2024 September Minutes

Merchiston Community Council — Minutes of Public Meeting (by Zoom)

Date: 17 September 2024

Chaired by Ian Doig, Chair of Merchiston Community Council (MCC)

Started: 19:00.
Ended: 21:05

Present: 
MCC Members: Ian Doig (ID, Chair), Frances Hawarden (FH, Treasurer), Mairianna Clyde (MC), Joan Houston (JH), Helen Zealley (HZ), Bridget Stevens (BS), Raphael Uddin (RU, Minute taker), Roma Menlowe (RM, Minute taker), John McKenna (JMK, Zoom host), Neil Anderson (NA, Website Manager)

Ward 10 Councillors: Neil Ross (NR, Liberal Democrat)

Ward 9 Councillors: Christopher Cowdy (CC, Conservative)

Residents: Ros Classe (RC, representing Bruntsfield Primary School Parents’ Council), Azzam Abdalla (AA, George Watson’s College), Jedidah Ajala (JA, George Watson’s College), Jay Feeney (JF, Bruntsfield Primary School Parents’ Council Chair), Ellasaid Woodhouse (EW), Graham Gorie (GG), David

  1. Introduction, Apologies & Declarations of Interest
    Apologies had been received from Daniel Cairns (MCC Secretary), Vivien Kitteringham (Vice Chair), Vanessa Meadu and Klaus Glenk.
    There were no declarations of interest. 

  2. Residents’ Issues Forum
    RC, on behalf of Bruntsfield Primary School Parents’ Council, spoke about concerns regarding inadequate road-crossing arrangements, especially for school children and parents on school runs, drawing particular notice to the challenge of recruiting and retaining crossing guards to be stationed at Merchiston Avenue/Granville Terrace and Montpelier.
    City Councillors were invited to comment, with NR suggesting that hopefully some provision for making the Merchiston crossing safer could be included in the Polwarth Pavements Project. CC spoke about advertisements for crossing guard positions, and the need for vacancies to be advertised more locally rather than city-wide advertising of vacancies to encourage applicants.
    JF wondered if funds set aside for crossing guard positions that were unfilled could be put towards safety improvements, such as improved safety signage, at the crossings. ID commented on how beneficial the several “green man” crossing traffic lights on Colinton Road at George Watson’s College are, acknowledging that while automated crossings are expensive to install, they provide a sustainable, long-term solution, operating at all times 24/7, not only for school children but also for adults crossing this busy road.
    JH raised the issue of poor pavement quality on South Ettrick Road, NR assured that this would be tackled in CEC’s roads and pavements maintenance programme, in addition to upgrading Polwarth Terrace in 2025.
    GG inquired about updates on the issue of a lack of parking at the proposed Caledonian Brewery Site development, previously discussed at MCC’s June meeting.
    MC as MCC’s Planning Lead stated that a decision may have already been made by CEC, but that MCC will keep pressing. GG said that comments had reopened then closed, and that a decision by CEC has not been displayed on the website.
    ID asked whether GG had contacted Gorgie/Dalry Community Council, as the development is in that area, however GG noted that the site’s parking area would lie within MCC’s boundaries, making it difficult to find the correct contact for this issue.
    EW asked for advice on an issue regarding a neighbour feeding pigeons and subsequently attracting rats to their shared garden, with EW living on the ground floor flat and facing the brunt of this problem. EW and others in the building have explored various ways to address this (buying a feeder, discussing the health risks), but to no avail.
    ID and MC stated that this was a CEC environmental health issue, and that while it is private property and so no action could be enforced, it may still be worthwhile contacting CEC as the Environmental Health Authorities. Legal action was also emphasised to be a costly last resort, requiring legal advice and therefore undesirable for all. MC also mentioned a mediation service that City of Edinburgh Council may still be running, while NR gave the email for the council’s pest control service for advice.

  3. Minutes of Public Meeting on 18thJune 2024;Matters Arising
    The minutes of the meeting held on 18th June 2024 were approved, subject to some minor amendments from BS relating to a suggestion that she might get in touch with Tollcross Community Council.
    There were no matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda.

  4. Chair’s Report
    ID spoke to his report (circulated), first discussing the Community Council elections process and the role CCs play as constructive but independent partners of City of Edinburgh Council, providing an important public service by reflecting the views of Merchiston residents to CEC.
    This led on to a discussion about the Review of Community Councils, which is to be finalised by CEC at a meeting on the 26th of September. ID expressed gratitude for Cllr Val Walker’s help in opposing the proposed term limits on all CC Chairs, as it became clear that many CCs, including MCC, would have difficulty finding successors so often, in addition to the disruption and lack of continuity this proposal would create. However, other suggestions – such as making it necessary to gain CEC’s approval before any new members can be co-opted – appear to still be a possibility, despite concerns that this would make it more difficult to encourage residents to join. ID explained the importance of this – inevitably members move away or need to step back from MCC membership. New rules involving submitting all minutes and agendas to CEC for all 46 community councils would surely be a serious administrative challenge for both organisations.
    ID then welcomed to the meeting MCC’s Associate Members for the year ahead, Jedidah Ajala and Azzam Abdalla from George Watson’s College, and Jay Feeney representing Bruntsfield Primary School Parents’ Council. ID also recently received 2 joint-nominations from the Edinburgh Steiner School (who intend to log in to October MCC meeting) and is awaiting responses from invitations sent to Craiglockhart Primary and Boroughmuir High School.
    The news of the successful petition to keep the RBS Bruntsfield Branch open was acknowledged as a victory for the community, with continued efforts and a petition to ensure it remains open encouraged.
    The annual Thank-You event for the Leaf Clearing Project was also discussed, with spending by MCC approved for venue hire and refreshments. It was mentioned that the event will extend to thank those helping with the Polwarth Pavements Project, and to our local CEC councillors. RU added an idea that he had discussed with MCC members in recent months. It was suggested that the event be divided into two halves – a private celebration to thank those who have helped MCC over the year, followed by opening up the venue to all residents. Presentations on MCC’s various projects can then be given to allow residents to learn more about their Community Council. ID added that this was particularly important given that the event is planned to take place in January 2025 and could encourage residents to join MCC in the upcoming February/March 2025 community council elections.

  5. Planning Report – Mairianna Clyde, Planning Lead
    MC drew attention to the planned demolition of the office buildings at Dundee Terrace (opposite the library), to make way for the PBSA (purpose-built student accommodation) development already authorised by CEC.  She also noted the number of refusals of applications to CEC for short-term lets: this was in line with CEC’s policy to try to return properties to the longer-term rental market.
    A question was raised about the status of the proposed redevelopment of the property at 36-38 Yeaman Place (24/01718/FUL – change of use and alterations /extension of shop / workshop to form 2x residential units).  MC thought it had been refused on grounds of the design’s obliteration of historically valuable architectural features.  
    Post-meeting note: the CEC planning portal confirms that this application has been refused, but notes that an ‘appeal or review’ is in progress.
    RM proposed that the issue of tree-felling within MCC’s area should be discussed at a future MCC meeting.  The Chair agreed to put it on the agenda for the following meeting.

  6. Licensing Report Bridget Stevens – Licensing Lead
    Three licensing applications are in the pipeline:
    1. New premises manager at Heart & Bottle (formerly Fin & Grape), 15 Colinton Road applying for variation including “takeaways which may include alcohol”.   BS is recommending that, unless we anticipate serious problems if the application is granted, our stance should remain that we have no objections at this stage but that we reserve the right, should any complaints come our way, to revert to the Licensing Board and request a review.  We know that MCC’s opinion is always formally minuted.
    2. Variation application from Ciao Napoli, 39-41 Slateford Road.
    3. Bell Bottom (formerly Piece Box), 2 Polwarth Crescent.   Currently operating with occasional licences 13/9 – 26/9 and 27/9 – 10/10.
    2. and 3. are still being checked over by CEC Licensing before being advertised.

  7. Polwarth Pavement Improvement Project Roma Menlowe, John McKenna, Raphael Uddin
    RM spoke to the update paper already circulated.  The decision by CEC to invest in further safety measures and enhanced amenity at the Polwarth intersection was very welcome.  MCC had had an initial meeting with CEC officers and had sent them the traffic data underpinning the MCC report on the Polwarth junction.  Steps had been taken up update the local community – by webpost, social media and through the email contact list.  It would be helpful if residents could alert MCC to any local events at which this project could be further publicised.  Volunteers to help with such events would also be welcome.
    The Polwarth team had prepared an engagement plan to ensure that MCC kept local businesses as well as residents fully in the picture.  Letters to all the shops and services at the roundabout would issue shortly, with an invitation to discuss any concerns.RC mentioned the Winter Fair at Bruntsfield Primary School – this would be an excellent opportunity to follow up on VM’s recent update to the Parent Council. MCC would seek clarification from CEC on their timetable for, and format of, ‘concept designs’ for the intersection – the first stage in the design process.  MCC would want to take the views of the community on those initial proposals.  It should not be assumed that CEC would necessarily adopt all the proposals put forward by MCC in its report; but the community would expect to see progress towards their goals of improved safety for pavement users and cyclists, and enhanced amenity.

  8. Local History Project – Frances Hawarden & Raphael Uddin
    FH and RU gave a brief outline of the project’s progress so far, explaining that this update of the MCC’s 20-year-old history section, currently displayed on MCC’s website, creates an opportunity for MCC to engage with residents, collating their “lived experiences” to showcase alongside interesting information about the past of the local area that many are unaware of. They will be taking advantage of the upcoming Doors Open Days and other events to gather more information. Residents are encouraged to get involved, with further updates to follow on MCC’s website, social media, and upcoming meetings. This project is also being considered as a part of the in-person event in January 2025. showcasing MCC’s ongoing activities to residents.

  9. Leaf-Clearing Project Joan Houston and Helen Zealley
    JH and HZ shared details of this year’s Leaf Clearing project. They have finalised a letter to go out to those who previously signed up as volunteers, and will meet individually with those who sign up to continue this year.
    They explained that use of CEC brown bins for disposing of leaves throughout the winter is important, as it enables many residents to help their efforts and ensures the leaves are composted.
    The recent work clearing gutters in main roads by the City Council was welcome but was revealed to also present challenges in recruitment as some residents may feel it is “not their responsibility”, and that “others” should be taking care of it. Engaging with George Watson’s College was suggested as pupils have helped leaf clearing previously as part of their Duke of Edinburgh awards. ID will send invitation to Watsons.

  10. Treasurer’s Report Frances Hawarden
    FH reported a healthy balance (as shown in circulated reports), but noted that the annual grant payment from CEC had not yet been received.
    ID proposed that MCC appoint RU as a Project Support Officer, outlining his help to MCC as the representative for Boroughmuir High School over the past year and that now an opportunity to assist MCC in various activities has presented itself as RU has deferred his place at the University of St Andrews until 2025 and is happy to help MCC in the coming year. Tasks involved in this role will include design and creation of business cards for MCC, some minute taking, assisting NA and VK in keeping the website up to date, helping to set up online banking for MCC, and organising the In Person Event Thank You for MCC and residents in January. This proposal was unanimously approved, and RU thanked MCC’s members for their warm welcome into the group, looking forward to assisting MCC in the year ahead.

  11. City Councillors’ Reports
    CC and NR spoke about the new CEC toilets on the Meadows, RNID hearing services at Morningside Library, a renewed 25-year lease for a boathouse, CPZ issues, and informed MCC that Graffiti and litter removal kits are available on request from CEC.
    CC reported topics discussed at the recent Craiglockhart Community Council meeting including the closure of Craiglockhart and Colinton Dell pathways due to landslips, stating the need for long-term solutions required in keeping access to these green spaces open to the public.
    Other recent developments in Ward 9 include a dispute between Friends of Easter Craiglockhart Hill and Kayakers who wanted to use Craiglockhart pond for practise, which could cause disruption in the nature reserve. However, the groups came together to remove litter from the pond.
    CC also said that Craiglockhart CC are interested in setting up a Leaf Clearing project similar to MCC’s and it was proposed that MCC share any useful resources or advice to help them with this.

  12. Other Reports & Correspondence
    JMK reported on the meeting regarding bin hubs, attended by representatives from every Community Council and most City Councillors. He highlighted how this was a priority issue for many residents, and there was lots of input at the meeting, with noise pollution being the most contentious point. Internal ropes in the glass bins have been suggested as a possible improvement to counter this, letting jars and bottles filter down, but JMK noted that hopefully a bottle return scheme could be realised by 2026, which would also help solve this issue. The rollout of bin hubs is continuing in Leith and changes are being made to ensure mistakes aren’t repeated. Changes to rules about location are being proposed, making them more lenient rather than mandatory to ensure popular, common-sense suggestions aren’t ruled out because of technicalities. A report going into greater detail about this meeting has been sent to ID by JMK.

  13. Any other business
    The Edinburgh Union Canal Society are hosting their annual event celebrating the last boat hire week of the year on Sunday 29th September. MCC will also have a stall, and take advantage of this opportunity for MCC to engage with residents. VK will ask for volunteers to add to a rota of MCC members for the event.

 Future Meetings: 2024 – 15thOctober, 19thNovember.

Scroll to Top