Objection to Council Solicitor, CEC Licensing Section, 249 High Street , Edinburgh EH1 1YJ – to be in by Wednesday, 15th July, 2009.



Objection to Council Solicitor, CEC Licensing Section, 249 High Street , Edinburgh EH1 1YJ – to be in by Wednesday, 15th July, 2009.

I am writing to object about the Temporary Entertainment Licence application for the Meadows Edinburgh from John James Evans, for Wednesday, 5th August to Monday, 16th August, 2009, 2pm to 10.30pm daily.

Under the terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1962, the licence should be refused because Mr. Evans proposes to use the Meadows, despite the fact that the location, character and condition of the Meadows is not suitable for the conduct of this fun-fair. Also the size, composition and duration of the proposed fun-fair are themselves not suitable for the Meadows. The application proposes that the Evans “Amusement Device 6-20” (Funfair) have exclusive daily use of a significant proportion of the Meadows for at least twelve days. The number, nature and duration of events already licensed for the busy August period will take up space otherwise used for regular park recreational activity. A large area of the Meadows which was used for a fun-fair and these other events last August is still not fit for general sport and recreation. This means that there will not be enough space for such sport and recreation, which is the normal use, in keeping with the character of the Meadows. 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 Meadows turf and soil is deteriorating over wide areas as a result of the shortage of other recreational space, such as school playing-fields.

The condition of the Meadows 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 an additional week’s occupation, movement and dismantling of heavy vehicles and equipment. Whenever events have continued for long periods the accumulated pressure, especially from large vehicles and heavy equipment, has killed the grass, and brought mud to the surface, which has persisted for several months afterwards. 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

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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