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 December 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

Business

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. Inverness Business Improvement District
Sgìre Leasachadh Gnothachais Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. CIA/55/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager provides a summary of the activities of the Inverness BID Ltd, operating as Inverness City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), for the period December 2012 to November 2014.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. endorse the work detailed in this report; and
ii. note the presentation provided by Inverness BID representatives and the on-going development of partnership working.

4. Draft Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief
Dreachd Bhrath Leasachaidh Bhaile an Fhraoich agus Cheasag a Deas

There is circulated Report No. CIA/56/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines the content of a draft development brief for the Muirtown and South Kessock area of the city of Inverness. This planning policy document is required to guide land use and regeneration opportunities in the area.

The draft brief is contained in Appendix A (circulated separately) for Members approval.

Its preparation has been informed by charrette workshop events held in February and April this year. The workshops provided opportunity for local people to shape the future of the area and to discuss the priorities for regeneration. The outcomes of the charrette workshops have been brought together in the draft development brief. After a round of 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 development brief presents the agreed regeneration priorities for the area and can be used to assist in any future bids for funding.

The Committee is invited to agree Appendix A as the content of the Draft Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief to be subject to public consultation.

5. City Centre Initiatives
Iomairtean Meadhan Baile

A verbal update will be provided at the meeting on the progress of City Centre initiatives.

6. Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief
Brath Leasachaidh nan Innseagan agus an Ràthaig Mhòir

There is circulated Report No. CIA/57/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines responses to the public consultation on the Draft Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief and presents a finalised version for Members’ approval. This planning policy document is required to guide land use opportunities and related strategic and local transport network improvements in the area.

The finalised development brief is contained in Appendix A (circulated separately) and a summary of comments received and recommended responses are set out in Appendix B.

After a 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. agree for the Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief at Appendix A to be taken forward as statutory Supplementary Guidance including referral to the Council’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee in early 2015 for adoption;
ii. agree for the development brief to be treated as a material planning consideration for development management purposes; and
iii. note the comments received during the Draft Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief consultation and agree the recommended Council responses contained in Appendix B.

7. Inverness City Arts – River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme, Public Art Project
Ealain Baile Inbhir Nis – Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Abhainn Nis, Fios às Ùr mu Phrògram a’ Phròiseict

There is circulated Report No. CIA/58/14 dated 16 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager which confirms that the full funding package is in place along with the next steps in applying the funding towards project delivery.

The Committee is invited to note the approval of the Creative Scotland Stage 2 application to their Large Capital Projects Fund and that the contracts for the delivery of the River Connections Project programme are being let as appropriate.

8. Developing Inverness as a ‘Coach Friendly’ City
A’ Leasachadh Inbhir Nis mar Bhaile ‘Bàidheil ri Busaichean’

There is circulated Report No. CIA/60/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invites Members to consider the Evaluation on the Operation of Ardross Street as a temporary pick-up/drop-off point for coaches with a view to making the arrangement permanent. Therefore, the recommendation is for the re-designation of part of Ardross Street as the long-term location for coach drop-off/pick-up in the City of Inverness.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve Ardross Street as the permanent Coach drop-off / pick-up solution for Inverness;
ii. approve the promotion of a permanent Traffic Order for Ardross Street;
iii. note that signage will be installed across the road network adjacent to the City;
iv. note that publicity will be produced promoting the use of Ardross Street as the Inverness City coach drop-off / pick-up location; and
v. note that an application will be made to the Common Good Fund Grant Sub-committee to fund the recruitment of a Coach Ambassador.

9. Proposed Addition to List of Roads
Moladh Cur ri Liosta nan Rathaidean

a) Old Edinburgh Road to Temple Crescent
Seann Rathad Dhùn Èideann gu Corran an Teampaill

There is circulated Report No. CIA/61/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invites Members to recommend to the Community Services Committee adoption of the carriageway spur road that extends from Old Edinburgh Road to Temple Crescent.

The Committee is invited to recommend to the Community Services Committee, the adoption of the carriageway spur road fronting numbers 152 to 160 Old Edinburgh Road and 59 Temple Crescent as outlined in Appendix B

b) Cycletrack and Footpath
Ceum-rothairean agus Ceum-coise

There is circulated Report No. CIA/62/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invites Members to recommend to the Community Services Committee adoption of the following:

1. Cycletrack from its junction with the Cul De Sac to Nos. 109 to 123 Ashton Road, Inverness to the U5227 (Ashton Road/Churchill Road conjunction to Beechwood Park North Footpath/Cyclepath) 
2. Footpath and Steps from 1 above to the access footpath and steps to the Golden Bridge over the A9 Trunk Road.

The Committee is invited to recommend to the Community Services Committee, the adoption of the cycletrack and footpath as outlined in Appendix B.

10. Winter Maintenance Plan for 2014/15
Plana Cumail Suas a’ Gheamhraidh airson 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. CIA/63/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which provides information on winter maintenance preparations and arrangements for the 2014/15 winter period and invites the Committee to approve the Winter Maintenance Plans for this Area.

The Committee is invited to approve the Winter Maintenance Plans for Inverness City and Area for 2014/15, which includes the priority road maps presented in Appendix B.

11. Carbon CLEVER Update
Fios às Ùr mu Chàrbon CHIALLACH

There is circulated Report No. CIA/64/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which provides Members with an update on a number of Carbon CLEVER projects which are under development or have been implemented in the Inverness Area including a feasibility study into the potential of an Inverness car club.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider the potential benefits of an Inverness car club and agree that the Climate Change Team, with stakeholders, develop a tender proposal; and
ii. note the progress of Carbon CLEVER projects in Inverness outlined in Section 3 of the report.

12. Primary School Roll Pressures in Inverness
Comasan Bun-Sgoiltean Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. CIA/65/14 dated 21 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which identifies some emerging issues as a result of increasing school rolls at primary schools in Inverness. The purpose of the report is to highlight some of the further work that will be required to fully explore these matters, and the types of solutions which will require further consideration.

The Committee is invited to note that:-

i. work will continue in analysing the pressures affecting primary schools in Inverness as part of the Sustainable School Estate Review to allow the outcomes to be taken into account in any future review of the Council’s capital programme;
ii. further consideration will be given to the measures required in relation to the immediate pressures affecting Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis as well as the longer term requirements for additional accommodation in order to meet the anticipated future demand for places; and
iii. further discussion will take place with Head Teachers and at Ward level to keep Members fully updated.

13. Education Scotland Reports – period November 2013 to October 2014
Aithisgean Sgrùdaidh Foghlam Alba – ùine Samhain 2013 gu Dàmhair 2014

There is circulated Report No. CIA/66/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides details on Education Scotland’s inspections of schools in the Area during the period November 2013 to October 2014, for Members’ scrutiny and monitoring.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and monitor the Education Scotland reports referred to in this report.

14. Housing Performance Report – 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014
Aithisgean Foghlam Alba – 1 Giblean 2014 gu 30 Sultain 2014

There is circulated Report No. CIA/67/14 dated 17 November 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 half of 2014/15.

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

15. Inverness Chamber of Commerce
Seòmar Malairt Inbhir Nis

Members are advised that discussions have taken place involving Mr A Christie, the Inverness City Manager and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce regarding the nomination of Mr A Christie to the Board for the term of this Council.

It has become clear that the Chamber of Commerce is not able to accept third-party nominees in this manner and so regretfully Mr Christie is unable to take up his post. All parties agree that this will not hinder the on-going relationship between the Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

The Committee is invited to note the position.

16. Inverness Common Good Fund
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) Review of Investment Strategy and Capital Planning – Progress Report
Ath-sgrùdadh air Ro-innleachd Tasgaidh agus Dealbhadh Calpa – Aithisg Adhartais

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/68/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Director of Development and Infrastructure which confirms the position of the Inverness Common Good Fund (ICGF) in relation to its ability to meet the commitments set out in separate reports on the Town House Works and the refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness. The context of these contracts with regard to the work of the City Task Force is also given.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the recommendations made on the Town House Works contract and the contract for the refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street when considering relevant reports; and
ii. further reports will be presented to formulate a specific strategy for the Fund.

b) Inverness Town House Works Programme, High Street, Inverness
Prògram Obraichean Talla a’ Bhaile, An Àrd-Shràid, Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/69/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Manager which seeks approval to proceed to contract award to carry out comprehensive fabric works to the Town House. The works will include: full stone repairs and replacement, mortar re-pointing, roof repairs, rainwater goods renewal, window repairs and replacements.

The Committee is invited to agree in principal subject to full Council agreement that work is done to:-

i. proceed to contract award for the repairs outlined in phase 1 at a cost of £1,196,730.27;
ii. proceed to tender for phases 2 & 3 in years 2015 and 2016 total estimated project cost of £4,200,000 for all three phases; and
iii. Proceed with third party funding applications with Historic Scotland.

c) Refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness
1-5 Sràid na h-Eaglaise – Ath-leasachadh Oifis

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/70/14 dated 19 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Manager which seeks approval to proceed to contract award to carry out a full internal refurbishment and external façade replacement.

The Committee is invited to agree in principal subject to full Council agreement that work is done to proceed to contract award for the refurbishment as outlined in the report at a cost of £1,867,119.

d) Annual Report 2013/14
Fìor Shuidheachadh Buidseit 2013/14

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/71/14 dated 19 November 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Inverness City Manager which presents the audited accounts for Financial Year 2013/14.

The Committee is invited to note the Inverness Common Good Fund Annual Report for 2013/14.

e) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There is circulated Report No. CIA/72/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager which presents the expenditure monitoring position for the Common Good Fund as of 30 September 2014 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to note the financial monitoring report.

f) Grant and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

There is circulated Report No. CIA/73/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager 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 A.

The Committee is invited to consider the applications for funding and approve expenditure of £15,000 towards replacing the Town House Car Park Barriers.

g) 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 during discussion of Item 16(h) 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.

h) Inverness Common Good Account Sites and Premises Transaction Report
Làraich Chunntasan agus Aithisg Gnothachais Thogalaichean Maoin Math Choitcheann Inbhir Nis

There is circulated to Members only Report No. CIA/74/14 dated 11 November 2014 by the Head of Property Partnerships which summarises the property transactions recently approved by the Head of Property Partnerships, under the Highland Council’s Scheme of Delegation, after consultation with local Members as appropriate and in accordance with policy, together with a statement on the current position in respect on Inverness Common Good fund rents and tenant arrears, if any.

The Committee is invited to note Inverness Common Good transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships, under delegated powers, during the period from during the period from 13 June 2013 to 10 October 2014, and the position regarding the tenant rent roll.

17. Street Naming – New Housing Development off Balloan Road, Hilton, Inverness
Ainmeachadh Sràide – Leasachadh Ùr Taigheadais far Rathad Bhaile an Lòin, Baile a’ Chnuic, Inbhir Nis

The Committee is invited to homologate the decision by the Inverness City Manager to name a new street “Balloan Gardens” which was agreed at Inverness Ness-side Ward Business Meeting following consultation with Hilton, Milton and Castle Heather Community Council. Members are advised that the development site was formerly part of a playing field.

18. Inverness Ness-side Ward Discretionary Funding
Maoineachadh fo Ùghdarras Uàrd Taobh Nis Inbhir Nis

The Committee is invited to approve expenditure over £10k for Ward Projects as follows:-

i. Play Equipment for Balloan Road play area - £20,845.90; and
ii. Inverness Royal Academy – Sustrans Safer Routes to School Implementation Fund. Ward contribution - £25,000.

19. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The following Minutes are circulated for noting or approval as appropriate:-

i. City of Inverness Area Committee held on 2 September 2014 for noting;
ii. Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 29 August 2014 for approval;
iii. Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 17 October 2014 for approval; and
iv. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 10 November 2014 for approval.