** ROLLING UPDATE **
- sillertonhill
- Sep 18
- 23 min read
Updated: 15 hours ago
GPCC presently has 14 members, appointed by public election in March 2025. Their principal responsibility is to represent local residents' expressed opinions on their neighbourhood and city environment, from 'place and space' to 'amenity and well-being'. Contact point = secretary@grangeprestonfieldcc.org.uk
17 Oct: Inch Park AGM 28 Oct 2025 6.30 – 8.30pm; Inch House Front Lodge
This is one of your local parks. It brings pleasure and comfort to many. Its upkeep and care are guided by people just like you. The Friends of Inch Park (FOIP) AGM is your opportunity to pitch in, even just by signing up for lifetime membership for £1 or in exchange for one volunteer session.
Go along to hear about the community orchard and planting project, about the Braid Burn and about FOIP’s lively social and activity programme. You could even join the committee to help manage this gem of nature in the south-east. Here is the link for more detail: https://bit.ly/subsordonationstoFOIP
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15 Oct: Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust Event on 1 November
Things are starting to happen here!
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14 Oct: Planning Democracy: Scotland's Planning System: Time for a radical overhaul On 27 November (6 to 8.30pm) Planning Democracy launches a powerful manifesto to transform Scotland's planning system in order "to truly serve (the country's) people and places"; to re-shape it to deliver "stronger community power, rights-based planning, environmental protections, affordable sustainable housing, and land reform". There will be a host of expert speakers presenting the case at Augustine Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL. Here is the Sign-up Form. Here is the Manifesto Summary Here is the Planning Democracy Site.
This looks to be a very strong initiative. It's a standard complaint of community councils that they don't have a loud enough voice in planning debates. This event could open new opportunities. You should patch into this.
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11 Oct: City of Edinburgh Council's Community Wealth Building (CWB) Pla (May 2025)
This is work underway. This is an ambitious but promising initiative to boost local enterprise, local jobs growth, local incomes and local opportunities, building community wealth and retaining community assets. It's an idea that works, as examples from elsewhere in the UK and overseas demonstrate. The idea is in its very early stages in Edinburgh. Take a look and tell us what you think. Here is a link:
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10 Oct: Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) Kilgraston Road
Extended closure of Kilgraston Road / Grange Loan / Whitehouse Terrace junction, Monday 13 October to Sunday 2 November, on account of SGN works to facilitate emergency repair of gas escape.
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10 Oct: Prestonfield Bowling Green: The ELGT Project
In response to a recent query, we approached project leaders, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT), for a progress report. Esperanza Martin responded for ELGT.
At the moment, there is no established group ready to take on site management. ELGT and the Thriving Greenspaces team are nevertheless working through a delivery programme, with part funding now secured. The next steps are to work with the ‘local community and key stakeholders’ to establish a constituted management group which will manage design implementation, tools and material sourcing and related activity programmes for the area.
“£50,000 has been allocated from the Council’s food growing initiatives budget to support this work, and we have already secured a £500 grant from Balfour Beatty through their Green Spaces public vote and £7,700 from CSGN for some elements of the project. ELGT will continue to lead on fundraising efforts over the coming months”
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10 Oct: Living Rent, Leith Branch; Campaign against Rogue Landlords in Edinburgh
The Leith Branch of Living Rent, 'Scotland's tenant and community union', has approached all community councils to herald its ‘campaign around 'Rogue Landlords in Edinburgh’ and to profile claims of inadequate oversight of landlords by City of Edinburgh Council. Recipients are invited to sign an open letter in support of the contentions. This link takes you to the document: Open Letter . In the letter, you will also find a Living Rent report ‘Letting Landlords off the Hook’, which details the charges laid with the Council.
This approach will be tabled and recorded at the 15 October GPCC meeting. In the meantime, Ward Councillors have been asked to set out what they know of the background to this specific campaign.
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9 Oct: Reopening the South Suburban Line
A very well-attended public meeting was held at City Chambers on 7 October, where the new community campaign group, Tram Trains for Edinburgh, set out the details of their project proposal. Go to the link that follows to follow their story, complete an interesting survey on project potential, and add your name to the 'Reopening Edinburgh's South Sub petition. https://chng.it/nGHHTbw2kG
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8 Oct: Edinburgh University Community Plan 2025-30
To Edinburgh University Futures Institute this evening, to welcome the launch of the University’s new ‘Community Plan 2025 – 30’. Led by the Principal, Sir Peter Mathieson, here is the University's telling recommitment to widespread and meaningful civic support, to enable community-driven change for the better; to bolster new opportunities for community improvement and wellbeing; to promote educational and life-improvement partnerships that will challenge social and economic disadvantage in the city and beyond. Community access to grants; community access to University facilities; community access to knowledge and skills. Take a close look at the story here: Edin Uni Community Plan 2025-30
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8 Oct: Victim Support Scotland: Key link at https://victimsupport.scot/
Free helpline at 0800 160 1985. Victim Support Scotland (VSS) delivers high quality support for people affected by crime. VSS will help you access your rights and assistance you are entitled to. VSS offers information on reporting a crime to the police / support after a crime / support on going to court. The assistance is free, independent and confidential. Don't hold back in finding out more. (See also the Community Links page on this site.)
From another angle, consider offering your volunteer support for VSS. Contribute your learning and experience; access tailored training opportunities for your role; make a real community-enhancing impact. Contact VSS at volunteers@victimsupportsco.org.uk .
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7 Oct: Friends of Inch Park: AGM Tues 28 Oct: Inch House: 18.30 to 28 Oct
"Hear about and discuss the latest news on our community orchard and tree planting project, and on our social and activity programme on nature and the Braid Burn with Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust.
This meeting is also where we elect a Committee to run the Friends group. We need more people to become actively involved in that. So why not consider standing for the Committee, or passing this email to someone else who might be interested?"
plus
Friday morning nature walks at Inch Park, 10 until 12 - from 3 Oct.
The walks are part of the project ELGT are leading on behalf of Friends of Inch Park, 'Enhancing the Braid Burn and wet areas of Inch Park'. For more detail, or to sign up, contact beth@elgt.org.uk
Friends of Inch Park Litter Pick - Saturday 25 October, 2 until 4.
November onwards - community orchard and tree planting activities.
Inch Park Forum - Saturday 29 November 10.30 - 1.30 pm organised by Inch Community Association, Inch House.
Go to Friends of Inch Park Facebook page for lots more information on all of this:
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2 Oct: CEC Community Wealth Building (CWB) Plan: Discussed at the 25 Sep EACC meeting. This is a initiative with possibly big potential. It's 'locality-focused'. It's about local economic and commercial activity, radiating out across the city. 'Buy local; hire local; pay fair; nurture local; encourage enterprise; support from the bottom.' Go to the EACC Site Front Page to find out more. Here is the link: https://www.edinburghcommunitycouncils.org.uk/
In the UK, CWB as a 'community re-generator' has its genesis in the 'Preston Model'. A link to the background follows below. Go to Health and Wellbeing on the EACC Site menu bar for more information on societal impact. https://cles.org.uk/community-wealth-building-in-practice/community-wealth-building-places/community-wealth-building-in-preston/
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30 September: Search Lightning Reach for extra support with bills and cost of living
Lightning Reach is a free online portal that connects you to financial support from various sources, all in one place. It's promoted by City of Edinburgh Council, acting as one of its support organisations. Lightning Reach may be able to connect you to charitable grants, help with bills, benefit checks and other important support. See lighningreach.org .
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30 September: Strathearn Road Post Office Delivery Centre; Closure 20 October
Ian Murray MP has just published a letter about the sudden news of the intended closure of the local Delivery Office. He writes:
"I’m hugely concerned about what this means for residents in south Edinburgh.
I know that many residents regularly use the collection service as they are at work during the day when letters and parcels are delivered. If this goes ahead, residents may have to travel as far as Murrayfield (to the Edinburgh City Delivery Office on Russell Road) to collect undelivered items. This will be an enormous inconvenience for residents, and I’m also very concerned about what it means for older people and those with mobility issues, who may not be able to get around as easily.
And while Royal Mail have said they do not intend to make any redundancies, it will be hugely impactful for our hardworking and popular local posties. If you see your local postie, please show them your support."
Ian has opened a petition to save this Delivery Office from closure. You can access the petition via this link: https://www.ianmurraymp.com/edinburgh-south/2025/09/25/update-on-strathearn-road-delivery-office/
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29 September: Communal Bin Review: Autumn works start today
From CEC: 'We write to remind about the Autumn works package which starts today (Monday 29 September). Crews were out last week adding posters to signposts and stairwells (some photos attached) to highlight these changes to residents. The works are expected to last 4 weeks and will see bin hubs installed in the following areas::
Old Town / South Morningside / Newington & Prestonfield / Queensferry Road at Ravelston / Greenways. More details here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/bins-recycling/communal-bin-review/6
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26 September: Energy Bills, Energy Advice
Get all sorts of guidance on price changes, price caps, home improvements, retrofits and domestic energy efficiency at Changeworks; see here: https://www.changeworks.org.uk/
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25 September: CEC Planning publishes new Design Guidance
New non-statutory planning guidance to support the policies on City Plan 2030 and National Planning Framework 4 is now live. The suite covers Edinburgh Design Guidance / Guidance for Householders / Guidance for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas / Student Accommodation Guidance / Developer Contributions and Infrastructure Delivery Guidance. See Place & Planning on the main page menu. This new policy framework is of fundamental importance in considering planning applications.
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25 September: Cllr. Flannery Report: East Mayfield / Dalkeith Road Junction
Question tabled for Full Council on 25 September on road safety concerns at this junction.
Transport & Environment Committee Convener response: A June 2025 city-wide Accident Investigation and Prevention (AIP) investigation did not identify this junction as a site of concern. It is acknowledged that pedestrian crossing facilities should be extended to all arms of the junction. This will be considered in the next review of capital funding allocations (April 2026). Refer to the following link and to Question 18. (See also Q 19-21): https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/b26963/Questions%20and%20Answers%2025th-Sep-2025%2010.00%20City%20of%20Edinburgh%20Council.pdf?T=9
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24 September: Local Place Plan for Astley Ainslie Hospital Site
Review the proposals on Saturday, 27 September at the Eric Liddell Centre (10.00 to 16.00), as prepared by the Astley Ainslie Community Trust (AACT). Keep Astley Ainslie as a green space where any development benefits the community. Contact AACT by going to
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23 September: Communal Bin Review Report
Published 19 Sep by the CBR Project Team. "The Autumn works package will enable improvements to the waste and recycling service for approximately 5,000 households. Starting in just over 1 weeks’ time (Monday 29 September) and expected to last 4 weeks, these works will see bin hubs installed in the Old Town, South Morningside, Newington & Prestonfield, Queensferry Road @ Ravelston and streets within Greenways. There are also some bin hubs from earlier phases which could not be installed due to other works. The full plans showing all bin hub locations are available online." Here is the link: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/bins-recycling/communal-bin-review/6 . There is street-specific information on: Blackford Avenue, Dalkeith Road, Findhorn Place, Fountainhall Road, Mentone Terrace and Savile Place.
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12 September: Community Policing Forums
Extreme pressure on police time and resources has meant a drop-off in regular police contact with community councils to discuss local issues and priorities. The new Community Policing Sergeant at St Leonard's Police Station, Rachel Lumsden, proposes to introduce quarterly Ward Forums which will be held in or around the the Southside-Newington Ward. We very much welcome this idea, which works well in the south-west of the city.
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9 September: Planning 25/0448/FUL: PBSA at 140 Causewayside, Edinburgh. Request (8 Sep) for Consultation by GPCC
'Comments on this proposal should be returned within 21 days of the date of this letter.'
Go to Place and Planning post for more detail.
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8 September: Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF)
The ETF is a voluntary, membership-based organisation that looks to represent tenants and residents across the city of Edinburgh. It serves to assist tenants’ and residents’ associations in working together with their landlords to ensure that they have a say in the running of their communities. The ETF network brings local organisations together to work on issues of collective interest. It arranges opportunities for people to participate individually and through their groups in decision making about their homes, locality and environment. ETF promotes tenants’ rights and the maintenance and improvement of their homes and environment. Read more about ETF's work here. https://www.edinburghtenants.org.uk/about-edinburgh-tenants-federation/
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27 August: The Council's Business Plan 2023-27: Progress Report 2024-25
CEC Policy & Sustainability Committee, 19 August 2025.
Item 8.1 Council Business Plan Progress 2024/25
I want to bring to your notice this progress report (for Apr 2024 – March 2025) on the Council’s delivery of three declared strategic priorities and on its work-in-progress to deliver ten targeted outcomes.
By its nature this is a deeply complicated long-term programme and the deep detail in this report illustrates the challenges and difficulties. In large part, this is a report on ‘service delivery’. The Appendix to the Council paper, ‘Progress Update 2024/25’ marks the card on the ten targeted outcomes (and related ‘milestones’) covering core services and deliveries across the span of the city realm.
Status indicators stand as Pending / In Progress and on track / In Progress and off track / Completed / Closed.
I make no attempt here to summarise the report. It is a statement against which you, as a city resident, taxpayer, and service consumer will want to make your own judgment on ‘delivery against promise’. Before rushing to judgment, however, you will want to at least review how the Council judges its own performance.
Download the document using this link:
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25 August: The Edinburgh South Suburban Line
In January 2025, six final-year civil engineering students at Heriot- Watt captured the headlines with their call for the integration of a revitalised South Suburban Line into the city’s tram network, to open a new transport corridor for a fast-expanding Capital.
The students have moved on to their career path. However, their case has been taken up by a small group of seasoned rail enthusiasts under the banner of ‘Tram Trains for Edinburgh’. The core case is that developments in light-engineering and battery technologies, alongside the now existing tram network, make for a serious argument in favour of imaginatively revisiting the South Suburban Line proposal.
A number of local community councils (Including GPCC) have declared interest in the work the Tram Trains Group intend to undertake. We’ll keep you informed as we learn more.
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25 August: The North to South Edinburgh Trams Link Consultation
The CEC business case is now open to consultation until 17 November. Here is the link:
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-north-south/. The proposals have big, big implications for the region and the city, and for your neighbourhood, in some cases very close to home. Once you've been through them, let us know how you feel about the whole idea. (Keep it measured; keep it succinct, but do tell us.)
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19 August: Royal College of Nursing Scotland Events: Hybrid
At 42 South Oswald Road and online, 5.30-8pm.
28 August: Shaping A Sustainable Future - health care and the climate crisis.
23 October: The Air We Breathe - air pollution and health, past and present.
Join expert panels of health professionals discussing key actions on public health initiatives to curb adverse climate impacts.
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14 August: Edinburgh 900 Programme: People’s Procession: Sunday 14 September
The Edinburgh March Riding Association is organising a People’s Procession between Holyrood and Mercat Cross, High Street, to mark the conclusion of the Edinburgh 900 celebratory programme. The procession will take place in conjunction with the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches event, setting off from Holyrood at 2.30pm.
Community councils are invited ‘to take part in the procession with, for example banners or representatives in uniforms or costumes that illustrate the contribution community councils make to the life of the city today. A key theme of the Edinburgh 900 programme has been ‘City of David’ celebrating Edinburgh’s journey as a self-governing community. With Community Councils being a recent addition to the governance of Edinburgh, representing local people’s views, it would be really good (to) involve the Community Councils in some way in this concluding event to the year of celebrations.’
You’ll find more information here: https://63gp3.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/6rqJfgq8dINmO1coIveJuUL6fmF/pnYIhhVI2xKi
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5 August: Forthcoming Council Consultation: Edinburgh's Trams - North to South
This news was released on 1 August. On 25 August, CEC will open a 12-week consultation on the proposed new tram routes from Granton through to Royal Infirmary / Edinburgh BioQuarter and beyond. The consultation, supported by public events, will contribute to the development of a 'Strategic Business Case' for tram expansion, which will go to the Transport & Environment Committee in 2026. There will be 'further information ... in due course'. The exercise will be hosted on the Council's Consultation Hub: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/. There will be stacks of detail to digest as the business case is shaped. At the end of the day, this will not be an issue for residents or neighbourhoods to duck.
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5 August: Cycling Edinburgh: Family Adventures for Urban Explorers
Featured in the Evening News of 2 August, from Sustrans in collaboration with Ordnance Survey, a set of ten family-friendly, scenic rides, with downloadable routes giving distance, description, difficulty and family actvities en route. Historic streets, scenic parks and coastal paths. They are all there. Shop at: https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/sustrans-cycling-edinburgh/
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31 July: CEC Community Wealth Building Programme: Invitation
CEC has today written to all community councillor Office Bearers with an invitation to an 'online workshop' on 28 August (on Teams, at 19.00). What are the CWB opportunities in a community or locality? How can they be encouraged and supported? What role can CEC play? This meeting complements the current CWB Consultation which is open until 26 September. (See https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/ce/the-city-of-edinburgh-councils-community-wealth-bu/ )
Localities are characterised by their 'place, space, amenity and wellbeing'. The new Local Development Plan, City Plan 2040, will, in essence, shape place and space. Community Wealth Building could be a pivotal opportunity to help shape amenity and wellbeing. Community councils, by their very nature as neighbourhood forums, have a fundamental obligation to be seen to play that part in both programmes. Here is the link to get started on CWB. The 28 august event is open to all. Sign up at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-wealth-building-at-the-city-of-edinburgh-council-tickets-1541950458329?aff=oddtdtcreator
Go to 'Reports' on the website menu bar to download a CEC May 25 Policy & Sustainability Committee document on CWB.
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29 July: Priestfield Road / Prestonfield Road Street Trees Project
GC member, Neil Kempsell, recently asked the Council about the seeming delays to this project. It will now be split into two phases. Prestonfield Road will go ahead in Spring 2026, as imagined. A similar proposal for Priesfield Road brought many objections from residents, on both tree type and locations. This project is back to the design phase, in consequence. It will return for local consultation thereafter.
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15 July: Firework Control Zones
The current consultation on areas being considered for firework control zones this November closes on 29 July. In firework control zones it’s illegal to set off fireworks anywhere, even on private property. These zones can help reduce noise, stress, littering and antisocial behaviour caused by fireworks. Some streets in these areas are being considered: Balerno -- Calton Hill -- Corstorphine -- Gracemount -- Longstone --Moredun -- Niddrie -- Seafield -- Sighthill
Go to the CEC consultation here: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/firework-control-zone-2025/
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15 July: The Process for Electoral Boundary Changes
An independent review is considering the process for implementing changes to electoral boundaries, in particular options for a form of automaticity, the processes which underpin boundary reviews, such as engagement and consultation with the public and elected representatives, and the supporting structures and resources. It is led by the former chief executive of City of Edinburgh Council, Andrew Kerr.
'Automaticity' is a system where the recommendations of the body that reviews electoral boundaries take effect automatically, without needing approval from the legislature. Forms of automaticity now apply to changes to electoral boundaries in the UK Parliament and the Senedd Cymru, as well as in other legislatures internationally. It would represent a significant change to practice. A consultation has opened as part of the review. It is open until 7 August. You can participate here: https://consult.gov.scot/elections/electoral-boundaries-process/ . You can also attend an online public event on the proposals at Tuesday 22 July at 6pm, via this link: Microsoft Teams Event .
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15 July: Proposed Amendments to Various Parking Restrictions
In relation to the CBR proposals (below), CEC is now advertising Traffic Regulation Orders which will alter various waiting restrictions around the proposed Bin Hub areas.
"The proposals relating to this Order can be viewed online at streets.appyway.com/edinburgh-city, from 11/07/25 to 01/08/25 by following the link to “Proposals in consultation” under reference TRO/23/35. Alternatively, you can view the documents free of charge at Waverley Court Reception between 9:30 & 15:30 Monday to Friday during the same period. You can also register for email or text alerts via the Tell Me Scotland portal at www.tellmescotland.gov.uk which also provides details of this proposal."
"Should you wish to submit an objection to the proposal, please follow the “Respond to consultation” button during the period specified above."
The affected streets within the GPCC boundary are: Blackford Avenue, Cameron House Avenue, Prestonfield Avenue, Prestonfield Crescent, Prestonfield Gardens, West Savile Terrace.
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11 July: Communal Bin Review (CBR) Update from City of Edinburgh Council (CEC)
CEC today writes that the next package of works on around 100 Bin Hubs will start on 29 September. 'This will see Bin Hubs installed in the Old Town, Morningside, Newington & Prestonfield and existing bins on the pavement on Dalkeith Road and Comiston Road will be removed, improving access for all.'
Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) in respect of the sites will progress (Stage 2) in the coming weeks. You can view the proposed changes here: https://consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city . There are 23 Bin Hub proposals for Newington & Prestonfield. You can view details of the layout here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/33385/newington-and-prestonfield . This next link lets you view the plans online and to submit your questions and comments by way of the "Respond to Consultation" button at the bottom of the page; see here: https://consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city/order/43d24559-c91b-4fa5-948e-2ee3d6f77e75 .
During the Stage 2 advertising period for a TRO, if 6 or more material objections are received, a report must be prepared for the TRO Subcommittee to determine whether to proceed with the TRO.
When the TRO process is completed, work on Bin Hub installation or changes will begin.
Amidst all this, a complicated tiered review programme covering all Bin Hubs will commence shortly. For more background on all of this, go to the CEC site here:
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8 July: Southside Faith Care: Walking Tennis launch event on Saturday 19 July at 1pm
Drop in at Priestfield Tennis Club, Kirkhill Road, EH16 5DE to find out more or try it out. Tennis at a slower pace; no experience needed; no membership required. It's a free event; there will be some spare rackets there too. A regular group will play on Thursdays, 2.00 to 3.30pm, from 24 July. Promoted by Tennis Scotland. Contact office@southsidefaithcare.org to find out more.
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8 July: Edinburgh University Sevens Event at Peffermill Fields
From Community Liaison at the Uniovesity: "We have the Edinburgh 7's event this weekend as per previous years. It's a 3 day event across Friday to Sunday, although Saturday has majority of the numbers.
The road will be protected on Saturday with TTRO to maintain ambulance/bus routes. We asked organisers to remind users about private vehicles in residential areas. Majority of users will travel via public transport and our car park is on request via organisers.
Music will be on until 10pm Friday and Saturday and 9pm Sunday. Event organisers have a dedicated security team to manage the entrance and venue throughout the event. We requested attention be given to manage the decant as people move away.
As per previous years, we asked the organisers to respect residential areas and send out pre-event comms to support."
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2 July: Kilgraston Road / Grange Loan (Whitehouse Terrace) Junction
The characteristics of this road junction present evident road safety risks. GPCC has recently tabled the issue with local Councillors. The junction has been recognised by CEC as a candidate for infrastructure investment and improvement in financial year 2025/26, this within the overall programme of the City Mobility Plan.
Councillors report that 'external funding' pressures have led to a review of spending priorities within that infrastructure programme. The Kilgraston Road project, now carried within the Marchmont to Blackford Active Travel Route, has been paused. There is no plan to progress improvements at this junction for now. There will be an annual review.
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25 June: City Council officers have been asked to explore options for a ban on controversial purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) projects, and present them to the city’s Planning Committee in September for a decision.
A majority of councillors backed the motion calling for a ban to be explored.
(Edinburgh Live)
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23 June: Council emergency support for small charities
The Evening News of 23 June carries this piece. A £275,000 emergency funding facility has been announced to support small and medium-sized charity organisations working to tackle poverty in the capital. Within a deadline of 1pm on Friday, 4 July, they can apply for grants of up to £10,000 which will become available between this September and March next year. This is under Stage 2 of the Council's Resilience Fund. EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council) is runing an information event on this, on 24 June at 13.00. You can get more background information here: https://www.evoc.org.uk/about-evoc/evoc-news/events-seminars-workshops/ .
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11 June: Parking Zone B1 Proposals: Public Drop-In Session on 19 June
We're advised that leaflets have been delivered to all properties within the boundary of the proposed Controlled Parking Zone S8 (currently the Priority Parking Area B1). Here is a fresh link to the Council Transport Team website https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parkingreview which has been updated to reflect some live consultations and FAQs.
A public drop-in session is now offered on Thursday 19 June, from 13.30 to 18.00, at Reid Memorial Church Hall, on West Saville Terrace, EH9 3HY. Members of the Transport Team will be there to discuss the proposals. They will help you complete templates of objection or support, to be taken as consultation responses as you wish.
Please consider what is proposed for your immediate area. Visit the drop-in session.There is no 'blanket solution' for the whole area. Some residents will support the proposals; others will be very much against them. The retail and service outlets at the bottom of Blackford Avenue may feel new pressures. Do respond to the consultation. You are asked to let the Council know how you feel. Take up the invitation.
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9 June: Strategic Parking Review: Zone B1 - Important
Zone B1 runs east to west, from Dalkeith Road, across the northern part of the Grange Prestonfield boundary area.
1) The background to the Strategic Parking Review can be found here:
It’s as well to look over this in the first instance.
2) Go to Item 3: ‘Live Consultations – Zones B1, B4, B5 and the Fettes Area’.
(The intention is that the present Priority Parking Area B1 becomes Controlled Parking Zone S8.)
Go to the bottom of this page to access the ‘consultation website’
On the sidebar to the city map shown, select TRO/24/12 for a display* of the B1 area,
Zone B1 is covered by the reference: Zone B1 – TRO/24/12.
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3) The official statement on the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) issued on 6 June from the CEC Traffic Regulations Desk (‘Network Management and Enforcement’ Office at the Council) gives another map link to view what is intended.
4) Here, you have to zoom in on the city map to identify Zone B1.
Use the ‘Legend’ button (top right) to identify features for bays and lines.
This map looks different to the one carried above*.
Look closely around your own area to see if there are discrepancies.
5) In any event, to respond directly to the consultation (in support or in objection), you can find a ‘Respond to Consultation’ link on the map derived from the instructions in 2) above.
Interpretations of what is ‘fair’ and ‘unfair’ will very probably vary street by street. It is not feasible to take a blanket or broad-brush view on this.
6) The consultation runs from 6 June to 4 July.
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6 June: Sprucing up Ward 15 Southside / Newington
It's on the cards, for sometime in Q4. Under their 'Pride in our City' initiative, the Council's Waste and Cleansing Division is currently deploying specialist teams to spruce up Edinburgh's neighbourhoods, covering (amongst other things) dog fouling, dumped items, graffiti and chewing gum. It's one ward at a time. We should expect them in Ward 15 towards year end. Keep in touch on progress here. Report litter, fly tipping or overflowing bins on this link: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/litter.
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29 May: City Mobility Plan (CMP): Easing back.
At the 22 May Transport & Environment Committee (T&EC), Council Managers presented a lengthy list of recommended ‘pauses’ across the comprehensive framework of capital spend projects envisaged in the City Mobility Plan 2021-2030 (updated and approved in February 2024). T&EC Convener, Stephen Jenkinson, had front-run this earlier in the month. With a reprioritisation review completed, over 40% of the far-sighted schedule looks to be impacted. Budgeting realities have caught up with CMP aspirations. It’s unlikely to be for the last time.
Locally (Southside / Newington Ward), the Proposed Programme of Projects retains walking / cycling ‘Quiet Route 30 – Holyrood Park to Ratcliffe Terrace; Phase 1 Dalkeith Road to Ratcliffe Terrace’.
Projects to be paused are ‘Quiet Route 5 – Holyrood Park’ and ‘Quiet Route 30 – Holyrood Park to Ratcliffe Terrace; Phase 2 Holyrood Park Road to Dalkeith Road’.
The Marchmont to Blackford Active Travel Route has been paused.
The hard-contested ‘Causey Project’ (West Crosscauseway) won a reprieve at Committee.
Here is a link to the Committee Papers – go to Page 205.
Here is a link to the City Mobility Plan and supporting information:
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23 May: Planning Application: 25/02258/FUL: Last date for comments 11 Jun 2025
33-41 Ratcliffe Terrace, Newington, EH9 1SX
Proposed demolition of existing buildings. Erection of purpose-built student accommodation (115 rooms) and ground floor commercial unit, with asssociated cycle parking, landscaping and access arrangements. Detail on the Council Planning Portal: https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=dates&keyVal=SVL4BTEWKKU00
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23 May: Grange Association (GA) Home Energy Group
Launch of web page on the GA site with a suite of information and guidance on managing domestic energy consumption. This includes building maintenance and fabric. https://grangeassociation.org/home-energy/
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21 May: Heat Networks in the city.
Maybe not in GPCC land, but in prospect not that far away. An important paper goes to the CEC Policy and Sustainability Committee on 27 May, submitted under the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) programme. This is a serious endeavour. It reviews the scope for heat network development in the city, the delivery vehicle, the Council's financial involvement and the service and protection undertakings for heat network customers. This is the link to the Council submission: Heat Network Paper. Appendix 3 maps the potential infrastructure for heat networks; you will want to take a look.
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20 May: Development Proposal: Pre-Application Consultation: 140 Causewayside, Sciennes: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation: Ward No. B15: Planning Reference 25/021125/PAN.
See 6 May below. By way of a change in circumstances, the two statutory engagement events will now be held on Thursdays 19 June 2025 and 17 July 2025 between 3.30 - 7pm at Newington Trinity (Mayfield Salisbury) Church, 18 W Mayfield, Edinburgh, EH9 1TQ.
The first engagement event will be published in the Edinburgh Evening News on 10 June – nine days before the event on 19 June. The second event will be published on 08 July – again, nine days before the 17 July event date.
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15 May: Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF) Event 27 May.
Email info@edinburghtenants.org.uk to book a place at an online meeting (10.30 - 12.30) to review the Council's action plan to end poverty in the city. Email to book a place at the live meeting (18.00 - 20.00) at Norton Park Conference Centre to hear from the Council's Household Support Service. Alternatively, call 0131 475 2509 (Lauren) to confirm your attendance. The online meeting link will be shared with those who sign up.
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9 May: Use of non-sport spaces in secondary schools: CEC Survey.
The Council is surveying the current use of spaces such as assembly halls, rehearsal studios, drama studios, art and music rooms. If your activity group uses / hires such facilities, or would like to , then complete the survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/7HBPdvQEwC
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6 May: Development Proposal: Pre-Application Consultation: 140 Causewayside, Sciennes: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation: Ward No. B15: Planning Reference 25/021125/PAN.
Consultation by the Developer (Balfour Beatty Investments - BBI) is proposed on the demolition of the existing building on site and the erection of student accommodation with associated works. The proposed public events, to preview the proposal, are on 29 May and 19 June at 'Mayfield Salisbury Church', 18 West Mayfield, EH9 1TQ, from 3.30pm to 7.00pm. Exhibition materials will be available there and on a project website. A Pre-Application Consultation Report would follow if / when a planning application for this development is subsequently submitted.
A similar consultation took place in mid-2023, again anticipating demolition of the existing Scottish Law Commission office block and the new-build of student accommodation. The planning application which followed was turned down by the CEC Development Management Sub Committee in June 2024 (though supported by Council Planning Officers) and turned down again, on appeal, by Scot Gov. Opposition to the original application ranged across setting, neighbouring amenity and 'excessive concentration of student accommodation' in the area (and city). We wait to see what BBI will reveal as different in this new proposal. (KR)
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2 May: City Council Review of Communal Bin Hubs to begin in June.
From the GPCC Secretary: 2 May 2025
1. Changes to Bin Hub criteria were agreed by councillors in November 2024. One outcome is a review of Bin Hubs. The review is based on an updated framework for Bin Hub locations which will not compromise resident access to waste and recycling services. The results will go back to the Transport & Environment Committee.
2. There is a priority list of 184 existing Bin Hubs for priority review. This priority review list can be added to now. (Note that Bin Hubs not yet installed, or locations where changes are already pending, will not be part of this particular review. That’s principally because their locations clash with the complicated Traffic Regulation Order process surrounding them.)
3. Please note this from the Council’s Project Manager, Michael Richardson:
“If there are bin hubs in your area that you want added to the list for priority review, please let us know by emailing waste@edinburgh.gov.uk before Monday 2 June.
We only require the location and/or bin hub ref to add the hub to the list. We do not require details on why the hub should be reviewed and we do not need the request to be co-signed or endorsed by anyone. We also do not need a suggestion of an alternative location (although this is welcome).”
Find out more about bins and recycling at:
(KR)
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