Appointment of Minute Secretary
MCTCC are looking for an enthusiastic person to be our Minute Secretary, to attend our meetings on the last Tuesday evening of the month (ex December), prepare draft minutes and circulate them to the Community Council to review. Good listening and word processing skills are necessary, and some knowledge of the workings of the community council and of our area would be beneficial. A small stipend is available, for approximately 4 hours work per month. For more information, please send an email to [email protected].
Meeting Minutes, 30 August 2022
Tuesday 30th 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:
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 12th 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 1st 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 7th 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 6th 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 15th 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 18th 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
What Next for Glasgow City Centre
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
Glasgow Life Survey - Community Venues
Glasgow Life is currently seeking the views of individuals, groups and organisations in order to better understand future demand and the needs of potential future users who may book their community venues.
You can access the survey by visiting https://surveys.glasgowlife.org.uk/s/RYV36R/
Road Restrictions - Merchant City Festival (27 - 31 July)
The following restrictions will be in operation for the Merchant City Festival.
Roads affected and dates and times of restriction applying to all vehicles with the exception of an emergency service vehicle carrying out an emergency response or vehicles given permission from Glasgow City Council filming and events section.
PROHIBITION OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS
06:00hrs on the 28 July 2022 until 13:00hrs on the 1 August 2022
Brunswick Street between Wilson Street and Trongate
PROHIBITION OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS
06:00hrs on the 28 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
Bell Street between Candleriggs and Albion Street
Brunswick Street for its full length
Candleriggs for its full length
Garth Street for its full length – local access to resident parking
Hutcheson Street for its full length
Wilson Street between Glassford Street Candleriggs
06:00hrs on the 30 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
Albion Street between Blackfriars Street and Trongate – local access to Q-Park
Bell Street between Albion Street and Walls Street
PROHIBITION OF WAITING AND LOADING OR UNLOADING
15:00hrs on the 27 July 2022 until 13:00hrs on the 1 August 2022
Brunswick Street between Wilson Street and Trongate
PROHIBITION OF WAITING AND LOADING OR UNLOADING
15:00hrs on the 27 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
Bell Street between Candleriggs and Albion Street
Brunswick Street South of Wilson Street
Candleriggs for its full length
Garth Street for its full length
Hutcheson Street for its full length
Hutcheson Street for its full length
Wilson Street between Glassford Street Candleriggs
PROHIBITION OF WAITING AND LOADING OR UNLOADING
15:00hrs on the 29 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
Albion Street between Blackfriars Street and Trongate – local access to Q-Park
Bell Street between Albion Street and Walls Street
SUSPENSION OF BUS LANE
04:00hrs on the 27 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
LW0138 - Glassford Street, northbound.
Avenues Consultation - Argyle St East/St Enoch Sq/Dixon St (Online)
Changes are being made to Argyle Street east of Central Station, St Enoch Square, Dixon Street and around Barrowlands Park as part of the Glasgow Avenues Programme.
The proposed changes focus on protecting and prioritising space for active travel, improving connectivity, introducing sustainable green infrastructure and improving the way public transport is accommodated.
You can find out more about the proposals by:
- Visiting St Enoch Centre on Monday 25th July between approximately 10am and 6pm, to meet the team, see the proposals and have your questions answered.
- Viewing the proposals online at www.glasgow.gov.uk/avenues
- Joining an online presentation on Wednesday 27th July ay 7pm, where we will explain the proposals and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glasgow-avenues-argyle-street-east-registration-372832832037 to register
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
Ramshorn Graveyard reopening
MCTCC are delighted to announce that the Ramshorn Graveyard on Ingram Street will finally reopen to the public on Friday 1st July. The graveyard will be open from 8am to 8pm during the summer months - the hours will be reviewed in the Autumn to account for the shorter days. This haven of peace in the centre of the city has been much missed, and we are very grateful to our ward councillors for their efforts in securing the reopening of one of the few pieces of green space in the Merchant City.