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, 19 August 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/
Director of Corporate Development

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. VisitScotland - Presentation and Annual Report
VisitScotland - Taisbeanadh agus Aithisg Bhliadhnail

A presentation will be given by Dr Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, on VisitScotland’s recent and proposed activity.

4. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that the recess powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 25 June 2015 did not require to be exercised in relation to the business of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

5. Revenue Budget – Final Outturn 2014/15 and Monitoring 2015/16
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2014/15 agus Sgrùdadh 2015/16

There is circulated Report No. PDI/43/15 dated 9 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing information on the final outturn for the revenue budget for the year to 31 March 2015 and the revenue monitoring position for the Development and Infrastructure Service for the period to 30 June 2015 and the projected year end position. 

The Committee is asked to approve the Development and Infrastructure Service:

i. revenue budget outturn statement for 2014/15; and
ii. monitoring report to 30 June 2015.

6. Capital Expenditure – Final Outturn 2014/15 and Monitoring 2015/16
Caiteachas Calpa – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2014/15 agus Sgrùdadh 2015/16

There is circulated Report No. PDI/44/15 dated 10 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure commenting on the final outturn for the capital budget for the year to 31 March 2015.  The report also outlines the expenditure and income to 30 June 2015 for the 2015/16 capital programme.

The Committee is asked to approve the capital expenditure:

i. outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2015; and
ii. monitoring position for the period to 30 June 2015.

7. Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 1 Performance Review 
Frèam Dèanadas Dealbhaidh agus Ath-bhreithneachadh Dèanadais Cairteil

There is circulated Report No. PDI/45/15 dated 5 August 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 1st Quarter of 2015/16.

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

8. Building Standards Balanced Scorecard – Annual Report 
Cairt-sgòraidh Chothromaichte nan Inbhean Togail – Aithisg Bhliadhnail

There is circulated Report No. PDI/46/15 dated 28 July 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing information on the Building Standards Balanced Scorecard for 2015/16, and also seeks approval for the submission of the Key Performance Outcomes (KPOs) to the Scottish Government on a quarterly basis.

The Committee is asked to agree the publication of the Scorecard and submission of KPOs to the Scottish Government.

9. Development and Infrastructure Service Workforce Plan 2015-2019 
Plana Sgioba-obrach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair 2015-2019

There is circulated Report No. PDI/47/15 dated 31 July 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure setting out a summary of the Development and Infrastructure Service Workforce Plan for 2015-2019.

The Committee is asked to agree the Development and Infrastructure Service Workforce Plan for 2015-2019.

10. Development and Infrastructure Service Business Continuity Plan 
Plana Leantainneachd Ghnothachais Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair

There is circulated Report No. PDI/48/15 dated 3 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which introduces the Development and Infrastructure Service’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP) which identifies key business activities delivered by the Service. This Plan, which has been prepared according to a methodology agreed by the Executive Leadership Team, identifies key activities which must be maintained against a range of timeframes. Once adopted, it becomes an integral part of the Council’s overall General Business Continuity Plan and any identified training for staff in its activation will follow, as will testing and periodic (annual) review.

The Committee is asked to approve the Development and Infrastructure Services Business Continuity Plan.

11. Business Gateway 
Slighe Gnothachais

There is circulated Report No PDI/49/15 dated 26 July 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Members on the Business Gateway contract performance for the first Quarter of 2015/16. 

The Committee is asked to note performance for the first Quarter of the operational year 2015/16.

12. European Engagement 
Conaltradh Eòrpach

There is circulated Report No PDI/50/15 dated 27 July 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which apprises Members of the European networks the Council is a member of and seeks approval for the proposed Council representation on these networks and for these members to develop their positions within the networks to the benefit of the Council and the Highlands, in line with adopted Council priorities.

The report also provides an update on the development of the EU regional fund programmes in the Highlands and Islands.

The Committee is asked to note the contents of the report, and:

i. confirm the proposed Council nominations for the CPMR, Euromontana, Highlands & Islands European Partnership, Highlands & Islands Territorial Committee, KIMO and the North Sea Commission as set out at 3.1;
ii. acknowledge the election of Councillor Greene as the substitute Scottish member on the North sea commission Executive Committee;
iii. agree that the Council nominations be given the remit to develop their roles in the respective networks in line with Council programme priorities;
iv. request an evaluation of Council membership of membership of KIMO at the time of the annual report on EU engagement at the end of 2015 as set out at 2.4  and of the other networks in 2016 as set out at 2.2 and 2.3; and
v. request future updates on progress on discussions with the Scottish Government on the development and delivery of the ESIF programmes to ensure that the Council and the Highlands derive maximum benefit from this major European investment in the region.

13. Major Event Funding 
Maoineachadh airson Thachartasan Mòra

There is circulated Report No. PDI/51/15 dated 27 July 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which makes recommendations on the provision of funding support to forthcoming major events.

The Committee is asked to approve funding allocations from the Highland Major Events Fund up to the amounts detailed in sections 2.4 and 3.4 of the report.

14. Land Reform (Scotland) Bill 
Bile Ath-leasachaidh an Fhearainn (Alba)

There is circulated Report No. PDI/52/15 dated 3 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which introduces the recently published Land Reform (Scotland) Bill which was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 22 June 2015. The Bill is now the subject of scrutiny by the Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee. An extension to the response deadline has been secured and comments on the Bill are now sought from Highland Council by 19 August 2015. A copy of the Bill as introduced can be found by clicking here.

The Committee is invited to consider the report and the land reform objectives of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and to agree:

i. an initial response to the Convener of the Scottish Parliament Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee welcoming the general principles of the Bill as introduced and seeking an opportunity to provide oral evidence on the detail of the Bill;
ii. an invitation to the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee to hear evidence in Inverness before the end of the year; and
iii. which aspects of the Bill Members wish to pursue with the Committee when invited to give evidence.

15. Highland-wide Local Development Plan – Main Issues Report 
Plana Leasachaidh Ionadail na Gàidhealtachd air Fad – Aithisg Phrìomh Chùisean

There is circulated Report No. PDI/53/15 dated 30 July 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which presents the Main Issues Report for the Highland-wide Local Development Plan (HwLDP) for approval.  It marks the first formal stage in reviewing the existing HwLDP to create a policy only plan that provides an updated and consistent framework for planning decisions across Highland. The Main Issues Report (MIR) is circulated separately as Booklet A.

The MIR reflects an outcome based approach that shows how the new Plan could help deliver the Highland Single Outcome Agreement.  It presents a vision based on four thematic outcomes - Guiding Development; Placemaking, Design and Travel; Resource Management; and Delivering Development – along with options for updating our policy framework to address these outcomes.

The Committee is asked to:

i. approve the MIR for public consultation, including the preferred options for dealing with the main issues identified;
ii. agree that any minor modifications, presentational and typographical changes required to the MIR and ER documents prior to publication can be made by the Director in consultation with the Chair;
iii. agree to the MIR and associated Environmental Report being subject of public consultation to commence in the Autumn of 2015;
iv. agree the proposed arrangements for consultation and role of Members in encouraging people to engage in the plan process;
v. agree that the results of the consultation will be reported to this Committee in due course for consideration and deciding on the contents of the Proposed Plan; and
vi. note that the Monitoring Statement will be published as a supporting background document.

16. Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance 
Iùl Leasachail Lùth Gaoithe Air-cladaich

There is circulated Report No. PDI/54/15 dated 10 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure presenting the Draft Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance (Draft SG) for approval. The Draft SG aims to provide an effective framework for guiding wind energy development in Highland. This is the result of a review of both the existing Onshore Wind Energy Interim SG and the current pattern of wind energy development in Highland, taking account of stakeholders’ views gathered following the publication of a Consultation Paper earlier this year.

The Draft SG has been brought into line with Scottish Planning Policy (2014), and incorporates current best practice for assessing and managing wind energy development.

The Committee is asked to:

i. consider the comments received on the Consultation Paper, summarised in Appendix 1 to the report;
ii. agree the Council response in Appendix 1 to the report; and
iii. agree the Draft Supplementary Guidance in Appendix 2 to the report for consultation, subject to also agreeing the next steps outlined in paragraph 4.1 of the report including measures for officers to complete the Draft SG documentation in readiness for publication, in consultation with the Chair of this Committee.

17. Consultation on an Implementation Strategy for Scotland’s Policy on Higher Activity Radioactive Waste
Co-chomhairle mu Ro-innleachd Buileachaidh airson Poileasaidh na h-Alba air Sgudal Rèidio-beò de Ghnìomhachd Àrd

There is circulated Report No. PDI/55/15 dated 29 July 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that the Scottish Government is seeking a response to its proposed Strategy that has been prepared in support of Scotland’s Higher Activity Radioactive Waste Policy published in 2011. The Policy supports long-term near surface, near site storage and disposal facilities, that reduce the need for transportation, designed in such a way that enables waste to be retrieved.

The aim of the Strategy is to provide a framework within which waste management decisions can be taken to ensure that the Policy is implemented in a safe, environmentally acceptable and cost effective manner.

A copy of the consultation can be viewed by clicking here.

The Committee is asked to:

i. note the issues outlined in the report and the position with regard to the current policy of The Highland Council;and
ii. agree the response to the questions as set out in the Appendix to the report.

18. Local Food Network – Progress Report 
Lìonra Bìdh Ionadail – Aithisg Adhartais

There is circulated Report No. PDI/56/15 dated 3 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on progress being made towards establishing a Highland Local Food and Drink Network.

The Committee is invited to consider the report and to:

i. note the progress being made; and
ii. agree continued support for the social media platforms and web site during their first year as set out within sections 5.0 and 6.0 of the report.

19. Housing Development Investment 
Tasgadh ann an Leasachadh Thaighean

There is circulated a Report No. PDI/57/15 dated 4 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides an update on the new build housing investment programme and seeks approval that the revised programme be adopted as part of the Highland Strategic Housing Investment Plan.  In addition, the report seeks consent to allow purchase of land required to undertake the additional projects identified within the increased programme.  The proposals contained within the report will in part contribute to meeting the Council’s commitment to deliver an additional 688 Council houses by 2017.

The Committee is asked to agree:

i. an amended programme of new build housing as indicated with Appendix 1 to the report;
ii. that the land and property described in section 2.2.1 of the report is purchased for affordable housing, on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure;
iii. that the Council enter into Design and Build contracts, on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure, so as to secure the affordable housing  detailed within section 3.1 of the report; and
iv. that the amended programme be submitted to the Scottish Government as part of an agreed Housing Investment Programme.

20. Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Advisory Board – Minutes 
Fòram Ath-bheothachaidh Ghallaibh agus Chataibh a Tuath – Geàrr-chunntas 

There is circulated for noting Minutes of meeting of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Advisory Board held on 25 March 2015.

21. Minutes 
Geàrr-chunntas

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

i. North PAC – 28 April 2015
ii. South PAC – 19 May 2015
iii. North PAC – 9 June 2015 

22. Appointments to Sub-Committees, Working Groups etc
Cur an Dreuchd gu Fo-Chomataidhean, Buidhnean-obrach is eile

There will follow proposed memberships in respect of Appointments to Sub-Committees, Working Groups etc. 

23. 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.

24. Property Transactions Monitoring Report 
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI/58/15 dated 3 August 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 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 2014/15 and 2015/16 and Future Years Sales.