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, 15 August 2019 at 10.30am.

Present:

Mr R Balfour, Mr B Boyd, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Dr I Cockburn, Mr M Finlayson (am only), Mr C Fraser, Mr J Gordon (am only), Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr W MacKay (by video conference, am only), Ms A MacLean, Mr D MacLeod, Mr D Macpherson, Mr I Ramon (am only), Mr D Rixson, Mrs T Robertson, Mr K Rosie, Mr A Sinclair and Mr C Smith.

Non-Members also present:

Mr B Allan (pm only), Mrs J Barclay, Mr R Bremner (by video conference, am only), Mrs M Davidson (am only), Mr A Jarvie (am only), Mr B Lobban, Mr D Louden, Mr D Mackay (am only), Mr G MacKenzie (pm only), Mr P Saggers (am only), Ms M Smith (pm only) andMr B Thompson (by video conference).

In attendance:

Mr S Black, Director of Development and Infrastructure
Ms C McDiarmid, Interim Chief Officer Resources (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 D Jones, Acting Head of Development Management, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A Maguire, Head of Development and Regeneration, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr A Summers, Head of Environmental and Amenity Services, Community Services
Ms N Wallace, Acting Head of Planning and Environment, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr S Dalgarno, Development Plans Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Care, Learning and Housing Manager
Mr R Gerring, Transport Planning Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Ms K Lackie, Business Manager, Chief Executive’s Service
Mr D Mudie, Area Planning Manager (South), Development and Infrastructure Service
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 J Robertson, Programme Manager – City Region Deal, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr M Atkinson, Research Officer, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr D Summers, Principal Transport Officer, Community Services
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr A MacInnes, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Ms S Lakin, Contract Manager, MacRebur (Item 5)

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

The Chairman informed Members that John Beaton, Lighting Engineer had recently passed away at home in Inverness.  John left behind a legacy that had transformed the appearance of major iconic landmarks in the region as he was Engineer on the team responsible for installation of lighting on Inverness Castle, Ness Bridge in Inverness, Ruthven Barracks and Urquhart Castle.  Starting his employment with Inverness Burgh Council in October 1968, John was highly dedicated to his work and demonstrated a lifelong commitment to local government as he worked for Highland Regional Council and then The Highland Council.  John would be sorely missed by his colleagues in Inverness and across the region and sympathy was extended to John’s family and many friends in the Inverness footballing community who knew him well for this voluntary service to football coaching.

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Ms K Currie, Mr R Laird, Mr H Morrison and Mr A Rhind.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 6 – Miss J Campbell (non-financial)
Item 12 – Mrs L MacDonald (non-financial)
Item 13 – Mr D Louden (non-financial)
Item 14 – Miss J Campbell, Dr I Cockburn, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Henderson, Mr D Louden (all financial)
Item 16 – Mr D Rixson (non-financial)

3. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

The Chair highlighted a list of good news and outstanding achievements, a list which was amplified by fellow Members.  In particular, the work undertaken by staff, over and above the call of duty, during recent flooding events was referred to and it was important that Members reflected on all that had been achieved under difficult circumstances.

The Committee NOTED the items of Good News.

4. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee NOTED that the recess powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 27 June 2019 had not been exercised in relation to the business of the Committee.

5. Use of Recycled Plastic on Roads – Presentation
Cleachdadh Plastaig Ath-chuairtichte air Rathaidean – Taisbeanadh

A presentation was given by Sara Lakin, Contact Manager, Macrebur on the use of recycled plastics on roads during which she gave a background to the company and its products.  She explained that they used waste plastics to enhance road surfaces and this had the added benefit of reducing landfill, carbon emissions, avoided the unnecessary transport of this waste product and gave the waste a value.  Users of the product were supermarkets, the construction industry and a number of utility companies, some of which were located in Highland.

With an opportunity to discuss the presentation in more detail directly with Ms Lakin, Members raised the following points:-

• an increase in the amount of plastics used on roads would be welcomed but it was recognised that this would have to take into consideration industry standards;
• information on the durability of the product and technical reports would be welcomed;
• more information from local users would also be welcomed;
• the integrity of the product when statutory undertakers carried out work on roads was sought;
• the products seemed to be particularly suited to pavements and cycle paths; and
• the cost compared to materials currently used was provided.  However, it was important to also consider the savings which would be made on maintenance.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the position.

6. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget 2019/2020
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair

Declaration of Interest: Miss J Campbell declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Board Member of Eden Court Theatre 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 involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No EDI/41/19 dated 5 August 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

During discussion, the following main points were raised by Members:-

• in relation to the request for £30k towards the continuation of feasibility works at Eden Court, as the Council had subsidised Eden Court in the past, it was queried why the money sought could not come Eden Court itself or from the Inverness Common Good Fund or the City of Inverness Arts budget.  It was generally felt that this was a great opportunity for the City of Inverness and wider Highland area, for businesses involved in tourism, to ensure that Eden Court was financially stable for the future and for these reasons the Council should be supporting the feasibility study;
• the Project Design Unit was supposed to be income generating, but the budget was showing a deficit.  Further, technical design and projects was also supposed to be income generating, but was also showing a deficit.  It was noted that this was due to a lack of staff and it was queried how these deficits would be addressed over the remainder of the financial year, given the current recruitment freeze;
• it was queried if there had been an increase in Environment Advice & Consultancy Team income as many projects in Highland had an environmental impact and whether project applicants took advantage of this service; and
• the underspend in the revenue budget all seemed to come from extra income e.g. planning fee income, housing grants etc, but when the budget was split into its subjective headings, the underspend was all in staff costs which seemed to be an anomaly.  Clarification on this would be provided to the Committee.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED:-

1. the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019 and the actions which have been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year; and
2. the allocation of £30k from the Development & Infrastructure Service feasibility budget towards the continuation of feasibility works at Eden Court.

7. Capital Expenditure Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Caiteachais Chalpa

There had been circulated Report No EDI/42/19 dated 6 August 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

During discussion, the following main points were raised by Members:-

• the Service was doing extremely well in terms of delivering its capital programme, but concern was expressed about capacity and ability to deliver projects for example on schools, bridges and roads in future and there were limited options open to the Council to address this;
• it was welcomed that work was underway on the Portree Primary School project and support was expressed to funding for a Dance Studio at the school;
• in relation to the Inverness Crematorium replacement cremators, it was confirmed that this project had been completed and the cremators were fully functioning.  It had been reported that the Crematorium had the highest charges in Scotland, and an explanation for this would be provided to Councillor I Ramon;
• in relation to the residual waste management facility project budget of circa £5.2m, it was advised that in early 2021 there would be a change in legislation with a landfill ban and the latest figures provided by Consultants for a residual waste bulking facility was £7.6m; an RDF Exporting Model of £11.7m and a Energy from Waste facility of £179m. It was therefore suggested that the estimate for this project needed to be revised;
• a solution to the landfill ban was to seek a derogation from the Scottish Government, but if this not successful, it was queried what other solution was available;
• there were numerous road schemes in the West Coast and Caithness requiring to be carried out, but limited funding for these.  It was explained that a lack of funding was an issue for all local areas and while more funding was needed, it was for Local Committee’s to determine their roads maintenance plan priorities each year within their respective budgets.  A view was expressed that the Council did receive sufficient funding from the Scottish Government for the maintenance of its roads, but the Council chose to spend the money on other priorities;
• clarification had been sought in relation to the budgets on Inverness High School refurbishment and Alness Academy; and
• the Investment in housing was making a big difference to the people in Highland and local businesses were also benefiting from the building of new homes.  Also, proposed flood defence schemes would provide more opportunities for new homes to be built.

The Committee NOTED:-

1. the capital expenditure position for the period 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019; and
2. a budget allocation from the School Estate Investment Programme of up to £70,000, as match funding, to create a Dance Studio at Portree Primary School.

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

There had been circulated Report No. EDI/43/19 dated 29 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure, accompanied by a demonstration of the Planning Performance Framework.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• information was sought, and provided, as to what action was being taken to address the number of outstanding cases relating to enforcement action;
• whilst the re-introduction of a new service for the satisfaction and discharge of conditions within a reduced timescale for those willing to pay for the service was welcomed, it was important that it was clear what was being provided at each level;
• it was hoped that a proportion of the money generated by planning applications was retained in the service to ensure the process was developed and enforcement action taken when required; and
• given the excellent work undertaken to produce the Planning Performance Framework, it should be promoted through social media.

The Committee:-

1. APPROVED the Planning Performance Framework (PPF) for submission to Scottish Government;
2. AGREED that the PPF be tweeted to maximise awareness; and
3. NOTED the performance updates for the Planning and Environment Service.

9. Planning Bill – Update and Resources Implications
Bile Dealbhaidh – Cunntas às Ùr agus Buaidh air Stòrasan

There had been circulated Report No EDI/44/19 dated 24 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• whilst the objectives of the new Planning Bill were desirable, these also brought resource implications to the Council;
• as both the Scottish Government and the Highland Council had declared a Climate Change Emergency, it was suggested that the Climate Change assessment undertaken by the Scottish Government needed to be revisited;
• more information was sought, and provided, on the proposed Infrastructure Levy and the policy to reverse depopulation;
• costs which would be incurred as many representations related to Planning Enforcement, it would be useful if the Charter could be sent to all Members;
• it was hoped cognisance would be taken of community participation with the Planning process through exercises such as Planning for Real;
• it was questioned what reassurance the Planning Bill would given in terms of standards of build; and
• assurance was sought, and provided, that the reference to the “use” of green spaces was in terms of recreation use.

The Committee NOTED:-

1. the content of the finalised Planning Bill; and
2. and consider the future resource and other implications of the additional statutory duties that will be brought in by the Act and its related secondary legislation.

10. Planning Enforcement Charter
Cairt Co-èigneachadh Dealbhaidh

There had been circulated Report No EDI/45/19 dated 29 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• as many representations related to Planning Enforcement, it would be useful if the Charter could be sent to all Members;
• an explanation was sought, and provided, as to instances where direct enforcement action might not be dealt with by the Planning Service;
• whilst there was a duty to protect the identity of complainants, there might be instances where the substance of the complaint needed to be disclosed.  However, if the complaint escalated to court proceedings, this protection could not be guaranteed.

The Committee AGREED:-

1. to adopt the Charter as set out in Appendix 1 of the report as the Council’s statement of planning enforcement policy and procedure; and
2. the Charter be sent to all Members.

11. Regeneration and Economy
Ath-ùrachadh agus Eaconamaidh 

There had been circulated Report No EDI/46/19 dated 31 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in terms of the way ahead, it was vital to ensure that sufficient skills and localised skills plans were in place in the Highlands in future to manage new initiatives and to maximise benefit, particularly in relation to the construction industry and in the renewable energy sector;
• in light of the above, attracting and maintaining a skills base and identifying the needs of local businesses was vital for the area, with particular reference being made to the need for auto electricians in future;
• the current situation surrounding Brexit could worsen the outlook for the Highlands, not least in regard to a potential skills shortage in the construction industry, and it was therefore suggested that a Seminar should be arranged in this respect and should include representation from local bodies/companies as necessary;
• in welcoming the organisation of a Seminar, it had to be highlighted that the issue of construction skills was key, along with changing skills across a number of sectors and also off-site fabrication in the Highlands;     
• in noting that the Council, in partnership with Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland, were currently working together to progress a Talent Attraction Strategy, reference was made to a recent event held locally in the Merkinch area which had showcased the considerable number of talented young people in that area and had been very inspiring; and
• in regard to inward investment activities, it was noted that the formal resourced initiative to develop economic links with Augsburg and Bavaria had now come to an end and it was hoped that the opportunity would be taken to further nurture and develop the links which had been established.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:-

1. the key developments highlighted during Quarter 1 and emerging activity; and
2. the delegated decision taken by the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Chair of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, that there were no grounds for the Council, in accordance with the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 and associated Business Improvement Districts (Scotland) Regulations 2007, to exercise its veto to stop the Dingwall Business Improvement District proposal progressing to ballot.

It was also AGREED that a Seminar should be arranged as soon as possible and should include representation from local bodies/companies as necessary.

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

Declaration of Interest: Ms L MacDonald declared a non-financial interest in this item given Albyn Housing’s involvement with one of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal’s projects 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 involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No EDI/47/19 dated 29 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

In this regard, it was noted that the Minutes of the City Region Deal Monitoring Group meeting held on 1 August 2019 had also been circulated at Item 28 on the agenda.

During discussion, and in welcoming the additional governance measures which had now been put in place, it was also noted that progress against projects was reported to the Committee quarterly and as such it was hoped that this regular reporting in a consistent format would facilitate transparency in terms of where progress was positive and where any remedial action was necessary. In this regard, the individual projects had been listed in Appendix 1 to the report, along with a description and update on current status.

In relation to Programme Level Risks, and specifically the Full Business Cases not agreed in relation to the main CRD Digital project, it was confirmed that current delays were due to awaiting confirmation from the Scottish Government as to chosen suppliers and as such were outwith the control of the Council at present.

It was also confirmed that further and more detailed information in regard to the Programme Management Activities could be provided for Members as and when required.          

Thereafter, the Committee otherwise NOTED the progress and increase in pace being made with the City-Region Deal Programme as detailed in the report.

13. Community Asset Transfer Requests
Gluasadan So-mhaoin Choimhearsnachd

Declaration of Interest: Mr D Louden declared a non-financial interest as a member of a museum which was, in turn, a member of the Highland Museum Forum 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 his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No EDI/48/19 dated 1 August 2019 by the Acting Head of Policy.

In this regard, and during a summary of the report, it was highlighted that in relation to the ‘lease of land’ at Whitedykes Industrial Estate, Cromarty to the Cromarty Community Development Trust, this had now been amended to a ‘transfer of ownership’ with the approximate value of the land being in the sum of £5k.

With specific reference to the request in respect of the Dingwall Men’s Shed, it was confirmed that only the location was the problem in what was otherwise an excellent application. As such, an alternative proposal was currently being drafted.

During discussion, reference was made to the length of time generally taken in regard to the agreement of leases which was causing some delay to applications and it was hoped that timescales could be improved in future.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED the following community asset transfer requests – subject to the terms of transfers as detailed in the report and the amendment to the proposal in respect of land at Whitedykes Industrial Estate:-

• Sale of land at Clachan Graveyard Extension, Bettyhill to Strathnaver Museum for £1;
• Transfer of Ownership of land at Whitedykes Industrial Estate, Cromarty to Cromarty Community Development Trust in the sum of £5k (Subsequently confirmed – after the meeting – that it was transferred for £1);
• Lease of Ormlie Community Centre to Ormlie Community Association Ltd for £1 per annum; and
• Sale of the land that Spean Bridget Community Centre was built on to Spean Bridge Community Centre SCIO for £1.

The Committee REFUSED the community asset transfer request in relation to the lease of Unit 4b, Docharty Road, Dingwall to Dingwall Men’s Shed. 

14. Scottish Government Short Term Lets Consultation
Co-chomhairle Aontaidhean Màil Geàrr-ùine Riaghaltas na h-Alba

Declarations of Interest: Miss J Campbell, Dr I Cockburn, Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson and Mr D Louden declared financial interests in this item as providers of short term lets and left the room.

Mrs T Robertson took the Chair.

There had been circulated Report No EDI/49/19 dated 5 August 2019 by the Acting Head of Policy.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues in relation to the Consultation Response which had been provided in Appendix 1 to the report:-

Item 2 – ‘Should a regulatory framework distinguish between sharing, swapping and secondary letting?’ – suggested that the response should include reference to the fact that providing Airbnb from rented properties was a breach of tenancy conditions;

Item 7 – ‘Do you have any comments about the impact of short-term lets on the housing market?’ – suggested that the response should also include reference to the effect on local rental provision; and

Item 14 – ‘Do you have any comments on the eligibility of self-catering accommodation for the Small Business Bonus Scheme?’ – suggested that the response should also include reference to the need to highlight more strongly the fact that this Scheme was very generous in so far as it offered 100% relief from non-domestic rates and it was important that this section of taxpayers were fully aware that they had a rating liability from which they were receiving full relief.

Thereafter, the Committee otherwise HOMOLOGATED the response to the consultation as provided in Appendix 1 to the report – subject to inclusion of the issues which had been raised at the meeting as detailed. 

15. Drumnadrochit Flood Protection Scheme 2019
Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Dhruim na Drochaid 2019

There had been circulated Report No EDI/50/19 dated 19 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee:-

1. AGREED the Drumnadrochit Flood Protection Scheme 2019 (on the basis that the Council would now notify Scottish Ministers to obtain deemed planning consent); and
2. AGREED the draft planning conditions in Appendix 1 of the report (on the basis that they would now be issued in draft to Scottish Ministers for consideration of the conditions of the scheme).

16. Caol and Lochyside Flood Protection Scheme 2018
Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean a’ Chaoil agus Thaobh Lòchaidh 2018

Declaration of Interest: Mr D Rixson declared a non-financial interest in this item as he was indirectly referred to in the Scottish Government report 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 his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No EDI/51/19 dated 19 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee AGREED the Caol and Lochyside Flood Protection Scheme 2018 without modification and the draft planning conditions as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.

17. Energy Efficient Scotland Programmes
Alba Lùth Èifeachdach

There had been circulated Report No EDI/52/19 dated 5 August 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee:-

1. APPROVED a closer alignment between Council energy efficiency programmes with targeted measures offered to householders and businesses within the Highlands to ensure the energy programmes achieved maximum benefits; and
2. NOTED the progress and proposed plans for the current Energy Efficiency Programme as detailed in the report.

18. Species Champions - Update
Curaidh Ghnèithean – Cunntas às Ùr

There had been circulated Report No EDI/53/19 dated 27 June 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members welcomed the terms of the report, specifically on the basis that the Species Champion initiative would raise the profile and boost public awareness of species found across the Highlands.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the terms of the report and confirmed the Species Champions as listed, on the basis that they would promote their chosen species and develop links with relevant bodies. 

19. National Transport Strategy – Consultation Update
Ro-innleachd Còmhdhail Nàiseanta – Cunntas às Ùr mu Cho-chomhairleachadh

There had been circulated Report No EDI/54/19 dated 11 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, and with specific reference to the 14 draft policies which had been listed in the report, Members raised the following issues:-

• in regard to the need to provide a transport system which was equally accessible for all, there should be reference to any possible links which could be made with the Licensing Committee in relation to taxis and specifically any support which might be available to upgrade vehicles;
• the needs of the Stromeferry By-Pass should be aligned with these policies whenever and wherever possible;
• there was a need for criteria which would highlight which buses were not currently accessible for all at present, with specific reference to rural transport which had to be improved in order to meet the aim of re-populating rural areas wherever possible;
• skilled labour, including auto electricians, would be vital in future and as such training courses/facilities in this regard were vital; and
• it had to be recognised that there was a need for real change in terms of strategy, including from Transport Scotland, to reduce speed limits, particularly in rural areas, as a priority in future and encouraging biking and walking as alternatives wherever possible.

Thereafter, Members NOTED:-

1. the timeline for consultation for the National Transport Strategy 2;
2. the initial comments on the 14 draft policies – subject to inclusion of the issues which had been raised at the meeting as detailed; and
3. that a further report would brought back to the Committee in this regard.

20. National Islands Plan and Island Communities Impact Assessments – Draft Consultation Response
Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean agus Measaidhean Buaidh air Coimhearsnachdan nan Eilean – Dreachd Fhreagairt Cho-chomhairle

There had been circulated Report No EDI/55/19 dated 5 August 2019 by the Chief Executive.

During discussion, and with specific reference to Paragraph 8 whereby it had been highlighted ‘that underinvestment in Skye’s infrastructure had to be addressed if the tourist industry was to be sustainable whilst at the same time ensuring that local people were able to go about their daily business’, it was suggested that this same situation also applied to the Wester Ross area.

Thereafter, the otherwise Committee APPROVED the draft response to the National Islands Plan and Island Communities Impact Assessments Consultation as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

21. Community Services Revenue Budget Monitoring Report
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Buidseat Teachd-a-steach nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd

There had been circulated Report No EDI/56/19 dated 7 August 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in regard to the saving proposal to dim street lighting by 20% on all new LED lights between 12 and 6 am, assurances were provided that it would have no detrimental impact on the operation of CCTV in the city centre;
• clarification was sought as to what appeared to be anomalies with the reported figures in relation to the lighting, refuse and waste disposal budgets. In response it was explained that this related to income received at the start of the financial year;
• if there was a loss of European fishing vessels at Lochinver following Brexit, it was essential that the budget target was revisited, bearing in mind that this was a significant part of the service’s income; and
• clarification was provided as to why there might be a reduction in ferry dues by Calmac for the use of Uig pier.

The Committee APPROVED the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 June 2019.

22. Community Services Performance Report - 1 April to 30 June 2019
Aithisg Coileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – 1 Giblean gu 30 Ògmhios 2019

There had been circulated Report No EDI/57/19 dated 7 August 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the Council no longer used weed killers containing glyphosate in high profile areas given the harmful effects of the chemical on the environment and to those using it.  Alternatives, together with costings, would be reported to the Highland Council at its meeting on 5 September.  However, it was important that the Council’s stance on the use of glyphosate was communicated to the public to avoid any negative impact to the Council’s reputation; and
• the way complaints were received by the service was confirmed.

The Committee NOTED the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April to 30 June 2019.

23. Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey and Backlog Calculations 2018-19
Suirbhidh Staid Cumail Suas Rathaidean na h-Alba agus Àireamhachadh Càrn-obrach 2018-19 

There had been circulated Report No EDI/58/19 dated 22 July 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

During discussion, it was suggested that future reports trend data should be incorporated to help reinforce the argument for additional resources to negate the progressive degradation of the area’s roads.

The Committee NOTED:-

1. the results of the Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey for 2018 and that our relative ranking had fallen from 24 to 25 position amongst Scottish Councils;
2. the increase in costs in relation to the road maintenance backlog; and
3. the report as a useful source of evidence for capital programming.

24. Strategic Timber Transport Fund 2019/20 Projects
Pròiseactan Maoin Còmhdhail Fiodha Ro-innleachdail 2019/20

There had been circulated Report No EDI/59/19 dated 6 August 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

Officers were thanked for the work undertaken in relation to the forestry project on Eigg. Not only had this generated income benefit but had provided additional fuel for islanders.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED the award to date of £601.1k of grant funding for and delivery of the 2019/20 schemes and that due to further scheme developments, the Council anticipated securing further grant funding later in 2019;
2. NOTED the preparatory work for potential bids to be made to the 2020/21 Strategic Timber Transport Scheme Fund;
3. AGREED that, should STTS match funding bids be unsuccessful any residual match funding would be reallocated across the Areas using the Road Condition Survey parameters; 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 that up to £0.5M be allocated under the road structural (capital) funding as match funding for 2020/21 and future years.

25. Community Transport: Grant Funding and Change Programme
Còmhdhail Choimhearsnachd: Maoineachadh Tabhartais agus Prògram Atharrachaidh

There had been circulated Report No EDI/60/19 dated 29 July 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

The Committee:-

1. NOTED that current Community Transport Grants ran to March 2020 and were currently awarded as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;
2. APPROVED the process for reviewing grant awards including the eligibility and award criteria as outlined in Appendix 2 of the report;
3. NOTED that a further report was intended for the EDI Committee in November 2019 on the progress made and grant awards recommended; and
4. NOTED that further work was taking place to strengthen the capacity of the Community Transport sector and to develop alternatives to high-cost contracts. This was supported by a Change Project and separate funding streams.  It had savings targets to meet and community transport initiatives could be supportive.  The project included developing new initiatives and a home to school pilot was planned for Poolewe this year.

26. Risk Based Approach to Structures Inspections
Dòigh-obrach Stèidhichte air Cunnart a thaobh Sgrùdaidhean Structaran

There had been circulated Report No EDI/61/19 dated 2 July 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

Given that many bridges were lifelines for rural communities, the condition survey was warmly welcomed.

The Committee:-

1. APPROVED adoption of the Structures Inspections policy in Appendix 1 of the report for the proposed Risk Based Approach in Highland; and
2. NOTED the current position in Highland in relation to the resources available for inspections.

27. Changes to Council Policy on Categories of Waste Received at Household Waste Recycling Centres
Atharrachaidhean do Phoileasaidh na Comhairle mu Sheòrsaichean Sgudail a Thathar a’ Gabhail aig Ionadan Ath-chuartachaidh Sgudail Thaighean

There had been circulated Report No EDI/62/19 dated 17 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Further consultation had taken place since the last EDI Committee meeting in May and this was reflected in the proposals contained in the report.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• confirmation was sought, and provided, that the “trailers” referred to in paragraph 5.2.2 was a duplication and would be removed from the list of vehicles not permitted entry to a Recycling Centre with any type of waste;
• clarification was sought, and received, as to why tyres could be collected by the Bulky Uplift service but were not accepted at recycling centres; and
• it was important to monitor the disposal of construction waste.  In this regard, there was merit in investigating if there was profit generating potential by collecting it and that this could be incorporated into the review of commercial waste.

To implement the Council decision, the Committee AGREED the policy changes set out in the report to expand the bulky uplift service and to limit the type and quantity of waste that could be accepted at WHRCs from 1 November 2019. 

28. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

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

1. North PAC – 9 April 2019;
2. North PAC – 18 April 2019;
3. South PAC – 30 April 2019;
4. North PAC – 4 June 2019: and
5. South PAC – 11 June 2019.

and, APPROVED:-

6. Harbours Management Board Minutes of 24 May 2019;
7. Waste Strategy Working Group Minutes of 6 June 2019; and
8. City Region Deal Monitoring Group of 1 August 2019.

29. Exclusion of the Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee APPROVED that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act, the relevant paragraphs being shown.

30. Land and Property
Fearann agus Cuid-seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/63/19 dated 15 July 2019 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

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/64/19 dated 15 July 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.

32. Housing Development Initiatives
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

Paragraphs 6 and 9

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/65/19 dated 1 August 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

Members having expressed their appreciation of the hard work and skill of officers, the Committee otherwise APPROVED the recommendations contained within the report.

The meeting ended at 3.15 pm.