We are sailing, well almost...

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Nov 2007, 13:58

I expect that permission will be granted, but, as Jonathan states, this is just the first stage. For the club to be viable they need access and I think that may be a more difficult obstacle to overcome.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Nov 2007, 16:11

PS Echoing wangi's comments, Jonathan has sent me the following message re the EN article:

Unfortunate wording and possibly unhelpful. Whilst technically correct, it is easy to infer that it is a done deal. It is not yet.

Jonathan Bendit · Post by **Jonathan Bendit** » 07 Nov 2007, 16:29

Dear all

I am delighted to report that planning permission has been approved...... almost.

Because it involves council land, the city planners need to run it past the Scottish Executive’s planning department. There is a 28 day turnaround for this but we would not hear anything unless they have an objection. 99.9% of applications of this sort do not have any intervention from the Scottish Exec.

So, approved. Nearly.

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 07 Nov 2007, 19:10

I'm a bit worried as there are now rumours of the kiddies play park being encroached on and a car park being planned.
Is there any truth in this?

Puerto bella · Post by **Puerto bella** » 07 Nov 2007, 23:34

SoupDragon wrote:I'm a bit worried as there are now rumours of the kiddies play park being encroached on and a car park being planned.
Is there any truth in this?

Not heard that one but when you think about it how else would a safe access be achieved without doing a deal with the Council for more land. How they will get adequate safe visibility at the access is another issue. Anyone know if this has been addressed? I am v. sceptical about this proposal on this site. Pint in a half pint pot comes to mind.

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 08 Nov 2007, 00:25

I thought the proposal was for kayaks and little dinghies?

If that's the case then access doesn't seem such a big issue.

Puerto bella · Post by **Puerto bella** » 08 Nov 2007, 01:12

seanie wrote:I thought the proposal was for kayaks and little dinghies?

If that's the case then access doesn't seem such a big issue.

I thought there was a hoo ha about the vehicles towing the boats and that's why there was an issue over access? Has this all been resolved by restricting the types of sailing vessel?

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 08 Nov 2007, 17:37

I thought the proposal was for kayaks and dinghies that were to be wheeled by hand down to the beach.

Jonathan Bendit · Post by **Jonathan Bendit** » 08 Nov 2007, 18:09

Situation update. Midway through the planning application, I was advised that the Roads department were unhappy about the likely increase of parking pressure in Straiton Place and surrounding area and concerned that dinghy sailors would arrive towing a boat and find nowhere safe (off road) to unhitch it. Unless I was able to resolve this, I was advised that planning permission would be refused.

My architect devised a proposal that involves widening the alley down the side of the Straiton Place flats, flaring the top corner so that a car towing a dinghy could turn in, right off Straiton Place, and park up in the compound to unhitch and park a boat. This, we were advised could be an acceptable solution, subject to a separate planning application with the additional showing of about 8 parking spaces on the compound. The widened alley would be either bollarded or gated at the top with vehicles entering probably by invitation only. The pedestrian part would of course remain, providing access to the prom.

This is not a perfect solution - in terms of cost and cars on the compound -arguably being an eyesore and taking up useful boat space. Nevertheless on that basis we were able to continue with the application.

Clearly as managers of the site it would be the club's decision as to the extent to which cars are allowed to park there.....

Because of the status of the application - having to go to the Scottish Executive, we have not yet received formal notification of the decision nor any conditions that will be applied to our use of the site.

Whilst I know that no one likes the thought of cars on that patch of land, there is a valid point in having a safe place to unhitch a boat.

Until I know more I can't add much but as soon as I can, I will.

Puerto bella · Post by **Puerto bella** » 08 Nov 2007, 22:22

Thanks for the explanation Jonathan. You will have your work cut out trying to keep the access free for the club given the lack of regard to parking/ access rules around this part of the street. Sometimes I can't even get in my front door with people parked on the double yellows blocking it. The same selfish gits would probably think nothing of parking in your access if it all goes ahead. Presumably you would have a lockable bollard or similar for club members?

The report the Council did to the Planning Committee on your app. will detail any conditions/ legal agreement requirements etc. The SGovt will odds on advise that the Council can deal with it and issue decision. Have seen much bigger, more controversial schemes than this not called in.

Post by **wangi** » 08 Nov 2007, 23:56

Puerto bella wrote:The report the Council did to the Planning Committee on your app. will detail any conditions/ legal agreement requirements etc.

That sub-committee report can be read here.

L/

cuth · Post by **cuth** » 16 Nov 2007, 20:29

I must admit that I don't know a lot about boats, but couldn't they just launch them at the bottom of King's Road and sail along to the site thus negating the need for vehicular access.

C

Jonathan Bendit · Post by **Jonathan Bendit** » 12 Dec 2007, 18:30

Well, we have done it. We have been granted planning permission to create a sailing and kayaking club in Portobello.

The news was received by a breathless motorcycle dispatch courier sent direct from the Scottish Executive who arrived clutching a handwritten envelope from the Chief Commissioner of Planning. As I broke the seal, fireworks went off and choirs were heard singing in the background accompanied by a trumpet fanfare. People in the street spontaneously cheered, threw their hats in the air and danced small circles whilst grinning with joy.

And then I woke up.

Still, now the hard work starts and I will need all the help I can get.

Once the charity is formed, fund raising via lottery applications as well as via more original and local methods can start.

I will try to find a date and a venue in the new year when anyone interested to help can meet up and we can all consider ways forward.

If you would like to be invited along, please drop me an email at jbendit@sheiiba.com.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 12 Dec 2007, 18:42

Congratulations Jonathan! Good news for you and good news for Portobello.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 12 Dec 2007, 20:19

Brilliant! Well done.

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 12 Dec 2007, 20:30

I'm looking forward to this!

Now, where's my wetsuit..

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 18 May 2008, 22:08

yeah

or was it the green area at the back of me that no one else seems to mourn?

they're all for the saving of green spaces but no one seems to object to the dingy park

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 18 May 2008, 22:32

SoupDragon wrote:yeah

or was it the green area at the back of me that no one else seems to mourn?

they're all for the saving of green spaces but no one seems to object to the dingy park

Probably because it was so dingy.......

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 18 May 2008, 23:16

I thought it was proper sailing boats.

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 20 May 2008, 12:19

Hai Think Hai missed an aitch somehwere

Not sure whats happening behind us.
All sorts of rumours flying about ie its going to be a car park, there's to be a road built through the playpark, we'll have traffic going past the bedroom windows, security lights on at night, a new building......????
As iIsay rumours.
No one seems to have any real information

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 20 May 2008, 12:37

Don't know if this is of any help SD. I've taken it from the Feb. minutes of the CC meeting

256.4 Portobello Sailing and Kayaking Club
Concerns had been expressed about access to the proposed boat storage area from neighbouring streets, so Jonathan Bendit attended this meeting to clarify the plans and report on progress. The planning permission which had been granted for the Club included the use of the Promenade for boat-handling, and the intention was to bring boats on to the Prom at Pittville Street for transfer to the storage area at Straiton Place. A management committee had been appointed, a constitution drawn up and a bank account opened so that applications could be made for funding to create the secure area and buy some boats. This would take some time, so there was as yet no date for the Club to open.

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 20 May 2008, 17:02

The above minutes are what we'd expected from the planning application but there's a persisitant rumour that there is to be a car park with acess going down the lane and onto part of the playpark.

Thats the bit that worries me, you only have to look at the railings to see the traffic problems we've had round here
( the repair were supposed to be in the hands of lawyers/insurance not sure whats happening on that score, been a bit occupied elsewhere lately )

As I say its all rumour.

I noticed the club house ( in the Miami flats ) has a sign saying they are opening at the end of June.
Sailing and kayaking club it says

Jonathan Bendit · Post by **Jonathan Bendit** » 20 May 2008, 22:38

The planning authority has granted planning permission. In the conditions, there was no mention of the need for a car park or the need for vehicular access to the yard down the alleyway.

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 21 May 2008, 09:48

So there will be no car park or road down the alley?

It seemed to be implied that was what was going to happen in the posts from November.
Its also a pesistant rumour , but we've had no neighbour notification

Jonathan Bendit · Post by **Jonathan Bendit** » 21 May 2008, 14:03

At one stage, it looked like the widening of the alley for vehicle access and putting car-parking spaces on the land was to be a condition for planning approval, but, as per my ealier post, when the approval document came through, no such conditions were mentioned.

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 21 May 2008, 15:26

Thats good news re the widening of the alley.

Jonathan Bendit · Post by **Jonathan Bendit** » 03 Sep 2008, 17:28

A quick update about Portobello Sailing & Kayaking Club. I am delighted to report that we have been awarded our first grant of £5,000 from the Scottish Community Foundation. However, we need a whole lot more so if anyone wants to suggest any avenues we might persue, suggest away!

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 10 Oct 2008, 13:30

Just heard that the Sailing Club's Beach Cafe (on the Prom at the bottom of Bath Street) is now open. 7 days a week. 9.00 am - 5.45 pm.

rapunzell · Post by **rapunzell** » 10 Oct 2008, 17:17

Wot no opening party?!
I'll be heading down there for a scone and a blether this weekend then.

teddygirl · Post by **teddygirl** » 10 Oct 2008, 22:24

It has been pretty busy since it opened from what I've heard but haven't ventured in yet. All good reports so far.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 11 Oct 2008, 12:25

Walking past this morning the cafe was very busy, very bright and nice. I like the decor and laid back feel. Hope it does well.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 12 Oct 2008, 21:26

Purely in the interests of the users of this forum , I paid a visit to the Beach House today and can confirm that it is indeed a great addition to Portobello. (The chocolate torte, in particular, is to be recommended.

)

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 12 Oct 2008, 21:28

always good to know they cater to us chocolate lovers

Long weekend next weekend so may pop in.

Grunk · Post by **Grunk** » 13 Oct 2008, 11:39

what kind of food do they do?

as big as a burger or as small as soup?

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 13 Oct 2008, 12:35

Grunk wrote:what kind of food do they do?

as big as a burger or as small as soup?

From memory Grunk, there's a vegetarian 'Soup of the Day' and also a quiche. Then there's lots of different sandwiches and panini, with the usual salad on the side.

All the meats, eggs, breads etc are locally sourced where possible and organic. There's a range of organic breads on sale.

They also do the usual hot and cold drinks and offer a wide variety of cakes, plus ice cream.

Bacon rolls are on the menu up to 11 am, along with other breakfast options, but I can't remember them all.

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

We are sailing, well almost...

Planning permission

Vehicle access

Planning pemission granted

Access to the dinghy park

Fund raising