Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on Thursday 7 November 2019 at 10.30am. 

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.    

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser
Head of Corporate Governance

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting.  Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest.   Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Good News
Naidheachdan Matha

Members are asked to note that the following Item 4 will be undertaken at 12.45pm.

4. VisitScotland – Tourism Presentation    
VisitAlba – Taisbeanadh Turasachd

A presentation will be given by Mr Chris Taylor, Regional Leadership Director on Tourism in the Highlands.

The Committee are asked to note the presentation.

5. Development and Infrastructure Service Revenue Budget 2019/2020    
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Seirbheis an Leasachaidh agus a’ Bhun-structair 2019/20

There is circulated Report No EDI/67/19 dated 22 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

The Committee is invited to approve the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 and the actions which have been put in place to manage the budget over the remainder of the financial year.

6. Capital Expenditure Monitoring Report    
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Caiteachais Chalpa

There will be circulated separately Report No EDI/68/19 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     approve:-
(a)    the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 September 2019; and
(b)    the allocation of £0.250m for improvement works at Knockbain Burn, Dingwall.
ii.    note the outcome of the assessment of Inverness Airport Business Park Ltd’s 2018/19 Annual Accounts and the implications for repayment of the Council’s outstanding Loan Stock.

7. Planning Performance Framework - Quarter 2 Performance Review      
Frèam Coileanaidh Dealbhaidh - Ath-sgrùdadh Coileanaidh Cairteal 2

There is circulated Report No EDI/69/19 dated 25 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

The Committee is invited to note the performance updates for the Planning and Environment Service.

8. Regeneration and Economy     
Ath-ùrachadh agus Eaconamaidh  

There is circulated Report No EDI/70/19 dated 22 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the key developments highlighted during quarter 2 and emerging activity; and
ii.    reject the applications for Town Centre Funding for the three projects at Ardersier, Inverness College UHI and North Kessock/Fortrose/Rosemarkie.

9. Inverness and Highland City Region Deal Update      
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chùmhnant Baile-Roinne Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No EDI/71/19 dated 28 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

The Committee is invited to note progress with the City Region Deal during 2018/19; and the positive feedback on 18/19 annual review.

10. A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton Road Scheme (East Link)      
Sgeama A9/A96 nan Innseagan gu Baile a’ Ghobhainn (Ceangal Sear)

There is circulated Report No EDI/72/19 dated 25 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note progress and next steps for Transport Scotland’s East Link road scheme;
ii.    note East Link’s proposed future maintenance arrangements, as detailed in paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 of the report; and
iii.   agree to support the scheme as currently proposed and to raise no objection to it.

11. Community Asset Transfer Requests    
Gluasad So-mhaoin Choimhearsnachd

There is circulated Report No EDI/73/19 dated 1 October 2019 by the Acting Head of Policy.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations as detailed in the report concerning community asset transfer requests.

12. BT Payphone Consultation    
Co-chomhairle Fòn BT

There is circulated Report No EDI/74/19 dated 25 October 2019 by the Acting Head of Policy.

The Committee is invited to consider and agree the Council’s response to BT’s proposed removal of public payphones set out at appendix 1 of the report.

13. Annual Report under Public Bodies Climate Change Duties 2018/19    
Aithisg Bhliadhnail fo Dhleastanasan Atharrachadh Gnàth-shìde nam Buidhnean Poblach 2018/19

There is circulated Report No. EDI/75/19 dated 7 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

The Committee is asked to agree that the 2018/19 report is submitted as part of the mandatory reporting process under the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties.

14. Strategic Housing Investment Plan    
Plana Tasgaidh Taigheadais Ro-innleachdail             

There is circulated Report No. EDI/76/19 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

The Committee is asked to:-

i.     approve the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, as submitted to the Scottish Government in draft form, included within Appendix 1 of the report; and
ii.    note the planned investment programme as included within Appendix 2 of the report.

15. Flood Scheme Updates and Future Options    
Cunntas às Ùr mu Sgeama Thuiltean agus Roghainnean san Àm ri Teachd

There is circulated Report No EDI/77/19 dated 10 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure and Environment.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the progress to date on the development of Flood Protection Schemes at Smithton & Culloden, Caol and Lochyside and Drumnadrochit, and the Flood Studies which have been identified within the Local Flood Risk Management Plans; and
ii.    approve the submission of the Preferred Options for Golspie, Thurso, Mill Burn and River Peffery Flood Protection Schemes to SEPA for national Flood Protection Scheme prioritisation. 

16. National Transport Strategy – Consultation Response    
Ro-innleachd Còmhdhail Nàiseanta

There is circulated Report No EDI/78/19 dated 21 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure and Environment.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the key proposals set out in the Draft National Transport Strategy 2; and
ii.    homologate the submitted response, at Appendix 1 of the report, that has been developed by a cross service group of Officials and reviewed by the Chair, Vice Chairs and political group leaders.

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

There will follow Report No EDI/79/19 dated 30 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the projected pressures and risks in the budget;
ii.    note the mitigation proposed as set out in section 7 of the report; and
iii.   approve the revenue budget monitoring report for 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019.

18.    Community Services Performance Report - 1 April to 30 September 2019      
Aithisg Coileanaidh nan Seirbheisean Coimhearsnachd – 1 Giblean gu 30 Sultain 2019

There is circulated Report No EDI/80/19 dated 29 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and note the information provided on Community Services performance from 1 April to 30 September 2019.

19. Northern Roads Collaboration Joint Committee – Annual Report    
Co-Chomataidh Co-obrachadh nan Rathaidean a Tuath – Aithisg Bhliadhnail

There is circulated Report No EDI/81/19 dated 28 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     consider the Annual report from the Northern Roads Collaboration Joint Committee as attached at Appendix 1 of the report; 
ii.    note the continued role of Highland Council in providing the Finance Officer for the Joint Committee; and
iii.   note that it is intended that Environment Development and Infrastructure Committee will continue to receive an annual report on performance activities annual achievements of the Joint Committee.

20. Residual Waste Project Update    
Ro-innleachd Sgudail

There is circulated Joint Report No EDI/82/19 dated 25 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officers Infrastructure and Environment and Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note that the Scottish Government has announced a landfill ban transition period to 2025, with new requirements and incentives on compliance yet to be announced;
ii.    note that work is underway on developing infrastructure as previously agreed at Committee and Council to ensure compliance along with operational reviews of waste management contracts; 
iii.   note that the work underway is being managed as a corporate project with Programme Management Office support and oversight from a member working group;
iv.    note the progress being made on the earlier Committee decision to develop a facility to develop a facility at the former Longman landfill site and to assess the feasibility and viability of an energy-from-waste facility in the Inner Moray Firth; and
v.     agree that a report is presented to a future Committee on the implications for the Council of:
a. the Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020 (draft laid before the Scottish Parliament on 10th September 2019);
the extension of the Packaging Producer Responsibility System (consultation on specific regulatory measures anticipated during 2020 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs);  
the review of the Code of Practice on Household Recycling in Scotland; and
any operational change proposed from contract reviews that require Member governance.

21. Road Structures – Annual Report                                                    
Structaran Rathaid – Aithisg Bhliadhnail     

There is circulated Report No EDI/83/19 dated 6 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the position of the Bridge Stock Condition Indicators in Highland;
ii.    note the current position in Highland in relation to the number of structures inspections undertaken; and
iii.   approve the use of a continuous rolling programme for an extended list of schemes for the “Bridges, Retaining Walls and Culverts” allocation of the Community Services Capital Programme.

22. Use of Recycled Plastic In Road Surfacing Materials                              
Cleachdadh Plastaig Ath-chuairtichte ann an Stuthan Uachdarachaidh Rathaid 

There is circulated Report No EDI/84/19 dated 23 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the ongoing discussions between Transport Scotland and suppliers within the industry regarding the performance of bituminous surfacing materials containing recycled plastics;
ii.    agree that bituminous surfacing materials containing recycled plastics are not to be used on the Highland Council adopted road network until approval is given by Transport Scotland, and Highland Council considers the product technically suitable for their adopted road network; and
iii.   agree that bituminous surfacing materials containing recycled plastics may be used on unadopted roads within the Highland Council Area subject to the planning condition as stated in item 11 of the report.

23. Award of Community Transport Grants                                              
Tabhartasan Còmhdhail Coimhearsnachd     

There is circulated Report No EDI/85/19 dated 18 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     approve the grant award recommendations as set out in table 1, paragraph 5.8, with awards proposed to 26 community transport groups, including 6 as new recipients;
ii.    approve, in principle, the flexibility in funding for years two and three of the grant cycle to allow for natural fluctuations in groups’ activities within the allotted budget; and
iii.   note that:

• issuance of grant payments in line with award recommendations will be dependent upon groups’ submission of regular claim forms and progress reports; and 
• grant awards may be withdrawn, withheld or reduced in instances where claim forms and progress reports are either persistently not submitted, or where they reflect a group’s activity does not match that which is outlined in their application.

24. Off Street Car Parking - Progress                              
Parcadh Chàraichean Far-Sràide – Adhartas     

The Chairman will give a verbal update on the implementation of the Off Street Car Parking Policy as agreed at the Special Environment and Development Committee on 24 October 2019.

The Committee is invited to note progress.

25. Air Quality and National Clean Air Day 2020                                         
Càileachd Èadhair agus Latha Nàiseanta an Èadhair Ghlain 2020

There is circulated Report No EDI/86/19 dated 18 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the summary of the 2019 Air Quality Annual Progress Report (APR) for the Highland Council;
ii.    agree for Environmental Health to assist and monitor the Council’s support for National Clean Air Day 2020.

26. Scottish Government Consultation on the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010      
Co-chomhairle Riaghaltas na h-Alba mu Achd Smachd air Coin (Alba) 2010

There is circulated Report No EDI/87/19 dated 15 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Customer and Communities.

The Committee is invited to approve the proposed response to the consultation.

27. Appointments to Sub-Committees etc
Cur an Dreuchd gu Fo-Chomataidhean is eile

The Committee is invited to agree that Mr D Louden replace Ms K Currie on the Harbours Management Board.

28. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There is circulated separately in Booklet A for noting Minutes of the Planning Applications Committees (PAC) for:-

i.     North PAC – 31 July 2019 (pp. 1-8);
ii.    South PAC – 7 August 2019 (pp.9-24);
iii.   North PAC – 10 September 2019 (pp.25-32); and
iv.    South PAC – 17 September 2019 (pp.33-43).

and, for approval:-

v.     Tourism Working Group of 6 June 2019; (pp. 44-46);
vi.    Harbours Management Board Minutes of 20 August 2019 (pp.47-50);
vii.   Education Transport Review Sub Committee of 12 September 2019 (pp.51-52);
viii.  Tourism Working Group of 26 September 2019 (pp.53-55);
ix.    Town Centre Fund Working Group of 30 October 2019 (to follow);and
x.     Town Centre Fund Working Group of 3 October 2019. 

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

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

30. Land and Property
Fearann agus Cuid-seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/88/19 dated 17 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

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

31. Property Transactions Monitoring Report    
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Ghnothachasan Seilbhe

Paragraphs 6 and 9 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/89/19 dated 18 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

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

32. Housing Development Initiatives    
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

Paragraphs 6 and 9 

There is circulated to Members only Report No. EDI/90/19 dated 29 October 2019 by the Executive Chief Officer Transformation and Economy.

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