Council at its meeting in June and the statutory scheme in relation to local developments also has to be agreed by the Scottish Government. The changes agreed by the Planning Committee very much aligns with their wish to concentrate on those applications which have wider implications for the development of the City. Consultation was not carried out on the Scheme of Delegation changes as this is a matter for Councillors to decide which applications they want to take decisions on. 7. Change in the Planning Application Process Until recently where comments were made on a planning application, only the name of the person making the comments was initially published. Their full comment, including address and stance (whether to support or object) was only published when the application went before the DMC. Due to operational reasons (software issues), the name, address and stance is now published immediately. There is a warning on the planning portal that this information will be published immediately and there is also wording mentioning this in the Guide to Commenting on Planning Applications. This change will add to the transparency of the planning process. People can now see quickly who supports or objects to an application and where they live. The Planning Service will keep this change under review. 8. Developer Contributions Section 75 January s report included an item on this. The figure for any payments returned to developers has now been identified by the Council. From 2006 to the present time unused developer contributions totalling 783, have been returned to developers. This accounts for less than 3% of the m developer contributions collected by the Council since From 1 April 2018 repayments to developers, along with other aspects of S. 75 payments will be reported annually as part of the performance management of the LDP Action Programme. E. DEVELOPMENTS EDINBURGH and MIDLOTHIAN 9. Development of 85 affordable dwellings (79 flats and 6 houses) with associated infrastructure, roads, parking, public realm and landscape areas at Site 72 metres south of 4A Oxgangs Green Reference:- 17/04444/PAN and 18/01055/FUL Following the pre-application notice lodged on 26 September 2017, the planning application was lodged on 13 March (see also Nos. 10 and 11 below). 47 people attended the preapplication exhibition. 19 submitted comments, the majority of comments concerned increased traffic in the area and parking on Oxgangs Green itself. A number of changes have been made to the layout and these are detailed in the PAC Report. (The previous application for a proposed residential development of 89 units of affordable housing with associated roads, infrastructure and landscaping, at site 72 metres south of 4A Oxgangs Green under Reference:- 16/04446/PAN and 16/06134/FUL was withdrawn by the applicant on 4 September 2017.) 10. Replace and re-align a Below Ground Culvert at Site 72 metres south of 4A Oxgangs Green Reference:- 18/01072/LBC This is an application to replace and re-align a Below Ground Culvert. The culvert passes through a brownfield site (the subject matter of No.9 above) and has surface water connections from 2 B listed Wellheads (Peewit 1 and 2). This was discussed with Planning Officers during pre-application dialog for the proposed residential development. Planning Officers considered the proposed culvert diversion required listed building consent as the culvert pipe has surface water connections from the 2 B listed Wellheads. 11. Remove metal fencing, re-point wellheads and replace stones where missing, bricked-up doorways to be rendered, step access to be covered with metal grill at Site 72 metres south of 4A Oxgangs Green Reference:- 17/02621/LBC 12

13 This is another application for Listed Building Consent for part of the Site mentioned in No. 9 above. There are 2 Wellheads, both B Listed and which date from the late 17th Century. These are part of Edinburgh s first piped water supply. The 2 Wellheads are surrounded by metal fencing and disguised by overgrowth. It is proposed to repoint the stonework and replace missing stones. The overgrowth will be cleared and the ground properly maintained going forward as part of the development mentioned above. A decision on this is awaited. 12. Former Royal High School Building at 5-7 Regent Road, Edinburgh (Hotel Development) References:- 15/03989/FUL and 15/03990/LBC Scottish Government Appeals Division References:- PPA and LBA References:- 16/04537/PAN; 17/00587/LBC: 17/00588/FUL (amended applications) Scottish Government Appeals Division References:- PPA and LBA The public inquiry into all 4 appeals will start on 18 September in Lounge 2 of the Hearts Tynecastle Stadium. This is likely to last for between 3-4 weeks (Inquiry Session 1). Inquiry Session 2 will start on 15 October and the Conditions Session on 22 October. Closing submissions will be made thereafter. The parties have now lodged their Outline Inquiry Statements and these can be viewed on the dpea website. 13. Application for planning permission in principle for Land 1000 metres NW, SW 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 5 February 2017* Inquiry and hearing sessions in this case were held May and 12 October Closing submissions were completed on 10 November It is anticipated that a report will be forwarded to Ministers during February On 8 February 2018, the solicitors for RBS advised the Reporter that, following discussions after the Transportation Hearing, RBS is now in a position where it can withdraw its objection to this application. A S.75 Legal Agreement is being drawn up between the parties to document the arrangements agreed between the parties. There is no update. 14. PPP for two hotels (Class 7), office (Class 4), retail (Class 1), restaurant(s) (Class 3), pedestrian deck, bridge link + accesses from Western Approach Road + Canning Street; detailed approval for siting, maximum height & limits of deviation of proposed buildings, partial demolition and refurbishment of façade of former electricity station at 2 Dewar Place (as amended) Reference:- 17/02227/PPP; 17/02228/LDC and 17/02229/CON Last June s Report mentioned this application which seeks planning permission in principle for a major development on the site of the electricity sub-station owned by Scottish Power (formerly SSEB) at Dewar Place in the Exchange District and backing onto the Western Approach Road. This brownfield site extends to some 1.24 hectares, with the railway line from Waverley Station running underneath the northern part of the site. It is proposed to demolish part of the listed building but the most important part will be retained and integrated into the proposed development. There is no residential element. The project will also feature a catering academy and hotel training school. The development is known as Exchange 2. Planning Officials have recommended approval in principle, subject to various conditions and completion of a S.75 Legal Agreement to cover, e.g. the delivery of the new proposed footbridge over the Western Approach Road. This application was initially before the DMC at its meeting on 7 March Following this meeting and as requested by the DMC, the applicant submitted amended upper floor proposals and additional information in relation to visual impact etc. The application came back before the DMC at its meeting on 21 March when the DMC were minded to grant consent subject to completion of a S. 75 Legal Agreement. 13

14 15. Application for Planning Permission at South East Wedge Development site, Old Dalkeith Road Reference:- 17/05986/FUL The project is the development of an area of existing open space with an active travel route from Little France Drive in the north to the Wisp in the south. It also connects Phase 1 of the project heading west and linking in with the ERI. The area is currently green belt land. The provision of this active travel route (shared cycleway/footway 3.5 metres wide and lit along its length) will help deliver a key green space proposal as set out in the LDP. It will help with the access and delivery of the overall parkland. The DMC gave consent at its meeting on 21 March. Colin W Anderson Planning Representative 14