Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on Wednesday, 14 May 2014, at 10.30am.

Read items relating to this meeting.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully,

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/
Director of Corporate Development

1. Apologies for Absence
Liesgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting.   Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest.   Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. VisitScotland – Presentation and Annual Report
VisitScotland – Taisbeanadh agus Aithisg Bhliadhnail

A presentation will be given by Mr Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, on VisitScotland’s recent and proposed activity.

4. Capital Expenditure Monitoring 2014/15
Sgrùdadh Chaiteachais Chalpa 2014/15

There is circulated for noting Report No. PDI-1-14 (49kb pdf) dated 28 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure outlining the expenditure and income to 30 April 2014 and for the 2014/15 capital programme as it impacts on the Projects and Facilities team delivery of the Capital Programme and the delivery of the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund across Highland.

5. Housing Development Investment
Tasgadh ann an Leasachadh Taigheadais

There is circulated Report No. PDI-2-14 (55kb pdf) dated 6 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on the new build housing investment programme and seeking approval that the revised programme be adopted as part of the Highland Strategic Housing Investment Plan.

The Committee is asked to:

i. approve an amended programme of new build housing;
ii. agree that a site at 92/94 Academy Street, Inverness be purchased, on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure, as part of the proposed programme; and
iii. agree that the amended programme be submitted to the Scottish Government as part of an agreed Housing Investment Programme.

6. Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 4 Performance Review
Frèam Dèanadas Dealbhaidh agus Ath-bhreithneachadh Dèanadais Ràith 4

There is circulated Report No. PDI-3-14 (240kb pdf) dated 2 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on performance against the actions set out within the Planning Service Improvement Plan.  The report also advises Members on the delivery of the Development Management, Building Standards and the Development Plan services for the last Quarter of 2013/2014.  

The Committee is asked to note the progress made against the actions set out within the Planning Service Improvement Plan, as well as the performance updates for the Development Management, Building Standards and the Development Plans teams.

7. Guidance on the Role of Councillors in Pre--Application Procedures
Stiùireadh mu Dhreuchd Chomhairlichean ann am Modhan Ro-iarrtais

There is circulated Report No. PDI-4-14 (674kb pdf) dated 28 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that the Scottish Government has recently published a document which seeks to encourage elected members to highlight issues with a proposed development at pre-application stage.  Planning Authorities have been tasked with preparing guidance for Members and the report sets out the proposed approach for Highland.  

The Committee is asked to agree:

i. the pre-application procedure for Highland as set out in the report;  
ii. that the Planning Applications Committee (PAC) scheme of delegation be modified to include the new Planning Advice Note (PAN) procedure;
iii. that mandatory Member training on the new procedures be undertaken before its implementation – a provisional date of 29 August 2014 has been set aside for this purpose; and
iv. that the new procedure be implemented at the meetings of the respective PACs in September 2014.

8. Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan
Plana Leasachaidh Ionadail Linne Mhoireibh A-staigh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-5-14 (203kb pdf) dated 30 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure summarising the representations received on the Inner Moray Firth Proposed Local Development Plan and seeking approval for the proposed Council position on the issues raised.  It provides recommendations for the next steps in the statutory process towards adoption of the Plan, starting with submission to Scottish Ministers to enable an Examination of the Plan by independent Reporters.

The Committee is asked to:

i. consider the issues raised through representations on the Plan as set out in the Schedule 4s available by clicking here and in the Members’ library, and summarised in Section 2 of this report;
ii. agree the suggested Council position on these issues, also set out in the Schedule 4s and summarised in Section 3 of this report;
iii. agree to authorise officers to proceed with statutory procedures required to progress the Proposed Plan to Examination, including the submission of all Schedule 4s for ‘unresolved issues’ to Scottish Ministers; and
iv. agree to authorise the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee, to make non-material changes to the Schedule 4s prior to their submission to the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals.

9. Inshes and Raigmore Masterplan, and Inshes Junction Upgrade
Prìomh Phlana nan Innseagan agus An Rathaig Mhòir, agus Leasachadh Ceann-rathaid nan Innseagan

There is circulated joint Report No. PDI-6-14 (1870kb pdf) dated 1 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Director of Community Services setting out the background and material relating to a forthcoming public consultation event, being carried out in partnership with Transport Scotland, relating to land use opportunities and strategic and local transport network improvements in the Inshes and Raigmore areas of Inverness.

The Committee is asked to agree that the material contained as Appendices to this report (Booklet A) forms the basis of a public consultation on development opportunities in the Inshes and Raigmore areas which will inform a draft development brief (Appendix A) and the related outline roads proposals for Inshes Junction Improvements Phase 2 (Appendix B).

10. Millburn Road Active Travel Corridor
Trannsa Siubhail Rathad Allt a’ Mhuilinn

There is circulated Report No. PDI-7-14 (25kb pdf) dated 1 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure seeking approval for £50,000 from the Development and Infrastructure Capital Programme as a contribution to the Millburn Road Active Travel Corridor.  The report further seeks approval for £50,000 of the £1million Carbon CLEVER allowance for 2014/15 for LED Street Lighting along the Millburn Road Active Travel corridor.

The Committee is asked to approve:

i. a contribution of £50,000 from the Capital Programme for the Millburn Road Active Travel Corridor; and
ii. a £50,000 allocation from the Carbon CLEVER capital budget for 2014/15 for the installation of LED street lighting along the Active Travel Corridor.

11. Proposed Compulsory Purchase of land at Nether Lochaber Slip (Corran Ferry)
Ceannachd Èigneachail a Thathar a’ Moladh a thaobh Talamh aig Sliop Loch Abar Ìochdarach (Aiseag a’ Chorrain)

There is circulated joint Report No. PDI-8-14 (166kb pdf) dated 1 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Head of Corporate Governance seeking approval to proceed with the compulsory purchase, using the Council’s statutory powers, of ground relating to the Nether Lochaber Slip, the eastern terminal of the Council-operated Corran Ferry crossing.

Between September and December 2010, the Council undertook urgent repair and strengthening of the Slip. The work included the construction of a new berthing face for the ferry vessel.  This new berthing face sits on seabed and foreshore ground that is in private ownership. The Council has sought to purchase that area of ground (some 116 sq. metres); however, the owner remains unwilling to sell the ground to the Council.

The Committee is asked to agree to recommend that the Council:

i. resolves to make The Highland Council (Nether Lochaber Slip) Compulsory Purchase Order 2014 to acquire the ground required for the slip as shown in Appendix A to the report;
ii. authorises the Director of Development and Infrastructure to advertise the Compulsory Purchase Order and take all necessary steps to obtain title; and
iii. authorises the Director of Development and Infrastructure to undertake negotiations through the District Valuer of any claims for compensation and costs payable to owners and lessees of the ground required.

12. Cumulative Landscape and Visual Assessment of Wind Energy in Caithness
Measadh Tionalach Cruth-tìre agus Lèirsinneach a thaobh Lùth Gaoithe ann an Gallaibh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-9-14 (830kb pdf) dated 1 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure presenting conclusions and recommendations from a draft Cumulative Landscape and Visual Assessment of Wind Energy in Caithness, which has been produced for the Council.  The assessment has been funded by Scottish Government grant, for which The Highland Council and Argyll & Bute Council submitted a joint bid.  Landscape and visual impacts, including cumulative impacts, are typically key considerations for wind energy proposals and Caithness has experienced considerable development pressure.  The report presents the consultant’s initial conclusions and recommendations to Committee.  Members are asked to agree the next steps in finalising the report, to enable it to be published and have weight within the planning process.

The Committee is asked to:

i. note the initial conclusions and recommendations from the consultant’s draft report on the Cumulative Landscape and Visual Assessment of Wind Energy in Caithness;
ii. agree the next steps in finalising the report, to enable it to be published and have weight within the planning process; and
iii. note the intention that a further report will be brought to a future meeting of the Committee to consider revision of the Onshore Wind Energy Interim Supplementary Guidance in the light of this work and on options for producing cumulative landscape and visual guidance for other areas of Highland.

13. Highland Historic Environment Strategy, Appendix 1: Historic Windows & Doors (Consultation draft)
Ro-innleachd Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil na Gàidhealtachd, Pàipear-taice 1: Uinneagan & Dorsan Eachdraidheil (Dreachd Cho-chomhairle)

There is circulated Report No. PDI-10-14 (332kb pdf) dated 25 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure introducing the Highland Historic Environment Strategy, Appendix 1, Historic Windows and Doors (Consultation Draft).

The Committee is asked to approve the content of the Highland Historic Environment Strategy, Appendix 1, Historic Windows and Doors (Consultation Draft) for full public consultation prior to formal adoption.

14. High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013
Achd nan Callaidean Àrda (Alba) 2013

There is circulated Report No. PDI-11-14 (430kb pdf) dated 25 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that, on 1 April 2014, the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 came into force and introduced new powers for Councils in Scotland to take action against high hedges which form a barrier to light and adversely affect the enjoyment of an adjacent property.  In order to discharge its functions under this Act, the Council amended its Scheme of Delegation at its March meeting. Interim policies and fees were also introduced by the Development & Infrastructure Service.  The report provides a brief background to, and explanation of, the new high hedge processes and makes recommendations on the adoption of guidance and fixing of fees.

The Committee is asked to note the general information in this report and the background to the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 contained within Appendix A to the report; and agree:

i. the guidance included in Appendix B to the report as statutory guidance under Section 31 of the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013;
ii. the fees and fee refund scenarios included in Appendix C to the report under Section 4 of the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013; and
iii. that both the guidance and fees/refund scenarios will be reviewed in due course after a bedding-in period and a further report presented to Committee, should any revisions be considered necessary.

15. Business Gateway
Slighe Gnothachais

There is circulated Report No PDI-12-14 (46kb pdf) dated 25 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Members on the Business Gateway Contract Performance for the year ended 2013/14; and on the integration of Business Gateway within the wider support activity provided by The Highland Council.

The Committee is asked to note:

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

16. Employability Services
Seirbheisean Cosnaidh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-13-14 (41kb pdf) dated 29 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Members on existing and planned activity for 2014/15 across the various workstreams undertaken by the Employability Team.

The Committee is asked to:

i. note the contents of the report and updates given on activity; and
ii. agree to the proposed Work Plan 2014/15.

17. Trading Standards 2014/15 Operational Plan
Plana Obrachaidh Inbhean Malairt 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. PDI-14-14 (393kb pdf) dated 15 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure setting out the factors that have been taken into account in setting the priorities for Trading Standards in the year ahead and placing before Members for approval the Trading Standards Operational Plan for 2014/15.  The report also advises that in due course Trading Standards will be assimilated into the Development & Infrastructure Service Plan. However, the approval of this Annual Operational Plan will become a Service Plan enabling action, supporting Annual Performance Review.  

The Committee is asked to approve the Trading Standards 2014/15 Operational Plan.

18. Highland LEADER Programme
Prògram LEADER na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No. PDI-15-14 (27kb pdf) dated 25 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on the Highland LEADER 2007-13 Programme, highlighting progress to date, audit issues encountered, and the 2013 Internal Audit grading, and offering a brief comment on a future LEADER Programme 2014-2020.

The Committee is asked to note:

i. the progress achieved and benefits secured with the delivery of the 2007-13 Highland LEADER Programme;
ii. the audit issues, the high level of risk associated with claim eligibility and the priority assigned to the mitigating actions; and
iii. proposals for the preparation of the 2014-2020 Highland LEADER Programme.

19. Scottish Government Consultation on Future CAP Direct Payments in Scotland from 2015
Co-chomhairleachadh Riaghaltas na h-Alba mu Phàighidhean Dìreach CAP san Àm ri Teachd ann an Alba bho 2015

There is circulated Report No. PDI-16-14 (25kb pdf) dated 28 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing a summary of the Highland Council response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on future Common Agriculture Policy direct payments from 2015.  The consultation was discussed and the response agreed at a workshop attended by members of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee on 27 February.  The closing date for responses was set at 28 March 2014 and the Council response has been submitted.  A copy of the full response can be found on the Members’ Bulletin.

The Committee is asked to:

i. consider the key points of the Council response to the recent Direct Payments consultation; and
ii. homologate the response submitted on behalf of the Council.

20. Establishing a Local Food Network
A’ Stèidheachadh Lìonra Bìdh Ionadail

There is circulated Report No. PDI-17-14 (32kb pdf) dated 28 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing brief feedback on work undertaken by consultants Rural Analysis Associates on behalf of The Highland Council and the Think Local Community Food Fund.  The consultants undertook consultations investigating the potential for developing an industry-led local food and drink network that could co-ordinate and drive future activities to support the sector in the Highlands.  A copy of the full report can be found on the Members’ Bulletin.

The Committee is invited to:

i. note the outcomes of the recent consultancy project and the support that exists for the establishment of a virtual local food network in the Highlands; and
ii. approve the recommendation to begin discussions with Moray Council, Business Gateway colleagues, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Opportunity Ltd and Think Local with a view to establishing a Highland and Moray Local Food Network at the earliest opportunity.

21. Allotments Policy – Annual Report
Aithisg Bhliadhnail mu Phoileasaidh Lotaichean

There is circulated Report No. PDI-18-14 (230kb pdf) dated 23 April 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform presenting an annual report of the Council’s Allotment Policy and proposing an approach to delivering the Programme commitment to encourage community growing.

The Committee is asked to note:

i. the allotments policy annual report and that the Council Programme target of four new sites by 2014 has been met; and
ii. that the forthcoming Community Empowerment Bill is expected to replace existing allotments legislation and that the Council’s Allotments Policy and targets can be reviewed, to reflect the new legislative requirements.

The Committee is asked to agree the proposed approach to supporting and encouraging community growing in Highland through land availability where the Council has suitable land, targeting support initially for three years in areas of deprivation and facilitating networking & skills sharing.

22. Internal Audit Final Report – Compliance with the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme 2012/13
Aithisg Dheireannach In-sgrùdaidh – Gèilleadh ri Sgeama Èifeachdas Lùtha Gealltanas Lùghdachadh Càrboin 2012/13

There is circulated a copy of the Audit Summary Report (33kb pdf) issued by the Internal Audit Section on the Council’s Compliance with the Carbon Reduction Energy Efficiency Scheme 2012/13.  This report was previously considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 27 March 2014.

The Committee is invited to consider the Audit Report.

23. Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland – Area Based Scheme
Prògram Èifeachdais Lùtha Dachaigh airson Alba – Sgeama Stèidhichte air Sgìre

There is circulated Report No. PDI-19-14 (16kb pdf) dated 22 April 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure confirming the updated position on the Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland – Area Based Scheme in Highland and detailing the phase 2 programme of works.

The Committee is asked to note the progress and implications of the Scheme and promote any suggested areas for inclusion in future years’ planning.

24. Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Advisory Board Minutes – 3 December 2013
Geàrr-chunntas Bòrd Comhairleachaidh Com-pàirteachas Ath-bheothachaidh Ghallaibh agus Chataibh a Tuath –– 3 Dùbhlachd 2013

There are circulated for noting Minutes of meeting of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Forum held on 3 December 2013 (627kb pdf).

25. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There are circulated separately in Booklet B for noting Minutes of the Planning Applications Committees (PAC) for:-

i. North PAC, 14 January 2014
ii. South PAC, 21 January 2014
iii. North PAC, 18 February 2014
iv. South PAC, 25 February 2014
v. North PAC, 25 March 2014

26. Exclusion of the Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

27. Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI-20/14 dated 2 May 2014 by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure providing Members with details of the General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships and Corporate Property Asset Manager under delegated authority.  The report also advises Members on sales concluded in 2013/14, and sales targeted for completion within the financial year 2014/15 and future years.

The Committee is asked to approve the monitoring statements for the General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships and Corporate Property Asset Manager under delegated authority, Budgeted Sales for 2013/14 and 2014/15, and Future Years Sales.

Members are requested to note that details of other issues of interest relating to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee are available through the Bulletin on the Council’s Intranet.