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 15 August 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

4. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

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

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

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

A presentation will be given by Sara Lakin, Contact Manager, Macrebur on the use of recycled plastics on roads.

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

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

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

7. Capital Expenditure Monitoring Report    
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Caiteachais Chalpa

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

The Committee is invited to note:-

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

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

There is circulated Report No. EDI/43/19 dated 29 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to approve the Planning Performance Framework (PPF) for submission to Scottish Government and note the performance updates for the Planning and Environment Service.

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

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

The Committee is invited to note:-

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

10. Planning Enforcement Charter    
Cairt Co-èigneachadh Dealbhaidh

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

The Committee is asked to agree to adopt the Charter as set out in Appendix 1 to the report as the Council’s statement of planning enforcement policy and procedure.

11. Regeneration and Economy      
Ath-ùrachadh agus Eaconamaidh  

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

The Committee is invited to:-

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

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

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

The Committee is invited to note the progress and increase in pace being made with the City-Region Deal Programme.

13. Community Asset Transfer Requests      
Gluasadan So-mhaoin Choimhearsnachd

There is circulated Report No EDI/48/19 dated 1 August 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 following community asset transfer requests.

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

There is circulated Report No EDI/49/19 dated 5 August 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 following community asset transfer requests.

The Committee is invited to agree:-

i.    to consider and homologate the response found at appendix 1 of the report; and
ii.   any changes to the response to be submitted to the Scottish Government.

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

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

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     confirm the Drumnadrochit Flood Protection Scheme 2019 (following the confirmation the Council will then notify the Scottish Ministers to obtain deemed planning consent.); and
ii.    approve the draft planning conditions in Appendix 1 of the report (these will be issued in draft to the Scottish Ministers for consideration for conditions of the scheme).

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

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

The Committee is invited to approve:-

i.     agree to confirm the Caol and Lochyside Flood Protection Scheme 2018 without modification; and
ii.    approve the draft planning conditions in Appendix 2 of the report.

17. Energy Efficient Scotland Programmes    
Alba Lùth Èifeachdach

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

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     approve a closer alignment between Council energy efficiency programmes with targeted measures offered to householders and businesses within the Highlands to ensure the energy programmes achieve maximum benefits; and
ii.    note the progress and proposed plans for the current Energy Efficiency Programme.

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

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

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the report;
ii.    confirm Species Champions; and 
iii.   promote their chosen species and develop links with relevant body/s.  

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

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

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note the timeline for consultation for National Transport Strategy 2;
ii.    provide initial comments on the 14 Draft Policies; and
iii.   note that a further report will brought back to Committee.

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

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

The Committee is invited to approve the draft response to the National Islands Plan and Island Communities Impact Assessments Consultation at Appendix 1 of the report, subject to any additions and amendments agreed in the course of Committee consideration. 

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

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

The Committee is invited to approve the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 June 2019.

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

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

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

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

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

The Committee is invited to:-

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

24. Strategic Timber Transport Fund 2019/20 Projects
Sgeama Còmhdhail Fiodh Ro-innleachdail – Sgeamaichean agus Cunntas às Ùr 2019

There is circualted Report No EDI/59/19 dated 6 Augsut 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

Members are asked to:

1. note the award to date of £601.1k of grant funding for and delivery of the 2019/20 schemes and that due to further scheme developments, the Council anticipates securing further grant funding later in 2019;
2. note the preparatory work for potential bids to be made to the 2020/21 Strategic Timber Transport Scheme Fund;
3. agree that, should STTS match funding bids be unsuccessful any residual match funding will be reallocated across the Areas using the Road Condition Survey parameters; and
4. agree that subject to the availability of funds as decided at the annual budget setting stage and the continuation of the national STTS programme that up to £0.5M be allocated under the road structural (capital) funding as match funding for 2020/21 and future years.

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

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

The Committee is invited to:-

i.     note that current Community Transport Grants run to March 2020 and are currently awarded as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;
ii.    approve the process for reviewing grant awards including the eligibility and award criteria as outlined in Appendix 2 of the report; 
iii.   note that a further report is intended for the EDI Committee in November 2019 on the progress made and grant awards recommended; and
iv.    note that further work is taking place to strengthen the capacity of the Community Transport sector and to develop alternatives to high-cost contracts. This is supported by a Change Project and separate funding streams.  It has savings targets to meet and community transport initiatives can be supportive.  The project includes developing new initiatives and a home to school pilot is planned for Poolewe this year.

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

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

i.     approve adoption of the Structures Inspections policy in Appendix 1 of the report for the proposed Risk Based Approach in Highland; and
ii.    note the current position in Highland in relation to the resources available for inspections. 

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

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

The Committee is asked to note that further consultation with Members has taken place since the last EDI Committee meeting in May and this is reflected in the proposals contained in the report. 

To implement the Council decision, Members are asked to agree the policy changes set out in the report to expand the bulky uplift service and to limit the type and quantity of waste that can be accepted at WHRCs from 1st November 2019.  Communications on these changes and the alternatives available would be provided as set out in section 6 of the report.

28. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

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

i.     North PAC – 9 April 2019 
ii.    North PAC – 18 April 2019
iii.   South PAC – 30 April 2019 
iv.    North PAC – 4 June 2019 
v.     South PAC – 11 June 2019 

and, for approval:-

vi.     Harbours Management Board Minutes of 24 May 2019 
vii.    Waste Strategy Working Group Minutes of 6 June 2019 
viii.    City Region Deal Monitoring Group of 1 August 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/63/19 dated 15 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

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/64/19 dated 15 July 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

The Committee is invited to note the monitoring statements for General Fund and Property Account transactions as approved by the Head of Development and Regeneration under delegated authority as well the Budgeted Sales for 2018/19 and beyond.

32. Housing Development Initiatives    
Iomairtean Leasachaidh Taigheadais

Paragraphs 6 and 9 

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

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