Coffee shop plans approved for Davidson’s Mains RBS site

Council planning officials have approved plans to change the use of the old Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Davidson’s Mains to a coffee shop and first floor 2 bedroom apartment. The site has remained empty since the RBS branch was closed last summer.

A number of conditions were attached to the approval made just before Christmas, including one that cooking, heating, and reheating operations on the premises must be restricted to the use of a panini machine, microwave and soup tureen.  No other forms of cooking or heating will be allowed.  This was in response to some concerns raised over odours from commercial extraction.  Planners were satisfied the new café would not impact on noise in the area.

The shop must also provide two new cycle parking stands (for 4 spaces) for use by staff and customers. There are no operating time restrictions on the new shop.

Consultation planned on D’Mains roundabout

In response to our questions, the Council Convener of Transport has confirmed that a consultation will take place in the first half of this year on possible changes to the Davidson’s Mains roundabout. This follows the tragic accident last May where a pedestrian was hit and sadly died.

The convener confirmed that an initial report, providing basic details of the fatal collision, was received from Police Scotland by e-mail that evening. The Police investigation into the collision has been concluded and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal’s Office.

The Road Safety team undertakes an annual collision investigation into all streets within the City of Edinburgh Council area, using collision details supplied by the Police. From this analysis, it is possible to determine locations where the collision rate is giving cause for concern and where remedial measures may be required. This location was not identified as a site for concern in the investigation that was undertaken in early 2017.

However, following the fatal collision on 14 May, the location was added to the list of Accident Investigation and Prevention sites for further investigation and the potential implementation of remedial measures.

It is intended to consult with the local community and other stakeholders over possible improvements to the roundabout in spring of 2018.

Fireworks – local team push for action

Earlier this month, we received many emails and telephone calls from constituents concerned about the misuse of fireworks over the Guy Fawkes weekend.

People told us they were petrified to leave their houses. Local newspapers described some communities we represent as being like “war zones”. One local police officer even had to be rushed to hospital after being injured from a thrown firework.

Of course, the vast majority of local residents buy, use and enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manner. But a small minority are causing damage, distress and misery for many.

That is why we brought a motion before today’s meeting of Edinburgh City Council calling for action. It was passed unanimously and means the Council Leader will now write to both the UK and Scottish Governments calling for a review and changes before next November.

Here is our full motion passed today;

FIREWORKS

Council;

1. recognises that the vast majority of Edinburgh residents enjoy fireworks responsibly as part of the annual Guy Fawkes night celebrations,

2. commends those working in Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and other agencies for their commitment, bravery and professionalism in seeking to protect our local communities from harm,

3. condemns the reported acts of violence which took place in some parts of Edinburgh around 5 November, including fireworks being thrown at emergency service staff, and expresses its sympathy and support to those who suffered injury,

4. acknowledges motion S5M-08695 which was recently tabled to the Scottish Parliament and which has received cross party support, calling on (i) the UK Government to review the rules governing the sale of fireworks, and (ii) the Scottish Government and its partner agencies to investigate and address the antisocial use of unlicensed fireworks,

5. agrees for the Leader of the Council to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills to express the Council’s support for both reviews so new measures can be considered and, where possible, implemented before 5 November 2018.”

Cala homes unveil plans for Cammo fields

Like many local residents, we attended Cala Homes’ information session on their plans for up to 700 new homes on the Cammo fields.

Whilst there are elements of Cala’s plans which are positive, such as a community hub and the greater distance between new housing and existing homes, our fundamental objections remain unanswered;

1. There is still no plan to address the traffic chaos at the Barnton junction which will get WORSE under these proposals,

2. We face the loss of iconic and panoramic views of the Cammo Tower and Cammo Estate,

3. New bus stops are proposed on a road which has NO BUS and no guarantee of new or extra services.

The reality is that SNP and Labour councillors should never have voted to designate this site for housing. It is completely unsuitable.

You can view all the detailed plans via the dedicated section on the Cala Homes website.

Cala are now expected to submit a formal planning application in January 2018 at which point residents can formally comment and object.  We will make sure to keep people informed.

Silverknowes roundabout update

The Silverknowes roundabout project remains on track for completion by Friday 15 December.

However, due to the condition of the roadway, roads engineers now say that the roundabout will have to be closed for a longer period of time than first thought – until Sunday 3 December.  This is due to the additional amount of work which needs to be carried out.

The revised plan for the roundabout was agreed after a number of specific concerns were raised about the original proposals, particularity from cyclists.

The changes include;

  • The removal of the cycle lane around the perimeter of the roundabout,
  • The reduction down to one lane on and off the roundabout from Silverknowes Parkway by introducing footway build outs,
  • The creation of a dedicated cycle lane on the north side of the roundabout to the rear of the existing footpath and behind the bus terminus on Silverknowes Parkway,
  • The pedestrian refuge island in Lauriston Farm Avenue to be changed to a zebra crossing,

The 29 bus is currently diverted to use Silverknowes Hill so that it can turn back into Silverknowes Road to travel south.

New plans lodged for old D’Mains RBS

New plans have been submitted to change the use of the old Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Davidson’s Mains to a coffee shop and first floor apartment.

The site has remained empty since the RBS branch was closed over the summer. The Council must give its approval before the use of the site can be changed from a bank.

Comments on the application can be made via the Council’s planning portal. Any and all comments must be submitted by Monday 20 November.

https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/applicationDetail…

Disorder in Davidson’s Mains


Many residents have contacted us about the crime and disorder which has been seen in Davidson’s Mains over the last few nights.

This has involved groups of teenagers, with particualr problems around Cramond Road South, Barnton Avenue, Barnton Park and Main Street. There have also been problems inside the grounds of Lauriston Castle.

The issues appear to have start last Wednesday and involved an alleged assault outside Ye Olde Inn. There have also been incidents of serious vandalism to cars, particularly on Cramond Road South.

We have been in keeping in close contact with the local police. We are pleased to see how seriously they are taking this issue and the fact some extra resources were brought in to try and address the problems.

If you see and want to report any anti-social behaviour then please ring 101. If and only if the matter is an emergency then please phone 999.

New plans for old Davidson’s Mains RBS

New plans have been submitted to change the use of the old Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Davidson’s Mains to a coffee shop and first floor apartment.

The site has remained empty since the RBS branch was closed over the summer. The Council must give its approval before the use of the site can be changed from a bank.

Comments on the application can be made via the Council’s planning portal. Any and all comments must be submitted by Monday 20 November.

https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/applicationDetail…

Cammo fields – developers to bring forward proposals

Cala Homes and David Wilson Homes have announced two public information events on their plans to build hundreds of new houses on the Cammo fields.

These events will be held in the Cramond Kirk Millennium Room on Friday 10 November (2-8pm) and Saturday 11 November (9am-2pm).

Details of the plans are to be published online closer to the events.

This pre-application process is being carried out in advance of a planning application. This means there is no application to formally comment on or object to at this stage. That process will come when a planning application is submitted. However, we would encourage all residents to come along to one of these information events to learn more and to make their views known to the developers.

This is particularly important given all the concerns over the impact of so many new homes on local traffic on Maybury Drive, Queensferry Road and the Barnton junction.

Important update – Silverknowes roundabout

As councillors, we have only recently been made aware of major works to upgrade, resurface and improve the Silverknowes roundabout. This will start from 11 September and last until mid December.

The works were consulted on and approved before we were elected.  We have already stressed the need for officials to improve communications in future as the timing of this work has very much caught many people by surprise.

The work will involve a number of important changes to the roundabout;

  • the addition of a new zebra crossing on both the north and south carriageways of Silverknowes Parkway adjacent to the roundabout,
  • new cycling lanes on the roundabout to better protect cyclists and drivers,
  • a new traffic island on Lauriston Farm Road to assist with pedestrian crossings and to better enforce the existing legal length limit and stop HGVs,
  • relocate the entrance to the golf club further along to Silverknowes Parkway again to improve safety,
  • resurfacing of the road and pavements around the roundabout.

The roundabout will be closed off at Silverknowes Parkway and Silverknowes Road.  A contraflow and traffic lights will control the flow of traffic between Lauriston Farm Road and the stretch of Silverknowes Road down to Marine Drive.

There will also be a number of diversions and parking/waiting restrictions near to the roundabout affecting Lauriston Farm Road, Silverknowes Road, Parkway, Hill, Place and Crescent. Street notice signs will display changes to parking restrictions or access.

Please do not park on-street during these times as all vehicles will be removed from the location of the works.

Buses will operate as normal with a temporary bus stop in operation in Silverknowes Parkway.   The bus stop outside 108 Silverknowes Road will be out of operation for the duration of the works. The closest bus stop to this will be the bus stop just outside the shops on Silverknowes Road which will remain in operation as normal.

You can see a detailed map of the road diversions here.

Silverknowes Roundabout – new road markings

We will work to keep people informed as the works progress.