Meeting Minutes – 27 September 2022

1.       Welcome

Gary Atkinson welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2.       Attendance and Apologies

2.1.  Community Councillors

Gary Atkinson; Ros Wardley Smith; Niall McColl; Scott Thornton; Peter Hayman; Eileen Mills

2.2.  Residents

AL, SC, HL, TM

2.3.  Elected Members

Cllr Eva Bolander; Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns

2.4.  Ex-officio

PC Rob Wilson, Police Scotland

2.5.  Apologies

Tam Coyle; Carla Arrighi; David Cowan

3.       Police Report

No specific report; Rob made the following points

3.1.  Contacting the Police

• Public will never be criticised for contacting the police about something that concerns/alarms them
• Call centre risk assesses every call, which dictates the response

3.2.    Citywide campaign for low level drug use

• This has been successful

3.3.  Questions

3.3.1.   What’s the current status on break-ins, etc? (PH)

• No figures available
• Main issues locally are on-street drug dealing, antisocial behaviour

3.3.2.   High levels of noise on Ingram St on Monday night (PH)

• A few instances of antisocial behaviour but nothing major

3.3.3.   What are the main drugs trafficked? (ST)

• Cocaine; Heroin; Cannabis
• Legal highs are not street drugs, but are not an issue in Glasgow

3.3.4.   What are the Police Powers on Noisy street musicians (ST)

• No prescribed decibel level
• If Police get a complaint, they will attend
• If, in their judgement noise exceeds what a reasonable person would expect, they’d ask them to turn it down
• They can be issued with a warning and, if they persist, their equipment can be seized.
• Eva added the following:
  • Was a focus before covid
  • There is a plan for addressing this

  • There is a buskers code of conduct, which the community team should be enforcing    

3.3.5.   What can be done about Antisocial behaviour from pubs and pubgoers (SC)

• Phone it in to the Police on 101
• They will review
• If it falls outside the pub’s licence conditions, will pass it on to partner agencies
• Provides the evidence that GCC etc need to be able to take action against their licence
• Local noise team are short staffed
• Connolly’s and Murphy's are still a particular issue

3.3.6.   Any issues in the Ramshorn (GA)

• No reports of antisocial behaviour, drinking
• It is included in the patrol matrix

4.       Minutes of August Meeting and Matters Arising

4.1.  Approval

No changes were requested

Proposed by Scott Thornton; 

Seconded by Niall McColl

Minutes adopted

4.2.  Matters Arising

4.2.1.   Filming

• Policy is for Scott to ask donations from any company wishing to film in the area
• Total of £8,600 so far, which is an impressive total, and many thanks are extended to Scott for his work on this
• Discussion re use of money postponed to next mid-monthly

4.2.2.   Saltmarket Bridge Repairs

4.2.3.   Businesses occupying excessive space on streets

• Covered under Eva’s report

4.2.4.   Visit to Recycling Centre

• 3 community councillors attended
• Very worthwhile visit
• Lots of background on what GCC is doing to combat the mess problem
• Many thanks to Scott for organising the trip

5.         Treasurer’s Report

• No official report as Carla sent apologies
• Minor expenses of £130 for web related stuff

6.       Elected Members Reports

6.1.  Councillor Eva Bolander

6.1.1.   Walkabout with Angus

No community council representatives were able to attend, though Eva wasn’t aware if we’d been advised (update – no emails were sent to the MCTCC account advising us this was taking place)

6.1.2.   Virginia Place refuse problems

• meeting with planning and cleansing to try and resolve. 
• Plan to have bin sheds at side of building requires the dead end to be “stopped up”

6.1.3.   Graces Bar

• Graces bar complaints have been reported to Licensing and to Planning. 
• In the future, all licenced premises will have to apply for space on pavements, and will have to show a plan. 
• Eva will arrange a briefing on what the new rules are

6.1.4.   Candleriggs Development

• Central square to be called Candleriggs Square

6.1.5.   Avenues Project

• Some parts need to be re-scoped, and some elements of the projects may be scaled back due to current inflationary pressures. 
• High St is now included in the overall project. 
• Learnings from Sauchiehall project are being taken into account. 
• Timelines have slipped due to COVID, plus external pressure. 
• Report available from the GCC website (https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/councillorsandcommittees/submissiondocuments.asp?submissionid=105987)

6.1.6.   Green Grants

• Green grants for businesses will go live fairly soon. These are grants to help achieve city’s net zero ambitions

6.1.7.   Ramshorn

• EM asked if Eva knew anything about the Marie Trust, which she did, and was able to give more details about it.
• Initial meeting of group was cancelled for various reasons. Eva proposed that a donation to Ramshorn would be beneficial to the community, and also suggested other uses for the money we have received, such as The Marie Trust, Simon Community, Glasgow Helps – a new organisation setup to help people facing cost of living crisis.

6.2.  Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns

6.2.1.   Festival Village

• They now have temporary planning permission for 2 years, so can apply for a full premises licence. Deadline to object to that is 13 October

6.2.2.   Electric shuttlebus

• Part of proposal to reduce volume of traffic, and would be a complementary service

6.2.3.   Spaces for People

• New approach to spaces for people will remove the temporary footways
• Requirement for 2 meter clearance on the existing pavements
• COVID permissions lapse at the end of the month
• Businesses using more of the pavement will now have to submit applications to use more space.
• Applications will be for 2 years

6.2.4.   Connolly’s

• Still ongoing
• Due to the review hearing that’s been proposed, there was an agreement to allow Connolly’s time to make improvements to their operation
• Part of the agreement was for acoustic monitoring equipment to be used to measure noise, but she believes that this is no longer the case

6.2.5.   City Centre Transformation Plan

• General direction is good
• Did suggest that alongside removing through traffic, should provide more pedestrianisation, as current plans would still allow traffic on many streets

6.2.6.   Infrastructure Fund

• Hoping for improvements in the merchant city
• CC could put forward ideas

6.2.7.   SPT Strategy

• Closes on 31 October

6.2.8.   Food Growing Fund

• Applications open for next 6 weeks
• Communities and local groups to increase food growing opportunities
• https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=29671

6.2.9.   Recycling

• Agrees that its a very confusing landscape
• A lot of the blame lies with manufacturers using inappropriate plastics
• We have to reduce the waste we’re producing

6.3.    Questions for Councillors

6.3.1.   What can the council do about the banks with boarded up windows (NM)

• Barclays and HSBC (outside our boundary) on Argyle St
• Eva will follow up

6.3.2.   Refuse collection issues (TM)

• The Polmadie plant can separate some waste into recyclable material
• Knowing what can and cannot be recycled is almost impossible (ST). More information on what can and cannot be recycled available from: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17043

6.3.3.   Can “Cemetery Friends” groups take an interest in or any other action about restoring gravestones, referring to Deeds of Grant, Susan O’Connor etc 

• Yes, in line with Historic Environment Scotland guidelines
• Susan O’Connor (Civic Trust) can clarify what they can and cannot do 

6.3.4.   Is the Saltmarket/High St shop front improvement programme still going (TM)

• Some of the units are looking in poor condition
• Meanwhile Use programme phase 1 is complete, phase 2 is under way
• Eva will confirm what’s available now

6.3.5.   Seats installed outside Connolly’s have worsened problems for residents, as pub-goers sit on them until the wee hours (SC)

• Installed as part of Spaces for People
• Eva will speak to the officers about getting them moved

6.3.6.   Where would the electric bus run? (ST)

• Christy - No detail as yet

7.       Planning

7.1.  This month’s planning applications

The detailed application can be reviewed by clicking on the application details

Reference	Details
22/02026/FUL	Installation of additional telecommunications equipment and associated ancillary works. - Glasshouse Car Park 44 Glassford Street Glasgow
22/01764/ADV	Display of internally illuminated box sign and 2no. double sided projecting signs, includes various non-illuminated vinyl manifestations to glazed doors - Unit 9 201 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8BU
22/02083/LBA	Internal and external works including roof extension to listed building. - 101 Trongate Glasgow
22/02332/LBA	Internal and external alterations - 101 Trongate Glasgow
22/02096/LBA	Display of illuminated signage. - 62 Virginia Street Glasgow G1 1TX
22/02284/ADV	Display of illuminated signage. - 62 Virginia Street Glasgow G1 1TX
22/02372/FUL	Use of shop (Class 1) as bureau de change (Class 2) - Unit 100 St Enoch Shopping Centre 55 St Enoch Square Glasgow G1 4BW

7.2.  Other notes

• Corrigans on Howard St is now empty as they have moved to Keppochill Road.
• Proposal of Application Notice for Archaos on Queen St
  • Community Councillors will meet with developers in October

  • Public events in November/December

8.         Licencing

8.1.  Recent Applications

• Festival Village. Closing date 13 October. More info https://mctcc.scot/2022/09/29/licensing-application-festival-village/

9.       Social Media

• Now just under 700 followers on Facebook

10. Any Other Business

10.1.  Marie Trust

• EM recently became aware of the Marie Trust and met with Frances McKinley, the Chief Officer.
• Work as a day centre for homeless people, based on Albion St, having recently moved from Midland St
• Frances is is keen to speak to us. Would November be possible? To be discussed at October mid-monthly
• Also keen to be involved with Greyfriars Garden – offering to recycle they food waste into compost. EM has provided contact details for this.

10.2.  Merchant City Community Notice Boards

• Should we be thinking of updating them to reflect that we’re now MC&T CC

10.3.  Great Scottish Run, 1 and 2 October

• Many roads closed around the Merchant City, but no notifications received by residents
• Eva will follow up

11.   Date of Next Meeting

• Tuesday 25 October 2022 at 7pm in the City Chambers and online
• Our AGM will be held at the start of the meeting. All office bearers step down and may be re-elected, or any other Community Councillor can stand for an office bearer position,

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by admin

Meeting Minutes, 30 August 2022

Tuesday 30^th August 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; Scott Thornton; Eileen Mills; Gary and Rosalind Atkinson

2.2 Residents:- EM, TD, CM, GM, MR, AL, PM

2.3 Elected Members:- Cllr Eva Bolander, Cllr Angus Millar, Cllr Philip Braat and Bailie Christ Mearns

2.4 Ex-officio:- Graeme Naine (North Plan), Ross Barrett (HLM Architects), and Olga Kozlova (Director of Innovation, Strathclyde University)

2.5 Apologies:-  Kaukab Stewart MSP 

3. Minutes of Last Meeting (26 July 2022)

3.1 Corrections to minutes - No changes were requested

3.2 Approval:   Proposed by: Niall McColl, Seconded by: Tam Coyle

3.3 Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4. Treasurer’s Report

There was no Treasurer Report as Carla Arrighi was on holiday.  Scott Thornton, in collaboration with Niall McColl, reported that we are awaiting confirmation if Warner Bros. film company has paid the MCTCC invoice sent to them.  They reported we are also expecting £100 from another film company.

5. Police Report

There was no police report as they were unable to attend.

6. Presentation – Planning Application for TIC2 at Strathclyde University

Graeme Naine, Ross Barrett and Olga Kozlova thanked MCTCC for being invited to meeting.  HLM Architects have submitted to GCC the Proposal of Application Notice for ‘Tic 2’ (Technology Innovation Centre 2) building.  The have started the formal pre-application consultation which runs to late September. They expect to submit a full planning application by late November. More information about the building is available online at:

https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/technologyinnovationzone/charleshuangadvancedtechnologyandinnovationcentre/

Olga Kozlova explained that it would be called “Charles Huang Advanced Technology Centre” It is the biggest project Strathclyde University has been working towards for the last 3 years. The purpose is to expand upon the work that is being done in ‘Tic 1’, which is now full, located next to this site, wherein scientists are carrying out innovation and research with private companies to produce prototype goods.

The entrance to Tic 2 will face the High St Rail Station, and so will be a fitting start to the new Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID). The ground floor will be open to the public and community (to some extent) and include an innovation hub. This will promote social innovation, allow for the public to test new products from the research which carried out there.  It will bring high quality jobs to the city centre. 

Graeme Naine - Strathclyde has appointed a full project team. The design proposals are subject to review after the consultation has finished. Ross Barrett took us through the slides and added supplementary information.  It is well placed for sustainability and active travel due to close location to transport hubs.  They have looked at the history of the High Street and capture the concept of courts and closes. The presentation and consultation information would be distributed MCTCC members.

Daniel – Is it the case that the West side is not yet a confirmed projects at the Herald building? Graeme Naine explained that he understands currently there are no plans for the West side plot. However, he could not say that this would not change in the future, but was sure if this were the case, it would not be until after Tic 2 was built. Strathclyde university would brief MCTCC well in advance of any such plans at this location.

Scott Thornton enquired how the community would have access / use of the ground floor? Olga Kozlova explained that it would not be full access, the work upstairs must remain private.  Just as in Tic 1 the ground floor will be open to the public where there will be a café, have some public events or information galleries which would be open to the public.

7. Elected Members Report

Councillor Angus Millar

City Centre Consultation, the deadline for this is the 12^th of September, it would be good if MCTCC submitted a response. It relates, in some ways to mobility access to the city centre:-   https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/city-centre-transformation-plan

Broad discussions around the People 1^st Zones:- reducing traffic from the city centre and improving access for disabled people. He noted how MCTCC had contributed to pedestrian strategy plans in the past, even though that is no specific duty to this, it would be useful if they did and would give a mandate for the work being considered.

Likewise for the George Square consultation is ongoing, there have been many phases as GCC has learned from previous changes that a broad consensus is required for changes to be accepted. The concept designs have been widely publicised with questions asked if people would like more grassy areas, benches and if there are too many trees included. It is known that people like to spend time there, hold civic and private events there. To take part in the survey please visit:- 

https://www.ourplaceglasgow.com/get-involved/george-square

There has been industrial action due to a national pay dispute by the cleansing department for the last week. It has still some days to run. When the strike ends, domestic refuge collection will restart. Negotiations are ongoing to resolve this pay dispute.

Tam has arranged to do a walkabout with Eva and himself on Tuesday 7^th of September.

Bailie Christy-Mearns

Bailie Christy-Mearns has also recently done a walking survey of the Merchant City. It was good to see the ‘Spaces for People’ planters and benches have been installed. These are an improvement on the improvised wooden planters used beforehand.  These now have an aesthetic, clean design befitting of the Merchant City. It is good GCC has approved these to become permanent fixtures. 

Although the installation of these has used up some parking spaces, it has been done in a safe way she has been assured. It improves the look of the streetscape and allows greater access for everyone. Depending on how the new designs work out, it could be that planters can be relocated elsewhere thus allowing for more seating to be added.

In response to suggestions from a member of MCTCC she has asked that the Planning Portal show, in a better way, the documents for planning applications. Specifically this relates to the dates of the documents for the Ingram St carpark development. Those submissions which were uploaded before the end date will be considered valid and will be taken into account for the overall application.

The funding for a citywide speed limit of 20mph for Glasgow has been approved.  She is pleased to have been involved in this public safety initiative and understands the signage is now going up across the city.  She thanks MCTCC for supporting this policy for many years.

She is an advocate for the City Centre Transformation plan. It will improve the  ‘pedestrian experience’  of their use of the streets with more ‘greenery’.  Likewise, the George Square proposal will be positive step forward, in collaboration with all the other initiatives.  More seated grass areas in the centre, and around the perimeter, as this would promote better recreational areas for children to play.  However the plan does not consider the look of the surrounding streets and these need improvement, especially considering it is meant to be a conservation area. There is too much signage and advertising.

Councillor Eva Bolander

She visited the Saltmarket Rail Bridge consultation that was located in Osbourne Street in August. She was not happy about the time that will be taken to do the work and noise it will create.  It will be done during the night, and she has already had a number of complaints even before the work has started. Network Rail the say the works have to be done as soon as possible and that the residents have been notified there will be noise during the night.  It is believed the Saltmarket bridge is only used for network rail activities and not for passenger trains. Trains crossing the bridge are going to, or from, Shields Road depot for cleaning or repair.

The Infrastructure Fund was put before the North West Area Partnership in June. 

She consulted with her colleagues and the Partnership. Some of the funds will go towards resurfacing of road on Cochrane St.  Following complaints, it was agreed that the following pedestrian crossing workings have to investigated: Montrose St and Cochrane St and John St and Cochrane St.

The Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard and a date for the inaugural meeting has been set for 6^th of September.  She has had a summary report from the Merchant City Festival and was pleased to see that it was very well attended including by families.

Queen St was closed today due to emergency road works at Ingram St and George Street though it was not known why. 

Baillie Philip Braat

Good news about the Merchant City Festival.  He has reported that some of the older benches around the Counting House Wetherspoons adjacent to George Square require re-painting.  

It has not gone unnoticed that some businesses have deemed it suitable to utilise the whole pavement for their commercial use. Residents and the public, are only able to pass by walking on the road; there has to be a balance here. Any cases like this should be reported to the Ward Councillors.

As was seen in Edinburgh previously, it is not just domestic bins that are now overflowing due to the industrial action. It will take some time after for the bin men to clear up all mess that has been accumulating. He has noticed that even before the strike there was mess building-up in some areas and he encourages these to reported after the strike ends.

He thanked Mr Scott Thornton for assisting him in setting-up the visit to the Viridor refuse recycling centre on Thursday 15^th September between 1pm and 3pm. Cllr Braat was unsure if he was able to attend this meeting as he has a busy schedule around that time.

He received an email from a David Boyd of Network Rail in response to resident complaints, however Mr Boyd feels that the best solution is to continue with the night work so as to ‘just get the work done.’

Cllr Millar has invited him to a meeting at Strathclyde University to look at the Tic 2 plans.  Cycle September are trying to get people to take their bikes out in that month and any month afterwards.

Questions for Elected Members

Tam has found an empty Nitrous Oxide (NO) gas cannister in the Ramshorn graveyard.

There was also something at a car park.

Scott Thornton asked if the recycling centre is open, Cllr Bolander confirmed that it was closed during the strike.  He asked about how members of the public were notified of planning hearings.  It was discussed that the methods and timescales used by the Planning Department were unknown, Cllr Bolander recommended asking the department employee involved in the application.

Mark Ripley, who lives on Saltmarket, noted that there is little traffic flow on the road and so the works to the Saltmarket Rail Bridge by Network Rail could be done during the day. It would appear as though they are just doing the works at time that suits their business rather than local residents, despite the complaints.

8. Planning 

Planning Applications for August	Address	Details
22/01706/FUL 71	71 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8BJ	External alterations, with installation of shopfront at Dunlop Street, extension toloading platform at Osbourne Street and works associated with subdivision ofretail unit to form two separate units (Class 1)
22/01872/PAN	185-211 High Street/30 College Street	Erection of technology and innovation centre (Class 10 Non residentialinstitutions), ( Class 4 Business) ancillary uses and associated works.
22/01773/ADV	82 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DN	Display of one non-illuminated projecting sign and non-illuminated vinyl appliedto fascia.
22/01895/FUL	15 St Margaret’s Place Glasgow G1 5JY	Use of puzzle room (Class 11) as retail unit (Class 1)
22/01912/FUL	76 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8A	Frontage alterations and installation of click and collect kiosk.
22/01862/FUL	9 - 11 Argyle Street Glasgow	Use of retail premises (Class 1) as flatted development ( 4 units) (Sui generis) andexternal alterations
22/01796/FUL	4 - 8 Dixon Street Glasgow	Erection of serviced apartments with ground floor retail and roof top restaurant :Section 42 Application to vary condition 41 of Planning Permission 19/01694/FUL
22/01899/FUL	101 Trongate Glasgow	Use of vacant premises as 4No. flatted dwelling with installation of replacementwindows, formation of dormer windows, frontage alterations and fabric repairs
22/02032/ADV	76 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8AG	Display of illuminated signage.
22/02080/FUL	110 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3BX	Installation of telecommunications equipment and associated works
22/02084/FUL	34 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DX	Use of betting office (sui generis) as amusement arcade (sui generis) withfrontage alterations and associated works: Application under Section 42 for noncompliancewith condition 3 of planning application 20/02513/FUL relating tohours of operation
22/02138/ADV	Site Of Bus Shelter Outside 12 On Glassford Street Glasgow	Display of internally illuminated digital double sided advertising

All planning applications can be viewed by visiting https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk

9. Licensing  

There were no licensing applications this month. 

Tam is looking at why there was no Licencing notification of the Beach event at King St carpark to ensure this does not happen again.

10. Any Other Competent Business

• Tam noted that this is the second month with no Police representation.
• There was a break-in at the Herald Building
• Glasgow Live website reported a raid on Parnie Street on Thursday 18^th of August.
• It has been noted that the vast majority of GCC office workers appear to be still working from home, even though the Covid pandemic has all but past.
• It was noted that there has be no response, despite filling a Doodle poll for availability for the ‘Rain Garden’ initiative MCTCC were contacted about in August.

Date of Next Meeting 

Tuesday 27th September at 7pm

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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

• The presentation is available at  https://mctcc.scot/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Merchant-City-Trongate-CC-Planning-Talk-28-June-2022.pdf

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

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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 8^th 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 7^th 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 10^th 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 28^th 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 26^th 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

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by admin