Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on Wednesday 8 November 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

Stewart Fraser
Head of Corporate Governance

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. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

4. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget Monitoring to 30 September 2017
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Buidseat Seirbheis an Leasachaidh is a’ Bhun-structair gu 30 Sultain 2017

There is circulated Report No. EDI/01/17 dated 25 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to approve the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017 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 2017
Sgrùdadh Caiteachais Chalpa gu 30 Sultain 2017

There is circulated Report No. EDI/02/17 dated 3 November 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve:-

1. to increase the gross budget for the Fort William Office Project Phase 2 by £0.6m, to be funded by the Property Rationalisation line in the capital programme.  The property rationalisation budget will be included in the Council’s capital programme review currently underway; and
2. the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017.

6. Property Revenue Maintenance Budget 2017/18 Budget Allocation
Riarachadh Buidseit airson Buidseat Cumail Suas Teachd-a-steach Seilbhe 2017/18

There is circulated Report No. EDI/03/17 dated 17 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the proposed work categories and budget allocations for the 2017/18 Property Revenue Maintenance Budget.

7. Quarter 2 Performance Review
Ath-sgrùdadh Coileanaidh Cairteil 2 

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

The Committee is invited to:-

1. note the performance updates for the Development Management, Building Standards and Development Plans teams;
2. note progress with the eRoad Construction Consent project; and
3. agree to the amended schedule of charges for Street Naming and Numbering functions.

8. Development and Infrastructure Service Workforce Plan
Plana Sgioba-obrach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh is a’ Bhun-structair

There is circulated Report No EDI/05/17 dated 18 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the Development and Infrastructure Service Workforce Plan 2017 - 2021.

9. Economy and Regeneration Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Eaconamaidh agus Ath-nuadhachadh

There is circulated Report No EDI/06/17 dated 31 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to.

1. agree to a refocused Economic Forum to act as the Regional Partnership for Highland to drive forward co-ordinated and focused action on common priorities for the Highland economy; and
2. note the report and the key developments highlighted during quarter 2 and emerging activity.

10. Climate Change
Atharrachadh Aimsir

i. Annual Report under Public Bodies Climate Change Duties 2016/17
Aithisg Bhliadhnail fo Dhleastanasan Atharrachadh Aimsir nam Buidhnean Poblach 2016/17

There is circulated Report No. EDI/07/17 dated 19 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to agree that the 2016/17 report is submitted as part of the mandatory reporting process under the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties.

ii. Annual Progress Report on the Carbon Management Plan 2016/17
Aithisg Adhartais Bhliadhnail mun Phlana Rianachd Càrboin 2016/17    

There is circulated Report No. EDI/08/17 dated 19 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to agree that remedial action to improve performance to refocus on areas where emissions and costs are highest and increasing. These are:-

• a programme of measures, as detailed at para 3.1 of the report, is being rolled out to expedite progress towards meeting targets set out in the CMP in 2017/18; and
• revision and update of the Carbon Management Plan to set out a carbon reduction pathway through to 2023, taking in to account the Council’s new programme plan and Scottish Government ambition as detailed in the new Climate Change Bill

iii. Carbon CLEVER Capital Budget
Cuibhreann Calpa Chàrboin CHIALLAICH                                                         

There is circulated Report No. EDI/09/17 dated 19 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to note spend in 2016/17 and agree the proposals for spend in 2017/18.

11. European Engagement
Com-pàirteachas Eòrpach

There is circulated Report No EDI/10/17 dated 23 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. note the European work currently undertaken by the Council and how it works collaboratively with other partners through the Highlands and Islands European Partnership;
2. note the potential impacts on Highland and the Highland Council that may arise as a result of the UK decision to leave the EU; and
3. agree to endorse the approach to continuing the Council’s engagement as described in paragraph 5.4 of the report.

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

There is circulated joint Report No EDI/11/17 dated 23 October 2017 by the Director of Corporate Resources and the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to note the outcome of the assessment of Inverness Airport Business Park Ltd’s 2016/17 Annual Accounts and the implications for repayment of the Council’s Outstanding Loan Stock.

13. Inverness Business Improvement District
Raon Leasachadh Gnothachais Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No EDI/12/17 dated 20 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to approve the assessment made in Appendix 1 of the report relative to the draft Inverness BID Proposal and agree not to exercise the Council’s right of veto, subject to the final BID proposal not materially affecting the assessment made.

If, upon receipt of the final BID Business Plan, it is considered that changes have been made which affect the assessment made in Appendix 1, The Committee is asked to delegate authority to the Director of Development and Infrastructure in consultation with the Chair of EDI Committee to seek the necessary amendments to the final BID proposal, failing which, a further report will be brought to Council on 14 December 2017.

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

There is circulated Report No EDI/13/17 dated 12 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. note the activities of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited; and
2. agree to accept, on behalf of The Highland Council, the Financial Statement of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited for the year ending 31 March 2017.

15. Draft Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance
Dreachd Iùl Leasachail mu Thabhartasan Luchd-leasachaidh

There is circulated Report No EDI/14/17 dated 25 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. agree the draft Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance at Appendix 1 for consultation; and
2. note that, from the point of approval by Committee, the Draft Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance is a material consideration for the determination of planning applications.

16. Strategic Housing Investment
Tasgadh Ro-innleachdail Taigheadais

There is circulated Report No EDI/15/17 dated 31 October 2017 by the Director Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve:-

1. the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, as submitted to the Scottish Government in draft form, included within Appendix 1 of the report;
2. the  indicative investment programme, included within Appendix 2;
3. that exceptional cost Council house build projects be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with Local Members, the Director of Corporate Resources and the Chair of Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee;
4. the use of prudential borrowing to support mid-market developments identified within the SHIP on the basis that individual projects will be subject to approval of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee; and
5. funding of £1,700,000, utilising the Council’s ability to access prudential borrowing, is loaned to the Highland Housing Alliance, on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Director of Corporate Resources, to fund Mid-market rent housing in Drumnadrochit and Inverness.

17. Property Management Policy
Poileasaidh Rianachd Cuid-seilbhe

There is circulated Report No EDI/16/17 dated 16 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to approve the adoption of the Property Management Policy.

18. Shopfront Design Guide:  Planning Guidance (Consultation Draft)
Iùl Dealbhaidh Aghaidh-bhùithtean: Stiùireadh Dealbhaidh (Dreachd Cho-chomhairle)

There is circulated Report No EDI/17/17 dated 24 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is asked to approve the Shopfront Design Guide: Planning Guidance for public release and 6 week consultation.

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

There is circulated Report No EDI/18/17 dated 18 October 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to approve the revenue budget monitoring position for the period from 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017.

20. Community Services Performance Report
Aithisg Coileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd

There is circulated Report No EDI/19/17 dated 31 October 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to note and scrutinise the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017.

21. Community Services Workforce Plan
Plana Sgioba-obrach nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd

There is circulated Report No EDI/20/17 dated 16 October 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to note the Community Services Workforce Plan 2017-2021.

22. Transport Team Re-structure
Ath-structar Sgioba na Còmhdhalach

There is circulated Report No EDI/21/17 dated 3 November 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is asked to:-

i. approve the proposed structure for the Transport Services Team in Appendix 2; and
ii. note that the recommendation from the Redesign Board to transfer the budget and responsibility for home-to-school transport from Care and Learning to Community Services is being implemented and that a Service Level Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding is being developed to support this

23. Update on Development of Waste Management Strategy for The Highland Council
Cunntas às Ùr mu Leasachadh Ro-innleachd Rianachd Sgudail airson Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No EDI/22/17 dated 8 November 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. note the work completed to date; and
2. agree that the Final Business Case is presented to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee on 1 February 2018.

24. Road Structures – Annual Report
Structaran Rathaidean – Aithisg Bhliadhnail

There is circulated Report No EDI/23/17 dated 3 November 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is asked to:-

1. note the position of the Bridge Stock Condition Indicators in Highland;
2. note the current position in Highland in relation to the number of structures inspections undertaken;
3. approve the 2 year rolling programme for 2018-20 for the £350,000 Bridge Maintenance allocation of the Community Services Capital Programme; and
4. approve the use of the current inspection regime while assessing the strategy for a move to a more risk-based approach by October 2018.

25.Standardisation of Procedures – Miscellaneous Licensing
Cunbhalachadh Mhodhan – Ceadachd Mheasgaichte

There is circulated Report No EDI/24/17 dated 1 September 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is asked to agree to homologate the decision of the Director of Community Services to authorise implementation, from 1 September 2017, of the standard procedures set out in Appendix 2 of the report for the determination of licence applications made under the following legislation:-

• Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973
• Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960
• Cinemas Act 1985
• Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
• Deer (Scotland) Act 1996
• Guard Dogs Act 1975
• Performing Animals (Regulations) Act 1925
• Pet Animals Act 1951
• Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970
• Theatres Act 1968
• Zoo Licensing Act 1981
• Licensing of Animal Dealers (Young Cats and Dogs) (Scotland) Regulations 2009

26. Local Bus and Concessionary Fares Consultations
Co-chomhairlean air Faraidhean Bhusaichean Ionadail agus Faraidhean le Lasachadh

There is circulated Report No EDI/25/17 dated 25 October 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to approve the draft responses as shown in Appendix 1 and 2 of the report and to agree any other matters for inclusion in the final responses.

27. Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Advisory Board – Minutes
Bòrd Comhairleachaidh Com-pàirteachas Ath-nuadhachaidh 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

28. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

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

1. North PAC – 1 August 2017
2. South PAC – 8 August 2017
3. North PAC – 12 September 2017
4. South PAC – 19 September 2017

And, for approval, the Harbours Management Board Minutes of 8 September 2017.

29. 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.

30.Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/26/17 dated 16 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the monitoring statements for General Fund and Property Account transactions as approved by the Head of Development & Regeneration under delegated authority as well the Budgeted Sales for 2017/18 and Future Years Sales.

31. Housing Development Initiatives
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/27/17 dated 31 October 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the recommendations contained within the report.