Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 16 August 2018 at 10.45 am.

Present:

Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr R Bremner (Substitute by tele-conferencing), Miss J Campbell, Dr I Cockburn, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr R Gale, Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson, Mr R Laird , Mrs L MacDonald, Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr H Morrison, Mr I Ramon, Mr D Rixson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr A Sinclair (by tele-conferencing), Mr C Smith, Ms M Smith

Non-Members also present:

Mr A Baxter, Mr J Bruce, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr B Lobban, Mr K Rosie, Mr P Saggers, 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 F MacDonald, Head of Property Services, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr M MacLeod, Head of Planning and Environment, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A Maguire, Head of Development and Regeneration, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr B Porter, Head of Resources, Care and Learning Services
Mr A Summers, Head of Environmental and Amenity Services, Community Services
Ms T Urry, Head of Roads and Transport, Community Services
Mr E Boyd, Energy and Sustainability Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr S Dalgarno, Development Plans Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr S Duncan, Property Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr K Forbes, Property Manager (Estates), Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr R Gerring, Transport Planning Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr S Graham, Project Manager, Chief Executive’s Service
Mr A McCann, Economy and Regeneration Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager (Community Services/Development and Infrastructure), Corporate Resources
Ms N Wallace, Environment Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr P Mascarenhas, Community and Democratic Engagement Manager
Mr K MacInnes, Principal Economy Officer, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr S Manning, Principal Transport Officer, Community Services
Mr J MacLennan, Senior Service Support Officer, Community Services
Ms F Boyd, Sustainability Officer, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr D Cowie, Principal Planner, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr P Wheelan, Planner, Development and Infrastructure Service
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs C MacIver, Committee and Elections Officer, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr S Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Mr E Sinclair, Programme Manager, Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership
Mr I Ross, Chair, Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership

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

Preliminaries

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Ms K Currie, Mr J Gordon, Mr W MacKay and Mr A Rhind.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declaration of interest:-

Item 11 – Mr R Laird (non-financial)

3. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

The Committee NOTED the items of Good News and AGREED that a seminar be held in the Autumn to review the current allocation formula for road maintenance, followed by a report to an early Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee in 2019, in time for any agreed changes to be applied to roads funding in 2019 /2020.

4. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee NOTED that the recess powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 28 June 2018 had not been exercised in relation to the business of the Committee.

5. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/41/18 dated 31 July 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in highlighting the importance of reinvesting income from planning fees and building warrants to help improve service performance, clarification was sought, regarding the number of posts removed following the voluntary redundancy scheme and current vacancies within the service due to staff retirement; and
• in highlighting a shortfall in catering income, clarification was sought, and received, on what initiatives were being considered by the Service to address this income gap, such as enabling pupils to purchase food within school premises and addressing a drop-off in pupils taking up school meals when going from free meals in Primary 1-3 into paid meals from Primary 4 onwards.

The Committee APPROVED the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 June 2018, and the actions which had been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year.

6. Capital Expenditure Monitoring Report 
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Caiteachais Chalpa

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/42/18 dated 7 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• concern was expressed regarding ongoing delays to the Alness Academy project and reassurance was sought, and received, that measures were being taken to mitigate this, including an increase in the scope of the advanced works package;
• the proposed allocation of £0.250m for roads  improvements at Crask Junction was welcomed; and
• disappointment was expressed that only three projects in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh (Ward 5) were contained within the capital programme.

The Committee APPROVED:-

1. the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 June 2018; and
2. the allocation of £0.250m for roads improvements at Crask Junction.

7. Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 1 Performance Review
Frèam Coileanadh Dealbhaidh agus Ath-sgrùdadh Coileanaidh Cairteal 1

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/43/18 dated 10 July 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, reassurance was sought, and received that complaints lodged and investigated under enforcement activity were being dealt with to a satisfactory outcome and that there was potential to include information within future reports on the number of successfully negotiated outcomes which did not require investigation.

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) for submission to Scottish Government.

8. Finalised Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance
Stiùireadh Leasachail Deireannach mu Thabhartasan Luchd-leasachaidh

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/44/18 dated 1 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• with regard to chapter 8 (Public Art) of the supplementary guidance, it was considered onerous to have a blanket requirement for developers to  make a contribution towards public art and it was suggested that this be amended so that it would be at the discretion of the Planning Service to seek contributions as appropriate;
• reassurance was sought, and received, that developer contributions towards affordable housing received in local areas would be spent within that area;
• concern was expressed that a requirement for developer contributions could sometimes put off potential developers due to the additional costs required and reassurance was sought, and received, that the service could take a flexible approach when seeking developer contributions to ensure the viability of a potential development; and
• confirmation was sought, and received, that whilst developer contributions towards school provision were focused on primary and secondary education, the guidance recognised the need for developing community learning facilities.

The Committee, having considered the comments received on the draft Developer Contributions Supplementary Guidance (DCSG):-

1. AGREED the Council responses and the resultant amendments made in finalising the guidance as summarised at Appendix 1 of the report;
2. AGREED to adopt the DCSG at Appendix 2 of the report as statutory Supplementary guidance to the Highland-wide Local development Plan (2012) subject to:-
   • Chapter 8 (Public Art) being amended so that it was at the discretion of the Planning Service;
   • the incorporation of any feedback from Scottish Ministers during the statutory referral process for adoption and any incidental, factual or presentational amendments.
3. NOTED that following its adoption the new DCSG would supersede the existing 2013 DCSG and form part of the Development Plan.

9. A9 Dualling – Tomatin to Moy Publication of Draft Orders
Dùblachadh A9 – An Tom Aitinn chun na Moighe – Foillseachadh Dreachd Òrdughan

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/45/18 dated 3 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members emphasised the importance of undertaking cabling work prior to the commencement of construction to avoid lengthy traffic delays.

The Committee NOTED the contents of the report, in particular the need to enter new side roads in the list of public roads and AGREED:-

1. the proposed response to Transport Scotland, subject to the inclusion of comment on the importance of cabling taking place during construction; and
2. to delegate the Director of Development and Infrastructure to submit the approved response.

10. Proposals for the Future Management of Facility Lets
Molaidhean airson Rianachd Aontaidhean Màil san Àm ri Teachd

There had been circulated Report No EDI/46/18 dated 30 July 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, concern was expressed that the current policy was not fair and consistent as uniformed groups were eligible for free lets whereas other youth groups were required to pay a rental fee. In response, the downturn in lets was highlighted and it was emphasised that, whilst there could be an opportunity for charging other organisations, it was important to identify any potential impacts arising from this.  Thereafter, it was suggested that a report be brought back to the Committee providing a breakdown of charges for other organisations.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the progress made with improving the lets booking process;
2. NOTED the progress with rationalising which schools were open for evening community lets, including engagement with Head Teachers and an assessment of the use of out-of-school hours in Public/Private Partnership (PPP) schools as set out at section 5 of the report;
3. NOTED the revised price structure as set out in section 6 and Appendix 2 of the report;
4. AGREED to continue current concessions of free lets as set out in section 7 of the report and that a further report at a future Committee Meeting be provided on the breakdown of charges for other organisations; and
5. NOTED the intention to develop marketing and promotion once these proposals were implemented.

11. Economy and Regeneration
Eaconamaidh agus Ath-ùrachadh

Declaration of Interest

Mr R Laird declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chair of the Academy Street Townscape Heritage Project 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 EDI/47/18 dated 3 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee NOTED the report and the key developments highlighted during quarter 1 and emerging activity.

12. Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership
Com-pàirteachas Ath-ùrachaidh Ghallaibh agus Chataibh a Tuath

There had been circulated Report No EDI/48/18 dated 6 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Mr Eann Sinclair, Programme Manager, gave a presentation, during which he provided an overview of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP) Programme and set out the focus of the Programme for 2017-2020, including the key opportunities arising from offshore wind, tidal energy, the UK vertical launch spaceport, Oil and Gas operations base, Nuclear services, Business services and the North Coast 500.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in thanking Mr Sinclair for his presentation, the potential opportunities arising from investment in Caithness and North West Sutherland were welcomed;
• with regard to the proposed Sutherland spaceport and the potential for a landing strip, clarification was sought, and received, that of the two types of launches currently possible for satellites, the two main space agency partners involved in the project had proposed a vertical launch from the site and were not proposing to develop a technology that would be capable of landing of a vertical launch satellite;
• the success of the CNSRP in working with other organisations to attract business and events such as the National MOD in 2010 was highlighted;
• retaining employment within the area was important and the need for continued partnership working following the decommissioning of Dounreay was emphasised;
• the creation of new jobs within the construction industry and the success of the North Coast 500 in attracting tourists to the area were highlighted;
• dialogue was required with energy companies to ensure that Caithness and North West Sutherland received its fair share of income generated from renewable technologies such as off-shore wind farms to help support investment in infrastructure in the area;
• in emphasising the importance of connectivity within the area, the work being undertaken by HITRANS in relation to the Midnight Train to Georgemas project was highlighted;
• in relation to negative press suggesting a lack of rocket engineers in North West Sutherland, it was highlighted that with the establishment of the proposed spaceport, there was an opportunity to develop worldwide expertise in this field, and the comparison was made with the expansion of the fabrication and welding expertise which had been developed at Ardersier and Nigg in the 1970’s and 80’s; and
• following a request for information on the retention and establishment of jobs in the area as a result of the decommissioning of Dounreay, it was confirmed that over the previous 10 years, a series of independent studies had taken place on the socio-economic impact of decommissioning and that the interim results of the information collected by the CNSRP prior to the next study in 2020/21 could be provided to Councillor Andrew Sinclair.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the progress to date, welcomed news of funding for the proposed Sutherland spaceport and AGREED to support efforts designed to improve flight connectivity at Wick John O’Groats airport.

13. National Council of Rural Advisors Consultation
Co-chomhairle Comhairle Nàiseanta nan Comhairlichean Dùthchail

There had been circulated Report No EDI/49/18 dated 27 July 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in relation to the inequalities faced in rural Scotland, it was suggested that the provision of rural transport in remote communities should be explored; and
• clarification was sought, and received, that the National Council of Rural Advisors was an independent organisation set up by the Scottish Government.

The Committee AGREED to homologate the consultation response submitted to the Scottish Government.

14. Stability and Simplicity – Proposals for a Rural Funding Transition Period Post BREXIT
Seasmhachd agus Sìmplidheachd – molaidhean airson ùine eadar-ghluasaid airson maoineachadh dùthchail

There had been circulated Report No EDI/50/18 dated 1 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee HOMOLOGATED the consultation response prepared and submitted to the Scottish Government on 15 August 2018.

15. Preliminary Confirmation of the Caol and Lochyside Flood Prevention Protection Scheme (FPS)
Dearbhadh Tòiseachail air Sgeama Casg Thuiltean a’ Chaoil agus Thaobh Lòchaidh

There had been circulated Report No EDI/51/18 dated 27 July 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members welcomed the scheme and highlighted the significant urgency to proceed to protect the 300 properties at risk of flooding in Caol and Lochyside.  It was highlighted that only one objection had been received and that the design footprint of the scheme has been developed to enable future enhancements to increase the standard of protection should it be required.

The Committee CONFIRMED the proposed scheme without modifications and APPROVED the draft planning conditions as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

16. Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland
Prògraman Lùth-èifeachdais airson na h-Alba

There had been circulated Report No EDI/52/18 dated 30 July 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• that an update be given on the Swedish Timber Houses Programme.  In this regard it was confirmed that there was no provision in the current year plan for further works there could an opportunity in future programmes;
• assurance was sought that the focus trial for the transition pilot for local heat and energy efficiency savings would be a Highland wide scheme and it was confirmed that a target area approach would be associated with the insulation roll-out;
• clarification was sought, and received, that there would be a provision in the new schemes to cover a wider range of measures.  This was likely to include internal insulation and this could be considered an improvement measure for timber frame houses; and
• clarification was sought, and received, that the monitoring of household bills was an integral part of the programme and that the Council would take steps to verify the benefits.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the progress and programme for the current scheme, the changes to be made to the funding and the actions required transforming to Energy Efficient Scotland activities; and
2. APPROVED that a closer alignment between Council programmes and those targeted measures for householders and businesses to ensure that the programmes gain the maximum benefits for the Highlands.

17. Community Services Revenue Budget
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd    

There had been circulated Report No EDI/53/18 dated 16 August 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• clarification was sought, and received, on the issues that had arisen in Lochaber with the parking metres at the short stay car parks;
• given the level of overspend (£611k) identified by the service against car parks and public conveniences, reassurance was sought and given that adjustments would be made to the budget to help ensure a balanced position at the year-end;
• a concern was raised on the delay in implementing the rationalisation programme for public conveniences and assurance was given that a comprehensive review was underway and would be complete by 31 October 2018;
• concern was expressed that the predicted targets for car park for generating income might have been set too high;
• concerns were expressed on how communities would be able to find funds to provide Christmas lights at such a late stage of this year.

The Committee APPROVED the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 June 2018.

18. Community Services Performance Report – 1 April to 30 June 2018
ithisg Choileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – 1 Giblean gu 30 Ògmhios 2018

There had been circulated Report No EDI/54/18 dated 16 August 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• there had been concerns that some reports of potholes passed to Services Points and on the Council’s web-site were not being relayed to Community Services via the Council’s CRM system;
• the good weather and extra funding had made a significant improvement to the roads surface dressing programme this year;
• clarification was sought, and received, that the reason for the reduction in waste collected was due to less garden and rubble waste being collected; and
• assurance was sought, and received, that the additional funding for roads maintenance had been discussed and approved at Area Committees.

The Committee otherwise NOTED and scrutinised the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April to 30 June 2018.

19. Progress Update on Implementation of the Council’s Preferred Option for Managing its Biodegradable Municipal Waste
Cunntas Adhartais mu Bhuileachadh Roghainn na Comhairle airson Rian a Chumail air a Sgudal Bailteil Bith-chnàmhach

There had been circulated Report No EDI/55/18 dated 30 July 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

A presentation was given by the Head of Environmental and Amenity Services which provided an update on the site and the justification for the location that had been identified. 

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• it would be important to use good visuals to display the siting, design and layout of the development to emphasise its minimal impact;
• a clear communication strategy was required for reducing and recycling waste;
• a concern was raised on the potential environmental impact the location of this site could have;
• clarification was sought on the 83,000 tons of waste being landfilled in the Highlands before processing;
• the focus was on the material recovery facility and it was suggested that other sites that deliver this similar technology be investigated; and
• the site was located close to the road network enabling material to be easily moved around.

The Committee NOTED the contents of the Report; and AGREED that officers pursue the site identified at the former Longman Landfill Site in Inverness as the Council’s preferred location for its Materials Recovery Facility, in consultation with the Common Good Fund as landowners.

20. Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey 2017
Suirbhidh Staid Gleidhidh Rathaidean na h-Alba 2017

There had been circulated Report No EDI/56/18 dated 24 July 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• whilst the information provided was welcomed a request was made for it to be broken down further to Ward level;
• although £9.7m was being spent this year, overall this needed to be placed in the context of £21.7m required to address the annual backlog of road maintenance and staff were having to manage the situation using limited resources;
• disappointment was expressed that Highland Council was ranked 24 out of 32 local authorities for its Road Condition Indicator but it was hoped this would improve in next year’s survey results given the additional funding allocated this year;
• it was important to have accurate information to hand as to what was required to address this backlog to ensure progress was made; and
• it had been hoped that the Jetpatcher would have made more progress to reduce the backlog but, in monetary terms, this had not transpired.  However, this was largely due to increases in costs of materials.

The Committee NOTED the results of the Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey for 2017; and considered additional investment in the road network.

21. Winter Service Review 2018
Ath-sgrùdadh Seirbheisean Geamhraidh 2018

There had been circulated Report No EDI/57/18 dated 26 July 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• damaged grit bins needed to be replaced as moisture made grit less effective;
• although the questionnaire sent to Community Councils on the winter service operations and resilience schemes was commended, the low response rate was disappointing and it was suggested that it be repeated;
• concern was expressed that it was not possible to reach some of the more remote locations before the commencement of bus or school transport journeys;
• although there appeared to be “red tape” about providing equipment for local communities to clear pavements this was a result of insurance requirements;
• the reduction of the Saturday treatment service to offset the additional costs of providing an increased Sunday service was questioned but it was explained that Area Committees would have the opportunity to look at route priorities and, within that, consider implications of this change.  However, time was of the essence to inform and engage with the public about this change of service;
• reviewing the winter service policy was an on-going process and consultations helped to inform this; 
• the mobilisation of all available manual staff across Community Services to assist with treatment of footways was welcomed but there was still  a need for community resilience schemes;
• the poor spread of grit on footways in some areas had caused a number of falls;
• with the potential introduction of charges to car parks it was important that they were cleared of snow and ice;
• confirmation was sought, and received, that drivers had been involved in addressing the problem with new gritting vehicles going into “limp home” mode;
• whilst acknowledging the importance of the statutory safety inspection, it was questioned if there was any leeway to vary the inspection within the 8 week period when inclement weather was forecast; and
• the impact of breakdowns had an impact on the Service’s ability to respond and an indication was sought, and received, as to when the full complement of relief vehicles would be achieved.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the actions being taken to improve the winter service;
2. NOTED the outcomes of the survey with Community Councils;
3. AGREED that options on the budget for the winter service were included in any public engagement undertaken for the council’s budget from 2019 / 2020 onwards;
4. AGREED to adjust the weekend service as per section 8 in the report; and
5. AGREED to amend the Winter Service Policy accordingly.

22. Review of Road Construction Consent Inspection Fees
Ath-sgrùdadh air Cosgaisean Sgrùdaidh Aonta Togail Rathaidean

There had been circulated Report No EDI/58/18 dated 24 July 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee:

1. APPROVED the proposed revised scale of fees for Road Construction Consent Inspections, which will be applied retrospectively from 1 April 2017; and
2. NOTED that a 12 month validation trial will be undertaken to assess the appropriateness of the new fees and that a subsequent report will be presented to this committee in November 2019.

23. Parking Services
Seirbheisean Parcaidh

There had been circulated Report No EDI/59/18 dated 2 July 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• appreciation was expressed to officers for their hard work in implementing Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) since its transfer from Police Scotland in 2016.  Considerable progress had been made in addressing anomalies and reviewing existing arrangements whilst also liaising with Members and communities;
• clarification was sought, and received, as to what was involved in Phase 2 of the DPE programme;
• the policy document set out the consultation process for communities;
• further details were provided in relation to the measures proposed to allow the clamping and uplift of vehicles;
• overnight parking by motor homes in Council car parks had reduced in Lochaber by using enforcement powers and further information was sought as to how successful this had been;
• confirmation was sought that the guidance would not have implications for local decision making where these decisions fell within policy;
• information was sought as to the outcome of the Inverness Car Club 2 year trial;
• where car parking spaces became available they could be included in the list of spaces available for Parking Permits;
• the grace period at the start of a parking session was welcomed;
• the fact that Parking Enforcement Officers did not have set targets should be publicised; and
• clarification was sought, and received, regarding how the on-going capital cost of £210k related to the rateable value of the Rose Street multi-storey car park.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the update on Decriminalised Parking Enforcement;
2. APPROVED the adoption of the attached five year Parking Policy; and
3. APPROVED the service review of resources including staffing and structure required to deliver Parking Redesign outcomes.

24. Scottish Water Section 7 - Memorandum of Understanding
Uisge na h-Alba Earrann 7 – Meòrachan Tuigse

There had been circulated Report No EDI/60/18 dated 24 July 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee:-

1. APPROVED the adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding between The Highland Council and Scottish Water with regard to the ability to enter into individual Section 7 agreements;
2. NOTED that funding for maintenance of sites with a Section 7 agreement may result in budget pressures, which should be recognised, as continued maintenance of these sites is essential to reduce the risk of localised flooding; and
3. NOTED the current position in Highland in relation to the legacy surface water drainage systems.

25. Northern Roads Collaboration
Co-obrachadh nan Rathaidean a Tuath

There had been circulated Report No EDI/61/18 dated 3 August 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee NOTED:-

1. the progress of the Northern Roads Collaboration Joint Committee;
2. that decisions on whether to participate in potential roads collaboration projects will be reserved to the Council; and
3. that it is intended that EDI Committee will receive an annual report on performance, activities and achievements of the Joint Committee.

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

The Committee AGREED to appoint Mr D Rixson to the Harbours Management Board to replace Mrs T Robertson.

27. Minutes 
Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee:-

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

i. North PAC – 17 April 2018;
ii. South PAC – 24 April 2018;
iii. North PAC – 5 June 2018;
iv. North PAC – 20 June 2018;

b) NOTED the Minutes for:-

1. Tourism Working Group of 13 June 2018;
2. Education Transport Entitlement Review Sub-Committee of 20 June 2018; and

c) APPROVED:-

1. the Minutes of the Harbours Management Board of 15 June and 3 August 2018; and
2. the Minutes of the Waste Strategy Working Group of 10 August 2018.

28. 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.

29. Restructuring of Waste Services’ Management Team
Ath-structaradh Sgioba Stiùiridh nan Seirbheisean Sgudail

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/62/18 dated 19 August 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee NOTED that determination of this item had been deferred until the Committee’s next meeting on 8 November 2018.

30. Land and Property 
Fearann is Cuid-seilbhe

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/63/18 dated 7 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee APPROVED the recommendations contained within the report.

31. Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/64/18 dated 1 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee NOTED 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 2018/19 and beyond.

32. Housing Development Initiatives

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/65/18 dated 15 August 2018 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee APPROVED the recommendations contained within the report.

The meeting ended at 3.25 pm.