McVEY URGED TO END SALE OF PILRIG GREEN SPACE
WRINGING HANDS IS NOT ENOUGH, SAY LOCALS
Feelings are running high over Lothian Buses’ decision to sell off the site of the former Tramways Bowling Club.
FOOD FOR THOR ON WAVERLEY MALL
PROPOSALS INCLUDE TEPEES AND GLASSHOUSE
Thor’s Bars Ltd of Lancaster seek planning permission for a pop-up event on the roof of the Waverley Mall (20/03336/FUL).
The proposal comprises a bar in a glasshouse, and two canvas tepees housing another bar and food trucks.
NO HOTEL FOR DUNDAS STREET DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPERS TO LAUNCH NEW CONSULTATION
A changed economic climate in the wake of Covid-19 has forced Ediston and Orion Capital Managers to scrap plans for an upmarket hotel as part of the New Town North development between Dundas Street and King George V Park. [See update at foot of page.]
NEWS FROM THE MEWS 45
1900–01
NEARLY A TRAGEDY.—James Douglas, a labourer living in the Canongate, was convicted in Edinburgh Police Court to-day of creating a disturbance in a house in Gilchrist Lane on Tuesday, and threatening to stab Catherine Staiton or Murphy with a pocket knife.
Douglas knew the woman, and called at the house under the influence of drink and created this disturbance, dramatically pulling out a pocket knife and exclaiming, “It’s a knifing match.”
PLANS SUBMITTED FOR POWDERHALL STABLES
City of Edinburgh Council has brought forward plans by Collective Architecture to repair, redevelop, and landscape the Category B-listed Powderhall Stables at 165 Broughton Road (20/03162/FUL).
The aim is to produce affordable work, artist-studio, and event spaces, with an emphasis on flexible uses indoors and outside, by the end of next year.
BROUGHTON ST IMPROVEMENTS – NOT YET
Broughton Street will not feature in the first round of cycle and pedestrian-friendly improvements made as part of the Spaces for People scheme.
The news emerged in a report to the Policy & Sustainability Committee, due to be discussed on Thursday 20 August (see pdf at foot of page).
Broughton resident, former Council Leader, and MP Mark Lazarowicz wrote to Leith Walk and City Centre ward councillors yesterday expressing his disappointment at the omission.
CAT AND DOG CHARITY QUITS STOCKBRIDGE
Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home will permanently shut its recently opened Stockbridge charity shop at 13a Raeburn Place in the wake of Covid-19.
The Seafield-based local welfare charity – established in 1883 to rescue, reunite and rehome lost, stray and abandoned dogs and cats across Edinburgh and the Lothians – has been unable to raise money as usual during Lockdown.
NEWS FROM THE MEWS 44
1900
The (last year of the) XIXth Century Concert.[1]
SATURDAY, 7.30 p.m., MUSIC HALL PROGRAMME[2]
PIANIST … Mr JAS. BOOTH.
SONG … “Mona” … Mr. J. W. Bowie.
SONG … “Our Jack” … Madame J. W. Craigie.
Plus ça change, plus ce n'est pas la même chose
Dear Spurtle,
The abruptly cancelled August Leith Central Community Council meeting was to have included a presentation and Q&A on Drum’s latest proposal for Stead's Place - a key part of the pre-application process enshrined in planning legislation.
In an update to your report on that cancellation, you quote an unnamed Council spokesperson claiming Council advice has not changed.
I invite your readers to judge for themselves.
On 6 July 2020, CEC advised:
These changes can be interpreted as giving more leeway should community councils wish to re-start physical meetings. There is no requirement to hold physical meetings during this phase. However, we do wish to give you the option.
On 5 August 2020, CEC advised:
It is our strongly recommended position that all Edinburgh’s community councils also continue to meet remotely during this period. We believe that this in the interest of safety and public health.
Arguably, at least the form of words has changed. Given that the August advice came with the authority of the body charged with public-health responsibilities for Edinburgh, and was signed by the Chief Executive Andrew Kerr, there is really only one interpretation of its meaning.
On 7 August we asked for the reasons that caused the change in CEC guidance. It is regrettable that to date we have not received a response.
Yours sincerely
Harald Tobermann
Vice Chair
Leith Central Community Council