Meeting Minutes, 27 August 2024
These draft minutes will be presented at our meeting on 24th September for approval
Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held on 27 August 2024 in City Chambers, from 6.30 pm
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Gordon Millar, Ross Naismith, Scott Thornton, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Ward Councillors Baillie Christy Mearns and Angus Millar, PC Sean McFadden, RA, CD, ND, MD, DF, AM, AMcD, AMcD, HMcD, TMcK, KL, MR, NM, PP.
By Zoom video: Alice Cowan, David Cowan, AC, SL, EM, JR
Apologies: Councillor Eva Bolander, Peter Hayman, Colin McKay, PS
MINUTES OF 30 JULY MEETING
Proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Niall McColl. Approved.
POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden (SMcF) reported that in the period 30 July to 27 Aug in the MCTCC area (for police purposes this excludes the St Enoch Centre) there were a total of 160 reported crimes, 52 of which were detected - i.e. someone was apprehended or the perpetrator known. These figures are indicative. Crimes included assault, bail offences and retail thefts.
Tam asked about a recent instance of a vehicle being driven the wrong way way up Candleriggs and noted that the southern part of that street is signposted pedestrian-only. He quoted residents as saying there were not enough police officers visible on the street but noted that often they were in plain clothes and not in uniform.
SMcF said the Ramshorn graveyard had become a hot spot for drugs misuse and was receiving a lot of police attention. Arrests had been made, partly after alerts from the public. Police were also liaising with Glasgow City Council about clearing up needles. David Hughes thanked police for their interventions.
Police had a contingency plan to cope with a possible demonstration in George Square on 7 September by supporters and opponents of the Far Right.
Police had taken action against illegal e-bikes which were sometimes being ridden at excessive speeds.
In response to a point by a resident about slow police response times Tam said the issue was on the agenda for MCTCC officials’ regular meetings with the city centre Police Inspector.
DISTURBANCES BY FOOTBALL FANS
Scott reported that earlier today he and Gary met MSP Kaukab Stewart (who kindly hosted the meeting) and representatives of Celtic and Rangers football clubs to discuss ways of avoiding repetitions of the anti-social behaviour experienced in May 2023 and May 2024.
WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Baillie Mearns, catching up on issues following her maternity leave, said she was pleased with various aspects of the refreshed pending planning application for development of the King Street car park.
She was also pleased budget funding had been approved for the ‘Trees for Streets’ project. The Council is now looking at possible sites.
Baillie Mearns expressed thanks to MCTCC for its donation to Impact Arts which recently celebrated its 30th birthday.
Councillor Millar said there would be another community walkabout with Ward Councillors on 17 September (1-2.30 pm). Scott to advise details and meeting point. ACTION: Scott
The ‘direction of travel’ for development of the waterfront between Custom Quay and Stockwell Street was on a smaller scale with greater emphasis on stabilising the quay wall and improving the public realm.
There would be a consultation on Tuesday 3 September (12–3 pm) on the High Street Avenues project. Venue: 231 George Street.
DF asked about the lack of trees around new housing developments.
He went on to complain about the standard of street cleansing and lack of Glasgow City Council (GCC) resources. Was GCC relying overly on volunteers doing litter picks? Money was being spent on ‘pointless’ projects such as painting bins (often covered with graffiti) rather than on such a basic requirement.
RN said he, Gary and Scott had a constructive meeting with developers of the King Street car park on site yesterday and were assured their comments were being taken on board. Their attitude on a connection between Trongate and The Briggait mirrored ours. The developers also agreed planning would be flexible to meet changing demands of the marketplace.
Scott said this showed the benefits of early consultation with residents. Thanks in large measure to Ross’ experience and expertise we had been able to perhaps influence the plans.
Noting that the plan included more student accommodation, he repeated MCTCC’s plea to GCC to get a grip on the issue. The Community Council had complained time after time about over-concentration of Purpose Built Student Accommodation yet applications were continuing to be approved. The inclusion of ‘Co-Living’ in the King Street plan was student accommodation by another name.
Ross said he was underwhelmed by the first two presentations he had attended on the Avenues project. The Custom Quay-Stockwell project did not address residential requirements.
In response to a complaint from RA about fouling by pigeons and seagulls, Councillor Millar said signage could be improved to ask the public not to feed birds. Commercial waste was a particular problem. GCC had set times for this and perhaps enforcement on businesses which did not adhere to this should be stepped up.
ND said a smoking area behind Pipeworks “gentlemen’s sauna’ in Metropole Lane was not only causing a fire risk because it is in an enclosed space but also creating noise into the wee small hours right outside her flat. ACTION: Angus
Another resident complained about regular parking on double yellow lines by contractors working on the new Afro-Caribbean supermarket being built on the former Corrigans fishmongers’ site on Howard Street.
Angus said he would look into a problem reported by BR about water ingress into flats in Montrose Street. ACTION: Angus
KL brought up the issue of a taxi rank set up without due notice outside the GPO Building in Ingram Street. This had been raised with Councillor Braat two meetings ago. Scott said he had received no reply from GCC to his query asking when the re-siting of the rank from George Square had been advised to local residents. Tam will discuss with Councillor Braat. ACTION: Tam
HOMELESS PROJECT SCOTLAND
Earlier in the meeting TD had raised problems arising from Homeless Project Scotland (HPS).
Tam summarised that this opened in Glassford Street last December as a homeless shelter and was serving food.
GCC had ordered the owner and occupier to apply for planning permission (change of use from offices) by 31 March but no such application had been lodged.
Scott said meetings had been held with senior GCC officers including the Head of Planning in early June and a letter sent to the Chief Executive, Council Leader and Scottish Government. Meetings had been held with MSP Kaukab Stewart, all to no avail.
However, he had been assured at a meeting with a senior GCC officer last week that a Planning Enforcement Notice would be served to the owner and occupier at the end of August.
It was disappointing that no reply had been received from Food Standards Scotland six weeks after MCTCC asked it to advise whether HPS had the relevant licence.
Gary added that lack of action by Glasgow City Council was continuing to deprive local residents of the opportunity to comment on an application.
Tam said it was the most frustrating case he had encountered in his 18 years on the Community Council. Sleeping accommodation was provided but there was only one fire escape.
Councillor Millar said he shared Tam’s frustration. Intensive efforts had been made to find an alternative site.
Gordon said it was clear the site had not been zoned for that activity so why was it being asked to apply for planning consent for a purpose to which it was not entitled? What was the point of zoning in the first place?
LICENSING
An application had been lodged for an ‘Escape Room’ in the St Enoch Centre. Tam said MCTCC had no objection.
Gary explained that permission for bars or restaurants to provide pavement tables was covered by their overall licence based on the space allowed. They did not need a separate licence.
PLANNING
Tam said Ross was now assisting Peter Hayman with planning issues.
Ross had responded to GCC’s consultation on tall buildings on a personal basis but the Community Council now had to respond on its own behalf. All comments should be passed to the Secretary by 13 September, after which he will draft a response in conjunction with the Chair and co-Vice Chairs.
Scott said he and Gary met with senior GCC planners to discuss the George Square development and Avenues project between Custom Quay and Stockwell Street. We were keen to avoid problems encountered with the Sauchiehall Street works and requested residents’ representation, as an observer, on a monitoring body for George Square redevelopment.
We were offered a 1-1 update each month and a presentation at our October meeting. Scott will arrange this. ACTION: Scott
Scott added that a presentation on the Custom Quay-Stockwell Street project may be delivered to an MCTCC meeting early in the New Year.
George St/High Street derelict site - Scott has asked Ward Councillors to advise the status of this eyesore. Tam said the developer had run out of money. Angus is following up. ACTION: Angus
Second stage of Candleriggs Square - Tam, Gary and Scott have met the developer to discuss this, with building due to start early next year. Tam said designs for a new mural would be presented to the Community Council when available.
RA asked about the Pride pavement in Wilson Street. Tam said the first MCTCC knew about it was when it was finished. it was uneven and created a trip hazard.
David Hughes said Local Development Plans fed into city development plans so it was important for MCTCC to comment on LDPs on issues such as student accommodation.
Pride Mural on AXM building, Glassford Street - Tam said the telephone number he’d been given does not accept messages. It was noted this 12 x 7 metres mural will dominate a large part of conservation area and will include advertising. ACTION: Tam
TD said AXM did not own the building.
LITTER PICK
David Hughes said this would take place on Saturday 21 September, from 10.30-1pm, meeting at the Ramshorn graveyard gate. MCTCC has received grant funding from Glasgow City Council for equipment which will be provided to volunteers. ACTION: David Hughes
GRANT GIVING SCHEME
Niall said there was currently £6,500 in the fund and summarised the criteria. Further applications are welcome. Applicants do not have to be a registered charity. ACTION: All
FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD
Free public tours will be organised next year, tour guides trained and story boards created. The next meeting will be held from 6.30-8.30 pm on 4 September with a specialist speaker. More members are welcome.
WEBSITE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Niall said an outline of MCTCC’s new Website should be ready by mid-September.
He will draft a short questionnaire to be completed by all Community Councillors as a mini-biog.ACTION: Niall
TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a bank balance £6,573 once outstanding cheques had been cleared. A GCC grant of £700 is expected around November. MCTCC’s accounting year end is end-August.
David Hughes said £367,000 remained in the Area Partnership fund. MCTCC should submit applications for suitable projects, otherwise other Community Councils would spend it. The Merchant City Handbook includes many good ideas and could be used as a source document. Tam said one project could be installation of a CCTV camera around Parnie Street. ACTION: All
PUBLIC TOILETS
GCC is developing a strategy and actions around public toilets and inviting representations. There are no public toilets in Merchant City/Trongate or on Glasgow Green following closure of the People’s Palace. Scott is liaising with GCC on our response. All comments are welcome. ACTION: Scott/ALL
NEXT PUBLIC MEETING
Tuesday 24 September, 6.30 pm, City Chambers
High St Avenues Consultation - 3rd September 2024
Glasgow City Council are holding a consultation event on proposals for the High St Avenues project on Tuesday 3rd September, between 12noon and 3pm, at 231 George St. This is a chance to have YOUR say on the proposed development...
Friends of Ramshorn Public Meeting - 4 September
Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday 4th September at 6.30pm in Committee Room 1, Glasgow City Chambers. Come along and find out their latest plans for this famous graveyard, and take your chance to get involved! All welcome
Meeting Minutes, 30 July 2024
Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held in City Chambers on 30 July 2024.
Attended by: Scott Thornton (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Niall McColl, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar; Glasgow Merchant City Festival representatives; Police Constable Sean McFadden (SMcF); EM, RM, KL, TD, SM, CS, BF, CD, RF, PS, TMcK, RN
MSP Kaukab Stewart : Glasgow City Council - Lise Fisher and David MacDonald, Rowan Evenstar - Blythswood & Broomhill CC
By Zoom video - Alice Cowan, David Cowan, MS, SL, AC, EM
Apologies: Tam Coyle, Peter Hayman, Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Eva Bolander
MINUTES OF 25 JUNE MEETING
Adoption proposed by Gordon Millar, seconded by Gary Atkinson. Approved.
POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 25 June to 25 July in the MCTCC area: 203 offences reported of which 107 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, street drinking, possession of controlled substances, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft. Main involvement related to licensed premises.
Priority locations have been a focus of attention, working from local feedback.
A number of major events, including The Open Golf, TRNSMT, General Election, Pride and marching season have taken up more resources than usual.
Day of action on Illegal e- bikes - 4 July- 11 bikes confiscated that were not road- legal. Further enforcement action is expected as well as continuing engagement.
MSP KS asked about police action in the Trongate area. SMcF reported there were regular high visibility patrols, supplemented by additional resources when available. In response to a further query on whether anti-social activity was growing, SMcF anecdotally viewed more activity, particularly when the weather is better.
There were several concerns raised around drug dealing & needles in the Ramshorn graveyard and associated shoplifting from the local Sainsbury’s.
Concerns were raised on the perceived increase of tents appearing in different parts of the city centre. Police and GCC were aware and work with third sector services to support those individuals to limit the number of tents.
The area around the Portland Street suspension bridge was raised by RN given the, at times, intimidating atmosphere. RW-S raised the change in demographics in the MCTCC area and associated impacts and asked if any data was available?
Issues were discussed around accessing flats’ communal areas in Ingram street being used for drug dealing/taking and rough sleeping. Police will engage with factors involved to ensure all security measures are being implemented.
GA emphasised that reporting of incidents is helpful to police as it provides data.
Presentation from Glasgow City Council on Safe Needle Bins trial
Lise Fisher (Neighbourhood Liaison Manager Ward 10) presented feedback from the trial (May 2023 for 6 months):
Accessible Sharps disposal bin located in New Wynd Lane, Trongate (No. 1 location historically for needles) to address the concerns of local people given the number of items discarded.
Trial collected around 5,000 items in the period including needles and associated paraphernalia. This was during a period where there was an increase in drug usage in the area.
The bin is still in use and being monitored and utilised.
In future other areas such as car parks may also have “sharps” bins where regular use is reported. These areas are monitored to see if an additional bin would be effective.
Reporting of sharps items helps GCC assess resource priorities. Best way is via the MyGlasgow app which has a map locator for reporting and identifies clusters of discarded needles. The reporting options will be added to the MCTCC website ACTION: Niall
There was a query about whether personal data from the MyGlasgow App would be used (not believed to be the case).
DM noted that there were approximately 8,500 regular users in Glasgow and 400-500 in the city centre. There is a voluntary system of care and treatment to help control addiction, though it is felt Glasgow draws users from around the country.
The Hunter Street health facility is now close to completion, with staff recruited. This will provide more support for the more serious drugs. GCC/HSCP are awaiting a Letter of Comfort from the Lord Advocate. Recently there has been an application for a “drug checking” facility at Hunter street to increase intelligence on street drug chemistry.
MSP KS indicated that Christina McKelvie (Scottish Minister for Drugs and Alcohol) is actively involved in these issues.
GA highlighted the potential risks of some new student planning applications close to McDonalds in Argyle Street that may add to the existing volume of users.
Lise Fisher updated the meeting on the Street Art on Custom Quay - a “Legal Wall” six month pilot which will allow officially sanctioned art in the area. The main issue is that there are now less resources allocated to graffiti cleaning by GCC. DH flagged that some of the artists involved in the Custom Quay project are also covering private buildings.
MSP’s Report - Kaukab Stewart
Issues raised with our MSP include cladding remediation, which has been a major point. KS clarified that wooden decking is included within the Single Building Assessment (SBA) programme.
The Merchant City car park planning application decision was discussed.
Homeless Project Scotland (HPS) - GCC Planning have confirmed no application has been received, in addition to issues raised on safeguarding of occupants and fire safety (no breaches reported). A Planning Enforcement notice will now be issued by GCC (date awaited for issue). KS will follow up. ACTION: KS
Elaine Bennet of Spires Apartments said the building was sold to Quintessential for retail/offices. There had been lots of complaints from Spires’ guests about anti-social behaviour from soup kitchen users and Spires had lost business. She quoted HPS as saying it had agreed a 15 year lease to move the soup kitchen to the ground floor and the accomodation to the basement. This would double kitchen capacity.
Ros mentioned that the management of Social Hub had raised concerns about Brunswick Lane and thereabouts being used for drugs and other antisocial behaviour
Kaukab said the student accommodation issue attracted lobbying from all sites. There needed to be a sustainable solution that met the requirements of all parties.
MCTCC is progressing a request to put a student accommodation moratorium in place for the Merchant City and will discuss with our Ward Councillors at the next meeting.
GM asked about the Single Building Assessment. Had the associated building regulations from the Scottish Government been finalised for cladding remediation buildings? ACTION: KS
The Pride rainbow pavement at the Merchant City Festival - feedback on several issues in terms of cost, safety for mobility users and if there was any local public consultation. ACTION: Lise Fisher
Other Matters
Public Consultation on high rise buildings - encourage all to take part and make your views known. MCTCC to discuss if they should submit a formal response - ACTION Scott
George Square - request for local input into the redevelopment submitted. Awaiting a response. ACTION: Scott
TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,722.13 at 30 July.
Discretionary grant funding has been applied for which will followed up by the Treasurer. ACTION: Gordon to discuss with Gerald Tonner @ GCC.
The Annual Administration Fee has also to be confirmed: ACTION: Gordon
WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
No Councillors were in attendance.
In Brief
Website Update - Being re-designed as a ‘Go To’ Hub for local information.
Ramshorn graveyard - “Puddle” being investigated - GCC has been informed.
College of Printing and Building (Met Tower - 'People Make Glasgow’ building): RN subsequently reported this is up for sale.
Boundary changes impact on MCTCC area query - Now Glasgow East rather than Glasgow Central.
Planning - Candleriggs development - EM asked if there was any progress as he had noted water pressure issues in his property. ACTION: Gary
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 27 August, 6.30 pm in City Chambers
Reporting Discarded Needles
If you find discarded needles in a public place, report them to Glasgow City Council.
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/4269/Report-a-Discarded-Needle-in-a-Public-Place
In the My Glasgow app, tap More > Environmental > Discarded Needle
Current Planning Applications
Comments on the applications below can be made via the Council’s online portal or in writing. Glasgow City Council can only take “material considerations” into account in determining the application. Please review their guide to Commenting On Planning Applications for more information.
Street | Reference | Summary | Date Received | Last Date for Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Stockwell St | 24/01614/FUL | Use of office (Class 4) as student accommodation (Sui Generis) with associated ancillary development. - Granite House 31 Stockwell Street Glasgow | Thu 20 Jun 2024 | Fri 26 Jul 2024 |
Hutcheson St | 24/01417/FUL | External alterations, with remedial works including installation of leadworks, repainting of metal windows and panels. - 103 Hutcheson Street Glasgow | Wed 29 May 2024 | Fri 02 Aug 2024 |
Miller St | 24/01633/FUL | External alterations and installation of emergency generator with associated works - 57 Miller Street City Centre Glasgow G1 1EB | Mon 24 Jun 2024 | Fri 02 Aug 2024 |
Trongate | 24/01732/LBA | Alterations to resteraunt including the installation of entrance door with side glazing and associated works. - 167 Trongate Glasgow G1 5HF | Fri 05 Jul 2024 | Fri 16 Aug 2024 |
Trongate | 24/01733/FUL | Installation of replacement entrance door with glazing and associated works to front of restaurant. - 167 Trongate Glasgow G1 5HF | Fri 05 Jul 2024 | Fri 16 Aug 2024 |
Old Wynd | 24/01721/FUL | Erection of hotel with associated facilities and ancillary works : Planning application under Section 42 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997for non-compliance with Conditions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of planning consent 20/01468/FUL. - Site Formerly Known As 47 Old Wynd Glasgow | Thu 04 Jul 2024 | Wed 21 Aug 2024 |
Updated 24 July 2024. Information provided by Glasgow City Council
Meeting Minutes, 25 June 2024
Attended by: Scott Thornton(Chair), David Cowan, Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Niall McColl, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar ; Lorenzo Mele & Bernadette Fryars - Glasgow Merchant City Festival; Police Constable Sean McFadden; EM, RM, KL, TD, SM, CS, BF, CD, RF, PS, TMcK, RN;
By Zoom video - Alice Cowan.
Apologies: Tam Coyle, Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Eva Bolander;
MINUTES OF 28 MAY MEETING
Adopted proposed by David Cowan, seconded by Gordon Millar. Approved.
POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 28 May to 25 June in the MCTCC area: 131 offences reported of which 60 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, bail breaches, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft. Main involvement relating to Licenced premises.
Taken a number of crime prevention surveys to help mitigate retail crimes
Following a report from a member of the public, police had executed a Sheriff’s warrant in Bell Street, but no crime was detected.
Police were now operating “proportionate response to crime” pactice, based on the THRIVE model of assessment, looking to free up police where there is “no viable lines of enquiry” , Only applies to “low harm & low risk” crimes, eg theft, vandalism & failure to stop (North division found this was c 3.4% of reported crime when they started earlier this year).
Police worked with Wheatley Group to improve the timely repair process for damaged doors, that were associated with anti social behaviour. Expected to result in faster repairs for these buildings.
The Tron theatre area was discussed, where there had been a significant impact from the recent Football celebrations in Merchant City and regular drug dealing activities. The Police suggested the latter be reported to help focus the appropriate response. Regular Police patrols are planned.
There was no information on E-Bikes, but the Police were planning “days of action”.
It was noted that there would be a GCC presentation on the Needle Bin project at the July mtg.
Busking - More planned engagement from the Police, no reported enforcement
Graffiti / Vandalism update - Scott attended a meeting with Police Scotland (Paul and Angela Stavely). Main points were encourage reporting of the incidents (E mail / online / Crimestoppers) and the Council have powers to require Private property Owners to clean up damage.
Scott highlighted that GCC have designated part of Custom House Quay area for “Street Art”
MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL (19-21 July 2024)
Lorenzo Mele, Artistic Director & Bernadette Fryers , Project Manager, Merchant City Festival at Glasgow Life gave a presentation and took questions.
Summary of the programming:
Main Sponsers - Merchant Square, Candleriggs Accomodation & The Social hub
Focus around Merchant Square for Music every day and using SURGE outdoor performances during the 3 days
Friday - Music programming (Celtic Connections organising) / Carnival feel /. Also a Civic reception taking place Friday afternoon.
Saturday - Pride & Family friendly programming
Sunday - 50’s theme / Rockabilly / / Ramshorn graveyard / New Candlerigg Square / Family friendly.
Boardwalk for a Science Museum event & Quiet space. The Old Fruitmarket Friday night for “Hip replacement” night club (7pm -midnight)
Big Angie (comedy / drag show) for 2 nights
Bernadette highlighted the operational matters - Festival set up & Road closures - Resident and Businesses notified mid June - from Fri 6am to Sun Midnight.Operational hours during the day are 12 noon to 6.00pm
There will be a walkround by the project team of Businesses to discuss deliveries / access etc on 26 June.
There were questions around Parking and access and it was suggested that the letter should be added to the MCTCC website and any issues Residents should call the helpline number on the letter.
WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
No Councillors’ were in attendance at the meeting.
Points raised in absentia:
Update on the Celtic Fans issues from 18 May & feedback from Council liaison with Celtic FC
Higher than expected Orange Marches - 100 over the summer around Glasgow , with 50 on 1 day.
Walkabout with Councillors - Actions list update . Next walkabout invite should include Councillor Braat and and focus on the Southern part of the district next time, specifically on the riverside.
Pavement parking in Candleriggs issue - get bollards similar to Miller street?
Litter on the River banks of the Clyde (North and South banks) - potential joint litter pick with Calton CC?
Can Councillors’ bring more disused properties back into Residential accommodation, as per the policy raised in the City Centre Strategy presentation.
STREET CLOSURES - Noted
PLANNING
Scott shared the success of planning being granted to Damasquino for their expanding successful restaurant in Saltmarket.
Homeless Project Scotland (HPS)
Letter has been sent to the Chief Executive of GCC , regarding the lack of enforcement of the planning breach related to HPS.
There have also been representations made to the Scottish Government regarding GCC not operating statutory planning legislation
New applications for PBSAs
The latest such application is for Granite House, 31-33 Stockwell street.
This is a Change of Use application from Office to Student Accommodation
Scott noted this led through Old Wynd to two other buildings which had received planning permission for PBSAs, in effect creating a mini student campus. In addition there has been an old Hotel planning permission that is also now being revised for Student accommodation.
There are currently 1365 rooms in planning in the MCTCC area and this will take the number to well in excess of 1,500 in a relatively small area, in addition to major Student developments situated close to the MCTCC area e.g. College lands.
Since MCTCC policy is to oppose further applications for PBSA he will submit a formal objection. ACTION: Peter
George Square redevelopment -
Can we obtain details of the phasing of closures, work and reopening over the project period. Action -Scott to review.
RN suggested it would be helpful if a member of the MCTCC attended the Project meetings, to feedback on phasing and delivery on a timely manner, similar to the issues in Sauchiehall street. ACTION :
Merchant City Park
No Progress reported.
Public Consultation on high rise Buildings - Obtain details
GPO Building - Taxi rank relocation - Scott has asked GCC about whether this can be amended and Cllr Braat is discussing with GCC staff.
LICENSING
Carry forward to next meeting.
Scott raised with GCC some Holiday Letting applications in Ingram street in Feb 2024. This was acknowledged in June 24.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,750 at 25 June 24
David Hughes said he had made an application to GCC for £520 for litter pickers. This is for a maximum of £400 Grant (may be the Cash received - to check) Gordon
Discretionary Grant funding has been applied for which will followed up by the Treasurer . Action Gordon to discuss with Gerald Tonner @ GCC.
The Annual Administration Fee has also to be confirmed - Action Gordon
£400 has been received , but this needs to be confirmed what this covers. Action Gordon
GRANT GIVING SCHEME
Impact Arts Press release sent out (with QR codes, link to the MCTCC website).
FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD
Meeting to be held in City Chambers tomorrow. David Hughes said an aim was to start public tours in 2025.
SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PUBLIC CONSULTATION
WEBSITE/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Communication strategy - Sub group agreed to propose that we should spend up to £3,000 on the Website and c £55 per month on maintenance. This will support our communication with the wider community and improve engagement.
David Hughes proposed a full launch with flyers to local businesses, University and apartments to help drive traffic to the new website.
The spend is aimed at updating the web site (from 2019), provide more dynamic presentation, making it more usable to communicate whats on, news and history in the MCTCC area.
There is also the possibility of further enhancement to the website to involve local businesses that support the site and engage with these businesses on future MCTCC communications.
Proposed by David Hughes and seconded by Christian S. No objections. Agreed to progress.
AOCB
Items for the meeting with Kaukab - Councils ignoring National Planning guidelines, Continual roadworks on the M8, The council being more proactive in communicating strategy.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 30 July, 6.30 pm in City Chambers
Residents slam City Council after Scottish Government kills their park dream

Glasgow city centre residents have expressed their “profound sadness and bitter disappointment” at the Scottish Government’s decision to allow more than 100 flats to be built on a site they have fought for five years to be transformed into Merchant City’s first green space.
Scottish Ministers announced on 16 July they had agreed with the recommendations of its official Reporter, Elspeth Cook, to give the go-ahead for a planning application submitted to Glasgow City Council (GCC) to build the apartments on the site of a car park bounded by Candleriggs, Ingram Street and Albion Street.
This site features a major tourist attraction of a mural depicting wild animals peering through gaps in a wall.
Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC), which commissioned the mural, was one of more than 140 objectors to the application, passed by GCC’s Planning Committee in February 2023 on the casting vote of the Chairman. Most Committee members stayed away from that meeting.
Following the protests the decision was ‘called in’ by the Scottish Government because of the possibility that the adjacent Old Fruitmarket and City Halls music venues might have to be closed because of noise complaints from the new neighbours.
The Community Council has campaigned for five years to turn the site, situated opposite the historic Ramshorn Church and Graveyard, into ‘Merchant City Park.’
A spokesman for for MCTCC commented: “We received the news with profound sadness and bitter disappointment.”
He added: ““Merchant City does not have a single park or any other green space, particularly needed in the post-COVID environment.
“Ministers agreed that major issues for consideration included the effects on amenity open space, trees and the mural yet have over-ridden these.
“This was a rare opportunity for the City Council to live up to its to oft-repeated boast of creating a greener Glasgow and work with residents to develop a park for the benefit of local and wider communities to improve health and wellbeing as well as tourism. The proposed building will also partially obliterate a delightful mural photographed by hundreds of visitors each week.”
The development will mean the felling of 18 Cherry Blossom and three Horse Chestnut trees. Ministers said the applicant proposed to plant replacement trees, albeit fewer in number than those removed, and include other planting schemes in a publicly accessible courtyard and rooftop terraces.
Ministers said the developers should make a financial contribution of £110,199 in lieu of on-site amenity provisions, a figure dismissed by MCTCC as “woefully inadequate, adding: “Going on evidence from other Community Councils this will not be spent on the Merchant City."
The formal decision on the planning application has been deferred for at least six months to enable relevant planning obligations or another suitable agreement to be completed.
Ingram St Car Park - Reporter Issues Notice of Intention
The Reporter to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of the Scottish Government advised on 16 July that they are minded to grant permission for the redevelopment of the Ingram St Car Park as 109 flats. MCTCC has long campaigned for this site to be developed as a community park.
Tall Buildings in Glasgow - Public Consultation

A public consultation on Tall Buildings in Glasgow has begun in response to the increasing number of these being built and planned, especially in the city centre and on its fringes.
The consultation will run until 30 September, and will help to shape the final design guidance on Tall Buildings - which not only guides the best location and design principles for these, but is a key factor in the determination of planning applications.
Given the increasing pressure to develop these types of buildings, the trend to add additional height to re purposed buildings, and the move to the re-densification and re-population of the city centre, it became clear that further design guidance was necessary.
While strategies such as the Central District Regeneration Framework, City Centre Strategic Development Framework and the River Clyde Strategic Development Framework identify opportunities for increased density and increased height along the Clydeside, it is also considered important to maintain the character of the Glasgow Central Conservation Area.
There are a range of views on Tall Buildings, with many people proposing that they can help reduce sprawl, increase density, and provide opportunities for refurbishment and re-use. Others suggest that they are inherently unsustainable, with a greater consumption of more materials, energy, and resources than lower-rise buildings, and create social and environmental problems.
Glasgow City Council recognises the role taller buildings can play in terms of sustainable and organic growth of the city system, and encourages competent, forward thinking and holistic responses to the challenges of planning, constructing, and maintaining taller buildings - so tall buildings can be sustainable if they are designed and built with care and innovation, and if they are part of a holistic urban planning strategy that balances environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. However, the council does not view tall buildings are not a panacea for urban sustainability challenges and should be complemented by other forms of low and medium-impact development that promote diversity, liveability and inclusive economic growth.
Current design guidance on Tall Buildings is based on the following factors:
- Quality of the city centre: the distinctive qualities and values of this distinctive place including historic character and context;
- Heritage: understanding the significance of the local historic environment and the potential impact on this significance;
- Visual: the impact on the city centre streetscape, and wider urban landscapes, and views of the skyline. This includes the setting of heritage assets;
- Functional: the design, embodied carbon and carbon cost, construction and operation;
- Transport: the impact on the local transport infrastructure and particularly public transport needs;
- Environmental: the influence on local micro-climates such as creation of wind tunnels, 'canyon' effects, distances between tall buildings, overshadowing, and effect on heritage assets in terms of the impact these micro-climatic changes could have upon their fabric, and how they are experienced; and
- Cumulative: the combined impacts on heritage assets from existing, consented and proposed tall buildings.
The Tall Buildings design guidance was considered earlier this year at meetings hosted by the Glasgow Design Panel and attended by architects, designers and developers, a meeting with Ward 10 (Anderston/city/Yorkhill) community councils, and last month the council hosted a digital round table workshop for UK and international professional and academic experts with previous expertise in producing tall buildings design guidance for similar scale cities to Glasgow. The consultation beginning today will help shape the final design guidance document and is open to anyone with an interest in this topic in Glasgow.
This consultation can be found here.
Information from Glasgow City Council - published by MCTCC 9 July 2024