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, 17 August 2016, 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. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that the recess powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 29 June 2016 did not require to be exercised in relation to the business of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

4. Presentation – HITRANS
Taisbeanadh – HITRANS

A presentation will be given by Mr Ranald Robertson, HITRANS.

5. Revenue Budget – Final Outturn 2015/16 and Monitoring 2016/17
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2015/16 agus Sgrùdadh 2016/17

There is circulated Report No. PDI/39/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing information on the final outturn for the revenue budget for the year to 31 March 2016 and the revenue monitoring position for the Development and Infrastructure Service for the period to 30 June 2016 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to approve:-

i. the revenue budget final outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2016; and
ii. the report and attached monitoring statements which show the revenue position for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 June 2016, and the actions which have been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year.

6. Capital Expenditure – Final Outturn 2015/16 and Monitoring 2016/17
Caiteachas Calpa – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2015/16 agus Sgrùdadh 2016/17

There is circulated Report No. PDI/40/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure commenting on the final outturn for the capital budget for the year to 31 March 2016.  The report also outlines the expenditure and income to 30 June 2016 for the 2016/17 capital programme.

The Committee is invited to approve:-

i. the capital expenditure outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2016;
ii. the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period to 30 June 2016; and
iii. a budget increase for extension/restoration at Seater Landfill Site.

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

There is circulated Report No. PDI/41/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure seeking approval of the Planning Performance Framework (PPF) for 2015/16 which is submitted annually to Scottish Government.  The report also provides Members with an update on the delivery of the Development Management, Building Standards and the Development Plan services for the first Quarter of 2016/2017 and an update on the Review of the Planning System, recently undertaken by an independent panel. 

The Committee is asked to:-

i. approve the Planning Performance Framework for submission to Scottish Government;
ii. note the performance updates for the Development Management, Building Standards and the Development Plans teams; and
iii. note the current position of the Scottish Government’s Review of the Planning System.

8. 2016 Development Plan Newsletter - Update
Cuairt-litir Plana Leasachaidh 2016 – Cunntas às Ùr

There is circulated Report No. PDI/42/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising that in February of this year, the Committee approved the publication of the 2016 Development Plans Newsletter, setting out the timescales for preparing and updating the Council’s Development Plan documents.  This report introduces an update to the 2016 Newsletter taking account of a review of the team Work Programme.  The main change proposed in this update is to postpone the next stages of the Highland-wide Local Development review until Area Local Development Plans for Caithness & Sutherland, and West Highland and Islands have been taken to an advanced stage.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the update to the 2016 Development Plans Newsletter at Appendix 1 for publication, subject to any amendments required following relating to the Caithness & Sutherland Local Development Plan if necessary, prior to publication, to reflect the outcome of the Caithness & Sutherland Local Committees on 30 and 31 August;
ii. note the implications this will have for the work programme in the Development Plans team; and
iii. approve the final Development Plans Newsletter as the 2016 Development Plan Scheme for submission to Scottish Ministers and publication on the Council’s website.

9. Highland-wide Local Development Plan – Post Main Issues Report Interim Position
Plana Leasachaidh Ionadail na Gàidhealtachd air Fad – Suidheachadh Eadar-amail an dèidh Aithisg nam Prìomh Chùisean

There is circulated Report No. PDI/43/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing feedback to Members on the comments received during the Main Issues Report (MIR) consultation for the Highland-wide Local Development Plan (HwLDP), and sets out the recommended position on issues raised for approval.  Committee is asked to approve this as the Council position to inform the future stages of the review of the Highland-wide Local Development Plan, the timescales for which are set out in a separate item relating to the Development Plans Newsletter to be considered at this Committee meeting.

The Committee is invited to:

i. review and note the comments received to the HwLDP MIR; and
ii. agree the recommended interim position set out in Appendix 1 which will inform the future stages of reviewing the Highland-wide Local Development Plan.

10. Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance - Review
Stiùireadh Leasachail Lùth-Gaoithe Air Tìr – Ath-sgrùdadh

There is circulated Report No. PDI/44/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure presenting the Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance (BOOKLET A) for adoption. The Supplementary Guidance aims to provide an effective framework for guiding wind energy development in Highland. This is the result of a review of the Onshore Wind Energy Interim Supplementary Guidance (2012), Small Scale Wind Turbine Proposals Interim Supplementary Guidance (2012) and the current pattern of wind energy development in Highland, taking account of stakeholders’ views gathered following the publication of the Draft Supplementary Guidance last year.

The Supplementary Guidance 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 invited to:-

i. consider the comments received on the Draft Supplementary Guidance and agree the Council responses as set out in Appendix 1;
ii. agree to adopt the Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance as statutory Supplementary Guidance to the Highland-wide Local Development Plan (2012), as set out in Appendix 2, subject to finalisation of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal by officers, and any feedback from Scottish Ministers during the statutory process for adoption;
iii. agree for the Supplementary Guidance to be used as a material consideration for planning decisions and advice with immediate effect;
iv. note the progress on further landscape sensitivity and strategic capacity work as set out in section 2 of this report; and
v. agree for the Highland Renewable Energy Strategy (HRES) to no longer be used as a material consideration with generation targets to be carried forward for monitoring purposes.

11. Historic Windows and Doors: Planning Guidance for Listed Buildings and Unlisted Buildings in Conservation Areas (Consultation Draft)
Uinneagan is Dorsan Eachdraidheil: Stiùireadh Dealbhaidh airson Thogalaichean Clàraichte agus Thogalaichean Neo-chlàraichte ann an Sgìrean Glèidhteachais (Dreachd Cho-chomhairle)

There is circulated Report No. PDI/45/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which sets out planning guidance for Historic Windows and Doors in Listed Buildings and Unlisted Buildings in Conservation Areas.

The Committee is invited to approve Historic Windows and Doors: Planning Guidance for Listed Buildings and Unlisted Buildings in Conservation Areas for public release and 6 week consultation.

12. Regional Transport Strategy Main Issues Report – Consultation Response
Aithisg Phrìomh Chùisean Ro-innleachd Còmhdhail Roinneil – Freagairt Cho-chomhairle

There is circulated Report No. PDI/46/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure inviting Members to consider the Council’s response to the draft Regional Transport Strategy Re-fresh Main Issues Report for the HITRANS area.

The Committee is invited to agree the response to HITRANS as set out in Appendix 1. 

13. Proposed Special Protection Areas – Moray Firth and Rum
Sgìrean Glèidhteachais Sònraichte a Thathar a’ Moladh – Linne Mhoireibh agus Rum

There is circulated Report No. PDI/47/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines the proposed consultation response to be sent to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) regarding the proposed designation of a large section of the Moray Firth and Rum as Special Protection Areas for their bird interests.

The Committee is invited to approve the response as set out in Appendix 1.

14. Draft Service Plan 2016/17 – Development and Infrastructure Service
Dreachd Plana Seirbheis 2016/17 – Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair

There is circulated Report No. PDI/48/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure outlining how the Service will lead and support commitments which will deliver ‘Highland First’, the Programme of the Highland Council. The Plan also details how the Service will operate, its approach and priorities.

The Committee is asked to consider the draft Development and Infrastructure Service - Service Plan 2016/17 and approve the draft Plan subject to any alterations agreed by Committee.

15. Business Development: Growing Our Economy - Update
Leasachadh Gnothachais: A’ Fàs Ar N-Eaconamaidh – Cunntas às Ùr

There is circulated Report No PDI/49/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure updating Members on the performance of the Council’s business development services.  The report summarises the delivery of the Business Gateway over the first quarter of 2016, and gives details of how the Council’s wider business development services have performed over the first quarter of 2016/17.  Members will be aware that the Business Gateway Service as well as the Council’s services to businesses in the Highlands are now being delivered directly by the Development and Infrastructure Service.  The report also sets out how we plan to report performance across all the Council’s business development services, at a Highland and at an area level.

The Committee is asked to:-

i. note Business Development Service performance for the 1st Quarter of 2016; and
ii. approve reporting proposals, as outlined in section two of this report, for business   development activity at a Highland and twice yearly at an Area level.

16. Scottish Government Enterprise and Skills Review
Ath-sgrùdadh Iomairt agus Sgilean Riaghaltas na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No. PDI/50/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising Members of the purpose of the Scottish Government’s Enterprise and Skills Review, and seeking approval for the Council’s response to this review.

The Committee is asked to homologate the Council’s submission to the Enterprise Skills Review as set out in Appendix 1.

17. Internal Audit Report on Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme for 2014-15 
Aithisg In-Sgrùdaidh mu Sgeama Èifeachdais Lùtha gus Gealltanas Càrbon a Lùghdachadh airson 2014-15

There is circulated Report No. PDI/51/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure summarising the findings of the Internal Audit report on the Council’s annual submission for the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme for the period 2014-15.

The Committee is asked to homologate the audit report and note the improvement actions that have been taken. Members are asked to note the cost of the CRC tax scheme and that measures are required to reduce carbon emissions specifically from buildings to reduce the financial burden on the Council.

18. Flood Preventions Schemes Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Sgeamaichean Casg Thuiltean

There is circulated Report No. PDI/52/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on the progress being made on the development of flood protection schemes and studies funded through the Major Flood Schemes capital programme.

The Committee is invited to note progress to date on the development of flood protection schemes and studies.

19. River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 1 Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Cheum 1 de Sgeama Casg Thuiltean Abhainn Nis

There is circulated Report No. PDI/53/16 by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure providing an update on the dispute proceedings by Morgan Sindall on the River Ness Flood Alleviation Phase 1 Contract and Budget Forecast.

The Committee is asked to note:-

i. the outcome of the dispute proceedings and the forecast outturn on this project;
ii. that the financial implications will be reported at future committee meeting; and
iii. that in accordance with the Council’s project management guidance, a lessons learned review will also be undertaken.

20. Housing Development Investment
Tasgadh ann an Leasachadh Taigheadais

There is circulated Report No. PDI/54/16 by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure seeking approval to an amended programme of new build affordable housing.  The report also seeks approval of grant assistance in support of affordable housing projects and for the sale of land in support of housing development.  The proposals contained within the report will assist in the meeting the Council’s overall affordable housing target of 1,700 new affordable houses by 2017.

The Committee is invited to agree:-

a) on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure, that:

i. the terms of the previously agreed development loan to Albyn Housing Society be extended for repayment to 31 March 2017;
ii. a grant of £30,000 be offered to Albyn Housing Society to support development of the affordable housing project at Bellfield, North Kessock;
iii. a grant of £98,320 be offered to Albyn Housing Society to support development of the assisted living housing pilot project under development in Alness;
iv. an area at Struan Road, Portree, extending to approximately 0.02ha, be transferred, with the consent of Scottish Ministers, to Taic at nil consideration for the development of a support centre; and
v. land extending to approximately 0.065ha at Carrieblair Crescent, Edderton be sold to The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust for nil consideration.

b) an amended programme of new build affordable housing as indicated with Appendix 1 of this report.

21. Inverness Airport Business Park Ltd – Unsecured Loan Stock
Pàirc Gnothachais Port-adhair Inbhir Nis Eta – Stoc Iasaid Neo-thèarainte

There is circulated Report No. PDI/55/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides information on the outstanding Loan Stock due to the Council from Inverness Airport Business Park Ltd outlining the outcome of the assessment of a revised Business Plan that was scheduled to be received by the Council.  The report highlights the company’s Repayment Intentions, the extended repayment timescale that is now proposed and the risks for the Council.   

The Committee is asked to note:-

i. the proposed repayment terms proposed by Inverness Airport Business Park Ltd;
ii. the caveats around the payment profile;
iii. the ongoing External Audit interest in the issue; and
iv. the treatment of the outstanding Loan Stock as a soft loan in the Council’s 2015/16 Annual Accounts.

22. Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Advisory Board – Minutes
Bòrd Comhairleachaidh Com-pàirteachas Ath-bheothachaidh Ghallaibh is 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 22 March 2016. 

23. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

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

i. South PAC – 12 April, 2016
ii. North PAC – 26 April, 2016 
iii. South PAC – 17 May, 2016 
iv. North PAC – 7 June, 2016

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. Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI/56/16 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 Committee is invited 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 2016/17, and Future Years Sales.