• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee held in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Monday, 12 August 2013 at 10.30 am.

Present:

Mr I Brown, Mr A Graham, Mrs H Carmichael, Miss J Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mr J Crawford, Mrs M Davidson, Mr N Donald, Mr K Gowans, Mr J Gray, Mr D Hendry, Mr D Kerr, Mr R Laird, Mrs B McAllister, Mr K MacLeod, Mr F Parr, Mr T Prag, Mr G Ross, Ms J Slater

Officials in Attendance:

Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager
Mr D Haas, Inverness City Manager/Clerk
Mr S MacNaughton, Head of Transport and Infrastructure
Mr M MacLeod, Head of Planning and Building Standards
Mrs T Urry, Housing and Property Manager South, Housing and Property Services
Mr R Patterson, Assistant Policy and Development Manager, Finance Services
Ms M Grigor, Finance Manager (Central Services), Finance Service
Mr D MacKenzie, Chief Structural Engineer, TEC Services
Mr C Howell, Project Design Unit Manager, TEC Services
Mr M Smith, Principal Engineer and Team Leader, Flood Team, TEC Services
Mr J Smith, Principal Engineer, TEC Services
Mr J Danby, Principal Engineer, TEC Services
Mr T Stott, Principal Planner, Planning and Development Service
Mr S Hindson, Planner, Planning and Development Service
Mr K Forbes, Property Surveyor, Housing and Property Services
Ms L MacKellaich, Road Safety Officer, TEC Services
Ms A MacNeil, Senior Public Relations Officer, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss J MacLennan, Democratic Services Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss J Green, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr G Smith, Assistant Civic Officer, Finance Service

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to Committee.

Mr I Brown in the Chair

Preliminaries

Prior to the commencement of the formal business, the City Leader confirmed that he had now met with the Director of Finance to discuss the criteria for a strategic review of the Inverness Common Good Fund. In this regard, a Members’ Briefing would be held in due course and it was intended that the review would be completed by the end of the current financial year.

Business

1.  Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr R Balfour, Mrs C Caddick, Mr A Duffy, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair, Mrs K Stephen and Mr H Wood.

2.  Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 4 – Mr R Laird and Mr D Kerr (non-financial)
Item 5 – Mr J Gray (non-financial)
Item 6 – Mr K Gowans and Mr T Prag (non-financial)
Item 7 – Mr D Kerr and Mr K MacLeod (non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr F Parr (non-financial)
Item 13 – Mr D Kerr (financial)

3.  Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

It was NOTED that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 27 June 2013 had not been exercised in relation to the business of the City of Inverness Area Committee.

4.  Membership of Inverness Civic Trust
Ballrachd Urras Catharra Inbhir Nis

Declarations of Interest –

Mr R Laird and Mr D Kerr declared non-financial interests in relation to this item as Vice-Chair and member respectively of Inverness Civic Trust 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 their involvement in the discussion.

The Committee AGREED that Mr H Wood should replace Mr A Christie as a member of Inverness Civic Trust.

5.  Scheme for Winter Payments Proposals for 2013/14
Molaidhean Sgeama Phàighidhean Geamhraidh Maoin Maith Choitchinn Inbhir Nis 2013/14

Declaration of Interest –

Mr J Gray declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds that a family member was a volunteer for the Blythswood Care Food Hamper Scheme 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 Joint Report No. CIA-37-13 (47kb pdf) dated 1 August 2013 by the Director of Finance and the Inverness City Manager which followed on from the revision of the Winter Payment Scheme for 2012/13. In this regard, an analysis of the operation of the Scheme for 2012/13 had been detailed in the report together with recommendations which would allow it to effectively function within budgetary constraints in a sustainable way for Winter 2013/14.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that, in relation to the proposals for 2013/14, it was suggested that similar qualifying criteria as for 2012/13 should be retained in that this targeted people on means tested benefits who also qualified for Attendance Allowance, Disability Allowance or a War Pension and also two new benefits which had recently been introduced, namely the Personal Independence Payment and the Armed Forces Independence Payment. The only change would be for people who qualified for Pension Credit Savings Credit to be included where they had a resident in the property entitled to the benefits listed above. In addition, cases would be referred (with the resident’s permission) to Home Energy Scotland (HES) unless the applicant indicated that they did not wish an energy efficiency assessment.

In addition, it was advised that, in recognition of the increasing demands being placed on the Scheme and the valuable lifeline which food hampers provided for families in times of extreme need, it was proposed that £10,000 should also be donated from the Common Good Fund to the Blythswood Care Food Hamper Scheme.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• this was a good news story for those people living in the City of Inverness and the landward areas of the seven City Wards, most particularly in terms of the increase in payments to take account of not just rising inflation but also rising energy prices;
• there was concern that this budget had been regularly underspent in the past and it was imperative that this was not repeated in future years;
• it would be helpful if a breakdown of the figures could be provided to identify expenditure from the Common Good Fund in comparison with other Funds;
• in terms of governance, and whilst acknowledging that Blythswood Care operated efficiently and effectively, it was important that that they followed the same application for funding conditions as other organisations;
• the widening of the qualification criteria would assist more of the poorer citizens in Inverness and this was welcomed;
• it would perhaps be more appropriate to increase the donation to Blythswood Care from £10,000 to £20,000 in view of the demand for food hampers in the area;
• it was vitally important the Scheme was advertised as widely as possible, including Churches and Libraries wherever possible, in order that as many eligible applicants were made aware of it, especially in view of the current economic climate and the hardships being faced across the area by many families;
• it was not feasible to await the impact from Welfare Reform before reviewing the terms of the Scheme and in this regard it was suggested that there were currently too many constraints built into it which was attributing to the current underspend;
• there was a need for a major review of the Scheme and how the Common Good Fund operated for the poorer citizens of Inverness;
• there was currently a gap in the benefit system whereby some people received Attendance Allowance and others just missed out and it was therefore suggested that consideration should be given to allowing everyone who was over the age of 80 and in receipt of benefits to apply to the Scheme in future;
• in view of the current impact of Welfare Reform changes, there was a need for a further more detailed report to be brought back in terms of bringing together all the strands and elements of the Scheme which would allow informed debate on how to move forward from 2013/14 onwards;
• there was an urgent need for the provision of better energy advice for households and information on how to achieve improved tariffs which could help considerably, especially over the winter months;
• it was imperative that this Scheme was fully or over subscribed in order to help to ease the current and future burdens on households across the area as much as possible;
• it would be particularly helpful if Third Sector partners could be involved in future discussions in this regard, as well as the Council customer income maximisation team; and
• specific information days could be arranged through the Council Service Point network and this would help to advertise this Scheme and other benefits more widely.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED to run the Winter Payment Scheme for the City of Inverness and Landward areas of the seven City Wards for the year 2013/14 on the following basis:-

(i) that the Scheme operated for Winter 2013/14 based on a one tier
    application process (including a referral to HES) targeted at people on
    means tested benefits who also qualified for Attendance Allowance,
    Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Armed Forces
    Independence Payment and War Pension and for people on Pension Credit
    Guarantee Credit without the requirement to have a disability benefit;
(ii) that, in addition to applying the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) to assess any
    potential increase, from now on both the 1st and 2nd payments would
    also be increased in line with average increases in energy costs in addition
    to the CPI;
(iii) that the first payment be set at £40 and should the applicant be
    successful, an additional payment (second payment) of £33 based on
    meeting HES criteria be also made;
(iv) that the budget set aside within the City of Inverness Common Good
    Fund for 2013/14 be increased from £42k to £57k;
(v) that only one claim could be made per household and no person should be
    entitled to claim under more than one category of payment; with no
    residents in the household being in receipt of a wage either now or in the
    last 6 months or have capital over £6,000; and
(vi) a donation of £10,000 be made to Blythswood Care for the Food Hamper
    Scheme.

It was also AGREED that the Inverness City Manager should provide Members with a breakdown of the total amount of each welfare benefit claimed as a result of successful applications to the Scheme in 2012/13.

It was further AGREED that a report should be brought back to the next meeting on 21 October 2013, which would review the Winter Payment Scheme, on the basis of the comments raised by Members. 

6.  Inverness West Link – Outcome of Stage 3 Public Consultation
Slighe-ceangail Iar Inbhir Nis –Toradh Co-chomhairle Poblach Ìre 3

Declarations of Interest -

Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item as a member of the Inverness Angling Club 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.

Mr T Prag declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item as a former member of the Inverness Rowing Club 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.

a) Torvean and Ness-side Development Brief

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-38-13 (404kb pdf)|Appendix 3 (3311kb pdf) dated 2 July 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development which outlined responses to the public consultation on the draft Torvean and Ness-side Development Brief which had been required to guide the completion of two of the City’s residential expansion areas and co-ordinate land use and transport provision in Inverness.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that around forty respondents had made written comments specific to the Brief and these had been summarised in detail in Appendix 1 to the report (together with a list of all recommended amendments to the Brief) and recorded verbatim on the Council’s Website as Appendix 2.

In terms of non-Brief comments, issues highlighted by immediate neighbours, landowners, developers, other City residents, public agencies and interest groups had also been highlighted within the report.

In addition, a detailed housing site allocation issue had been raised by Inverness West Ward Members, all of whom had requested the deletion of an affordable housing site at Charleston View from the Brief in light of neighbour concerns and the recommendation was therefore to remove this allocation.

It was confirmed that Appendix 3 to the report set out the finalised Brief, incorporating all amendments, and in this regard an explanation of the key changes and reasons had also been summarised.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• this represented a major opportunity for the City and there was a need to be very ambitious in terms of what could be achieved, most particularly in relation to the Sports Hub and associated facilities;
• it would be important to ensure that both a Golf Course and Parkland were provided;
• there would be challenges in terms of the funding available but every opportunity should be taken to work with partners and other agencies to make this a success;
• improvements for pedestrians and cyclists were vital and should be linked to the proposals wherever possible;
• the whole consultation process had been very effective and it was encouraging to see the number and quality of the responses received;
• the proposals represented a huge net gain in terms of the new and improved facilities which could be provided for the area;
• the references within the report to the integration of public art wherever possible were welcomed;
• the creation of a ‘sense of place’ was paramount and its inclusion within the proposals would be instrumental in achieving future successes;
• there was a need for clarity as to who would pay for the provision of new public art;
• the quality of plans submitted to Members in future should be improved if possible as in some cases the definition was unclear;
• thanks were conveyed to the Officers concerned for the work which had been undertaken in this regard, including the alterations which had been made to the Development Brief following the consultation process;
• it was important to ensure that land was safeguarded for the expansion of Kilvean Cemetery which was approaching its capacity;
• there was a need to start work on the Golf Course as soon as possible;
• concern was expressed in relation to the provision of underpasses and the possible problems this could cause, not least in terms of possible anti-social behaviour issues;
• the extension of the leisure facilities was key to the success of the whole project and as such the proposals within the report were welcomed;
• it was accepted that there would be difficult issues to address in the future but it was important to focus on the positive aspects of the proposals;
• there was concern in relation to the possibility of four-storey developments being included for the Ness-side area and it was suggested that references to such developments should be removed from the Development Brief;
• it was important that discussions commenced with the Sports Clubs in the area in order to investigate the future potential for the sharing of facilities if and where this was appropriate;
• consideration should be given to the possibility of introducing a subsidised bus service for the Torvean area in addition to the service currently being proposed for the Ness-side area;
• innovative design should not just be an aspiration but should underpin all future work being undertaken by developers in the area; and
• there was a need for a mix of housing in the area and decisions should be taken on its appropriateness as and when planning applications were submitted.

At this point, Mr J Crawford, seconded by Mr D Kerr, MOVED the recommendations as set out in the report - subject to all references to four-storey buildings within the Development Brief being removed.

As an AMENDMENT, Mr I Brown seconded by Mr T Prag, moved the recommendations as set out in the report.

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 8 votes and the AMENDMENT received 11 votes with no abstentions and the AMENDMENT was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:
Campbell J; Carmichael H; Crawford J; Davidson M; Donald N; Kerr D; Parr F; Ross G (W14)

For the Amendment:
Brown I; Christie A; Gowans K; Graham A; Gray J; Hendry D; Laird R; MacLeod K; McAllister B; Prag T; Slater J

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED the responses to the consultation;
ii. AGREED Appendix 3 as the content of the finalised Torvean and Ness-side
    Development Brief, subject to the additional inclusion of any West Link
    Road Scheme amendments agreed at the full Council meeting on 5
    September 2013; and
iii. AGREED that the finalised Brief should be treated as a material planning
    consideration for development management purposes and completion of
    procedures towards its intended adoption as Statutory Supplementary
    guidance at the Planning, Environment and Development Committee on 6
    November 2013.

b) Inverness West Link Recommended Road Layout

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-39-13 (1074kb pdf) dated 30 July 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which provided an update on the comments received following the Stage 3 Public Consultation for the Inverness West Link Road which had been held between 16 April and 31 May 2013.

During a summary of the report, and with particular reference to the Design Changes Pre Consultation, it was confirmed that the Environmental Impact Assessment was now substantially complete and had been expanded to include the Torvean Golf Course, Sports Hub, Kilvean Cemetery Extension and Parkland Proposals. This would provide an integrated approach to the West Link project and the related recreational enhancements and would be incorporated within the planning process prior to determination. In addition, discussions with landowners and leaseholders had also raised issues which impacted on the scheme layout and these had now been taken account of in the detailed design.

In regard to design changes post consultation, it was advised that a total of 152 comments had been received and these had been listed in Appendix C to the report. In light of these comments, and those received during the debate on the Inverness West Link at the Committee meeting held on 15 April, a number of key additional changes had been made to the detailed design layout and these had been highlighted within the report.

In terms of the project timetable, it was confirmed that the final road layout along with the related Compulsory Purchase Orders would be considered by the full Council on 5 September.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• whilst the noise mitigation measures planned for the area surrounding the Canal Pitches were welcomed, there was a need for further consideration to be given to the time it would take for trees and shrubbery to reach full maturity in order to avoid areas of barren land in the short term;
• there was also a need for a pedestrian crossing on the eastern side of the Tomnahurich Bridge (in addition to the proposals for a crossing on the western side);
• clarification was needed on whether there would be access beneath the bridge for pedestrians from both the north and south banks;
• there was a need for assurances to be given and liaison undertaken with Members in relation to the proposed underpasses for the area, particularly in terms of safety and future use by the public, and in this regard it was suggested that discussions should perhaps be commenced with the Inverness Community Safety Partnership at an early date;
• the realignment of the Bridge was welcomed, particularly in regard to the continued arrangements for salmon fishing which had a consequent financial impact on the Common Good Fund;
• consideration should be given as to whether there were further opportunities to improve access to the Archive Centre and Floral Hall;
• in terms of active travel and public transport, there was a need to improve ease of access to Kilvean Cemetery in particular;
• it was imperative that proper maintenance contracts were put in place from the outset with appropriate levels of funding;
• it would be helpful if a Stakeholders Group involving cyclists and walkers was set up in order to allow representations to be made and future alterations undertaken as required;
• further information on the costs of Compulsory Purchase Orders would have been helpful although it was noted that the proposals within the report had been put forward following advice received from the District Valuer on the safest way for the Council to proceed in terms of land acquisition;
• the proposals within the report represented a unique opportunity for the area and every effort should be made to ensure their success; and
• in terms of the Sports Hub in particular, it was hoped that further consideration would be given to the inclusion of additional sports wherever possible and use made of other facilities in the area, such as the Quarry, where considered appropriate.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council that the revised layout plan for the Inverness West Link Road, as detailed in Appendices A and B, be taken forward for use in the Detailed Planning Application and the Compulsory Purchase Orders for the Scheme.

(The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.10pm and resumed at 1.40pm).

c) Torvean Golf Course and Sports Hub

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-40-13 (382kb pdf) dated 30 July 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which advised Members of the comments received following the Public Consultation in relation to the Torvean Golf Course and Sports Hub.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that a total of 26 public comments had been received and these had been summarised in Appendix A, together with a response which had been prepared by the Project Team. In this regard, it was confirmed that the main issues which had arisen included the location of the pitches and changing rooms, arrangements for the Highland Rugby Club, Torvean Golf Club and Inverness Rowing Club and the need to allow for an expansion of Kilvean Cemetery.

In light of this, key changes had now been made to the proposals in terms of revising and expanding pitch layouts, revising the arrangements for the changing facilities and the car park location, altering the golf course proposals to accommodate practice areas and making provision for an expansion of Kilvean Cemetery with attendant alterations to potential golf course layouts.

As a result of these changes, the scope and extent of the scheme would now expand to cover a larger area which was considered significant in planning terms and it was therefore necessary to re-issue the Proposals of Application Notice. In this regard, some of the land required for the recreational facilities (including the enhanced golf course) was not in Council ownership and negotiations had therefore commenced with a landowner for the purchase of this land.

In summary, it was advised that the revised Planning in Principle Application Site Plan (which wold be issued with the Proposals of Application Notice) had been included as Appendix B to the report, with indicative details of the layout for the Golf Course, Sports Hub, Kilvean Cemetery Extension and Parkland contained in Appendix C.

During discussion, it was suggested that further consideration should be given to any future relocation of the Travelling People’s Site within this area, particularly in terms of any impact which this might have on current and future proposals.

It was also stressed that the opportunity should be taken to provide alternative access arrangements to Kilvean Cemetery for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians as part of the new proposals and that consideration should be given as to whether it was feasible to further extend the layout of the proposed Sports Pitches in order to allow use by as many different sports as possible in future.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the comments received following the Public Consultation on the
    Torvean Golf Course and Sports Hub which had been held between 16
    April and 31 May 2013 and that as a result of these comments the
    scope and extent of the scheme had expanded; and
ii. APPROVED that, as a result of the scope and extent of the
    Scheme expanding to cover a larger area, the Planning in Principle
    Application be re-issued and now titled “Torvean Golf Course, Sports Hub,
    Kilvean Cemetery Extension and Parkland”.

7.  Academy Street, Inverness – Resubmission for Townscape Heritage Funding
Sràid na h-Acadamaidh, Inbhir Nis – Ath-thagradh airson Maoin Dualchais Baile

Declarations of Interest - 

Mr D Kerr and K MacLeod declared non-financial interests in relation to this item as members of Inverness City Heritage Trust 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 their involvement in the discussion.

Members were reminded that the Council had been unsuccessful in its application to Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding for townscape works in Academy Street, Inverness.

However, in light of the positive feedback received, it was now confirmed that the Council would be re-submitting an application for Heritage Lottery Funding before the end of August and work was on-going with Inverness City Heritage Trust and Historic Scotland regarding additional partner funding.

During discussion, the importance of keeping Ward Members continually informed as to current and future development proposals across the City and Area was stressed. In this regard, it was confirmed that a joint report from the Planning & Development and Transport, Environmental and Community Services was due to be submitted to the next meeting which would provide detailed information in relation to current developments being undertaken.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the position as detailed.

8.  River Ness (Tidal Section) Flood Alleviation Scheme (Phase 2) Draft Parking Orders – Riverside Street
Òrdughan Parcaidh agus Trafaig, Ceum 2 a thaobh Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Abhainn Nis (Earrann a’ Mhuir-làin)

Declaration of Interest –

Mr F Parr declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item as Chair of the Inverness Trades Union Council 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. CIA-41-13 (293kb pdf) dated 30 July 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which provided an update on progress with delivering the River Ness (Tidal Section) Flood Alleviation Scheme and invited approval of the publication of the Draft Parking Orders in relation to the River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme (Phase 2), the details of which had been set out in the report.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the contract for Phase 1 of the River Ness Flood Scheme had now been awarded and works were expected to commence on the east bank towards the end of August 2013, with the works on the west bank commencing in October. In this regard, the contract had required the contractor to appoint a Public Liaison Person to be responsible for keeping all relevant stakeholders informed as to progress in conjunction with the Council’s own Public Liaison Officer.

Phase 2 of the project, from Friars Bridge to the Harbour, was currently being designed with construction programmed to start in January 2014 and completion by March 2015. In this regard, approval was now being sought for the publication for the Draft Parking Orders relating to Riverside Street (details of which had been included as Appendices A and B to the report) on the basis that any objections received would be referred back to the Committee for consideration.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in light of the concerns which had already been expressed by residents in the area in relation to parking, it would be helpful if consideration could be given as to how the current arrangements could be optimised and whether a survey would be helpful in this regard;
• the proposals for further discussions to be undertaken between Transport, Environmental and Community Services and local businesses in the area were welcomed and it was noted that Members could be involved in such discussions if they so wished;
• there was a need for further consideration to be given as to whether it was viable to offer free parking in future and also as to whether the current proposals were feasible in terms of the geography of the area;
• there were particular concerns in relation to Inverness Bowling Club, specifically in terms of opening up access to the car park next to the Club and the consequential impact on Club members who regularly used this area; and
• there was a need to progress the proposal which had already been agreed for the siting of a Workers Memorial at the location of the Flood Defences at Friars Shott.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the progress made on delivering the River Ness Flood Alleviation Project and APPROVED:-

(i) the publication of the draft amendment to the existing Order named
    ‘INVERNESS - CENTRAL CONSOLIDATION) ORDER 1988 (RIVERSIDE
    STREET, INVERNESS’ to remove the existing parking provision; and
(ii) the publication of the new draft Order named ‘THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL
    (RIVERSIDE STREET, INVERNESS) (OFF –STREET PARKING) ORDER 2013’
    to provide an off-street parking area,

as contained in the report and Appendices A and B and, in the event that there were no objections thereto, approved the making of such Orders and noted that if objections were received to any part of these Draft Orders that, under the Scheme of Delegation, these would be referred back to the Committee for consideration.

9.  European Union – Quest Sustainable Transport Project
Aonadh Eòrpach – Pròiseact Còmhdhail Seasmhach Quest

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-42-13 (355kb pdf) dated 26 July 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which provided an update on the QUEST Project which was a European Commission funded project to help assess and improve sustainable transport in participating cities.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the project had applied a methodology previously tested in a number of pilot cities and had involved two stakeholder workshops considering questionnaire responses on sustainable transport issues in the City. In this regard, a summary of the key actions and the proposed delivery mechanism had been included as Appendix A to the report, with examples of some innovative measures implemented by other cities attached as Appendix B and a copy of the full report on the project process contained within Appendix C.

In this respect, it was advised that it was a requirement for participating cities to approve the Sustainable Transport Action Plan and to make steps towards the implementation of the actions in order to receive the QUEST Certificate which recognised the City’s efforts in sustainable urban transport planning. As well as providing a simple and cost effective means of developing a targeted series of measures to improve sustainable transport in Inverness, it was hoped that participation would provide benefits from shared learning of best practice in other cities and also increase the prospects for future investment.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• this was a very exciting opportunity for the City and the surrounding Area in terms of positive engagement in relation to future arrangements for travel, specifically through learning lessons from other countries who had already designated large areas for use by cyclists and pedestrians; 
• the Council had already made provision within the Capital Programme for Bus Shelter provision across the area, as well as directing a substantial level of funding towards delivering a Carbon Neutral Inverness in a Low Carbon Highlands; 
• thanks were conveyed to the Officers involved in the production of an excellent report which should act as a catalyst in terms of bringing all stakeholders together in the promotion of new ideas and initiatives for both urban and rural areas of the Highlands;
• there was a need for much better promotion of bus travel and specifically bus timetables (including electronic timetables) in future;
• in terms of integrated transport, consideration should be directed towards ensuring that compatible technology was in place across all participating organisations;
• there was a need for the establishment of more Park and Ride Schemes if possible;
• it was vital that the appropriate level of resources were in place to support the new initiatives coming forward; and
• as well as the work being undertaken by the Council, and with specific reference to improving the visibility of the bus network, assurances should be sought from current providers in terms of their commitment to future improvements.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED the Sustainable Transport Action Plan for the City of Inverness as contained in Appendix A to the report.

10.  Millburn Road Cycle and Pedestrian Active Travel Route
Frith-rathad Rothaireachd Rathad Allt a’ Mhuilinn

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-43-13 (11113kb pdf) dated 29 July 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the construction of an Active Travel Route along Millburn Road for use by cyclists.

In this regard, the route was to be funded by a combination of money from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), developer contributions and HITRANS. Works were due to commence in October 2013 with completion during the current financial year.

During a summary of the report, and with specific reference to the design of the scheme, it was confirmed that detailed proposals had been contained within Appendix 1 to the report which highlighted all aspects of the suggested route.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the proposals within the report represented an opportunity to encourage more people to cycle;
• it would be helpful if Local Members could be more involved in order to clearly understand the options which had been proposed and if necessary to consider alternatives;
• an alternative option could be to continue the cycle route on the north side of Millburn Road which would avoid the junctions with Victoria Drive and Diriebught Road;
• there was a need for further consideration to be given to integrating the proposed route with the existing National Cycle Network in order to provide a continuing link to Raigmore Hospital and extend the route to Sunnyside;
• construction of this route would allow the opportunity to re-surface Millburn Road and this was welcomed;
• a segregated route between cyclists and pedestrians was imperative in terms of future safety;
• advisory cycle lanes should not be included as they created the expectation amongst drivers that cyclists should stay inside that lane;
• cyclists regularly faced danger from drivers not allowing sufficient space although it was also recognised that some cyclists did not always obey the rules of the road; and
• the proposed route would complement the new walking and cycling trail which was being opened at Culloden Battlefield on Saturday, 17 August 2013.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED to the design of the Millburn Road Cycle and Pedestrian Active Travel Route as contained in Appendix A to the report.

It was also AGREED that the Head of Transport and Infrastructure would liaise with Local Members in the Millburn Ward regarding the detail of the proposed options.

11.  Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme
Prògram Rothaireachd, Coiseachd agus Sràidean nas Sàbhailte

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-44-13 (36kb pdf) dated 26 July 2013 and also circulated an updated Report No. CIA-52-13 (43kb pdf) dated 6 August 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which invited Members to approve the Safer Routes to School project for Glenurquhart Primary School and Smithton Primary School as detailed in Appendix A.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the costs which had been detailed in the report had been estimated at present and if the proposals were approved, the schemes would be put out to tender and implemented on a priority basis to allocate the available funding.  

During discussion, concern was expressed in regard to the future maintenance of the railway bridge once the footpath had been completed and the potential additional costs in this regard.

It was also suggested that heightened rails should be provided, most particularly for the safety of cyclists.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED the Safer Routes to School project for Glenurquhart Primary School and Smithton Primary School as detailed in Appendix A to the report.

12.  Investing in Inverness and Area – Capital Projects
Tasgadh ann an Inbhir Nis agus a Sgìre – Pròiseactan Calpa

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-45-13 (53kb pdf) dated 30 July 2013 by the Director of Finance which showed the annual budget, expenditure to the end of June 2013 and the projected year end position for 2013/14 for City of Inverness and Area projects included in the Council’s Capital Programme.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the projects which had been included in Appendix 1 were those which were specific to the City of Inverness and Area. Other capital projects were being undertaken as part of generic Council-wide capital projects and as such expenditure in this regard had not been included.

It was also advised that negative budgets represented net income budgeted in the year as funding contributions for these projects were generally expected to be received when the work was completed.

In this respect, it was noted that Ward Business Meetings were regularly provided with information on the Transport, Environmental and Community Services programme of works which detailed the planned work being delivered in the City of Inverness and Area from the Roads Structural Capital Works budget.

During discussion, concern was raised regarding the progress of the maintenance works for Inverness High School which had not been listed in Appendix 1 but had been agreed at a previous Adult and Children’s Services Committee meeting from the generic budget line for Lifecycle Investment.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the terms of the report as circulated.

13.  Housing Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais

Declaration of Interest –

Mr D Kerr declared a financial interest in this item as a Council House tenant but, in terms of the dispensation granted by the Standards Commission, remained to participate in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-46-13 (38kb pdf) dated 29 July 2013 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property which advised of the new Housing Performance Reporting Framework which had been in place from 1 April 2013.

During a summary of the report, and with specific reference to the information on the new performance indicators, it was confirmed that many of the new indicators were qualitative and would require customer feedback through surveys. In this regard, it was intended to undertake an annual postal survey of all Council house tenants; an annual on-site survey of all residents of the Council’s Gypsy/Traveller sites; and to carry out satisfaction surveys of new tenants and people who had used homelessness services.

In this respect, Appendix 1 to the report set out which indicators would be reported to City/Area Committees and at what frequency and also the more detailed data at Ward level which would be available for all Members through Ward Reporting.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in relation to Ward Reporting, clarification was required on how often this would be updated and in this respect it was suggested that a cycle for refreshing the information or certain aspects of it would be helpful, with more feedback on anti-social behaviour wherever possible;
• there was a need to consider improvements to the system whereby Members provided and received feedback on a range of issues, including anti-social behaviour, in future;
• consideration should be given as to whether there was a need for more staff to be included in the team which were focusing on the issues outlined in the report; and
• it was imperative that feedback was given to customers who had highlighted issues within responses to surveys, particularly where levels of dissatisfaction had been noted.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:-

i. the new reporting framework for housing performance as set out in
    Appendix 1 to the report; and
ii. that information on performance against the new indicators would
    be presented to the next meeting.

It was also AGREED that the Corporate Manager would check that the Ward Reporting Template was being updated regularly by Services.

14.  Inverness Common Good Fund
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) Financial Monitoring Report to 30 June 2013

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-47-13 (45kb pdf) dated 30 July 2013 by the Inverness City Manager which presented the expenditure monitoring position for the Inverness Common Good Fund as at 30 June 2013 and the projected year end position.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that total budgeted expenditure for the year of £2.038m would be met from income of £2.322m (including a transfer from reserves of £0.356m). In addition, projects totalling £1.546m would be met from reserves in 2013/14 and, as at June, an over spend of £0.048m was predicted on operations with project expenditure expected to match the budget.

Variances in relation to Civic and Conference Hospitality, Winter Payments, the Town Clock and Steeple, City Events and Promotions, the Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub Committee and the Events and Festivals Working Group were also highlighted. In addition, it was confirmed that an additional £0.015m would be allocated to support the existing Winter Payments budget of £0.042m.

In terms of governance, it was advised that amount of business being considered by the Civic Hospitality Working Group had increased consistently over the last two financial years and the establishment of the Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub Committee now gave the opportunity to streamline business by allowing that Committee to absorb the business of the Working Group. In this regard, it was also proposed that the Provost should now become a member of the Sub Committee which would increase the membership to 9 Members.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• it was imperative that the allocated budgets properly reflected the needs of the Common Good Fund and Inverness and that the various Working Groups and Sub Committees adhered to these budgets;
• in relation to the length of the current agenda and the time which had been taken in terms of presentation of reports and associated debate, it was suggested that a different approach should be taken in future in regard to how agendas were compiled, including consideration of the number of items on each occasion and whether it was necessary for an accompanying presentation from Officers in each case;
• it was also suggested that, in view of its importance, items in regard to the Inverness Common Good Fund should be contained at the start of the agenda in future;
• this was a good report which modernised and streamlined the process compared to previous years and as such was welcomed in terms of improving overall governance; and
• whilst it was acknowledged that this had been a particularly long meeting, it reflected the importance of the business which had required to be considered and discussed by Members of the Committee, not least the issues in regard to the Inverness West Link.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED:-

i. the 2013/14 financial monitoring report for the Inverness Common Good
    Fund as at 30 June 2013;
ii. an increase in the Civic and Conference Hospitality budget of £0.035m with
    a corresponding reduction in the anticipated surplus on operating activities;
iii. an increase in the City (Events and) Promotions budget of £0.063m with a
    corresponding reduction in the anticipated surplus on operating activities;
iv. an increase in the Grants Sub-Committee budget of £0.070m with
    a corresponding reduction in the anticipated surplus on operating activities;
    and
v. an increase in the Events and Festivals budget of £15k

and AGREED:-

vi. that the remit of the Inverness Common Good Fund (ICGF) Grants Sub-
    Committee should be extended to include the consideration and disposal of
    all applications for funding or other consents relating to the disbursement
    of funds or resources previously administered by the ICGF Civic Hospitality
    Working Group with immediate effect;
vii. to extend the membership of the ICGF Grants Sub-Committee by
    appointing the Provost of the City of Inverness; and
viii. that the ICGF Civic Hospitality Working Group should now be dissolved
    with immediate effect with thanks to all the Members who had served on
    this Working Group to date.

b) Budget Out-turn Report and Balance Sheet for Financial Year 2012/13

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-48-13 (66kb pdf) dated 30 July 2013 by the Inverness City Manager which presented the Budget Out-turn Report and Balance Sheet for the Common Good Fund for the financial year 2012/13.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the Common Good Fund had returned an overall surplus of £0.273m thus increasing the net assets on the Balance Sheet from £32.703m to £32.976m.

The operating budget had returned an adverse variance of £0.391m. However, expenditure on the Town Clock and Steeple had been less than anticipated and when added to investment gains and losses, the Common Good Fund had increased by £1.046m more than had been anticipated when the budget had been set. In addition, revenue funds had decreased by £0.526m due to the loss of £0.314m on operations, £0.043m on investment management fees and £0.398m of expenditure on the Town Clock and Steeple. However, it was confirmed that this expenditure had been offset by investment income of £0.221m and a small gain on disposal of assets of £0.008m.

Capital Funds had increased by £1.310m due to increased investment values whereas revaluation reserves had decreased by £0.511m due to lower market values being attributed to properties in Church Street, Inverness.

It was therefore confirmed that the assets of the Common Good Fund as at 31 March 2013 were as follows –

Heritage Assets (Pictures and Artefacts) - £1.638m
Investment Properties (Town House, Longman, etc) - £20.719m
Investments (Managed Portfolio – Messrs Adam and Co) - £10.342m
Cash and cash equivalents (Loans Fund Deposit) - £0.376m

Major variances in regard to the Industrial Estates, Victorian Market, Grants Budget, City Events and Promotions, City Arts Project, Central Support Charges, Events and Festivals and the Town Clock and Steeple had also been highlighted in detail within the report.

During discussion, clarification was provided on the Events and Festivals budget heading (and particularly the unexpected receipt of an invoice for the Fireworks Display) as well as Expenditure in relation to Whin Park and CCTV as detailed in the report.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the Inverness Common Good Outturn Report and Balance Sheet for the financial year 2012/13 as circulated.

c) Grant and Capital Projects

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-49-13 (84kb pdf) dated 30 July 2013 by the Inverness City Manager which set out the current applications for grant funding to be determined and the current status of capital projects. 

Supporting documentation had been circulated separately as Booklet A (4244kb pdf).

It was also confirmed at the meeting that, in regard to the Common Good Fund - Available Resource for Allocation - the final figure had been adjusted from £87,915 to £82,915.

During discussion, it was suggested that, in terms of the strategic outlook for the Common Good Fund, consideration should be given as to whether dedicated Conference staff were required in light of the considerable economic benefits that such Conferences could bring to the City and surrounding areas.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the current status of capital projects and APPROVED the applications for funding as follows:-

i. MacDonald Park Play Area Improvement Project - £20,000; and
ii. The Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine (SVEPM) - £8,250

d) Kirking of the Council, September 2013 – Visit by Mayor of St Valéry

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-50-13 (20kb pdf) dated 29 July 2013 by the Inverness City Manager which outlined the visit to Inverness of Mr Gèrard Mauger, Mayor of Saint Valery en Caux, for the Kirking of the Council in September 2013.

In this regard, it was confirmed that Mr Mauger, together with a party of six official delegates, would arrive in Inverness on 6 September with an Official Reception being held for them in the Town House on the following evening. Thereafter, a programme of events had been arranged for them in conjunction with the Inverness Town Twinning Committee prior to their departure on 10 September.

The Committee APPROVED the arrangements made for the visit to Inverness of Mr Gèrard Mauger, Mayor of Saint Valery en Caux, and the accompanying civic delegation as detailed in the report.

15.  Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated Minutes of Meetings as follows:-

i. City of Inverness Area Committee held on 3 June 2013 - NOTED;
ii. Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 13 June 2013 (39kb pdf) - APPROVED;
iii. Civic Hospitality Working Group held on 24 June 2013 (18kb pdf) - APPROVED; and
iv. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 29 July 2013 (87kb pdf) - APPROVED.

16.  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 should be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

17.  Refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness
Ath-sgeadachadh 1-5 Sràid na h-Eaglais, Inbhir Nis

There had been circulated to Members only Joint Report No. CIA/51/13 dated 29 July 2013 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Housing and Property and Inverness City Manager which sought approval to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness.

Following consideration, the Committee APPROVED the recommendations as detailed in the report.

The meeting ended at 4.30 pm.