31 Dec 2025: Place: What makes a good place?
I’m closing the GPCC year by going back to basics.
The place where you live can have a big bearing on you, and you can have a big influence on making your place that bit better for you, and everyone else. There are lots of different ways to go about that. An important one is to speak up to tell the Council what your thoughts and opinions are.
It’s very easy to ‘blame the Council’ for this, that and the next thing. But if you’ve ever played one of these screen simulation games, you quickly find out it’s not so easy to run a city or to shape it towards what its residents feel is important.
There is an important Council consultation open until26 January. It asks about where you live; How you feel about it: What you like about it: What would make it better. It covers almost every aspect of life in the city.
You can answer as an individual, or as a group. It won’t take you long, so why not take the time to make a difference? You can find out about the consultation here.
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/place/
Best wishes for 2026.
29 Dec: Consultation on school ban on mobile phones
A Council consultation is expected to open in January on the banning of mobile phones in Edinburgh’s secondary schools. It will be carried on the Council’s Consultation Hub and the proposition is seen as likely to gain strong support from parents and teachers. A primary school ban is expected to come into force early in the year. A secondary school ban would follow late in 2026, once procedural steps have been completed. The proposition follows successful trial schemes at Portobello and Queensferry High Schools. Find the Consultation Hub here:https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/
22 Dec: Local Place Plans
Is there a local area, site or layout you think could be given a lift? Is there a ‘space’ you think needs safeguarding or enhancing. There must be! It could have a road safety, better mobility or environment focus. You could consider working up your ideas into a Local Place Plan (LPP), under the wing of GPCC. It doesn’t have to be a professional document, as long as it is well thought through. Read about LPPs on this link and share your thoughts with us:https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/local-development-plan-guidance-1/local-place-plans/2
16 Dec: Update from Cllr. Pauline Flannery
1) The Council’s Road Safety Delivery Plan 2025 / 26: Six-month update.
See this link:7.6 – Road Safety Delivery Plan 2025_26 – Six month update v2.pdf
This is a comprehensive review of the Road Safety Delivery Plan 2025/26 approved in April 2025 and it’s worth a look. There is a list of project updates. The Report introduces the new Safer Streets prioritisation process as a basis for active intervention, along with a new Pedestrian Crossings framework, where the public will be able to log requests for assessment of new crossing provision. There is also an update on the council’s position on Road Safety education for school pupil and young people. All that said, the general undertone is that of a long horizon to change on account of funding and resource pressures.
2)Holyrood Park Road Progress Update
Following assessments of the rock faces and works to enable safe access, the High Road pavement and carriageway has reopened to pedestrians and one-way traffic after closure in August due to wildfire. This affects Wards 11 and 15, particularly. The High Road is open to vehicles from 9:30am – 3pm Tuesday to Thursday, and a one-way system is in place for cyclists.
3) The council has publishedThe Council has published itsChristmas tree recycling and waste collectionarrangements herehttps://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/recycling-3/green-christmas-guide/4
10 Dec: The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
SEPA has opened a public consultation,https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/water-unit/swmi/, on the theme of ‘Significant Water Management Issues’; issues that are having a significant adverse impact on the condition of the water environment and must be tackled. The consultation closes on3 March 2026.
Your water environment is at the heart of Scotland’s economy and natural environment and your health and wellbeing. The pressures on that environment are substantial, and they are growing. Collaboration and collective action are needed in response. You have a part to play here. Take a little time, then, to make your contribution.
SEPA works to a six-year water management cycle on what is one of Scotland’s most precious natural assets. The next cycle begins in 2027. There are seven key focus areas: rural diffuse pollution / the physical condition of rivers / artificial barriers to fish migration / seas lice from marine fish farms / water use resilience / wastewater and sewer networks / chemicals in the water environment. Download this background report, which sets out the significant water management issues and the evidence behind them.
https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/water-unit/swmi/supporting_documents/safeguarding-scotlands-water-environmentdocx
4 Dec: : CEC Local Traffic Improvement Programme (LTIP)
There is a26 January 2026closure on funding applications for small-project, local interventions to address neighbourhood traffic / mobility / safety improvement issues.
There are comprehensive project sponsorship criteria and a precise application form. The LTIP The LTI Programme is intended to improve local access for people walking and cycling in our communities and consider the introduction of small traffic schemes to mitigate or eliminate the impact of intrusive road traffic in residential areas.
The key criteria covering proposed locations include (but are not limited) to: hazards or obstacles to the progress and safety of people walking, wheeling and cycling, and the volume and speed of traffic. All applicants are asked to provide a bullet point list of the key issues that you would like to see addressed as well as a clear description of the location.
GPCC can stand as a project sponsor.We canincluding Ward Councillors in the conversations.
Go to the EACC site and to this Appendix page for detailed information. Look for the two 2025 Dec LTI Project references:
https://www.edinburghcommunitycouncils.org.uk/index.php/eacc-papers?folder=Appendix
4 Dec: Living Streets Edinburgh Group (LSEG)
LSEG is pressing for more Council money to be spent on improving sub-standard footways and pavements. In recent years, the Council has directed a higher percentage of overall spend to carriageways and a lower percentage to footways. From an agreed overall Council budget arrived at in February, the Transport and Environment Committee (T&EC) will allocate its spend across road safety, active travel, road and footway maintenance in April. Now is the right time to take a walk-round the difficult footway places in your area. Bring them to the attention of GPCC and your Ward Councillors. We can assist you from there. We should move on this now. Decisions are likely to be made in advance of that April meeting. (See the EACC site here for more on this:https://www.edinburghcommunitycouncils.org.uk/)
21 Nov: The Planning System: Community Involvement
For community groups pitched against planners and developers, the need is to be ‘up with events’ and current with how ‘the system’ works. (This is very much the case for community councils.) In particular, the hinge is what are to be regarded as ‘material planning considerations’. Go toPlanning & Placefor more detail on this.
14 Nov: Communal Bin Review (CBR): Related Traffic Regulation Orders: TRO/25/03
New restrictions and amendments fall to be introduced across the city in relation to the CBR. They apply almost exclusively to roads within controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) and Priority Parking Areas (PPA). A consultation is open from14 November to 5 December.
Within theGPCC boundary, there are waiting restriction amendments proposed at the east end of Grange Loan. This text moves now to refer to advisory correspondence from the Council. (The online map referred to needs a lot of fine tuning.)
"The proposals relating to this Order can be viewed in map form online atconsultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city,from 14 November 2025 to 5 December 2025by following the link to “Proposals in consultation” under reference.TRO/25/03. …
Should you wish to submit an objection to the proposal, please follow the “Respond to consultation” button during the period specified above. All objections should state the name and address of the objector, the matters to which they relate and the grounds on which they are made. If you are responding to this consultation and your comments or objection relate to any particular location/s or element/s of the proposals, it would be helpful if you could identify those in your response”.
12 Nov: Controlled Parking Zone S8 Blackford Newington
A 'Strategic Review of Parking (SROP): Monitoring Update’ goes to the Transport & Environment Commitee on 13 November. The SROP is a long process. Following the mid-2025 consultation, Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) proposals for Zone S8 will likely be submitted for Sub Committee authorisation in Q1 2026. There will be a further statutory consultation period.Readabout the background here:
https://1drv.ms/w/c/9538cbfc3d4cbf67/EXAHqFTrSRJImbB-31xFPUEBOnRBUXW5FdGg-iz0rScblA?e=7tkb3f
11 Nov: Your ‘place’ and ‘space’ here in SE Edinburgh: How would you rate it?
This is an express invitation, from the City Council, to you, as a local resident, to say how you feel about where you live in the city. It’s part of the long build-up ofCity Plan 2040, the next far-reaching Local Development Plan. The questionnairecovers the key things that make a good place to live such as housing, local shops and services, healthcare, open space, play, community space, jobs and public transport.
Just how doyoufeel about it? What’syouropinion? Answer as an individual or as part of a group; but do have a go. It will take you about 10 minutes.Youdon’t speak up? Well then, you aren’t heard.
This consultation closes on23 January 2026. Here is the link. Don’t miss it.
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/place/
7 Nov: Street Trees Project: Prestonfield Road and Priestfield Road
We’ve obtained a new update on this project, courtesy of Cllr. Simita Kumar.
The project is still at design stage with plans to deliver in part next year. The plans for Prestonfield Road will proceed, with site work in the Spring. There were many objections to the proposals for Priestfield Road, meaning that the original design no longer stands. It will need to be re-imagined. The delivery team hope that the Prestonfield Road scheme will showcase the practical and visual benefits of roadway re-design around street tree features.
4 Nov: Prestonfield Road and Priestfield Road Improvements
Proposals to introduce street trees and new footway layouts along both roadways have stalled for now. We understand the project is being reassessed with a view to proceeding in stages while fresh consultations take place. Here is a reminder of how that crossroads emerged a year ago:https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/prestonfield-priestfield/
Ward Councillor Simita Kumar is prompting the Council for a new progress report.
31 Oct: Edinburgh Poverty Commission – A Just Capital: 2025 Call to Action
Edinburgh Poverty Commission today published its latest report. The underlying picture is becoming increasingly complex and experienced poverty is deepening. There is a wide spectrum of factors behind the build in pressure. The 2030 poverty reduction targets remain some way off. There can be no ‘solution’ to the challenge without the resolution of the city’s housing and homelessness crisis. At grass roots level, community groups and organisations, if possessed of the right resource and resolve, have a valued part to play. Read the report here.EPC 2025 Calls to Action
30 Oct: The War Memorial Light is back with us
In time for Remembrance Sunday.
Thank you, at last, City Council, and thank you, Mr CH, for pushing on this one.
30 Oct: City Plan 2040: ‘What do you think about where you live?’
City Plan 2040 is the next local development plan and it’s now underway. How you feel about where you live, your ‘place’ is a fundamental part of it. Just what makes ‘a good place’ for you to live and work in, for kids to play and grow up in? The Council Planning Department have opened a questionnaire on the Consultation Hub. They want to know how you feel about your homes, local shops and services, healthcare, public transport, open space, play space, community space and jobs.
This goes to the heart of your city life. The questionnaire is pen until 5 Jan 2026. You can access it here:https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/place/
Look out for the drop-in events at Waverley Court (3 Nov, 14.30); Gyle Shopping Centre (8 Nov, 12.00); Kirkliston Parish Church (11 Nov, 15.30); Sighthill Library (12 Nov, 16.00); Oxgangs Library (17 Nov, 16.00); Drumbrae Library (18 Nov, 15.30); Magdalene Community Centre (19 Nov, 15.30); North Edinburgh Arts Centre (21 Nov, 16.00).
17 Oct: Inch Park AGM 28 Oct 2025 6.30 – 8.30pm; Inch House Front Lodge
This is one ofyourlocal parks. It brings pleasure and comfort to many. Its upkeep and care are guided by people just like you. The Friends of Inch Park (FOIP) AGM is your opportunity to pitch in, even just by signing up for lifetime membership for £1 or in exchange for one volunteer session.
Go along to hear about the community orchard and planting project, about the Braid Burn and about FOIP’s lively social and activity programme. You could even join the committee to help manage this gem of nature in the south-east. Here is the link for more detail:https://bit.ly/subsordonationstoFOIP
14 Oct: Planning Democracy: Scotland's Planning System: Time for a radical overhaulOn 27 November (6 to 8.30pm)Planning Democracylaunches a powerful manifesto to transform Scotland's planning system in order "to truly serve (the country's) people and places"; to re-shape it to deliver "stronger community power, rights-based planning, environmental protections, affordable sustainable housing, and land reform". There will be a host of expert speakers presenting the case at Augustine Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL. Here is theSign-up Form. Here is theManifesto SummaryHere is thePlanning Democracy Site.
This looks to be a very strong initiative. It's a standard complaint of community councils that they don't have a loud enough voice in planning debates. This event could open new opportunities. You should patch into this.
11 Oct: City of Edinburgh Council's Community Wealth Building (CWB) Pla (May 2025)
This is work underway. This is an ambitious but promising initiative to boost local enterprise, local jobs growth, local incomes and local opportunities, building community wealth and retaining community assets. It's an idea that works, as examples from elsewhere in the UK and overseas demonstrate. The idea is in its very early stages in Edinburgh. Take a look and tell us what you think. Here is a link:
https://www.edinburghcommunitycouncils.org.uk/index.php/eacc-papers/download?path=Appendix%252FMay%2B25%2BCEC%2BDraft%2BCommunity%2BWealth%2BBuild%2BPlan.pdf
10 Oct: Prestonfield Bowling Green: The ELGT Project
In response to a recent query, we approached project leaders, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT), for a progress report. Esperanza Martin responded for ELGT.
At the moment, there is no established group ready to take on site management. ELGT and the Thriving Greenspaces team are nevertheless working through a delivery programme, with part funding now secured. The next steps are to work with the ‘local community and key stakeholders’ to establish a constituted management group which will manage design implementation, tools and material sourcing and related activity programmes for the area.
“£50,000 has been allocated from the Council’s food growing initiatives budget to support this work, and we have already secured a £500 grant from Balfour Beatty through their Green Spaces public vote and £7,700 from CSGN for some elements of the project. ELGT will continue to lead on fundraising efforts over the coming months”
10 Oct: Living Rent, Leith Branch; Campaign against Rogue Landlords in Edinburgh
The Leith Branch of Living Rent, 'Scotland's tenant and community union', has approached all community councils to herald its ‘campaign around 'Rogue Landlords in Edinburgh’ and to profile claims of inadequate oversight of landlords by City of Edinburgh Council. Recipients are invited to sign an open letter in support of the contentions. This link takes you to the document:Open Letter. In the letter, you will also find a Living Rent report ‘Letting Landlords off the Hook’, which details the charges laid with the Council.
This approach will be tabled and recorded at the 15 October GPCC meeting. In the meantime, Ward Councillors have been asked to set out what they know of the background to this specific campaign.
9 Oct: Reopening the South Suburban Line
A very well-attended public meeting was held at City Chambers on 7 October, where the new community campaign group,Tram Trains for Edinburgh, set out the details of their project proposal. Go to the link that follows to follow their story, complete an interesting survey on project potential, and add your name to the 'Reopening Edinburgh's South Sub petition.https://chng.it/nGHHTbw2kG
8 Oct: Edinburgh University Community Plan 2025-30
To Edinburgh University Futures Institute this evening, to welcome the launch of the University’s new ‘Community Plan 2025 – 30’. Led by the Principal, Sir Peter Mathieson, here is the University's telling recommitment to widespread and meaningful civic support, to enable community-driven change for the better; to bolster new opportunities for community improvement and wellbeing; to promote educational and life-improvement partnerships that will challenge social and economic disadvantage in the city and beyond. Community access to grants; community access to University facilities; community access to knowledge and skills. Take a close look at the story here:Edin Uni Community Plan 2025-30
2 Oct: CEC Community Wealth Building (CWB) Plan: Discussed at the 25 Sep EACC meeting. This is a initiative with possibly big potential. It's 'locality-focused'. It's about local economic and commercial activity, radiating out across the city. 'Buy local; hire local; pay fair; nurture local; encourage enterprise; support from the bottom.' Go to theEACC SiteFront Pageto find out more. Here is the link:https://www.edinburghcommunitycouncils.org.uk/
In the UK, CWB as a 'community re-generator' has its genesis in the 'Preston Model'. A link to the background follows below. Go toHealth and Wellbeingon theEACC Sitemenu bar for more information on societal impact.https://cles.org.uk/community-wealth-building-in-practice/community-wealth-building-places/community-wealth-building-in-preston/
30 September: SearchLightning Reachfor extra support with bills and cost of living
Lightning Reachis a free online portal that connects you to financial support from various sources, all in one place. It's promoted by City of Edinburgh Council, acting as one of its support organisations.Lightning Reachmay be able to connect you to charitable grants, help with bills, benefit checks and other important support. Seelighningreach.org.
30 September: Strathearn Road Post Office Delivery Centre; Closure 20 October
Ian Murray MP has just published a letter about the sudden news of the intended closure of the local Delivery Office. He writes:
"I’m hugely concerned about what this means for residents in south Edinburgh.
I know that many residents regularly use the collection service as they are at work during the day when letters and parcels are delivered.If this goes ahead, residents may have to travel as far as Murrayfield (to the Edinburgh City Delivery Office on Russell Road) to collect undelivered items.This will be an enormous inconvenience for residents, and I’m also very concerned about what it means for older people and those with mobility issues, who may not be able to get around as easily.
And while Royal Mail have said they do not intend to make any redundancies, it will be hugely impactful for our hardworking and popular local posties. If you see your local postie, please show them your support."
Ian has opened a petition to save this Delivery Office from closure. You can access the petition via this link:https://www.ianmurraymp.com/edinburgh-south/2025/09/25/update-on-strathearn-road-delivery-office/
29 September: Communal Bin Review: Autumn works start today
From CEC: 'We write to remind about the Autumn works package which starts today (Monday 29 September). Crews were out last week adding posters to signposts and stairwells (some photos attached) to highlight these changes to residents. The works are expected to last 4 weeks and will see bin hubs installed in the following areas::
Old Town / South Morningside / Newington & Prestonfield / Queensferry Road at Ravelston / Greenways. More details here:https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/bins-recycling/communal-bin-review/6
25 September: CEC Planning publishes new Design Guidance
New non-statutory planning guidance to support the policies onCity Plan 2030andNational Planning Framework 4is now live. The suite covers Edinburgh Design Guidance / Guidance for Householders / Guidance for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas / Student Accommodation Guidance / Developer Contributions and Infrastructure Delivery Guidance. SeePlace & Planningon the main page menu. This new policy framework is of fundamental importance in considering planning applications.
25 September: Cllr. Flannery Report: East Mayfield / Dalkeith Road Junction
Question tabled for Full Council on 25 September on road safety concerns at this junction.
Transport & Environment Committee Convener response: A June 2025 city-wide Accident Investigation and Prevention (AIP) investigation did not identify this junction as a site of concern. It is acknowledged that pedestrian crossing facilities should be extended to all arms of the junction. This will be considered in the next review of capital funding allocations (April 2026). Refer to the following link and to Question 18. (See also Q 19-21):https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/b26963/Questions%20and%20Answers%2025th-Sep-2025%2010.00%20City%20of%20Edinburgh%20Council.pdf?T=9
24 September: Local Place Plan for Astley Ainslie Hospital Site
Review the proposals on Saturday, 27 September at the Eric Liddell Centre (10.00 to 16.00), as prepared by the Astley Ainslie Community Trust (AACT). Keep Astley Ainslie as a green space where any development benefits the community. Contact AACT by going to
www.aact.scot.
23 September: Communal Bin Review Report
Published 19 Sep by the CBR Project Team. "The Autumn works package will enable improvements to the waste and recycling service for approximately 5,000 households. Starting in just over 1 weeks’ time (Monday 29 September) and expected to last 4 weeks, these works will see bin hubs installed in the Old Town, South Morningside, Newington & Prestonfield, Queensferry Road @ Ravelston and streets within Greenways. There are also some bin hubs from earlier phases which could not be installed due to other works. The full plans showing all bin hub locations are available online." Here is the link:https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/bins-recycling/communal-bin-review/6. There is street-specific information on: Blackford Avenue, Dalkeith Road, Findhorn Place, Fountainhall Road, Mentone Terrace and Savile Place.
18 Sep: Road Junction: Dalkeith Roadr / East Mayfield / Prestonfield Road
A road traffic accident investigation into a recent fatality is underway. The pedestrian crossing signals are held by some to be inadequate. This junction is not on the Council's 'top 40' risk junctions. Ward Councillor Flannery is following the matter through the calendar of relevant Council Committee meetings.
12 September: Community Policing Forums
Extreme pressure on police time and resources has meant a drop-off in regular police contact with community councils to discuss local issues and priorities. The new Community Policing Sergeant at St Leonard's Police Station, Rachel Lumsden, proposes to introduce quarterly Ward Forums which will be held in or around the the Southside-Newington Ward. We very much welcome this idea, which works well in the south-west of the city.
8 Sep: E Citizen News – Cllr. Pauline Flannery
Community Grants Fund. The CGF is a small grants scheme provided by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of the Council’s commitment to support grassroots initiatives. Southside Newington-based voluntary organisations, community groups or parent councils are invited to apply to theCommunity Grants Fund (CGF)for grants of up to £5000. The deadline for applications is midnight on Tuesday 30 September 2025. To apply use the online application form:https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cgfapply
Local Place Plan, shaping the City Plan 2040.There is still time for community groups to produce Local Place Plans which will be taken into account in preparation for theCity Plan 2040. These will be considered up toJune 2026.
Whyshould you engage? The opportunity to produce a Local Place Plan to put the local on the map. Groups can contact the Council viacityplan2040@edinburgh.gov.ukfor an informal chat. Here is a link to more information.Local Place Plan – The City of Edinburgh Council
Astley Ainslie Local Place Plan. The Astley Ainslie Community Trust is drawing up a plan for the Astley Ainslie site and is seeking input and ideas from local residents. The current City Plan 2030 envisages up to 500 homes could be built there. The intention is to submit a Local Place plan to the Council to form part of the next city development plan 2040. The Trust is hosting an event at the Eric Liddell Centre on Saturday 27 September 10.00am till 4.00pm for residents to drop in and share their views about the site and the plan. More information about AACT is available herehttps://www.aact.scot/
Smartening up Ward 15, Southside / Newington.
Under the 'Pride in our City' initiative, the Council's Waste and Cleansing Division is deploying specialist teams to smarten up Edinburgh's neighbourhoods, tackling dog fouling, dumped items, graffiti and chewing gum. This is to be done ward by ward. Southside Newington, Ward 15, is expected to get its make-over later in the year, 2025. Meanwhile, to report litter, fly tipping or overflowing bins use:https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/litter
Consultations:Trams from Granton to Edinburgh Bio Quarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Beyond, closes 17 November 2025.
Grange Cemetery Open Doors Weekend, Grange Road, EH9 1TT, September 27 & 28
Committee Round-Up, August 2025:
Housing, Homelessness & Fair Work, 12 August -Allocations Policy Suspension Update & Costed Plan to Meet Homelessness demand.
Culture & Communities, 21 August -Firework Control Zones – Physical Activity and Sports Strategy for Edinburgh 2024 – 2034.
8 September: Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF)
The ETF is a voluntary, membership-based organisation that looks to represent tenants and residents across the city of Edinburgh. It serves to assist tenants’ and residents’ associations in working together with their landlords to ensure that they have a say in the running of their communities. The ETF network brings local organisations together to work on issues of collective interest. It arranges opportunities for people to participate individually and through their groups in decision making about their homes, locality and environment. ETF promotes tenants’ rights and the maintenance and improvement of their homes and environment. Read more about ETF's work here.https://www.edinburghtenants.org.uk/about-edinburgh-tenants-federation/
27 August: The Council's Business Plan 2023-27: Progress Report 2024-25
CEC Policy & Sustainability Committee, 19 August 2025.
Item 8.1 Council Business Plan Progress 2024/25
I want to bring to your notice this progress report (for Apr 2024 – March 2025) on the Council’s delivery of three declared strategic priorities and on its work-in-progress to deliver ten targeted outcomes.
By its nature this is a deeply complicated long-term programme and the deep detail in this report illustrates the challenges and difficulties. In large part, this is a report on ‘service delivery’. The Appendix to the Council paper, ‘Progress Update 2024/25’ marks the card on the ten targeted outcomes (and related ‘milestones’) coveringcore services and deliveriesacross the span of the city realm.
Status indicators stand as Pending / In Progress and on track / In Progress and off track / Completed / Closed.
I make no attempt here to summarise the report. It is a statement against which you, as a city resident, taxpayer, and service consumer will want to make your own judgment on ‘delivery against promise’. Before rushing to judgment, however, you will want to at least review how the Council judges its own performance.
Download the document using this link:
https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s86771/8.1Council Business Plan Progress 2024_25.pdf
25 August: The Edinburgh South Suburban Line
In January 2025, six final-year civil engineering students at Heriot- Watt captured the headlines with their call for the integration of a revitalised South Suburban Line into the city’s tram network, to open a new transport corridor for a fast-expanding Capital.
https://www.hw.ac.uk/news/2025/call-for-edinburghs-south-suburban-rail-line-to-reopen-to-passengers-after-60-years
The students have moved on to their career path. However, their case has been taken up by a small group of seasoned rail enthusiasts under the banner of ‘Tram Trains for Edinburgh’. The core case is that developments in light-engineering and battery technologies, alongside the now existing tram network, make for a serious argument in favour of imaginatively revisiting the South Suburban Line proposal.
A number of local community councils (Including GPCC) have declared interest in the work the Tram Trains Group intend to undertake. We’ll keep you informed as we learn more.
25 August: The North to South Edinburgh Trams Link Consultation
The CEC business case is now open to consultation until 17 November. Here is the link:
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-north-south/. The proposals have big, big implications for the region and the city, and for your neighbourhood, in some cases very close to home. Once you've been through them, let us know how you feel about the whole idea. (Keep it measured; keep it succinct, but do tell us.)
5 August: Forthcoming Council Consultation: Edinburgh's Trams – North to South
This news was released on 1 August. On 25 August, CEC will open a 12-week consultation on the proposed new tram routes from Granton through to Royal Infirmary / Edinburgh BioQuarter and beyond. The consultation, supported by public events, will contribute to the development of a 'Strategic Business Case' for tram expansion, which will go to the Transport & Environment Committee in 2026. There will be 'further information … in due course'. The exercise will be hosted on the Council's Consultation Hub:https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/. There will be stacks of detail to digest as the business case is shaped.At the end of the day, this will not be an issue for residents or neighbourhoods to duck.
31 July: CEC Community Wealth Building Programme: Invitation
CEC has today written to all community councillor Office Bearers with an invitation to an 'online workshop' on28 August(on Teams, at 19.00). What are the CWB opportunities in a community or locality? How can they be encouraged and supported? What role can CEC play? This meeting complements the current CWB Consultation which is open until 26 September. (Seehttps://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/ce/the-city-of-edinburgh-councils-community-wealth-bu/)
Localities are characterised by their 'place, space, amenity and wellbeing'. The new Local Development Plan, City Plan 2040, will, in essence, shape place and space. Community Wealth Building could be a pivotal opportunity to help shape amenity and wellbeing. Community councils, by their very nature as neighbourhood forums, have a fundamental obligation to be seen to play that part in both programmes. Here is the link to get started on CWB. The 28 august event is open to all. Sign up at Eventbrite:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-wealth-building-at-the-city-of-edinburgh-council-tickets-1541950458329?aff=oddtdtcreator
Go to 'Reports' on the website menu bar to download a CEC May 25 Policy & Sustainability Committee document on CWB.
29 July: Priestfield Road / Prestonfield Road Street Trees Project
GC member, Neil Kempsell, recently asked the Council about the seeming delays to this project. It will now be split into two phases. Prestonfield Road will go ahead in Spring 2026, as imagined. A similar proposal for Priesfield Road brought many objections from residents, on both tree type and locations. This project is back to the design phase, in consequence. It will return for local consultation thereafter.
15 July: Firework Control Zones
The current consultation on areasbeing considered for firework control zones this November closes on 29 July. In firework control zones it’s illegal to set off fireworks anywhere, even on private property. These zones can help reduce noise, stress, littering and antisocial behaviour caused by fireworks. Some streets in these areas are being considered: Balerno — Calton Hill — Corstorphine — Gracemount — Longstone –Moredun — Niddrie — Seafield — Sighthill
Go to the CEC consultation here:https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/firework-control-zone-2025/
15 July: The Process for Electoral Boundary Changes
An independent review is considering the process for implementing changes to electoral boundaries, in particular options for a form of automaticity, the processes which underpin boundary reviews, such as engagement and consultation with the public and elected representatives, and the supporting structures and resources. It is led by the former chief executive of City of Edinburgh Council, Andrew Kerr.
'Automaticity' is a system where the recommendations of the body that reviews electoral boundaries take effect automatically, without needing approval from the legislature. Forms of automaticity now apply to changes to electoral boundaries in the UK Parliament and the Senedd Cymru, as well as in other legislatures internationally. It would represent a significant change to practice. A consultation has opened as part of the review. It is open until 7 August. You can participate here:https://consult.gov.scot/elections/electoral-boundaries-process/. You can also attend an online public event on the proposals at Tuesday 22 July at 6pm, via this link:Microsoft Teams Event.
15 July: Proposed Amendments to Various Parking Restrictions
In relation to the CBR proposals (below), CEC is now advertising Traffic Regulation Orders which will alter various waiting restrictions around the proposed Bin Hub areas.
"The proposals relating to this Order can be viewed online atstreets.appyway.com/edinburgh-city,from 11/07/25 to 01/08/25by following the link to “Proposals in consultation” under referenceTRO/23/35. Alternatively, you can view the documents free of charge at Waverley Court Reception between 9:30 & 15:30 Monday to Friday during the same period. You can also register for email or text alerts via the Tell Me Scotland portal atwww.tellmescotland.gov.ukwhich also provides details of this proposal."
"Should you wish to submit an objection to the proposal, please follow the “Respond to consultation” button during the period specified above."
The affected streets within the GPCC boundary are: Blackford Avenue, Cameron House Avenue, Prestonfield Avenue, Prestonfield Crescent, Prestonfield Gardens, West Savile Terrace.
11 July: Communal Bin Review (CBR) Update from City of Edinburgh Council (CEC)
CEC today writes that the next package of works on around 100 Bin Hubs will start on 29 September. 'This will see Bin Hubs installed in the Old Town, Morningside, Newington & Prestonfield and existing bins on the pavement on Dalkeith Road and Comiston Road will be removed, improving access for all.'
Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) in respect of the sites will progress (Stage 2) in the coming weeks. You can view the proposed changes here:https://consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city. There are 23 Bin Hub proposals for Newington & Prestonfield. You can view details of the layout here:https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/33385/newington-and-prestonfield. This next link lets you view the plans online and to submit your questions and comments by way of the "Respond to Consultation" button at the bottom of the page; see here:https://consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city/order/43d24559-c91b-4fa5-948e-2ee3d6f77e75.
During the Stage 2 advertising period for a TRO, if 6 or more material objections are received, a report must be prepared for the TRO Subcommittee to determine whether to proceed with the TRO.
When the TRO process is completed, work on Bin Hub installation or changes will begin.
Amidst all this, a complicated tiered review programme covering all Bin Hubs will commence shortly. For more background on all of this, go to the CEC site here:
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/bins-recycling/communal-bin-review
6 Jul: E Citizen News – Cllr. Pauline Flannery
Consultations B1The Avenue Stores, Blackford Road, Oswald Court, Sylvan Place, Waverley Feu, Fountainhall Road, St Alban’s Road and Mayfield Road are just some of the areas in southern Southside/Newington which are misfits within the proposed CPZ parking. They house independent, local businesses and housing developments. While the consultation and post consultation period does not permit any modifications to design at these stages, comments and objections will have to be addressed and a report submitted to the Traffic Regulation Orders Sub Committee later in the year. For many it is an agonising wait. Details of TRO/24/01 are available herehttps://consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city/order/16de46f4-6d46-4936-b11a-9d2fa52b3b10
The Major Junction Review (MJR) which featured 40 priority sites across the city, 5 in Southside Newington, will now be subsumed into Active Travel Routes for development. Two, however, in the Southern area are to be paused: Potter Row to the Meadows & Marchmont to Blackford. The hazardous junction at Kilgraston Road/Whitehouse Terrace is now part of this. The benefits for development were described as ‘modest.’ Yet the junction serves two nurseries, two primaries and the High School, a university shuttle bus service and the No 9 to King’s Buildings. Frustratingly, calls for a site visit to this junction have been side-lined.
The City of Edinburgh Council Holiday Hubsannounces a new set of criteria for access to the school holiday provision for children and young people currently in P1 – S6 with Additional Support Needs. This will apply to applications for the academic session 2025/26. Those with the most need will be allocated up to 4 weeks provision across the October and February break, the Easter and Summer holidays. Details of the new criteria and how to apply can be found athttps://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/support-pupils/additional-support-learning-1/2
Schools Outto our wonderful pupils, staff, support, admin and health & safety estate Teams a well-deserved break to you for the Summer. And for the many Seasonal Fairs at Prestonfield, Sciennes, Preston Street, James Gillespie Schools, and for the many fund-raisers and hard-working Parent Councils in all our vibrant Southside Newington Schools – Thank you!
Visitor Levy Advisory Forum
Newly appointed Chair, Julie Ashworth, has selected 12 Edinburgh individuals to form the city's first Visitor Levy Advisory Forum, bringing experience from the third sector to academia, the hotels industry to local communities. It is expected that the Forum will meet at least twice a year. They will advise councillors as they agree final details of how the proceeds of the scheme will be invested before it launches next summer. Further details on the responsibilities and personnel can be found atVisitor Levy Advisory Forum forms in Edinburgh – The City of Edinburgh Council
The Meadows Toilet Update
The following works are scheduled in the coming weeks: installation of on-site signage and the information board, connecting main path to boardwalk, placement of furniture, including benches, bike racks and a bin and handover to Facilities Management to support day-to-day operations. There have been unexpected delays with the installation of an electric meter to power up the unit. The meter installation is due to be installed on 25 July, and the Council is planning to open the unit as soon as possible following this. More details of the new toilets is available herehttps://www.thrivinggreenspaces.scot/news/article/31/exciting-progress-on-the-public-toilets-for-the-meadows-leith-links-and-inverleith-park
Council Committee Reports, June
Culture & Communities, 5 June
Item 7.3 – Draft Future Libraries Strategies and Service Change – V2.pdf
Education Children’s and Families, 10 June
7.3 School Uniform Response to Motion by Councillor Cowdy.pdf
Housing, Homeless and Fair Work, 13 June
7.1 – Edinburgh’s Local Housing Strategy Final Strategy.pdf
2 July: Kilgraston Road / Grange Loan (Whitehouse Terrace) Junction
The characteristics of this road junction present evident road safety risks. GPCC has recently tabled the issue with local Councillors. The junction has been recognised by CEC as a candidate for infrastructure investment and improvement in financial year 2025/26, this within the overall programme of the City Mobility Plan.
Councillors report that 'external funding' pressures have led to a review of spending priorities within that infrastructure programme. The Kilgraston Road project, now carried within the Marchmont to Blackford Active Travel Route, has been paused. There is no plan to progress improvements at this junction for now. There will be an annual review.
11 June: Parking Zone B1 Proposals: Public Drop-In Session on 19 June
We're advised that leaflets have been delivered to all properties within the boundary of the proposed Controlled Parking Zone S8 (currently the Priority Parking Area B1). Here is a fresh link to the Council Transport Team websitehttps://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parkingreviewwhich has been updated to reflect some live consultations and FAQs.
A public drop-in session is now offered onThursday 19 June, from 13.30 to 18.00, at Reid Memorial Church Hall, on West Saville Terrace, EH9 3HY. Members of the Transport Team will be there to discuss the proposals. They will help you complete templates of objection or support, to be taken as consultation responses as you wish.
Please consider what is proposed for your immediate area. Visit the drop-in session.There is no 'blanket solution' for the whole area. Some residents will support the proposals; others will be very much against them. The retail and service outlets at the bottom of Blackford Avenue may feel new pressures. Do respond to the consultation. You are asked to let the Council know how you feel. Take up the invitation.
9 June: Strategic Parking Review: Zone B1 – Important
Zone B1 runs east to west, from Dalkeith Road, across the northern part of the Grange Prestonfield boundary area.
1) The background to the Strategic Parking Review can be found here:
Strategic parking review – The City of Edinburgh Council
It’s as well to look over this in the first instance.
2) Go to Item 3: ‘Live Consultations – Zones B1, B4, B5 and the Fettes Area’.
(The intention is that the present Priority Parking Area B1 becomes Controlled Parking Zone S8.)
Go to the bottom of this page to access the ‘consultation website’
On the sidebar to the city map shown, select TRO/24/12 for a display* of the B1 area,
Zone B1 is covered by the reference: Zone B1 – TRO/24/12.
3) The official statement on the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) issued on 6 June from the CEC Traffic Regulations Desk (‘Network Management and Enforcement’ Office at the Council) gives another map link to view what is intended.
https://streets.appyway.com/edinburgh-city
4) Here, you have to zoom in on the city map to identify Zone B1.
Use the ‘Legend’ button (top right) to identify features for bays and lines.
This map looks different to the one carried above*.
Look closely around your own area to see if there are discrepancies.
5) In any event, to respond directly to the consultation (in support or in objection), you can find a ‘Respond to Consultation’ link on the map derived from the instructions in 2) above.
Interpretations of what is ‘fair’ and ‘unfair’ will very probably vary street by street. It is not feasible to take a blanket or broad-brush view on this.
6) The consultation runs from 6 June to 4 July.
6 June: Sprucing up Ward 15 Southside / Newington
It's on the cards, for sometime in Q4. Under their 'Pride in our City' initiative, the Council's Waste and Cleansing Division is currently deploying specialist teams to spruce up Edinburgh's neighbourhoods, covering (amongst other things) dog fouling, dumped items, graffiti and chewing gum. It's one ward at a time. We should expect them in Ward 15 towards year end. Keep in touch on progresshere. Report litter, fly tipping or overflowing bins on this link:https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/litter.
29 May: City Mobility Plan (CMP): Easing back.
At the 22 MayTransport & Environment Committee(T&EC), Council Managers presented a lengthy list of recommended ‘pauses’ across the comprehensive framework of capital spend projects envisaged in the City Mobility Plan 2021-2030 (updated and approved in February 2024). T&EC Convener, Stephen Jenkinson, had front-run this earlier in the month. With a reprioritisation review completed, over 40% of the far-sighted schedule looks to be impacted. Budgeting realities have caught up with CMP aspirations. It’s unlikely to be for the last time.
Locally (Southside / Newington Ward), the Proposed Programme of Projects retains walking / cycling ‘Quiet Route 30 – Holyrood Park to Ratcliffe Terrace; Phase 1 Dalkeith Road to Ratcliffe Terrace’.
Projects to be paused are ‘Quiet Route 5 – Holyrood Park’ and ‘Quiet Route 30 – Holyrood Park to Ratcliffe Terrace; Phase 2 Holyrood Park Road to Dalkeith Road’.
The Marchmont to Blackford Active Travel Route has been paused.
The hard-contested ‘Causey Project’ (West Crosscauseway) won a reprieve at Committee.
Here is a link to the Committee Papers – go to Page 205.
(Public Pack)Agenda Document for Transport and Environment Committee, 22/05/2025 10:00
Here is a link to the City Mobility Plan and supporting information:
City Mobility Plan 2021-2030 – The City of Edinburgh Council
23 May: Planning Application: 25/02258/FUL: Last date for comments 11 Jun 2025
33-41 Ratcliffe Terrace, Newington, EH9 1SX
Proposed demolition of existing buildings. Erection of purpose-built student accommodation (115 rooms) and ground floor commercial unit, with associated cycle parking, landscaping and access arrangements. Detail on the Council Planning Portal:https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=dates&keyVal=SVL4BTEWKKU00
23 May: Grange Association (GA) Home Energy Group
Launch of web page on the GA site with a suite of information and guidance on managing domestic energy consumption. This includes building maintenance and fabric.https://grangeassociation.org/home-energy/
21 May: Heat Networks in the city.
Maybe not in GPCC land, but in prospect not that far away. An important paper goes to the CEC Policy and Sustainability Committee on 27 May, submitted under theLocal Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy(LHEES) programme. This is a serious endeavour. It reviews the scope for heat network development in the city, the delivery vehicle, the Council's financial involvement and the service and protection undertakings for heat network customers. This is the link to the Council submission:Heat Network Paper. Appendix 3 maps the potential infrastructure for heat networks; you will want to take a look.
20 May: Development Proposal: Pre-Application Consultation: 140 Causewayside, Sciennes: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation: Ward No. B15: Planning Reference 25/021125/PAN.
See 6 May below. By way of a change in circumstances, the two statutory engagement events will now be held onThursdays 19 June 2025and17 July 2025between 3.30 – 7pm at Newington Trinity (Mayfield Salisbury) Church, 18 W Mayfield, Edinburgh, EH9 1TQ.
The first engagement event will be published in the Edinburgh Evening News on 10 June – nine days before the event on 19 June. The second event will be published on 08 July – again, nine days before the 17 July event date.
6 May: Development Proposal: Pre-Application Consultation: 140 Causewayside, Sciennes: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation: Ward No. B15: Planning Reference 25/021125/PAN.
Consultation by the Developer (Balfour Beatty Investments – BBI) is proposed on the demolition of the existing building on site and the erection of student accommodation with associated works. The proposed public events, to preview the proposal, are on 29 May and 19 June at 'Mayfield Salisbury Church', 18 West Mayfield, EH9 1TQ, from 3.30pm to 7.00pm. Exhibition materials will be available there and on a project website. A Pre-Application Consultation Report would follow if / when a planning application for this development is subsequently submitted.
A similar consultation took place in mid-2023, again anticipating demolition of the existing Scottish Law Commission office block and the new-build of student accommodation. The planning application which followed was turned down by the CEC Development Management Sub Committee in June 2024 (though supported by Council Planning Officers) and turned down again, on appeal, by Scot Gov. Opposition to the original application ranged across setting, neighbouring amenity and 'excessive concentration of student accommodation' in the area (and city). We wait to see what BBI will reveal as different in this new proposal. (KR)
2 May: City Council Review of Communal Bin Hubs to begin in June.
From the GPCC Secretary: 2 May 2025
1. Changes to Bin Hub criteria were agreed by councillors in November 2024. One outcome is a review of Bin Hubs. The review is based on an updated framework for Bin Hub locations which will not compromise resident access to waste and recycling services. The results will go back to the Transport & Environment Committee.
2. There is a priority list of 184 existing Bin Hubs for priority review.This priority review list can be added to now. (Note that Bin Hubs not yet installed, or locations where changes are already pending, will not be part of this particular review. That’s principally because their locations clash with the complicated Traffic Regulation Order process surrounding them.)
3.Please note this from the Council’s Project Manager, Michael Richardson:
“If there are bin hubs in your area that you want added to the list for priority review, please let us know by emailingwaste@edinburgh.gov.ukbeforeMonday 2 June.
We only require the location and/or bin hub ref to add the hub to the list. We do not require details on why the hub should be reviewed and we do not need the request to be co-signed or endorsed by anyone. We also do not need a suggestion of an alternative location (although this is welcome).”
Find out more about bins and recycling at:
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/bins-recycling
