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LHNCC August 2022 minutes

Minutes of the Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council ordinary meeting, held via MS Teams, on Tuesday 23 August 2022 at 6:30pm

Actions and decisions are red italic. Nem con means that no-one spoke or voted against an item.

1 Introductions and apologies for absence

1.a Present

Stewart Auld LHNCC Arthur Young NTBCC
Elaine Dick LHNCC Bill Rodger Trinity CC
Don Giles LHNCC Cllr Chas Booth Leith Ward
Jennifer Marlborough LHNCC Cllr Katrina Faccenda Leith Ward
Jim Preacher LHNCC ~2 residents/visitors
Douglas Tharby LHNCC

1.b Apologies for absence

Neil Tulloch LHNCC Deidre Brock MP Edinburgh North and Leith
Bruce Ryan minutes secretary PC Chris Casselden Police Scotland
Ben Macpherson MSP Edinburgh Northern and Leith

2 Declaration of interests

none

3 Minutes of June 2022 meeting

Accepted as is (proposed J Marlborough, seconded S Auld, nem con)

4 Matters arising

All matters covered in later agenda items

5 Police report

See PDF on LHNCC website or text of report in appendix 1.

  • PC Casselden was unable to attend due to duties such as policing Edinburgh Festival.

6 Councillor/MSP/MP reports

6.a Cllr Faccenda

See also Cllr Faccenda’s report in Appendix 2.

  • She has now been onto the ship MS Victoria. There are related issues affecting local schools so she is looking into how people can be safely transported on and off the ship. (The current bus is too small.) She welcomes further information.
    • Forth Ports looking into noise created by the ship’s generators, and how this affects neighbours.

6.b Cllr Booth

  • Most local government refuse workers are in dispute with CoSLA, due to cost-of-living/pay issues. Scottish Greens have not power at CoSLA because they do not lead any Scottish local authorities, but Cllr Booth was invited to a relevant meeting. Some LA leaders wanted to offer 5%; others 3·5%. Hence the offer made was 3·5%. Unions rejected this as insulting. Cllr Booth concurs: these workers do a difficult job and have not had pay-rises recently. He suggests that the Scottish Government needs to take action. He notes that the offer has since been increased to 5%.
    • Cllr Faccenda noted that the unions do not want a flat increase, but higher %age increases for lower paid workers. Hence current negotiations are around implementing this idea.
    • J Marlborough suggested that refuse workers should be supported, given their hard tasks and the effect of their work.
    • There has been some progress on the rainbow bridge, but nothing worth reporting yet.

7 Chair, Secretary and other officer reports

7.a Chair

See also report in Appendix 3.

  • There is no sign of electric vehicle chargers in LHNCC’s area being operational.

7.b Treasurer

See also report in appendix 4.

  • Current balance £129·09
  • Annual grant form CEC is anticipated to arrive soon

7.c Secretary

See report in appendix 5.

  • Heart of Newhaven has finally received the keys to its premises.

7.d Seafield

See report in Appendix 6.

7.e Rotary Club of Leith report

See report in appendix 7.

8 Residents’ queries and issues

  • J Marlborough: issues/queries have been resolved by supplying relevant information:
    • the rainbow bridge: LHNCC supports its reconstruction and maintenance, but is not inclined to comment fully on the rainbow factor because this is political
    • ships’ generators – see above
    • D Tharby: LHNCC is very open to hearing residents’ fears and aspirations etc, and to supporting as and when possible.

9 Planning

See also report in appendix 8. T

  • J Marlborough: the main problem around development in Leith is that developers and owners are unknown. The planning portal is difficult to use, discouraging public comments. Online planning consultations are also off-putting and not available to always available to those without digital access
    • Action: Cllr Booth to ascertain when in-person planning meetings will resume.
    • Action: J Marlborough to email Cllr Booth with details of planning portal difficulties.

9.a Baltic St

  • This now has a new owner. JM has written to the relevant case officer, asking for detail on tenure etc.

9.b Western Harbour

  • S Auld: I have contacted Alistair Sibbald: matters are progressing in accordance with the master plan. Plot P1 was sold at the start of summer 2022 to a private company (CCG), which appears to have a good record of developing environmentally friendly homes. It will be starting work on 118 homes very soon. These are likely to be private homes. Enquiries continue about the other plots. Work has started on an artificial sports surface. It is hoped this will be available to the community as well as the school.
    • J Marlborough: there have been some concerns about the park here, e.g. who will maintain it because CEC will not. (It can’t afford this.) Forth Ports has said it will charge residents via factoring fees.
    • E Dick: how can this be if it’s meant to be a public green space?
    • J Marlborough: I don’t believe this is realistic. I have yet to receive clarity on this subject.
    • D Tharby: I understand money has been put into trust for this purpose.
    • B Rodger: I have the same concern, i.e. will this be a closed space? This would not be a good thing. A park is planned for further west, so I wonder if the same would happen here. Trinity CC can support efforts to keep the park public.
    • Cllr Booth: the land for four-quarter park is owned by CEC, so this would be different to the Western Harbour park.
    • Action: LHNCC (J Marlborough) to push for the park to be public
    • Action: Cllr Booth to ascertain permissions in planning consent

10 Consultations

See also report in appendix 9.

10.a Leith Connections: phase 3.

  • J Marlborough: there are concerns about cycle-paths being next to traffic, lack of bus-stops and loading bays.
    • D Tharby: plans for this route would impact traffic flows. Sensible solutions, e.g. around Bernard St, are needed.
    • J Marlborough/J Preacher. There are plans for a bus-stop on the narrow Bernard St bridge, near the Anchor. There are also concerns about converting public land close to a main road (Portland Gardens) into a skate-park.
    • B Rodger: there is much cynicism about CEC consultations, and the resulting actions.
    • Action: J Marlborough to circulate LHNCC’s submission to this consultation.

11 Licensing

  • A Young: there is an application for a provisional alcohol license at 30 Junction St. This shop is already trading.

12 Transport

See also report in appendix 10.

12.a Trams

  • J Marlborough: the trams project has been short-staffed but still promises running trams in spring 2023. CCTT discussions with the trams team have focused on handover of the system to CEC, duration of snagging period, landscaping (a CEC responsibility). New paving on Leith Walk is cracked, and there are many other apparent snags. Completion of sections in LHNCC has been slightly delayed. There have been questions about bus stops. CCTT is considering sending a deputation to CEC in December.
    • D Tharby: while progress is visible (e.g. two-way traffic at Elm Row) there is congestion between Elm Row and York Place. There are changes to the 21 and 34 bus routes, mostly affecting Leith Links and Craigentinny/Restalrig areas.

12.b Buses

  • J Marlborough: since I wrote the transport report, a raft of network changes has been announced. These will take place on 11 September. These changes are not popular with Leithers. The 22 service has not been reinstated despite requests, and queues for service 16 buses on Leith Walk are ‘horrendous’. Diversions are not well publicised, leading to more problems. Service 16 now goes via Leith Street and Waverley Steps, but there is no direct service between Ocean Terminal/ and west Edinburgh (e.g. the Gyle centre). The north Leith area is not now well served in general and especially at Salamander St, which does not have any service.
    • S Auld: I used a service 16 bus today – it was over-full of passengers.
    • D Tharby: is the 22 night-service running?
    • J Marlborough: yes, but I don’t know the current route.

13 Environment

13.a Sewage discharge into the Water of Leith

  • A resident: there have been extensive press reports in the last few months on sewage, and lack of action against English water companies. SOSLeith will keep sewage issues high on the agenda. It is trying to get details of Scottish Water’s future plans for the Water of Leith, and will soon meet with SW. it is grateful for LHNCC and local CRC councillors’ support.
    • D Giles: discharge into the sea, rather than into rivers, is a more sensitive issue in England. Lack of tanks in English combined sewerage outlets is aggravating problems and hence press interest. Discharge into the WoL in the Leith basins area is relatively limited because these CSOs do have tanks. However, we should still press SW for a longer term solution – or at least monitoring. Monitoring is done in England but not Scotland.
    • A resident: monitoring used to be done of WoL, but this stopped between 10 and 20 years ago.
    • D Tharby: there was monitoring along the Forth some decades ago.
    • B Rodger: can SEPA be asked what monitoring was done?
    • J Marlborough: LHNCC supports SOSLeith and Friends of Water of Leith Basin’s work, so there is probably sufficient people/bodies working on this topic. However, problems are being exacerbated by the many new developments along the Water of Leith, from Balerno onwards.
    • D Giles: LHNCC could work with other CCs to ask SW how existing sewers are coping with effluent from new housing.
    • A resident: the Leith basins are basically a canal, in that there is no natural flow here, so sewage will remain here.

14 AOCB

14.a Friends of Water of Leith Basins

  • D Giles: FOWLB will hold an open day in the Custom House – probably 17 September.

14.b Diary dates

  • J Marlborough: LHNCC members [and others] should be aware of:
    • Emergency services day (Victoria Quay)
    • Lothian Buses network changes
    • Heart of Newhaven free art classes
    • Leith Local history society events

14.c Custom House

  • Action: J Marlborough to look into possibility of Leith CCs collaborating at an open day in the Custom House.
  • D Giles: it would be welcome to get the painting of the arrival of George iV moved to the Custom House.
  • B Rodger: actions should be taken to attract cruise-liner passengers to visit Leith, e.g. making more use of the former Leith Council chamber.

14.d EACC

  • B Roger: EACC is meeting this Thursday. It encourages participation by all CC members.
    • Action: LHNCC to circulate invitations to EACC meetings more widely.

15 Date of next meeting

Tuesday 27 September 2022

16 Appendix 1: text of police report

16.a Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council meeting July 2022, compiled by Leith Community Policing Team – 25/07/22

Welcome to our LHNCC newsletter for July 2022!

16.b Breakdown of calls in north Leith/Newhaven area for July 2022 (approx 287 in total)*: stats for period 23/06-24/07/22

  • 26 calls relating to public nuisance
  • 10 neighbour disputes
  • 19 calls of theft/housebreaking
  • 13 domestic-related calls
  • 5 calls of other violence
  • 1 incident with hate motivation
  • 27 loud noise/music-related calls
  • 25 concern-for/missing person calls
  • 8 drug-related calls

16.c Some notable actions/events/incidents

  • On 5th July, a body was found next to Newhaven harbour near to the lighthouse. There were no signs of life. Enquiries were made by uniformed officers and CID into the person’s identity and the circumstances, and the death was judged to be non-suspicious.
  • On 11th July, Police received several calls of an off-road motorcycle being ridden around the walkways near Lindsay Road. With these types of incidents, public safety is deemed to be the priority – including that of the driver/rider of the offending vehicle. When such incidents are reported, divisional Response sets are allocated to attend initially and trace any perpetrators, with Roads Policing sets requested to support with specialist skills & equipment for engagement with any moving vehicles. Police Scotland relies on local residents reporting such issues timeously and this can be done by telephoning either 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (in an emergency) to allow the opportunity for available officers to be despatched, attend, assess and engage with the people involved.
  • On 12th July, the Tallink Victoria ferry cruise vessel arrived at the port of Leith and berthed in the Imperial Dock. This is a Scottish Government project to temporarily accommodate Ukrainian refugees. The ship is chartered for 6 months, with a current departure date scheduled for 10th January 2023. The ship has a maximum capacity of 2500pp; however, the refugees will begin to arrive over the next few weeks, 30pp at a time, until totalling 700-1700pp. Each person will stay for several weeks, then be placed in more permanent housing across the region. They will be free to go ashore as they please, once registered as residents on board the ship. Leith Community Officers, Small Ports Officers and Preventions, Interventions & Partnerships officers have visited the ship, met the crew and discussed the project & varying responsibilities with local council officers, Forth Ports security and Ocean Terminal shopping centre.
  • On 23rd July, a group of four individuals was seen acting suspiciously at Leith Market, Dock Place, potentially in the area to steal from stall-holders, tills and/or customers. Through the vigilance of the market organiser and stall-holders, they were deterred from committing any offences and left the market a short time later. Photos of the four subjects have been shared with city centre Community Police Officers, stallholders at other markets in Edinburgh and Lothian Buses. Please remain alert in busy places to the potential for thieves and pickpockets, reporting any incidents to Police via 101.

16.d Some of the local issues we have been tackling

  • Much of Leith Community Officers’ time recently has been spent patrolling Portobello beach in order to tackle alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour and youth disorder.
  • Over the past few weeks, Police received several calls from local residents of the Sandport/Quayside area about a male playing excessively loud music at the Water Of Leith and potentially dealing drugs. Community officers conducted foot patrols of the area and on 13th July stopped a male matching the description provided, searched him under Misuse Of Drugs Act 1971 and issued a warning under relevant noise legislation. The issue has not resurfaced to date.
  • On 20th July, following information diligently reported to the local beat officer by a local resident, an Obarter X3 electric scooter worth £1300 was recovered from Portland Street. Enquiries revealed that it had been stolen through trickery on 9th June and ridden illegally around the streets of Leith since. The scooter was thereafter returned to its rightful – and grateful – owner.
  • On 23rd July, Police received a number of reports from local residents of an unauthorised traveller encampment at the far end of Western Harbour Drive. Police attended with Forth Ports security officers and engaged with the members of the travelling community, who stated that they intend to remain temporarily. They were in turn provided with suitable public safety advice. Whilst concerns over damage to property, alarm to wildlife and environmental issues have been highlighted to Police, no criminality has been identified. Over the forthcoming days, Leith Community Officers and Forth Ports will continue to engage with the group, who have protection of lifestyle and other rights afforded by the Equality Act 2010 & the Human Rights Act. Even on private land, City of Edinburgh Council (as the local authority) retains responsibility for monitoring the encampment; however, it will be for the landowner (i.e. Forth Ports) to decide what legal action, if any, to take with regards to reclaiming the land.

16.e Plans ahead

  • We shall continue to patrol Portobello Beach & Leith Links over the coming month, and will be policing numerous and various events including Edinburgh Festival, The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever and Hibs-Hearts (7th August) & Hibs- Rangers (20th August) football matches.
  • Planning is well underway for the Emergency Services Day to be held on Saturday 10th September 2022 at Victoria Quay. This will be a fun-filled community day where members of the general public can engage with representatives of the emergency services & armed forces. There is even talk of a helicopter flyover from HM Coastguard!

16.f The Little Book of Big Scams

16.g About Us

  • Local Area Commander: Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal
  • Leith Community Policing Team based at Leith Police Station:
    • Inspector Colin Fordyce
    • Sergeant Sam Rose
    • Your local Community Beat Officer for NL26:
    • Constable Chris Casselden
    • Plus 8 officers dedicated to community issues in Leith

16.g.i Contact Us:

17 Appendix 2: Cllr Faccenda’s report

My first months as a councillor have seen me starting to meet with stakeholders and campaigning groups within the Ward as well as individual constituents. If you would like to meet me or would like me to visit a problem area please contact me on my council email address.

Amongst organisations I have met within this part of the Leith Ward are SHBT regarding the plans for Customs House, SOSLeith, Leith LIN, Newhaven Heritage and I have also visited Seafield Treatment Works with Veolia and Scottish Water to better understand what is being done to address problem odours and the Wee Hub at Ocean Terminal which I would encourage everyone to visit. I have also met with local businesses impacted by the ongoing tram works. I hope to meet Forth Ports to discuss a number of issues including cleaning and maintenance of the park areas at Western Harbour which is an issue which arose recently following a trayellers’ encampment.

A number of constituents have written regarding the M/S Victoria and its use to house Ukrainian refugees. Concerns include fumes and noise from the engines which are being addressed by Forth Ports and I will continue to monitor progress on this. There are also widespread concerns for the welfare of those accommodated on the ship, concerns which I share and feel very strongly about, I have raised this with Council Officers as well as writing to the Scottish government who are responsible for the contracting of the ship. I will be visiting the ship this coming week.

As many of you know only too well there are recurring problems with uplift of bins and especially communal bins within the areas of the tram works. I have flagged this up repeatedly to the senior officers responsible and will be monitoring over the next couple of weeks to see if the problems are being resolved.

Problems of overflowing litter bins continue together with odours from commercial food waste bins. The warmer weather is creating new problems and I will be asking the Transport and Environment Convenor to look at what solutions can be found as far as enforcing cleaning of bins by commercial waste companies and businesses taking responsibility for the cleanliness of areas around their bins.

Together with Cllr Booth I met with Lothian Buses for an initial meeting and I hope, now that the recess is over we will be able to arrange a further meeting. There are the ongoing issues of bus diversions away from Commercial Street and The Shore when the traffic builds up and the lack of real time updates on the Lothian App leaving people waiting for buses which never arrive. We will continue to raise the matter if the reinstatement of the 22 to Ocean Terminal.

I have taken up the issues of poor signage around Ocean Terminal to prevent large vehicles ending up at Rennie’s Isle and the irresponsible and anti-social parking around the visa office. Signage has been improved but unfortunately I have had reports that vehicles are still getting stuck. I would appreciate specific suggestions from residents as to what additional signage they think is needed and I will take this to the council officers.

I have been appointed as the Chair of the Edible Edinburgh a city-wide partnership which brings together campaign groups, voluntary sector organisations and businesses to look at ways to ensure everyone has access to healthy food which is produced in a sustainable way. This includes encouraging the use of land as community gardens to grow food. Keep an eye on my Facebook Page for more news regarding this project.

18 Appendix 3: chair’s report

This report is in a new style in line with our revised Agenda structure and represents the activities of your Chair in connection with LHNCC business and his related appointments arising from his role primarily as a Community Councillor.

It has been quite a quiet summer which has been appreciated. There is not much to report on over the last two months.

On Thursday 27th July I met with Andrew Field, Head of Community Empowerment & Engagement. This is a new post to City of Edinburgh Council and Andrew has responsibility for CEC’s dealing with Community Councils, Neighbourhood Networks and our Locality Community Planning Partnerships.

A wide remit, and indeed this is only part of it, he will be working with us over the months ahead. There will be a structural change in his department, Culture & Well-being, which comes under the Place Directorate headed by Paul Lawrence, and when I have more detail confirmed I will advise this Community Council. May I take this opportunity on behalf of LHNCC to wish him well in his appointment and to say that we look forward to working with him.

I have as yet no update on either the Leith Neighbourhood Network nor the North East Locality Community Planning Partnership as no meeting dates have been established.

I do have to report that £eith Chooses IS up and running for the year ahead, secured funding from City of Edinburgh Community Grants Fund is over £46,000 and we have additional funds of £3,000 from Port of Leith Housing Association. More news on this over the autumn months, Applications can now be submitted from constituted groups but best to check out the website for more and up to date information and application forms and guidance notes.

I was saddened to hear of the death of Alan Mackie who was our LHNCC Secretary for seven years. The role of Secretary is pivotal to a Community Council as you will know and although I never held an Officer’s appointment during his time I remember him as a great source of local knowledge at our meetings and personally for assisting me in the early stages of being Treasurer for which I thank him.

D Tharby, chair

19 Appendix 4: treasurer’s report

The current balance in the bank account is £129.09 based on the last statement dated 25″ July.

We are up to date with all known Invoices.

Our Annual Accounts for 2021-2022 have been independently verified and forwarded to the City of Edinburgh Council and their receipt acknowledged.

Our Annual Grant from City of Edinburgh Council normally is paid in July. I have been assured that the payment is forthcoming but no date has been specified. I will update on this once received.

D Tharby, treasurer

20 Appendix 5: secretary’s report

I would like to start with apology for timing issues at our meeting June that resulted in items on the agenda not covered following the Custom House presentation. These will be incorporated into relevant reports being provided for this meeting. It has been agreed following revision of our Agenda that some future Presentations will covered in a separate extraordinary meeting to allow time for full discussion and response from attendees and presenters.

We welcomed our newly elected Councillors Chas Booth, Adam McVey and Katrina Faccenda and thank them for their support

Over the summer period I have been responding and continuing to keep people informed regarding any relevant matters via email.

It was lovely to have the Leith Festival returning and being enjoyed by so many people. We shared a stall at the Gala Day with LLCC & LCCC. Despite some Gazebo issues caused by strong winds it was very successful and enjoyable. Our chance to meet and chat with locals and visitors was very worthwhile.

We would also like to congratulate Heart of Newhaven Community on their success in finally receiving the keys and ownership of VPS for the Community following a great deal of dedication and hard work from the Trustees and volunteers. Major work on the building can now progress towards its regeneration. The Anchor building is already going to host Free Art Class workshops in September for all ages, details available on their website and flyer and the flyer has been circulated via email. I have enjoyed being involved with this project since the first meeting in 2018 as a representative for LHNCC offering our support and assistance when required

J Marlborough, secretary

21 Appendix 6: Seafield report

No further sounding board has been scheduled.

The Seafield group met on 19 July to discuss a request for funding to appoint an advisor to assist the 4 Community Councils regarding the masterplan process. The outcome is the request attached to this report.

The group asked Council officers how the tenders for the masterplan appointment would proceed and for arrangements for a further meeting with the Scottish Government Regeneration Unit regarding funding.

It is understood that Edinburgh Council has been asked to confirm that the Memorandum of Understanding may be signed electronically.

To date, I am not aware of any response to these various requests.

Neil Tulloch

21.a Request to City of Edinburgh Council for Funding for a Paid Specialist Adviser to support Local Communities with the Preparation of the Seafield Masterplan

Proposal by Craigentinny and Meadowbank, Portobello, Leith Links and Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council- Seafield representatives (Seafield-Coastal Communities Connected, SCCC)

21.a.i Background

The City of Edinburgh Council is commissioning a masterplan through its Framework contractors to draw-up proposals for the residential-led redevelopment of the city’s large Seafield site — circa 30 hectares stretching across Edinburgh’s seafront between the established communities of Leith and Portobello. We, as the local Community Councils have united, under the title Seafield Costal Communities Connected, to represent community interests in this process and have been working with the Council for over two years to assist their plans to develop.

As Community Councils we have previously identified the need to strengthen our skills and voice in matters of development good practice and we invited architect Malcolm Fraser, of Fraser/Livingstone Architects, to provide ad hoc advice to us over this time. Malcolm’s advice to the Communities so far has been greatly valued. Given the process of planning that lies ahead, as work for masterplanning and delivery intensifies, the SCCC group would wish the role Malcolm plays to continue, in a remunerated capacity.

21.a.ii Proposed Adviser Duties:

  • To liaise with the Community Councils, to ascertain, understand and communicate community interests and aspirations the preparation of the Seafield masterplan;
  • To attend meetings and guide the community input into all relevant matters of regeneration, place design and masterplanning;
  • To bring design and placemaking expertise and advice to the Community Councils, thus strengthening our understanding and ability to communicate and engage productively on these matters;
  • As required, to bring to the Community Councils, the Client team and the appointed masterplanners relevant case studies and exemplars of good practice for mixed use development and infrastructure delivery, relevant for development at Seafield;
  • To bring innovation, design skills and ideas to the important site issues of strategic infrastructure- including issues relating to green transport links, social, education and community infrastructure, green/blue/infrastructure, the promenade/ beach and coastal infrastructure and other matters as arising and as guided by the Community Councils. To be able to communicate these ideas in community forums through illustrative sketch designs or verbal means.
  • To bring expertise to the Community Councils on the policy and legislative framework in which we will be working, including the emerging National Planning Framework 4 and other related matters such as 20 Minute Neighbourhoods
  • To bring advice and expertise on matters of development finance and delivery (where these issues are relevant to community interests). Including connecting the Community Councils with other groups or individuals who may be able to build community understanding and capacity, helping enable successful placemaking and project delivery;
  • To explore the potential with CEC and others and to advise the Communities on matters of successful and exemplar affordable housing delivery. This should include advice on matters already being discussed by other community groups, such as the establishment of a Community Housing Company, co-housing, collective self-build, innovation in tendering and delivery, post covid live /work units and liaison with existing social housing groups and providers.

21.a.iii Fees and Management

The SCCC group would liaise with and direct the tasks for Malcolm and for accountability and recording purposes we would propose that all time is recorded against individual and specific tasks. For example, attendance at a one hour meeting of the Sounding Board would be recorded as such. These specified timesheets would be available for all parties and submitted to CEC, or other funder, as required.

Based on a Commercial Proposal for the employment of Malcolm Fraser of Fraser/Livingstone Architects the requirement would be for 15+ days equivalent @ £650/day = £10,000

22 Appendix 7: Rotary Club of Leith report

The Rotary Club of Leith has just started a new year with new convenors and officers. So we are just getting started on some of the work we intend to do. Funnily enough we were discussing the Ukrainians and the Victoria Ferry last night but no one has a contact or is aware of any way we can contact them to assess what help or assistance we could perhaps offer?

We have already made contributions to the Pentland Ukraine support charity as this was the only Edinburgh ‘body’ involved with this?

22.a Projects or work we are involved with:

  • Empowering Girls, we are involved with the Citadel and SHE Scotland in helping them with this.
  • Prospect Bank School, we are working with the school to assist them with labour to enhance the school. This will progress now the school term has started again.
  • Food Bank: we are continuing to support this cause with donations at present, with the intention of approaching them in order to ascertain any further assistance we can offer.
  • We are arranging two fundraising concerts to raise funds for local and international appeals. A concert and social evening will be held at the Dockers Club, on 9 October, with music by Chil. Also a Concert with the pupils Leith Academy and Trinity Academy orchestras on 17 November (tbc by schools) at South Leith Parish Church.
  • We are involved with a project in Zambia providing a school with uniforms and stationery etc.
  • We are currently collecting spectacles for Africa. We are also looking at collecting other items to reduce our environmental footprint.

Jim Preacher

23 Appendix 8: planning report

Applications and responses to August (abridged version but full documents will be made available on website or on request.

23.a Harbour 31 — Forth Ports: Pre Planning Consultation completed online

  • Submitted in collaboration with LLCC and LCCC as Major proposed development

23.a.i Samples from comments

  • Liked aspects included:
    • Key listed Heritage buildings including Giant Cranes and Pump House for retention
    • Proposed Community area
    • Dock waterfront featured
    • Disliked:
    • Climate Emergency with potential high risk of coastal flooding
    • Makes no mention of City Plan 2030 to provide minimum of 35% Affordable homes
    • Does not mention Place-based approach for 20-minute neighbourhood
    • No reference for inclusion of intergenerational facilities, density, high rise or tenure
    • Does not demonstrate how it will contribute to other services e.g. Care Home, Nursery, Supermarket, Health care
    • Suggestions
    • Ensure no impact on nature conservation
    • Edinburgh Dock sheds should be preserved as they are a rare trace of Leith industrial heritage
    • Should demonstrate how it will lower energy consumption
    • Should offer a mix of House types, sizes and affordability originally suggested in Leith Docks Framework 2005 and approved but withdrawn as inactive in 2013
    • Representation been asked for from Seafield Group to secure corridor for possible link to tramline with route running along the existing railway line
    • Other comments
    • Greatest need for affordable housing
    • City Plan 2030 states — should only be supported if demonstrates infrastructure capacity to absorb additional impact on services
    • Potential to form part of pedestrian footpaths and coastal cycle route
    • Should offer a mix of House types, sizes and affordability originally suggested in Leith Docks Framework 2005 and approved but withdrawn as inactive in 2013
    • Representation been asked for from Seafield Group to secure corridor for possible link to tramline with route running along the existing railway line

23.b Salamander St/Bath Road — (Russel Storage)

  • Many issues identified in previous LHNCC consultation responses have not been addressed adequately — lack of innovative ideas for proposed 20-minute neighbourhoods, intergenerational facilities that enhance community wellbeing and integration
  • Phasing stages not clear as may not be started before City Plan 30 is implemented, therefore, this application will not meet standards
  • Identified repeated concerns include continued reference to ELDP 2016, in effort to exclude updated plan!
  • Lacking in character as a result of Block arrangement — does not meet EDLP 2016 Policy for Objectives and Housing
  • Affordable Housing provision remains at 25% rather than 35% proposed in City Plan 2030 (Hou2 page 121)
  • Needs to accommodate intergenerational facilities City Plan 2030 (Hou 3 pages121-122)
  • No facility to hang washing out to dry meaning use of driers that contribute to air pollution
  • Cycle route adjacent to traffic (air pollution) and limited to length of development, pavement width limited by planters
  • Currently no access to public transport. Tram cited as advantage but is a long walk from proposed site to nearest tram stop.
  • SUD and bio retention areas supported
  • Developer not being identified until Application approved so Statements regarding Zero Carbon, energy schemes and affordable housing management not confirmed.
  • Conclusion is that our original objection stands as this second revised application, extremely lengthy and complex but, despite changes, does not allay initial concerns or meet ELDP references or proposed City 2030 Plan

23.c Baltic Street – New owner/developer. Agent Turley

Updated application with 59 documents for non-material changes (20/00465/VARY)

  • Consists of amendments conditions including updated massing, Constitution Street elevation change, additional air source heat pumps, cladding and rationalisation of landscape design
  • I intend contacting the case officer to query changes and clarify if approved proposed tenure remains the same, particularly student accommodation.
  • Company that now owns it is associated with Student and BTR accommodation.

23.d Linksview (Giles St) — CEC development

Updated original application 2018 (We responded with objection regarding additional block planned in current park area with trees.

  • We responded with objection regarding additional block planned in current park area with trees that were to be remove including others in Giles Street.
  • Response sent supporting proposed application for new affordable housing and upgrade to rear entrances to Linksview House (Listed building) to provide landscaped and play areas.
  • Expressed concern about removal of trees

23.e St John’s Place — changing to Guest house

  • Letter of objection sent June 2022
  • Inadequate Application Form.
  • Archeology Response addresses several issues that need to be addressed in relation to heritage of the site listed building status
  • The overall proposal plan does not identify final number and tenure of Guest House – this applicant has history of providing hotel/guesthouse status and current nearby buildings owned by Applicant on or near site appears to be used as Hostel and for temporary accommodation
  • There is also a history previous submissions for planning on this site that have been controversial and are referred to in Archeology Response. Lies within Leith Conservation Area
  • They appear to be using Guest House status as ground to avoid Building regulation Part L Class 7
  • However, the Part L exemptions do not apply to buildings which fall into the following categories: Certain buildings which are listed, in conservation areas or are included in the schedule of monuments – where compliance with the energy efficiency requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.

J Marlborough, planning convenor

24 Appendix 9: consultations report

24.a Leith Connections Phase 3

  • Response submitted 17 July 2022 but is over 2 pages long covering 6 areas so I have identified headings and full response will be made available on website or on request
  • General comments
  1. Hawthornvale Path Entrance, Lindsay Rd. and Pocket Park
  2. Lindsay Rd. Junction/Anchor Park
  3. Ocean Terminal
  4. Commercial St.
  5. Bernard St
  6. Salamander Rd. & Seafield Rd.

J Marlborough

25 Appendix 10: transport report

25.a CCTT – Trams to Newhaven

  • No meeting in July, recommenced 11 August
  • This meeting was predominately comprised of discussion about Contractor responsibilities following completion of work regarding snagging and landscape design when handed over to CEC
  • This will be for a 2 year period
  • There was also confirmation requested regarding handover process preparation for CEC departments involved
  • We were assured that the Project would be completed on time, despite some extension to some completion dates into November
  • The forthrightly Newsletter has details and diagrams of progress and any changes that arise. It also has traffic management updates
  • Concerns about some unresolved areas of concern will be discussed at next meeting in September with proposed deputation to Transport Committee being considered.

J Marlborough

25.b Lothian Buses

  • Some success following campaign for improvement to Bus services in our area with 16 Bus now going via Leith St. and stop at Waverley Steps for the Station but as this bus travels via Lothian Road there is still no route to and from West Edinburgh that was provided by 22 bus – often used by commuters for work and will now mean 2 fares for those without bus passes.
  • This changehas, therefore, not really resolved situation regarding the removal of the 22 Bus from Ocean Terminal and we will still campaign for its reinstatement so that there is a direct service to and from the West side of the City
  • The latest changes announce this week are also being questioned, particularly those affecting Leith.
  • EBUG are hoping to have a meeting with Lothian Buses soon.

J Marlborough

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