Benvie Road derelict garage site - an update #dundeewestend

Over a protracted period, on behalf of residents, we have raised concerns about the state of the former garage site at the top end of Benvie Road.

Following our numerous concerns being raised with planning officers at the City Council, an amenity notice was served on the site owner, but he has taken no action.

The state of the site has deteriorated further - it is insecure and a fire hazard as the photos show.

As the owner has failed to take action, we asked the council as planning authority to consider direct action to clean-up and secure the site and we are pleased to say officers are now intending to seek committee approval for this to happen.

Getting things done - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

Over the years, we have repeatedly raised issues at the former garage site at the top end of Benvie Road.

Following our previous concerns being raised with the City Council, an amenity notice was served on the site owner.

The situation is currently concerning with fallen fencing giving access to the site and resulting fly-tipping.

We raised this again recently with the council and the planning enforcement officer has now updated us as follows :

"An amenity notice for this site remains in place.

I have contacted the owner and requested the boundary enclosure is erected to secure the site and prevent fly tipping.

Once a reply has been received I will update you further."

Getting things done - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

Residents contacted us about the very worn white junction lining at two junctions in Benvie Road - at Fyffe Street and Mitchell Street.

We took this matter up with the Roads Maintenance Partnership along with the need for resurfacing at both junctions.

Refreshed white lining is now promised although we have been advised there’s not enough funding for resurfacing at present.

There is definitely a need for greater capital funding for roads and will continue to campaign for this.

Paths and steps improvements at Mitchell Street, Fyffe Street, Benvie Road and Polepark Road #dundeewestend

Some time ago, on behalf of residents, I highlighted to the City Council the very poor state of the rear paths and steps to the greenie poles in the "square" of properties at Mitchell Street, Fyffe Street, Benvie Road and Polepark Road that back onto each other.

There was a site visit with residents, the tenancy officer and myself about this and other issues and I am pleased to say that, at the council's Neighbourhood Services Committee last night, councillors approved a significant tender of nearly £125 000 (£150 000 including fees, etc) to replace 7 sets of steps with new handrails and resurface all the paths.

I am very pleased at the outcome of this, which will make access to the back of the housing and drying area much safer.

Getting things done - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

Residents have contacted me about the state of the former and now derelict garage site at the top end of Benvie Road, which is in private ownership.

The trees are needing cut back as they now overhang adjacent properties and some of the fencing has fallen and needs repaired.

I have therefore written to the owner requesting that he takes steps to address these concerns. 

Road/pavement works - Benvie Road - suspended #dundeewestend

I have had enquiries from residents about signage that appeared on Benvie Road last week - near the junction with Benvie Gardens - that indicated forthcoming road/pavement works.

I have spoken with council roads engineers and this work was to have been undertaken by SSE contractors to instal a new electricity supply.

However, non-essential/non-urgent work of this kind is now suspended during the COVID-19 health emergency, so the work is not now going ahead and will be undertaken at a later date.

The signage has now been removed.

Getting things done - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

Following concerns from residents about graffiti at the top of Benvie Road, I am very grateful to the City Council's Rapid Response Team for its prompt response to my request to remove it - as you can see the fencing in question is now in a far more acceptable state :

I have also raised with a landowner the need to tidy up the very overgrown ground opposite this fencing :

Temporary Traffic Order - Benvie Road

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of BT pole removal works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Benvie Road (between numbers 27a and 29a), Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Thursday 20 September 2018 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

No alternative routes are available

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Temporary Traffic Order - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984   :   SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of demolition works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Benvie Road (at its junction with Mitchell Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 17th March 2018 for five working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Mitchell Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for part of the works.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Cleghorn Street/City Road/Milnbank Road/Polepark Road/Fyffe Street and reverse

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director of City Development  

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - graffiti removal - Rosebery Street, Pitfour Street and Benvie Road

Following residents' complaints about graffiti requiring removal in Rosebery Street, Pitfour Street and Benvie Road (see below), I raised this with the City Council's Rapid Response Team :

I have now been advised that disclaimers have been given to the property owners concerned to get their authority to allow the council to remove the graffiti (permission required as on privately-owned walls).

Site concerns in Benvie Road

Over a considerable period in the past, I raised residents' concerns about the condition of the former garage at the top end of Benvie Road that had been the subject of fire raising.

A building warrant to demolish the structure was granted in 2010 and the derelict garage was thankfully demolished.

However, as you can see below, the site is still very much an eyesore :

I have been in touch with the City Council's Head of Planning to see what can be done to encourage a future productive use of the site.

Damaged fence across pathway at Benvie Road

A damaged fence from the rear of a property in Lochee Road has blown across the pathway leading to Benvie Road from the Benvie steps.   See below :

I have asked the City Council's Rapid Response Team to have the panel moved safely off the pathway and the Housing Department's Private Sector Unit to speak with the landlords concerned about having the fence repaired.

Benvie Road - an update

Earlier this month, I pointed out residents' complaints that, in Benvie Road (opposite the Pitfour Street junction), the two street signs indicating flat numbers have totally worn away - see right.

The council's Roads Maintenance Partnership has now responded to me as follows :

"New street name plates will be ordered within the next few days and erected as resources allow thereafter."

Getting things done - Benvie Road

I am pictured (below) in Benvie Road (opposite the Pitfour Street junction) where the two street signs indicating flat numbers have totally worn away.

At the request of residents, I have asked the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to replace them.

Busy Tuesday ...

A busy day today on local issues, including :

* A morning site visit to speak with residents in Mitchell Street/Polepark Road/Benvie Road about the recent external cyclical works to their properties.   Council officers from housing and architects also attended.

* A meeting with the Pennycook and Sinderins Courts' Residents Association, at which we discussed a number of local issues.

* A meeting of the Jericho House Support Group.  The support group is a regular meeting at which a number of us discuss fundraising and other projects to support this important facility in the West End Ward, that assists those recovering from alcoholism.   We had a good discussion about funding initiatives to support the House, participation in Doors Open Day 2014 and the new production of a play that the House service users and staff will be participating in.

* Tonight at the West End Community Council, there was a lengthy presentation on bin collection and recycling proposed changes and we also discussed the roads proposals relative to Riverside Drive.

Getting things done ... Saggar Street, Benvie Road, City Road and Logie Street

I have had complaints from residents about very worn white junction and other road lining in Logie Street, City Road, the bottom of Benvie Road and at the bottom of Saggar Street - the latter situation is pictured - right.

I have asked that the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership repaints these.

On Wave 102 news ...

I was on Wave 102 news today about concerns regarding the former garage in Benvie Road, following another fire there last week.  Click 'play' below to listen:

Benvie Road : fire concern

In the past, I have highlighted residents' concerns about the former garage site in Benvie Road, where, a couple of years ago, the owner finally demolished most of the derelict building that had been a target for vandalism and fires.

Some of the structure, however, remained, and, after a further fire earlier this week, I wrote to the City Council's Director of City Development asking that the owner is contacted urging him to take immediate steps to clear the site and secure its boundary and if he fails to do so, that enforcement action be taken.    I took the photo (above right) here last night and it was easily possible to gain access to the site as the boundary fencing is not secure.

The Director has sent me a prompt response saying :

"My Building Standards Team are contacting the owner again urging him to take immediate steps to clear the site and secure its boundary.  The owner will be advised that failure to carry-out the above may result in the Council instructing the necessary safety measures."

Getting things done ... Benvie Steps

Residents have contacted me regarding the damaged fencing art the Benvie Steps that lead from Lochee Road to Benvie Road - see right.    Residents are concerned about the access to the former garage site and also to an adjacent tenement's back garden

I contacted the City Council about this and the City Engineer has advised :

"An order has been raised for the repair of two linear metres of fence on the east side at the top of the Benvie Road steps. 

The work has yet to be programmed but the Road Maintenance Partnership will update you once this information becomes available."

Getting things done ... Benvie Road steps

I recently received a concern from a West End resident about the state of the Benvie Road steps down to Lochee Road.

I raised his concern with the City Engineer, who has responded as follows :

"Benvie Road steps are part of the Council's adopted road network and as such are inspected regularly.   Following your enquiry, the Road Maintenance Partnership inspector for the area inspected the steps and has raised an order to re-set two slabs on the top step. No other actionable defects were identified during his inspection."