• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee held in the Chamber, Dingwall, on Monday, 11 December 2013, at 10.30 a.m.

Present:

Dr D Alston, Mrs A MacLean, Mrs B Campbell, Mrs I McCallum, Dr I Cockburn, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr M Rattray, Mr C Fraser, Mr I Renwick, Mr H Fraser, Mr A Rhind, Mr J Gordon, Mrs F Robertson, Mr R Greene, Dr A Sinclair, Mr D Millar, Mrs M Smith, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr J Stone, Mr A Mackinnon, Mrs C Wilson

Officials in Attendance:

Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager 
Ms D Ferguson, Senior Ward Manager, Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Mr C Kemp, Area Roads and Community Works Manager, Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Transport, Environmental and Community Services (TECS)
Mr C Stewart, Area Roads and Community Works Manager, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, TECS
Mr H Logan, Senior Engineer, Policy, Standards and Safety Team, TECS
Mr M McIntyre, Area Education Manager, Mid, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Ms N Young, Area Education Manager, West, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Mr S Dalgarno, Development Plans Manager, Planning and Development Service
Mr B MacKinnon, Employability Team Leader, Planning and Development Service
Ms K Briggs, Planner, Planning and Development Service
Ms H Ross, Senior Ward Manager, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Dr R Bain, Ward Manager, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh
Ms T Luxton, Housing and Property Manager (North)
Ms S Tarrant, Public Relations Officer, Chief Executive’s Service
Mrs R Moir, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms L Lee, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs T Bangor-Jones, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr S Taylor, Civic and Facilities Team Leader, Finance Service

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

Mr W Gilfillan in the Chair (items 1-3)
Mr H Fraser in the Chair (items 4-19)

Preliminaries

The Corporate Manager welcomed those present to the first meeting of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee and took the Chair pending the appointment of the Leader of the Area Committee at Item 3 below.

A minute’s silence was held as a mark of respect for the recent passing of Councillor Billy Barclay, and, on an international scale, of Mr Nelson Mandela.  

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

There were no apologies for absence.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

There were no declarations of interest at this point in the proceedings.

3. Election of Leader of the Area
Taghadh Ceannard na Sgìre

Nominations were invited for the post of Leader of the Area, who would chair the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee.  The Role Description was tabled for Members’ information.

Mr A MacKinnon, seconded by Mrs F Robertson, nominated Mr H Fraser to the post.

There being no further nominations, the Committee AGREED to appoint Mr H Fraser as Leader of the Area.

Mr Fraser then took then Chair.

In response to a question as to whether a Vice Chair should be appointed, Members NOTED that, under Standing Order 11.1, should the Chair be absent from any meeting, it would be for those Members present to choose one of their number to preside. 

4. Scheme of Delegation 
Sgeama Tiomnaidh

Members were reminded that, at its meeting on 27 June 2013, the Highland Council had approved a Scheme of Delegation for Area Committees, copies of which were tabled.

Members having sought and been provided with information as to the procedures for adding items to the agenda, the Committee NOTED the Scheme of Delegation.

5. Investing in Skye, Ross and Cromarty – Capital Projects
Tasgadh ann Sgìre an Eilein Sgitheanaich, Rois is Chromba – Pròiseactan Calpa

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-01-13 (54kb pdf) dated 16 October 2013 by the Director of Finance showing the annual budget, expenditure to end of August 2013 and projected year end position for 2013/14 for projects in the Council’s capital programme being delivered in the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area.

Details of the budget, year to date expenditure, estimated outturn expenditure and comments on each project, subtotalled by Council Service, were set out in the Appendix to the report.  The Corporate Manager advised that, due to the broad spectrum of projects listed, any specific questions which could not be answered at the meeting would be forwarded to the appropriate officer and a response provided to Members.

Information was provided in response to questions on a number of capital projects, including that works to extend the burial ground at Tain were expected to start soon after Christmas, and that the capital programme for 2014/15 would be brought to a future meeting.  An assurance was given that Member concerns in relation to the Alness-Invergordon cycle path and the Ullapool public toilets would be looked into.

Members having requested that future project summaries be provided in larger font size, the Committee NOTED the report and the information given.

6. Maintenance Programme for Road and Bridge Works
 Prògram Cumail Suas Obraichean Rathaidean is Dhrochaidean

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-02-13 (139kb pdf) dated 30 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the Maintenance Programmes for Resurfacing and Bridge Maintenance for the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area for 2013/14, and to note the Surface Dressing programme which had completed earlier in the year.

In summary, the report highlighted the Council’s statutory obligation to manage and maintain the local public road network, and that the budget for road maintenance had been set by the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee and devolved to Area level for operational purposes.  Schemes had been selected for inclusion on the basis of need and prioritised according to factors listed in the report.

In response to questions relating to the several instances of surface dressing failure since 2011, Members were informed that surface dressing was an economical way of sealing the road.  While the specific cause of failure in each instance was not known, contributory factors might include the temperature, rainfall, the type of bitumen emulsion and the size of chip.  An assurance was given that all appropriate risk assessments were carried out prior to applying surface dressing.  There had been no recent failures, following a small change to operating practice.  Members were advised in response to further questions that 10% of minor roads were surveyed annually in the Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey, and that all minor roads were inspected annually, with account also being taken of reports from the public when making recommendations for road maintenance.  Members were also advised that the structural condition of roads was assessed by professional engineers, as defects were not always visible; roads in what appeared to be relatively good condition might in reality be in need of substantial repair. 

In discussion, concerns were expressed that issues raised by Members at some Ward meetings had not resulted in action being taken.  The Chairman encouraged Members to continue to raise issues at Ward meetings as the appropriate forum in the first instance, with recourse to this Committee thereafter if necessary.  Following comment that spending levels between Wards appeared to be unequal, the Chair emphasised that works were prioritised on the basis of need, as assessed professionally.  It was not possible to take forward all desired projects as budgets were limited. 

After discussion, the Committee APPROVED the Maintenance Programmes for Road Structural Maintenance and Bridge Structural Maintenance for the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area for 2013/14; and NOTED the Surface Dressing Programme which had been completed earlier in the year.

7. Winter Maintenance Plan for 2013/14
 Prògram Gleidhidh a’ Gheamhraidh airson 2013/14

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-03-13 (206kb pdf) dated 30 September 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services (TECS) inviting Members to approve the Winter Maintenance Plan for the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area for 2013/14.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to City/Area Committees gave the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee the power to approve the Winter Maintenance Plan within the strategy and budget allocated by the TECS Committee.  The Winter Maintenance Policy ensured a consistent level of service between Areas and, as far as possible, the safety of drivers and pedestrians.  Each Operational Area prepared its own Winter Maintenance Plan which set out the operational details required to deliver a service and comply with the Council’s Policy.

Revisions to the Council’s Winter Maintenance Policy, which set out the hierarchy of priorities for treatment, target times for treatment and the hours of operation, had been agreed by the TECS Committee in September 2013.  The updated Winter Maintenance Policy was contained in Appendix A to the report and detailed the winter maintenance routes and footways, including the order of treatment.  In advance of the winter period, plans were put in place to ensure that the Council was well placed to meet the challenges of the coming winter and these arrangements were detailed in the report in respect of labour, vehicles and plant, treatments, proposed salt usage, provision of grit and salt bins, co-ordination and support for other services, dealing with exceptional conditions and community self-help. The Winter Maintenance Plans for the Area were contained in Appendix B to the report. 

During discussion, a number of Members stated that they had not been given sufficient opportunity to provide input to the Maintenance Plan at Ward meetings and the view was expressed that the Policy should be revisited.  One concern was that what counted as a bus route was open to interpretation, with potentially serious consequences for remoter communities.  The suggestion was also made that speed and efficiency in snow clearing could be improved by conjoining treatment of Primary and Secondary routes and adjusting target times accordingly.  Some Members also commented that there had been a slow response from TECS to requests for resources under the Community Self-help Scheme.  Other Members, however, reported that their engagement with TECS was positive. 

In response, the Chair gave an assurance that the issues raised would be looked at, notwithstanding that not all Wards were reporting problems.  The Area Roads and Community Works Manager, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, explained that, following changes to the Winter Maintenance Policy as agreed in September 2013, priority had been given to preparing new regimes for all roads, prior to the onset of winter.  This workload had meant that capacity for officer attendance at Wards had been reduced during the autumn; this would, however, be resumed.  The Plan was a live document and Members were able to input to it on an ongoing basis.  He also explained that gritting of Primary routes continued until the drivers were satisfied that these were passable and safe, before tackling Secondary routes.  In poor weather the full day could be spent on Primary routes, with teams working through until 9.00 p.m.  He further confirmed that resources requested under the Community Self-help Scheme had now been distributed.

In discussion, the view was expressed that Members must be able to represent the views of their constituents, and discussion take place accordingly.  Questions were also raised as to the extent of the Area Committee’s powers.  In response, the Corporate Manager drew attention to the Scheme of Delegation: the Committee had powers to make changes as long as these were within budget; the TECS budget could only be changed by the TECS Committee or the full Council. 

Information having been provided in response to questions on the operation of snow gates and on the size and location of the gritting fleet, and Officers having undertaken to respond outwith the meeting to questions regarding the classification of streets, the Committee APPROVED the Winter Maintenance Plans for the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area for 2013/14 as contained in Appendix B to the report.

8. Community Planning and Partnership Working in Skye, Ross and Cromarty 
Dealbhadh Coimhearsnachd agus Obair Chom-pàirteach san Eilean
Sgitheanach, Rois is Cromba

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-04-13 (112kb pdf) dated 15 October 2013 by the Corporate Manager summarising the work of key partnerships in Skye and Ross and Cromarty and asking Members to consider their work in light of the current review of community planning arrangements taking place in Highland.  This review proposed an approach that would meet the public service reform agenda, build on current arrangements and link to each partner’s governance and accountability arrangements, with progress to be reported to the Highland Public Services Partnership Performance Board.

Further work was being carried out by each strategic lead partner on the Board to map the local community planning arrangements at the operational level, this to include consideration of what was needed to deliver results and also the ability of existing groups to deliver and, if appropriate, to be integrated into local community planning arrangements.

The report outlined a number of key partnerships existing within the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area, albeit with varying geographies, including: the Black Isle Partnership, the Wester Ross Alliance, Antisocial Behaviour Groups, District Partnerships, Ward Forums, Employability Group, Skye and Lochalsh Health and Social Care Forum, and Cromarty Firth Port Authority.  It was suggested that the review process would help to evaluate current work in terms of its ability to deliver results and to build on current arrangements.

During discussion, it was suggested that a periodic report be brought for information to the Committee on the work of District Partnerships and Ward Forums, with a view to sharing experiences.  In response to a request, it was confirmed that the remit of the Committee included scrutiny of the performance of the Police Service and the Fire and Rescue Service against their local Ward Plans, and that this would be covered in future agenda business, with representatives of both Services in attendance.  Attention was also drawn to the pilot to be carried out in Lochaber on implementing a new organisational structure, encompassing a range of partnership bodies, to take forward the Safer Highland Community Planning theme at Area level.  This was an evolving process and its roll-out to the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area could be anticipated.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:-

i.  the contribution of the key partnership groups as outlined in the report; and ii.  the current review of community planning arrangements taking place in
    Highland.

9. Employability and Deprived Area Fund
Comas Cosnaidh agus Maoin Sgìre Fo-leasaichte

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-05-13 (137kb pdf) dated 14 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development providing an explanation of the term “employability” and summaries of employment and labour market information, together with a brief description of Employability Services provision in the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area.  The report provided information at Ward level on Unemployment and other Benefits Claimants and on employment and economic activity by sector. 

The report also introduced the Deprived Area Fund (DAF) strategic framework for Highland, the revised DAF criteria and the implications for the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area; and outlined the main focus to date of Fund support in the Area.  Members were reminded that management of the DAF in Highland was overseen by the Planning, Environment and Development Committee.

During discussion, Members welcomed the potential assistance that DAF funding could provide.  While the sums involved were not large, there was now greater flexibility in the system, allowing a broader view of how best to optimise use of the available funds across the affected areas.  The Employability Team Leader confirmed that he would be happy to liaise with the relevant Ward Members to canvass their views on potential applications to the Fund.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED the information on employment, unemployment and service provision in the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area; and AGREED that:-

i.  applications to the Deprived Area Fund be invited by 2 January 2014; and
ii.  these be considered by Council Officers and Partners to draw up an Area-
    based strategy for the use of the Funds, to be brought to the Area
    Committee at its first meeting in 2014.

10. Proposed Traffic Calming Feature on Millbank Road, Munlochy
Moladh airson Trafaig a Shocrachadh air Rathad Bruach na Muilne, Poll Lochaidh

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-06-13 (1221kb pdf) dated 15 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the introduction of a series of build-outs forming a traffic calming feature on Millbank Road, Munlochy.  There were 16 unresolved objections to the proposal.  In this connection, supporting documentation had been circulated at Appendix 3 to the report.

The traffic calming proposals had been developed in response to complaints made by the community, and borne out by speed surveys, that vehicles were frequently ignoring the 30mph speed limit.  The report summarised the preparatory work and consultations undertaken, and set out the responses received, together with related correspondence.

During discussion, Member comments included:-

• There had been a comprehensive consultation process which had been conducted by the Community Council, and the outcome of the consultation had clearly shown an overwhelming response in favour of traffic calming measures.
• There was concern that pupils from Munlochy Primary School, when walking between the school and the village hall, were not able to do so in safety.
• There were a number of farms bordering the village due to its rural location and it was acknowledged that agricultural vehicles would travel through it.  This had been taken into account when designing the traffic calming features.
• It was essential that traffic calming measures would be able to accommodate all types and sizes of vehicles.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED the proposed build-outs forming a traffic calming feature on Millbank Road, Munlochy.

11. Proposed Changes to Waiting Restrictions Fortrose
Atharrachaidhean air am Moladh a thaobh Cuibhreachaidhean Feitheimh, A’ Chananaich

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-07-13 (588kb pdf) dated 15 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the proposed changes to waiting restrictions on the High Street, Fortrose and the re-instatement of waiting restrictions on St. Andrews Walk, Fortrose.  There were two unresolved objections to this proposal.

The measures had been prepared in consultation with the Community Council with the intention of reducing traffic speeds in Fortrose, reducing the impact of increased traffic movements generated by recent development, formalising and accommodating parking on the High Street, and improving access to local shops during the day.  The report summarised the preparatory work and consultations undertaken and set out the responses received, together with related correspondence.

The Committee APPROVED the proposed changes to waiting restrictions in accordance with the Draft Road Traffic Order entitled ‘The Highland Council (Various Streets, Fortrose) (Waiting Restrictions and On Street Parking Places) Order 2013’.

12. 20 mph Speed Limit and Traffic Calming in Plockton
Casg-astair 20 msu agus Socrachadh Trafaig sa Phloc

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-08-13 (1158kb pdf) dated 10 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve the Draft Road Traffic Order entitled “The Highland Council (Plockton) (20mph and 30mph Speed Limit) Order 2013” and Traffic Calming measures on the C1221 Erbusaig-Plockton Road (Plockton Railway Bridge), to which there had been one objection.

The proposals had been drawn up in response to representations from the public, and as part of the Council’s ongoing strategy to improve road safety and support walking and cycling on residential streets.  The report summarised the preparatory work and consultations undertaken and set out the responses received, together with related correspondence.

Members fully endorsed and welcomed the measures proposed to improve road safety within Plockton.

The Committee APPROVED:-

i.  the Draft Road Traffic Order entitled ‘The Highland Council (Plockton)
   (20mph and 30mph Speed Limit) Order 2013’; and
ii. Traffic Calming on the C1221 Erbusaig-Plockton Road.

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

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-09-13 (43kb pdf) dated 10 October 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services inviting Members to approve projects for delivery in the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area through the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme, funded directly by the Scottish Government.  This Programme aimed to encourage sustainable and active travel to school by improving safety and removing barriers to walking and cycling, and also to encourage more people to think about their travel decisions.  The report also drew attention to projects in the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area already approved under the Small Grant Funding element of the Programme.

During discussion, Members welcomed the excellent work undertaken by the Road Safety Team, in particular the work done at Hilton of Cadboll, and raised the following issues:-

• Concern was expressed that the current “Safer Route” to Alness Academy should be revisited, as the direction in fact taken to the school by the majority of the pupils was via a dangerous junction not currently covered. 
• Schools should be encouraged to update their Travel Plan documentation on a regular basis.
• Concern was voiced over speeding on rural roads and that it would be helpful to assess the situation by monitoring any measures which were in place to curb speeding.
• It should be recognised that levels of road usage could fluctuate according to levels of economic/industrial activity, for example at Nigg Yard.
• This was an excellent programme and schools which had not taken part, should be encouraged to do so.

It was clarified that monies to update and refurbish existing schemes would come from the Cycling, Walking and Safer Street Programme or the Area Budget as appropriate. 

After discussion, the Committee APPROVED the Safer Routes to School Projects as listed in Appendix 1 to the report; and NOTED that the Road Safety Team would continue to work with schools to develop further Safer Routes to School Projects for future years.

14. Lamington Policy Assessment and Capacity Study
Measadh Poileasaidh agus Sgrùdadh Comas-làimhseachaidh Lamington

At its meeting held on 27 November 2012, the North Planning Applications Committee had asked that a capacity study of development potential for housing in the Lamington area be undertaken by Transport, Environmental and Community Services (Transport) and the Planning and Development Service (Development Plans).

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-10-13 (712kb pdf) dated 14 October 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development examining the outcomes of the work undertaken to assess remaining capacity for housing development within the Lamington area, together with feedback from Kilmuir and Logie Easter Community Council and local residents at a meeting to discuss the draft study held on 9 October 2013, following a report on the draft to the North Planning Applications Committee on 17 September 2013.   The finalised Lamington Policy Assessment and Capacity Study had been informed by these discussions and was intended to provide more detailed policy guidance to assist in the determination of planning applications within the area defined in the study.

In summary, the study had found that there were limited opportunities for some infill and rounding off as shown in the report, but that any such proposals would require proportionate road and access improvements.  The capacity study had also identified three less developed sections where it was considered that further development should be resisted.  This approach was intended to prevent these areas merging into a single, densely developed linear housing group for reasons of landscape, settlement character and settlement pattern.  It was also aimed at making the built up areas more clearly defined to road users, to ensure they were travelling at an appropriate speed.

During discussion, the level of local consultation that had been undertaken in drawing up the study was generally welcomed.  However, some concern was expressed that a risk of over-development on this single track road remained.  Members were advised that any need for road improvements might be satisfied by the creation of additional passing places.  In response to a question, an explanation was given of the national guideline criteria for introducing a 30mph speed limit.  While it was unlikely that a current assessment of the Lamington area would deem these criteria to be met, the matter could be kept under review.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED the summary of issues raised by the Kilmuir and Logie Easter Community Council and the Council’s proposed response, as set out in the circulated report and its Appendix 1; APPROVED the Lamington Policy Assessment and Capacity Study: Planning Guidance Note, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, as non-statutory guidance; and AGREED that, as the settled view of the Council, the Lamington Policy Assessment and Capacity Study: Planning Guidance Note, as approved, be treated as a material planning consideration for development management purposes, with immediate effect.

15. Associated School Group Overviews
Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte

a) Invergordon Academy Associated School Group Overview

There had been circulated Report No. SCR-11-13 (158kb pdf) dated 16 October 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport, providing an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Invergordon Academy Associated School Group (ASG), and useful links to further information in relation to these schools.

The report contained detailed information on attainment and the findings of the most recent Education Scotland inspection and Standards and Quality Report.  Details of wider achievement and notable successes were provided for all schools within the ASG.  In addition, the report contained statistics on school leavers, school rolls, attendance/absence/exclusions, staffing and funding.  With regard to school buildings, information was provided on suitability, condition and occupancy, as well as current/future investment.

Following a brief summary of the report, Members praised teachers and staff in the ASG for the high levels of attainment, community involvement and participation in after-school activities.  Members offered congratulations to Ms Alison Drew who had recently been appointed Head of Invergordon Academy.

In response to questions, it was explained that:-

• each report was a significant body of work, taking a considerable amount of preparation time for both school officials and officers; accordingly, all ASGs would come before the Committee in the course of the year and it was for the Committee to decide the order in which this was done
• for operational purposes Alness Academy was a separate ASG
• under the Scheme of Delegation Area Committees had the power to scrutinise and monitor Education Scotland school inspection reports and these would come forward in future reports.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the content of the report; and AGREED that reports on the Alness Academy Associated School Group and on the Education Scotland Inspection Report for Tain Royal Academy come forward to the first meeting of the Committee in 2014.

b) Portree High School Associated School Group Overview

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-12-13 (305kb pdf) dated 14 October 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport, providing an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Portree High School Associated School Group (ASG), and useful links to further information in relation to these schools.

The report contained detailed information on attainment and the findings of the most recent Education Scotland inspection and Standards and Quality Report.  Details of wider achievement and notable successes were provided for all schools within the ASG.  In addition, the report contained statistics on school leavers, school rolls, attendance/absence/exclusions, staffing and funding.  With regard to school buildings, information was provided on suitability, condition and occupancy as well as current/future investment.

The Committee welcomed and NOTED the content of the report; and AGREED that a report on Gairloch High School Associated School Group come forward to the first meeting of the Committee in 2014.

16. Common Good Funds
Maoin Maith Choitchinn

There had been circulated Report No. SRC/13/13 dated 15 October 2013 by the Corporate Manager outlining the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet for financial year 2012/13 and the 2013/14 Second Quarter Monitoring Report for the Invergordon Common Good Fund SRC-13-13 (37kb pdf) and also the Tain Common Good Fund SRC-13-13 (54kb pdf).

In relation to the information provided in relation to the Tain Common Good Fund, it was clarified that the Bouchardon bust of Sir John Gordon had recently been revalued.  It was further explained, however, that, as it had been clarified that the bust was an asset held by the Highland Council and not by the Common Good Fund, it should not have appeared in this report and would be more appropriately categorised in future. 

The Committee NOTED in relation to each Fund:-

i. the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance for 2012/13; and
ii. the Second Quarter 2013/14 Monitoring Report.

17. Housing Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais

Declaration of Interest – Ms M Smith declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Board Member of Albyn Housing Society 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. SRC-14-13 (72kb pdf) dated 27 November 2013 by the Director of Housing and Property providing Members with information on how the Housing and Property Service had performed in relation to the Scottish Social Housing Charter and other performance indicators during the first two quarters of 2013/14.

Statistics were provided on repairs, tenancy management, rent arrears and homelessness/homeless prevention.  It was further pointed out that area performance was largely in line with Highland-wide overall performance, but that there was scope for improvement with regard to non-emergency repairs and reactive repairs completed “right first time” within the Ross and Cromarty area.  The report highlighted that work undertaken by the area and finance teams had been successful in maximising awards of Discretionary Housing Payments to tenants affected by the recent under-occupancy legislation.

In response to a question, it was confirmed that information for Lochalsh was included in the Ross and Cromarty element of the report; however, this approach could be changed if Members so wished.  It was also explained that, if a tenancy offered was refused due to the under-occupancy legislation, the proposed tenant would not be penalised.  Such information would also be recorded with a view to assisting Members’ understanding of the impact of the new provisions.

During discussion, Members underscored the importance of collaborative working with other agencies through the Antisocial Behaviour Partnership Group to address antisocial behaviour.  It was also explained that, while the Highland Council had no ability to become involved in the allocation policy of other social landlords, it was possible to share appropriate information. 

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the information provided on housing performance in the period from 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2013.

18. Street Naming - New Housing Developments at Fodderty and Braes of Conon 
Ainmeachadh Sràide – Leasachaidhean Ùra Taigheadais aig Fodhraitidh agus Bruthaichean Chonainn

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-15-13 (22kb pdf) dated 28 November 2013 by the Corporate Manager concerning the creation of addresses, following consultation with the respective Community Councils and local Members, for new housing developments at Fodderty and Braes of Conon.

The Committee APPROVED the naming of the development at the Former Fodderty School as “Old School Court”; and HOMOLOGATED the setting of a local trees, shrubs, etc., theme for the naming of streets in the Braes of Conon development, and the naming of the three initial streets as Thistle Road, Cherry Drive and Willow Court.

19. Town Centre Regeneration Fund - Tain
Maoin Ath-nuadhachaidh Meadhain Baile – Baile Dhubhthaich

There had been circulated Report No. SRC-16-13 (39kb pdf) dated 2 December 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development providing Members with an update on a proposal submitted to the Scottish Government for consideration for funding towards a design workshop (or “Charrette”) aimed at delivering regeneration in and around Tain Town Centre, following discussion with Ward Members and with Royal Burgh of Tain Community Council.  This opportunity was part of the Scottish Government’s Charrette Mainstreaming Programme and followed the recent publication of a review of Scotland’s town centres and subsequent Town Centre Action Plan.  While a full analysis of the Town Centre Action Plan would be reported to a future meeting of the full Council, the circulated report sought Member agreement to progress further work in Tain, as part of a joint bid with Nairn and Fort William. 

During discussion, hope was expressed that work would be taken forward on a regeneration strategy for Tain, even were the bid for this funding not successful.  There was acknowledgement that the Planning and Development Service had limited internal resources available to address such work alongside its statutory responsibilities; an advantage of the Charrette Mainstreaming Programme was the opportunity to bring in external expertise.  It was suggested that alternative funding support be sought if necessary, for example through establishment of a Business Improvement District, were this to be considered appropriate.  Attention was also drawn to the Dornoch Economic Masterplan, supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which could be a useful model for Tain and other towns; and to the importance of involving all pertinent interests in any Charette process.

After discussion, the Committee AGREED to take forward a design workshop (“Charrette”) aimed at delivering regeneration in and around Tain Town Centre should the funding proposal submitted to the Scottish Government be successful.

The meeting ended at 4.40 p.m.