• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on Wednesday, 6 November 2013, at 10.30 a.m.

Present

Mr T Prag, Dr D Alston, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr W Clark (substitute), Mr J Crawford, Mr J Ford, Mr C Fraser, Mr M Green, Mr R Greene, Mr R Laird, Mr B Lobban, Mrs I McCallum, Mr J McGillivray, Mr D Millar, Mr F Parr (substitute), Mrs M Paterson (substitute), Mr I Renwick, Mr G Rimell, Ms G Ross, Mr R Saxon, Dr A Sinclair, Mr H Wood

Non-Members also present:

Mrs I Campbell, Mrs D Mackay

Officials in attendance:

Mr S Black, Director of Planning and Development
Mr M MacLeod, Head of Planning and Building Standards
Mr G Hamilton, Head of Environment and Development
Mr A McCann, Economy and Regeneration Manager
Ms N Wallace, Environment Manager
Ms A Mackay, Service Support Manager
Ms A Hackett, Principal Projects Officer
Mr A Webster, Regeneration Adviser
Mr C Wishart, Principal Planner
Dr S Turnbull, Coastal Planning Officer
Mr J Bromham, Aquaculture Development Officer
Mr J Willet, Highland Biodiversity Officer
Ms M Peter, Business Gateway Officer
Mr C Simpson, Tourism Co-ordinator
Mr A Brennan, Planning Enforcement Officer
Ms J Mair, Planning Enforcement Officer
Mrs R Moir, Principal Committee Administrator
Ms L Lee, Committee Administrator

Also in attendance:

Mr D Logue, Operations Director, Skills Development Scotland (Item 4)
Ms S Campbell, Area Manager, Highlands and Outer Hebrides, Skills Development Scotland (Item 4)
Ms M Mackintosh, Chief Executive, Highland Opportunity Ltd (Item 13)

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.

Mr T Prag in the Chair

1. Apologies for Absence
    Liesgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr G Farlow, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Mr D Hendry and Mr D MacKay.

2. Preliminaries
    Ro-fhiosrachadh

The Committee NOTED and welcomed:

• the recent announcement of an award to the Council of an additional £124,000 of European Fisheries Fund Axis 4 funding
• the number of Planning and Development Service staff shortlisted for the finals of the Highland Council Quality Awards.

The Committee also NOTED the arrangements being made for the forthcoming Highland and Moray Food and Drink Festival, sponsored by the Council, to be held at Eden Court Theatre on 23 November 2013.

3. Declarations of Interest
    Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:

• Item 9 – Mr B Lobban, Mr T Prag, Mrs H Carmichael, Dr A Sinclair (non-financial); Mr D Millar (financial)
• Item 10 – Mr B Lobban, Mr T Prag (non-financial)
• Item 12 – Mr R Greene (financial)
• Item 14 – Mrs H Carmichael, Mr H Wood (non-financial)

4. Presentation by Skills Development Scotland
    Taisbeanadh le Leasachadh Sgilean na h-Alba

A presentation was given by Mr D Logue, Operations Director of Skills Development Scotland (SDS), providing information on SDS’s role and remit, youth unemployment trends, current and future challenges, the services provided by SDS, partnership working and how progress was measured.

He drew attention to the work being carried out by SDS to identify future skills requirements in the Highlands, including meeting with employers, the compilation of a Skills Investment Plan, identifying likely economic growth sectors, and development of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs).  He also highlighted the development of the Nigg Skills Academy.

Mr Logue also summarised SDS’ activities in relation to education, including providing a careers service to pupils, but also increasingly to adults.  The SDS careers website, “My World of Work,” was an integral part of this.  Pupils were being particularly encouraged to take subjects which would be relevant to the oil and gas industries, and numbers taking STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses were steadily increasing.  SDS also worked closely with other bodies, including the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and the Scottish Funding Council, as well as the Highland Council’s Employability Team.

Contextual information was also provided including that, compared with the rest of Scotland: the Highlands had withstood the recession better; more young people (around 1 in 3) entered work straight from school; and youth unemployment rates were lower; however, wages also tended to be lower.

Following points raised in discussion, Members were given an assurance that SDS was actively supporting the tourism and hospitality and care sectors, as well as the energy sector, and that career opportunities were promoted in schools.  In response to questions, Members were advised that a Pentland Firth Skills Academy was being developed that could assist in addressing job losses arising from the closure of Dounreay; careers advice on the My World of Work website was accessed by parents as well as pupils; a survey had been carried out into the attitudes of pupils to different industries and would inform the way SDS provided careers advice to pupils; the Skills Investment Plan would highlight gaps in skills in geographic areas – this information was disseminated to teachers, parents and young people.  Additional information was provided on the German and Swiss education systems, which were geared towards senior pupils developing work skills and gaining practical experience.  In Scotland, the Wood Commission was looking at how closer links between schools, colleges and vocational training could be developed.  The view was expressed that this approach to education should be supported.

The Chairman having thanked Mr Logue, the Committee NOTED the presentation and information given, and that a copy of the presentation would be circulated to Members.

5. Revenue Budget Monitoring Statement to September 2013
    Aithris Sgrùdaidh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach gu Sultain 2013

There had been circulated Report No. PED-65-13 (30kb pdf) dated 14 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development providing information on the revenue monitoring position for the Planning and Development Service for the period to the end of September 2013 and the projected year-end position.

The Committee APPROVED the Planning and Development Service monitoring report to 30 September 2013; and AGREED the management action that had been taken to date.

6. Monitoring of Capital Expenditure to September 2013
    Sgrùdadh Caiteachais Calpa gu Sultain 2013

There had been circulated Report No. PED-66-13 (48kb pdf) dated 22 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development outlining the expenditure and income to 30 September 2013 and for the 2013/14 capital programme.  The report also provided an update on the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) programme, highlighting a number of previously identified projects now not, or potentially not, requiring support in the current financial year, necessitating the identification of substitute projects.

In speaking to the report, the Regeneration Adviser advised that a number of potential substitute projects were currently being investigated, with particular reference to sites in Thurso, Aviemore and Dornoch.  In response to questions, he clarified delay factors affecting a number of approved projects; invited Members to make him aware of other potential projects that might fit the Fund criteria; and confirmed that it was not yet known whether the Scottish Government would continue the VDLF Programme beyond the current financial year.  The Chair underlined the value of the Programme and emphasised the importance of continued access to some form of funding for this type of work.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the content of the report; and AGREED to delegate powers to the Director of Planning and Development, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of this Committee, to agree the detail of substitute VDLF projects and submit these to the Scottish Government.

7. Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
    Maoin Tabhartais Chalpa airson Ath-nuadhachaidh

At its meeting held on 27 June 2013, the Highland Council had agreed to submit a £1,450,000 Stage 1 Regeneration Capital Grant Fund application to the Scottish Government by the deadline submission date of 28 June 2013.  Due to the timing of the Stage 1 decision announcement and the need for further work, it had not been practically possible to bring a report on a Stage 2 application to the meeting of this Committee held on 18 September 2013.

Members were advised that a Stage 2 application had been submitted to the Scottish Government on 14 October 2013 by the Head of Property Partnerships, in consultation with the Director of Planning and Development and the Chair of this Committee.

The Committee HOMOLOGATED the submission of the Stage 2 application to the Scottish Government.

8. Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 2 Performance Review
    Frèam Dèanadas Dealbhaidh agus Ath-bhreithneachadh Dèanadais Cairteil 2

There had been circulated Report No. PED-67-13 (234kb pdf) dated 21 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development advising Members on the delivery of the Development Management, Building Standards and Development Plan services for the 2nd Quarter of 2013/14.

In speaking to the report, the Head of Planning and Building Standards highlighted a number of its features, including maintenance of good performance in processing Development Management applications; meeting of Building Standards targets; increase in fee income; progress on public consultation on the Inner Moray Firth Development Plan; and progress on implementing the Service Improvement Plan, including arrangements being made to provide for training for Community Councils.  He also introduced the Service’s two newly-appointed Enforcement Officers.

In response to questions, the Head of Planning and Building Standards confirmed that the Service raised its own internal performance targets year on year; and that the forthcoming call for sites in Caithness and Sutherland would relate to all types of sites and thus could include potential sites for wind turbines, although it was not normal Council practice to include such sites in a Development Plan.  He also indicated that, in addition to putting in place Community Council training, the Service also proposed to introduce a Newsletter for Community Councils, perhaps on a six-monthly basis.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the performance updates across the Development Management, Building Standards and Development Plans teams, and the information given.

9. Business Gateway
    Slighe Gnothachais

Declarations of Interest:

Mr B Lobban and Mr T Prag, as Directors of Highland Opportunity Limited, Mrs H Carmichael, as Regional Chairman of the Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland, and Dr A Sinclair, as Chairman of a group in receipt of Business Gateway advice, declared non-financial interests in relation to this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

Mr D Millar, as Financial Director of a company in receipt of Business Gateway support, declared a financial interest in this item, but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2, 5.3 and 5.6 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest was so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be taken to fall within the objective test and thus did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No PED-68-13 (33kb pdf) dated 21 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development updating Members on the Business Gateway contract performance year to date 2013/14, and on the integration of Business Gateway within the wider support activity provided by Highland Council.

Having corrected a typographical error in the circulated report, in that it should have referred to 43 businesses having accessed digital health checks, rather than 25, the Business Gateway Officer summarised the main points of the report.  She highlighted in particular the increase in business start-ups, the positive business survival rate, and the wide range of businesses being helped into account management with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and thus expansion into new markets.  She also drew attention to developments such as the opening in Inverness of a Business Incubator; the forthcoming Digital Zone Roadshow; and the availability of Trade Show grants.

During discussion, Members welcomed the success of Magnus Houston of Coast & Glen Ltd, who had been named Highland’s top young entrepreneur at the regional finals of the 2013 Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland (PTYBS) Young Entrepreneur Awards, and selected as one of the final three businesses out of the 17 Regional Winners to go forward to the national Celebrate Success Awards to be held in Glasgow on 27 November 2013.  Coast and Glen Ltd had benefited from PTYBS, Highland Council, Highland Opportunity Limited (HOL) and Business Gateway support and advice.

Some disappointment having been expressed that the number of businesses entering the account management pipeline was below target, the Chief Executive, HOL assured Members that close dialogue on this issue was maintained with HIE at both central and area levels.  She confirmed that Business Gateway was introducing programmes to assist businesses in their growth and development.

Attention was also drawn to the advantages inherent in the rollout of superfast broadband and the importance of this reaching as many Highland businesses and households as possible.  More detailed information on coverage would become available in due course.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i.  performance to date for the operational year 2013/14; and
ii. the Business Gateway core service, its delivery and the wider business
   support provided.

10. Highland Opportunity Limited
      Cothrom dhan Gàidhealtachd Eta

In accordance with Standing Order 18, with the consent of the meeting, Item 13 on the agenda was taken at this point.

Declarations of Interest: Mr B Lobban and Mr T Prag, as Directors of Highland Opportunity Limited, declared non-financial interests in relation to this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. PED-75-13 (498kb pdf) dated 18 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development providing a summary of Highland Opportunity Limited’s activities during the financial year 2012/2013.  In addition, it gave details of the Company’s current performance against the range of targets set for it as part of its contract with the Council to deliver business support to Highland businesses.  It also highlighted key work priorities during the rest of the current financial year.

Having heard the Company’s Chief Executive confirm that a copy of the company’s Annual Report would be distributed to all Councillors when finalised, the Committee NOTED the performance of Highland Opportunity Limited and its Subsidiary Companies; and ACCEPTED on behalf of the Council the financial statements of Highland Opportunity Limited for the year ending 31 March 2013.

11. Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan
      Plana Lìbhrigidh Dleastanas Bith-iomadachd

There had been circulated Report No. PED-69-13 (74kb pdf) dated 21 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development on progress made in 2012-13 towards the Council’s Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.  All five of the key steps identified to ensure that the Council complied with its statutory Biodiversity Duty had been fully or partially delivered.  The progress Report presented at Appendix 1 to the report would be submitted to the Scottish Government as part of the requirement for public bodies to report on the delivery of their Biodiversity Duty.

Responses to comments made during discussion included that:

• The possibility of delivering Biodiversity talks at a time suitable for Members, along lines similar to the recent series of staff talks, would be explored.
• Further consideration could be given to Council funding for bird tables and  feeding stations at care homes etc., given their potential for positive therapeutic effect, while bearing in mind ongoing costs such as provision of seeds; Members might wish to consider the use of discretionary Ward budgets in this regard.
• A draft policy on control of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, particularly in road verges, would be brought to the Committee early in 2014. • Clearing of ditches on one side of a road only was intended to maintain wildlife habitat.
• Additional training for the Council’s bridge inspectors had not been required as they already had an appropriate level of knowledge on bats.
• The Council’s Ranger Service acted as a liaison with local communities in relation to monitoring potential interest in establishing a Local Nature Reserve.

Following discussion, the Committee APPROVED the Highland Council’s Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan Report 2012-13 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

12. Planning Scotland’s Seas
      A’ Dealbhadh Chuantan na h-Alba

Declaration of Interest: Mr R Greene, as Chair of the North West of Scotland Inshore Fisheries Group (IFG), and presently as a member of the IFG Chairs group, part of whose role included consideration of marine planning issues with Marine Scotland, declared a financial interest in this item and left the room during discussion on the item.

i. Scotland’s National Marine Plan Consultation Draft
   Dreachd Phlana Mara Nàiseanta agus Cuairtlitir Dealbhaidh

There had been circulated Report No. PED-70-13 (151kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development advising that, in July 2013, the Scottish Government had launched a major suite of consultation documents on marine policy and Marine Protected Areas under the banner “Protecting Scotland’s Seas”, on which responses were sought by mid-November 2013.  This report addressed the consultations on a draft National Marine Plan and on a draft Planning Circular setting out the relationship between the terrestrial planning system and the marine planning and licensing systems and how integration should work.

In speaking to the report, the Principal Planner pointed out that the National Marine Plan would set the framework for a range of future developments.  He drew attention to the associated publication “Scotland’s Marine Atlas” and highlighted the clarity of its presentation and the impressive breadth of information and research data reflected therein, which underpinned the draft Plan.  He also pointed out that statistics showed that Scotland was one of the most coastal countries in Europe, with Highland having the longest coastline of all the UK local authorities.  The Council therefore had a particularly acute interest in the proposals under consideration.

The Principal Planner suggested that Members might wish to welcome the integrated approach reflected in the draft National Marine Plan and its emphasis on sustainable use/development; its clear objectives and linkage between these, the policies and recent assessments of the condition of Scotland’s seas; and its emphasis on sound science as a basis for marine management.  He suggested that Members might also wish to query:

• the limited reference in the draft Plan to nature conservation as a sector in its own right
• the lack of clarity on resourcing and timescales for marine region plans
• the apparent weakness of the general policy on landscape/seascape
• the lack of commitment to reconciling growth of salmon farming with protection and restoration of fragile wild fish populations
• the need for review of the spatial element of national policy on finfish farming.

During discussion, it was suggested the Council’s response to Question 12 of the consultation questionnaire should include reference to the role of Inshore Fisheries Groups in marine management, this being an issue which appeared to have received relatively little coverage in the draft Plan.  A request was also made for the response to Question 26 in the same questionnaire to be rephrased in more formal language.

In commenting on the Draft Planning Circular, the Principal Planner suggested that Members might wish to welcome it as a helpful starting point for integration of the marine and terrestrial planning systems.  However, he suggested that they should also query:

• the lack of detail on a process/protocol for engagement
• the lack of special attention to the coastal zone and to coastal planning as an established activity in its own right
• the suggestion that marine region plans should become the principal spatial guidance for new aquaculture development, given that this could conflict with the Council’s established position on such issues
• the lack of detailed guidance on inter-tidal developments.

Concerns were also raised by Members as to whether, and, if so, how, the Council undertook high level lobbying on interests related to, but wider than the parameters of, the current marine policy consultation exercises.  Particular reference was made to the importance of striking the right balance between economic growth and protection of the environment, given that the Highland area was unique and economic growth should not simply be pursued at all costs.  The Council also needed to maintain its arguments in favour of local planning control over the foreshore and near-shore waters, particularly on issues such as aquaculture development.  The Chair undertook to discuss matters with the Vice Chair, and then consult with officers, to identify the relevant issues and also where the Council could best direct lobbying at a ministerial level.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the steps which would be taken to review how the Council might take forward effective lobbying at a national level.  The Committee also APPROVED the responses to the Draft National Marine Plan and Draft Planning Circular, as outlined in the report and as contained in the completed questionnaire responses in its Appendices 1 and 2, subject to:

i.  the response to consultation question 12 (in Appendix 1) including a
   reference to the role of Inshore Fisheries Groups in marine management; and
ii. a rewording of the response to Question 26 in the same Appendix.

ii. 2013 Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas
   Consultation
   Co-chomhairle air Sgìrean Mara a Dh’fhaodadh a Bhith fo Dhìon
   Glèidhteachais Nàdair

There had been circulated Report No. PED-71-13 (pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development presenting a draft Highland Council response to the Scottish Government’s ‘Planning Scotland’s Seas 2013 - Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas Consultation’.  The Consultation document contained 37 Possible Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas or Marine Protected Area (MPA) search locations (collectively known as pMPAs), of which 7 were adjacent to the Highland coast.  Information was provided in relation to the designated features of each site, the proposed management options and the socio-economic impacts of the designations.  The draft Council response to the consultation questionnaire was presented in Annex 1 to the report.

In speaking to the report, the Aquaculture Development Officer confirmed that the reference made to the Small Isles proposed MPA should also have acknowledged its designation as a Special Protected Area (SPA) for breeding sea birds.  During discussion, comment was made that experience elsewhere provided evidence that the creation of Marine Protected Areas did lead to improvement in finfish and shellfish stocks.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the terms of the Marine Protected Areas consultation; and APPROVED the draft response at Annex 1 to the report for submission to the Scottish Government.

iii. Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Renewable Energy in
    Scottish Waters: Consultation Paper
    Dreachd Phlanaichean Mara Roinneil airson Lùth So-ùrachaidh Far-
    cladaich ann an Uisgeachan na h-Alba

There had been circulated Report No. PED-72-13 (187kb pdf) dated 25 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development presenting a recommended Highland Council response to a Scottish Government consultation on the Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy in Scottish Waters.

Members were advised that the consultation identified 28 modified areas of search for the three sectors of wind, wave and tidal energy.  Of these, there was one proposed option adjacent to Highland for each category: one potential offshore wind area in the North West Region, and one each potential inshore wave option and tidal option, both in the North Region.

The Committee AGREED that the draft response to the Draft Sectoral Marine Plans for Offshore Wind, Wave and Tidal in Scottish Waters, contained in Appendix B to the report, be submitted to the Scottish Government as the Council’s response by the deadline of 13 November 2013.

13. Scottish Affairs Committee: 432:50 - Towards a Comprehensive
      Land Reform Agenda for Scotland
      Comataidh Chùisean na h-Alba: 432:50 – A Dh’Ionnsaigh Clàr-
      gnothaich Cuimseach Ath-leasachadh Fearainn airson na h-Alba

There had been circulated Report No. PED-73-13 (140kb pdf) dated 18 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development introducing the UK Scottish Affairs Committee (SAC) briefing paper on land reform in Scotland.  The latter had been issued partly in response to what had been perceived as the disappointing findings of the Land Reform Review Group (LRRG) published in May 2013, and partly to reintroduce more radical aspects of land reform to the Scottish debate.

The report advised that a response had been submitted on behalf of the Council by the due date reiterating the Council’s views as previously submitted to the LRRG.  This response did not, however, include comment on a number of topics on which the SAC paper sought evidence but which had not thus far been tackled by the LRRG, including tenant farmer rights to buy; the human rights dimension of land reform; the Crown Estate in Scotland; Scottish succession law; and land value taxation.

The report also advised that the Council had agreed to host an SAC evidence session in December 2013.

During discussion, whilst there was a call from some Members for the Council to adopt a radical approach to those issues raised in the SAC paper on which it had not yet responded, the view was expressed that Members required to reach a more informed position prior to commenting further.  It was suggested that a briefing / workshop be arranged to provide Members with information to enable them to respond more knowledgably, and in particular to begin to develop the Council’s thinking on the issues raised in the SAC paper, such as the impact of succession law and proposals for a Land Valuation Tax as an alternative to the Council Tax.  Particular attention was drawn to the relevance of recent academic studies carried out by Perth College UHI’s Centre for Mountain Studies.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the content and thrust of the Scottish Affairs Committee briefing note on land reform in Scotland; HOMOLOGATED the response already submitted on behalf of the Highland Council to meet the requested deadline of 30 October 2013, as appended to the report; and AGREED to hold a Members’ briefing / workshop to assist the development of a Council position on the further issues raised within the SAC paper on which the Council had not yet commented.

14. Loch Ness / Inverness Tourism BID proposal
      Sgìre Leasachadh Gnothachais Turasachd Loch Nis/Inbhirnis

Declarations of Interest: Mrs H Carmichael and Mr H Wood, as Directors of Inverness Leisure, declared non-financial interests in relation to this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. PED-74-13 (35kb pdf) dated 24 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development offering a formal assessment of the Inverness & Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement District (BID) proposal relative to the Council’s right of veto in accordance with the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 and the Business Improvement Districts (Scotland) Regulations 2007.

The Committee APPROVED the assessment made in Appendix 1 to the report relative to the Inverness & Loch Ness Tourism BID Proposal; and AGREED:

i.  not to exercise the Council’s right of veto, subject to the final BID Proposal 
   not materially affecting the assessment made; and
ii. that, if upon receipt of the final BID proposal it was considered that changes
   had been made which affected the assessment made in Appendix 1 to the
   report, authority be delegated to the Director of Planning and Development,
   in consultation with the Chair of this Committee, to seek the necessary
   amendments to the final BID Proposal, failing which a further report be
   brought back to the Council meeting in December 2013.

15. Highland Birchwoods – Report of the Trustees and Audited
      Financial Statements for the Year Ended 28 February 2013
      Coilltean-beithe na Gàidhealtachd – Aithisg nan Urrasairean agus
      Aithrisean Ionmhasail Sgrùdaichte airson na Bliadhna a’
      Crìochnachadh 28 Gearran 2013

There had been circulated Report No PED-76-13 (431kb pdf) dated 18 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development introducing the Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for Highland Birchwoods for the financial year to 28 February 2013, which briefly summarised the organisation’s aims and objectives, and reviewed the past year’s activity and planned future developments.

The Committee NOTED:

i.  the Financial Statements of Highland Birchwoods to 28 February 2013; and
ii. the organisation’s current restructured position and planned future activity.

16. Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Ltd
      Coimhearsnachd Tuathanas Gaoithe na Beinne Tarsuinn Eta

There had been circulated Report No PED-77-13 (161kb pdf) dated 21 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development detailing the activities of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited during the Financial Year 2012/13 and recommending that Members accept on behalf of the Council the Financial Statement as at 31 March 2013.

The Committee NOTED the activities of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited; and AGREED to accept on behalf of the Council the financial statements of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited for the year ending 31 March 2013.

17. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated and were NOTED Minutes of the Planning Applications Committees for:-

i. North PAC 13 August 2013
ii. South PAC 20 August 2013
iii. North PAC 17 September 2013

The meeting ended at 1.05 p.m.