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, 2 November 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. Presentation – Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership
Taisbeanadh – Com-pàirteachas Ath-nuadhachaidh Ghallaibh agus Chataibh a Tuath    

There will be a presentation by Mr Eann Sinclair, Programme Manager, Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership giving an update on progress with the programme of activities to support the diversification of the Caithness & North Sutherland economy.

4. Revenue Budget Monitoring to 30 September 2016
Sgrùdadh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach gu 30 Sultain 2016    

There is circulated Report No. PDI/57/16 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 2016.

The Committee is asked to approve the report and the attached monitoring statements which show the revenue position for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016, and the actions which have been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year.

5. Capital Expenditure Monitoring to 30 September 2016    
Sgrùdadh Caiteachais Calpa gu 30 Sultain 2016  

There is circulated Report No. PDI/58/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure seeking approval of the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period from 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016, inclusion of the redevelopment of the Fort William Primary School and to approve a new route by-passing the existing White Bridge.

The Committee is asked to approve:-

i.    the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016;

ii.    the inclusion of the redevelopment of the Fort William Primary School, to be funded from the Property Rationalisation line of the capital programme, and to be included in the Council’s capital programme review currently underway; and

iii.    Option 2 for a new route by-passing the existing White Bridge.

6. Town and Countryside Capital Programme    
Prògram Calpa Baile agus Dùthcha

There is circulated Report No. PDI/59/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides an update on capital allocations within the Town & Countryside Capital Programme to 2024/25. These projects are recommended in support of the Council’s ‘Highland First’ priorities including, in particular, projects with the potential for new ways of working with communities. The programme supports Highland First and the Service commitment to improve the benefits derived by communities from our countryside assets and facilities.

The Committee is invited to note the contents of the report and agree the proposed project allocations, subject to ongoing affordability within the Corporate Capital programme.

7. Quarter 2 Performance Review 
Ath-bhreithneachadh Dèanadais Cairteil 2     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/60/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure advising of the delivery of the Development Management, Building Standards, and Development Plan services for the second Quarter of 2016/2017.    

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

8. Housing Development Investment
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/61/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure seeking approval of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) which sets out proposals for affordable housing investment during 2017–2022.  The report also seeks approval of grant assistance in support of affordable housing projects and for the purchase of land in support of housing development.  Approval is also sought for Landbank funding to support further projects within the National Housing Trust initiative.

The proposals contained within this report will assist in the meeting of the Council’s overall affordable housing target of 1,700 new affordable houses by 2017.

The Committee is asked to:-

i.    approve the Strategic Housing Investment Plan as submitted to the Scottish Government in draft form, as included within Appendix 1; 

ii.    note the planned investment programme as included within Appendix 2; 

iii.    agree that the Council enter into a Design and Build contract, required to secure the affordable housing in Kiltarlity, detailed within section 3 of this report, and that the land required for the 18 homes within the contract together with additional development land is purchased, on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure; 

iv.    agree that a grant of £120,000 be offered to the Glenurquhart Care Project, to support the development of 12 new houses for rent in Drumnadrochit, utilising funding available within the Landbank Fund and on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure; and

v.    agree that a loan of up to £725,000 be offered to the Highland Housing Alliance, to support housing projects in Munlochy and Inverness utilising funding available within the Landbank Fund, subject to Resources Committee approval for the use of prudential borrowing for the same projects, and on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

9. Inverness and Highland City/Region Deal    
Cùmhnant Baile/Roinne Inbhir Nis agus na Gàidhealtachd     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/62/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing an update on the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, setting out the expected high level benefits of the Deal, providing an update on the status of the component projects and explaining the next steps.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

10. Business Gateway    
Leasachadh Gnothachais     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/63/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure giving an update on the Business Gateway contract performance for Quarter 2, 2016/17.  

The Committee is asked to note the report and the Heads of Agreement reached with the Scottish Enterprise to fund the Enterprise Europe Network team until December 2018.

11. Highland Council Engagement with European Networks    
Conaltradh Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd le Lìonraidhean Eòrpach     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/64/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure giving an update with the current situation regarding European policy work and European funding following on from the UK referendum decision to leave the European Union, and makes recommendations on an approach to future policy development.

The Committee is asked to note the report and approve the approach to influencing future policy development both individually as described in section 4.5 of the report and collectively with the Highlands & Islands European Partnership as described in section 4.6 of the report.

12. Review of Highland Council’s Tourism Services    
Ath-sgrùdadh air Seirbheisean Turasachd Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/65/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which presents the findings of the review of the Council’s Tourism Services and seeks approval of the recommendations of the review.

The Committee is invited to note the findings of the review of the Highland Council’s tourism services and approve the recommendations made and subsequent delivery of these as outlined in section 2.1 of this report.

13. Climate Change
Atharrachadh Aimsir

i.  Annual Progress Report on the Carbon Management Plan 2015/16    
Aithisg Adhartais Bhliadhnail mun Phlana Rianachd Càrboin            

There is circulated Report No. PDI/66/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which reviews the Council’s performance in meeting the targets outlined in the Carbon Management Plan (CMP) for 2015/16.

The Committee is asked to note that remedial action to improve performance is being refocused on areas where emissions and costs are highest and increasing, if we are to meet our 15% reduction target in 2016/17. This means:

•    a programme of measures, as detailed at para 2.9, will be rolled out to ensure progress towards meeting targets set out in the CMP is achieved in 2016/17; and

•    acceleration of progress which has already been achieved to reduce staff travel and fleet carbon emissions will continue. Further reductions in staff travel will require additional promotion of video conferencing, and the Climate Change team will work with the Travel Desk to ensure that grey fleet mileage and car hire is minimised.

ii. Carbon CLEVER Capital Budget    
Cuibhreann Calpa Chàrboin CHIALLAICH     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/67/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides details of projects for Members to consider for funding from the Carbon CLEVER capital budget for 2016/17, and sets out proposed project funding arrangements and governance going forward.

The Committee is asked to approve:-

a.    funding of legacy projects as detailed at para 2.1 of the report;
b.    capital programme spend breakdown detailed at para 3.3 of the report;
c.    Carbon CLEVER capital programme application assessment criteria as detailed at Appendix 3 to the report; and
d.    the delegation of decision making as discussed at para 4.1 of the report.

iii. Annual Report under Public Sector Climate Change Duties 2015/16    
Aithisg Bhliadhnail fo Dhleastanasan Atharrachadh Aimsir na Roinne Poblaich    

There is circulated Report No. PDI/68/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which presents the Council’s first mandatory report under the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties (PBCCD), as required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.  

The Committee is asked to agree that the 2015/16 report is submitted as part of the mandatory reporting process under the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties.

14. Skye Air Services Business Case 2016    
Cùis Gnothachais Sheirbheisean Adhair an Eilein Sgitheanaich 2016     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/69/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure, which presents a copy of the Final Skye Air Services Business Case 2016 the focus of which is on the way forward, working with partners and tackling some of the key development strategy actions identified within the Business Case Report.

The Committee is asked to note the report and the contents of the Skye Air Services Business Case 2016 Report and to:-

i.     provide comments on the report findings;

ii.    confirm support for the re-introduction of scheduled air services to Skye Airport;

iii.    agree to the continued lobbying of Scottish Government and its agencies; and

iv.    approve the proposed short-term development activities contained within Appendix C, through continued collaboration with HITRANS and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, with a budget allocation of up to £30,000.

15. Consultation on the Future of Forestry in Scotland    
Co-chomhairle mu Àm ri Teachd Choilltearachd ann an Alba     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/70/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which introduces the Scottish Governments ‘Future of Forestry in Scotland’ Consultation document, highlights key proposals and provides a copy of the Council’s draft  response for consideration.

The Committee is asked to comment on and approve the draft response to the Future of Forestry in Scotland Consultation as set out in Appendix 1.

16. Confirmation of the Smithton and Culloden Flood Protection Scheme    
Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Bhaile a’ Ghobhainn agus Chùil Lodair                

There is circulated Report No. PDI/71/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure seeking approval to confirm the Smithton/Culloden Flood Protection Scheme (FPS).

The Committee is asked to:-

i.     make its ‘preliminary decision’ on the Smithton & Culloden Flood Protection Scheme to be to ‘confirm the scheme without modification’;

ii.    make its ‘final decision’ on the Smithton & Culloden Flood Protection Scheme to be to ‘confirm the scheme without modification’; and

iii.    approve the planning conditions to be applied to the Smithton & Culloden Flood Protection Scheme (set out in Appendix 1 to the report) to be recommended to Scottish Ministers.

17. Aquaculture Planning Guidance    
Dreachd Stiùireadh Dealbhaidh Tuathanais Uisge     

There is circulated Report No. PDI/72/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines the Aquaculture Planning Guidance developed to support the aquaculture and related polices in the current Highland-wide Local Development Plan. 

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    approve the Aquaculture Planning Guidance at Appendix 1 to the report; and

ii.    note the responses to comments raised on the previous consultation as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

18. Road Safety Activities Monitoring    
Sgrùdadh Ghnìomhan Sàbhailteachd Rathaid    

There is circulated Report No. PDI/73/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides information on the activities of the Road Safety Team within Transport Planning. One particular aspect of the activities is the preparation and implementation of the 20mph speed limit schemes across the Council area and a detailed update is provided within this report.

The Committee is asked to note:-

i.    the contents of this report and the ongoing work of the Road Safety Team;

ii.    progress to date in the 20mph Speed Limit programme;

iii.    the list of 20mph schemes in preparation (Appendix 3) and to agree the use of the Collision Matrix to assist with priority for delivery of future 20mph schemes; and

iv.    that an annual activity report will be brought back to Committee.

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

There is circulated Report No. PDI/74/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure detailing the activities of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited during Financial Year 2015/16 and recommends that Members accept the Financial Statement as at 31 March 2016 on behalf of The Highland Council.

The Committee is asked to:

i.    note the activities of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited; and

ii.    accept, on behalf of The Highland Council, the Financial Statement of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited for the year ending 31 March 2016.

20. Highland Economic Forum Minutes     
Fòram Eaconamach na Gàidhealtachd    

There is circulated for noting Minutes of the Highland Economic Forum held on 19 April 2016.

21. Minutes    
Geàrr-chunntas    

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

i.     South PAC – 28 June, 2016 

ii.    North PAC – 2 August, 2016 

iii.    South PAC – 16 August, 2016 

iv.    North PAC – 13 September, 2016 

Additional Item
Scottish Government Enterprise and Skills Review

There is circulated Report No. PDI/77/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which advises Members of outcomes of Phase 1 of the Scottish Government’s Enterprise and Skills Review and highlights the proposals for implementation in phase 2.

The Committee is invited to note the outcomes of Phase 1 of the Scottish Government’s Enterprise and Skills Review, the proposals for implementation in phase 2 and to consider the implications for the Highlands.

22. 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 Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

23. Property Transactions Monitoring Report    
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe    

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI/75/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides details of the General Fund and Property Account transactions approved by the Head of Development & Regeneration, and Corporate Property Asset Manager under delegated authority. The report also advises Members on sales concluded and sales targeted for completion within the financial year 2016/17 and the status of sales for 2017/18 onwards.

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.

24. Land and Property Report    
Talamh agus Cuid-seilbh    

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PDI/76/16 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure providing Members seeking approval for the purchase of areas of land in Drumnadrochit, Gairloch and Tain.  Approval is also sought for transfer of property in Dingwall from the General account to the Housing Account.

The Committee is invited to approve the recommendations set out in the report.