Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Places Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday, 16 August 2017 at 10.30 am.

Present:

Mr G Adam
Mr R Balfour
Mrs J Barclay
Mr A Baxter (Substitute)
Dr I Cockburn
Mr M Finlayson
Mr C Fraser
Mr J Gordon
Mr K Gowans
Mr J Gray
Mr A Henderson
Mrs L MacDonald
Mr D MacKay
Mr W MacKay (by video conferencing)
Ms A MacLean
Mr C MacLeod
Mr D MacLeod
Mr J McGillivray
Mr N McLean
Mr H Morrison
Mrs T Robertson
Mr A Sinclair
Mr C Smith (Substitute)
Ms M Smith

Non-Members also present:

Mr I Campbell
Mrs H Carmichael
Mrs M C Davidson
Mr R Gale
Mr T Heggie
Mr A Jarvie
Mr R Laird
Mr B Lobban
Mr D Louden
Mrs D Mackay
Mr G MacKenzie
Mr B Thompson
    
In attendance:

Mr S Black, Director of Development and Infrastructure
Mr W Gilfillan, Director of Community Services 
Ms C Campbell, Head of Performance and Resources, Community Services
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing and Building Maintenance, Community Services
Mr C Howell, Head of Infrastructure, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A Maguire, Head of Development and Regeneration, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A McCann, Economy and Regeneration, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A Summers, Head of Environmental and Amenity Services, Community Services
Ms T Urry, Head of Roads and Transport, Community Services
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr S Dalgarno, Development Plans Manager
Mr R Gerring, Transport Planning Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Mr A Yates, Environmental Health Manager, Community Services
Mr K Masson, Climate Change Officer, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr C Simpson, Principal Tourism & Film Officer, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr D Cowie, Principal Planner, Development & Infrastructure Service
Mr S Hindson, Acting Principal Planner, Development & Infrastructure Service
Ms N Drummond, Team Leader, Development and Infrastructure Service
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Corporate Development Service
Mr S Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Corporate Development Service

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to Committee.

Mr A Henderson in the Chair

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Miss J Campbell, Mr R MacWilliam and Mr I Ramon.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 12 – Mrs A MacLean and Mr R Laird (non-financial)

Item 13 – Mr G Adam, Mr D Louden and Mr J McGillivray (all non-financial)

Item14 – Ms M Smith (non-financial)

3. Petition for Pedestrian Crossing at Strathpeffer Primary School
Athchuinge airson Àite Coise aig Bun-Sgoil Shrath Pheofhair

The Committee AGREED that officers visit Strathpeffer School Road to assess the health and safety of the two current crossings (speed bumps with markings) and give consideration to alternative crossings at the two locations.

4. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh       

The Committee NOTED that the recess powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 29 June 2017 had not been exercised in relation to the business of the Committee.

5. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

The following areas of good news were reported:-

• Corran Ferry

Tribute was paid to the skipper and crew of the Corran Ferry whose quick actions had prevented any injury or damage to passengers and vehicles when the vessel had run aground in July.

• Apprenticeships

Kyle Dempster, a Community Services apprentice mechanic based in the workshops at Carrs Corner, Fort William, had been given the 1st year, achievement award from Moray Firth Training.

Alvin Hunter, a trainee technician with the Project Design Unit in Drummuie, was awarded Building Technology Apprentice of the year and was awarded overall Apprentice of the year at UHI, selected from all the winning apprentices this summer.

• Smart Ticketing Challenge Fund

Highland Council had been successful in its bid to the Smart Ticketing Challenge Fund and had been awarded £50k to promote a joint ticketing scheme with passport providers.

The Committee NOTED the items of Good News.

6. Highland (LEADER) 2014-2020 Programme
Prògram (LEADER) 2014-2020 na Gàidhealtachd

The Committee were invited to nominate a substitute member to take a place on the Highland Strategic Local Action Group (LAG).

Nominations were received for Mrs L MacDonald and Mr D MacLeod.

On a vote being taken, Mrs MacDonald received 13 votes and Mr MacLeod received 7 votes, with two abstentions, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Votes for Mrs MacDonald

Mrs J Barclay, Mr A Baxter, Dr I Cockburn, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Henderson, Mrs L MacDonald, Ms A MacLean, Mr C MacLeod, Mr N McLean, Mrs T Robertson and Ms M Smith.

Votes for Mr MacLeod

Mr G Adam, Mr R Balfour, Mr D MacKay, Mr W MacKay, Mr D MacLeod, Mr A Sinclair and Mr C Smith.

Abstentions

Mr J McGillivray and Mr H Morrison.

Decision

The Committee AGREED to appoint Mrs L MacDonald as the substitute member on the Highland Strategic Local Action Group.

7. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget to 30 June 2017
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Buidseat Seirbheis an Leasachaidh is a’ Bhun-structair gu 30 Ògmhios 2017

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/22/17 dated 7 August 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• officers were reminded that explanations should be provided for budget savings marked as Amber as well as those marked Red;
• disappointment was expressed at the number of savings proposals marked as Amber and Red.  In particular, it was questioned if the Renewable savings measure of £50k would ever be achieved; and
• an explanation was sought, and received, as to how the energy efficiency measures would meet the budget shortfall.

The Committee APPROVED the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017, and the actions which had been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year.

8. Capital Expenditure Monitoring to 30 June 2017
Sgrùdadh Caiteachais Chalpa gu 30 Ògmhios 2017

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/23/17 dated 7 August 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the Chair referred to the Fort William office rationalisation.  Unfortunately the renovation of the old building was unlikely to meet its deadline due to the complex nature of the project, issues which had arisen and changes which had been made.  However, it was scheduled to be completed by the start of 2018;
• disappointment was expressed at the lack of projects in Ward 5 (Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh), bearing in mind its large geographical area, and it was suggested that this demonstrated that the distribution of funding in Highland was uneven.  In response, the Chair pointed out previous projects which had taken place in Ward 5 and, with a tight capital budget, projects had to merit inclusion;
• the ring-fencing of money for the Nairn Streetscape Scheme from the Town and Countryside Regeneration budget was appreciated.  However, with this budget fully committed it would be useful for Members to know what these projects were.  Furthermore, it was questioned how an additional £100k could be found for the Fairy Pools;
• the discrepancy between the budget for Grantown Swimming Pool and the forecasted project spend for it was questioned;
• the Dornoch Sports Centre was progressing and an application for sportscotland funding had been made.  Substantial private investment had been made in Dornoch in recent years and the public money invested would complement this;
• the forecasted outturn for the Care and Learning element was £23m overspend with many projects running over budget and it was essential that there were measures in place to mitigate these issues;
• assurance was sought, and received, that £16.28m had been allocated this year to the Tain 3-18 School Campus;
• confirmation was sought if the Ullapool Nursery was included as a School Estate Management project given its poor condition;
• the inclusion of the Inshes Roundabout was welcomed but it would be difficult to predict the cost given the considerable number of variables in the area which could impact on it;
• the Muir of Ord Railway Bridge was approaching completion.  This project had taken some time to come to fruition and particular mention was made of former Councillor David Chisholm who had campaigned for it to be included in the programme.  However, it was important to review any snagging issues that arose, particularly in relation to the new 20mph which had been introduced but which was reportedly not well observed;
• whilst the start of works on the B876 Killimster Moss Road Improvements were also welcomed, comment was made that these were long overdue.  Also in this area, Flood Prevention works were scheduled for the River Thurso and Halkirk and additional information was sought, particularly in relation to start dates;
• information was sought as to what point a project budget was closed as there had been incidents where additional works had fallen to the Service itself; and
• the Fairy Pools and Uig Ferry terminal investments were welcomed, bearing in mind the importance of tourism to Skye.

The Committee APPROVED:-

1. the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017;
2. the allocation of £0.100m from the Town & Countryside Regeneration budget to allow a community group to improve visitor management at Fairy Pools (Glen Brittle); and
3. an increase of £1.4m for the Uig Ferry Terminal Upgrade to be recovered through increased ferry dues from CalMac, as agreed with Transport Scotland.

9. Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 1 Performance Review
Frèam-Coileanaidh Dealbhaidh agus Ath-sgrùdadh Coileanaidh Ràith 1

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/24/17 dated 26 July 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Following an introduction to the report where a typographical error was explained in relation to the City Deal, Members made the following comments:-

• the report highlighted the complex nature of planning and the compliance involved.  The document would also be of significant benefit for developers to understand what the Council’s policies were and what they should be adhering to;
• while the eight week target to process a planning application was aspirational, it was difficult to meet and Community Councils had indicated that this did not allow them sufficient time to respond.  Furthermore, it was essential to identify the reasons why this target was often not met and to address the causes, especially where applications related to businesses which could bring additional employment to Highland;
• additional time for Members to scrutinise the document would have been beneficial;
• Community Councils, who were eligible for a 50% discount on planning applications fees, were unable to complete the application form online;
• whilst there had been a big increase in planning applications in some areas, there was also staff shortages; and
• some applications involved considerable documentation, some of which might appear mundane but which was in fact essential.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the performance updates for the Development Management, Building Standards and Development Plans teams; and
2. APPROVED the Planning Performance Framework (PPF) as set out in Appendix 1 to the report for submission to Scottish Government, subject to the inclusion of the sentence regarding the City-Region Deal.

10. Developer Contributions for Education Infrastructure
Tabhartasan Luchd-leasachaidh airson Foghlaim

There had been circulated Report No PLA/25/17 dated 1 August 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• appreciation was expressed for the contributions made by Councillors Gowans and Jarvie and officers in reviewing the Action Programme for the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan.  A measured approach had been adopted and it was hoped it would go some way to alleviate  pressure being felt in schools in the Inverness area;                                                                                                                                                        
• it was hoped that the revised approach to developer contributions could be expanded elsewhere in Highland.  In particular, there was pressure on  Black Isle schools as a result of major housing development in recent years;
• the new draft of the Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance would be reported to the Places Committee for approval in November but before this it was essential that Members inputted to the document;
• clarification was sought as to the point where developer contributions were sought;
• officers were also commended for the manner in which they had handled developer contributions in Inverness in recent months and which had been evident in the applications being brought to the South Planning Applications Committee; and
• concern was expressed that the increase in developer contributions would be passed onto householders when purchasing their property or, in the case of public properties, onto the price.

The Committee:-

1. AGREED that developer contributions within the Inverness associated schools groups’ catchment areas would be subject to new build equivalent rates as set out in paragraph 3.48 of the adopted Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance; and
2. NOTED that the full methodology for developer contributions for all infrastructure types would be set out in the forthcoming draft Supplementary Guidance to be presented to the 8 November Places Committee.

11. Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance – Landscape Sensitivity Appraisals
Iùl Leasachail Lùth Gaoithe Cladaich – Measaidhean Frionasachd Cruth-tìre   

There had been circulated Report No PLA/26/17 dated 3 August 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the accumulative visual impact from wind farm developments in neighbouring local authority areas was highlighted and confirmation was sought, and received, that Moray Council and other relevant local authorities had been consulted on the Draft Appraisals;
• with regard to the Caithness Landscape Sensitivity Appraisal, reassurance was sought, and received that the accumulative visual impact from the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm on the seascape from Duncansby Head to Dunbeath would be a consideration in any future planning applications for onshore wind farm development in Caithness;
• the consideration of comments and issues raised by Community Councils within the Draft Appraisals was welcomed;
• in welcoming the Draft Appraisals, frustration was expressed at the appeals process and that wind farm developments had been approved by Scottish Ministers despite Council opposition; and
• the inclusion of representations regarding the potential accumulative visual impact of onshore wind farm developments along the coast of Moray Firth and Cromarty Firth was welcomed.

The Committee:-

1. having consider the comments received on the Draft Landscape Sensitivity Appraisals,  AGREED the Council’s responses as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;
2. AGREED to adopt the Appraisals and associated Strategic Capacity Conclusions as an addition to the Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance, being statutory Supplementary Guidance to the Highland-wide Local Development Plan (2012), as set out in Appendix 2 (which had been circulated separately as Booklet A) of the report, subject to any feedback from Scottish Ministers during the statutory process for adoption;
3. AGREED for the Appraisals to be used as a material consideration for planning decisions and advice with immediate effect; and
4. NOTED the progress on further landscape sensitivity and strategic capacity work as set out in section 6 of the report.

12. Economy and Regeneration
Eaconamaidh agus Ath-nuadhachadh

Declarations of Interest

Mrs A MacLean declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chair of Ross-shire Woman’s Aid but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her from taking part in the discussion.

Mr R Laird declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chair of Merkinch Partnershhip but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/27/17 dated 2 August 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members’ comments included the following:-

• the Chair advised that a copy of the criteria used to determine the first phase of roll-out of free open public Wi-Fi system in town centres would be circulated to Members;
• in welcoming the roll-out of the WiFi project into the recommended town centres, Members highlighted a number of other towns and areas which could benefit from future expansion of the project including Geddes, Evanton, Broadford and between Ullapool and Portree.
• in seeking reassurance that people who had previously attended Nairn Job Club were still receiving support locally, it was requested that the potential to provide outreach services in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions be investigated;
• with reference to the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project and the conservation area within Nairn, the potential for heritage funding to be distributed across the area was highlighted;
• whilst welcoming the proposals, concern was expressed that Members had not been consulted on the proposals for the free open public Wi-Fi system and that the first occasion many Members had heard about the proposals was through a press release.  Reassurance was sought, and received, that these concerns would be addressed and that Ward Members would be consulted as to what they considered to be priorities prior to any future roll-out of the project;
• concern was expressed that the process for community organisations, including Merkinch Partnership, to apply to the Deprived Area Fund was overly complicated and it was requested that officers investigate whether the process could be simplified and that organisations requiring a second transitional payment were receiving this.  In response, it was suggested that a meeting be held with Merkinch Partnership to discuss these concerns;
• in highlighting the increase in revenue generated from tourism, such as marine and environment tourism and the North Coast 500, the need for improved WiFi access across a range of areas was emphasised; and
• it was suggested that a Members’ workshop or seminar be arranged to deal with concerns raised generally regarding poor broadband availability within the Highlands.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the contents of report and the proposal to produce an Economy and Regeneration e-Newsletter;
2. AGREED to continue to prioritise employability activity to those areas currently benefiting from the Deprived Area Fund;
3. AGREED proposals to expand the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal funded free open public Wi-Fi system to Alness, Aviemore, Dingwall, Dornoch, Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus, Fort William, Invergordon, Nairn, Portree, Tain, Thurso, Ullapool and Wick; and
4. AGREED that a meeting be held to discuss difficulties encountered by Merkinch Enterprise in relation to the Deprived Area Fund.

13. Highland Opportunity Limited
Cothrom na Gàidhealtachd Eta

Declarations of Interest

As Directors of the Board of Highland Opportunity (Investments) Ltd, Mr G Adam, Mr D Louden and Mr J McGillivray each declared a non-financial interest in this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, each concluded that their interest did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/28/17 dated 5 July 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the new arrangements for Highland Opportunity Limited and its subsidiary company, Highland Opportunity (Investment) Limited;
2. AGREED to assume responsibility for the Highland Opportunity Limited Pension Fund net liability and to undertake repayments as detailed in Table 1 at paragraph 4.2 of the report; and
3. AGREED to appoint the Chair of Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited as the sole Director of Highland Opportunity Limited.

14. Housing Development Investment
Tasgadh Leasachadh Thaighean

Declaration of Interest

Mrs M Smith declared a non-financial interest in this item as Company Secretary and Board Member of Albyn Housing Society but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No PLA/29/17 dated 3 August 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee APPROVED the use of:-

1. £13,000 of Landbank Funding to provide a loan to Cromarty Community Council to assist in the purchase of the Townlands Barn, Cromarty on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Director of Finance; and
2. £20,000 of Landbank Funding to provide a grant to Albyn Housing Society to assist in the development of affordable housing in Ardgay on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Director of Finance.

15. HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy
HITRANS Ro-innleachd Còmhdhail Roinneil

There had been circulated Report No PLA/30/17 dated 7 August 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, comments included the following:-

• a meeting would take place following Committee involving Members from Wards 17 and 18 regarding the dualling of the A9 and A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen and comments by Members from this would form a follow-up response to the Council’s own submission to the consultation.  In response, the Director of  Development and Infrastructure suggested that authority be delegated to himself, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chairs, to approve the response to the HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) as set out in Section 4 of the report, to enable any additional comments raised by Members from both the Committee and the Wards 17 and 18 meeting be included within the response;
• following comment which emphasised the importance of public transport in Highland, clarity was sought on whether proposed changes to volunteer driver training for community transport had been taken into consideration in the Council’s response to the RTS consultation;
• confirmation was sought, and received, that grant funding could be sought from the Community Links grant programme.  However, it was emphasised that the criteria used to assess proposed walking and cycling routes was strict and that match-funding was also a requirement;
• clarity was sought, and received, on how the Council would use the RTS to move forward its own transport agenda with Transport Scotland and Scottish Ministers, in particular the need for transport appraisals in relation to Corran Ferry and congestion on the A82 in Fort William;
• reassurance was sought, and received, that consideration of potential options for the Stromeferry Bypass, including the use of a tram system, were included within the RTS;
• in relation to the A95, it was highlighted that heavy goods vehicles could use this route as a bypass around Inverness and Nairn and that traffic congestion could subsequently be reduced in these areas.  It was also highlighted that any future major realignment of the A95 could enable the return of the railway to Grantown-on-Spey; and
• the potential for introducing a cycle route as an alternative for cyclists using the A87 on the Isle of Skye was highlighted.

The Committee AGREED to delegate authority to the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chairs, to approve the response to the HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy as set out in Section 4 of the report, to enable Members comments to be included.

16. Scottish Government Consultation on New Climate Change Bill
Co-chomhairle Riaghaltas na h-Alba air Bile ùr Atharrachadh Gnàth-shìde

There had been circulated Report No PLA/31/17 dated 21 July 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the Chair highlighted that, in addition to the Council’s response, Members were also welcome to submit their own views separately via the consultation website;
• the proposals contained within the new Bill would make it much clearer to Members and the public what emission reduction targets were expected to be achieved by the Council;
• in highlighting the reliance on private vehicles in Highland due to poor transport links and the inadequate provision of charging infrastructure for electric cars, it was suggested that greater emphasis should be make on the need for increased funding for public transport and community cycle routes; and
• in welcoming the response, it was suggested that, in addition to the proposal to be presented to the Committee in November to set-up an Energy and Climate Change Working Group, a wider Policy-Forum for all Members be established to enable in-depth discussion and to broaden the awareness of climate change across the Council and local businesses.

The Committee APPROVED the draft response as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

17.Planning Enforcement Charter
Cairt Cur an Gnìomh Dealbhaidh

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

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• it was requested that copies of the Planning Enforcement Charter be circulated to Community Councils;
• in welcoming the revised Charter, in particular the section outlining complaints that could not be dealt with under planning control, a request for information was made on a specific case in Nairn involving a blocked parking lane and whether it was a matter for the planning service or community services to take enforcement action; and
• requests were made for information on the Council’s planning enforcement budget and the number of prosecutions made in relation to breaches of planning conditions over the previous five years.

The Committee:-

1. AGREED to adopt the Charter as set out in Appendix 1 to the report as the Council’s statement of planning enforcement policy and procedure; and
2. AGREED to circulate the Charter to Community Councils.

18. Community Services Revenue Budget 2017/18 - Monitoring to 30 June 2017
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd 2017/18 – Sgrùdadh gu 30 Ògmhios 2017

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/33/17 dated 17 July 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Chair referred to an article in which he was quoted in the Inverness Courier.  He clarified that he had referred to a review of parking charges across the Highlands but had not made reference to changes to charges in Inverness.

Members had received the updated report and the Director drew attention to a small typing error in it. He also drew attention to particular issues and variances around public conveniences, street lighting, car parking and winter maintenance (should 2017-18 prove to be a harsh winter).

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• a breakdown of waste disposal in regard to refuse collection was sought, particularly referring to collections from viewpoints;
• clarification was sought, and provided, as to what previously approved increases in resources were expected to increase the energy consumption for 2017/18 to above 10%;
• a breakdown of the Trading Operations budget for Harbours and Ferries, on a harbour-by-harbour basis, was sought for Derek MacLeod;
• information was sought, and provided, on when more detail on the area disaggregated budgets would be available. It was anticipated there would be increased local focus going forward, particularly in relation to community asset transfer and the Community Planning Partnerships;
• in relation to income from decriminalised parking enforcement, an indication of the amount anticipated would be helpful;
• if unachieved savings were written off, the financial problem would be transferred elsewhere;
• although the progress achieved in closing the savings gap for public conveniences from £365k to £177k by taking the combined services back in-house was commendable, the lack of progress on resolving the situation was of concern. The Director explained the consultation process that had been undertaken and that the matter had been taken to the Committee twice with no resolution agreed. Attention was drawn to the recent widely reported problems on the Isle of Skye due to insufficient public conveniences to cater for the large numbers of tourists. Reference was also made to the health-related issues around toilet-provision and that the Community Planning Partnership might have a role to play in this in future;
• assurance was sought, and received, that all parking meters had been adapted to accept the new £1 coin; and
• in response to concern about budgets and unmet savings targets, scrutiny of every area, including recruitment, would be undertaken.

The Committee APPROVED the revenue budget monitoring position for the period from 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017.

19. Community Services Performance Report – 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017
Aithisg Coileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd     

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/34/17 dated 2 August 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee NOTED the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017;

20. Environmental Health Operational Plan 2017/18
Plana Seirbheis Slàinte Àrainneachd 2017/18

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/35/17 dated 28 July 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the Chair and Members commended and acknowledged the importance of the work of the Environmental Health team, with particular reference to support provided to the Licensing Committee, contributions to the Nairn Bathing Water Steering Group and contaminated land investigations. Environmental Health improved the safety of people and animals across Highland;
• the introduction of a trainee scheme in the Environmental Health team was welcomed;
• in relation to the team’s remit regarding animal health and welfare, information was sought, and provided, on investigations being undertaken into possible bovine/avian tuberculosis on the Isle of Skye;
• an assurance was provided that the Food Hygiene Information Scheme was updated every two weeks and that a consultation on the future policy for the Scheme was likely in 2018;
• in response to concerns about the lack of a dog warden on the Isle of Skye, consideration was being given to adding this role to other officers’ enforcement duties; and
• in response to concern about there being only 0.6 Full Time Equivalent Shellfish Inspection Officers on the Isle of Skye, it was explained that this was calculated according to demand and was linked to a contract with the Food Standards Agency where the Council carried out official control sampling of shellfish harvesting sites.

The Committee APPROVED the Environmental Health Operational Plan 2017/18 as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

21. Scottish Timber Transport Scheme - Status of Projects and Bids
Sgeama Còmhdhail Fiodh na h-Alba – Inbhe Phròiseactan is Thagraidhean

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/36/17 dated 7 August 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the Chair praised the fund and referred to the previous allocation of £0.5m which had facilitated approximately £2m of work being undertaken.  In addition, the Director explained the process by which the funds were used to seek match funding;
• assurances were sought, and received, that if an application to the Strategic Timber Transport Fund was unsuccessful, funding would still be in place for the B9090/Whitebridge at Clephanton; and
• a detailed list of the six schemes that had been approved by the Forestry Commission Scotland was requested. It was highlighted that the detail of the six schemes had previously been reported to the Council at its meeting on 9 March 2017.

The Committee:-

1. APPROVED the proposals for future bids to the Strategic Timber Transport Fund;
2. AGREED that up to £0.5m be allocated under the road structural (capital) funding as match funding; and
3. AGREED that, should STTF match funding bids be unsuccessful, any residual match funding would be reallocated across the Areas using the Road Condition Survey parameters, with scheme selection being decided by Members at local Area level.

22. Consultation on Improving Road Works in Scotland
Co-chomhairle air Leasachadh Obraichean Rathaid ann an Alba

There had been circulated Report No. PLA/37/17 dated 4 August 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• it was suggested that consideration be given to a bond system being introduced in response to question 1 of the consultation;
• it was disappointing if a newly resurfaced road was then dug up by a Utility Company and co-ordination between their capital programmes and that of the Council would alleviate this;
• appreciation was expressed to Roads Engineer Stuart Stansfield for his efforts, prior to his retirement, in coordinating the roadworks undertaken on Nairn High Street and ensuring its resurfacing.

The Committee APPROVED the responses to Transport Scotland’s consultation “Improving the Quality of Road Works”, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

23. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee NOTED the Minutes of the Planning Applications Committees (PAC), which had been circulated separately, for:-

1. North PAC – 4 April 2017;
2. South PAC – 11 April 2017;
3. North PAC – 13 June 2017; and
4. South PAC – 20 June 2017.

And APPROVED the Harbours Management Board Minutes of 26 June 2017.

Arising from a planning application discussed at the North PAC meeting of 13 June 2017, the process for sharing information on serious road accidents, particularly on trunk roads, between the Council, Police and Transport Scotland was queried and an undertaking was made to provide Members with details of current arrangements.

24. Exclusion of The Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee RESOLVED that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

25. Land and Property Transactions Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe     

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. PLA/38/17 dated 21 July 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Following discussion, the Committee AGREED the recommendations as detailed in the report.

26. Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. PLA/39/17 dated 27 July 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee NOTED the report.

The meeting ended at 2.45 pm.