Meeting Minutes 26 July 2022

Tuesday 26th July 2022 at 7pm in Committee Room 1,
Glasgow City Chambers and online via Zoom

1. Welcome

Tam Coyle welcomed everyone to the meeting

2. Attendance and Apologies

2.1 Community Councillors

Chair: Tam Coyle; Niall McColl, David Cowan; Peter Hayman; Eileen Mills, Gary Atkinson and Scott Thornton

2.2 Residents

EM; TD; CM; TM;GM; MR; RA

2.3 Elected Members

Kaukab Stewart MSP

2.4 Ex-officio

PC David Penman and PC Nicola Stewart

2.5 Apologies

Daniel O’Malley, Carla Arrighi, Robin Jones, AC, AL, Cllr Philip Braat, Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Cllr Eva Bolander and Cllr Angus Millar

3. Minutes of Last Meeting (28 June 2022)

3.1 Corrections to minutes

No changes were requested

3.2 Approval

Proposed by: Eileen Mills
Seconded by: Tam Coyle

3.3 Matters Arising

  • MCTCC not notified about Clyde Beach planning permission GCC administration error meant we did not receive planning or licencing notifications for 4 months.
  • There was loud noise from the event between 12 noon and 8pm on several occasions.
  • Scott Thornton has emailed Christy asking for advice if 140 objections is enough to warrant MCTCC taking further ….  No reply as yet.
  • Scott has organised a tour of the recycling refuse plant at Polmadie on the 15th of September between 1pm-3pm. Cllr Braat was thanked for arranging the visit. Any residents wishing to join please email [email protected]
  • Area Partnership – Gary Atkinson reported the last meeting was at end of June. Gary inquired about Green Space funding but hasn’t heard anything back.

4. Treasurer’s Report

There was no report as Carla Arrighi was on holiday. No money has been received from Warner Bros.; we contacted the Glasgow Film Office about this. We have invoiced £1000 to the Debutante film company.

5. Police Report

  • PC Nicola Stewart and PC David Penman have started doing regular patrols in our area. They are aware of the local issues such as drug taking in car parks.

5.1 Questions

  • Tam – there is a busker at the corner of Gordon St and Buchanan St who plays loud music in the early hours of the morning, on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. Tam understands that buskers are supposed to stop playing by 10pm.

    The police have a ‘city centre plan’ that starts at midnight. They issue warnings to turn down the volume, however after they leave to deal with other matters, it is the volume returns to it previous level.  Sound equipment can be confiscated.

  • A resident who lives Millar Steet complained about a street performer on
    Argyle St. One at (what was) Debenhams and another at the entrance to St. Enochs.  He has been reported to the police 9 times in July alone.

    The police are aware and discourage it every time they pass however, as they can be difficult to police – they just move to a new site.  The noise limit is 64db.

  • Scott - disappointed at the response from police re bags being thrown onto roof of garage at Clyde Street. It is understood that Sgt Mohamad is not used to dealing with community issues.
  • TM raised the issue of cyclists, especially electric bikes traveling at speeds which are dangerous for nearby pedestrians.    The police are trying to take action and issue enforcement tickets.
  • Eileen - Stickers appearing on traffic lights. It is believed this is the responsibility of the City Council.

6. Presentation - Planning Application for Tic2 at Strathclyde University

The presentation was cancelled for this month’s meeting.

7. Elected Members Report

Kaukab Stewart MSP discussed the following: -

  • Her new Glasgow office is on Bell St, which she will share with Alison Thewliss MP.  She is hoping to host community engagement events there
  • She has been heavily involved in legislation work that are at the final Stage 3, for amendments before voting, at Holyrood. This includes the Pyrotechnic Bill which will have a positive impact.
  • Working on refugee and asylum seeker issues
  • She, and the four councillors, are aware of the issues relating to pedestrians feeling harassed by delivery cyclists.  Angus Millar is looking into the matter further.
  • Kaukab will send her latest newsletter to MCTCC
  • Met with Uber taxi company and asked them to look at their training

7.1 Questions

  • Tam – Raised the issue of pavement parking legislation would be return in parliament. Kaukab Stewart said the problem is enforceability however they are scrutinising exemptions at the moment. She has written to the minister expressing her disappointment
  • Scott – Short Term Let legislation - who has responsibility. The new legislation has been delayed due to it being a more complex issues to put into law due the exemptions such as those who are only letting out a spare bedroom.

    The Scottish Government says that local councils are to use their powers to intervene using the current HMO licences for example.  In popular areas there is over-saturation leading to buildings not having any permanent occupiers.

  • Gary Atkinson - Hoteliers are the best people to speak to, as they have been heavily impacted.  He, and Ros Atkinson have been working to help housing asylum seekers find accommodation through various channels including the Chamber of Commerce and hoteliers.  However, this has been at times a frustrating experience.

8. Planning (including Merchant City Park and Filming)

  • City Centre Transformation: there is an online consultation tomorrow about The Avenues project.
  • George Square Consultation for ‘drop in’ on Saturday 6th August 1pm to 4pm and Thursday 18th of August, 4pm to 7pm. Details on noticeboards in situ. Consultation closes 12/9
  • Email notifications of planning and licencing are now received by MCTCC
  • MCP: Eileen’s emailed the Planning Duty Officer about the Planning Portal and if all comments were noted.  She was informed that only comments submitted via the portal appear in the “Comments” tab. All other comments received are on the Documents tab. The Planning case officer has to read all the comments
  • Filming: Debutante film company converted Cochrane St into 1870’s New York. Scott has met them and has another meeting tomorrow.

9. Licensing

  • Only application received is continuation for Candleriggs Square to mid-October – this received no objections.
  • Legacy of the COVID regulations that allowed businesses to set up those sort of events

10. Any Other Business

  • Tam: has had reports of unhappy residents in Saltmarket Place due to the amount of alcohol and drug taking over the three days of the TRNSMT event. Tam will feed that back to the relevant people and authorities.
  • Tam is working with different local groups such as the Ramshorn graveyard. Now this is open to the public once more there may be an opportunity have some the gravestone lettering restored as they have all but faded away. This will be discussed the next meeting of the meeting in late September.
  • Tam made a formal request from the group to spend £4000 to get 10 of the gravestones restored by Liptons, using match funding from the NW Area Partnership. This will be put to vote at the August MCTCC meeting, if all the information is available at that time.
  • Invitations are available to community council members for a Civic Reception in Metropolitan at 4pm on Thursday to start the Merchant City Festival.  Cllr Bolander, as Chair, will introduce this.
  • David Cowan noted the loss of significant number of parking spaces in our area due to Spaces for People becoming permanent, regular weekend events closing roads and the new Avenues project. He will make enquiries if residential parking is suitable, or possible in both the Merchant City and Trongate.
  • Kaukab Stewart MSP will get information relating to training of Uber, and
    other similar companies, delivery cyclists for the next meeting below.
     
    Date of Next Meeting - Tuesday 30th August at 7pm

by admin

Meeting Minutes, 28 June 2022

28 June 2022 at 7pm in Glasgow City Chambers and online via Zoom

1. Welcome

Tam Coyle welcomed everyone to the meeting

2. Attendance and Apologies

2.1 Community Councillors

Carla Arrighi(for part of meeting); Gary Atkinson; Tam Coyle; David Cowan; Peter Hayman; Robin Jones; Niall McColl; Eileen Mills; Daniel O’Malley; Scott Thornton;

2.2 Residents

AW, EM, AL, TD, CM, TM, RA

2.3 Elected Members

Cllr Eva Bolander; Cllr Phillip Braat; Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns; Cllr Angus Millar

2.4 Ex-officio

Rob Wilson and Martin ? (Police Scotland); David Leslie (PAS)

2.5 Apologies

None received

3. Minutes of Last Meeting (31 May 2022)

3.1 Corrections to minutes 

No changes were requested

3.2 Approval

Proposed by: Scott Thornton

Seconded by: Daniel O’Malley

3.3 Matters Arising

None

4. Treasurer’s Report

  • No report as Carla had connection problems

5. Police Report

5.1 Report

  • Rob will get back to Tam re parking issue discussed at previous meeting
  • Drop in anti-social behaviour recently; St Enoch seems to have calmed down a bit. Could be due to travel disruption and/or better weather.
  • Organised crime issue on Argyle St, with children as young as five being left to play musical instruments, with the adults taking any money collected. Should be reported via 101.
  • Crime levels around Argyle St/Miller St junction - Eva has raised this with the police, but Rob isn’t aware of anything - Rob will follow up.

5.2 Questions

  • No specific questions raised.

6. Planning Aid Scotland - David Leslie

6.1 Presentation

6.2 Questions

  • Scott Thornton - believes only a small number of representatives are allowed to address the planning committee? Up to each council, but have to be transparent. Would normally recommend a group get together and appoint a spokesperson. 
    •  Eva - if normal planning meeting, no representations from objectors or the developer. Councillors can speak. Only if there’s a planning hearing do objectors get a chance to speak. Developers get the same length of time to speak. 
  • Peter Hayman - is the planning meeting private? No, open to the public.
  • Scott - what’s the difference between a planning meeting and a planning hearing? Up to planning committee to decide if they want to have a site visit and a hearing, or just a hearing, if it helps them reach a decision. 
  • Christy - is it appropriate for external pressure to be applied, if the community feels that the report doesn’t represent the views of the community. Not really answered
  • Eileen Mills - what was his opinion of a developer trying to discredit a group by quoting out of context, what can we do about that? There is nothing wrong with a CC group having a discussion with a developer, but be careful not to compromise the CC
  • Eileen - what can we do if a developer, in their Planning Statement, uploads an incorrect reference number for a previous proposal so that its not possible to confirm the reference? Recommend that Eileen speak to the Case Officer. 

7. Elected Members Reports

7.1 Cllr Eva Bolander

  • Antisocial behaviour - bandstand on the waterfront is becoming more of an issue again
  • Car “Enthusiasts” - Police have been using sonar radars to catch them, mostly around Pitt Street. Fines are being issued. However, only 2 units in the whole of Scotland
  • Ramshorn Graveyard -will reopen at 8am on Friday 2nd July. Summer hours are 8am - 8pm, will be reviewed for Winter.
  • Connolly’s hearing - residents were not represented. It is still being monitored by the police. Tam will meet with the bar owner on their return from holiday. In the correspondence, there seems to be some discrepancy between the bar owner and the building owner. Media commentary has largely been in support of noise levels, and quite a bit of sectarian comments. 
  • King St “Beach Park” - only became aware of it on 28 June. Will be open from 15th July to mid August. No planning or licensing applications have been submitted that Eva is aware of. It is taking place on private land (NCP) - MCTCC have not had any notification of this either. 

7.2 Cllr Phillip Braat

  •  Not heard anything about the beach party
  •  Wasn’t invited to the Connolly’s hearing
  •  Encouraged by improvements in anti-social behaviour, but need to keep eye on the ball over summer.
  •  Dealing with outside seating on Brunswick St which was causing pedestrian access problems, now resolved. 
  •  Grafitti removal in certain hotspots. 
  •  Still waiting on response to emails about Police dealing with loud vehicles on Ingram St and other areas in the Merchant City.
  •  Visit to recycling facility can now be arranged, subject to suitable dates and attendees.

7.3 Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns

  • Also not invited to the Connolly’s hearing
  • Parking - looking at business case to employ more parking officers
  • Shuttle St parking - One small stretch not completed, due to a dispute between the restaurant and Scottish Enterprise over ownership of the site
  • Festival Village - 2 year licensing application granted, which does include amplified music. Specifies how loud that can be

7.4 Cllr Angus Miller

  • Spaces for People - planters have been replaced in the Merchant City. Will be finished by 4th July
  • Low Traffic Proposal (MCPHAEN) - best way to progress is through the City Centre Transformation Plan, which will be out for consultation at the end of July. 12 week consultation period
  • Area partnership funds - green and open spaces fund. £1million fund for ward 10. 1st meeting on 30/6 (Gary attending for MCTCC). Officers have jumped the gun on proposals, as no consultation carried out, and Angus expects the reports to be sent back for rework.

7.5 Questions

No time for questions due to time constraints

8. Planning (including Merchant City Park)

No update due to time constraints

9. Licensing

No update due to time constraints

10. Any Other Business

11.1 Filming (Scott)

  • Debutante - turning Cochrane St into 1870s New York Fifth Avenue. Got an email from the film company to say they’re making a donation to the community council for environmental improvements.
  • Second film includes action car sequences on Bell St, Tontine Lane and Walls St. THey’re also planning shooting on Bridgegate and Osborne St. Scott to clarify timings of the filming. Revised shooting schedule sent after the meeting that didn’t relate to what was discussed.
  • Gary raised issue of the disturbance on Montrose St, every time there’s filming. 

11.2 Friends of Ramshorn (Eva/Tam)

Meeting planned for mid-July. Eva to advise on date, time and location once agreed.

11.3 Lack of licensing notifications (Tam)

  • MCTCC haven’t had any for last four months. 
  • Eva and Angus don’t seem to be getting them either.

11.4 Clarity on planning application committee (Eileen)

  • Vice Convenor - Christy - Eileen acknowledged that Christy wouldn’t be taking part in the decision as she’d submitted an objection.
  • Eileen asked Eva about her position as an MCTCC Ward Councillor and Member of the PA Committee etc in her taking part in the decision making process. Eva confirmed that she intended to take part in the process.
  • Peter - What is the quorum for the planning committee - Peter thinks its 4, but Eva was unsure (EB to check). 
  • Peter - Do all planning committee members get invited to all meetings? Yes

11.5 Public littering by public houses (TD)

  • TD - Brewdog leaving pallets on Garth St. Follow up direct with Environmental Health, with photographs.

11.6 Wording of auto-replies (Scott)

  • Philip has made inquiries about changing the automatic message. 
  • Eva - Absence rates are not back to normal levels, but agree the message needs to be updated

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 26th July at 7pm

by admin

Meeting Minutes, 31 May 2022

These minutes were approved at our meeting on 28 June 2022.

31 May 2022 at 7pm in Glasgow City Chambers and online via Zoom

1. Welcome

Tam Coyle welcomed everyone to the meeting

2. Attendance and Apologies

2.1 Community Councillors

Carla Arrighi; Gary Atkinson; Tam Coyle; David Cowan; Peter Hayman; Niall McColl; Eileen Mills; Scott Thornton;

2.2 Residents

TK; TM; GM; AP; AS; RWS; AW

2.3 Elected Members

Cllr Eva Bolander; Cllr Phillip Braat; Cllr Angus Millar

2.4 Ex-officio

Rob Wilson and Amer Mohamed (?)(Police Scotland); Lorenzo Mele (Merchant City Festival)

2.5 Apologies

Kaukab Stewart MSP; Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns

3. Minutes of Last Meeting (26 April 2022)

3.1 Corrections to minutes

No changes were requested

3.2 Approval

Proposed by: Peter Hayman
Seconded by: Tam Coyle

3.3 Matters Arising

None

4 Treasurer’s Report

  • Balance is £1924.75 as of 11th May
  • Expecting 7K donation from the filming disruption earlier in the year - want suggestions on what to do with it

5. Police Report

5.1 Report

  • No major issues of concern at the moment

5.2 Questions

5.2.1 Tam - St Enoch square - what’s the current situation?

- Restated the safer Glasgow City Centre Policing Plan now in place
- Supporting with Bernardo’s on identifying diversionary strategies

5.2.2 Scott Thornton - Have there been any issues at the axe throwing bar in St Enoch?

- Nothing that has reached the police
- Rob will follow up with centre management
  • Is it illegal to park on a pavement on double yellow lines on a Sunday
    • Parking fully on the pavement is an offence
    • Parking partly on the pavement is a grey area
    • Particular issue on Ropeworks Lane (as well as other places)
    • Parking on double yellow lines is for Glasgow City Council
  • Follow-up - Eva
    • Pedestrian access is equally important, so someone being forced onto the road due to a vehicle parked on the pavement, that could be considered an obstruction, depending on circumstances.
  • Gordon Miller - electric bikes and scooters on Buchanan St going far too quickly, Is there any plans to tackle this?
    • Police have been in contact with delivery companies to pass on a road safety message, will be followed up with an action plan to target issues. 2 pronged - awareness and enforcement
  • Follow-up - Phillip
    • Delivery cyclists are the main culprit for causing injuries to others - action has been taken against them in other parts of the city.
    • Is it an offence if they are on the pavement, or if they are caught driving onto the pavement
      • Both are an offence

6. Merchant City Festival (MCF)

6.1 Presentation

  • Will cover Merchant City (Hutcheson St, Wilson St, Brunswick St, Candleriggs, Bell St) and George Square
  • Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 July
    • Thurs 4.30 - 9pm
    • Fri 12 non - 9pm
    • Sat 12 - 9pm
    • Sun - 12 - 8pm

  • 210 events including several premiers and a marble run world record attempt

  • Brunswick stage
    • Increased licence area, managed by Amsterdam
    • Stage closes at 9pm, outdoor drinking can continue to 10pm as normal
  • Get involved fund for businesses
    • Plan something that fits in with the overall programme
  • Markets
    • Craft market - Focussing on locally based makers
    • Small street food market, again locally based
    • Trying to encourage visitors to use Merchant City facilities
  • Advertising
    • No printed brochure - will all be done via social media
    • For non-online visitors there will be posters, radio campaign
    • Each day there will be day sheets around the site with details of the days’ events
    • Additional signposting, and will use large flag banners from previous years
    • Residents and business awareness events to be planned

6.2 Questions

6.2.1 Peter - MCTCC contribution

* He and Lorenzo will have a separate more detailed discussion

6.2.2 Scott - Business Involvement fund, what are the conditions

- All businesses within the closed roads boundary
- Up to £500 for a small performance, building decoration
- Very open in terms of what the businesses can do

6.2.3 Niall - impact on wedding venues such as Citation

* MCF will communicate to all the businesses - being planned just now

7. Elected Members Reports

7.1 Cllr Eva Bolander

  • Temporary Street Cafe licensing for businesses in the city centre
    • Putting procedures in place to allow simplified process.
    • Trial for 2 years
    • Simplified planning procedure
    • Will have to have a plan and layout of their site on display
    • Will have to pay for the space they use - per m2
    • Complaints process will be simplified - 3 strikes and you’re out
  • Area Partnership - next meeting 30/6
    • Gary is our rep
  • Green Open Space Fund
    • Another round of funding is available
    • Project ideas are welcome
  • Film Office
    • Not been able to meet with officers
  • Ramshorn
    • Not been able to meet yet
  • LEZ comes into effect 1 June 2022

7.2 Cllr Angus Millar

  • LEZ technically in force from 1/6/22
    • Will only be enforced from 1/6/23
    • Exemption for residents until 1/6/24
    • Applies to petrol vehicles before 2006, diesel before 2014
  • King St car park site planning in principle approved
    • Individual components will need detailed planning permission
  • City Centre Transformation Plan
    • Consultation likely to take place July 2022
    • 10 week consultation period
  • Football related anti social behaviour
    • Past events could create an unfortunate precedent
    • Didn’t transpire with the recent Rangers match
    • Trongate was cleared of debris very quickly
    • Meeting planned with new Chief Inspector - what can the police and council do together to ensure such behaviour doesn’t happen again

7.3 Questions

7.3.1 Eileen What do you mean by a parklet outside Ramshorn?

- Bench with planters either side of it

7.3.2 Tam - Ramshorn Funding secured in Feb, but it is still not open. Why not?

- Possible Solution - temporarily, get the janitors at the Cochrane St gatehouse to open and close the gates, would only take a few minutes at the start and end of the day
- Arranging meeting of Friends of Ramshorn - Eva can book meeting room in City Chambers or iCafe.

7.3.3 Peter - How are we going to reduce traffic usage in the city centre

- Refer back to the city centre transformation plan which outlines how that will be achieved over time

7.3.4 Eileen - what about fan zones for football fans? Other cities have them.

  • Fan zone in Merchant Square for away fans for most games, though often used by Celtic. Have been there for 5 years.

7.3.4 David - Licence plate checker for LEZ needs to be more accurate

8. Planning (including Merchant City Park)

8.1 St Enoch Centre Redevelopment (Reference 22/00817/PPP)

  • Generally in favour
  • Reservations about height of hotel
  • Closing date is 1 June - Peter has written a draft response from MCTCC

8.2 Ingram St Car Park (Reference 22/01225/FUL)

  • There seem to be 2 applications with the same reference - Tam will raise with Susan Connelly
  • Notification period - 28 days from date of letter, which should be 21 June. Website says 17 June
  • Making representations -Not clear in notification letter or on website about how representations can be made. Seems to be clear in the Glasgow Times article, for example ability to send by post
  • Demonstration on Saturday 4 June at iCafe Merchant City between 12noon and 3pm

8.2.1 Motion

The following motion was proposed by Peter Hayman:
Merchant City & Trongate Community Council maintain their commitment agreed at their January 2019 meeting “their wish to see the site adjacent to the Old fruit Market bounded by Candleriggs, Ingram & Albion streets become a green, multi function community park.”

To this end, having the site built on would be incompatible and they object to any plans to do so.

  • Carried with no objections
  • Cllrs Eva Bolander and Angus Millar restated that they are not part of the CC decision - Eva as she is chair of planning, and Angus as he’s chair of City Property

8.3 136 Ingram St (Reference 22/01016/FUL)

  • Closing date 10 June
  • Niall will send Gary details of the NY Slice application

9. Licensing

No new licensing applications

10. Social Media

No time for update

11. Any Other Business

11.1 Harry Styles

40,000+ fans will be in the city centre in a couple of weeks time for the Harry Styles concert. Just for awareness, although the event is taking place at Ibrox

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 28th June at 7pm.

by admin

Meeting Minutes, 26 April 2022

Approved at our meeting on 31 May 2022.

1. Welcome

Tam Coyle welcomed everyone to our first in-person meeting in two years, and our first hybrid meeting

2. Attendance and Apologies

2.1. Community Councillors

Tam Coyle, Niall McColl, David Cowan, Scott Thornton, Gary Atkinson, Daniel O’Malley, Peter Hayman, Eileen Mills;

2.2. Residents

AL, TM, AC, SD, BC, TD, RH, PP, EM, RW

2.3. Elected Representatives

Lord Provost Phillip Braat, Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Cllr Eva Bolander, Cllr Angus Millar

2.4. Ex-Officio

Rob Wilson - Police Scotland; Clive Wilding, Conor Pittman, Gary Stodart, Teri Porter - Artisan

2.5. Apologies

None

3. Artisan Real Estate, 65-97 Ingram St

3.1 Presentation - Clive Wilding, Conor Pitman, Gary Stodart

  • https://65-97ingramstreet.co.uk
  • Approximately 1200 people have taken part in the consultation
  • Presented to planning officers. PAN period complete, but planning application not submitted – in final stages of preparation for submitting application in mid-May.
  • Focusing on the garden development of the site for this presentation
  • Pend entrance from Ingram St – now 4 separate entrances to the development
  • Ground floor is retail/commercial; highly glazed – will be able to use the courtyard
  • Roof view – Todd building will look down on to the development.
    • Mostly communal space
    • 3 bed flats have own outside space
  • Massing - stepping up to 7 storey bookends at east and west end of the development; maintaining heights on Albion St and Candleriggs
  • Landscape and urban context
    • Courtyard will be a key space as part of Merchant City art trail
    • Trying to take a holistic viewpoint of the development – trying to integrate artwork and garden into the design from the start
    • Courtyard, balconies and roof space contribute to the ecology and diversity of the area
    • Acknowledge that trees are present on site – new trees will be planted
    • Total area of existing vegetation – 648m2
    • Total area of planned biodiverse planting – 1163m2:
      • Ground Floor courtyard – 144m2
      • Communal Terraces and roof – 979m2
      • Balconies 40m2
    • Higher biodiversity value than current site
    • There will be still hard, usable public space
    • Solution has to be robust for Glasgow’s climate
      • Courtyard will be fully accessible to residents and general public
      • Looking at doing something “different” to make the space “sing” with planting and layout, with biodiversity value

3.2. Questions

Tam Coyle – can we have a copy of the presentation. Artisan will send link to the website

  • How much of the mural will be saved and will be seen? MCTCC commissioned the mural and selected the design
    • The building returns will obscure outer parts of the mural
    • There will be new artwork on the left hand side
    • Length of courtyard is longer than two tennis courts, and depth is more than one

Carla Arrighi – who will pay for the maintenance of the mural

  • Glasgow City Council own the wall the mural is painted on
  • Residents will own the courtyard, but factors will manage it – still working out details
  • There will be a public right of way during normal hours, but will be closed at night

Christy Mearns – are you conscious of loss of amenity to the public realm through the loss of existing trees.

  • They did look at this in some detail, including putting trees in the street – however lots of utilities running along the pavement, making it very difficult to put trees there
  • Looking at maximising the trees within the courtyard – design isn’t finalised yet

Scott Thornton – biodiversity. Seems to be mostly on the upper floors. There’s a need to bring families back into the centre of Glasgow, but how many of the apartments will be 1-bed, as that’s not a family apartment?

  • 13-14%; 18% will be 3 bed, the remainder will be 2-bed

Eileen Mills – who’s going to lock and unlock the gates to the courtyard?

  • This will be the responsibility of the factors/estate manager
  • Are the roofs all flat, with greenery? They are flat roofs, as they are gardens. From environmental impact, stalled water – SEPA are pushing for developments to handle water management through the building to feed the gardens
    • The greening is all “in the sky”, so not much to be seen by the public. Can’t really compare what is there now with what will be there in the future
    • Communal access for residents to gardens

Christy Mearns – are potential owners aware of the expense burden attached to opening the gates being opened and closed? Also, proposed building materials don’t fit in with the heritage of the conservation area.

  • As part of the application there will be an accessibility strategy

PP – Community fought hard for the mural, but if the development goes ahead, the residents will be the main beneficiaries of the mural, as public won’t be able to see mural in the way they do just now.

  • None of the views show the trees
  • Todd Building and Ramshorn Kirk are taller, but the proposal seems to be taller than all the other buildings on the south side of Ingram St
    • It is unashamedly modern architecture; low/zero carbon, low energy
    • Building materials have been reviewed and updated several times in discussion with planning officers.

TD – when will the build start. Hope to be on site early 2023. 2 year build

4. Minutes of Last Meeting (29 March 2022)

4.1. Update on Action Points

Item Action by Update
1 Report back on meeting with Mairi Miller re Connolly’s bar, and speak to her re coffee shop on Candleriggs Christy Mearns Coffee shop on Candleriggs still serving food and BYOB.  TC has written to the planning officer.Connolly’s – ongoing issue.
2 Follow up on Candleriggs TRO re pedestrianisation south of Bell St Christy Mearns Not being enforced due to the Candleriggs development – access required at all times of the day. Once development complete, a more restrictive TRO will be put in place
3 Contact David Cowan re experiences with recent filming Angus Millar David is out of the country – Angus will contact David by email
TC – still want to know who in GCC agreed to loud explosions at 1am during recent filming – we were told by the film office that permission was granted.Christy is surprised to hear that; Angus agreed that councillors were not informed
4 Confirm arrangements re use of City Chambers, including ventilation and streaming facilities Phillip Braat Not much ventilation, and wifi is poor. We will continue to follow up – windows do open, but it’s the full window.
5 (Feb) Confirm how many staff directly involved in graffiti removal with Denise Hamilton Tam Coyle Carried to next meeting
6 (Feb)Discuss possibility of having street art on lampposts Tam Coyle and PP Carried to next meeting
7 Impact of demolition of Annie Miller’s pub on local residents Eva Bolander Missed from previous meeting. When the work takes place, there will be a lot of mess. To be discussed once work starts

4.2 Corrections to minutes of last meeting

No changes were requested.

4.3. Approval

Proposed by:  Daniel O’Malley
Seconded by: Carla Arrighi

5. Matters Arising

None raised

6. Police Report (Rob Wilson and Stephen Clark)

6.1. Report

6.1.1. St Enoch Square

  • Still problems with anti-social behaviour
  • Currently running the Safer Glasgow City Centre Policing Plan
  • Traditionally for the night-time economy, but focussing on an earlier start to the programme to tackle anti-social behaviour.
  • Great engagement from Safer Communities team over the last few weeks, and youth engagement team

6.1.2 Connolly’s bar

  • Not in a position to say anything at present, other than there is on-going engagement via a couple of partners

6.1.3. Candleriggs Traffic Enforcement

  • Good number of tickets issued – mixture of residents and visitors

6.2. Questions

  • PP – observation - will the lack of parking in the new development lead to more illegal parking?
  • ST – Anti-social behaviour is not restricted to St Enoch. How many CCTV cameras are functioning in Glasgow?
    • 98% of publicly managed ones, on average
    • Private CCTV cameras are harder to monitor, especially in lanes
  • GA – Is there a plan for the upcoming football matches?
    • There is a robust policing plan in place for all matches.

7. Treasurer’s Report (Carla)

  • Still working on getting access to the account. Taking a lot longer due to banking bureaucracy.

8. Elected Members Reports

Lord Provost Braat had left the meeting due to illness.

8.1. Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns

8.1.1. Car parking on open ground at Albion St

  • Fencing to be installed round the ground

8.1.2. Ramshorn Graveyard

  • Property is owned by City Property, who don’t have the staff to open the gates
  • Consideration should be given to moving it from City Property to Council ownership
  • There are dilapidations to resolve but these don’t prevent the park from re-opening

8.1.3. Parking

  • 628 fines since end of March to 26 April

8.1.4. Parklets

  • Following up on process for process for progressing proposals

8.2. Cllr Eva Bolander

8.2.1. Merchant City Festival

  • Dates confirmed as Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 July
  • Will be invited to give presentation at next meeting
  • MCF want to use Ramshorn for one of their events

8.2.2 High St Tenements

  • Planning application submitted for some of them

8.2.3. St Enoch Planning Application

  • Last date for comments is 29 May 2022 (updated)

8.2.4. Buskers

  • Complaints have restarted about loud buskers in the city centre. Will be taken up with officers

8.2.5. Green Spaces

  • South of Trongate could be part of greening plan

8.3. Cllr Angus Millar

8.3.1. Parking

  • Enforcement taking place
  • Inquiries from businesses due to lack of loading facilities
  • Has asked council to engage with businesses for a more permanent solution

8.3.2. St Enoch

  • Planning application includes student accommodation as one of the options, which is something that will be commented on.

9. Planning (Peter Hayman)

  • Peter shared the list of applications, including the redevelopment of St Enoch – 22/00817/PPP

10. Licencing (Tam Coyle)

  • No time for update

11. Merchant City Park (Eileen and Peter)

  • No time for update

12. Social Media (Niall McColl)

  • No time for update

13. Local Issues (all)

13.1. Planters in Merchant City

  • Eileen Mills – planters in the area are not suitable. Question for the hustings event.

14. AOCB

14.1. Hustings

  • Reminder that hustings will take place on Thursday 28th at 7pm via Zoom

15. Date of next meeting

Tuesday 31st May 2022 at 7pm – City Chambers and online via Zoom

16. Action Points

  1. Report back on meeting with Mairi Miller re Connolly’s bar, and speak to her re coffee shop on Candleriggs (Christy Mearns)
  2. Confirm arrangements re use of City Chambers, including ventilation and streaming facilities (Phillip Braat)
  3. Confirm how many staff directly involved in graffiti removal with Denise Hamilton(Tam Coyle)
  4. Discuss possibility of having street art on lampposts (Tam Coyle and PP)

MCTCC/meetings/2022

by admin

Meeting Minutes, 29 March 2022

1. Welcome

Niall McColl welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Attendance and Apologies

2.1.  Community Councillors

Niall McColl (Vice Chair), Carla Arrighi, Peter Hayman, Eileen Mills, Gary Atkinson, David Cowan, Daniel O’Malley and Scott Thornton.

2.2.  Residents

AL, PP, EM

2.3.  Elected Representatives

Cllr Eva Bolander

2.4.  Apologies

Tam Coyle; Lord Provost Philip Braat; Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Cllr Angus Millar; Fiona Clark

3.   Minutes of Last Meeting (22 February 2022)

3.1.  Update on Action Points

Item Action by
1 Report back on meeting with Mairi Miller re Connolly’s bar, and speak to her re coffee shop on Candleriggs Christy Mearns Carried to next meeting
2 Provide copy of Planning Enforcement Charter Eva Bolander Provided by email
3 Follow up on Candleriggs TRO re pedestrianisation south of Bell St Christy Mearns Carried to next meeting
4 Contact David Cowan re experiences with recent filming Angus Millar Carried to next meeting
5 Follow up on recycling collections from 103 Hutcheson St Phillip Braat Resolved
6 Follow up on graffiti tagging on Albion St Phillip Braat Resolved
7 Arrange for “Open daily” notice at Ramshorn to be corrected Eva Bolander Will be re-opening in April – budget approved; needs to be transferred from City Property 
8 Confirm arrangements re use of City Chambers, including ventilation and streaming facilities Phillip Braat Full meeting of council on Thursday – Hybrid style, will be rolled out to some of the committee rooms
9 (Feb) Confirm how many staff directly involved in graffiti removal with Denise Hamilton Tam Coyle Carried to next meeting
10 (Feb)Discuss possibility of having street art on lampposts Tam Coyle and PP Carried to next meeting

3.2.  Corrections to minutes of last meeting

No changes were requested.

3.3.  Approval

Proposed by:  Scott Thornton

Seconded by: David Cowan

4.   Matters Arising

None raised

5.   Police Report (Rob Wilson and Stephen Clark)

5.1.  Report

  • No report as no police presence

5.2.  Questions to be passed to the police

5.2.1.    Grafitti

  • EB - Some areas of the riverfront its no longer value for money to try and cover up the graffiti.
  • ST – thanks to Lord Provost for prompt responses re graffiti on Clyde St
  • ST - given the CCTV coverage in the city, why are more culprits not apprehended.
  • NM – Frieze on Wilson St end of Old Sheriff Court has been targeted recently; removed by private contractors but stonework was damaged due to use of pressure washers

5.2.2.    Youths climbing on Glassford St Car Park

  • Was reported by a resident as a 999, as they were climbing on dangerous parts of the building, and no response to 101 calls

6.   Treasurer’s Report (Carla)

  • Everything is now sorted, except for a recent bank statement. 
  • £1,290.71 as of 8th October.

7.   Elected Members Reports

7.1.  Cllr Eva Bolander

7.1.1.    Graffiti and youth problems

  • Complex issue. 
  • Several different groups:
    • Kids from outskirts of the city, younger than traditionally would come into the city centre
    • Kids from outside the city – as far afield as Aberdeen; result of lockdown
    • Some are groups of friends
    • Some gangs, often pre-arranged via social media
    • Premeditated criminal groups – may include vulnerable children
  • Initiative in Kelvingrove Park last year restarted for 2022; lessons from last year have been learned

7.1.2.    Problems with Glassford St car park

  • Youths climbing on dangerous parts of the building
  • Similar problems have been encountered at residential building near Central Station
  • Ongoing issue

7.1.3.    Speeding on Ingram St

  • Unenforced 20mph zone
  • Exacerbated recently by high volume of traffic redirection recently
  • Investigating introduction of traffic calming measures

7.1.4.    Parking on Candleriggs

  • Enforcement is taking place, but doesn’t seem to make a difference
  • Further discussion needed re enforcement and prevention

7.1.5.    Merchant City Festival

  • Will be an in-person event this year, from 28 – 31 July
  • Less emphasis on food trucks, more emphasis on supporting local businesses
  • Details still being worked out, but George Square and Merchant City will feature heavily.

7.1.6.    Green and Open Space Fund

  • Fund has been renewed for 2022/23
  • One possibility is for planters and seats outside the Ramshorn
  • Another is Kings Court or South Block, south of Trongate

7.1.7.    Friends of Ramshorn

  • Initial meeting will take place soon

7.1.8.    Community meetings

  • Space available within the City Chambers from 1 April

7.2.  Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns (by email)

7.2.1.    Graffiti on Clyde St

  • Reported and removed

7.2.2.    Indiscriminate parking on green space, between Albion Street and Shuttle Street

  • Confirmed ownership is not within GCC but Strathclyde University and Scottish Enterprise Glasgow so I have written to them asking for solutions to be found

7.2.3.    Indiscriminate pavement parking on Candleriggs

  • Reported and I am chasing up Parking Enforcement attention

7.2.4.    Green space funding for parklets

  • I organised a walkabout with Parks officers and members of the Community Council. This was a positive meeting exploring options for Merchant City “Parklets”, seeking confirmation of the funding available for MC (which I will report on separately) and opportunities for greening which there is undoubtedly a strong need for.
  • There was interest in a possible site at the corner of Wilson Street/ Candleriggs; a possible site on the sunny corner of Wilson Street/ Hutcheson Street; a possible option on Wilson Street (in a parking space roughly outside Cavendish Clinic); and a possible option of introducing small trees in the existing large capacity black planters around Wilson Street, Hutcheson Street eg.
  • To keep costs down, as there is not a significant amount for each “parklet”, we discussed the possibility of considering benches (bolted down) and planters, alongside other ideas to introduce more bespoke timber raised structures.
  • Officers strongly supported each option in principle – they believed that they were all relatively quiet spots with a good degree of sunlight and direct sun. I have requested that further detail on feasibility of each option be provided at the earliest opportunity, so all options can be looked at in the round, and communicated to local residents, before a final decision is taken.

7.2.5.    Ramshorn Cemetery

  • seeking update on the budget I secured to permanently reopen it. It is owned by City Property so the Council is engaging with them to understand how they will provide public access to the site in line with the Council’s decision and recently-allocated budget. This is not however a business-as-usual activity for City Property so they may come back to the Council asking for assistance; if they do, Council officers will work with colleagues in City Property in order to provide access in line with the budget decision.
  • I believe that the asset should be considered for transfer back to the Council who may be better placed to manage and maintain this public space. I am making enquiries about this and will keep you updated about wider progress on this generally.

7.2.6.    Artisan, Ingram Street Site

  • I understand that the Community Council may vote to object to the pre-application proposal for residential development on this site. I would be happy to support the CC, and residents, in objecting to this pre-planning proposal at this moment in time, as I believe that it presents a good opportunity to make representations and provide an early opportunity to resist private housing development here which, in my opinion, is not in the best interests of local residents, of the environment, and of the liveability of the local area.

7.3.  Questions

  • DM – Parking on Albion St open space – parking tickets were issued, but problems persist
  • EM – update on ventilation in Committee Rooms; Eva unsure, will follow up
  • EM – noted that “Four corners” is not so named now, as problems are wider than that area. Action points have been implemented, including taking the children home to their parents
  • ST – Greening the Merchant City. Useful meeting with horticulturist, but no guarantee that GCC will maintain them longer term.
  • GA -  similar youth related problems at Union Square in Aberdeen; there they found an old bye-law that was used to prevent offenders coming into the city

8.   Planning (Peter Hayman)

Planning list had been circulated in advance:

  • 22/00292/LBA Community Cnl: Merchant City & Trongate Flat 3/2 117 Candleriggs Glasgow Internal and external alterations to listed building.
  • 22/00303/FUL Community Cnl: Merchant City & Trongate 65 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8AH Upgrade of rooftop telecommunications site.
  • 22/00324/FUL Community Cnl: Merchant City & TrongateFlat 3/2 117 Candleriggs Glasgow Formation of 3No. conservation style rooflights and refurbishment of existing window.
  • 22/00385/FUL Community Cnl: Merchant City & Trongate 75 - 95 Dunlop Street Glasgow External alterations
  • 21/02821/PAN Community Cnl: Merchant City & Trongate St Enoch Shopping Centre 1 St Enoch Centre Glasgow Redevelopment and refurbishment, including phased demolition works, to provide mixed use development comprising retail (class 1), financial and professional services (Class 2), residential flats (including build to rent, open market sale, co-living, student accommodation and later living (Sui Generis)), restaurants (class 3), public house (sui generis), office and business space (Class 4), hotel, apart-hotel and hostel (class 7 and Sui generis), serviced apartments (sui generis), residential institution (class 8), non-residential institutions (class 10), leisure and culture (class 11) and other related ancillary uses, public realm (including outdoor performance space), landscaping, car parking, servicing and access and associated works.
  • 21/03774/PAN Community Cnl: Merchant City & Trongate Site At Osborne Street/ Old Wynd Glasgow Erection of flatted residential development and associated works.
  • 22/00492/FUL | Frontage alterations | Public House 199 Albion Street City Centre Glasgow G1
  • 22/00195/ADV Display of non-illuminated signage. - 62 Virginia Street Glasgow G1 1TX
  • 22/00245/LBA Internal and external alterations, includes erection of rooftop extension - 61 Glassford Street Glasgow G1 1UG
  • 22/00246/FUL External alterations, with erection of rooftop extension with retractable roof as ancilllary bar/ restaurant to hotel use, includes installation of plant to roof - 61 Glassford Street Glasgow G1 1UG
  • 22/00667/LBA Installation of telecommunication equipment upgrade - Premier Inn 187 George Street City Centre Glasgow G1 1YU
  • 22/00672/FUL Installation of telecommunication equipment upgrade - Premier Inn 187 George Street City Centre Glasgow G1 1YU
  • 22/00643/LBA Internal and external alterations to listed building. - Storey 1 10 Montrose Street Glasgow G1 1RE
  • 22/00644/FUL Installation of 2No. ventilation louvres - Storey 1 10 Montrose Street Glasgow G1 1RE

GA noted that the last time telecoms equipment was installed at the Premier Inn, the noise was unacceptable and went on late into the night.

9. Licencing (Tam Coyle)

  • No Licencing report due to Tam giving apologies.
  • Connolly’s and Murphy’s bars still causing ongoing problems
  • Candleriggs Square due to reopen 1 April

10. Merchant City Park (Eileen and Peter)

  • Eva withdrew from the conversation, as she sits on the Planning Committee

10.1 Motion

  • Peter proposed the following motion

Merchant City & Trongate Community Council maintain their commitment agreed at their January 2019 meeting “their wish to see the site adjacent to the Old fruit Market bounded by Candleriggs, Ingram & Albion streets become a green, multi function community park.”

To this end, having the site built on would be incompatible and they object to any plans to do so.

 The objectives are to:-

  • Preserve the space for community amenity and make up for lack of local meet up facilities
  • Support Glasgow City Centre development plans calling for green, public space
  • Address mental and physical health issues of isolation loneliness and lack of social contact
  • Preserve the existing trees and add to the biodiversity potential lacking in the city centre
  • Tackle pollution 
  • Preserve the major civic artwork mural, its appreciation and draw for visitors and tourists
  • Create a space for children to play
  • Attract visitors westward to a pleasant meeting place, and onward to High Stree
  • Provide a space for outdoor games, such as boules, chess etc.
  • Have a space for performance, music, sports or outdoor cinema
  • Allow for farmers’, book sale or other markets, or other temporary events
  • Give patrons of City Halls & Old Fruit Market a place to gather before and after performance
  • Potential for a mobility hub to promote active travel in the area
  • Aid local businesses with a pleasant setting allowing breathing space for customers

There will be a public meeting on Thursday 7th April at 6.30pm (in person at 18 Montrose St and via Zoom)

Niall recommended that we postpone a vote on the motion until after that meeting, as that will be an up to date gauge of public support. This was accepted

10.2 Comments

  • Christy Mearns supports the MCP plans, and advises that now is the time for locals to let it be known what they want for the site
  • Proposals Are at https://65-97ingramstreet.co.uk, feedback can be given until 10th April
  • AL – be careful what we wish for; what is to say that the park would not be blighted by the problems that affect other parts of the city centre
  • PH – already vast amounts of housing being developed in the city centre
  • GA – affordable housing is needed, but none of the plans include that; it should be part of the planning requirements

11. Social Media (Niall McColl)

  • Facebook followers 622 (469 at November 2021)
  • Twitter followers: 124 (103 at November 2021)
  • Mailing list: 76 (74 at November 2021)
  • Recent tweets about parking on streets in Candleriggs – other areas of the MCTCC area are affected but this is the most blatant.
  • The April meeting will hopefully be in person, with a livestream available via Zoom (register in advance)

12. Local Issues (all)

12.1 Flyer distribution

  • Thanks to PP and all who have helped with the flyering
  • Feedback from businesses in Parnie St area, not keen on online meetings, not hearing about filming until too late.

13. Filming

  • Batgirl filming is winding down. They are making a donation to the community; once the money has been received, we will let everyone know and will be looking for ideas on how to use it for the benefit of the local community
  • Some filming of “Borderland” will take place in one unit on Parnie St in April. The production met with residents to go through their plans in great detail and to allay their fears. That production team has been very engaged with the community council – they had asked to film a scene on Ingram St at Virginia Place, but were dissuaded when we talked about the disruption to businesses and residents already experienced this year. 
  • A cooling off period is now in force for use of the Merchant City & Trongate areas due to the number of productions there have been in recent months

14. AOCB

14.1 Hustings

  • Preferred date Thursday 28th April at 7pm via Zoom. Daniel to organise. Same format as last time
  • List of candidates should be known first week in April.

15.        Date of next meeting

Tuesday 26th April 2022 at 7pm – location to be confirmed.

16.        Action Points

Item Action by
1 Report back on meeting with Mairi Miller re Connolly’s bar, and speak to her re coffee shop on Candleriggs Christy Mearns  
3 Follow up on Candleriggs TRO re pedestrianisation south of Bell St Christy Mearns
4 Contact David Cowan re experiences with recent filming Angus Millar
Confirm arrangements re use of City Chambers, including ventilation and streaming facilities Phillip Braat Full meeting of council on Thursday – Hybrid style, will be rolled out to some of the committee rooms
9 (Feb) Confirm how many staff directly involved in graffiti removal with Denise Hamilton Tam Coyle
10 (Feb)Discuss possibility of having street art on lampposts Tam Coyle and PP
11 Impact of demolition of Annie Miller’s pub on local residents Eva Bolander Missed from previous meeting

by admin

Meeting Minutes, 22 February 2022

Approved at our meeting on 29 March 2022.

1.   Welcome

Tam Coyle welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2.   Attendance and Apologies

2.1.  Community Councillors

Tam Coyle (Chair), Niall McColl (Vice Chair), David Cowan (Secretary), Peter Hayman, Eileen Mills, Gary Atkinson, and Scott Thornton.

2.2.  Residents

DH, AP, EM, GW, MG, PP, TD

2.3.  Elected Representatives

Lord Provost Philip Braat (for part of the meeting), Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Cllr Eva Bolander, Cllr Angus Millar, Kaukab Stewart MSP

2.4.  Ex-officio

Constables Rob Wilson and Stephen Clark- Police Scotland; Clive Wilding, Conor Pitman, Teri Porter and Tim Blathwayt, Artisan Properties; Nicole Mitchell, Newsquest

2.5 Apologies

AC, AL, NR, Carla Arrighi

3.   Minutes of Last Meeting (25 January 2022)

3.1.  Update on Action Points

Continued to next meeting

3.2.  Corrections to minutes of last meeting

No changes were requested.

3.3.  Approval

Proposed by:  David Cowan

Seconded by: Tam Coyle

4.   Matters Arising

None raised

5.   Presentation – Ingram St Car Park

5.1.  Presentation from Artisan

  • Presentation available at https://65-97ingramstreet.co.uk
  • They now have legal control of the site and hope to submit a planning application in May for approval by Autumn 2022
  • 3 consultation workshops – one has taken place, one will be in March, with a final one before the planning application is submitted
  • Proposing housing for the site
  • Artisan also own the HMRC building on Cochrane St

5.2.  Questions

  • ST – What is the future for the mural?
    • The mural is owned by the City Council, so will remain in place
    • Edges of the mural will be lost where the building abuts on to them
    • It will be a public square, accessible to all
    • Ground floor space will be glazed north and south
  • EM What does legal control of the site mean
    • Artisan have contracted with City Property to purchase the site subject to planning permission
  • EM - Is the site address correct?
    • Intention was to use the numbering of the buildings that were there, but will double check
  • GA - Where will rubbish/waste be stored and entrances for goods in the retail units
    • They’re built into the stair cores
  • Deputy Lord Provost - Replacement trees
    • surveying at the moment
    • will be part of the planning application
    • Considering sustainable urban drainage in the courtyard and on the roof of the building
  • TD – Parking plans
    • There will be no parking provided by the development

6.   Police Report (Rob Wilson and Stephen Clark)

6.1.  Report

  • Several fixed penalty notices have been issued to vehicles driving the wrong way along Garth St
  • Ongoing monitoring is taking place re pavement parking on Candleriggs. Education in first instance, followed by enforcement
  • Substance abuse issues are resurfacing in both Albion St and Glassford St Car parks, including several reoffenders. Police increasing patrols
  • Several cyclists have been issued with fixed penalty notices for going through red lights, as well as educating them on the rules of the road.
  • Connelly’s bar – reiterate that issues MUST be raised via 101 or via the Police Scotland website and to Glasgow City Council, as due process must be followed
    • Ongoing engagement with the licence holder

6.2.  Questions

  • PH mentioned issues with modified e-bikes being much faster than their designed limit
  • PH – Any plans to introduce sonar detectors? 
    • Not aware of plans, but issues with noisy exhausts need to be reported via 101
  • DH – What is the Police attitude to Graffiti
    • Need to get their response
    • Councillor Millar: Constant battle to keep it clear
      • Council, Police and stakeholders discussing other approaches
    • PP expressed thanks to the Lord Provost for arranging for graffiti to be cleaned from the Herald building
  • GA – any update on the upcoming Rangers v Dortmund match?
    • Additional patrols before and on match day
  • ST – has anyone been charged re graffiti?
    • People have been charged with several offences

7.   Treasurer’s Report (Carla)

No report, as Treasurer had sent apologies.

8.   Elected Members Reports

8.1.  Cllr Angus Millar

  • Power washing of the MC streets has been requested, and added to the regular schedule
  • Missed bin collections now resolved
  • Review of key shopping streets ongoing
  • Council budget meeting
  • Parks and open spaces fund extended for a year  -  £50K for ward 10
  • Roads, pavements and street infrastructure - £1m per ward - Area Partnership to decide how its spent

8.2.  Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns

  • Ramshorn Cemetery
    • Budget agreed to reopen it
    • No date agreed yet
  • Candleriggs Parking
    • TRO was submitted in 2017 to amend the arrangements around Candleriggs, but not yet implemented.
      • When implemented, no through traffic will be permitted. Will only be allow construction traffic for the new development
  • Wants to meet with residents re open space funding for greening projects
  • Budget - Funding for pre-1919 tenements for repairs
  • Cars being parked on the grass between Albion and Shuttle Streets
  • Filming issues ongoing, including Missed letter drops. Seems that comms are not getting through
    • There needs to be a community benefit

8.3.  Cllr Eva Bolander

  • High St Station
    • High St Reference Group chaired by Cllr Millar, plan is still to revamp the station, although cost has gone up, so looking at different solutions.
  • Greening of High St
    • Not yet decided to use funding for parklets or planters
  • Friends of Ramshorn
    • Greenspace fund could be used to help with the Friends of Ramshorn group
  • Grafitti
    • Needs preventative work as well - getting youth engaged, e.g. similar approach to that taken re Kelvingrove Park
    • Denise Hamilton has overall responsibility for look and feel of the city centre
    • Will look at removing graffiti from private buildings as well
  • Refuse bins on Virginia Place
    • Still an ongoing issue
    • Planning application submitted for a bin store on Virginia Place
    • Not felt to be a good response
  • Area Partnership
    • Trying to make them less formal
    • Each ward in the city has been budgeted for £1million for infrastructure. 
    • Want communities to have more say on priorities for funding
    • Citizens Panels will be established in each area partnership on a trial basis
      • Intention is for them to be more diverse and representative of the city centre, as community councils are felt to be insufficiently diverse or gender balanced

8.4.  Lord Provost Philip Braat

No report, as the Lord Provost experienced connection issues.

8.5.  Questions

  • PP - Street art; could we have banners on street lights in the Merchant City in the same way as High St, or have some street art. TC will discuss separately
  • ST – Graffiti – how many staff are employed by GCC to clear graffiti. TC will take that up with Denise Hamilton
  • ST – Electric charging points. Factors telling developments that charging points can’t be installed without express permission of GCC. What’s the Council’s policy on this. EB – If it is in a public space, that is the responsibility of the council. If its within the curtilage of the building, there shouldn’t be any issue but Eva will check. TD advised that just requires a new meter and cabling.
  • NM – Citizens Panels, why is the council bringing in another body to represent the community, rather than investing in community councils. EB – complementary to community councils, extending democracy in a way that’s not been done up until now.
  • TD – re Film Office, lack of information about road closures. No notification had been received in his development in advance of Glassford St closures. TC – its an ongoing problem, which he will follow up. EB – keen to get a council alert service for residents to find out what’s going on.
  • PP – is the Ingram St development part of the council’s plan to increase the population of the city centre. EB – it’s a good example of what the council are trying to do, due to the mix of housing.
  • TC – is it the case that this is the 7th development in the MCTCC area with no social housing? EB- yes, as the council doesn’t currently have the power to force developers to include social housing, but this will be part of the new City Plan. CM – the council could have stipulated that the Ingram St site was to be used for social housing as they had owned the site, but an opportunity lost.
  • EM – any follow on about pedestrianisation of the north end of Candleriggs as per MCPHAEN plan? CM – proposal well received; following up with the relevant officers to try and speed things along.  EB – could be done as part of the wider plan to make the city centre people friendly, but need to consider access for residents, businesses and people with mobility needs
  • ST – any update on licencing for Airbnb. EB – no update from last meeting

9.   Planning (Peter Hayman)

No Planning report due to time constraints

10.   Licencing (Tam Coyle)

No Licencing report due to time constraints

11.   Merchant City Park (Eileen and Peter)

  • Timeline had been circulated showing the current status

12.   Local Issues (all)

No report due to time constraints

13.   Social Media (Niall McColl)

  • Since last meeting, we’ve published over 15 articles on our website and social media – especially in relation to graffiti, but also with the number of road restrictions due to filming.
  • Our exposure in the media has increased thanks to Scott’s sterling work as our spokesman
  • Anderston CC kindly provided information on their setup for hybrid meetings. These will be reviewed and adapted for MCTCC.

14.   AOCB

  • Leaflet drop – will take place on Friday 25th February
  • Nicole Mitchell is the new City Centre journalist for the Glasgow Times ([email protected])
  • CM – What are the next steps for MCP in relation to any planning application for the Ingram St carpark? PH – that is the implication of the graphic that MCP circulated to supporters. Key aim to get as many objections as possible. MCTCC will not pre-judge any proposal.

14.1.  Hustings

Our April meeting is planned to be a hustings event for the Council elections taking place in May. More details next month

15.   Date of next meeting

Tuesday 29th March 2022 at 7pm

16.   Action Points

Item Action by
1 Report back on meeting with Mairi Miller re Connolly’s bar, and speak to her re coffee shop on Candleriggs Christy Mearns  
2 Provide copy of Planning Enforcement Charter Eva Bolander  
3 Follow up on Candleriggs TRO re pedestrianisation south of Bell St Christy Mearns  
4 Contact David Cowan re experiences with recent filming Angus Millar  
5 Follow up on recycling collections from 103 Hutcheson St Phillip Braat  
6 Follow up on graffiti tagging on Albion St Phillip Braat  
7 Arrange for “Open daily” notice at Ramshorn to be corrected Eva Bolander  
8 Confirm arrangements re use of City Chambers, including ventilation and streaming facilities Phillip Braat  
9 Write to Anderston CC re hybrid meetings Niall McColl Completed. Report to March mid-monthly
10 (Feb) Confirm how many staff directly involved in graffiti removal with Denise Hamilton Tam Coyle  
11 (Feb)Discuss possibility of having street art on lampposts Tam Coyle and PP  

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Meeting Minutes, 25 January 2022

1. Welcome

Tam Coyle welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Attendance and Apologies

2.1.Community Councillors

Tam Coyle (V/C), David Cowan (Secretary), Peter Hayman, Eileen Mills, Gary Atkinson, Carla Arrighi, Niall McColl and Scott Thornton.

2.2.Residents

FC, AL, PP, GW, NR, OG,TD, EM

2.3.Elected Representatives

Lord Provost Philip Braat, Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Cllr Eva Bolander, Cllr Angus Millar

2.4.Ex-officio

Constables Rob Wilson and Stephen Clark- Police Scotland,

3. Minutes of Last Meeting (30 November 2021)

3.1.Update on Action Points

  1. Report back on meeting with Mairi Miller re Connolly’s bar (Christy Mearns) - Still in progress
  2. Follow up re Ramshorn (Tam Coyle) - Still in progress
  3. Raise Connolly’s bar issues with Mairi Miller (Tam Coyle & Christy Mearns) - Still in progress
  4. Report noise issues to Council team and police (All) - Done
  5. Follow up on Annie Millers’ pub licence withdrawal (Eva Bolander) - No update
  6. Update on progress of Waterfront development (All councillors) - See update below
  7. Follow up re missing statue on John St (Christy Mearns & Carla Arrighi) - Statue reinstated

3.2.Corrections to minutes of last meeting

No changes were requested.

3.3.Approval

Proposed by: Carla Arrighi
Seconded by: David Cowan

4. Matters Arising

4.1.New Office Bearers and representatives

  • Chair (and Merchant City Festival Rep): Tam Coyle
  • Vice-Chair (and Social Media Manager): Niall McColl
  • Secretary: David Cowan
  • Treasurer: Carla Arrighi
  • Area Partnership Representative: Gary Atkinson
  • North-West Partnership and Media Spokesperson: Scott Thornton
  • Merchant City Park: Eileen Mills
  • Planning: Peter Hayman
    All will serve until our 2022 AGM

4.2.School Consultation

The proposed school has been withdrawn after conclusion of the consultation.

5. Police Report (Rob Wilson and Stephen Clark)

5.1.Report

  • Busier over Festive period, but no incidents of note.
  • Drug users in Glassford Court set fire to bin store which filled building with smoke; Police will follow up with Tam and FC
  • Avant Garde issue on 31 December – No comment from Police.

5.2.Questions raised

  • TD – Garth Street traffic and obstructive parking – Police will follow up
  • PP – Graffiti “tagging” on Herald Building – Police will liaise with Council officers; likely to be the factors that have to get it cleaned as private property
  • NR – Candleriggs Parking and driving on pavements ; Police did move on vehicles in December and will continue to do so

6. Treasurer’s Report (Carla)

Getting things sorted out but takes time

7.Elected Members Reports

7.1.Cllr Eva Bolander

  • Filming in City Centre – reaction has been generally positive. Any issues raised will be passed to Film Office
  • Planning Enforcement charter being reviewed; lays out what they can and cannot deal with. Copy will be sent to the Community Council.
  • Short-term lets legislation moving forward; Council licencing scheme to be in place by October 2022
  • Ramshorn – still trying to get friends group going (volunteers welcome) – interest from various organisations keen to see it started; will be linked with Necropolis and Southern Necropolis groups. TC met with Friends of Garnethill Green Spaces (FROGGS)
  • Cladding – ongoing discussions with Kaukab Stewart MSP; no direct feedback on what’s happening
  • Virginia Place – issue of commercial waste has been raised again; planning application for bin shed on pavement – see 8.1.3 under planning

7.2.Deputy Lord Provost Christy Mearns

  • Candleriggs – TRO published to remove pedestrianisation south of Bell St; Christy will follow up and feedback
  • Repainting of faded road markings
  • Connolly’s bar – complaints have reduced, but that may be due to recent restrictions; noise control will investigate further if they restart.
  • Ingram St car park – Proposal of Application Notice has been submitted;
  • Online Consultation from 8 February to early April
  • https://www.65-97ingramsgtreet.co.uk
    * Event in Merchant Square on 9 February, book appointment via Eventbrite

    • Citation – variation of licence to serve alcohol outdoors
      • NM reported noise problems over festive period, which were raised with noise control team
      • Application for outdoor seating was withdrawn last year

7.3.Lord Provost Philip Braat

  • Sewer work on Ingram St – has written to Scottish Water to ensure road surface reinstated properly
  • Refuse collection – should be largely back to normal
  • Recycling bins at 103 Hutcheson St not emptied since installation in October; PB will investigate

7.4.Cllr Angus Millar

  • Filming – Glasgow seen as a good location
    • £42 million benefit to the local economy since 2021, but not much seems to be coming to the impacted areas
    • Will reach out to DC to discuss experiences with filming
  • Waterfront – work carried out late November and December was technical groundwork investigation
  • Old Wynd and surrounding streets – has requested that the very poor lighting be upgraded

7.5.Questions

  • ST > Any update on Borderland; DC – not as yet
  • DC – roads were cleaned after filming, but not the pavements; Eva will follow up
  • EM – Adjustment to “Open Daily” notice at Ramshorn – Eva will follow up
  • TC – when will we be able to access City Chambers again?
    • PB has call with business team on 26/1, will update at future meeting
    • EM – how are the meeting rooms configured for ventilation? PB will check but thinks its opening windows
  • DC – what facilities are there for livestreaming meetings? A couple of meeting rooms have been configured to allow council meetings to be livestreamed, but probably won’t be available to MCTCC. Anderston CC are conducting hybrid meetings – NM will write to them to ask how they’re doing it
  • ST – any update on delay in mandatory introduction of interlinked smoke/fire alarms
    • Can be followed up with Kaukab
    • AM – requirement to have them fitted hasn’t changed, nor the implementation date, but initially no penalties will be applied
  • PH – recent metro announcement, will there still be a tunnel connecting Queen St and Central, and is Crossrail still part of it?
    • AM – detail still to be worked out
  • NR – Coffee shop on Candleriggs was originally 9am – 5pm, now opening till 9pm Fridays with BYOB.
    • TC will follow up with Mairi Miller
  • NR – businesses not cleaning the spaces that have been made available for them, and street furniture hasn’t been cleaned in many years
    • AM will raise with officials

8. Planning (Peter Hayman)

8.1. New Applications

8.1.1.Redevelopment of 65-97 Ingram St by Artisan

  • Proposal of Application notice lodged.
  • Online consultation from 8 February to early April
  • Online chat on afternoon of 8 February; in person sessions in Merchant Square on 9 February – prebooking required
  • Website: https://65-97ingramstreet.co.uk

8.1.2.Howard St use of retail unit as hot food takeaway (21/03868/FUL)

  • Change to building from barbershop to hot food takeaway
  • Proposal would require installation of flue on outside of building
  • This is inside the conservation zone, and in a listed building
  • Last date for comments: 11 February 2022

8.1.3.Use of pavement as bin storage area, Virginia Place (21/03656/FUL)

  • Need to see detail of this
  • Last date for comments 14 February 2022

8.1.4.Erection of rear and rooftop extensions to Former Lewis’s building (21/03594/FUL and 21/03595/LBA)

  • Lodged on 25 January
  • Last date for comments: 11 February 2022

9. Licencing (Tam Coyle)

  • Tesco in Ingram St is now Sainsbury; application to sell alcohol had to be resubmitted
  • Application from Citation -mentioned above

10.Merchant City Park (Eileen and Peter)

  • Artisan keen to speak to the community
  • Eileen has received correspondence, but MCP have declined to speak with them
  • In terms of fundraising, EM pointed out that its difficult to raise funds when you don’t own the property.

11.Local Issues (all)

11.1.Condition of streets

  • Streets are slippery and unkempt
  • Bins are being left outside Merchant Square at all hours
  • Councillors to follow up

11.2.Lack of green space

  • Other than proposed MCP, only site in our patch is Deans Well Garden
  • JR – how many green spaces have the council added in MCTCC area?
  • CM – there was funding made available for pop-up parks via Area Partnership, still live
  • EB – none that she’s aware of, but improvements made at Rottenrow and Cathedral St, plus stalled space at Greyfriars Garden

12. Social Media (Niall McColl)

  • No report due to lack of time

13.AOCB

13.1.Hustings

Our April meeting is planned to be a hustings event for the Council elections taking place in May.

14. Date of next meeting

Tuesday 22nd February 2022 at 7pm

15.Action Points

  1. Report back on meeting with Mairi Miller re Connolly’s bar, and speak to her re coffee shop on Candleriggs (Christy Mearns)
  2. Provide copy of Planning Enforcement Charter (Eva Bolander)
  3. Follow up on Candleriggs TRO re pedestrianisation south of Bell St (Christy Mearns)
  4. Contact David Cowan re experiences with recent filming (Angus Millar)
  5. Follow up on recycling collections from 103 Hutcheson St (Phillip Braat)
  6. Follow up on graffiti tagging on Albion St (Phillip Braat)
  7. Arrange for “Open daily” notice at Ramshorn to be corrected (Eva Bolander)
  8. Confirm arrangements re use of City Chambers, including ventilation and streaming facilities (Phillip Braat)
  9. Write to Anderston CC re hybrid meetings (Niall McColl)

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Community Council Meeting - November

Join us for our last meeting of 2022 - meeting open to everyone who lives in the Merchant City and Trongate area. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. You can also join online via Zoom - register in advance here

AGENDA

  1. Welcome and apologies
  2. Police Report
  3. Presentation from Mosaic Architecture and Design re proposed development of student accommodation on corner of Hutcheson St/Trongate.
  4. Minutes of Last Meeting (Draft minutes of October 2022 meeting)
  5. Treasurer’s Report
  6. Upcoming Hearing re 65-97 Ingram St
  7. Elected Members Reports
  8. Planning 
  9. Licencing
  10. Friends of Ramshorn update
  11. Filming update
  12. Any other business
  13. Date of next meeting

 

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AGM and Community Council Meeting - October

Join us for our Annual General Meeting, to be followed by our regular monthly meeting

AGM AGENDA

1. Record members’ attendance and apologies;
2. Approve the minutes from last year’s AGM;
3. Approve Chair’s written annual report (or minuted at the AGM);
4. Approve Treasurer’s submission of Independently Examined Statement of Accounts;
5. Demit of current office bearers;
6. Call for nominations for the election of Office Bearers;
(Chaired by CC member not standing for any office positions)
• Chair
• Vice-chair
• Secretary
• Minute Secretary
• Treasurer
• Planning Contact
• Licensing Contact
• Springburn / Robroyston Area Partnership Lead & Sub
The newly elected Chair will officiate for the remainder of the AGM
7. Note the appointment of an Independent Examiner of accounts for the next year;
8. Note the appointment of any associate members;
9. Review the Inventory and Additional Resources (see clause 9c of the Scheme);
10. Chairperson confirms the date of the next AGM to take place in October 2023.

 

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

1. Welcome and apologies
2. Police Report
3. Approval of Draft Minutes from 27th September including Matters Arising
4. Treasurer’s report
5. Elected members reports
6. Planning
7. Licensing
8. Social Media Update
9. Any other business

If you're joining us in person, we meet in Committee Room 1, City Chambers. Enter via the Gatehouse entrance on Cochrane St. To join us online via Zoom, please register in advance.

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Community Council Meeting - September

AGENDA

  1. Welcome and apologies
  2. Police Report
  3. Approval of minutes for Tuesday 30th August meeting and matters arising
  4. Treasurer’s report
  5. Elected members reports
  6. Planning
  7. Licensing
  8. Social Media Update
  9. Any other business

We'd love to see as many of you in person as possible, but if you'd rather join via Zoom, please register here.

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