Currie Community Council

September 2001 Report


Planning
Heriot-Watt University has applied for permission to develop a sports village, and plans have been requested. Permission has been granted for a chip shop at 1 Pentland View Court, subject to conditions relating to music, plant noise, ventilation and flue dimensions. Objections have been lodged to housing developments at 515 Lanark Road West, 513A LRW and Woodhall, Millbrae. We are also supporting Balerno Community Council's concerns over development of the Kestrel. All proposed developments are now being eyed with extra concern if they may exacerbate flooding problems.

Currie Community High School
The High School is ever popular than ever, with waiting lists for all of the first three years. This years examination results have been the best ever, and the school is applying for a Business Excellence Award. CCHS also hope to be included in the Sustainable Schools Project. Unfortunately, there are problems with school transport: there are frequently not enough seats on First Group buses.

Robin Harper MSP addressed the council, declaring himself in favour of enhancing the role of community councils and updating the planning process. He spoke about the unexpected development of all-party groups in the Scottish Parliament, such as the Children's Group, which gives direct access to lawmakers for all sorts of interested parties. Mr Harper is also broadly in favour of the pro-public transport policies of the City Council; similarly he is also very concerned at what he sees as the determined attempt by First Group to drive LRT out of business.

AGM
The 8 October meeting will be the AGM of the Community Council, and also of the Currie Fair and Common Good Fund. Conveners will be elected for the coming year from amongst the elected members of the council, co-options made and the annual report received. This is the last AGM before the elections next May, and we would be very pleased to welcome anyone who is interested in joining the council either straight away or at the elections.

Environment
We have asked for the bridge in Poet's Glen to be renewed and for a litter bin outside the Bryce Road shops. A suggested petition on Pentland View Court was discussed, as it seems that not all proprietors have been prepared to pay their share, and this is holding up the whole major renovation.
Muirwood Park has new No Dogs notices and wardens who will levy 25 fines for dog fouling. Would dog owners please not use this area to exercise their pets.

Transport
The Waverley Travel service to the Gyle has been quite successful. Concessionary fares of 40p now apply.

Graham Dane, Chair