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THE INVERCLYDE COUNCIL

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN REGENERATION COMMITTEE

THURSDAY 22 MAY 1997 - 3.00 pm

Present:- Provost Allan, Councillors Calvert, Morrison (M), O’Rourke, McGhee, Sir Simpson Stevenson, Mitchell and Finnie, Councillor McGhee, Convener, in the Chair.

In attendance:- The Assistant Chief Executive (Economic Development and Urban

Regeneration), the Director of Central Services, the Director of Economic Development, Mr J

Aird (for the Director of Finance), Mr C Clelland (for the Director of Legal Services), the

Director of Planning, Mr A Gerrard (for the Director of Property and Technical Services) and

the Chief Environmental Services Officer.

An apology for absence was intimated on behalf of Councillor Mulholland.

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only. having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

595 ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS 595

The Convener referred to reports by the Director of Legal Services on (i) Public Local Inquiry:

Levan Farm, Gourock and (ii) Proposed Road Closure: Cliff Terrace Road, Wemyss Bay. He indicated that consideration of the items was urgent to (i) allow the Committee to be informed of the present position relative to the planning application for residential development at Levan Farm, Gourock and (ii) permit the proposed road closure to be progressed, respectively and moved that the items be added to the Agenda. This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

596 PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR CONTINUED CONSIDERATION 596

SUBMITTED: Report dated 29 April 1997 by the Director of Planning regarding an application by Port Glasgow Baptist Church for change of use and alterations to form church and community facilities at William Street/Highholm Street/Jean Street, Port Glasgow (IC/97/ 18), consideration of which had been continued from the meeting on 10 April 1997 to allow the applicant the opportunity to amend the application for the provision of additional car parking.

The report recommended that planning permission be granted subject to a number of conditions.

After discussion, Councillor O’Rourke moved that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report. As an amendment, Councillor Morrison moved that planning permission be refused as the proposal would be detrimental to the amenity of the residents of adjacent properties. On a vote, 1 Member voted for the amendment and 6 for the motion which was declared carried.

DECIDED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

(1) That details of the proposed surfacing to the car parking spaces shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Director of Planning prior to work commencing on site;

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(2) That prior to the uses hereby approved commencing the 16 car parking spaces indicated on drawing A201 (as amended) shall be formed to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning; and

(3) That vehicular access to the site shall be via footway crossovers to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning, conditions (1), (2) and (3) being imposed in the interests of public safety.

~7 PLANNING APPLICATIONS 597

SUBMITTED: Reports by the Director of Planning on the following applications which were submitted, together with letters of objection and support where submitted, and dealt with as follows:

(a) Erection of Side/Rear Extension to Dwellinghouses:

3 Plymouth Avenue. Gourock (IC/97/79)

DECIDED: That planning permission be granted.

(b) Construction of 60 Bed Residential Nursing Home. Renovation of Hotel and Coach House:

Castle Levan Hotel Site. Cloch Road. Gourock (IC/97/41 & LB/97/1)

DECIDED:

(a) That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

(1) That the nursing home and coach house conversion shall not be occupied until the conversion of the hotel into 11 flats has been completed in accordance with the approved plans to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning in writing, to comply with the terms of Historic Scotland’s Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Building and Conservation Areas;

(2) That no development shall commence until samples of all external materials have been submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning in writing;

(3) That the approved scheme of landscaping shall be implemented in the first planting season following completion of the development and any specimens that in the subsequent five years die, become diseased or are damaged shall be replaced in the next planting season with a similar specimen unless the Director of Planning gives his written approval to any variation that may be sought;

(4) That details of all proposed road and car parking surfaces shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the commencement of works on site, conditions (2), (3) and (4) being imposed in the interests of visual amenity;

(5) That the flats, nursing home and coach house conversion shall not be occupied until the parking layout shown on docquetted drawing 287/210A has been completed to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning, in the interests of road safety;

(6) That full details of all proposed illumination of the access road, car parking areas and buildings shall be intimated to and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the commencement of works on site, in the interests of visual amenity and road safety;

(7) That the proposed crib lock retaining wall shall be constructed in accordance with the finished ground levels as detailed on the approved plan;

(8) That full details of all tree protection measures shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the commencement of work on site and that all the approved

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597 measures shall remain in position until completion of the development in accordance 597 with the approved plans, conditions (7) and (8) being imposed in the interests of visual amenity; and

(9) That details of the proposed gateway entrance shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the commencement of work on site, in the interests of road safety; and

(b) That listed building consent be granted subject to the following conditions:

(1) That no development shall commence until samples of all external materials have been submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning in writing;

(2) That the approved scheme of landscaping shall be implemented in the first planting season following completion of the development and any specimens that in the subsequent 5 years die, become diseased or are damaged shall be replaced in the next planting season with a similar specimen unless the Director of Planning gives his prior written consent to any variation that may be sought;

(3) That details of all proposed road and car parking surfaces shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the start of any work on site;

(4) That the flats shall not be occupied until the parking layout shown on docquetted drawing 287/210A has been completed to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning;

(5) That full details of all proposed illumination of the access road, car parking areas and flats shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the commencement of works on site;

(6) That full details of all tree protection measures shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the commencement of work on site and that all the approved measures shall remain in force until completion of the development in accordance with the approved plans; and

(7) That details of the proposed gateway entrance shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the commencement of any work on site, conditions (1) - (7) being imposed to comply with the terms of Historic Scotland’s Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.

(c) Erection of Dwellinghouse:

102 Newark Street. Greenock (IC/97/20)

DECIDED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

(1) That prior to the house being occupied, the existing gate posts shall be re-erected in their new position, the existing driveway opening built up in stone and the existing footway crossover converted to a pavement to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning in writing, in the interests of visual amenity and road safety; and

(2) That details of all proposed windows shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning in respect of the materials, type and method of opening, in the interests of visual amenity.

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597 Ground Floor Extension: 597
(d) Ardgowan Evangelical Church. Ardgowan Square. (Greenock (IC/97/14)

The report recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the condition that no development shall commence until samples of all external materials have been submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning in writing, in the interest of visual amenity. After discussion, Councillor Morrison moved that planning permission be granted subject to the condition detailed in the report. As an amendment, Councillor McGhee moved that planning permission be refused as (1) the proposal would be detrimental to the amenity of the residents of the adjacent building; and (2) the proposal would result in over-development of the site. On a vote, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 5 for the motion which was declared carried.

DECIDED: That planning permission be granted subject to the condition that no development shall commence until samples of all external materials have been submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning in writing, in the interest of visual amenity.

(e) Bar/Diner:

James Watt College Waterfront Campus. Customhouse Quay (Greenock (IC/97/77)

DECIDED: That planning permission be granted subject to the condition that details of an enclosure around the heel of the footpath from the proposed extension onto Customhouse Place shall be submitted to the Director of Planning and approved in writing prior to the commencement of the development and thereafter erected prior to the opening of the bar/diner to the public, in the interest of visual amenity.

(f) Change of Use of Part of Public Bar/Restaurant to Hotel Use:

2A New Dock Lane. Greenock (IC/96/396)

DECIDED: That planning permission be granted.

(g) Erection of New Classroom Block:

St Columba’s School. Gryffe Road. Kilmacolm (IC/97/76)

DECIDED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

(1) That no alterations to site boundary walls shall be carried out without the prior written approval of the Director of Planning; and

(2) That samples of all materials to be used on external surfaces shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Planning in writing prior to the commencement of development, conditions (1) and (2) being imposed in the interests of visual amenity.

(Ii) Erection of Ranch Style Fencing (in retrospect):

5 Roslin Court. Kilmacolm (IC/97/l12)

DECIDED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

(1) That full details of landscaping proposals with the intention of screening the fence, which is the subject of this application, from the public highway shall be submitted to the Director of

URE-MIN SAM/I I

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Planning for approval within one month of the date of this consent and implemented, within 6 months of the date of this consent, to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning; and

(2) That all planting in the approved landscaping scheme failing to become established within five years of the date of this consent, shall be replaced to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning, conditions (1) and (2) being imposed in the interests of visual amenity.

598 ADVERTISEMENT APPLICATION 598

SUBMITTED: Report dated 23 April 1997 by the Director of Planning regarding an application for consent to display fascia signs and a free-standing forecourt sign at Halfords, Unit 3, Customhouse Quay, Greenock (CA/97/l0).

DECIDED: That planning consent be refused for the following reasons:

(1) In the interests of visual amenity as the proposed signs will detract from the appearance of the building, the Retail park and the Waterfront generally; and

(2) As the proposed signs will set an undesirable precedent for other operators at the Waterfront.

599 PLANNING APPEAL: 22D ESPLANADE. GREENOCK 599

SUBMITTED: Report dated 28 April 1997 by the Director of Planning advising that following the decision of the Committee at the meeting held on 21 November 1996 to refuse an application for the installation of replacement windows (in retrospect) at 22D Esplanade, Greenock (IC/96/245), notice had been received that the applicant had appealed to the Secretary of State against that refusal.

NOTED

600 PLANNING APPEAL: VICTORIA FILLING STATION. RUE END STREET. GREENOCK 600

SUBMITTED: Report dated 29 April 1997 by the Director of Planning advising that following the decision of the Committee at the meeting held on 16 January 1997 to refuse an application for redevelopment of Victoria Filling Station, Rue End Street, Greenock (IC/96/305), notice had been received that the applicant had appealed to the Secretary of State against that refusal.

NOTED

601 CAPITAL PROGRAMME 1997/98 - FINANCIAL POSITION 601

SUBMITTED: Report dated 2 May 1997 by the Director of Finance on the current position of the Capital Programme 1997/98.

NOTED

602 CRAIGMUSCHAT QUARRY - TECHNICAL PROGRESS 602

SUBMITTED: Report dated 6 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer on the

progress of the final capping contract at Craigmuschat Quarry.

DECIDED:

(a) That the current position in respect of the commissioning of the flare stack be noted;

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(b) That the new estimated final account figure of £1,142,019 representing an increase of £47,962 when compared to the original final account estimate be noted;

(c) That approval be given to payment of the seventh interim certificate and professional fees in the total sum of £65,206.31; and

(d) That it be remitted to the Chief Environmental Services Officer to inform the Committee of developments in connection with the disputed costs for electrical repairs to the original power supply and installation of the new power supply and drilling the new gas vents.

603 NON-HRA CAPITAL PROGRAMME 1997/98 603

SUBMITTED: Report dated 6 May 1997 by the Directors of Planning and Economic Development recommending projects for inclusion in the Capital Programme 1997/98, it being anticipated the suggested projects would attract substantial match funding from external sources, together with reserve projects should additional monies become available.

DECIDED:

(a) That the projects detailed in the report be included in the Capital Programme 1997/98; and (b) That the reserve projects detailed in the report be included in the Capital Programme 1997/98 should additional monies become available.

604 RISKEND QUARRIES LTD - PROPOSED RECYCLING OF GREEN WASTE INTO SOIL 604

SUBMITTED: Report dated 7 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer on a proposal from Riskend Quarries Ltd that the Council supply the company with its green waste, for use in the production of general purpose soil, together with an evaluation of the project and the financial implications for the Council.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Council provide Riskend Quarries Ltd with its green waste for a period and at a cost to be negotiated by the Chief Environmental Services Officer; and

(b) That assistance be given to the company in locating suitable land for expansion of its activities.

605 GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE FOR STILLBORN CHILDREN - PROGRESS 605

SUBMITTED: Report dated 9 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer on progress regarding the development of a Garden of Remembrance for Stillborn Children at Greenock Cemetery. The report advised that a dedication service was to be held on 8 June 1997 at the crematorium chapel.

DECIDED:

(a) That the progress to date be noted; and

(b) That authority be delegated to the Chief Environmental Services Officer in consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member of the Minority Groups to determine the name of the Garden following recommendation from affected parents.

606 THE PENNINGTON GROUP REPORT - E-COLI 0157 606

SUBMITTED: Report dated 9 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer on Professor Pennington’s report on E-Coli 0157, together with summary of the report’s

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recommendations, commenting on the contents of the report and advising that initial steps to prepare for the implementation of certain recommendations had been taken by his Department. The report also advised that measures had been taken to provide advice to local businesses and to improve food safety education and training.

DECIDED:

(a) That the action to date be noted; and

(b) That, in accordance with Professor Pennington’s recommendation, the Chief Environmental Services Officer be the designated officer responsible for food safety within Inverclyde Council.

607 CONTRACT PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICAL REPORT 1996/97 607

SUBMITTED: Report dated 16 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer on a number of issues relative to the Environmental Health Department including staffing, the development of information technology within the Department and contract monitoring during the period 1996/97 and commenting and providing statistical information on (i) domestic refuse and trade waste service, (ii) street cleansing, (iii) recycling, (iv) public conveniences, (v) food safety and health and safety at work enforcement activity and (vi) environmental health complaints during this period.

NOTED

608 PUBLIC LOCAL INQUIRY: LEVAN FARM. GOUROCK 608

SUBMITTED: Report dated 22 May 1997 by the Director of Legal Services advising that following the Public Local Inquiry into the application for planning permission by Westminster Investments Ltd for residential development in outline at Levan Farm, Gourock (IC/95/3 5), the Reporter appointed to conduct the inquiry had recommended that, in accordance with the decision of the former Inverclyde District Council’s Planning and Building Control Sub-Committee, outline planning permission be granted. The Secretary of State, however, was of the view that the application should be refused and had afforded the affected parties an opportunity to make further representations.

NOTED

609 PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE: CLIFF TERRACE ROAD. WEMYSS BAY 609

SUBMITTED: Report dated 20 May 1997 by the Director of Legal Services advising that following the decision of the Committee at the meeting held on 16 January 1997 to commence road closure procedures for Cliff Terrace Road, Wemyss Bay (para 47(h)) no objections had been received to the Order following advertisement.

DECIDED: That the Committee confirm the Order and authorise the Director of Legal Services to take all necessary action in connection therewith.

610 RESOLUTION: EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS 610

On the motion of the Convener it was agreed unanimously that in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the undemoted items of business on the grounds that consideration of

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the items involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act as are set opposite each item:

Item Paragraph(s)
Cremator Replacement 6 and 8
Dog Kennelling 6 and 8
Plastic Sack Contract 6 and 8
TS Astrid: The Ship for Scotland Project 6
Request to Purchase Garage Site - Denholin Street, Greenock 2

611 CREMATOR REPLACEMENT 611

SUBMITTED: Report dated 16 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer on tenders received for replacement cremators at Greenock Crematorium and recommending outright purchase and installation rather than a leasing arrangement. The report advised that, during the course of the tender exercise, it had come to light that the provision of a new heating boiler and certain essential upgrading works to the crematorium and offices were required.

DECIDED:

(a) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services to accept the tender submitted by Furnace Construction Co Ltd in the sum of £253,930;

(b) That the Corporate Resources Committee and the Director of Property and Technical Services be requested to consider the provision of a new heating boiler and essential upgrading works required for the crematorium and offices; and

(c) That the requirement to undertake replacement of certain cremator parts within the next 10 years be noted.

612 DOG KENNELLING 612

SUBMITTED: Report dated 22 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer on the response to the invitation of tenders for dog kenneling and outlining options for the future provision of this service.

DECIDED:

(a) That, in the meantime, no action be taken on the response to the invitation to tender; (b) That it be remitted to the Director of Central Services in consultation with the Chief Environmental Services Officer to invite fresh tenders for the service, including tenders from kennels outwit Inverclyde, and that it be remitted to the Director of Central Services in consultation with the appropriate Officers and following consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member of the Minority Groups to consider the responses, including the response received following the initial invitation, and to accept the most economically advantageous offer; and

(c) That it be remitted to the Chief Environmental Services Officer to submit a report on the matter to the next meeting of the Committee.
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613 PLASTIC SACK CONTRACT 613

SUBMITTED: Report dated 9 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer advising that following the decision of the Committee at the meeting held on 10 April 1997 (para 438) the alternative specification for plastic refuse sacks had been investigated and found to be unsatisfactory and that, accordingly, in terms of the powers delegated at the meeting, the tender from Anaplast Ltd based on the original specification had been accepted.

DECIDED:

(a) That acceptance of the tender from Anaplast Ltd be noted; and

(b) That authority be granted to the Chief Environmental Services Officer to co-ordinate the purchase of all the Council’s plastic refuse sacks.

614 TS ASTRID: THE SHIP FOR SCOTLAND PROJECT 614

SUBMITTED: Report dated 6 May 1997 by the Assistant Chief Executive (Economic Development and Urban Regeneration) on a request for financial assistance by the Scottish Maritime Sailing Trust towards the acquisition of the sailing ship Astrid to be used to provide sail training opportunities for young people from all sectors of the community and corporate training, the project to be based in and managed from Inverclyde. The report provided details on the Scottish Maritime Sailing Trust, the Astrid and the Ship for Scotland Project together with details of the project costs and financial projections.

DECIDED: That consideration of the matter be continued for further information.

615 REQUEST TO PURCHASE GARAGE SITE - DENHOLM STREET. GREENOCK 615

SUBMITTED: Report dated 7 May 1997 by the Chief Environmental Services Officer on a request to purchase a garage site at Denholm Street, Greenock, the site being one of four at this location.

DECIDED: That, the site being surplus to departmental requirements, it be remitted to the Corporate Resources Committee to consider the future use of the four garage sites at Denholm Street, Greenock and the request to purchase one of the sites.