Summary
22 January 2025 Meeting: (Cllr. Tim Pogson in attendance)
Cllr. Pogson’s Report: The Council will complete its work on the Visitor Levy project this week. Expect implementation by mid-2026. A major electricity cabling project starting in the summer will mean a rolling roadworks programme routed from Astley Ainsley south to Shawfair over a period of some 15 months. Expect disruption. Cameron toll will close once again over 3 – 14 March.
Questions raised on fireworks control zones. Council CEO Paul Lawrence to lead a public agency review meeting in mid-March. On the Marchmont St Giles spire clock, health and safety issues in the tower add to complications arising from the presence of communications masts there.
Newington Cemetery Wall: The long-standing repair work is close to completion.,
Prestonfield Road and Priestfield Road Improvements: Resurfacing and landscape programme expected to begin mid-year. Design and regulatory approvals in their final stages. Detail on type of tree and (importantly) on maintenance still to be made public.
Planning: Belated application by Thrums Hotel to acquire HMO status and application to extend overall capacity. Watch for more detail on this.
Transport: Proposals in course for extension of 20mph limits over some 65 city roads, principally major routes; some rural roads would be impacted too. Slower speeds; safer streets; longer delays? Council considering the reintroduction of a free electric bike hire facility, with stronger control safeguards.
Heritage: The University of Edinburgh has opened a ‘Giving Voices to Historic Property Owners’ project to review the current planning guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas and to improve its practical application.