July 2025 news from Councillor Neil Ross

Former Post Office building project update

Following the demolition of the former post office, concerns have been raised about the potential disruption to Morningside Road that may arise from deliveries to the site. The developer tells me he is planning to have deliveries to and from the site early in the morning, before the road becomes busy, with construction traffic using Jordan Lane during the day.

I understand that the work planned for the next 8 months is piling, boreholes, ground clearance, drainage, foundations and steel erection. A sewer needs to be moved nearer to the road, so a pedestrian walkway may be required on the road. The developer told me his aim is not to close Morningside Road or to have a material effect on the traffic. Let’s hope this works out as suggested.

Greenbank/Meadows Quiet Connection update on implementation

Many residents have expressed frustration with the slipping of the implementation timescale for the road and cycle route changes in the Braid Estate. The Council project officer has confirmed that the designs have now been completed and the relevant ETRO documents have been drafted. These need to be subject to legal procedures before they can be implemented, with an expectation this will take place during July and August.

Due to the requirement to conduct pre-implementation traffic monitoring, which cannot meaningfully be undertaken during school holiday times, the works will not start until mid-September at the earliest. I understand it is still possible that this could be delayed but have been told to expect the work to be undertaken in Autumn this year. The scheme design is available here.

After-school childcare in Morningside

I met with senior Council Education officers recently to discuss the current difficult situation on after-school childcare provision in Morningside, following the announcement of the closure of Kidscene at the Royal Blind School. I understand that negotiations for a new provider to take over Kidscene are ongoing with a view to continuing the current provision but the status of the application for new provision at Greenbank is less certain.

Polwarth Roundabout Redesign Update

Merchiston District Community Council has provided outline details of the proposed designs for the Polwarth Roundabout, which I think will greatly improve pedestrian safety. The existing roundabout will be completely removed and replaced with a T-junction that prioritises the existing east-west bus route, substantially widens footways, significantly enhances pedestrian crossing points, and aims for better management of speeding.

The remodelled junction will include formal loading bays serving local businesses, two new disabled parking spaces and features new cycle parking and greenery. More information on the project, where you can sign up for news, is available here and the latest update, with an outline of what happens next, is available here.

Good news on Bin Hubs

Concerns have been raised by some residents that the increased flexibility provided by the new location criteria is being denied for bin hubs currently in Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). I have been working with my Lib Dem colleagues on the Council’s Transport & Environment Committee to address these concerns and our efforts bore fruit at a meeting last week.

We persuaded the Council to agree that, after the current TROs have come into force and prior to changing the location of the relevant bin hubs, a meeting should be held, between officers, Ward Councillors and affected residents, to discuss the location of those bin hubs and the application of the new location criteria. This should give residents the chance to put forward any alternative location. The bin hub report is at item 7.1 here.

Safety concerns at Canaan Lane junction with Woodburn Terrace

As a result of road safety concerns raised by local residents, parents and cyclists, I have been pushing the Council since 2023 to restore the build out & cycle lane divider at the junction of Canaan Lane with Woodburn Terrace. After considerable delay, Council officers have confirmed that the complete reinstatement of the build-out and the cycle lane island is expected to be done by the end of the summer holiday. I have also asked for a refresh of the white line road markings, both at the junction and on Canaan Lane.

Leamington Terrace road surfacing

Once the Gilmore Place pavement works have finished, hopefully around 10/11 July, the resurfacing of Leamington Terrace in its entirety will begin, probably from Monday 14 July. Details of current and future roadworks and events are published weekly here.

Black Sheep Coffee planning applications

Planning applications have been submitted for a Black Sheep Coffee shop at the former Royal Bank of Scotland office in Bruntsfield Place. One planning policy that is directly relevant to this change of use is –

Planning permission will be permitted for retail development within the Morningside/Bruntsfield town centre, where it has been demonstrated that there will be no significant adverse effects on the vitality and viability of the town centre.

There are two live planning applications for 206 Bruntsfield Place for a change of use from a bank to a café and for changes to be made the listed building. The relevant reference numbers and deadlines, are noted below:-

Change of Use - 25/02871/FUL - 11 July 2025

Listed Building consent - 25/02874/LBC - 11 July 2025

Comments can be made via the Council’s planning portal here and information on City Plan 2030 can be found here. I encourage you to submit your comments, either for or against.