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 May 2019 at 10.30 am.

Present:

Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr B Boyd, Miss J Campbell, Dr I Cockburn, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson, Mr R Laird, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr R MacDonald (substitute) (by video conference), Mrs A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr H Morrison, Mr D Rixson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr K Rosie, Mr C Smith

Non Members also present:

Ms I Campbell (am only), Mrs H Carmichael, Mr J Finlayson (am only), Mr B Lobban (am only), Mr D Mackay

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 C Howell, Head of Infrastructure, 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
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 J Allan, Lighting and Communications Manager, Community Services
Mr B Cameron, Housing Policy & Investment Manager, Community Services
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Care, Learning and Housing
Mr S Duncan, Property Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A McCann, Economy and Regeneration Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager (Community Services/Development and Infrastructure), Corporate Resources
Mr D Mudie – Area Planning Manager (South), Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr P Mascarenhas, Community and Democratic Engagement Manager, Chief Executive’s Service
Mr J Robertson, Programme Manager City Region Deal, Chief Executive’s Service
Mr A Yates, Environmental Health Manager, Community Services
Mr A Puls, Principal Officer - Building Conservation and Environment, 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 C Pendreigh, Food for Life Partnerships Manager, Soil Association (Item 4)
Ms M Gilmore, Food for Life (Item 4)
Mr R Robertson, Partnership Director, HITRANS (Item 15)            
Mr N MacRae, Partnership Manager, HITRANS (Item 15)

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 W MacKay, Mr I Ramon, Mr A Rhind and Mr A Sinclair.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 12 – Mr D Macpherson (non-financial)
Item 25 – Mrs A MacLean (non-financial)
Item 26 – Mr A Henderson, Mr D Rixson and Mrs T Robertson (all non-financial)

At this point in the meeting the Chair referred to the sudden and tragic death of Lawrence Jones, a highly valued member of Community Services.  Lawrence was 24 years old and worked as a Customer Services Officer in the Performance and Resources team.  He was dedicated, enthusiastic and always eager to help Members, staff and the public.  His wit, friendliness and charm were greatly missed.    On behalf of the Committee, the Chair expressed condolences to his family and assured Members that support had been put in place for staff affected by Lawrence’s death.

3. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

The Committee NOTED the items of Good News.

5. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget – Near Final Outturn 2018/19
Sgrùdadh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh is a’ Bhun-structair – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2018/19

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/21/19 dated 9 May 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee having commended the work undertaken by the Service to return an underspend, APPROVED the revenue budget near final outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2019.

6. Capital Expenditure Monitoring
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Caiteachais Chalpa

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/22/19 dated 13 May 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the UIG Ferry Terminal Steering Group was supportive of the proposed Autumn/Winter 12 week outage to replace the linkspan and the construction of the revised roundhead;
• reassurance was sought, and received, that whilst a slippage of £1.4m had been reported in relation to Alness Academy, the project remained on schedule for completion by April 2020;
• in response to a suggestion that money rolled forward from slippage in relation to the Early Learning and Childcare building programme should be used to provide a business case and undertake preliminary works for a new academy in Nairn, Members were advised that until the long-term future of the school was established, the extent of investment required was unknown.  However, it was confirmed that short-term works based on the condition survey could be prioritised within the available funding and that details of this could be provided to Ward Members;
• in response to a request for an update on flood prevention works in Thurso, the Head of Infrastructure advised that he would provide a briefing to Ward Members;
• in response to a request for further information regarding play park equipment, it was confirmed that the Council had bought equipment on behalf of self-funded community groups and that there was currently a programme of works to install the equipment; and
• it was suggested that money not used from the environment budget allocation within some housing schemes could be used for the provision of play parks within these schemes.

The Committee APPROVED:-

i. the capital expenditure near final monitoring position for the year ended 31 March 2019; and
ii. Autumn/Winter 12 week outage at Uig.

7. Property Revenue Maintenance Budget 2019/20 Budget Allocation
Riarachadh Buidseit 2019/20 Buidseat Gleidhidh Teachd-a-steach Seilbhe

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/23/19 dated 30 April 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee APPROVED the proposed work categories, budget allocations and project proposals for the 2019/20 property revenue maintenance budget.

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

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/24/19 dated 15 April 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the increase in the number of users of the West Highland Way was highlighted;
• the Service was commended for the work undertaken in relation to the large volume of renewable energy applications which had required submission to the South Planning Applications Committee prior to the feed in tariff cut-off date at the end of March 2019;
• confirmation was sought, and received, that staff who had been prioritised to deal with the renewable energy applications would be re-engaged within the Service to reduce any further slippage in performance;
• in welcoming the information provided regarding enforcement activity taken by the Council, reassurance was sought, and received, that the Council would undertake the necessary enforcement action required if matters could not be resolved informally and that this was done in the interest of the public;
• it was emphasised that the public was keen to know what enforcement action was being taken by the Council and that the statutory processes could often frustrate members of the public as only the individual complainants were provided with an update; and
• in response to a question, it was confirmed that Morrison Construction had provided reassurance to the Council that completion of the Smithton and Culloden Flood Scheme works remained on schedule.

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

9. Development and Infrastructure Service Plan 2019/20
Plana Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair 2019/20

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/25/19 dated 26 April 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in light of the Council’s recent declaration of a climate emergency, further information was sought, and received, regarding the measures that would be taken by the Service to address climate change, during which it was confirmed that an updated carbon management plan would be presented at a future meeting of the Committee;
• the Chair highlighted that the Council had agreed to set-up a Members’ Working Group on Climate Change;
• it was emphasised that any action taken by the Council to address climate change should be realistic and sustainable for the economy and also address issues in relation to community transport and waste;
• further information was sought, and received, regarding the measures being taken to encourage the employment of more young people into the Service;
• the Service was commended for the work undertaken in relation to the development of new purpose-built housing at MacKay Court in Dingwall; and
• further information was sought, and received, regarding the opportunities available in Caithness for marine energy projects.

The Committee APPROVED the draft Service Plan for 2019/20.

10. Economy and Regeneration
Eaconamaidh agus Ath-ùrachadh

There had been circulated Report No EDI/26/19 dated 29 April 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion regarding the Town Centre Fund, Members’ comments included the following:-

• concern was expressed that the creation of a cross-party sub-group to consider and approve funding for eligible projects could delay the delivery of projects;
• it was suggested that change fund money should be used to support the teams delivering the Town Centre Fund;
• reassurance was sought, and received, that the infrastructure would be put in place for officials and staff to deal with applications to the Town Centre Fund and that Members were welcome to bring forward any eligible projects applying for funding within their wards;
• it was suggested that the Local Area Committees should be afforded the opportunity to consider and approve funding for eligible projects in local areas;
• the importance of commencing work with the Town Centre Fund as soon as possible was emphasised;
• a request was made that the funding criteria for the Town Centre Fund be made available to interested parties and on the Council’s website;
• further information was sought, and received, regarding the types of projects which were likely to seek funding; and
• a request was made for further information on the number of start-up business within rural areas which had received support from Business Gateway.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the key developments highlighted during quarter 4 and emerging activity;
ii. APPROVED the targets set for activity in 2019/20;
iii. AGREED to HOMOLOGATE the written submission to the Finance and Constitution Committee, Scottish Parliament Inquiry into Funding of EU Structural Fund Priorities in Scotland, post Brexit, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report; and
iv. NOTED the purpose of the Town Centre Fund and APPROVED the indicative area allocations and proposed governance arrangements as set out in Appendix 2 of the report, including the creation of a cross-party sub-Group chaired by the Chair of EDI Committee.

11. Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chùmhnant Baile Roinne Inbhir Nis agus na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/27/19 dated 24 April 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

In welcoming the proposed changes to the governance arrangements, it was emphasised that there were several innovative projects currently being progressed, including the recently confirmed Newton Room in Dingwall.

The Committee:-

i. AGREED the proposed changes to the governance arrangements; and
ii. NOTED the progress with the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.

12. Community Asset Transfers
Gluasadan So-mhaoin Coimhearsnachd

Declaration of Interest – Mr D Macpherson, as a Director of High Life Highland, 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/28/19 dated 10 May 2019 by the Acting Head of Policy.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• it was emphasised that the Strathpeffer Pavilion Community Trust was seeking to purchase the gardens around the pavilion as the building was currently land-locked and that the sale would help to ensure the continued maintenance of the Pavilion;
• the importance of the Pavilion as both a historical building and a commercial venue was emphasised; and
• reassurance was sought, and received, that the sale of the Strathpeffer Pump Room and Pavilion Gardens would include the provision of a dissolution clause in the event of the Trust being wound up.

The Committee AGREED the following community asset transfer requests:-

i. the sale of Bettyhill Visitor Centre to the Strathnaver Museum for £1.  The terms of transfer would include:

• the applicant would cover both the Council’s and their own costs associated with the transfer;
• an economic development burden would be applied to this transaction; 
• any other terms to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure in consultation with the Chair of EDI.

ii. the sale of Strathpeffer Pump Room and Gardens to Strathpeffer Pavilion Community Trust for £1.  The terms of transfer would include:

• sale was conditional on SPCT successfully purchasing the Pavilion building;
• the applicant to cover both the Council’s and their own costs associated with the transfer;
• an economic development burden would be applied to this transaction;
• any other terms to be agreed by the Director of Development and Infrastructure in consultation with the Chair of EDI.

13. Dingwall Business Improvement District (BID)
Sgìre Leasachadh Gnothachais Inbhir Pheofharain (BID)

There had been circulated Report No EDI/29/19 dated 2 May 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members emphasised the importance of gauging interest in the BID from local business.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the status of the proposed Dingwall BID Proposal and ongoing work to finalise the BID Proposal/Business Plan; and
2. AGREED to delegate authority to the Director of Development and Infrastructure in consultation with the Chair of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, to undertake the assessment and conclude whether the right of veto needs to be exercised or not. If there was reason to exercise the veto and the BID Proposers were unwilling to make the necessary changes, a report would be brought back to the Council meeting on 27 June 2019 to consider and approve.

14. Grantown-on-Spey Conservation Area Appraisal
Measadh Sgìre Glèidhteachais Bhaile nan Granndach

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/30/19 dated 30 April 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

In commending the work undertaken by Andy Puls and the Steering Group in relation to the Appraisal, it was emphasised that it would ensure that development could take place in Grantwon-on-Spey without being detrimental to its history.

The Committee APPROVED the Grantown-on-Spey Conservation Area Appraisal, including the proposed amendments to the designated Conservation Area boundary (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report).

In terms of Standing Order 9, the Committee AGREED to take item 4 at this point in the meeting.

4. Presentation – Food for Life
Taisbeanadh – Biadh airson Beatha                        

A presentation was given by Ms Catherine Pendreigh, Food for Life Partnerships Manager at the Soil Association, on the certification awarded to Highland Council’s school meals and how this could be developed in the future.

Food for Life’s definition of good food encompassed food that was good for your health, the environment and the local economy and that, since adopting the scheme in 2009, the Council had served 8,800 bronze and 800 silver standard school meals every day.  She emphasised that school meals in Highland were responsibly sourced and freshly prepared and highlighted that the organisation’s tenth annual inspection would take place on 30 May.

During discussion, Members welcomed the reassurance given that much of the food provided in schools was sourced locally and the positive impact this had on local businesses and farmers.  In emphasising the need to ensure that the source of food being served in schools could be traced, it was suggested that there was potential for the scheme to be rolled out into Highland’s secondary schools.

The Chair having thanked Ms Pendreigh for her presentation, the Committee NOTED the presentation.

15. Skye Aerodrome
Raon-adhair an Eilein Sgitheanaich

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/31/19 dated 26 April 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the reintroduction of flights between Skye and the Central Belt had been a strategic priority for Skye and Raasay Committee Councillors for some time.  In addition, the Council supported localism and therefore cognisance needed to be taken of the views of the Local Members, bearing in mind they represented the interests of their communities;
• Community Councils in Skye were also supportive of the proposal;
• the progress to date had been welcomed by many businesses, organisations and individuals and a campaign group in support of the proposal had been established.  In this regard, appreciation was expressed to a number of bodies who had helped develop the proposal to the stage it had now reached;
• several studies have been undertaken looking at every aspect of the airport and potential services and capital investment and operational costs had been recently reviewed as part of a consultation. The consultation report highlighted the potential contribution to the economic and tourism strategy that scheduled air services would bring to Skye and the surrounding area including greater access to markets, increased business confidence, increased economic activity and providing an alternative form of transport;
• since the original business case had been drawn up the projected benefit cost ratio of the Skye Airstrip had improved significantly;
• the consultation had been much wider than some of those opposing the proposal suggested;
• this proposal would also benefit the communities in Wester Ross;
• journey times to the Central belt from Skye and Lochalsh were more than 6 hours and this restricted its ability to compete in many business sectors and to access many public services.  Furthermore, there were still parts of the Skye economy which were fragile such as the population demographics where many school rolls had declined and reinstating air services would help support sustainable business growth and provide additional employment within the area;
• concerns about climate change were acknowledged but this project would have a minor impact as it only involved 2 19-seater twin otter planes.  In addition, there was potential, in the future, for electric planes to be used with Skye an ideal location;
• a wider environmental approach needed to be taken as a Council to tackle climate change;
• concern was expressed at the message that any proposal to halt this would send to other airports in Highland and which would suggest that Highland Council did not support air travel;
• it was unfair to pick the Skye Airstrip solely as a mechanism to address the Council’s carbon reduction and, instead, a more holistic approach was needed;
• if such a robust approach was taken it would suggest that the Council’s capital programme should be put on hold as many of the projects would have carbon implications;
• clarification was sought in relation to the fees and the application of VAT;
• Members had received many emails opposing the use of £170k to undertake further engagement work.  In addition, a petition had been received, claiming to be from local people.  However, on further examination, some were from overseas;
• whilst acknowledging the strength of support for the establishment of the Aerodrome by the Local Area Committee, it was emphasised that since the report had been written, the Council had declared a climate emergency and it was suggested that the project should be delayed until the steps required to achieve the Council’s carbon neutral target by 2025 had been identified;
• if Highland was to reduce its carbon footprint in future, many painful measures would have to be taken; and
• tourism in Skye was important but before proceeding with this proposal it was important to know what the benefits would be.

Thereafter, the Chair, seconded by Mr C Smith, MOVED approval of the recommendations as contained within the report.

Having agreed with recommendations (i), (ii) and (iv), as an AMENDMENT, in relation to recommendation (iii), Mrs T Robertson, seconded by Mrs A MacLean, moved that, in light of the “Climate Emergency” declaration last week the project should be delayed until identification of the steps required to achieve the carbon neutral target by 2025.

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 19 votes and the AMENDMENT received 2 votes, with no abstentions, and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

Motion

 

Mr R Balfour, Mrs J Barclay, Mr B Boyd, Miss J Campbell, Dr I Cockburn, Mr M Finlayson, Mr C Fraser, Mr J Gordon, Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson, Mr R Laird, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr R MacDonald, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D MacPherson, Mr H Morrison, Mr D Rixson, Mr K Rosie and Mr C Smith.

Amendment

Mrs A MacLean and Mrs T Robertson.

Decision

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the update for the Aerodrome;
ii. APPROVED the Rules for Users and the Fees;
iii. APPROVED £170k of additional funds to undertake further engagement with statutory bodies and preparation work; and
iv. AGREED that the Chair of Environment, Development and Infrastructure write to the Transport Secretary on behalf of the Highland Council, HITRANS and HIE, seeking financial and technical support to progress the potential of trial air services between Skye and Glasgow.

16. Community Services Revenue Budget – Near Final Outturn 2018/19
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2018/19

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/32/19 dated 8 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• officers were congratulated on their hard work in bringing in an underspend of £0.427m.  It was felt the public did not appreciate the pressures within the budget and it was essential that a way was found to explain this and to give a better understanding of the challenges the service faced.  Looking to the future there was a need to generate more income to maintain the service and to enable the service to focus on the roads and bridges infrastructure;
• appreciation was expressed for recent works completed in Evanton;
• seagull fouling had been mitigated in public areas in Invergordon by placing spikes on street lights and this could be replicated in other towns; and
• the maintenance budget earmarked for roundabouts from commercial sponsorship had now been used to alleviate the overall budget pressures.  This had meant that maintenance teams were now unable to undertake all the necessary works.

The Committee APPROVED the revenue budget near final outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2019.

17. Community Services Performance Report – 1 April 2018 to 31 December 2019
Aithisg Coileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – 1 Giblean 2018 gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2019               

There had been circulated Report No EDI/33/19 dated 7 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

Having been informed of updated information, Members made the following comments:-

• overall, performance was exceptional.  However, it was feared that the increase in staff absences could be due to stress that staff were now under;
• a request was made, once the necessary software had been developed, for the number of repairs the Jetpatcher had completed; and
• when activities such as gully emptying or road repairs were undertaken it was important to let the public know to raise the profile of the good work staff were doing for communities within the limited resources available.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019; and
ii. AGREED that the Director of Community Services liaise with Corporate Communications as to how best to raise the profile of day to day activities undertaken by community services staff.

18. Community Services Service Plan 2019/20
Plana Seirbheis nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd       

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/34/19 dated 8 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the results of the 2017/18 Annual Survey of Performance and Attitudes had highlighted that road repairs and potholes were of major concern to the public and direct additional budget resources to this was needed; and
• in relation to the action to introduce collection hubs for school children, it was pointed out that a parcel of land was available adjacent to Thurso High School which would enable an improved drop off/pick up arrangement for pupils to be provided.  With potential for match funding from Safer Routes to Schools, calls were made for the Council to engage with the developer in this regard.

The Committee APPROVED the plan.

19. Changes to Council Policy on Categories of Waste Received at Household Waste Recycling Centres
Atharrachaidhean do Phoileasaidh na Comhairle mu Sheòrsaichean Sgudail a tha air an Gabhail aig Ionad Ath-chuartachaidh Sgudail Thaighean

There had been circulated Report No EDI/35/19 dated 17 April 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the provision of recycling centres was welcomed, and mention was made as to the helpful and courteous approach of staff.  However, there was concern that the proposed policy was too prescriptive and could lead to more fly tipping, a growing issue in some Wards.  If the use of trailers was not to be permitted people would have to visit recycling centres more often, thereby using more fuel.  However, with householders only permitted to one visit per day, they might look to less environmentally friendly ways to dispose of their waste. Accordingly, it was suggested the existing policy be retained, especially as the Council should encourage the public to use such centres, not deterring them;
• whilst the measures proposed for commercial waste were acceptable, for householders modernising a house and replacing kitchen and/or bathroom suites, such waste should be considered household waste;
• for householders living some distance away from recycling centres, the limits on what could be brought would make it uneconomical for them;
• an alternative was to increase charges, including for commercial operators;
• clarification was sought as to the policy for accepting car tyres at recycling centres as it now seemed to contradict what was previously in place;
• clarification was sought, and received, regarding the hiring of skips from the Council and if the Council’s charges were competitive; and
• the Chairman pointed out that the Bulky Uplift Service was still available.

The Director responded by highlighting that the saving of £300k over this financial year and next had already been agreed by Council when setting its budget in February.  He referred to the backing sheet covering this saving and reminded Members that it had already been agreed to review the bulky uplift policy to enable the saving to be delivered.  He confirmed that he was happy to review the detail on the revised policy but it would still have to deliver the full saving, as agreed by Council.

Thereafter, the Committee DEFFERED the report until the next meeting of the Committee pending further discussion with officers.

20. Food Standards Scotland Audit
Sgrùdadh Inbhean Bìdh Alba

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/36/19 dated 24 April 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the Audit outcome of “insufficient assurance” was not a reflection on staff as the decision to reduce the workforce had been a Member decision.  Bearing this in mind it was also highlighted that some complex cases could involve a considerable amount of officer time;
• in light of BREXIT, fish exports from Kinlochbervie and Lochinver might need to be signed off, placing further strain on staff; and
• in response to a question, confirmation was provided that, where requested, Environmental Health Officers, would inspect Cruise Liners and a charge was made for this service.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the audit findings and action plan; and
ii. APPROVED the review and re-profiling of Environmental Health Officers and Food Safety Officers to increase resource on statutory food safety duties.

21. Lighting Policy
Poileasaidh Soillseachaidh

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/37/19 dated 29 April 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• in urban areas it was questioned how high night time use of paths and fear of crime issues would be measured.  In response, the Chairman clarified that this would be determined at Local Area Committees and Ward Business Meetings;
• information was sought, and provided, as to how the dated lighting units in conservation areas would be addressed;
• clarification was sought, and provided, as to when it was anticipated all lighting units would be converted to Light Emitting Diode (LED).  In response, it was explained that it was hoped this would be completed in the next financial year and, at the moment, the older orange street lamps were being replaced as a priority as this model of lighting was no longer being produced;
• in response to a question, it was explained that lighting units were painted as and when required; and
• concern was expressed regarding lighting at the North Kessock junction of the dual carriageway and it was important to establish with Bear Scotland whose responsibility these were.

The Committee:-

i. APPROVED the updated lighting policy regarding existing lighting as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report;
ii. NOTED the publication of guidance (detailed in Appendix 2 of the report) for installation of adoptable lighting which will be regularly reviewed and updated; and
iii. NOTED that, following the decision taken by Members in February 2018 to remove the budget for Christmas/Festive lighting, reports are being presented to all Local Area Committees to inform Members and communities of the implications for this year.

22. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

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

i.              North PAC – 27 November 2018;
ii.             South PAC – 5 December 2018;
iii.            North PAC – 22 January 2019;
iv.           South PAC – 29 January 2019;
v.            South PAC – 20 February 2019;
vi.           North PAC – 5 March 2019; and
vii.          South PAC – 12 March 2019;

and APPROVED:-

viii.         Waste Strategy Working Group Minutes of 7 February 2019;
ix.           Harbours Management Board Minutes of 6 March 2019; and
x.            Stromeferry Working Group Minutes of 20 March 2019.

23. 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.

24. Land and Property
Fearann is Cuid-seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/38/19 dated 8 May 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Having complimented officers on the number of housing projects, the Committee APPROVED the recommendations contained within the report.

25. Property Transactions Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

Declaration of Interest – Mrs A MacLean, as a Board Member of Ross and Cromarty Citizen’s Advice Bureau, 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 her interest did not preclude her from taking part in the discussion.

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/39/19 dated 17 April 2019 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 and Regeneration under delegated authority as well the Budgeted Sales for 2018/19 and beyond.

26. Housing Development Initiatives
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

Declaration of Interests – Mr D Rixson and Mrs T Robertson, as Board Members of Lochaber Housing Association and Highland Housing Alliance respectively and Mr A Henderson as a family relative was a Director of New Start, 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 interest did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion.

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/40/19 dated 8 May 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Having commended officers for delivering exceptional projects, the Committee APPROVED the recommendations contained within the report.

The meeting ended at 3.30 pm