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, 31 January 2019 at 10.30 am.

Present:

Mr R Balfour (am only), Mrs J Barclay, Mrs I Campbell (substitute), Miss J Campbell, Dr I Cockburn, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson, Mr R Laird, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr W MacKay (by video conference),  Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D MacPherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr H Morrison, Mr D Rixson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr K Rosie (by video conference), Mr A Sinclair (by video conference), Mr C Smith

Non-Members also present:

Mr R Bremner (by video conference), Mrs H Carmichael, Mr D Mackay , Mr S Mackie (by video conference), Mr A MacInnes, Mr J McGillivray (by video conference)

In attendance:

Mr S Black, Director of Development and Infrastructure
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 D Jones,  Acting Head of Development Management, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr F MacDonald, Head of Property Services, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A Maguire, Head of Development and Regeneration, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr B Porter, Head of Resources, Care, Learning and Housing Manager
Ms N Wallace, Acting Head of Planning and Environment, 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 S Dalgarno, Development Plans Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Care, Learning and Housing Manager
Mr A McCann, Economy and Regeneration Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr J McHardy, Housing Development Manager, Development & Infrastructure Service Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager (Community Services/Development and Infrastructure), Corporate Resources
Mr P Mascarenhas, Community and Democratic Engagement Manager, Chief Executive’s Service
Mr A Yates, Environmental Health Manager, Community Services
Mr M Atkinson, Research Officer, Development and Infrastructure Service
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr S Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Ms K Land, Corporate Affairs (Networks), Scottish and Southern Energy (Item 4)
Mr A Morrison, Customer and Community Manager, Scottish and Southern Energy (Item 4)

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 Ms K Currie, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser and Mr I Ramon.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 6 – Mr D Rixson (non-financial)
Item 9 – Miss J Campbell, Mr J Gray and Mr R MacWilliam and Mr D Rixson (all non-financial)
Item 25 – Mr D Rixson (non-financial)

3. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

The Committee NOTED the items of Good News.

4. Presentation – Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) 
Taisbeanadh – Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

A presentation was given by Mr Alec Morrison, Customer and Community Manager, Scottish and Southern Energy providing information on the development of a business plan in relation to RIIO-T2.  He explained that Revenue Incentive Innovation Outputs (RIIO) was Ofgem’s performance-based framework to set the price controls for Network Operators in the UK and that RIIO-T2 set out a 5 year price control covering the period 2021/22 - 2025/26.  It was estimated that an investment of £3bn in RIIO-T2 would be made and would generate between 0.5 – 7.5GW of connected renewable energy.  He drew attention to the current and likely future energy needs of the North of Scotland and advised that the RIIO-T2 business plan would take this in to consideration.  In concluding his presentation, Mr Morrison outlined the timetable for drafting of the business plan which it was anticipated would be concluded in December 2019.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• confirmation was sought, and received, that comments made by Members would be fed into the consultation process;
• greater recognition was required of the significant contribution the Highlands made in terms of production of electricity and the lack of reinvestment from this in the area;
• it was emphasised that wider contributions should be invested from the development of energy in the area towards the overall infrastructure which was required to facilitate these developments;
• in highlighting an increase in fuel poverty in the Highlands and the consumption of energy produced in the area by central Scotland,  it was emphasised that communities should benefit locally from the energy being produced in their area;
• further information was sought, and received, regarding how developments in Wester Ross could benefit from the proposed business plan;
• Caithness had not benefitted from the energy developments which had been constructed in the area and that more power came into Caithness from developments in Orkney;
• in highlighting the ongoing development of Community Planning Partnerships, it was emphasised that partner agencies should be consulted on the proposed business plan; and
• careful consideration was required of the capacity currently available in the Highlands for the production of energy in light of issues arising from developments such as the Beauly to Denny line.

The Chair having thanked Mr Morrison for his presentation, the Committee:-

1. NOTED the presentation; and
2. AGREED that the presentation be circulated to Members.

5. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget - Monitoring to 31 December 2018
Sgrùdadh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh is a’ Bhun-structair – Sgrùdadh gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2018     

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/01/19 dated 14 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee APPROVED the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April to 31 December 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 to 31 December 2018
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Caiteachais Chalpa gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2018

Declaration of Interest – Mr D Rixson, as a Board Member of Lochaber Housing Association, declared a non-financial interest in respect of this item 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/02/19 dated 21 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in highlighting a £106k spend on equipment required for the roll-out of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement, it was confirmed that this spend was not specifically for the installation of new machines in car parks;
• disappointment was expressed that only three projects in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh (Ward 5) were contained within the capital programme;
• the progress of works in relation to a pedestrian crossing on Nairn High Street and a pathway on King Street was highlighted;
• reassurance was sought, and received, that efforts were being made to ensure that works in relation to the B9090 White Bridge would be completed in June and that discussions were currently ongoing with Scottish Water to recover the costs which had arisen from delays in construction;
• the proposed allocation of capital funding towards works in relation to the stabilisation of rocks at Stromeferry was welcomed;
• in welcoming the proposed formation of a Cross Party Options Selection Group in relation to the Stromeferry Bypass, confirmation was sought, and received, that the first meeting of the Group would take place as soon as possible after confirmation of the Group’s membership by full Council in March;
• it was suggested that the selection of a preferred route for the Stromeferry Bypass should take into consideration the depth and length of the road and that discussion with Scotrail and Network Rail on the progression of a long term solution was required;
• in response to a suggestion that greater cross-part representation was required on the proposed Options Selection Group in relation to the Stromeferry Bypass, the Chair considered the proposed membership of the group to be  appropriate;
• the proposed budget allocation for stabilisation works at the Kinloch Hourn landslip was welcomed; and
• further information was sought, and received, regarding the repayment of Inverness Airport Business Park Ltd’s Loan Stock, during which, it was highlighted that a Co-operative distribution centre had recently been established and a new hotel was currently under construction at the business park.

The Committee APPROVED:-

1. the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 December 2018;
2. an additional budget allocation of £2.185m for rock stabilisation works at Stromeferry;
3. a budget allocation of £0.925m for stabilisation works at the Kinloch Hourn landslip; and
   * iv. the Membership of a Cross Party Options Selection Group to consider the recommendation of the preferred long term solution for a bypass at Stromeferry.

The Committee NOTED the outcome of the assessment of Inverness Airport Business Park Ltd’s 2017/18 Annual Accounts and the implications for repayment of the Council’s outstanding Loan Stock.

7. Planning Performance Framework and Quarter 3 Performance Review
Frèam Coileanadh Dealbhaidh agus Ath-sgrùdadh Coileanaidh Cairteal 3

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/03/19 dated 11 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in relation to enforcement activity, concern was expressed that the percentage of cases being taken up which had been served with notices was lower than in the previous year and a request was made that further detail regarding the number of breaches and the cases which had been resolved be presented in future reports;
• concern was expressed that developers who disregarded planning conditions were often encouraged to submit a retrospective application for permission whilst it was considered that the original permission should be adhered to; and
• feedback received from the Scottish Government on the Council’s Planning Performance Framework for 2017/18 had indicated an excellent performance by the Council.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the performance updates for the Development Management, Building Standards, Development Plans, Transport Planning, Performance and Environment teams.

8. Development Plans Newsletter
Cuairt-litir Phlanaichean Leasachaidh

There had been circulated Report No EDI/04/19 dated 14 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

A presentation was given providing information on housing delivery and the health and vibrancy of town centres, during which monitoring and forecasting information was shown within interactive ‘Storymaps’ software in relation to Housing Land Audit, Housing Completions and Town Centre Health Checks and were available to view via the Council’s website.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• In order for local Members to gain a wider appreciation of other potential developments in the surrounding area when determining applications, it was suggested that consultation take place with local Members so that a wider appreciation of the key issues arising from the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan (IMFLDP) could be made when determining planning applications;
• in highlighting the Inverness East Development Brief and traffic patterns in and around the University of the Highlands and Islands campus, it was suggested that a review into how transport assumptions were established should be undertaken;
• in welcoming the availability of the interactive ‘Storymaps’ to be accessed by the public, it was queried as to whether training could be provided to Members on how to use the software so that feedback and updates could be provided at Ward business meetings;
• concern was expressed that an increase in housing development in rural areas had also led to an increase in parents using alternative routes for school runs, such as through Mulbuie for Ben Wyvis Primary, and that the views expressed by local residents should be considered;
• the importance of engaging with communities at an early stage when undertaking reviews of development plans was emphasised, in particular when changes to housing allocations were being proposed;
• in suggesting that a review of the Council’s own planning policies, in particular the Housing in the Countryside Guidance, should be undertaken, further information was sought, and received, regarding the other areas of policy which would be reviewed under the Regional Development Plan;
• clarification was sought, and received, regarding the figures presented within the ‘Storymaps’ in relation to projected housing allocation numbers in Inverness;
• it was highlighted that Transport Scotland had been consulted on the Fort William 2040 review;
• it was also highlighted that every household in the local area had been sent a card providing details of the West Highland and Islands Local Development Plan and the active engagement undertaken with the local community was commended;
• confirmation was sought, and received, that the ‘Storymaps’ were updated regularly to take into consideration the progress of building projects;
• in highlighting the work currently being forward with the Caithness Partnership Plan, it was emphasised that there was an opportunity to discuss with partner agencies the short and long term solution with regards to transport infrastructure and town centre regeneration; and
• in welcoming the opportunity for Members and local communities to engage with the development plan process, it was emphasised that there was a need to ensure that appropriate staff resource could be made available to undertake consultation in local areas.

The Committee:-

1. APPROVED the 2018 Development Plans Newsletter at Appendix 1 of the report for publication and submission to Scottish Ministers as the Council’s 2019 Development Plan Scheme; and
2. NOTED the timescales for Member and community input to documents that might be relevant or of interest to the communities and areas that they cover.

9. Economy and Regeneration
Eaconamaidh agus Ath-ùrachadh

Declarations of Interest – Miss J Campbell, Mr J Gray and Mr R MacWilliam, as Members of Inverness City Heritage Trust and the Academy Street Townscape Heritage Project, declared non-financial interests in respect of this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No EDI/05/19 dated 16 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in 2017 tourism had generated £1.2bn towards the Highland economy;
• in highlighting the work of Business Gateway and Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited, the creation of job opportunities in rural areas by small business was welcomed;
• further information was sought, and received, regarding the submission of Stage 2 applications to the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF);
• the interest and demand expressed by local communities and projects towards the RCGF should emphasise to the Scottish Government that it was a welcome funding opportunity;
• in highlighting the economic benefit of tourism to rural areas, it was emphasised that the six projects currently being funded by the RCGF would help to attract tourists to the area; and
• in welcoming the submission of a number of Stage 2 applications to the RCGF, a request was made for further information regarding the timescale for delivery of projects currently being managed by the Economy and Regeneration team which had already received funding from the RCGF.

The Committee NOTED the key developments highlighted during quarter 3 and emerging activity.

10. Local Employability Model
Modail So-fhastachd Ionadail

There had been circulated Report No EDI/06/19 dated 15 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• further information was sought, and received, regarding the difference between inactive citizens who were seeking to get back into work and citizens who were claiming out of work benefits;
• in highlighting the demographics of the Highland area and the impact this had on employability, it was emphasised that the Council, in partnership with other agencies, should seek to clearly identify the employment needs and opportunities required and encourage the retention of specific skills;
• whilst employment levels could be considered high in the Highlands, there was also a high level of poverty in the area due to a variety of factors, such as under-employment and a lack of a stable employment, which made employment uneconomic for some people;
• it was suggested that closer partnership work with agencies was required to produce skilled workers for which there was currently demand for within the public and private sector;
• it was emphasised that age should not be a barrier for older people getting into work and that access to employment as people got older was a key issue; and
• further information was sought, and received, regarding the work the Council undertook with community planning partnerships in relation to employment.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

1. NOTED the Employability Partnership Working Framework agreed between the Scottish Government and Scottish Local Government;
2. NOTED the findings of the Scottish Government Review of Employability Services, and specifically the proposal to introduce a new local employability delivery model managed collaboratively between Scottish Government and Local Government from April 2019; and
3. AGREED to work with the Scottish Government and partners to design, resource and deliver a new Highland Employability Service.

11. Drumnadrochit Flood Protection Scheme
Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Dhruim na Drochaid

There had been circulated Report No EDI/07/19 dated 22 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee NOTED the drawings and description of Operations for the Drumnadrochit Scheme and APPROVED the publication of these for formal consultation.

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

There had been circulated Report No EDI/08/19 dated 14 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the activities of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited; and
2. AGREED to accept, on behalf of The Highland Council, the Financial Statement of Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm Community Limited for the year ending 31 March 2018.

13. Scottish Government/Historic Environment Scotland Consultations on Draft Historic Environment Policy and Scotland’s Forest strategy 2019-2029
Co-chomhairlean mu Dhreachd Phoileasaidh Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil agus Ro-innleachd Choille na h-Alba 2019–2029 aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba/Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil na h-Alba

There had been circulated Report No EDI/09/19 dated 7 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in acknowledging that the Council had only been made aware of the consultations at a late stage, it was suggested that future consultations requiring responses from Members outwith the timeframe for Committee approval should be forwarded to Members to enable comments to be passed onto officers for inclusion with the Council’s response;
• intangible heritage could include place names as these had a physical presence on road signs and could often be subject to debate as to the correct Gaelic spelling;
• shinty should also be included within the response as an example of the Highland’s intangible heritage;
• in relation to societal change, it was highlighted that older people participated in a number of aspects of the historic environment such as local history societies and that consideration should be made of issues arising in relation to access to historical sites for older people;
• there were a number of questions contained within the Scottish Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 consultation which had not been responded to; and
• concern was expressed that the Council’s response to the Draft Historic Environment Policy did not reflect the Council’s own policies on sustainable economic development, natural heritage and community participation.

In reply, the Director of Development and Infrastructure advised that the responses to the consultations could be redrafted, taking into account comments made by Members and resubmitted for approval.

The Committee AGREED to HOMOLOGATE the responses to Historic Environment Scotland’s Historic Environment Policy and the Scottish Government’s Scottish Forestry Strategy, subject to the inclusion of Members’ comments.

14. Community Services Revenue Budget Monitoring Report – 1 April to 31 December 2018
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Teachd-a-steach nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – 1 Giblean gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2018 

There had been circulated Report No EDI/10/19 dated 22 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• considerable progress had been made in reducing the Service’s overspend;
• further detail was sought as to what exactly the expenditure on safety barriers had been intended to be used for and why it had now been deferred;
• there was a £850k and a £631k shortfall in income for the Car Parking and Public Conveniences headings respectively, two areas which should have been delivered from the budget agreed for 2018/19.  Going forward, it was hoped there would be thorough consultation before such proposals were included in future budget calculations;
• the delays in implementing charges for Public Conveniences and Car Park charges was having a detrimental effect on other areas of the Service;
• part of the increase in the Public Conveniences budget pressure was attributed to increase costs and details of these were requested;
• an explanation was sought, and received, as to how the outturn for Disaggregated Area Budgets were calculated.  In this connection, the reason why the Inverness budget had been cut by £61k from 30 September to 31 December 2108 was also questioned;
• the budgets for Subsidies and Concessionary Fares, School Transport and Ground Maintenance had increased significantly since the Committee’s last meeting and details as to why this had happened were sought, and provided; and
• due to the breakdown of the second pavement tractor, there was now only one tractor for the Thurso area.  Calls were made for the replacement tractor to be provided as soon as possible.

The Committee APPROVED the revenue budget monitoring report for 1 April to 31 December 2018.

15. Community Services Performance Report – 1 April to 31 December 2018
Aithisg Coileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – 1 Giblean gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2018 

There had been circulated Report No EDI/11/19 dated 22 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the Chairman drew Members attention to the number of sample inspections undertaken in Quarter 3 where the target had been exceeded;
• information was sought, and received, as to how the Service monitored the effectiveness of pothole repairs.  If repairs needed to be revisited then this would suggest that the most efficient approach had not been adopted at that specific location;
• the spray injection method provided a more durable pothole repair as had been evidenced on the A82; and
• it was disappointing that the percentage of household waste composted had reduced in Quarter 3.

The Committee scrutinised and NOTED the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April to 31 December 2018.

16. Strategic Timber Transport Fund: Status of 2018/19 Projects and Future Bids
Maoin Còmhdhail Fiodha Ro-innleachdail: Inbhe Phròiseactan 2018/19 agus Tairgsean an Ama ri Teachd  

There had been circulated Report No EDI/12/19 dated 10 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the delivery of the 2018/19 programme of works including the additional works delivered using the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) underspend as shown in Appendix 1;
2. NOTED the preparatory work for bids to be made to the 2019/20 STTS Fund;
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; and
4. AGREED that subject to the availability of funds as decided at the annual budget setting stage and the continuation of the national STTS programme, up to £0.5M be allocated under the road structural (capital) funding as match funding for future years.

17. Review of Management Rules for Cemeteries and Kilvean Crematorium
Ath-sgrùdadh air Riaghailtean Stiùiridh airson Chladhan agus Luaithreachan Chille Bheathain

There had been circulated Report No EDI/13/19 dated 31 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• Funeral Directors would be involved in the consultation;
• the main changes to the Management Rules should be highlighted;
• there had been an unfortunate experience when a visit to Kilvean Crematorium had found the Memorial Chapel closed.  Any difference to opening hours needed to be advertised in advance;
• confirmation was sought if it was possible to purchase a single lair for cremated remains;
• it was suggested that the Council should take some responsibility for the damage caused to memorials caused by subsidence in cemeteries;
• where cemeteries were full it was important to negotiate with land owners so that they can be extended;
• it was recognised that dealing with bereaved relatives could often be emotive, putting pressure on officers, and the revision of Management Rules would mean all were dealt with equally;
• the public had a different expectation in relation to the upkeep of cemeteries and a review was necessary to ensure that there was sufficient operational resources to deliver;
• addition forms of memorials could impinge on grass cutting; and
• to avoid confusion during the consultation there needed to be some demarcation between the two sets of Management Rules.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the contents of the report;
2. APPROVED the review of the Management Rules, subject to a suitable method of numerology being used through the appendices, given the potential for confusion; and
3. AGREED that consultation with relevant stakeholders takes place regarding the review.

18. Joint Health Protection Plan  
Co-Phlana Dìon Slàinte      

There had been circulated Report No EDI/14/19 dated 11 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the Environmental Health team was held in high regard, not only within the Council but across other agencies; and
• the priority to minimise the risk to the public from Lyme Disease was welcomed.  It was important to make everyone aware, particularly tourists, of the dangers associated with tick bites.  There had been some consideration given to providing maps of area were ticks were especially bad but it was thought this might discourage visitors from specific area.  Nevertheless, Lyme Disease was a serious illness and it was important that the public took the necessary precautions.

The Committee APPROVED the review of the Joint Health Protection Plan 2019-2020.

19. Environmental Health Improvement Plan
Plana Leasachaidh Slàinte Àrainneachd                     

There had been circulated Report No EDI/15/19 dated 11 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• year on year the number of routine service requests had increased and had doubled from 4,413 in 2013 to 8,779 in 2017 during a time when the workforce had reduced.  This highlighted the need to support the service;
• the use of graduate interns was welcomed and further information was sought as to the areas of work they were involved with;
• the proposals for service improvement were the issues that were commonly heard by Members at Community Council meetings.  To deliver these it was important to acknowledge the benefit of partnership working;
• consideration should be given if there were areas of work which the service could levy a charge;
• the loss of the Food Standards Agency’s Official Shellfish sampling contract was disappointing;
• it was questioned if the number of dogs had increased;
• despite the small size off the team, it had still managed to address issues with large corporations.  An example of this was the work that had been undertaken with Scottish and Southern Energy to introduce noise screening work at the Wester Balblair sub-station near Beauly, solving what had become locally known as the “Beauly Buzz”;
• the introduction of an Abandoned Vehicles policy in May 2019 was welcomed.  However, this was a wide area of work and it was therefore vital to work with different Services and agencies to tackle this problem.  An example of this was of Abandoned Vehicle on HRA land where it was suggested it might be more appropriate for this to be funded from the general fund given that many of the vehicles were the property of owner occupiers; and
• many HRA car parks were now simply being used as storage areas for abandoned vehicles.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the updated Environmental Health improvement plan; and
ii. AGREED the proposals for redesign and improvement projects.

20. Environmental Health Investigation Protocol for Dog Barking Complaints
Pròtacal Sgrùdaidh Slàinte Àrainneachd airson Ghearanan mu Choin a’ Comhartaich   

There had been circulated Report No EDI/16/19 dated 14 January 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

Having suggested that the process might be revisited with a view to truncating it, the Committee otherwise APPROVED the revised investigation protocol as detailed within the report.

21, Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas     

The Committee NOTED Minutes of the Planning Applications Committees (PAC) for:-

1. North PAC – 16 October 2018;
2. South PAC – 23 October 2018;

and APPROVED:-

3. Harbours Management Board Minutes of 15 November 2018; and
4. Waste Strategy Working Group Minutes of 7 December 2018.

22. 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 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.

23. Land and Property
Fearann is Cuid-seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/17/19 dated 23 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Following discussion, the Committee APPROVED the recommendations contained within the report.

24. Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/18/19 dated 14 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED 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.

25. Housing Development Initiatives
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

Declaration of Interest – Mr D Rixson, as a Board Member of Lochaber Housing Association, declared a non-financial interest in respect of this item 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.

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/19/19 dated 23 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee APPROVED the recommendations contained within the report.

26. Community Asset Transfer Request

Paragraphs 6 & 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/20/19 dated 25 January 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee APPROVED the recommendations contained within the report subject to an amendment regarding the terms of the lease.

The meeting ended at 3.30 pm.