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, 18 February 2015, 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

1.  Apologies for Absence 
     Liesgeulan

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 Community Broadband Scotland 
     Taisbeanadh le Community Broadband Scotland

A presentation will be given by Mr Mark Tate of Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) covering the work undertaken by CBS to help communities achieve improved broadband coverage in areas which are less likely to benefit from mainstream provision.

4.   Revenue Budget - Monitoring 2014/15
      Buidseat Teachd-a-steach – Sgrùdadh 2014/15

There is circulated Report No. PDI-1/15 dated 19 January 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing information on the revenue monitoring position for the period to 31 December 2014.

The Committee is asked to approve the Development and Infrastructure monitoring report to 31 December 2014.

5.   Property Revenue Maintenance Budget for 2015/16 – Proposed Budget Allocation
      Buidseat Obair-ghlèidhidh Teachd-a-steach Seilbhe airson 2015/16 – Riarachadh Buidseit a Thathar
      a’ Moladh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-2/15 dated 30 January 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure  which sets out proposals for the allocation of the 2015/16 Property Revenue Maintenance Budget using the same basis as has been adopted in previous financial years.

The Committee is asked to approve the proposed work categories, budget allocations and project proposals for the 2015/16 Property Revenue Maintenance Budget.

6.    Capital Expenditure Monitoring – 1 April 2014 to 31 December 2014
       Sgrùdadh Chaiteachais Chalpa – 1 Giblean 2014 gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2014

There is circulated Report No. PDI-3/15 dated 6 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure inviting Members to approve the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period from 1 April 2014 to 31 December 2014.

The Committee is asked to:

i.    approve the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April 2014 to 31 December 2014; ii.   agree delegated powers to the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Chair,
     and Vice Chair, of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, to agree the detail of the
     2015/16 VDLF Draft Delivery Plan and submit to the Scottish Government; and
iii.   approve the utilisation and development of a pool of Highland Council relief staff, to allow the reduction in
      the use of agency staff and consultants.

7.   Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 3 Performance Review 
      Frèam Dèanadais Dealbhaidh agus Ath-bhreithneachadh Dèanadais Cairteil 3

There is circulated Report No. PDI-4/15 dated 3 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising Members on the delivery of the Development Management, Building Standards and Development Plan services for the 3rd Quarter of 2014/15.  The report also gives an update on feedback received from the Scottish Government on the Council’s Planning Performance Framework.

The Committee is asked to note the performance updates across the Development Management, Building Standards and Development Plans teams, as well as the feedback received from the Scottish Government on the Planning Performance Framework.

8.   Presentation: Economic and Social Value of Gaelic as an Asset
      Taisbeanadh: Luach Eaconamach agus Sòisealta na Gàidhlig mar Sho-mhaoin

There is circulated Report No. PDI-5/15 dated 7 January 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that The Highland Council, together with partners, commissioned independent consultants to consider, evaluate and robustly evidence the current and potential use of Gaelic as an asset to the economy and society of the Highlands and Islands, and of Scotland as a whole. This report informs Members of the findings of the study and outlines a number of its key conclusions.

The Committee is asked to note the contents of this report, and to agree to support the ongoing promotion of the Gaelic language as an economic and social asset through the delivery of the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan.

9.   Business Gateway
      Slighe Gnothachais

There is circulated Report No. PDI-6/15 dated 2 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Members on performance with the Business Gateway contract for Quarter 3, 2014/15.  It also provides further details on the development of an application for ERDF European Programme that aims to add value to the Business Gateway service, and to the business support activity funded by the Council. The report also addresses contractual arrangements with Highland Opportunity Limited post 1 April 2015.

The Committee is asked to note:

i.    performance for the 3rd Quarter of the Operational Year 2014/15; and
ii.   progress towards the securing of 2014-2020 ERDF Programme finance for the establishment of a Business
     Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme in the Highlands and Moray.

10.   Employability Services – Update and Internal Audit Report
        Seirbheisean Cosnaidh – Cunntas as Ùr agus Aithisg In-sgrùdaidh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-7/15 dated 3 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on the 2013 Internal Audit report on the Employability Service and offers a brief comment on the emerging European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020.

The Committee is asked to:

i.    note the findings of the 2013 Internal Audit report on the Employability Service;
ii.   note progress with preparations for the 2014-2020 European Social Fund Programme; and
iii.  agree to delegate authority 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 Employability budget for the new ESF Programme 2014-2020, and respond to any interim requests for
     Third Sector funding if ESF funds are not secured for activity or are delayed in their availability.

11.   European Engagement
        Ceangal Eòrpach

There is circulated Report No. PDI-8/15 dated 4 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing Members with an outline of planned activity for the European Team in 2015/16.  It includes closure of current projects, the development of new projects and project activity, partnership governance arrangements and Council involvement in European network activities.

The Committee is asked to note and approve the planned activity for the European Team in 2015/16.

12.   Development Plan Scheme 2015
        Sgeama Plana Leasachaidh 2015

There is circulated Report No. PDI-9/15 dated 15 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure outlining the content of the annual Development Plan Scheme (DPS) which provides an up to date position on progress in preparing and reviewing the Development Plan for Highland, and tells people how and when they can get involved.  This year the format of the DPS has been updated and is being presented as a Development Plans Newsletter.  This aims to make it more useful and appealing to our communities and stakeholders.

The Committee is asked to approve the Development Plans Newsletter as the 2015 DPS for submission to Scottish Ministers and publication on the Council’s website.

13.   Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance - Review
         Iùl Leasachail Lùth Gaoithe Air-cladaich – Ath-sgrùdadh

There is circulated Report No. PDI-10/15 dated 4 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure presenting the Onshore Wind Consultation Paper (Onshore Wind CP) which marks the latest stage in reviewing the Council’s Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance. The draft document presents initial issues and ideas for amending the guidance and outlines the suggested next stages of the review. It is presented to Committee for approval for consultation.

The Committee is asked to agree the:

i.    Onshore Wind Consultation Paper in Appendix 2 to the report for public consultation, and for officers to
      make any presentational and typographical changes considered necessary in consultation with the Chair
      prior to publication; and
ii.   next steps outlined in section 4 of the report.

14.   Consultation on the Future of Land Reform in Scotland
        Co-chomhairle mu Àm Ri Teachd Ath-leasachadh Fearainn ann an Alba

There is circulated Report No. PDI-11/15 dated 30 January 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure introducing the Scottish Government consultation on the future of land reform in Scotland.  A short extension to the closing date has been granted to permit consideration by the Highland Council. The Council response should be submitted by 18 February 2015.

A copy of the full consultation is available on the Committee bulletin. The report also proposes priorities for land reform for discussion at the forthcoming Convention of the Highlands and Islands meeting on Monday 9 March 2015.

The Committee is invited to:

i.    consider proposals within the Government’s land reform consultation and to approve the draft response at
      appendix 1 of the report, subject to any additional points Members wish added; and
ii.    approve the priorities for discussion, as set out in section 3.2 of the report, at the Convention of the
      Highlands and Islands meeting on 9 March 2015.

15.    Development of Tornagrain – Establishment of a Statutory Conservation Body
         Leasachadh Thòrr na Grèine – Stèidheachadh Buidheann Glèidhteachais Reachdail

There is circulated Report No. PDI-12/15 dated 2 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure introducing the proposed establishment of a Statutory Conservation Body (The Tornagrain Conservation Trust) to oversee and secure the design principles and qualities envisaged for the future development of Tornagrain.  The proposal has been developed by Moray Estates Development Company (MEDCO), which has applied to Scottish Ministers for the establishment of the Conservation Body.  While Highland Council is already a statutory conservation body and planning authority, MEDCO seeks Council support for the proposal and partnership in the application now being progressed.

The Committee is invited to:

i.   consider the role and structure of the proposed Tornagrain Conservation Trust (appendices 1 and 2 of the
     report);
ii.   agree in principle to support the establishment of The Tornagrain Conservation Trust to oversee the
      future development of Tornagrain in partnership with the Highland Council and the community at
     Tornagrain;
iii.  remit ongoing support for the proposal to the Director of Development and Infrastructure in consultation
     with the Committee Chair; and
iv.  agree that the Council become a member of The Tornagrain Conservation Trust on the approval of the
     Conservation Body by Scottish Ministers.

16.   Inverness Townscape Heritage Project
        Pròiseact Dualchais Cruth-baile Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. PDI-13/15 dated 2 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure outlining progress that has been made during the development phase of the Inverness Townscape Heritage project and also the proposed governance and management arrangements for the project.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   note progress with the preparation of the Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 2 Townscape Heritage bid; and ii.   agree an allocation of £550,000 from the Town and Countryside Regeneration, and Inverness City
     Developments allocations within the approved Development and Infrastructure Capital Programme 2014/15
      – 2017/18, for the Inverness Townscape Heritage project.

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

There is circulated Report No. PDI-14/15 dated 15 January 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure seeking final approval to adopt the Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief as statutory Supplementary Guidance.  Following approval by the City of Inverness Area Committee and submission to Scottish Government this final version for adoption incorporates modifications requested by Scottish Ministers.

The Committee is asked to adopt the Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief as statutory Supplementary Guidance to the Highland-wide Local Development Plan incorporating modifications requested by Scottish Minsters.

18.   Highland’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2015-2020
        Plana Tasgadh Ro-innleachdail Taigheadais na Gàidhealtachd 2015-2020 

There is circulated Report No. PDI-15/15 dated 8 January 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure seeking approval for Highland’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) which sets out proposals for affordable housing investment during 2015–2020.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   approve the Strategic Housing Investment Plan as submitted to the Scottish Government in draft form; and ii.  note that the planned investment programme for 2016/17 will be reported to Committee when available.

19.   Tourism Development
        Leasachadh Turasachd

There is circulated Report No. PDI-16/15 dated 30 January 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which summarises the work undertaken by VisitScotland in relation to the 2013-14 Service Delivery Agreement, and proposes concluding a further Service Delivery Agreement with VisitScotland for 2015-16.

The Committee is asked to:

i.   authorise the Director of Development and Infrastructure to conclude a Service Delivery Agreement with
     VisitScotland for 2015/16 that incorporates the activities detailed in the report; and
ii.   approve a payment to VisitScotland of up to a maximum £145,000 for the financial year 2015-16.

20.   Major Events Fund
         Maoin Thachartasan Mòra

There is circulated Report No. PDI-17/15 dated 2 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides background on the transfer of the Highland Culture Fund to the Development and Infrastructure Service, and makes recommendations on its future use, including providing support to the Scottish 6-day Orienteering Championships 2015.

The Committee is asked to:

i.    approve the proposals detailed in section 2 of the report on the future use of the Highland Major Events
      Fund;
ii.    agree to delegate authority to the Director of Development and Infrastructure to open an Event
       Innovation Challenge Fund when funds are available; and
iii.   approve a payment of £25,000 to support the hosting of the Scottish 6-day Orienteering Championships
      2015. 

21.   Aquaculture Supplementary Guidance
        Iùl Leasachail Tuathanais Uisge

There is circulated Report No. PDI-18/15 dated 6 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure introducing the draft Aquaculture Supplementary Guidance for approval for consultation.  It provides a clear policy framework for making planning decisions to support environmentally, economically and socially sustainable aquaculture development in Highland in appropriate locations.  This draft Supplementary Guidance aims to streamline the process of preparing, submitting and determining aquaculture planning applications for aquaculture development by ensuring that all relevant information is provided by developers at the outset.

The Committee is asked to approve the draft Aquaculture Supplementary Guidance for full public consultation.

22.    Marine Scotland – 2014 Consultation on the Management of Inshore Special Areas of Conservation
         and Marine Protected Areas
          Marine Scotland – Co-chomhairle 2014 mu Rianachd Raointean Sònraichte Glèidhteachais Ri
          Cladach agus Raointean Mara fo Dhìon

There is circulated Report No. PDI-19/15 dated 4 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing details of the above consultation, and setting out the proposed Highland Council response to Marine Scotland for homologation at Appendix 1 to the report.  It details, for the Highland area, the relevant Marine Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation included in the consultation, and summarises the management measures proposed by Marine Scotland.  A summary of the draft Council response is included in Section 2 of the report, with the full version provided at Appendix 1 to the report.

The Committee is asked to:

i.    note the content of the consultation documents and the preferred management measures for MPAs / SACs
      put forward in the consultation and summarised within the report; and
ii.   homologate the response submitted to Marine Scotland subject to any additional comments that Members
      may agree to add.  

23.   Highland LEADER Programme
        Prògram LEADER na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No. PDI-20/15 dated 2 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on the 2013 Internal Audit report on the Highland LEADER 2007-13 Programme and offering a brief comment on the emerging LEADER Programme 2014-2020.

The Committee is asked to note:

i.   the findings of the 2013 Internal Audit report into the Highland LEADER Programme 2007-13; and
ii.   progress with preparation for the 2014-2020 Highland LEADER Programme.

24.   EFF Axis 4 Internal Audit Report and programme update
        Aithisg In-sgrùdaidh agus Cunntas as Ùr air Prògram Aiseil 4 Maoin Iasgaich na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No. PDI-21/15 dated 2 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure. This paper provides a brief update of the progress of the Axis 4 European Fisheries Fund (EFF) in Highland and details the outcome of recent Internal Audit report presented to Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 20 November 2014.

The Committee is invited to note the:

i.   good progress being made on the delivery of the EFF Axis 4 Fund in Highland; and
ii.   findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Internal Audit report and progress against the agreed
     action plan.

25.   Internal Audit Report – Uniform System
        Aithisg In-sgrùdaidh – Siostam Cunbhalach

There is circulated for noting Report No. PDI-22/15 dated 6 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which records the findings of an internal audit review of the Uniform System.

The Committee is asked to note the findings of the Internal Audit report on the Uniform System.

26.   Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Forum – Minutes
        Fòram Ath-bheothachaidh Ghallaibh agus Chataibh a Tuath – Geàrr-chunntas

There are circulated for noting Minutes of meeting of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Forum held on 2 October 2014.

27.   Minutes
        Geàrr-chunntas

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

i.     North PAC – 14 October 2014
ii.    South PAC – 21 October 2014
iii.    North PAC – 11 November 2014
iv.   South PAC – 18 November 2014 
v.    South PAC – 23 December 2014

28.   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.

29.    Proposed Excambion of Land for Road Improvements on the A861 between Kinnacarra and Dyrnie
          Hill, Kinlochmoidart
         Moladh airson Talamh Iomlaideachadh airson Leasachaidhean Rathaid air an A861 eadar Ceann na 
         Carraigh agus Cnoc Dhroighnidh, Ceann Loch Mùideart

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI-23/15 dated 2 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure seeking approval to release surplus land following a road widening scheme and at the same time secure land for a future road improvement by means of excambion and additional payment to the Council in accordance with valuations advised by the District Valuer’s Office.

The Committee is asked to approve the excambion agreement between Highland Council and Kinlochmoidart Estate for the areas of land indicated in drawing reference HRS7129-kmmc-28-03-2012-01_revC.

30.   Property Transactions Monitoring Report
        Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI-24/15 dated 2 February 2015 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 2013/14 and 2014/15, and Future Years Sales.