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 Thursday 17 May 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. Notice of Amendment (Planning) – Planning Application (17/03396/FUL)
Brath Atharrachaidh (Dealbhadh) – Iarrtas Dealbhaidh (17/03396/FUL)

Application for Planning Permission for Discharge of Planning Conditions attached to planning consent Ref 11/04653/FUL, including those relating to house design, infrastructure and landscaping, proposed development of 16 houses.

The South Planning Applications Committee (SPAC) approved planning permission for the above application at its meeting on 13 March 2018.  The following Notice of Amendment was then received on 14 March:

“We the undersigned, being Elected Members of the Highland Council, hereby declare our wish that the decision of the South Planning Applications Committee at its meeting on 13 March 2018 on the above application (Agenda Item 5.2) be reviewed at a Special Meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee (to be convened as soon as possible).

Signed: Mr G Cruickshank, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr R Balfour, Mr A Jarvie, Mr K Gowans, Mr R Laird, Mr B Allan and Mr B Boyd.”

The Committee is invited to consider the Notice of Amendment (Planning) and thereafter determine planning application 17/03396/FUL. The case officer’s assessment of the planning application is contained in the Committee reports (Appendix 2) and the plans are contained in Appendix 3 (circulated separately in Booklet A).

5. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget – Near Final Outturn 2017/18
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2017/18                      

There is circulated Report No. EDI/17/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the revenue budget near final outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2018.

6. Capital Expenditure Monitoring Report
Sgrùdadh Caiteachais Chalpa    

There is circulated Report No. EDI/18/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve:-

1. the capital expenditure near final monitoring position for the year ended 31 March 2018; and
2. the allocation of the roads improvement match funding for 2018 to 2023 to the South Loch Ness Road Improvement Scheme.

7. Development and Infrastructure Service Plan 2017-22
Plana Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair 2017-22

There is circulated Report No EDI/19/18 dated 4 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to comment on the draft Service Plan for 2017-22, agree any amendments required and approve the plan.

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

There is circulated Report No. EDI/20/18 dated 3 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

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

9. Economy and Regeneration
Eaconamaidh agus Ath-ùrachadh

There is circulated Report No EDI/21/18 dated 1 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to note:-

1. the report and the key developments highlighted during quarter 4 and emerging activity; and
2. the increasing workload and the financial and reputational risks to the Council when securing and managing Scottish Government funding, on behalf of community and third sector organisations.

10. Housing Investment Report
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

There is circulated Report No. EDI/22/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to note the affordable housing investment programme as set by the Scottish Government and agree:

1. the 2018/19 indicative affordable housing programme as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report; and
2. that any proposed changes to the indicative affordable housing programme be discussed with the Chairman of EDI Committee and appropriate Local Members with the outcome of any discussions reported to Committee in future reports.

11. Property Revenue Maintenance Budget 2018/19 Budget Allocation
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Càradh Thogalaichean 2018/19 Riarachadh Buidseit

There is circulated Report No EDI/23/18 dated 27 April 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the proposed work categories, budget allocations and project proposals for the 2018/19 Property Revenue Maintenance Budget.

12. KIMO – Re-establishing Membership
KIMO

There is circulated Report No EDI/24/18 dated 26 April 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to:-

1. note the contents of the report;
2. agree to re-establish the Highland Council’s membership of KIMO; and
3. agree the nomination of three delegate members to represent the Highland Council on the UK KIMO board. 

13. Shopfront Design Guide: Planning Guidance
Iùl Dealbhachaidh Aghaidh Bhùithtean: Stiùireadh Dealbhaidh

There is circulated Report No EDI/25/18 dated 17 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the finalised version of the Shopfront Design Guide: Planning Guidance for adoption as non-statutory supplementary guidance.

14. Highland Forest and Woodland Strategy 2018 (Consultation Draft)
Ro-innleachd Choilltean na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No EDI/26/18 dated 1 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve ‘Highland Forest and Woodland Strategy’ for public release and 8 week consultation.

15. Inverness Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report
Aithisg Maoin-chunntas Gas Taigh-ghlainne Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No EDI/27/18 dated 30 April 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to:-

1. note the contents of the report;
2. agree that funding opportunities should be explored to allow a greenhouse gas inventory to be prepared for the whole Highland region; and
3. agree that a multi-agency Climate Change Working Group be established under the Highland Environment Forum to take forward priority actions identified in the Inverness GHG Baseline report.

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

There is circulated Report No EDI/28/18 dated 30 April 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to note:-

1. the outcome of the  review of Loan Stock Instrument and in particular note that:

a) there was no scope to take further action to recover the sum due within the current terms of the Loan Stock Instrument; and

b) little scope to vary the terms of the Instrument.

2. the implications for repayment of the Council’s Outstanding Loan Stock.

17. Scottish Government Consultation: Fees Charged for Applications under the Electricity Act 1989
Cìsean a Bhuilicheadh airson Iarrtasan fo Achd an Dealain 1989

There is circulated Report No EDI/29/18 dated 20 April 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to note the background and agree to homologate the response provided to Scottish Government by the Head of Planning and Environment.

18. Disposals at Below Market Value – Policy
Cuidhteachaidhean fo Luach na Margaid –Phoileasaidh

There is circulated Report No EDI/30/18 dated 10 April 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to:-

1. note the policy and guidance (Appendix A) entitled ‘Disposals of land for a consideration less than the best that can reasonably be obtained’ prepared in respect of the Internal Audit – Rental Income Audit 2016 (Ref: HEE03/001.bf) action for a policy on ‘rent waivers/reduction of rent’; and
2. agree that the policy and guidance is accepted as a Council policy.

19. Community Asset Transfer –Annual Review
Gluasad So-mhaoin Choimhearsnachd – Ath-sgrùdadh Bliadhnail

There is circulated Report No EDI/31/18 dated 30 April 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to:

1. note and comment on the levels of community interest in taking over assets, the nature of the assets and the basis communities are seeking control of them; and
2. agree the summary of community asset transfer activity information outlined at appendix 1 to submit to the Scottish Government as our Annual Report on Community Asset Transfer as required under section 3 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act.

20. Community Services Revenue Budget 2017/18 – Near Final Outturn 2017/18
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd 2017/18 – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2017/18

There is circulated Report No EDI/32/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to approve the revenue budget near final outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2018.

21. Community Services Performance Report – 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018
Aithisg Choileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – 1 Giblean 2017 gu 31 Màrt 2018

There is circulated Report No EDI/33/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and note the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018.

22. Community Services Service Plan
Plana Seirbheis nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd

There is circulated Report No EDI/34/18 dated 30 April 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to comment on the draft Service Plan for 2017-22, agree any amendments required and approve the plan.

23. Waste Management Strategy - Final Business Case
Ro-innleachd Rianachd Sgudail – Cùis Gnothachais Deireannach

There is circulated Report No EDI/35/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to:-

1. agree Option 2 within the report - the establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in the Inner Moray Firth area as the Council’s preferred interim arrangement for meeting the requirements of the ban on landfilling Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW);
2. note that the cost of continuing with current arrangements, Option 0, would be £365,049,000 over 25 years if the ban on landfilling waste in Scotland was not in place;
3. support the establishment of an in-house project team dedicated solely to delivering the project solution; and to support the back-filling of those posts;
4. agree that further work is carried out to identify the Council’s preferred long-term arrangements for the management of its waste for the next 30 years, in particular the viability of Option 3, an Energy from Waste plant located in the Inner Moray Firth area;
5. ask Council to agree to the continuation of the role of the Member Waste Working Group to support and scrutinise the project going forward; and
6. agree to the development of a communication strategy to help explain to stakeholders the Council’s medium and long term proposals for managing its waste, and the role people can play in minimising their effect on the environment.

24. Bus Contracts in Lochaber
Cunnraidhean Bus ann an Loch Abar

There is circulated Report No EDI/36/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to grant delegated authority to the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chairs, to decide an appropriate level of service and to agree the award of contracts for the following routes:-

• Corpach – Upper Achintore (evenings)
• Kinlochleven – Fort William
• Roy Bridge – Fort William

25. Department of Transport Consultation on Section 19 and 22 – Permits for Road Passenger Transport
Co-chomhairle Roinn na Còmhdhalach air Earrainn 19 agus 22 – Ceadan airson Còmhdhail Luchd-siubhail Rathaid

There is circulated Report No EDI/37/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to homologate the Council’s response to the Department of Transport’s consultation on Permits for Road Passenger Transport, the closing date for which was 4 May 2018.

26. Strategic Timber Transport Fund Status of 2017/18 Projects and 2018/19 Bids
Inbhe Pròiseactan Maoin Ro-innleachdail Còmhdhail Fiodha 2017/18 agus Tagraidhean 2018/19

There is circulated Report No EDI/38/18 dated 27 April 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee is invited to:-

1. note the delivery of the 2017/18 programme of works, including the additional works delivered using Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) underspend;
2. note the bids made to the 2018/19 Strategic Timber Transport Fund, including the submission for the B9090 White Bridge project;
3. agree that, should the Strategic Timber Transport Fund (STTF) match funding bids be unsuccessful, residual match funding will be reallocated to enhance drawdown of successful projects, or be reallocated across the Areas using the Road Condition Survey parameters, with scheme selection being decided by Members at local Area level; and
4. agree that, subject to the availability of funds as decided at the annual budget setting stage and the continuation of the STTS programme, up to £0.5m be allocated under the road structural (capital) funding as match funding for future years.

27. Harbours Management Board – Change of Membership
Bòrd Stiùiridh nan Calaidhean – Atharrachadh Ballrachd

The Committee is invited to agree that Mr D MacLeod is appointed to the Harbours Management Board to replace Mr A Sinclair.

28. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas               

There is circulated:-

(a) Minutes of the Planning Applications Committees (PAC) for noting:-

1. North PAC – 28 November 2017 (pp.453-463)
2. South PAC – 12 December 2017 (pp.464-483)
3. North PAC – 23 January 2018 (pp.484-493)
4. South PAC – 30 January 2018 (pp.494-509)
5. North PAC – 6 March 2018 (pp.510-516)
6. South PAC – 13 March 2018 (pp.517-528)

(b) Tourism Working Group of 14 March (pp.529-533) and 18 April 2018 (pp.534-538) for noting;

(c) And, for approval Minutes of:-

1. the Harbours Management Board of 21 February 2018 (pp.539-543); and
2. Waste Strategy Working Group of 29 March (pp.544-547) and 23 April 2018 (pp.548-551).

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. Land and Property
Fearann is Cuid-seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/39/18 dated 8 May 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

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

31. Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There is circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/40/18 dated 25 April 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to note the monitoring statements for General Fund and Property Account transactions as approved by the Head of Development and Regeneration under delegated authority as well the Budgeted Sales for 2018/19 and beyond.