Objection to Council Solicitor, CEC Licensing Section, 249 High Street , Edinburgh EH1 1YJ – to be in by Wednesday, 15th July, 2009.
Concerning the Civic Temporary Entertainment Licence application for “Meadows Edinburgh”, from John James Evans, from Wednesday, 5th August to Monday, 16th August, 2009, 2pm to 10.30pm daily
Grounds for Objection under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1962:
The licence applied for should be refused because the proposed activity requires using the Meadows, which is not suitable for the conduct of the activity, having regard to the location, character and condition of the Meadows, and also because of the nature and extent of the proposed activity. The Regulatory Committee has seen fit to allow a large area of the Meadows this August to be used in such a way. The cumulative impact of the additional proposed use would be most unsuitable, especially if it is sited on an area which is less damaged, and which is being relied on to provide recreational space at the busiest time of the year.
The condition of the Meadows, particularly in the area likely to be occupied, not specified in the application, is unsuitable for the erection and maintenance of heavy stage and fun-fair equipment, and numbers of residential caravans, all required to shelter, accommodate, and facilitate the movement of large numbers of people every day for a period of about two weeks. Apart from the dates stated in the application, there will be at least an additional week’s occupation, movement and dismantling of heavy vehicles and equipment. This is especially important when the activity applied for is over and above the normal use of the Meadows. Its character is that of an open green space or park, and its regular and normal use is for general physical recreation and sport. The application does not make clear the extent or location applied for, but it may well affect the outfield traditionally used in playing cricket. The overall condition of the turf and soil is deteriorating over wide areas as a result of the shortage of other recreational space, such as school playing-fields.
For the Meadows, events of short duration, which do not involve movement of large vehicles over the grass, or heavy marquees, do not cause lasting damage to the ground or to the growth of grass. Even after moderate rainfall combined with a footfall of thousands of people for one or two days, as on Fringe Sunday, the boggy conditions created have quickly reverted to grass suitable for informal sports, picnics and the like. On the other hand, whenever events have continued for longer periods the accumulated pressure on the grass, especially from large vehicles and heavy equipment, has killed the grass, and brought mud to the surface, which has persisted for several months afterwards.
If the proposed activity of a Fun-fair is allowed to occupy another area for almost three weeks this August, then a further area may also be made totally unfit for general use.
Further, in addition to the matter of the condition of the Meadows itself, the nature and extent of the proposed activity is considered to be inappropriate to the condition of the Meadows. The application proposes that the Evans “Amusement Device 6-20” (Funfair) have exclusive daily use for at least twelve days. In addition, vehicles will be on and off the site for erection and dismantling purposes for at least a further week, though this is not specified in the application. The likelihood of heavy rainfall and run-off taking place at some time during this period is high. Last August the absence of effective monitoring and enforcement of the various conditions laid down when granting previous applications for similar activities, all contributed to the well-documented and photographed evidence of what could only be described as a quagmire for several months. The fact that for the first time many other shorter events have not been allowed to take place this year indicates this cumulative damage to the Meadows. No remedial measures, such as repair of underground drains, have been undertaken for several years. The fact that for the first time many other shorter events have not been allowed to take place this year indicates this cumulative damage to the Meadows. No remedial measures, such as repair of underground drains, have been undertaken for several years.
An additional ground for objecting to the nature of the activity is that late evening noise and nuisance over twelve days, becomes a loss of amenity to neighbouring residents and their children.
For these reasons objection is hereby made to the Entertainment Licence application for this twelve day “Public Entertainment Amusement Device 6-20”.
Signed,
Name and Address required
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