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, 5 November 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.  Notice of Amendment (Planning) – Planning Application (14/01464/PIP)
Brath Atharrachaidh (Dealbhadh) – Iarrtas Dealbhaidh (14/01464/PIP)

Erection of a Class 1 foodstore and petrol filling station with associated car parking, landscaping and access on land 100M NW of 10 Bealach nan Cìobairean, Home Farm, Ceàrn An Leth-Uillt, Portree (Ward 11), for Rubicon Land Ltd and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association.

The North Planning Applications Committee (NPAC) deferred determination of the above application at its meeting on 16 September 2014.  The following Notice of Amendment was then received on 16 September 2014:

“We the undersigned wish Planning Application 14/01464/PIP to be reconsidered at a meeting of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee on 5th November.

Signed: Mrs I McCallum, Ms M Smith, Ms A MacLean, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr D Bremner, Mr J Gordon, Mrs M Davidson.”

In this context, there is circulated Report No. PDI-37/14 dated 28 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure outlining the current position.  The report recommends that the original officer recommendation to approve the application, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out the earlier Report No. PLN/065/14, previously considered by the North Planning Applications Committee on 16 September 2014, remain unaltered.  Report No. PLN/065/14 is re-circulated (pp.) as Appendix 2 to Report No. PDI-37/14. 

The Committee is invited to approve the application, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in Report No. PLN/065/14 and taking into account the terms of Report No. PDI-37/14.

4.   Revenue Budget Monitoring – 2014/2015 
Aithris Sgrùdaidh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. PDI-38/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing information on the revenue monitoring position for the Planning and Development Service for the period to 30 September 2014. 

The Committee is asked to approve the Planning and Development Service monitoring report to the end of September 2014.

5.  Capital Expenditure Monitoring – 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014
Sgrùdadh Caiteachais Calpa – Giblean 2014 gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. PDI-39/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing information on the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period from 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014.

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

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

There is circulated Report No. PDI-40/14 dated 22 October 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 2nd Quarter of 2014/15.  The report also updates Committee on progress being made on the Service Improvement commitments which are set out in the Planning Performance Framework, submitted annually to Scottish Government. 

The Committee is asked to note the performance updates across the Development Management, Building Standards and Development Plans teams.

7.   Planning Controls, Pay Day Lending and Betting Offices – Consultation Paper on Changes to Planning Legislation
Smachdan Dealbhaidh, Iasadan Latha Pàighidh agus Oifisean Gheallaidhean – Pàipear Co-chomhairleachaidh mu Atharrachaidhean do Reachdas Dealbhaidh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-41/14 dated 28 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that the Scottish Government is consulting on possible changes to the planning legislation to address concerns about the negative impact of over-provision or clustering of betting shops and pay day lenders on the character and amenity of town centres.

The report sets out the proposed response to the consultation and seeks Member approval to submit the response to Scottish Government prior to the close of the consultation on 14 November 2014.

The Committee is asked to agree the response to Scottish Government as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

8.  Guidance on the Preparation of Transport Assessments
Stiùireadh mu Ullachadh Mheasaidhean Còmhdhalach

There is circulated Report No. PDI-42/14 dated 13 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure describing how Transport Assessments are undertaken and the preparation of a document providing guidance to developers and their agents on the preparation of Transport Assessments.  This guidance augments and supplements existing national guidance.  The document is included as an appendix to the report.

The Committee is asked to note the document ‘Guidance on the Preparation of Transport Assessments’ and its use in future planning applications to the Council.

9.  Business Gateway
Slighe Gnothachais

There is circulated Report No PDI-43/14 dated 10 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Members on performance with the Business Gateway contract for Quarter 2, 2014/15, before outlining the emerging European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) European Programme and the opportunity afforded to add value to the Business Gateway service and the business support activity funded by the Council. The report also addresses contractual arrangements with Highland Opportunity Ltd. post 1 April 2015.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note performance for the 2nd Quarter of the Operational Year 2014/15;
ii.  agree to delegate responsibility to the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the
     Chair of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, to confirm Council match funding from
     the Business Gateway and Employability budgets for the new ERDF Programme 2014-2020; and
iii. agree that new contractual arrangements are entered into with Highland Opportunity Ltd. for the Business
    Gateway contract 2015/16-2017/18 and for complementary business support services during the 2015/16-
     2017/18 period.

10.  Employability Services
Seirbheisean Cosnaidh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-44/14 dated 24 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Members on performance with the delivery of the Employability Services Work Plan for 2014/15.  It summarises the issues around the closure of the 2007-2013 European Social Fund (ESF) Programme and those emerging with the new 2014-2020 Programme as they impact on employability services.  The need to call on the financial balances agreed in 2013/14 to bridge activity and expenditure between the two programmes is noted, and delegated authority is requested for the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Chair, to finalise existing programme expenditure in 2014/15 and commit funds as necessary for the new ESF Programme.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note progress on delivery of the Employability Services Work Plan in the current year; and
ii.   agree to delegate authority to the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the 
     Chair of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, to determine the use of the current year
     budget and balances, and to confirm Council match funding from the Employability budget for the new ESF
     Programme 2014-2020.

11.   Stromeferry Bypass Route Option Appraisal - August 2014
Measadh Roghainnean air Slighean Seach-Rathad an t-Sròim - Lùnastal 2014

There is circulated Report No. PDI-45/14 dated 4 August 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure summarising the findings of Part 2 of the Strategic Transport Assessment Guidelines (STAG) appraisal carried out for the Stromeferry Bypass and outlining the strategy to be followed to implement one of the options contained within the STAG appraisal.  Members are invited to approve a proposal to investigate funding options and develop a funding package to support the selection of a preferred option.  The outcome will allow recommendations to be made on the preferred route to a future meeting of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

The Committee is asked to agree that officers pursue external funding bodies to develop an overall funding package to enable the project to proceed.

12.   Highland Council’s Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan
Plana Lìbhrigidh Dleastanas Bith-iomadachd Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No. PDI-46/14 dated 13 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure presenting a final progress report on the 2011-14 Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan; a new Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan for the period 2015-17; and the statutory requirement of a Biodiversity Duty Report to the Scottish Government.

The Committee is asked to approve:

i.    the Highland Council’s Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan Report 2013-14 (Appendix 1 to the report);
ii.   the Highland Council’s Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan 2015-17 (Appendix 2 to the report); and
iii.   the Highland Council Biodiversity Duty Compliance Report 2014 to the Scottish Government (Appendix 3 to
      the report).

13.   Draft Highland Council Tree Strategy
Dreachd Ro-innleachd Chraobhan Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No. PDI-47/14 dated 13 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Committee on a draft Tree Strategy for trees and woodland under the ownership of the Council, the revision of Operational Guidance for Tree Enquiries, and improvements to the CRM/LAGAN system when dealing with tree enquiries received by the Council. The finalised Tree Strategy is due to be reported to the May 2015 Committee for approval and public consultation.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note and comment on the progress and content of the draft Tree Strategy (Appendix 1 to the report) and
     the next key stages;
ii.  note the improvement to the CRM/LAGAN system with regard to tree enquiries; and 
iii.  approve the revised Operational Guidance at Appendix 2 to the report.

14.   Appointments to Local Access Fora
Cur an Dreuchd gu Fòraim Inntrigeadh Ionadail

There is circulated Report No. PDI-48/14 dated 13 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure inviting Members, following resignations from the Caithness Local Access Forum and the Inverness and Nairn Local Access Forum, to consider and approve new Forum members required in order to maintain representative Local Access Fora in these areas.  

Nominations for the Caithness Local Access Forum were considered by the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee at its September meeting.  Members for Wards 13-21 have recently been consulted on the nominations for the Inverness and Nairn Local Access Forum.  In each case the nominations attached (Appendices 1-4 to the report) have been recommended for approval by the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee. 

The Committee is asked to consider and approve the appointment of Members to the Caithness and the Inverness and Nairn Local Access Fora recommended by, respectively, the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee and the Members for Wards 13-21.

15.   Internal Audit Final Report – Contractors’ Framework Agreement for Works up to £50,000 (Follow-
         Up)
Aithisg In-sgrùdaidh Dheireannach – Aonta Frèam Chunnradairean airson Obraichean suas gu £50,000 (Leanmhainn)

There is circulated Report No. PDI-49/14 dated 14 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure informing Members on the objectives and findings of the Follow-Up Audit Report presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 24 September 2014, and updating them on progress against the Action Plan.

The Committee is asked to note the findings of the Audit Report presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 24 September 2014 and the action being taken to implement the recommendations.

16.   Trading Standards Annual Performance Review 2013/14
Aithisg Dèanadais Bhliadhnail nan Inbhean Malairt

There is circulated Report No. PDI-50/14 dated 13 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing Members with the opportunity to review and approve the work of the Council’s Trading Standards team during 2013/14.

The Committee is asked to consider the Trading Standards Annual Performance Review 2013/2014 against the previously approved Operational Plan for the service and to approve the report.

17.   Highland Opportunity Limited
Cothrom dhan Gàidhealtachd Eta

There is circulated Report No. PDI-51/14 dated 8 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing a summary of Highland Opportunity Limited’s activities during the financial year 2013/2014.  In addition, it gives 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, and highlights key work priorities during the rest of this financial year.

The Committee is asked to:

i.  note the performance of Highland Opportunity Limited and its Subsidiary Companies; and
ii.  accept the financial statements for year ending 31 March 2014 of Highland Opportunity Limited on behalf of
    the Council.

18.   Inverness Airport Business Park – Annual Report 
Pàirc Ghnothachais Port-Adhair Inbhir Nis – Aithisg Bhliadhnail

There is circulated for noting Report No. PDI-52/14 dated 30 September 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing Members with updated information on the current financial position of Inverness Airport Business Park Limited. 

19.   Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Ltd.
Coimhearsnachd Tuathanas Gaoithe na Beinne Tarsainn Eta.

There is circulated Report No PDI-53/14 dated 16 October 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure detailing the activities of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited during the Financial Year 2013/14 and recommending that Members accept the Financial Statement 31 March 2014 on behalf of the Council.

The Committee is asked to:

i.  note the activities of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited; and
ii.  accept, on behalf of Highland Council, the financial of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited for the
    year ending 31 March 2014.

20.   Highland Environment Forum – Minutes of Meeting of 18 March 2014
Fòram Àrainneachd na Gàidhealtachd – Geàrr-chunntas bhon Choinneimh den 18 Màrt 2014

There are circulated for noting Minutes of meeting of the Highland Environment Forum held on 18 March 2014.

21.   Highland Economic Forum – Minutes of Meeting of 26 May 2014
Fòram Eaconamach na Gàidhealtachd – Geàrr-chunntas bhon Choinneimh den 26 Cèitean 2014

There are circulated for noting Minutes of meeting of the Highland Economic Forum held on 26 May 2014. 

22.   Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Advisory Board – Minutes of Meeting of 18 June 2014
Bòrd Comhairleachaidh Com-pàirteachas Ath-bheothachaidh Ghallaibh agus Chataibh a Tuath – Geàrr-chunntas bhon Choinneimh den 18 Ògmhios 2014

There are circulated for noting Minutes of meeting of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Advisory Board held on 18 June 2014.

23.   Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

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

i.    South PAC – 24 June, 2014
ii.   North PAC – 14 July, 2014
iii.   North PAC – 5 August, 2014
iv.   South PAC – 19 August, 2014
v.    North PAC – 16 September, 2014
vi.   South PAC – 30 September, 2014 (Items 1 to 7.6) (Items 7.7 to  8.2)

24.   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 items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act, the relevant paragraphs being shown.

25.   Request from the Nevis Partnership for the Council to provide a Financial Guarantee
Iarrtas bho Chom-pàirteachas Nibheis airson Barantas Ionmhasail bhon a’ Chomhairle

Paragraph 6

There is circulated to Members only joint Report No. PDI-54/14 dated 27 October 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Director of Development and Infrastructure outlining a request received from the Nevis Partnership for the Council to provide a Financial Guarantee to underwrite an overdraft which the Nevis Partnership requires to partly fund a series of environmental works under a programme called the Nevis Landscape Partnership.

The Committee is asked to agree:

i.   that, in principle, the Council provides the requested Guarantee in order that the environmental works to be
     undertaken under the Nevis Landscape Partnership can be progressed, subject to conditions as detailed in
     the report and other considerations set out therein; and |
ii.  to establish specific requirements which have to be met before any future guarantees can be considered.

26.   Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI-55/14 dated 13 October 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 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.

27.   Restructuring of the Project Design Unit
Ath-structaradh Aonad Dealbhaidh nam Pròiseactan

Paragraphs 1, 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI-56/14 dated 14 October 2014 by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure presenting the proposed changes to the structure of the Project Design Unit following on from the recent Council restructuring which saw the formation of the Development and Infrastructure Service.  Changes also align the staffing structure of the Project Design Unit to accord with the capital programme workload. 

The Committee is asked to approve the restructuring proposals for the Project Design Unit contained as Appendix B to the report.