Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Places Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on Thursday, 15 June 2017, 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 9 March 2017:-

i. were exercised in relation to the business of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee as follows:

Approval given for the following projects:-

• land at Glendoe Terrace, Inverness was purchased at an agreed price of £1m to allow the development of 53 new affordable homes, utilising funding available from the Scottish Government;
• land required for the development at Raining’s Stairs, Inverness was purchased at the agreed price, which includes fees and works to date, of £218,000 for affordable housing, utilising funding available from the Scottish Government;
• land at Old Evanton Road/Craigwood Street, Dingwall was purchased at the agreed price of £550k for affordable housing, utilising funding available from the Scottish Government; and
• in recognition of the above projects being high cost schemes, the Landbank contribution towards the new Council houses included within the proposed developments at Raining’s Stairs, Inverness and Glendoe Terrace, Inverness was increased from £15k to £25k per unit.

ii. have not been exercised in relation to the business of the Community Services Committee.

4. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

• Brown Bin Collection – Positive Uptake

There has been a positive response from the public to the introduction of charging for the uplift of brown bins (garden waste).  At the time this agenda went to print 21,974 permits had been purchased.  A verbal update will be given at the committee.  The new collection service starts on 3 July.

5. Establishment and/or Appointment of Working Groups, Boards and Outside Bodies
Stèidheachadh agus/no Cur an Dreuchd Bhuidhnean Obrach, Bhòrd agus Bhuidhnean on Taobh A-muigh

a) Education Transport Entitlement Review Sub Committee and Harbours Management Board
Fo-Chomataidh Ath-sgrùdaidh Làn-chòir Còmhdhail Foghlaim agus Bòrd Rianachd nan Calachan

The Committee is invited to agree that the following be established:-

• Harbours Management Board – 10 Members
• Education Transport Entitlement Review Sub Committee – 5 Members

The proposed membership of each Board/Sub Committee will be tabled on the day of the Committee.

b) HITRANS Tier 1 Ferry Users Consultation Groups
Buidhnean Co-chomhairleachaidh Luchd-cleachdaidh Aiseagan Ìre 1    HITRANS

The interests of ferry users were previously represented by the Scottish Executive’s Ferry Users Consultation Group.  However, this was disbanded and a three-tier system was set up to cover issues at all levels from local through to national.

The three levels of Consultation Groups are Tier 0 which covers local issues, Tier 1 which covers regional groups and Tier 2 which covers national issues.

The Scottish Government has asked HITRANS to set up the Tier 1 Ferry Users Consultation Groups.

The proposed membership of each of the following Ferry Users Consultation Groups will be tabled on the day of the Committee:-

1. Argyll which covers services operated in Oban, Colonsay, Iona, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist and Ardnmurchan – 1 Member;
2. Lochaber and Skye which covers the Small Isles, Mallaig, Armadale, Raasay, Kilchoan and Lochaline - 3 Members; and
3. Hebrides Group which covers Barra, North and South Uist, Harris, Lewis and links to Skye - 1 Member.

c) Area Tourism Partnership
Com-pàirteachas Turasachd na Sgìre

The Council is a member of the Highland Area Tourism Partnership, a strategic group that brings together representatives from the tourism industry with the main public sector organisations involved in tourism.

The Committee is invited to nominate two members to represent the Council on this group.

d) Directorship of Inverness Airport Business Park
Dreuchd-stiùiridh Pàirc Gnothachais Port-adhair Inbhir Nis

Inverness Airport Business Park (IABP) is a joint venture company set up in May 2005 between Moray Estates, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland Council.

The Committee is invited to agree that the Chair be appointed to represent the Council on the IABP Board of Directors and that the Director of Development and Infrastructure attend board meetings in an advisory capacity.

e) Highland Economic Forum
Fòram Eaconamach na Gàidhealtachd

The Committee is asked to agree that, as previously, the Chair be appointed as the Council’s representative on the Highland Economic Forum, and to note that:

1. the Development and Infrastructure Service acts as lead for the Council on the Highland Economic Forum;
2. the Forum previously agreed that the Council’s representative chair the Forum; and
3. minutes of the Forum and any matters arising for Council consideration will be brought to the Committee for information.

f) Highland Small Communities Housing Trust
Urras Choimhearsnachdan Beaga na Gàidhealtachd

The Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust is a registered charity set up to help rural communities secure long term solutions to their local housing needs.    They represent a wide range of interests including communities, local government, landowners, crofters and housing associations, and are funded by the Scottish Government and various charitable trusts and foundations. 

The Committee is asked to nominate two Members to represent the Highland Council on the Highland Small Communities Trust.

g) Highland Environment Forum
Fòram Àrainneachd na Gàidhealtachd

The Committee is asked to agree that, as previously, the Vice Chair be appointed the Council’s representative on the Highland Environment Forum, and to note that:

1. the Development and Infrastructure Service acts as lead for the Council on the Highland Environment Forum; and           
2. minutes of the Forum and any matters arising for Council consideration will be brought to the Committee for information.

h) Local Access Fora
Fòraim Inntrigeadh Ionadail

There is circulated Report No. PLA/01/17 dated 2 June 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to agree delegate the appointment of Councillors to the Local Access Fora to the respective Area Committees.

i) European Maritime & Fisheries Fund – Highland Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG)
Maoin Mara & Iasgach na h-Eòrpa – Buidheann-gnìomha Ionadail Iasgach na Gàidhealtachd is Mhoireibh

There is circulated Report No PLA/02/17 dated 31 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to note progress of the Highland Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) and to agree to nominate two Highland Council representatives to sit on the FLAG panel.

j) Tornagrain Conservation Trust – Appointment of Directors
Urras Glèidhteachais Thòrr na Grèine – Cur Stiùirichean an Dreuchd

There is circulated Report No. PLA/03/17 dated 31 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to note progress and to agree to nominate two Highland Council Directors to the board of Tornagrain Conservation Trust.

k) Highland (LEADER) 2014-2020 Programme
Buidheann-gnìomha Ionadail Ro-innleachdail na Gàidhealtachd (LEADER)

There is circulated Report No. PLA/04/17 dated 31 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. note the summary of the Highland LEADER 2014-2020 programme and progress to date; and
2. nominate one voting member and one substitute member to take a place on the Highland Strategic Local Action Group (LAG).

l) Flood Area Risk Management – Local Plan District Executive Steering Groups
Rianachd Cunnairt Cheàrnaidhean Thuiltean – Buidhnean Stiùiridh Gnìomhach Sgìre a’ Phlana Ionadail

The Highland Council are designated as the Lead Local Authority for the “Highland and Argyll Local Plan District” and as a Responsible Authority within the “Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside Local Plan District”, the latter Local Plan District being led by Moray Council.  Executive Steering Groups for each Local Plan District helps to direct and facilitate all work that results on the agreement of the Flood Risk Management Strategy and the delivery of the Flood Risk Management Plan.

The Committee is invited to agree to appoint the Chair of the Places Committee to serve on both Executive Steering Groups.

6. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget – Final Outturn 2016/17
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2016/17

There is circulated Report No. PLA/05/17 dated 5 June 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the revenue budget outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2017.

7. Development and Infrastructure Service Capital Expenditure – Final Outturn 2016/17
Caiteachas Calpa Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair – Fìor Shuidheachadh Faisg air Deireannach 2016/17

There is circulated Report No. PLA/06/17 dated 5 June 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve:-

1. the capital expenditure outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2017; and
2. the budget allocation of £0.2m for flood defences in Conon Bridge.

8. Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 4 Performance Review
Frèam-Coileanaidh Dealbhaidh agus Ath-sgrùdadh Coileanaidh Ràith 4

There is circulated Report No. PDI/07/17 dated 26 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

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

9. Review of the Scottish Planning System
Freagairt do Cho-chomhairle Ath-sgrùdaidh Dealbhaidh Riaghaltas na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No. PLA/08/17 dated 26 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. homologate the comments enclosed at Appendix 1 of the report as the Council’s views on the review of the planning system in Scotland for consideration by Scottish Government; and
2. provide any comments or feedback to inform future stages of the review and any emerging legislation.

10. Update on the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal
Cùmhnant Baile-Roinne Inbhir Nis agus na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No PLA/09/17 dated 29 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to note the update on the progress of the Inverness City-Region Deal.

11. Planning Fees and Charges
Cìsean agus Cosgaisean Dealbhaidh

There is circulated Report No PLA/10/17 dated 5 June 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. note the increase to planning fees; and
2. agree the proposed changes to pre-application fees and the introduction of a new fee for Non Material Variations

12. Highland Council Ranger’s Service – Proposed Transfer to High Life Highland
Seirbheis nam Maor-dùthcha – Moladh Gluasad gu High Life na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No PLA/11/17 dated 6 June 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. approve the recommendation to transfer the Ranger Service to HLH later in 2017 following the conclusion of statutory procedures; and
2. delegate final details of the transfer to the Director of Service, in discussion with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Places Committee.

13. Historic Windows and Doors: Planning Guidance for Listed Buildings and Unlisted Buildings in Conservation Areas
Uinneagan agus Dorsan Eachdraidheil: Stiùireadh Dealbhaidh airson Thogalaichean Clàraichte agus Thogalaichean Neo-chlàraichte ann an Sgìrean Glèidhteachais

There is circulated Report No PLA/12/17 dated 23 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to approve the finalised version of ‘Historic Windows and Doors: Planning Guidance for Listed Buildings and Unlisted Buildings in Conservation Areas’ for adoption as non-statutory supplementary guidance.

14. Scottish Government Consultations on Scottish Energy Strategy, Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme, Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies & Regulation of District Heating, & Onshore Wind Policy Statement
Co-chomhairlean Riaghaltas na h-Alba air Ro-innleachd Lùth na h-Alba, Prògram Lùth Èifeachdach na h-Alba, Ro-innleachdan Èifeachdais Teasa & Lùtha & Riaghladh Teasachadh Sgìreil & Aithris Poileasaidh Gaoth Cladaich

There is circulated Report No PLA/13/17 dated 29 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to homologate the consultation responses provided to the Scottish Government in respect of the draft Scottish Energy Strategy, Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme, Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies and Regulation of District Heating, and the Onshore Wind Policy Statement.

15. 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 9 November 2016.

16. Community Services Revenue Budget 2016/17 – Near Final Outturn 2016/17
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach 2016/17 – Fior Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2016/17

There is circulated Report No PLA/14/17 dated 6 June 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to approve the revenue budget outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2017.

17. Community Services Capital Expenditure – Final Outturn 2016/17
Caiteachas Calpa nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd 2016/17

There is circulated Report No PLA/15/17 dated 5 June 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to approve the capital expenditure outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2017.

18. Community Services Performance Report – 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017
Aithisg Coileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd

There is circulated Report No PLA/16/17 dated 23 May 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to:-

1. note the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April to 31 March 2017; and
2. agree that flat numbers 2, 4, and 6 Wellington Street, Wick, be declared surplus to requirements and offered for open market sale.

19. Scottish Government Consultation: Draft Water Intended for Human Consumption (Private Water Supplies) (Scotland)
Co-chomhairle Riaghaltas na h-Alba – Dreachd Riaghailtean airson Uisge airson Òl le Daoine (Solair Prìobhaideach) (Alba)

There is circulated Report No PLA/17/17 dated 1 June 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to invited to approve the Council’s response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Draft Water Intended for Human Consumption (Private Water Supplies) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.

20. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

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

1. North PAC – 10 January 2017 (pp. 1-8)
2. South PAC – 17 January 2017 (pp. 9-18)
3. North PAC – 21 February 2017 (pp. 19-35)
4. South PAC – 28 February 2017 (pp. 36-51)

21. 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.

22. Lighting and Communications Team Structure - in support of LED Programme
Taic Luchd-obrach airson Luathachadh LED

Paragraph 1

There is circulated to Members only Report No PLA/18/17 dated 1 June 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to approve the recommendations as detailed in the report.

23. Ullapool to Lochinver Bus Service
Ullapul-Loch an Inbhir - Seirbheis Bus

Paragraph 8

There is circulated to Members only Report No PLA/19/17 dated 5 June 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations as detailed in the report.

24. Housing Development Investments

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PLA/20/17 dated 25 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to approve the recommendations as detailed in the report.

25. Land and Property Transactions Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. PLA/21/17 dated 26 May 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the recommendations as detailed in the report.