Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Tuesday, 2 September 2014 at 10.30 am.

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.  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 have not been exercised in relation to the business of the City of Inverness Area Committee.

4.  Update on Inverness City Centre Development Brief and Key City Centre Projects
Fios às ùr mu Bhrath Leasachaidh Meadhan Baile Inbhir Nis agus Prìomh       Phròiseactan a’ Buntainn ri Meadhan a’ Bhaile

There is circulated Report No. CIA/32/14 dated 20 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which sets out progress in developing a City Centre Action Plan to reflect the outcomes of the recent public consultation on the City Centre, including initial steps to develop tourism and cultural facilities, improve access and connections and regenerate Academy Street.  It also outlines a proposed update to the Inverness City Centre Development Brief to incorporate the City Centre Action Plan and expand guidelines for future development in the City Centre.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. agree that work proceeds on City Centre projects (as identified in Appendix 1) including improvements to cultural and tourism facilities, improve access and connections, and regenerate Academy Street;
ii. agree the proposed scope of the updated Inverness City Centre Development Brief presented in Appendix 2; and
iii. note that the timetable for publishing the updated brief for public consultation will be presented for approval at the next meeting of this Committee.

5.  The Highland Council Response to Transport Scotland’s A9/A96 Connections Study
Freagairt Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd do Sgrùdadh Cheangalan A9/A96 Chòmhdhail Alba

There is circulated Report No. CIA/33/14 dated 20 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which sets out the background to Transport Scotland’s A9/A96 Connections Study and describes the route options currently being considered.  It provides an overview of the public comments on these options received by Transport Scotland and a recommended Council response to the Study.

The Committee is invited to agree the Council response to Transport Scotland’s A9/A96 Connections Study contained in Appendix A.

6.  Draft Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief
Dreachd Bhrath Leasachaidh nan Innseagan is an Rathaig Mhòir

There is circulated Report No. CIA/34/14 dated 21 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines the content of a draft development brief for the Inshes and Raigmore area of the City of Inverness.  This planning policy document is required to guide land use opportunities and related strategic and local transport network improvements in the area.  The draft brief is contained in Appendix A, circulated separately, for Members approval.  Its preparation has been informed by a public consultation on ‘Issues & Options’ held earlier this year, and the recommended responses to the comments received are set out in Appendix B also for Members approval.  After a consultation and further Committee approval process, it is intended that the brief will be adopted as a statutory part of the Council’s Development Plan.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the comments received to the Issues and Options consultation and agree the recommended Council responses contained in Appendix A; and
ii. agree Appendix B as the content of the Draft Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief to be subject to public consultation.

7.  EU Green Infrastructure Programme 2014/2020: Inverness ‘Walks on Water’
Prògram Bun-structair Uaine an Aonaidh Eòrpaich 2014/2020:  ‘Cuairtean air Uisge’ Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. CIA/35/14 dated 20 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines details of a bid for funding from the EU Green Infrastructure Programme to provide a sequence of high quality green spaces linked by green active travel routes along our waterways and seafront in Inverness.  This proposal was identified at the Muirtown and South Kessock Design Event earlier this year, where the community collaborated with public and private sector representatives to agree the regeneration and development priorities for this area of the City.  The proposal was submitted by the Highland Council in partnership with Scottish Canals and other partners.

The project titled ‘Walks on Water’ aims to improve key areas and facilities along the River Ness, Caledonian Canal and the seafront.  It has potential to deliver a range of benefits for the City in terms of improved accessibility, enabling access to high quality open space and therefore improving quality of life.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note and approve the Inverness ‘Walks on Water’ proposal; and
ii. agree for officers to progress the next stages of the bid process in liaison with partners.

8.  Inverness West Link – Publication of Road Orders
Ceangal Inbhir Nis an Iar – Foillseachadh Òrdughan Rathaid

There is circulated Report No. CIA/36/14 dated 19 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which advises Members on the proposal to publish the proposed Road Orders for Stage 1 of the Inverness West Link.  The Inverness West Link was granted Planning Permission at the South Planning Applications Committee meeting on 8 April 2014 and the Compulsory Purchase Order, for the land required for the project, is currently being progressed.

The Committee is invited to approve the following proposed Road Orders as detailed in Appendix A are published:-

i. The Highland Council (Proposed West Link Road Stage 1 - Sections Of Bught Road (U3823) And Ness Side Road (U2238), Inverness) (Stopping Up) Order 2014;
ii. The Highland Council (Proposed West Link Road Stage 1 - Private Means Of Access From Bught Road (U3823) And Ness Side Road (U2238), Inverness) (Stopping Up Of Accesses) Order 2014; and
iii. The Highland Council (Proposed West Link Road Stage 1 - Various Footpaths, Inverness) (Stopping Up) Order 2014.

9.  River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme (Tidal Section) Phase 1
Draft Traffic Orders – Huntly Street
Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Abhainn Nis (Earrann a’ Mhuir-làin) Ceum 1
Dreachd Òrduighean Trafaig

There is circulated Report No. CIA/37/14 dated 18 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which invites Members to review representations made by the general public to the revised draft Traffic Orders affecting Huntly Street, and to note progress on the River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 1.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the making of the proposed Traffic Orders as drafted:

- The Highland Council (Huntly Street, Inverness) (Restricted Parking Zone Order 2012) Amended Order 2014;
- The Highland Council (Inverness Permit Parking) Order 1999 (Various Roads, Inverness) Amendment Order 2014; and
- The Highland Regional Council (Inverness – Riverside West) (General Traffic) Order 1984 (Balnain Street, Friars Place, Greig Street, Huntly Street, Inverness) Amendment Order 2014.

ii. consider amendments to the Traffic Orders, namely to further reduce space allocated to loading and disabled users to provide an additional 4  pay & display spaces in the southern half of Huntly Street. This proposal would address some of the parking concerns of 8 out of 9 of the objections, but would require approval from this Committee to publish further draft Traffic Orders Proposals; and
iii. note the programme for scheme delivery for completion in April 2015.

10.  Engaging with Police and Fire and Rescue Services at Area Committee
A’ Dèanamh Ceangal le Seirbheisean Poilis agus Smàlaidh is Teasairginn aig Comataidh na Sgìre

There is circulated Report No. CIA/38/14 dated 6 August 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which describes the role of members in engaging with the new national services for police and fire and rescue. It is provided as context for the members in considering the first round of new style performance reports from the national bodies at the City Committee.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the requirements on the Council for the engagement and scrutiny of police and fire and rescue services;
ii. the governance arrangements we have for this purpose through strategic, non-strategic and area committees as well as partnership arrangements through community planning and district partnerships; and
iii. local members have important engagement and scrutiny roles but have no role in specifying operational matters or in agreeing resource allocation.

The Committee is also asked to agree to scrutinise the performance of police and fire and rescue services based on information provide separately for the Area Committee and to make use of the good practice guidance for doing this as set out in Appendix 2.

11.  Police – Area Performance Summary
Poilis – Geàrr-chunntas an Dèanadais Sgìreil

There is circulated Report No. CIA/39/14 dated 19 August 2014 by the Area Commander for Police which provides a local summary update to Committee Members on progress with reference to the local priorities within the Highland 2014-2017 Policing Plan.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and discuss the progress report in relation to the 5 Priorities; Road Safety, Alcohol and Drug Abuse/Misuse, Antisocial Behaviour/Disorder, Crimes of Dishonesty and Protecting People.

12.  Fire and Rescue Service Area Committee Plan and Performance Report for 2014-15
Plana agus Aithisg Dèanadais Comataidh Sgìreil na Seirbheis Smàlaidh is Teasairginn airson 2014-15

There is circulated Report No. CIA/40/14 dated 11 August 2014 by the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue setting out, in separate booklets A and B:-

a) Area Committee Plan for City of Inverness for 2014-15 (Booklet A); and
b) City of Inverness Performance Report (Booklet B).

The Committee is invited to comment and scrutinise the attached Area Committee Plan for 2014-15 and Performance Report.

13.  Public Space Amenity – Inverness Response Team
Sgioba Freagairt Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/41/14 dated 21 August 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement and the Inverness Area Commander (Highland Division – Police Scotland) which provides a briefing on the development of an Inverness Community Safety Partnership initiative namely, Inverness Response Team, designed to address local Public space amenity issues on a daily basis. Sharing resources to ensure early intervention in preventing and tackling community concerns. Thereby freeing up resources invested in dealing with acute problems, delivering better outcomes and achieving value for money.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the creation of a multi-agency partnership Response Team;
ii. support the role and remit of the Response Team; and
iii. note the commitment by public, private and third sector organisations.

14.  Communities Panel Development
Leasachadh Panal nan Coimhearsnachdan

There is circulated Report No. CIA/42/14 dated 11 August 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which summarises the approach to developing the Council’s new Communities Panel.  Members are asked to note the report and suggest any other groups that should be invited to be part of the Communities Panel.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the approach to developing the Communities Panel outlined at section 2; and
ii. consider, and suggest additional representative groups to be included in the draft invitation list provided at Appendix 1.

15.  Local Air Quality Management – Proposed Air Quality Management Area Declaration
Rianachd Càileachd Èadhair Ionadail – Foillseachadh Rianachd Càileachd Èadhair a Thathar a’ Moladh

There is circulated Report No. CIA/43/14 dated 20 August 2014 by the Director of Community Services which explains that a Detailed Assessment has been carried out for Nitrogen dioxide within Inverness City Centre. This area was identified as being at risk of exceeding the Annual Mean Air Quality Objective for Nitrogen dioxide, based on monitoring in 2012, as set out in The Highland Council’s 2013 Progress Report. The Environment Act 1995 now requires the Highland Council to designate an Air Quality Management Area by order as outlined in Appendix 1 and, after further assessment and consultation, produce an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP).

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the main conclusions for the Detailed Assessment Report Inverness May 2014;
ii. note the boundaries of the Inverness city centre AQMA as described in attached plan and associated Declaration Order (Appendix 1); and
iii. endorse the action planning process associated with the declaration of an AQMA for Inverness City Centre.

16.  Landfill Communities Fund
Maoin Choimhearsnachdan an Tiodhlacaidh Sgudail

There is circulated Report No. CIA/44/14 dated 13 August 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invites Members to approve an application to the Highland Council Landfill Community Fund.

The Committee is invited to approve the application as detailed.

17.  Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme
Prògram Rothaireachd, Coiseachd agus Sràidean nas Sàbhailte

There is circulated Report No. CIA/45/14 dated 19 August 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invites Members to approve the projects delivered through the Scottish Government funding for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets for the City of Inverness area, as set out in Appendix 1.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the Safer Routes to School (SRTS) Project listed in Appendix 1; and
ii. note that the Road Safety Unit will continue to work with schools to develop further SRTS Projects for future years.

18.  Grounds Maintenance Performance Monitoring Report – mid season update
Aithisg Sgrùdadh Dèanadais a thaobh Cumail Suas Làraich – fios às ùr am meadhan na ràithe

There is circulated Report No. CIA/46/14 dated 19 August 2014 by the Director of Community Services which details performance management information of the Grounds Maintenance Services from April to July 2014.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. scrutinise the performance management and remedial action information provided on the grounds maintenance service set out in this report; and
ii. note the management action taken to address the performance issues identified and agree to review required service standards at future Ward Business meetings.

19.  Housing Performance Report – 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2014
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean 2014 gu 30 Òg mhios 2014

There is circulated Report No. CIA/47/14 dated 19 August 2014 by the Director of Community Services which provides information on how the Housing Section performed in relation to Scottish Social Housing Charter and other performance indicators during the first quarter of 2014/15.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April to 30 June 2014.

20.  Capital Projects – Investing in Inverness and Area
Pròiseactan Calpa – Tasgadh ann an Inbhir Nis agus a Sgìre

There is circulated Report No. CIA/48/14 dated 19 August 2014 by the Director of Finance which lists the capital projects included in the Council’s capital programme being delivered in the City of Inverness area in financial year 2014/15 and the in-year budgets for these projects.

The Committee is invited to consider and note the budgeted capital projects being delivered in the City of Inverness area in 2014/15.

21.  Kilchuimen Associated School Group Overview
Sealladh Coitcheann Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte Chille Chuimein

There is circulated Report No. CIA/49/14 dated 18 August 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Kilchuimen Associated School Group (ASG), and provides useful updated links to further information in relation to these schools.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and note the content of the report.

22.  Annual Reports
Aithisgean Bliadhnail

a) Inverness City Heritage Trust – Reporting of Company Activity to Council
Urras Dualchais Baile Inbhir Nis – Ag Aithris Gnìomhachd Companaidh dhan Chomhairle

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/50/14 dated 31 July 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement and City Heritage Trust Officer which informs Members on the work of Inverness City Heritage Trust (ICHT) during the financial years 2012/13 and 2013/14.  Particular attention is given to the total grant allocation to properties in Inverness Riverside and Crown Conservation Areas to date. Members are asked to note the work of the Trust in partnership with Inverness College (UHI) and Historic Scotland with regard to raising awareness of traditional building skills and materials amongst professionals, practitioners, local contractors and property owners.  Members are also asked to note the work of the Trust with The Highland Council with regards to the Empty Homes Initiative and the Regenerating Inverness City Centre project.

The Committee is invited to comment and note:-

i. the contributions made by the Inverness City Heritage Trust in delivering a programme of conservation work funded by grant assistance in Inverness since 2005;
ii. the work carried out in partnership with Inverness College, Historic Scotland and the RTPI to deliver two separate conferences for building professionals/ practitioners and home owners.  Also the work with The Highland Council on their Empty Homes Initiative; and
iii. the current situation with regard to future funding from Historic Scotland for Inverness City Heritage Trust.

b) Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism BID: Progress Report
Sgìre Leasachaidh Gnothachais Inbhir Nis agus Loch Nis: Aithisg Adhartais

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/51/14 dated 15 August 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement and BID Chief Executive which describes the progress made since then with particular reference to the transition from destination management organisation (DMO) in to a Tourism BID, the setting up of the operational structure and the beginnings of project activity.  Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism BID was established following the successful ballot result on the 14 March 2014.

The Committee is invited to endorse the continuing work and activities of the Tourism BID.

23.  Inverness Common Good Fund
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) Scheme for Winter Payments 2014/15
Molaidhean Sgeama Phàighidhean Geamhraidh 2014/15

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/52/14 dated 19 August 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which follows on from the revision of the Winter Payment Scheme for 2013/14 and builds on these amendments to improve the Winter Payment Scheme for 2014/15.

The Committee is invited to agree the following recommendations for the 2014/15 Winter Payment Scheme:-

i. that criteria for the 2013/14 scheme as set out in paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3 above be used as the basis for the 2014/15 scheme;
ii. eligibility for the 2014/15 scheme be extended to include those with children under the age of 5 years that also receive Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance, Income based Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit);
iii. a single tier payment of £79 be made to those applicants that satisfy the eligibility criteria for the 2014/15 scheme;
iv. the scheme be made available to residents in the City of Inverness and the Landward areas of the seven City Wards;
v. the sum set aside within the Inverness Common Good Fund revenue budget 2014/2015 for the Winter Payment Scheme, be increased to £100,000, with the sum of £50,000 being Ring-fenced within the current Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee Grants budget to be used for this purpose and only released back for general allocation if not required; and
vi. an award of £20,000 to Blythswood Care in principle with power to confirm the award being delegated to the Inverness City Manager in consultation with the Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee.

b) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There is circulated Report No. CIA/53/14 dated 15 August 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which presents the expenditure monitoring position for the Common Good Fund as of 30 June 2014 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise the financial monitoring report.

c) Grants and Capital Projects
Tabhartasan agus Pròiseactan Calpa

There is circulated Report No. CIA/54/14 dated 14 August 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which sets out the current applications for grant funding to be determined and the current status of capital projects.

In this connection, there is circulated separately a copy of supporting documentation as Booklet C.

The Committee is invited to consider the applications for funding and scrutinise the current status of capital projects.

d) Sale of Land at Slip Road – Longman Roundabout
Reic Fearainn aig Leas-rathad – Cearcall-rathaid an Longman

Members are advised that Transport Scotland were granted a licence to occupy an area of land at the Longman roundabout to construct a filter lane in November 2012.  The land is held in the Common Good portfolio and Transport Scotland were granted the licence as a short term solution whilst sales negotiations were undertaken.  Transport Scotland initially offered £500 for the land and we have now negotiated a proposed sale price of £7,000.  The land extends to 2,815 sqm of rough ground and given its location is considered to have limited future development value.

The Committee is invited to formalise the agreement and agree to sell the land to Transport Scotland for £7,000.

24.  Membership of Tourism BID
Ballrachd Sgìre Leasachaidh Gnothachais airson Turasachd

Members are advised that following a successful ballot on 13 March 2014, Uniqueness – The Loch Ness and Inverness Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) came into existence on 1 April 2014.  As the Highland Council have no tourism related properties in the tourism bid area the Council is not a levy payer and did not vote on the creation of the TBID.  Since the creation of the TBID, its Members have elected a board of directors which is chaired by Colin Marr, Chief Executive at Eden Court Theatre.  In recognition of the Council’s role in tourism in the area, this Board has also invited the Committee to nominate a Member as Board Director.

The Committee is invited to nominate a Member to serve as a Director on the Board as detailed.

25.  Inverness Local Holidays 2015/16
Saor-làithean Ionadail Inbhir Nis 2015/16

2015
Thursday 1 January
Friday 2 January
Monday 2 February
Monday 2 March
Monday 6 April (Easter Monday)
Monday 4 May (May Day)
Monday 6 July
Monday 5 October
Monday 2 November
Friday 25 December
Monday 28 December

2016
Friday 1 January
Monday 4 January
Monday 1 February
Monday 7 March
Monday 28 March (Easter Monday)
Monday 2 May (May Day)
Monday 4 July
Monday 3 October
Monday 7 November
Monday 26 December
Tuesday 27 December

The Committee is invited to agree the above dates as Local Holidays for the City of Inverness for years 2015 and 2016.

26.  Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There are circulated Minutes of the Meetings as follows:-

i. City of Inverness Area Committee held on 3 June 2014 for noting;
ii. Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 29 May, 20 June and 22 August 2014 for approval;
iii. Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 27 June 2014 for approval; and
iv. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 11 August 2014 for approval.