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, 20 August 2014, at 10.30am.

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
Leisgeulan

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.   Presentation by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) on the ElectricityTransmission Grid in Highland
Taisbeanadh leis a’ Chompanaidh Lùtha Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) air Griod Dealain na Gàidhealtachd

A presentation will be given by Mr David Gardner, Director of Transmission, Scottish and Southern Energy, on the electricity transmission grid in Highland, and the responsibilities of SHE Transmission, the regulated arm or SSE, as a utility.

4.   Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that the recess powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 26 June 2014 did not require to be exercised in relation to the business of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

5.   Revenue Budget
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach

There is circulated Report No. PDI-21/14 dated 6 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure commenting on the final outturn for the revenue budget for the former Planning and Development Service for the year to 31 March 2014 and on the revenue monitoring position for the Development and Infrastructure Service for the period to 30 June 2014.

The Committee is asked to:

i.  note the Planning and Development Service revenue budget outturn statement for 2013/14; and
ii.  agree the Development and Infrastructure Service monitoring report to the end of June 2014.

6.   Capital Expenditure
Caiteachas Calpa

6i.    Final Outturn 2013/14
Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. PDI-22/14 dated 7 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure commenting on the final outturn for the capital budget (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) for the year to 31 March 2014.     

The Committee is asked to note the Planning and Development Capital Budget outturn statement to 31 March 14.

 6ii.    Monitoring 2014/15
Sgrùdadh 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. PDI-23/14 dated 5 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure outlining expenditure and income to 30 June 2014 for the 2014/15 capital programme 

The Committee is asked to approve the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2014.

7.   Draft Service Plan 2014/17: Development and Infrastructure Service Plan 2014/17
Dreachd Phlana Seirbheis 2014/17: Seirbheis Leasachaidh is Bun-structair

There is circulated Report No. PDI-24/14 dated 9 July 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that the draft service plan for the Development and Infrastructure Service outlines how the Service will lead and support commitments which will deliver “Working Together for the Highlands”, the Programme for the Highland Council.  The Plan also details how the new Service will operate, its approach and priorities.  The draft Service Plan is circulated separately as Booklet A.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   consider the draft Development and Infrastructure Service - Service Plan 2014/17; and
ii.   approve the draft Plan subject to any alterations agreed by Committee.

8.  Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 1 Performance Review
Frèam Dèanadas Dealbhaidh agus Ath-bhreithneachadh Dèanadais Cairteil 1  

There is circulated Report No. PDI-25/14 dated 6 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising Members on the delivery of the Development Management, Building Standards and Development Plan services for the 1st Quarter of 2014/15.  The report also seeks approval for the Service Improvement Plan which will be included within the Council’s Planning Performance Framework submission to Scottish Government by end September 2014.

The Committee is asked to:

i.    note the performance updates across the Development Management, Building Standards and Development
      Plans teams; and
ii.   agree the Service Improvement Plan for submission to the Scottish Government.

9.  Building Standards Balanced Scorecard and Continuous Improvement Plan2014/15
Cairt-sgòraidh air Inbhean Togail agus am Plana Leasachaidh Leantainneach 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. PDI-26/14 dated 30 July 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that, as verifier for its geographical area, the Council is required to submit to Scottish Government Building Standards Division a suite of Key Performance Outcomes (KPOs).  Two of these outcomes; The Balanced Scorecard and The Continuous Improvement Plan, are the subject of this paper. 

The Committee is asked to agree the Balanced Scorecard for 2014/15 and the Continuous Improvement Plan - Summary for Quarter 1 for 2014/15.

10.  National Planning Framework 3 and Scottish Planning Policy
Frèama Planaidh Nàiseanta 3 agus Poileasaidh Planaidh na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No. PDI-27/14 dated 5 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure detailing how recently finalised national planning strategy and policy will affect Highland. The National Planning Framework (NPF3) and Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) were published on 23rd June 2014 and will influence Highland planning strategy, policy and decisions on individual planning applications and appeals. Outcomes of the Committee’s previous comments on the earlier consultation documents are explained.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note the content of the finalised NPF3 and SPP and the outcome of the Council’s previous representations;
    and
ii.  agree that officers take account of this new national context in development plan formulation and 
    development management practice.

11.   The Council’s Engagement with the European Union: Annual Report 2013/14
A’ Chomhairle na dèiligeadh leis an Aonadh Eòrpach: Aithisg Bhliadhnail 2013/14

There is circulated Report No. PDI-28/14 dated 5 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing a summary of the activity undertaken by the Council since April 2013 in delivering on its commitment to maximise the benefits to the Highlands from Europe.  The report looks back at European funding acquired from the current programmes, programme management, consultation responses submitted and the Council’s involvement in EU networks.  It also provides an update on the latest position in the development of the European Regional Development and Social Funds in the Highlands & Islands 2014 to 20.

The Committee is asked to note the information provided on relevant Council activity in 2013/14 and agree to:

i.   maintain an emphasis on carbon management, green transport, low carbon communities, employability,
     business competitiveness and smart cities within the Council’s priorities for engaging with the Scottish
     Government regarding the attraction of  EU funds 2014-20;
ii.  support continued Council membership of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions, Euromontana
     and the North Sea Commission; and
iii.  seek further reports on the total value of the regional funds to the Highlands from the 2007-13
     programmes and the potential value to the Council of the 2014-20 Programmes to the Council.

12.   Business Gateway
Slighe Gnothachais

There is circulated Report No. PDI-29/14 dated 4 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Members on the Business Gateway contract performance for the 1st Quarter of 2014/15 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 first quarter of the operational year 2014/15.

13.   Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme
Sgeama Ath-bheothachaidh Sgìre Ghleidhteachais

There is circulated Report No. PDI-30/14 dated 5 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that Historic Scotland has launched its 6th Round of the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) and is seeking applications by the end of August 2014.  The report recommends that a bid be submitted to secure Historic Scotland match funding for the Regenerating Inverness City Centre project.

The Committee is asked to agree that a CARS application be submitted for the Regenerating Inverness City Centre project.

14.   The Land of Scotland and the Common Good – Report of the Land Reform Review Group
Fearann na h-Alba agus Mathas Coitcheann – Aithisg bhon Bhuidhinn Mheasaidh air Ath-leasachadh Fearainn

There is circulated Report No. PDI-31/14 dated 11 July 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure highlighting that ‘Working Together for the Highlands 2012 - 2017’ commits the Council to continue supporting the cause of land reform. Delivering this commitment includes engaging in the land reform debate in Scotland and at UK levels and to date this is something the Council has been careful to ensure.  The Council contributed to the Scottish Government’s Land Reform Review Group (LRRG) enquiry and the eagerly awaited report of the Group has now been published. Containing sixty two recommendations, the report addresses many of the issues previously raised by the Council as important if the Scottish Government’s 2020 target of 1million acres in community ownership is to be achieved. This report introduces the recommendations of the LRRG, including those of particular relevance to local authorities.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note the extensive remit of the Land Reform Review Group and the wide ranging recommendations made by
     the Group;
ii.   commit to working with the Scottish Government, and others, wherever appropriate, to extend the impacts
     and benefits of land reform in Scotland;
iii.  agree that the Council seek a place on the proposed short term working group to be set up to develop the
     strategy for delivery of the Scottish Government’s 1million acre target by 2020; and
iv.  agree that a Members’ workshop be set up in the autumn of 2014, with Community Land Scotland
      partners, to consider in more detail the recommendations of the Land Reform Review Group and how the
     Council can contribute most effectively going forward.

15.   Flood Risk Management Planning
Planadh Rianachd air Cunnart Thuiltean

There is circulated Report No. PDI-32/14 dated 28 July 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure presenting progress made to date on the development of the draft Flood Risk Management Strategies for the Highland & Argyll, and Findhorn Nairn and Speyside Local Plan Districts (LPDs). Members are asked to note progress, and provide approval of Key Stages to allow public consultation of the drafts, to take place in December 2014 and March 2015, and more detailed appraisals of the Shortlist of Measures to take place.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note that approval to the ‘Characterisations’ was given at LPD Meetings on 3 July and 30 July 2014; ii.   note the timescale for the first public consultation on the draft Strategy and Plan being December 2014,
     and approve in principle the method of consultation;
iii.  approve The Highland Council’s Initial Objectives and note that formal public consultation on the Initial
     Objectives will take place in March 2015;
iv.  approve the ‘Short List of Measures’ and note that formal public consultation on the Short List of Measures
     will take place in March 2015; 
v.   note that the detailed appraisal of the Short List of Measures will take place in 2015, and a report to this
     Committee will follow;
vi.  note the proposed development of a single Highland-wide ‘Surface Water Management Plan’, and agree
     the proposed ‘High Priority Areas’; and
vii.  agree in principle to Scottish Water developing an Integrated Catchment Study for Inverness.

16.   Housing Development Initiatives
Iomairtean leasachaidh Taigheadais

There is circulated Report No. PDI-33/14 dated 4 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure confirming the purchase of a site in Fort William and seeking approval for a further site purchase and for loans to be offered to support development of affordable housing.  The report also seeks approval to proceed with a development of 8 flats in Alness. 

The Committee is asked to note the purchase of the former Whisky Centre, High Street, Fort William and approve, on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure:

i.   the purchase of the former Belhaven Ward, Belford Road, Fort William for £200,000;
ii.   that a loan of up to £54,000 be offered to Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association to support
     redevelopment a site on Main Street, Kyle;
iii.  that a loan of up to £240,000 be offered to The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust to assist in
     development of 4 houses in Alness; and
iv.  a development of 8 flats be progressed on a site at Kendal Crescent, Alness, through partnership with JNE
     Space systems.

17.   Food Standards Agency Audit Report of Official Controls on Feed
Buidheann nan Inbhean Bìdh Aithisg Sgrùdaidh air Smachdan Biathaidh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-34/14 dated 19 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure recording the results of an audit of the Highland Council with regard to animal feed law enforcement. The audit focused on the Service’s arrangements for inland controls of feed and primary production of both food and feed.  The audit was undertaken as part of the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) focused audit programme of feed controls in Scotland.  An Action Plan, which also details the action taken to date, is appended (Annex A) to the audit report (Appendix 1).

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note the content of the FSA Audit Report of Official Controls on Feed; and
ii.   approve the Action Plan appended as Annex A to the Audit Report.

18.   Internal Audit Final Report - Inspection of Equipment in Schools
Aithisg In-sgrùdaidh Dheireannach – Sgrùdadh air Uidheam Sgoiltean

There is circulated Report No. PDI-35/14 dated 8 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure informing Members as to the objectives and findings of the Audit Report issued by the Internal Audit Section on their Inspection of Equipment in Schools, and updating them on progress against the Action Plan (Appendix 2 to the report).  The Audit Report Summary (Appendix 1 to the report) was previously considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 19 June 2014 and will also be considered by the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee on 28 August 2014.

The Committee is invited to note the findings of the Audit Report presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 19 June 2014 and the action being taken to implement the recommendations.

19.   Highland Economic Forum – Minutes of Meeting of 25 November 2013
Fòram Eaconamach na Gàidhealtachd – Gheàrr-chunntas Coinneamh 25 Samhain 2013

There are circulated for noting the minutes of the Highland Economic Forum held on 25 November 2013.

20.  Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Board– Minutes of Meeting of 19 March 2014
Fòram Ath-bheothachaidh Ghallaibh agus Chataibh a Tuath – Geàrr-chunntas bhon Choinneimh air 19 Màrt 2014

There are circulated for noting the minutes of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Boardheld on 19 March 2014.

21.   Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

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

i.     South PAC – 8 April 2014
ii.     North PAC – 29 April 2014
iii.    South PAC – 20 May 2014
iv.    North PAC – 10 June 2014
v.     North PAC – 14 July 2014

22.   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.

23.   Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI-36/14 dated 4 August 2014 by the Director of Development 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 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 2014/15, and Future Years Sales.