Consultation on Not Just A Roof - A Housing Options and Homelessness Strategic Plan for Dundee 2016 -2021.

The Dundee Housing Options and Homelessness Strategic Partnership is seeking your views on Not Just A Roof - A Housing Options and Homelessness Strategic Plan 2016 -2021.

You can provide your views by:
  
1) Completing a survey via the following link http://consult.dundeecity.gov.uk/limesurvey/index.php/229523/lang-en by 30th January 2017.

Broughty Ferry Flood Defences Further Consultation Tuesday 13th December at the Castle Green Leisure Centre from 11am to 7pm

Have your say in the further consultation about the design of the proposed flood defences for Broughty Ferry. These defences will run from the Stannergate to Broughty Ferry Castle via Grassy Beach, Douglas Terrace, James Place, Fisher Street and Beach Crescent. 

The drop in consultation event will be held on Tuesday 13th December 2016 at the Castle Green Leisure Centre from 11am to 7pm.

This event will provide an update on the project and seek opinion on the latest design proposal. A sample panel of the proposed flood protection wall is already on display at the notice board at Castle Pier and comments on the material and colour will also be welcomed. 

On the day members of the city council’s design team will be available from 11am to 7pm to help answer questions, explain technical details and the thinking behind the plans at this stage.

More information can be found on the regularly updated webpage at: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/BroughtyFerryFloodProtection

Broughty Ferry Flood Protection Scheme - Exhibition Material Available Online

Click on map to enlarge

If you missed the Drop-In Consultation day in Broughty Ferry, you can still find out more about the Council's initial proposals for Flood Protection Measures in Broughty Ferry (Grassy Beach to the Esplanade).

The Council's presentation to the community council meeting on 7th June and the exhibition material from the drop-in consultation on 1st June are currently on display at the foyer of Dundee House,50 North Lindsay Street Dundee DD1 1QE . The exhibition material will be on display until Friday 24th June. Any person wishing to view the material and requires further explanation should ask for Gavin Smith or Michael Sandeman at reception.

Staff have also uploaded a video of the 3D animation to YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/GDcCvSrCVxw

They have also created a webpage on Dundee city Council's website where more detailed drawings can be viewed:
https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/BroughtyFerryFloodProtection

Is 20 Plenty for Broughty Ferry?

Dundee City Council is currently running a consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph zones in 'residential areas' across the city including Broughty Ferry. 

In the Ferry this would involve introducing 20mph speed limits on most streets while retaining 30mph limits on main roads and bus routes. The consultation period runs until Thursday 30 June 2016.

The council recognise that 20mph limits have definitive road safety benefits and these can provide a basis where people feel safer to use more sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling.
https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/20mphconsultation

The objective of introducing the 20mph limit is to improve the local environment in residential areas for all road users, including car drivers, by reducing the number and severity of collisions and casualties on the city's roads, making the city a safer and better place to live in.

The Council hopes that by making the streets safer and more pleasant to use this will encourage more cycling and walking, especially for local trips. This will not only bring road safety benefits, but will also help to improve overall health and wellbeing, reduce congestion and may improve air quality.

The council has launched this city wide consultation on 20mph limits and it is hoped that residents and local organisations participate in this consultation exercise. 

This consultation exercise relates to 20mph limits that will be signed only ie there will be no other physical measures to reduce vehicle speeds associated with any imposed 20mph limit.

The council would appreciate if you could consider the map which highlights areas where the Council feel 20mph limits may be appropriate and answer a few questions relating to 20mph limits in the city. Clicking on the link below will also take you to the online questionnaire.

Should you wish to complete the online questionnaire without viewing the map please go directly to the online questionnaire.

The map for this consultation exercise and a hard copy of the questionnaire will be available in Dundee House Reception as well as The East and West Housing Offices.

A PDF version of the questionnaire is available via this link. This should be printed off and the completed questionnaire emailed to 20mphconsultation@dundeecity.gov.uk (link sends e-mail) or submitted by post to: Roads & Transport Division, City Development Department, Dundee City Council, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee DD1 1LS.

Should you wish to submit comments above those given in the questionnaire, please email 20mphconsultation@dundeecity.gov.uk . Any email submitted will receive an automated receipt response but there will be no further communication to individual queries. However, any comments submitted in this way will be considered as part of the consultation exercise.

The consultation period will run until Thursday 30 June 2016.

Take Part in the Early Years Learning and Childcare Consultation

Dundee City Council Children and Families' Service is undertaking a survey with Parents and Carers in the city about the future provision of early learning and childcare in Dundee.

Do you have children under 5 years old?  This may be of interest to you.

Did you know, currently in Dundee, all children are entitled to 600 hours of free early learning and childcare starting the term after a child’s third birthday. Some children are entitled to 600 hours of free early learning and childcare starting the term after a child’s second birthday.

More information can be accessed at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/childcare/childcareinfo

In line with legislation from the Scottish Government, the Council wants to offer more flexibility to families in how they access this entitlement.

Dundee City Council would like to gather the views of parents/carers in Dundee on how best we can do this.

Take Part in the Survey
Finish Date Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Consultation Meeting on New Bins in Barnhill

Last night North Barnhill Tenants' and Residents' Association hosted a consultation meeting about the introduction of changes to bin collections in their area.

The meeting, held at Barnhill Primary School, was well attended by residents who wanted to find out more about which new recycling collections were to be introduced in week beginning 23rd March. Additionally, they wanted clarification about which new recycling bins might be available for their homes or communal areas for flatted accommodation.

The meeting was addressed by a member of staff from the Environment Department. While most questions were clearly answered, it was evident that not all residents were convinced that they could cope with the storeage of the extra household bins. 

There are also remaining uncertainties about how the detailed arrangements can be sorted out over the next two weeks before the extra recycling bins are distributed on our streets.

In addition to Abercromby Street, Aberlour Place and Abernethy Road, most of Broughty Ferry is also in phase one of the new recycling collections. But houses west of Church Street, Forthill Road, Balgillo Road East and Linlathen Drive are excluded from the first phase rollout. Ferry folk, not in the first phase may be relieved that they are not going to be the guinea pigs.

More details of the changes which are to be introduced, are available at:

http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/recyclefordundee

Public Consultation - Reshaping the Dunes BFerry Beach - Drop In Wed 21 January 2 - 8 pm Castle Green Centre

Click on plan to enlarge

On Wednesday 21 January Broughty Ferry residents and traders have the opportunity to find out more about the City Council's planning application to alter the shape and reinforce the base of the dunes at Broughty Ferry beach. This is one of a series of coastal protection measures the Council is bringing forward to minimize the risk of flooding along the Dundee City coastline. 

There will be a drop-in Consultation Event at the Castle Green Leisure Centre, St Vincent Street, Broughty Ferry between 2-8pm on Wednesday 21 January 2015. The event will provide residents and other interested parties an opportunity to look through drawings and details associated with the proposals as well as the opportunity to ask questions on the day.  

The public consultation period for the application is to be extended until Wednesday 4 February at 5pm to allow for any further comments after this event.

The full details of the planning application are as follows:
Reshaping, increased height, planting and formation of access points on the existing Dune system at the Esplanade, Broughty Ferry. Works to include for screened defence works at base of dunes on seaward side. Planning Application Ref: 14/00761/FULL
Link to Planning Application Documents and Plans

Changing the Way We Care Free Conference for Older People in Dundee 13 March 2014

Click on image to enlarge

Dundee's dynamic Celebrate Age Network are holding a consultative conference for older people in the city on Thursday afternoon 13 March 2014 1.30 –4.30pm. Venue Baptist Church, Ward Road, Dundee.

This free event will provide older people in Dundee the chance to give their views directly to social work, health and housing about how they want services delivered.
Register your interest in attending now by contacting Hazel Imrie telephone (01382) 305741. Please tell Hazel if you need transport to get to the event.

Consultation Begins on Draft Broughty Ferry Conservation Area Appraisal

The City Council Planning Department, invites comments on the proposed Broughty Ferry Conservation Area Appraisal.

This appraisal covers the central part of Broughty Ferry from the junction of Douglas Terrace with Dundee Road in the West to Rugby Terrace on the Esplanade in the East. 

The appraisal proposes a number of significant changes from the existing Conservation Area, especially extensions to the boundary of the Conservation Area. 

At this stage they invite comments from members of the public and all interested people on the terms and content of the draft Conservation Area Appraisal.  

All comments must be received by 24th January 2014. 

Once comments have been received they will be used to improve and finalise the proposal.  It is anticipated that the revised proposal and results of the consultation exercise will then be reported to the City Development Committee for approval as a material planning consideration.

The proposal also includes extending the current Article 4 Directions to include the boundary alterations as outlined within the Appraisal document. 

Copies of the Broughty Ferry Conservation Area Appraisal document can also be viewed at the Broughty Ferry Community Library - Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2HN, Central Library - The Wellgate Shopping Centre and the Reception of Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street.

Please send your comments in writing to; City Development Department, Development Management, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS, marked “Consultation Response – Central Conservation Area Appraisal” or alternately emailed to conservationareas@dundeecity.gov.uk in advance of the deadline on 24th January 2014.  

Should you wish to discuss the content of the draft proposal please contact Gary Knox, Conservation Officer, Tel 01382 433414.

Consultation on Polling Places in The Ferry

Click on map to enlarge

Dundee City Council is reviewing its arrangements for conducting elections in the City and is looking for comments on the buildings (Polling Places) used and the area (Polling Districts) allocated to each Polling Place.

Polling Place Audits
The audit for The Ferry can be found by clicking on this link. 

Draft Proposals and Map
The draft proposals for The Ferry are listed in a report and separate map.  The map should be referred to when reading the written description of the proposals.
Link to the Draft Proposals for The Ferry
Link to the Map for The Ferry

Any comment should be sent to ero@dundeecity.gov.uk or by post to the ERO, 18 City Square, Dundee DD1 3BY by no later than 15 November 2013

Proposed Longer Opening Hours for Night Clubs, Licensed Premises with Substantial Entertainment and Pubs

The Licensing Board of the City Council are inviting public responses to their consultation about proposed later closing times for clubs and pubs in Dundee.

In brief they are proposing  to introduce three categories of licensed premises, each with different entitlements as far as opening hours are concerned. This would involve formally recognising the category of "licensed premises with substantial entertainment" and allow extensions until 2.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. In order to maintain a distinction between these premises and dedicated nightclub/discotheque premises, it is suggested that the latter be allowed to open until 4.00 am on the same two nights of the week. As far as other licensed premises are concerned (what were public houses under the 1976 Act), the suggestion is that these be allowed to open until 1.00 am, on Fridays/Saturdays. Premises providing restaurant facilities would not be affected and would still be permitted to open beyond midnight with the approval of the Board as under the current policy.

While members of the public and the licensed trade can respond to the idea of the three categories of licensed premises and their proposed later opening hours, there are a number of questions that are not directly posed in the consultation. Firstly, do we think that the later opening hours should apply in each and every location in the city or should we distinguish between the city centre and other parts of Dundee.

Secondly, what are the costs from these proposed changes? For example, what will be the additional cost of policing later opening hours? I know that the night time economy already commandeers a significant chunk of the policing budget. I think many folk who would prefer to see more police officers on the beat in their neighbourhood, rather than focusing on curbing rowdy behaviour in the city centre.

I know many residents live close to existing licensed premises in central Broughty Ferry. I hope that they take this opportunity to respond to the Council's consultation because these proposed changes could have a significant and lasting effect on life in The Ferry.
Closing date for responses Wednesday 31 July 2013

Click on this link for details of where to send you views on this consultation.

Broughty Ferry Community Council Meeting 2 July 2013

On Tuesday night 2 July, I attended the monthly meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council. 

Here are some extracts from my report to the Community Council:

Reduction in Support for Learning Teachers at Grove Academy 
In a recent review of the number of Support for Learning Posts in every Dundee School, Grove Academy had its allocation of Support for Learning teachers reduced with effect from August 2013. The Support for Learning staffing levels at Grove for 2012/13 was 5.8 teachers and the allocation for 2013/14 is 4 posts. This comes into effect at a time when the school's roll is growing and the number of children entering our schools with additional support needs is increasing.

Scottish Water Short Term Repair to Leak near Douglas Terrace
On Monday 24 June Scottish Water repaired the leak to the sewage pipe on the stony beach close to to the Douglas Terrace end of the coastal pathway. Given the history of difficulties with this particular stretch of sewer, it is important that the pipe and the concrete junction buried in the beach is replaced. When Scottish Water briefed me about the long term replacement last November, they had predicted they needed a period of 6-8 months for undertaking the preparatory work. I have written to Scottish Water again to seek assurances that they plan to do this work before the winter.

Licensing Board and Licensing Committee Consultations
The Council's Licensing Board and the Licensing Committee are both undertaking consultations over the summer. For clarification, the Licensing Board deals with liquor licensing matters and the Licensing Committee deals with almost all other licenses including takeaway food, houses in multiple occupation and taxis and taxi drivers. In addition to the consultation from the Licensing Board about  amending its existing policy on trading hours for On-Sale Premises Licences granted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, I wanted to give you notice that the Licensing Committee will also be consulting the Community Council about the licensing hours for take away restaurants including those hours that might operate outside the city centre in locations such as central Broughty Ferry. 

Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership Survey
There is also a community survey on alcohol survey being undertaken under the auspices of the Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership. The aim of their survey is to gauge community views on alcohol availability and get a sense of the factors that influence alcohol purchasing locally along with other associated attitudes in Dundee. Any member of the public can complete this survey online up to and including 31st July 2013.

Broughty Ferry Community Council meets on the first Tuesday of every month (excluding August) in the Community Library, Queen Street, Broughty Ferry Dundee DD5 2HN.
Community Council meetings begin at 7pm and are open to the public.

Review of Scottish Planning Policy - Opportunities for Consultation Online and in Dundee

The Main Issues Report for the third National Planning Framework (NPF3) and Draft Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) have been launched for consultation on Wednesday 1st May.

A single web page allows you to proceed to either National Planning Framework 3 or Scottish Planning Policy consultation documents and associated assessments. 
Link to web page documentation

Further supporting information will be placed online including a resource pack to support communities who wish to engage. 

Wednesday 1st May marks the beginning of the main public consultation stage in the preparation of NPF3 and the Scottish Government is seeking views on the emerging strategy and what should be included in the Proposed National Planning Framework when it is laid before the Scottish Parliament.  Similarly this is the main public consultation stage for Scottish Planning Policy, prior to its finalisation.

One element of the engagement strategy is a number of 'drop in' events across Scotland. 
The date and arrangements for the Dundee 'drop in' is as follows:
Dundee Overgate Centre - 9 am – 6 pm on Tuesday 28 May 2013

Consultation on the Proposals for the Merger of Dundee and Angus Further Education Colleges

Dundee and Angus Further Education Colleges have this week published a detailed set of joint proposals for their merger: Decisions and Ambitions for a New College Serving Dundee and Angus.

In the introduction they say:

"In response to the (Scottish) Government’s aims for the reform of further education in Scotland, Angus College and Dundee College are currently working to create a strong and influential college for Tayside. The target vesting day for the new college is 1 November 2013.

As part of the merger planning process, we are holding a formal consultation on the proposed merger, which will run from 8 March to 19 April 2013. 

You can read our consultation document online - we would welcome your views on the proposed merger. The responses will help inform and shape the new college.

We consider it critical to our future success that the new college meets the needs of all of our stakeholders, not least our students, staff and employers. You can respond by submitting your comments online or you can download a printable version of the Consultation Response Form.

If you would like to request a printed copy of the Consultation Document or Consultation Response Form, please contact Dundee College Marketing Department on 01382 834948 or marketing@dundeecollege.ac.uk "

Given the importance of Dundee College to the breadth of educational opportunities in our city, I have written to the Director of Education to urge that the prepares a draft response to this consultation and brings this to the next Education Committee for approval. 

Tayside Police Keen to Gather Views on its Draft Interim Local Policing Plans for 2013-2014

Tayside Police has today launched a consultation on its draft interim Local Policing Plans for 2013-2014.

The draft interim Local Policing Plans set out the local policing priorities and objectives for the three Local Authority areas across Tayside including Dundee.  These Plans represent a critical part of the local delivery process for the new national Police Service Of Scotland that takes over responsibility for policing from the current  eight police forces (including Tayside Police) on 1st April 2013.  These new local policing plans demonstrate a commitment to local policing within the national planning framework which enables the police to respond effectively to the concerns of local communities as well as meet and tackle nationwide demands.

As part of this consultation, Tayside Police are keen to engage with the public, partners and staff in order to gather their views on the draft Policing Plans, prior to finalisation of the Plans in March this year.  This engagement should help to ensure that what they are proposing will continue to provide communities with a local police service that meets their needs and deals with the issues that are important to them.

Tayside Police, request that individuals and community groups consider the Plan relevant to their Local Authority area and give them your views on our proposals by completing the short questionnaire.  Further details on this consultation and how you can participate are available by clicking on the link below. 

http://www.tayside.police.uk/About-Us/Force-Publications/policing-plan-consultation.htm

Participation in this exercise, however, is entirely optional and you should feel no obligation to take part.  They reassure us that data from this survey is strictly confidential and will only be used for the purposes described above.  You can also be assured that your details will not be passed to any other agency.

Your views are important and will help us shape the future direction of policing in the Tayside area.  If you have any queries regarding this consultation or require further information please contact the Performance and Planning Unit on  (01382) 596712 or 596711. 

Read/Download the DRAFT Dundee Local Policing Plan 2013-2014

Check Out the Latest Flythrough Showing VandA at Dundee in its New Location

If you've decided to stay inside rather than venture out in the snow to the Public Consultation Event about the new location and design for the VandA in Dundee, then check out this video:

More details about the Consultation Event which will also be open 10:00 - 16:00 at Abertay University in Bell Street on Saturday 19 January 2013

Consultation in Broughty Ferry on Monday 3 December About the Proposed Council Rent Increases 2013/14

Click on Poster to enlarge

Tenants in The Ferry can have their say about about their future rent levels and service charges at a local consultation meeting that is taking place on Monday afternoon 3 December 2012 at Forthil Sheltered Housing Lounge on Forthill Drive. The consultation will begin at 2:30pm.

Now is the time to take the opportunity to respond to the consultation on the proposed increases in rent and service charges from April 2013.

Every year the Housing Department looks at the rent and other charges that they need to collect so that they can continue to deliver the services that tenants have told them they want. They have looked at their budgets from 1st April 2013 to 31st March 2014 and have developed three different options for rent and service charge increases which they want to gather opinions and feedback on. The three rent options range from an increase in 5% to 5.5%.

More details on the options for rent increases and what you would get for your money.

More details on the options for increases in service charges especially for tenants in sheltered housing. 

If you can't make the meeting on Monday afternoon, there are lots of ways to give your views and feedback on the Council's proposals. All they ask is that you tell them by Monday 31st December 2012

How to give the Council your opinions and feedback. 

Proposed Dundee Local Development Plan Published - Time to Make Your Views Count

The Proposed Dundee Local Development Plan has now been published.  This contains the spatial strategy that will guide future development up to 2024 and shows which land is being allocated to meet the City’s development needs and where new development should and should not happen.  The Proposed Plan contains policies and proposals covering the principal land use issues in the City and will provide the context in which decisions on planning applications will be made. 

The Proposed Dundee Local Development Plan together with associated supporting documents can be inspected on the internet at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/localdevplan or during office hours at 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee and in all council libraries throughout Dundee.

A period for making representation on the Proposed Dundee Local Development Plan starts at 12:00hrs on 5 November 2012 and ends at 12:00hrs on 19 December 2012. 

Representations should be made during that period via an online questionnaire at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/localdevplan.  Should you have any difficulties accessing the plan or in making representations please contact localdevplan@dundeecity.gov.uk or telephone  01382 433105 for advice. 

Further information regarding the Proposed Dundee Local Development Plan may be obtained from Dundee City Council by email at localdevplan@dundeecity.gov.uk or by telephone on 01382 433105. 

Local Development Plan Team
City Development Department
Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee DD1 1EQ

Gordon Wilson Agrees with my Criticism of SNP Government's Rail Strategy

I agree with Gordon.

In the Courier yesterday I noticed a prominent article drawing attention to the “embarrassing failure” of the Scottish Government’s Rail 2016 Strategy currently out for consultation. These withering words were from our former MP for Dundee East, the SNP's own Gordon Wilson.

I am pleased he has followed my lead in pointing out the disadvantages of this strategy for Dundee rail travellers. Read my concerns published on 23^rd November 2011.

More specifically, he says in his formal response to the Scottish Government's consultation, that the immediate priority is ensuring that East Coast trains from London continue through Fife, Dundee and Angus to Aberdeen. It is proposed that the services could terminate in Edinburgh with ScotRail taking over the rest of the journey north.
''This will leave Aberdeen and intermediate station passengers, laden with luggage for long-distance journeys, forced to travel in ScotRail's inadequate rolling stock and having to change trains and platforms in Edinburgh,''
''This will be a nightmare for families with young children, the elderly and disabled. It also downgrades the status of Aberdeen and Dundee within the transport network.”
''One would have thought that Transport Scotland would have been alive to the difficulties likely to be faced by travellers from Aberdeen, Dundee and Fife — all heavily populated areas — and would have argued the case for retention of the service.” "Instead, the contrary is true. The paper opens the gate to loss of the direct London service.”
"The service from Aberdeen gathers passengers at intermediate points like Montrose, Arbroath, Dundee and Fife. They are entitled to have their travelling interests considered by Scotland's transport agency when it formulates policy.'
Hear hear!
If like me and Gordon you think we should "hang on to what we've got" send in your response to the consultation - the closing date for responses is 20 February 2012. More information is available from the Scottish Government.

Dundee Local Development Plan - Last Week to Have Your Say

In October the City Council issued their Dundee Local Development Plan: Main Issues Report and Environmental Report for a period of six weeks consultation. 


The new local Development Plan for Dundee will set out a strategy for development in the City for a period of five years and provide broad indications of growth for up to 10 years in the future.

If you want to have your say, the Consultation period ends at 12:00 noon on Friday 2nd December 2011.

The Main Issues Report 

This report identifies the Main Issues which are to b.e considered during the production of a Proposed Local Development Plan and sets out Dundee City Council's currently preferred option.  It is vital that communities and individuals make their views known at this stage of the process.

The Consultation for the Main Issues Report is being undertaken and representations are sought via an online questionnaire.

Environmental Report

The Environmental report has identified, described and evaluated the likely significant effect on the environment of implementing the Dundee Local Development Plan Main Issues report and its reasonable alternatives.

The Consultation for the Environmental Report is being undertaken and representations are sought via an online questionnaire on the Council's website.

Copies of the Main Issues Report and Environmental Report, together with supporting documents can be accessed at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/localdevplan or via all local libraries throughout Dundee and during office hours at Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1EQ.