This week:

• I met with Summerhill residents to discuss their concerns about a planning application for Westgate Road. The applicants want to demolish M & S Motorcycles and some of the buildings behind and replace them with commercial and residential units. (Find out more here) Local residents are concerned about the impact on neighbouring properties; traffic management and road safety; and the effect on the conservation area. Residents are also concerned about an application for a clinic planned for Ravensworth Terrace that includes an extractor fan for ‘equipment to burn skin cells and cellular molecules’. I have contacted the planning team and I’ve also been in touch with the Public Health Team about the clinic.
  
  During the planning discussion, residents also told me about the deteriorating condition of two of the buildings on Westgate Road. This is a safety and environmental health issue (neglected buildings attract rats and pigeons). It’s been raised with the council before and they contacted the owners, which is the first step with issues like this. If the owners don’t take action, the council can. I’ve asked for an update and will share it on this site.
  
• I had my monthly advice session at the CIty Library. Residents told me that misuse of e-scooters is still a problem. I have seen this firsthand and have been in contact with Neuron about it. I was able to get some accounts cancelled because they were being used by underage riders. If you spot any problems, let me know and I will take it up. I need the time, location and direction of travel.
  
• I objected to an application for a new ‘coffee shop and wine bar’ on Old Eldon Square. There is a restriction on new bars in this area because there is already such a high concentration. There is more flexibility for businesses that are mixed use – e..g cafes and coffee shops that also serve alcohol – but they need to prove that’s what they are and I didn’t think this application had done that.
  
• I reported fly-tipping in the city centre and on Victoria Square.