Meeting Minutes, 30 January 2024

Glasgow City Chambers & Online Conference*

Tuesday 30th January 2024, at 6:30pm

Community Councillors: Gary Atkinson, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Colin McKay, Niall McColl, Scott Thornton, Rosalind Wardley-Smith
 
Residents: KB, DF, SH, TMcK, PS
 
Elected Representatives: Cllrs Philip Braat and Angus Millar
 
Ex-Officio: PC Sean McFadden.
 
Attended Online (via Zoom): Tam Coyle (Chair), Alice Cowan, EM, NM, AC and RE.
 

1. Welcome by the Chair - Tam welcomed everyone in person and online to our first meeting of 2024.

Apologies: Gordon Millar and Cllr Eva Bolander.

2. Minutes of the last meeting(28 November 2023) 

 
The minutes were proposed as a true representation of the meeting by Niall McColl and seconded by David Hughes. Adopted.
 

3. Police Report

 
From 1-23 December 2023, within the MCTCC area, police recorded 143 crimes wth 116 detected and 27 undetected. For January 2024 the figures were respectively 143, 117 and 26.
 
(Detected means a suspect has been or will be charged; undetected means police may have a suspect but enquiries are ongoing.  Police statistics are indicative only and should not be taken as an absolute measure of crime and are subject to analysis)
 
~Police Station Closures~
 
A public consultation, running to December 2024, has opened on possible closures of police stations in Scotland. PC McFadden encouraged MCTCC to submit a joint response.  As Stewart Street Police station in Cowcaddens is in Tier 3 of the considered closures, it is less likely to be closed but that is not guaranteed. More information is on ~https://consult.scotland.police.uk/consultation/estates/~
 
~Homeless Project Scotland~ (HPS)
 
Shortly before Christmas HPS started operating a homeless centre and night shelter at 67 Glassford Street but has not applied for planning permission. Cllr Braat reported the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have attended several times in relation to fire safety.  Cllr Millar reported that the police have been engaging with the project and that SFRS are satisfied with compliance with the regulations and not looking to intervene. It is understood there have been no structural changes to the building.  
 
Cllr Millar understood the concern that these premises were opened without notification or due process. He explained that planning enforcement is by definition retroactive. If a breach of planning permission is suspected the first step by HPS would be to apply for a Change of Use.
 
Tam reported that an email from GCC arrived today declining responsibility for some safety aspects of the premises. Police have been contacted and remain in communication with the homeless centre’s management. HPS have apparently responded to fire safety protocols requested by SFRS.
 
~Incident responses~
 
A resident reported people attempted to set up a ‘squat’ in part of the square at Brunswick Street. PC McFadden advised him to call 101 in future and 999 if there was an immediate threat.  This have been 3 incidents in 130 Clyde St this week.  Tam advised there is also an email address and Contact Us section on Police Scotland's Website.
 
There have been reports of drugs misuse in the Briggait area and also at the junction of Wilson and Virginia Streets.  It was reported that 3 different close doors were breached in Clyde Street in the previous weeks.  Police were notified.
 

4. Ward Councillors’ Reports

 
Cllr Angus Millar -
 
He suggested that MCTCC might request a presentation from the Health and Social Care Partnership on the range of work they undertake with homeless organisations.  They are supported by GCC and have staff and volunteers.  Tam noted that the Simon Community is due to give a presentation to MCTCC next month.
 
A planning application is expected for a hotel on Maxwell Street. A first public consultation will be held at Granite House, Stockwell Street on Wednesday 28th February (3-7 pm).
 
Another walkabout survey is planned for February.
 
‘Active Travel’ road works are taking place in Clyde Street to extend the South Cycle Way on to King Street.
 
Cllr Philip Braat –
 
He urged people to respond individually to the Police Estate’s consultation mentioned
above. He believes people should support the continued operation of the Stewart St Police station since Glasgow is one of the busiest cities in the UK, particularly because of the frequency of major events held here.
 
He was contacted recently regarding a trip hazard on Candleriggs.  A temporary repair is scheduled to be carried out this weekend.
 
The GOMA library facilities will be closed on Friday 16 February for updated library software and staff training.
 
He has received several reports of missed bin collections which has been a issue over the festive period. Overtime has been available to the department for domestic waste uplift.
 
~Questions~
 
A resident enquired about bin lorries parking on the pavements, thereby causing damage to the paving for pedestrians. It was discussed that they must do this to maintain traffic flow whilst emptying the bins. Locations include Ingram and Fox Streets.
 
TMcK reported a build-up of water in streets, possibly due to blocked drains outside The Old Ship Bank public house at 164 Saltmarket and at 52 in the Calton. Peter Hayman reported that food waste bins were not being emptied. Cllr Braat will make enquiries about this. Cllr Millar explained there was a need to clear the backlog of recycling bins and other waste first following the festive period.
 
A resident enquired about the replacement of the bins at South Brunswick Street that have changed from having a ‘letterbox’ type entrance to one with bottle sized circular entrances.  These are not sufficient for the area as it is a busy street.  There is now a build-up of rubbish. The street requires at least one normal-sized bin.
 
PS reported fridges and a dishwasher on a pavement in Parnie Street. Cllr Millar will follow this up but noted there is a GCC phone number and Website section to request bulk uplifts.  
 
Scott Thornton enquired how many GCC employees were still working from home. Cllr Millar said this would vary for each department. He was aware some call centre staff are working from home but attend the office for certain matters.  
 
David Cowan enquired if the GCC Finance office at John Street might re-open as there is real difficulty in contacting the Council Tax department. Emails take around a month to get a response.
 
Cllr Millar confirmed there are no plans to reopen services at the City Chambers and residents must go online. He said they can make an appointment to attend. There were two other methods available which require requesting a ‘callback’ from a member of staff, which can take 3 weeks, or emailing them which also has a response time of approximately 3 weeks.
 

5. Safe Needle Bin Pilot Scheme

 
The pilot scheme for the safe needle disposable bin in New Wynd ended on 28th  November.  Tam has not had a reply from an email sent in early December regarding this and will chase it up again.
 

6. ‘Complex Needs Drop-in Centre’ – Bell St

 
MCTCC spotted a planning application in December and arranged a meeting on 18 December with Jim McBride and Kelda Gaffney. They were informed the centre would be an outreach centre for staff relocated from Hunter Street. This is to make room for the planned new safe consumption room facilities, much in news headlines.  Scott Thornton wrote to them two weeks ago, asking them to confirm our understanding but has not received a reply.  Cllr Millar has requested a meeting with Mr McBride but has not had a response.

7. Planning and Licensing

 
Peter Hayman distributed the list of planning applications for our area to MCTCC members prior to the meeting.  Scott has lodged the Community Council’s objection to the application for student accommodation on Osborne Street/Old Wynd Lane adjacent to the recently approved application for a similar new build for the same purpose.  The objection mentioned over provision of student accommodation in the city centre and lack of housing diversity.
 
Dominus, the developer, said in their application that within 5 years of this building being completed it is possible that 30% of residents in the vicinity would be students.
 
Peter Hayman said it was ironic the application mentioned that among the reasons students were attracted to Glasgow was the city’s architectural heritage, yet proposed student accommodation buildings were uniform with little or no architectural merit.
 
A planning application has been submitted for an Afro-Caribbean supermarket on Howard Street in the former Corrigans’ fishmonger’s store.
 
~Licensing - Short term applications~
 
Tam forwarded all licenses applications to members for our area prior to the meeting.
The licensing department has been busy since the change of legislation last August.
Dreamworks Ltd have submitted 6 applications for two blocks of flats in Ingram Street.  
 
Cllr Millar noted they cannot be granted planning permission if the flats share a common close.
 
AC noted that the majority of standard title deeds would allow for legal action against a business operating from the building. This may require locating the advert for the business or short term let.
 
Scott will lodge an objection on behalf of MCTCC and advised that individual objections should be made quickly.
 

8. Public Consultation on Busking

 
Tam reported a particularly loud busker playing at 9.30am last Monday outside the defunct Debenhams shop. He was asked to reduce the volume but did so only temporarily.  
 
Cllr Millar read out the feedback from last year's Consultation. There is no decision on the next steps.
 
Over 2,700 responses were received and were still being analysed. Initial findings are that most of the responses expressed the view that the public enjoy the entertainment and find it contributes positively to the vibrancy in the city centre.
 
However, a significant number noted that the high volume was distracting or a nuisance.  They believed the busking code of conduct should be enforced more, especially at certain locations and times, day and night.
 
Edinburgh City Council are also undergoing a consultation on busking which may lead to a request to transfer powers of enforcement of regulations.
 

9. White Wall for Street Art

 
Gary Atkinson and Tam Coyle met representatives from SWG3 Street Art Team and The Social Hub to create a potential Street Art installation on the gable end wall on the new Social Hub building. 
 
Discussions are underway to seek financial grant support from the Glasgow Mural Trail, Area Partnership budget. There is an agreement between the Social Hub building owner to use his wall for a new mural. Fundraising is underway for this start-up project to allow SWG3 to speak with 3 potential artists for initial sketch ideas to share with project partners.
 

10.  Trongate/Glasgow Cross Central Reservation Paving

 
Many months on from when the problem was reported GCC are still awaiting slabs that have been ordered. Cllrs Millar and Braat will look into this.
 

11. Early Morning Noise from Bin Lorries

 
Scott reported he had been awoken by recycling bin lorries as early as 5.45 am.  There is apparently no law regarding what time bin lorries can collect domestic waste.
 

12.  Merchant City Park

 
David Hughes confirmed that the Community Council continues to await the decision of the Scottish Government Minister on the Ingram Street planning application once he receives the Reporter’s findings.
 

13.  MCTCC Website Upgrade

 
Niall McColl has researched grants to improve our website to allow for audio and video but no suitable funding is currently available. The estimated cost of £3,000 might be outside our current budget since the Impact Arts application (See 16 below) is still pending.
 

14.  Treasurer’s Report

 
Treasurer Gordon Millar reported that MCTCC has a bank balance of £9,827.62
 

15. Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard

 
Davd Hughes reported that this charity was formed last Summer and had received a donation of £1,000 from MCTCC under its grant-giving scheme. The need to appoint a chairperson has been holding up progress.
 

16. MCTCC’s Grant Giving Scheme

 
Niall McColl, one the three members of MCTCC’s sub-committee, will be arranging a meeting with Impact Arts to discuss possible award of a grant.
 
It was discussed if the TRSMT music festival should be approached for a donation due to the large number of fans who travel through our area to and from Glasgow Green.
 
Community Councillors will formally present a defibrillator to Project Ability at 103 Trongate next week, bought with an £800 grant from the Community Council.
 

17. AoCB

 
AC explained how GCC had issued an advisory notice for changing non-historic windows in buildings. It detailed that they will not accept any change to UPVC frames and that aluminium should be used.  However, this is not a thermal insulator. UPVC is also cheaper to install - in his case it would cost £20,000 for aluminium and £7,000 for UPVC.
 
Cllr Braat believed UPVC was not allowed in Conservation areas but was sympathetic. Many buildings had already fitted UPVC window frames before their home area became included in a conservation area.  
 
The Chair thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.
 

Date of next meeting:

Tuesday 27 February at 6:30pm

by admin

Meeting Minutes, 31 October 2023

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Carla Arrighi, Gary Atkinson, Alice Waimatha Cowan, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Eileen Mills,  Scott Thornton, Ros Wardley-Smith, Ward Councillors Eva Bolander and Angus Millar, TD, DFo, DF, JF, GM, NM, EW

By video: HL, JR, DS

Welcome and apologies

 Tam welcomed those attending,

Apologies: GW

Minutes of the last meeting held on 26 September 2023

These had been circulated. Adoption proposed by Gary and seconded by Tam. Approved. 

Thanks to outgoing Councillors

Tam thanked outgoing members Carla Arrighi (Treasurer), Mark Dougan and Eileen Mills for their work for the Community Council, and presented a bouquet to Eileen in recognition of the central role she has been playing in the campaign to create Merchant City’s first park.

Welcome to new Councillors

Tam welcomed newly elected Councillors Alice Waimatha Cowan, David Hughes and Gordon Millar. 

Police report

Tam read out a report by PC Wilson who was unable to attend because he was taking part in police activities in connection with Hallowe’en in the city centre that night.:

Good evening, and firstly, apologies for my absence this evening, I am unable to attend as I am deployed as part of a pre-planned operation to minimise anti-social behaviour and disorder in Glasgow city centre.

EVENTS

PC Wilson updated MCTCC in regard to upcoming events – national and European Football.

High profile national and European football fixtures continue in Glasgow, all supported by extensive Police Scotland operations, involving specialist support where appropriate, and European matches benefiting from international liaison with relevant countries in terms of intelligence and supporters groups engagement.

Halloween – addition resources deployed to minimise anti-social behaviour and disorder in Glasgow city centre.

Bonfire night – ‘Operation Moonbeam’ now in its 6th year, is the Police Scotland national policing response to disorder and other offences linked to Bonfire Night Celebrations.

Operation Moonbeam allows Divisional and Local Policing Commanders to call upon specialist resources to deal with any spontaneous incidents of significant disorder that occur. 

This is in response to the use of increasingly powerful fireworks, instances of dangerous material being within bonfires and the deliberate targeting of Emergency Service, Local Authority personnel and their equipment or vehicles. In recognition of this clear and unacceptable escalation, an executive decision was taken to enhance the national policing response.

BUSKING ENGAGEMENT

PC Wilson updated MCTCC in regard to ongoing Busking Engagement, initiative continues with dates scheduled through October, with officers from Glasgow City Centre Community policing regularly patrolling the ‘Golden Z’ engaging with buskers and ensuring they are aware of GCC Buskers Code of Conduct

DRUGS/ASB

PC Wilson updated MCTCC in relation to ongoing proactive work in relation to drug misuse and associated ASB in area.

Clydeside/Bandstand area is a continued focus, with daily uniformed patrols, plain clothed patrols and additional assistance from G Division resources including officers from Divisional Violence Reduction Unit and Pro-Active CID.

Remind residents of previous security advice given regarding communal entrances.

As always, request for information from residents and committee members regarding emerging areas of concern for extra attention from police.

CYCLING ACTION PLAN

PC Wilson updated MCTCC in relation to an number of ‘days of action’ focussed on Road Traffic offences committed by cyclists in Glasgow City Centre. The ‘4 E’s’ approach has been adopted, Engage, Explain, Encourage, Enforce. As part of the enforcement phase a number of offences have been detected, and also a number of non-compliant e-bikes seized by police.

STATISTICS

26/09/23 – 31/10/23 99 Crime Reports, 55 detected (35 days) Up from 92 Crime Reports, 30 detected (28 days) 30/08/23 – 26/09/23

Misuse of Drugs Offence noted in relation to ongoing proactive work by LPST2 and DVRU

 Tam and Colin said noise from buskers was getting worse. Colin had approached one busker and asked him to reduce the volume but had been ignored. Scott said none of the 4 buskers he had approached knew anything about the Busking Code of Conduct. The evidence suggested that police claims of regular engagement with buskers were overstated.

Scott asked Councillor Millar for an update on the pubic consultation to which MCTCC had responded. Angus said a report would be issued including a series of action points. This would be shared with the Community Council.

 DF said he had noticed an increasing preponderance of used drug users’ needles in the streets.

 Councillor Bolander questioned whether the proposed Safe Consumption Facility would make much difference. Gary said it was doubtful that drug users in the MCTCC area would walk round to the facility in Calton. 

 Angus said the facility would not be a ‘silver bullet’ and was only a pilot. The rationale was to take users off the street and reduce the impact on the wider community. 

 Tam said he understood the facility would not be in operation until next June or July. 

 Ros reported she had ridden in a taxi cab which had taken a far longer route than was necessary. She had found it was not properly licensed and reported the incident to police who had not been helpful. 

Ward Councillors’ reports

Angus reminded the meeting about his recent walkabout with MCTCC Councillors. Gary noted that Louise McMonigle of GCC who had taken part in the walkabout and had agreed to provide a report on action points, had not so far done so. Angus promised to follow this up and said a further walkabout would be useful.

A planning application for the refurbishment and re-design of George Square, part of the Avenues project, would be submitted in the next couple of weeks. Surrounding avenues would be tackled as part of the same package. This will involve substantial construction work so engagement with the local community was essential. 

Gary asked about the future of the statues. Angus said they would be re-positioned within the Square. Eva said several were in bad condition and might not be suitable to be returned.

The City Centre Task Force’s work had resumed after being interrupted by the Covid pandemic and included the ‘Golden Z’ programme. The City Centre Strategy had been published and brought together various other programmes such as the Transport and Tourism Plans, functioning on a ‘hub and spoke’ format to maximise cohesion. He would report to the Community Council each month. Responses to the strategy were welcome. 

Eva said she had been working on installing more planters, including outside the Ramshorn cemetery and Wilson/Hutcheson Street and the corner of Wilson/Brunswick Streets. Local businesses were being asked to look after them. 

Communities were invited to work on Local Place Plans for which tools were available. These had to be taken into account when local development plans were set up so it was important to get these up and running.

The High Street Action Group has resumed work, covering both sides of the thoroughfare even though they are in different Council wards. 

In 2025 Glasgow would be celebrating 850 years. MCTCC may wish to consider its involvement. 

JF complained about drug paraphernalia and dog mess in and around her flat in Bell Street. Eva followed these up with the questioner immediately after the meeting.

In answer to a question from EM, Eva said she would check the time at which the Ramshorn cemetery gate would be closed in Winter.

Scott asked whether GCC had taken further action to minimise the risks posed to people by e-bikes and scooters. Angus said it was up to police to follow up breaches of the Highway Code. It was illegal to sell an e-bike without a speed limiter. Police had impounded a number of bikes where this limiter had been removed. Meetings had taken place with food delivery companies to improve the situation.

Ros said it was apparent that many courier riders were working for different companies and it was essential they should have insurance. It was impossible to identify them because they carried no registration. Gary said this should be raised at Scottish Government level. Angus said the problem included issues of employment law and there was a limit to the actions which GCC could take. 

Scott said so far the delivery companies had merely offered statements of good intent. 

In answer to a question from TD about the impact of the LEZ Angus said air quality figures varied markedly month by month and it would only be possible to assess this a year after the Zone’s introduction. The number of fines had been dropping. No expansion of the LEZ was planned. 

Planning

MCTCC has objected to an application for a short term let on the High Street on the ground that it risked becoming a ‘party flat.’

The application for Purpose Built Student Accommodation in Osborne Street is due to go before the Council’s Planning Applications Committee. MCTCC has objected to this and in principle opposes all applications for student housing.

Eva asked Scott about plans for the Pipeworks ‘gentlemen’s sauna’ behind Carrick Quay. He said the estate agent had advertised the sale of the adjacent building (formerly Annie Miller’s pub) for £600,000 to build apartments. 

Licensing

Gary said it was a fait accompli re 1 am bar extensions. Licensees will decide whether or not staying open longer is financially worthwhile.

Gary would appreciate any comments well in advance of the last date of objections. He has shared with Councillors current applications received, along with GCC ‘sAdopted Licence Statement and GCC’s Tourism Plan to 2030. 

We need to watch out for effects of 4 am extensions at Polo Lounge and AXM, both at the top of Glassford Street. Noise and anti-social behavior may impact on local residents as well as that from the two new hotels.

Gary reported on his meeting with the owner of the House of Gods hotel/club in Glassford Street. There was a potential noise problem for nearby residents from the bar/lounge. 

What are the restrictions of attracting dwell-time for night-time economy and what are GCC proposing to do in addressing said issues? Lack of public transport after midnight is an issue? A question for Angus Millar at next Main Meeting.

An application by the Spiritualist could represent a change of image as a sports bar.

The Merchant Steakhouse application involves an external bar area for a Santa Grotto and external markets while also changing its trading hours. 

Eva summarised the new regulations for short term lets including AirBnBs. Letting out a whole flat now requires planning permission. 

Christmas Lights switch-on

Miller Street residents have been included in the allocation of free tickets.

Grant Giving Scheme

Niall said an £800 cheque was going to Project Ability to buy a defibrillator and £1,000 was being sent to Friends of The Ramshorn following their successful applications.

 Applications from Merchant City Park Ltd and Impact Arts (each for £2,500) are pending. 

Next meeting: Tuesday 28 November, 6.30 pm, City Chambers 

by admin

Meeting Minutes, 26 September 2023

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Ward Councillor Philip Braat, Gary Atkinson, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Eileen Mills, Scott Thornton, Ros Wardley-Smith, AC, MD, TD, DH, GM,  EW, Shahid Ali (Tontine project), Mark Bell (Tontine project); Police Scotland - Sergeant Rob Wilson.

By video link: David Cowan 

1. WELCOME/APOLOGIES

Tam welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies were received from Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns and Councillor Angus Millar.

2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 29 AUGUST

Proposed by Tam, seconded by Niall. Approved.

3.  PRESENTATION ON RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE TONTINE BUILDINGS

Shahid and Mark explained outline proposals for the mixed use project between Bell Street and Trongate which are still at the ‘aspirational’ stage. The aim was to create spaces where people would like to work, visit and enjoy food, drink and recreation. There would be an outer commercial (retail) ring with leisure facilities in the inner courtyard. 

A planning application would be submitted in late October. Mark was asked to provide copies of the slide for publication on the Community Council’s Website but said he would have to edit them to bring them up-to-date.,

4. POLICE REPORT

Sergeant Wilson said anti-drug patrols had been carried out in the MCTCC area,, including Clyde-side, with good recovery of substances, partly thanks to good intelligence gathering. 

A total of 92 crimes had been recorded in the last monthly period, with 30 detections over 28 days. Many of these were drugs-related.

Engagements with buskers were continuing in the ‘Golden Z’ area.

Asked about the reported attack by a masked gang on the Euro Hostel on Clyde Street on 21 September, he said this was a ‘spontaneous’ confrontation between Rangers football bans and supporters of Spanish Club Real Betis following a Europa League match. Scott asked if police had been taken unawares.

The meeting was given details of Calton Community Council’s special public meeting on 28 September about the proposed ‘Safe Consumption Centre’ for hard drug users. 

Sergeant Wilson said this could cut drug misuse in the neighbourhood. Police tended to follow a public health approach. Prosecution was a matter for the courts. Police would continue to do their normal job. 

Niall advised the factor at Old Sheriff Court had instructed gates to be installed to prevent drug abuse taking place in the building’s moat.  A stranger had roamed one of the floors, knocking at doors and requesting money, and had to be escorted off the premises. Sergeant Wilson said incidents like this should be reported to police who had increased patrols, including by plainclothed officers, in the area.

David thanked police for swift arrests and confiscation of contraband from half a dozen suspects in King Street. 

EW also congratulated police for actions which had reduced, however belatedly, drug issues in Goosedubs Lane.  Sergeant Wilson said police had asked the factor for access to  EW’s apartment building without going through the factor. Shrubbery, which had been used as camouflage, was being trimmed back.

5. LOW EMISSION ZONE

Tam said this was causing serious problems with tradesmen and taxi drivers entering the city centre. 

Gary asked for an update from Councillor Braat regarding Council reaction to the high level of enforcement and comments from businesses and residents as well as the proposals for re-investment of funds collected (reported to be c £600k so far). A TION: Councillor Braat committed to investigate and advise.

Councillor Braat said he had complained to the Roads Department about short notice of Temporary Traffic Regulation orders which meant some streets in the MCTCC area would be closed from 2 October for more than a week. 

Several members complained about the lack of notice and signage about 

closure of roads due to the Great Scottish Run on 30 September and 1 October. ACTION: Councillor Braat committed to contact Glasgow Life. 

Councillors Braat and Millar had met Police Inspector Watters and representatives of food delivery companies online to discuss the use of e-bikes in view of various dangerous practices including going through red lights and riding on pavements. This was happening throughout the city centre. 

Registration, licensing and identification of offenders was difficult because of the employment status of riders who were often hired as freelances and worked for different companies. Bikes were sometimes shared among riders.

GM said the problems had been known in the USA more than a decade ago. Why had it taken the authorities here so long to confront them? 

TD said e-bikes should be reclassified as motor bikes. Were delivery companies leasing bikes illegally?

Colin said lithium batteries which powered e-bikes were potentially dangerous.

Sergeant Wilson said serious incidents should be reported to police, if possible noting the time and place. Delivery companies could then try to identify the culprit.

Ros said the manager at Sapporo Teppanyaki had written to Glasgow City Council that restaurant customers often risked injury due to cars taking the corner of Ingram/Hight Street too tight. Cars had crashed into the side of their building following a collision at the traffic lights. The restaurant has requested a barrier on the pavement corner. This had been highlighted to Ward Councillors. 

She reported that the Spitfire cafe premises on the corner of Ingram Street and Candleriggs had reported frequent flooding due to local road sewer/drain infrastructure being overwhelmed by high rainfall. It had asked Glasgow Council for the drains to be unblocked/cleaned. Bar 91 had also been flooded. ACTION: Community Councillors to visit with Councillor Millar on area walkabout on 28 September. 

7. PLANNING

Agreed to invite Fiona Campbell, GCC’s Senior Spatial Planner, to make a presentation to the November meeting, focusing on ‘Golden Z’ developments in the MCTCC area. ACTION: Scott

Scott noted that the objections deadline for the Dominus project for Purpose Built Student Accommodation in Osborne Street was 6 October. He felt the Community Council was ‘swimming against the tide’ of a planned substantial increase in student accommodation.

In answer to a question from EW Tam said plans for redevelopment of the King Street car park had still not reached the planning application stage but it seemed there was an intention to turn that area into many blocks 18 storeys or so high.

Eileen reported on the hearing into the Scottish Government’s ‘calling in’ of the planning application for 109 apartments on the NCP car park in Ingram Street. A separate but related issue had arisen concerning airconditioning units which seemed to have been installed on the roof of the City Halls without Glasgow Life receiving planning permission. 

Scott said the SG Reporter had mentioned during her site visit that she would not be writing her report until mid-October and it could be several months after that until Ministers announced their decision. 

DH said the developers’ promise to protect the ‘Other Glasgow Residents’ mural ‘could be tricky’ during construction of a 7 storey building. 

Tam said the Brutte en Compadre cafe was keen to have a mural erected on its wall but they didn’t own the building.

8. LICENSING

As MCTCC’s representative on the GCC Licensing Forum Gary advised he had reviewed the extensive consultation documents relating to the proposed updating of the Licensing Policy Document and Overprovision. 

He reminded the meeting of discussions at a previous MCTCC meeting relating to a proposal to introduce provision for licensed premises to extend their ‘Terminal Hour’ from midnight to 1 am. This was the only contentious item which might impact residents in our area. However, this extension would not be automatic and premises would have to apply.  Any premises with an adverse history/current issues or problems regarding poor management would not be granted the extra hour. 

The full Statement is available online. Any comments to be given to Gary before the next Mid-Monthly meeting as the proposed documents will be presented to Glasgow City Council on 6 November. ACTION: All Community Councillors 

Tam said he met Mairi Miller of GCC about the occasional licences granted to Merchant City Festival Village. This followed complaints from a resident about excessive noise. The Village was now closed for the season. He would arrange to meet the developer, Drum, to find out what was planned for the corner of Candleriggs and Wilson Street (Current Festival Village site). ACTION: Tam

9. GRANT GIVING SCHEME

Niall reported on MCTCC sub-committee’s recommendations on the four applications which had been received for grants  from the small fund built up from film company donations:

Friends of The Ramshorn - Application for £1,000 approved in full.  ACTION: Niall to arrange via Treasurer.

‘Merchant City Park’ - Request for £2,500 for legal expenses deferred since the planning application was now in the hands of the Scottish Government Reporter and further legal intervention was impossible at this stage. No action required since members of MCP were in attendance and notified of the decision.

Impact Arts - Request for £2,500 for its youth diversionary project ‘Cashback to the Future’ deferred since the sub-committee wanted more details of the benefits for youngsters in the MCTCC area, including anti-social behaviour by youngsters around the St Enoch Centre. ACTION: Niall to notify applicant. 

Project Ability - Preference is to have defibrillator available 24/7 and not locked away when premises are closed.  Agreed to donate £800 of the requested £1,000. The full amount would be granted should the device be readily accessible at all times. ACTION: Scott to discuss with PA Director.

10. BUSKING

Scott reported that the Community Council’s press release on its response to GCC’s public consultation had been issued, carried on Glasgow Live and was due to be published in the Evening Times

11. UCI - World Cycling Championships 

Ros reported that Khalid Billa of the Chilli Thrill & Grill, 35 High Street, had asked for assistance regarding a claim for lost trade due to the UCI World Cycling Championships. She has shared this request with Elected Members and UCI organisers.

12. TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT

Tam will forward the Treasurer’s Annual Report to the independent auditor for preparation and submission to the AGM (See below). ACTION: Tam

13. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS TO COMMUNITY COUNCIL

There were 11 validated nominations for 11 vacancies.

The AGM and uncontested election meeting will take place on Tuesday 31 October at 6.30 pm in Committee Room 1, Glasgow City Chambers.

Candidates elected to serve on the Community Council will do so until the next scheduled full election in October 2027.

Tam urged Community Councillors to encourage as many members of the public as possible to attend. ACTION: ALL

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Meeting Minutes, 29 August 2023

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Scott Thornton, Rios Wardley-Smith; AC, RE, DF, DH, TMcK, GMcK, GM,  Police - PC Rob Wilson; Ward Councillor Angus Millar; By video - Eileen Mills, EM, NM, JR, DS, EW

Apologies: Carla Arrighi, Ward Councillors Eva Bolander and Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns

1. Minutes of meeting held on 25 July

Proposed by Scott, seconded by DH. Approved. 

2.  Police Report

PC Wilson said there had been no additional crimes or disorder associated with the World Cycling Championships which had been well received. Overall it had been a very positive event.

Between 26 July and 29 August a total of 106 crime incidents had been recorded in the MCTCC area, with 40 detections.

An increase had been seen in ‘opportunistic’ crimes, especially from licensed premises, such as thefts of wallets, laptops and mobile phones. He urged residents to be vigilant in such circumstances.

Responding to David, who reported bogus delivery drivers trying to gain entry to a block of flats, he said residents should not open the door unless they knew the identity of the person concerned,.

The football season, including European club and international matches, were now in full swing, meaning an extensive police presence. 

Engagements with buskers were continuing.

Candleriggs remained a particular problem for pavement parking. Police were keen to co-operate with parking enforcement wardens and GCC but there had been some ‘road blocks’ to progress. 

In answer to a question from Peter he said police did not differentiate between electric and ‘normal’ bicycles when investigating cycling on pavements. 

GM said he had observed an incident in Glasgow Green when a delivery cyclist had knocked down a pedestrian and been surrounded by an angry mob. Should he have become involved? PC Wilson thought not. 

Although not in the MCTCC area, drugs were a problem in among other locations Gallowgate and Bell Street.

Tam raised the issue of drugs taking around the Old Sheriff Court building. PC Wilson said police had been liaising with the factor.

EW, who had been attentioned to this meeting by police officers, reported increased use of drugs in a close at Goosedubs Lane off Howard Street. PC Wilson said residents should ensure there was no unauthorised entry and a bin store code needed to be changed.

3. Presentation by Wise Group on its Relationship Mentoring Service

Ann Nye explained this organisation’s services aimed in particular at helping those living in fuel insecurity. It provided guidance, advice, mentoring and counselling, and can issue fuel vouchers. Services include fighting addiction, gaining life skills, and improving physical and mental well being. Wise has funding until October 2024. Referrals have to be made by an outside organisation such as a charity. 

In answer to a question from Scott, Ann said Wise had no special outreach to the deaf community and she agreed to look into this.

4. Elected Members’ Reports

Angus said he had been briefed by developers who wanted to build more Purpose Built Student Accommodation in Osborne Street/Old Wynd but information on concrete proposals had been thin. 

There remained a lack of student accommodation in the city.  GCC had tightened up rules and standards for student accommodation several years ago. Profit margins on such developments were relatively high in this sector.  Student accommodation needed to fit in with the general character of the area concerned. There was a place for more student accommodation but there had to be a housing mix. His personal preference was for mainstream residential accommodation on this site.

Scott said he and Gary had attended an online meeting with the developers and been surprised to learn the proposal was for a building of up to 16 storeys to accommodate 275 students. Another application for similar student accommodation was for a site on the other end of the same street.

Gary said he and Scott had made clear the Community Council’s concerns about over-concentration of student accommodation in the city centre.

Scott added that at the recent GCC briefings on the ‘Golden Z,' real estate developers had been delighted with the potential for student accommodation.

Speaking about the Dominus Osborne Street development Eileen said the original proposal had been for 98 flats. Why did it change to student accommodation? Angus said no application had yet been submitted. Eileen said the original proposal for development of the site at the other end of Osborne Street had also been for residential accommodation.

Peter said he was concerned that developers were talking about such buildings ‘fitting in’ with the emerging character of the area. The proposed adjacent King Street development risked being a series of ‘Lego blocks,’ permitting the maximum return on investment. GCC should be setting a ‘direction of travel’ for developments in the city centre. 

Angus told the meeting that Eva was planning a walkabout in the area on Thursday to look at more sites for markets and planters as part of the Open Spaces budget. 

He had often contacted Council officers about pavement parking on Candleriggs and hoped to have another Day of Action to tackle this.

He planned to have another walkabout to review local cleansing issues. Community Council members should give him suitable dates for this.

Angus explained Glasgow City Council’s consultation on busking in the city centre. Scott noted he had circulated a draft response to MCTCC members and, since no adverse comments had been received, would be submitting that before the deadline of 2 September. 

Angus reported on GCC's recent briefings on the ‘Golden Z’ which addressed the overall vision for much of the city centre. The Council wanted to be proactive and work in partnership with land owners, developers and the community. Eileen said this flew in the face of the situation regarding ‘Merchant City Park’ on which there had been no community engagement. 

DH said the Council’s own excellent Merchant City Regeneration Handbook (which includes green spaces as a priority) should be its vision for the area. Developers were not concerned whether their proposals aligned with city planning policy.

Tam said 26 trees would be sacrificed if the Ingram Street car park proposal for 109 flats were approved. Angus replied that he was unable to comment on this because of conflicts of interest. It would be judged on its planning merits. 

Scott said he had received slides of the Golden Z presentations and could forward them to anyone interested.

In response to a question from TMcK on the removal of benches in George Square Angus said he would check when they would be returned. DF asked why new rubbish bins only had two slots instead of the previous four. This meant they were less effective.

JR, attending via video, complained about loud music from live bands from the Merchant City Festival site which had its occasional licence extended from eight to 13 weeks. The band has been playing 10 metres from her lounge. She had complained to the Council’s noise control department (which had tested decibel levels from the different end from where the amplifiers were situated), police and GCC Licensing to no avail. How had this been allowed and what had been the consultation process?

Angus said he was unaware of the terms of the licence but would check. it was noted that the Festival was due to close the following Monday.

5. Planning

Applications are on the Community Council’s Website. Peter said they mostly concerned advertising media such as screens and decorations. A retrospective application had been received for extension of a marquee outside the Hootenanny pub in Dixon Street (where there is a Billy Connolly tribute mural).

An application had been lodged for an advertising box, perhaps housing a defibrillator, outside Tinderbox in Ingram Street. Gary said this offered an opportunity for miscreants to urinate beside it. There was a need for a defibrillator but on a different site. Deadline for objections is 11 September. 

6. ‘Merchant City Park’

Eileen reported that the Scottish Government’s reporter would be making a visit to the Ingram Street site on 7 September (It was later announced she would also be holding an online hearing on 13 September).  

A major issue would be the ‘Agent of Change’ principle which concerns the risk of music venues being closed because of noise complaints from neighbours. No one had specified the size of the gap between the City Halls and the proposed flats. Matters relating to the new National Planning Framework (NPF 4) would also be important.

Local residents, including members of the Community Council, had made further submissions to SG.

DH said the ball was now in the Scottish Government’s court. 

He added there were six huge air conditioning fans on the roof of the Old Fruitmarket - another noise issue. Eileen asked if planning permission had been granted for them. 

Scott said he assumed the reporter would listen to the loudest noise which might be emitted from the music venues while she was there. 

7. Licensing

Tam and Gary are due to represent MCTCC at GCC’s Local Licensing Forum on 5 

September. 

8. Treasurer’s Report

Bank balance of £10,666 with £130 expenses due to be paid out.

9. Grant-giving scheme

The MCTCC sub-committee of Gary, Niall and Scott will meet on 6 September to consider the four applications received so far.

10. Friends of the Ramshorn

Has not yet met. A bid had been submitted for funds. 

Niall has complained to the City Council about inadequate emptying rubbish bins.

Scott reported Strathclyde University had advised MCTCC that the Ramshorn Church would be accessible to the public only on annual Open Days. It was scandalous that apart from these couple of days a year Glasgow citizens were not permitted to admire the interior of one of the city’s most beautiful churches. Angus said the Council could not force a private owner to open its doors but perhaps MCTCC could work with Strathclyde University in the context of Friends of the Ramshorn.

11. Elections to Community Council

Scott reminded the meeting that nomination forms for membership should be returned to Mary McPhail, the Independent Returning Officer at Glasgow City Council, by 8 September, either directly or via him. Each nomination must be proposed and seconded by a resident on the electoral roll in the MCTCC area. The nominee must also be on the electoral roll.

This would be an election for a full four year term. All current members and office bearers stand down. 

MCTCC has been advised by the City Council that it is currently entitled to a maximum of 11 members. If there are more than 11 nominations a secret ballot will be held at the AGM on 31 October.

Next meeting: Tuesday 26 September, City Chambers, 6.30 pm

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