Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee will take place in Wick Town Hall, Bridge Street, Wick KW1 4AJ, on Tuesday, 23 September 2014, at 10.30 a.m.

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 were not exercised in relation to the business of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee.

4.    Engaging with Police and Fire and Rescue Services at Area Committee
A’ Conaltradh ri Seirbheisean Poileis agus Smàlaidh is Teasargainn aig Comataidh Sgìreil

There is circulated Report No. CS/23/14 dated 1 September 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 Members in considering the first round of performance reports from the national bodies at Area Committee.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note the requirements on the Council for the engagement and scrutiny of police and fire and rescue
     services;
ii.   note the governance arrangements for this purpose through strategic, non-strategic and area committees,
     as well as partnership arrangements through community planning and district partnerships;
iii.   note that local Members have important engagement and scrutiny roles, but have no role in specifying
     operational matters or in agreeing resource allocation; and
iv.   agree to scrutinise the performance of police and fire and rescue services based on information provided
      separately for the Area Committee and to make use of the good practice guidance for doing this as set out
      in Appendix 2 to the report.

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

There is circulated Report No. CS/24/14 dated 1 September 2014 by the Highland North Area Commander for Police which updates 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.

6.   Fire and Rescue Service
Seirbheis Smàlaidh is Teasairginn

There is circulated Report No. CS/25/14 dated 4 September 2014 by the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue setting out, in separate booklets A & B:

i.     Area Committee Plan for Caithness and Sutherland for 2014-15 (Appendix 1 – Booklet A); and
ii.    Performance Report for Caithness and Sutherland for the period April-May 2014, together with an overview
      of performance figures for years 2010/11-2013/14 (Appendix 2 – Booklet B).

The report and appendices set out the key areas of planned activity and performance identified during the Ward consultation sessions in 2013. Activity areas are identified through a range of Intervention, Prevention and Protection activities delivered in partnership to reduce risk to the communities of Caithness and Sutherland

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and comment on both the Plan and Performance Report.

7.  Caithness and Sutherland Tourism and Presentation from Venture North
Turasachd Ghallaibh is Chataibh agus Taisbeanadh bho Venture North 

Mrs Ellie Lamont of Venture North will be in attendance to give a presentation on the organisation’s activities to develop tourism in Caithness and North Sutherland.

There is also circulated Report No. CS/26/14 dated 2 September 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which updates Members on the development of a Highland Tourism Action Plan and the Council’s work with the North Highland Initiative. The report also provides some strategic context to accompany the presentation being given by Mrs Lamont on Venture North’s work to develop tourism in the Caithness and North Coast Sutherland area.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.   the approach that has been taken to produce tourism strategies and agree actions to develop tourism
    across both the Highlands and the Caithness and Sutherland area;
ii.   that the Council has entered into a service delivery contract with the North Highland Initiative to assist
     their work to develop tourism in the Caithness and Sutherland area; and
iii.  the presentation given by Venture North.

8.  Land Reform Update: Report of the Land Reform Review Group
Fios as Ùr Ath-leasachadh Fearainn: Aithisg bhon Bhuidhinn Mheasaidh air Ath-leasachadh Fearainn

There is circulated Report No. CS/27/14 dated 8 September 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure reminding Members that ‘Working Together for the Highlands 2012 - 2017’ commits the Council to continue supporting the cause of land reform. The report advises that the Council contributed to the Scottish Government’s Land Reform Review Group (LRRG) inquiry and that the 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 1 million 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 invited to:-

i.     note the wide ranging recommendations made by the Land Reform Review Group;
ii.    note that the Council has committed itself to working with the Scottish Government and others to extend
       the impacts and benefits of land reform in Scotland;
iii.   note that the Council has sought a place on the proposed short term working group to develop the 
      strategy for delivery of the Scottish Government’s 1 million acre target by 2020; and
iv.   support the Members’ workshop planned for 29 October 2014 with Community Land Scotland partners, to
       consider in more detail the recommendations of the Land Reform Review Group, the benefits of land
       reform and how the Council can contribute most effectively going forward.

9.         Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan
Plana Leasachaidh Ionadail Ghallaibh is Chataibh

There is circulated Report No. CS/28/14 dated 11 September 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which presents the Main Issues Report (MIR) (Booklet C) for the Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan (CaSPlan) for approval for consultation. The MIR will mark the first formal stage in the preparation of the CaSPlan. It presents suggested outcomes that the plan should deliver in terms of Employment, Growing Communities, Connectivity & Transport and Environment & Heritage. It also seeks people’s views on the main issues affecting the area and the location of future development.

The MIR has been prepared taking into account the existing Development Plan, including the Caithness Local Plan and the Sutherland Local Plan, which CaSPlan will replace when adopted. It also takes account of feedback from the previous stage - the Call for Sites and Ideas. Alongside, a Monitoring Statement and a Strategic Environmental Assessment provide background for the options presented. The consultation on the MIR will inform the preparation of the next stage – the Proposed Plan.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    approve the Main Issues Report content for publication, accepting that a number of minor presentational 
      and typographical changes will need to be made prior to publication, in consultation with the Chair;
ii.    agree to the Main Issues Report and an associated Environmental Report being subject of public
      consultation for a period of 12 weeks, to commence during October 2014;
iii.   agree the proposed arrangements for consultation and role of Members in encouraging people to engage
      in the plan process; and
iv.   agree that the results of the consultation will be reported to this Committee in due course for
      consideration, prior to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee deciding on the contents
      of the Proposed Plan.

10.  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. CS/29/14 dated 11 September 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which presents the findings of the Cumulative Landscape and Visual Assessment of Wind Energy in Caithness (CLVA) (Booklet D) (Booklet E -Maps) which has been produced as advice for the Council. Since the presentation of draft findings to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (PDI) Committee on 14 May 2014, the Cumulative Assessment report has been revised and finalised. In addition, the Scottish Planning Policy (2014), which sets out aspects of how planning authorities are to plan for onshore wind energy, has been published and highlights of that were presented to the PDI Committee on 20 August 2014. The Assessment is a technical study which provides evidence to feed in to Development Planning and Development Management.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    note the finalised findings of the Cumulative Landscape and Visual Assessment of Wind Energy in
     Caithness;
ii.   note the work to be undertaken on revision of the Onshore Wind Energy Interim Supplementary Guidance
      in response to Scottish Planning Policy 2014, which will take into account CLVA and be subject of public
      consultation, including a consultation event to be held in Caithness;
iii.   agree that the CLVA will be referred to, where relevant, as a material consideration in development
      management; and
iv.   agree the proposed timing of a Member workshop to be held on the full range of issues for revision of the
      Interim Supplementary Guidance, including cumulative impact.

11.      Communities Panel Development 
Leasachadh Pannal nan Coimhearsnachdan

There is circulated Report No. CS/30/14 dated 4 September 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform summarising the approach to developing the Council’s new Communities Panel, with particular reference to the Caithness and Sutherland Area.

The Committee is invited to:-

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

12.   Winter Maintenance Plan 2014/15
Plana Cumail Suas a’ Gheamhraidh 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. CS/31/14 dated 2 August 2014 by the Director of Community Services which provides information on winter maintenance preparations and arrangements for the 2014/15 winter period.

The Committee is invited to approve the Winter Maintenance Plans for the Caithness and Sutherland Area for 2014/15, which include the priority road maps presented in Appendix B to the report.

13.   Grounds Maintenance Performance Monitoring Report – Mid-Season Update
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Dèanadais a thaobh Cumail Suas Làraich – Fios às Ùr Meadhan-Ràithe

There is circulated Report No. CS/32/14 dated 9 September 2014 by the Director of Community Services which details performance management information for the Grounds Maintenance Service in Caithness and Sutherland from April to August 2014.

The Committee is invited to:-

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

14.  Landfill Communities Fund
Maoin Choimhearsnachdan Tiodhlacaidh Sgudail

There is circulated Report No. CS/33/14 dated 9 September 2014 by the Director of Community Services on an application to the Highland Council Landfill Communities Fund.

The Committee is invited to approve the application as detailed in the Appendix to the report.

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

There is circulated Report No. CS/34/14 dated 9 September 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 Caithness and Sutherland area, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

The Committee is invited to:-

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

16.  Housing Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais

There is circulated Report No. CS/35/14 dated 9 September 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.

17.  Housing Allocations Policy: Special Letting Plan
Poileasaidh Riarachadh Taigheadais: Plana Leigeil air Mhàl Sònraichte

There is circulated Report No. CS/36/14 dated 5 September 2014 by the Director of Community Services which provides information on the supply and demand for social rented housing in Caithness and the issues involved in the allocation of housing in the area, and outlines proposals for a special letting plan that would operate within the Highland Housing Register allocations policy in order to reduce re-letting times.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   consider the proposals for a special letting plan for selected areas in Caithness and other initiatives to
     reduce empty homes; and
ii.   note that proposals will have to be agreed with the governing bodies of Highland Housing Register
     Partners prior to implementation.

18.   Capital Projects – Investing in Caithness and Sutherland 
Pròiseactan Calpa - A’ Tasgadh ann an Gallaibh agus Cataibh

There is circulated Report No. CS/37/14 dated 21 August 2014 by the Director of Finance which lists the capital projects included in the Council’s capital programme being delivered in the Caithness and Sutherland 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 Caithness and Sutherland area in 2014/15.

19.      Associated School Group Overviews
Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte

a)    Farr High School Associated School Group Overview
Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte Àrd-sgoil Farr

There is circulated Report No. CS/38/14 dated 27 August 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport, which provides an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Farr High School 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.

b)   Kinlochbervie High School Associated School Group Overview
Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte Àrd-sgoil Cheann Loch Biorbhaidh

There is circulated Report No. CS/39/14 dated 27 August 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport, which provides an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Kinlochbervie High School 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.

20.      Education Scotland Report 
Aithisg le Foghlam Alba

There is circulated Report No. CS/40/14 dated 26 August 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provides details on Education Scotland’s inspections in the Caithness and Sutherland area during the period 14 May to 21 August 2014.

The Committee is invited to continue to scrutinise and monitor Education Scotland reports through this report.

21.      Dornoch Common Good Fund – Annual Report 2013/14, Annual Budget 2015/16 and Monitoring Report First Quarter 2014/15
Maoin Maith Choitcheann Dhòrnaich – Aithisg Bhliadhnail 2013/14, Buidseat Bhliadhnail 2015/16 agus Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ciad Ràithe 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. CS/41/14 dated 8 September 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform providing information in relation to the Dornoch Common Good Fund.

The Committee is invited to:-  

i.   note the Annual Report and Accounts for 2013/14 (Appendix 1 to the report);
ii.  approve the Dornoch Common Good Fund Annual Budget for 2015/16 (Appendix 2); and
iii.  note the 2014/15 First Quarter Monitoring Report showing the status of the Fund as at 30 June 2014
    (Appendix 3).

22.      Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There are circulated for noting Minutes of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee held on 27 May 2014, which were approved by the Council on 26 June 2014.

23.      Exclusion of the Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobail

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 during discussion of the following item on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

24.      Caithness Local Access Forum Membership
Ballrachd Fòram Cothruim Ionadail Ghallaibh

There is circulated to Members only Report No. CS/42/14 dated 15 September 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides Members with the opportunity to consider two new Forum members required to maintain a representative Local Access Forum; and to recommend their approval by the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the content of the report and consider both applicants for membership of the Caithness Local Access
    Forum; and
ii.  recommend these applicants for approval by the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee.