Author: Bruce Ryan

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Edinburgh greenbelt: SESplan and Cockburn Association

You can directly respond to SESplan’s report here. If you do so, please respond as an individual, not on behalf of LHNCC.

However, the Cockburn Association says

The Cockburn Association (Edinburgh Civic Trust) is preparing its response for the 2nd South East Scotland Strategic Development Plan (SESplan2) Main Issues Report (MIR).

It would be most helpful if we could include your views on some of the key issues in our response.  These are outlined on the attached survey form.  Although the form requests a name/postcode, your views will not be attributed, as the intention is to collate and summarise the survey responses for inclusion in our representations on the MIR to the six Local Authorities that have prepared this plan, which include the City of Edinburgh Council.

If you are able to complete the survey, we would be grateful if you could return it to us by Friday 28 August 2015

Please download the CA’s survey from here.

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SESplan Main Issues Report Seminar Events

(Adapted from an email from SESplan – full email is here)

The impact population, household and economic growth will have on our countryside, infrastructure and communities is explored in the SESplan Main Issues Report.  With the second largest population growth in Scotland predicted by 2037 (220,000 more people and 25% more homes) there will be significant implications for wherever this new development is accommodated in the region.

SESplan launched the public consultation on Main Issues Report on the 21 July 2015.  The consultation aims to get as many people as possible interested in the future of the region and commenting on the issues.  The Main Issues Report asks key questions, the answers to which will shape the way our region looks, feels and functions for decades to come. The Main Issues Report represents your chance to influence the second strategic plan for the region.

As the consultation is gathering pace a range of events are taking place in the region and SESplan are encouraging people to come along to consultation events in their area to find out more.  Events include:

Community Events

Aimed at Community Councils, Community Groups and anyone looking to engage in discussions about the Main Issues Report (PDF).  These events feature an introduction on what SESplan is and what the Main Issues are followed by workshop based discussion.  Please let SESplan know if you want to attend contactus@sesplan.gov.uk.

The Edinburgh events are

  • Monday 24 August Community Event:  St Thomas Church Hall, Glasgow Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh 6-8pm
  • Thursday 27 August Community Event:  Waverley Court, East Market Street, Edinburgh 6-8pm
  • Wednesday 2 September Community Event:  Portobello Town Hall, Portobello High Street, Edinburgh 6-8pm
  • Thursday 3 September Community Event:  Waverley Court, East Market Street, Edinburgh 6-8pm
  • Wednesday 9 September Community Event:  Business Centre, City Chambers, Edinburgh 6-8pm

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Public toilet closures

(adapted from an email from Edinburgh Council – click for full text of that email: Public toilets)

Following consultation, we can advise that the toilets below will be closed over the following timescales:

  • Ardmillan – end of July 2015
  • Canaan Lane – end of July 2015
  • Canonmills – end of July 2015
  • Currie – end of July 2015
  • Granton Square – end of July 2015
  • Joppa – end of August 2015
  • Juniper Green – end of July 2015
  • London Road – end of August 2015
  • St John’s Road – end of August 2015
  • Tollcross – end of August 2015

The toilets at Hawes Pier and Middle Meadow Walk will not be closed at this time, while the options for these sites are reviewed.

To lessen the impact of the closures, the Council is establishing a Community Toilet Scheme with interested businesses across the city. This would result in participating businesses allowing members of the public to use their toilet facilities without expecting them to make a purchase, in exchange for an annual payment from the Council.

It is appreciated that there will be some impact following these closures. To help mitigate this, there have been over 60 additional toilet facilities identified in Council buildings around the city that are available for the public to use. These are located in various Libraries, Community Centres, Edinburgh Leisure facilities and Neighbourhood Offices, and information about these toilet facilities is available here on the Council’s website. Nearly 20 public toilets will remain open.

If you would like to make an enquiry about public toilet closures, please call 0131 529 3030 or email public.toilets@edinburgh.gov.uk.

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George Street quarterly public stakeholder meeting minutes – 15 June 2015

(Ian MacPhail also emailed ‘It’s been a genuine attempt to put grassroots stakeholders in charge. The fact there has been standing room only has been a testimony to how engaged people are.

Minutes of George Street Quarterly Public Stakeholder Meeting

Date – 15 June 2015, Venue – West Drawing Room at Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh

Chair & Minutes – Iain MacPhail, City of Edinburgh Council, City Centre Programme Manager       Contact Email – iain.macphail@edinburgh.gov.uk

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  • This is the 3rd quarterly meeting of the group. All are welcome, including members of the public with no other form of affiliation (other than a wish to see George Street achieve its potential). As with the two previous meetings there was a full house in attendance, which is testimony to the passion, commitment and level of engagement of the participants, and sheds light on the importance of the street and in helping it to achieve its potential.
  • Those present included a wide array of representatives including some from the local Community Council, heritage bodies, sustainable transport groups, disability groups, individual business interests, the local Business Improvement District, Council officials, bus companies, taxi firms, cyclists, the emergency services, and members of the public.

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  • The purpose of the year’s trial on George Street has been to test out the impacts on George Street (and on surrounding streets) when there is additional space given over to pedestrians, cyclists and for activity (not only during the summer and winter festivals, but year-round).
  • The Council has made strenuous efforts to make this the most transparent and grassroots-led project in the city. This can be seen in three key areas, related to the research package.

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Edinburgh Art Festival: exciting FREE opportunity for educators

(adapted from an email from Kate MacKay of Alchemy Arts)

This takes place Thursday 30th July at Central Library. Places are FREE but booking is essential.

Here is an exciting FREE opportunity for educators. Alchemy Arts will be hosting a one day workshop exploring how the Edinburgh Art Festival artwork, exhibitions and events can be used to stimulate projects and workshops with young people.

Continue reading →

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LHNCC needs your help!

LHNCC has been asked to comment on planning application 15/02317/AMC: ‘Erection of 138 new residential units. | Land 50 Metres East Of 20 Newhaven Place Edinburgh EH6 4UJ‘

LHNCC would like your views on this application, so that what we submit represents your views. Please either comment below or email secretary@lhncc.co.uk.

Unfortunately the deadline for comments is very close (19 June), so we would appreciate receiving your views by 17 June.

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Carbon Conversations

Carbon-Conversations-Flyer-(June-2015)

The Himalayan Centre’s Carbon Conversations is a programme of 6 free weekly sessions that aims to support people wanting to reduce their environmental impact. We’ll be talking about what it means to be green and environmentally aware, and all complexities and practicalities this implies. By sharing our experiences, hopes and questions in a non-judgemental environment we’ll get a true sense of how each of us can contribute to a healthier, happier and greener community.

Please note participants are welcome to attend all or some sessions, and we will be giving a Carbon Literacy Certificate to those who take part in all six gatherings. The sessions are free and open to all. For more information and to book, please email victoria@himalayancentre.org or phone 078 5180 2002.

Venue Address: 121 Great Junction Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 5JB

Victoria Lanata Briones
Project Worker
Himalayan Centre for Arts & Culture

M: 07851 802002      www.himalayancentre.org