Economic Development Services Committee

Tuesday 30 May 2000 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Blair, Campbell, Hunter, Jackson, McCormick, McGhee, Morrison (M), O’Rourke, Rebecchi and Robertson (Y).

Chair:  Councillor McGhee presided. 

In attendance:  Depute Chief Executive, Mr C Clelland (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Mr J Aird (for Director of Resource Services), Head of Economic Development Service, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Head of Transportation and Roads Service.

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

513

Capital Programme 1999/2000 - Technical Progress

513

There was submitted a report dated 12 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the technical progress of the Capital Programme 1999/2000.  (Provost Roach and Councillor Blair entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)  that the technical progress of the Capital Programme 1999/2000 be noted;

(2)  that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations, an expenditure reduction of £21,143 in respect of internal works at the Inverclyde Business Centre (Victoria House); and

(3)  that the accumulated variations in the Kingston Industrial Estate CCTV installation which are 11.8% (£6,000) less than the accepted tender amount be approved in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations.

514

Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Technical Progress:  Transportation and Roads

514

There was submitted a report dated 10 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the technical progress of the Capital Programme 2000/2001. 

Noted

515

Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Financial Position

515

There was submitted a report dated 11 May 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the Capital Programme 2000/2001.

Noted

516

Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd

516

There was submitted a report dated 8 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the Scottish Executive Development Department consultation paper on meeting European Union requirements and options for ferry services between Gourock and Dunoon, (2) advising that the Western Isles and Clyde Ferry Services currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd require to be the subject of competitive tendering and setting out the options in respect of tendering and service delivery, (3) indicating that the Scottish Executive had confirmed its commitment to pursuing an integrated transport policy and that it intended to make a strong case for public subsidy for foot passengers on the Gourock - Dunoon ferry service and (4) commenting on the importance of the ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon for the economy and social integration of both towns with the rest of the West of Scotland and the impact of a division of service provision between Gourock railhead and McInroy’s Point.

Decided:  that the terms of the report be noted and that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to respond to the Scottish Executive by 30 June 2000 in the terms outlined in the report and any written comments from Members.

517

M74

517

There was submitted a report dated 8 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of a meeting held with Renfrewshire Council, East Renfrewshire Council, Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire and other appropriate bodies relative to the M74 northern extension, in order to participate and co-ordinate appropriate action with affected organisations, as agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 7 December 1999 (para 1246), (2) detailing the actions agreed at the meeting and (3) indicating that the Council would continue to review the matter and participate at Officer level with the relevant groups.

Noted

518

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan:  Finalised Draft 2000

518

There was submitted a report dated 18 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan: Finalised Draft 2000 (1) summarising key issues affecting the Inverclyde Local Plan and (2) recommending approval, subject to a number of amendments as detailed in the report.  (Councillor O’Rourke left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)  that the Committee approve the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan:  Finalised Draft 2000 for submission to the Scottish Ministers by the Structure Plan Joint Committee and the associated publicity and public consultation in accordance with statutory regulations subject to (a) making the recommended alterations in wording suggested in paragraphs 3.2 and 4.3 of the report in relation to urban renewal/housing matters and the retailing opportunity identified at Port Glasgow and (b) acknowledging and addressing the concerns of the Council in relation to the inclusion of Strategic Policy 2(a) in the Flinalised Draft Plan for the longer term development potential of Bishopton for both industrial/business use and for housing; and

(2)  that the Committee welcome the inclusion in the Finalised Draft Plan of the means whereby Inverclyde Council can pursue in its forthcoming Local Plan a development strategy which should enable the special circumstances faced by Inverclyde to be addressed. 

519

Street Naming

519

There was submitted a report dated 16 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the proposed naming of the housing development off Torr Road, Quarriers Village.

Decided:  that the name Gotter Bank be adopted as shown on the plan appended to the report.

520

Proposals for Future Display of Comet Replica

520

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the current position in respect of the restoration of the Comet replica and (2)  advising of proposals for the display of the vessel, in respect of which a number of sites had been investigated.

Councillor Moody was present and with consent spoke on the matter.

Decided:

(1)  that the proposal to locate the Comet on the original site from which it was removed prior to restoration as outlined in paragraph 4.3 of the report be endorsed;

(2)  that future display options be considered relative to development gain as and when proposals for the redevelopment of Port Glasgow East Glen Yard are progressed; and

(3)  that it be remitted to the Head of Economic Development Service to approach the two high schools in Port Glasgow with a view to senior pupils contributing to the interpretation panels.

521

Economic Development Service - Budget Virement

521

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) seeking approval to vire the core funding declined by Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board for 2000/2001 and (2) setting out for consideration proposals to utilise the allocation of £80,000 to fund a programme of events and for the provision of additional tourism related information and advice.

Decided:  that approval be given to the virement of the funding intended for Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board to the Economic Development Service Tourism Fund Budget (£60,000) to fund a programme of events and to Legal and Support Services (£20,000) for the provision of additional tourism related information and advice.

522

Economic Development Service Plans 2000/2001

522

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on service plans prepared in terms of the strategic objectives identified in the Council’s economic strategy and reflecting the Council’s corporate policy statement.  The service plans outlined the proposals for each activity, the financial implications and the financial arrangements being pursued.

Decided:

(1)  that the service plans 2000/2001 be approved;

(2)  that the operation of the programme in line with the current guidelines and eligibility criteria giving particular attention to the recovery of European Structural Funds and other private and public sector contributions be agreed; and

(3)  that it be remitted to the Head of Economic Development Service to report at the conclusion of the financial year 2000/2001 confirming gross indicators in respect of the Economic Development service plan outputs.

523

Pottery Street Demolitions - Vango Building

523

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising the Committee of the use of the emergency powers procedure as set out under Standing Order 66(a) to extend the current demolition contract to include further demolition work at Pottery Street, Greenock, with Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire meeting all costs.

Noted

524

Interim Local Transport Strategy Consultation Document

524

There was submitted a report dated 18 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the formation of the Local Transport Strategy.  (Councillor Robertson left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)  that the Interim Local Transport Strategy be approved;

(2)  that the Head of Transportation and Roads Service be authorised to commence the required consultations as detailed in the report; and

(3)  that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to submit the full Local Transport Strategy to the Committee for approval prior to submission to the Scottish Executive.

(Councillor Robertson returned to the meeting following consideration of this item of business).

525

Capital Allocation:  Public Transport Fund - Projects Commencing in 2001/2002

525

There was submitted a report dated 18 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to resubmit a Public Transport Fund bid for 2001/2002 for the proposed integrated transport interchange at Gourock to the Scottish Executive.

Decided:

(1)  that the submission of a Public Transport Fund bid on the basis of a revised layout and cost for the proposed integrated transport interchange at Gourock be approved; and

(2)  that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive or appropriate Officer to submit the bid on behalf of the Council.

526

Transportation and Roads Service Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Supplementary Report

526

There was submitted a report dated 18 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to carry out minor works at various locations as detailed in priority order in the report.

Decided:  that approval be given to the works at the locations and in terms of the priorities detailed in the report, the costs of the works inclusive of fees to be contained within the approved Capital Allocation of £100,000.

527

Street Nameplates, Boundary and Settlement Signs

527

There was submitted a report dated 9 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the allocation of revenue funding to carry out maintenance of street nameplates, boundary and settlement signs.

Decided:  that consideration of the matter be continued.

528

Road Lighting Maintenance - Column Failures

528

There was submitted a report dated 9 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the current position in respect of the structural failure of road lighting columns and (2) action taken by the Transportation and Roads Service in the interest of public safety together with details of cost implications.

Decided:  that the Committee note (1) the actions taken to date to ensure public safety, (2) the financial implications and consequential service reduction as detailed in the report and (3) that routine testing will continue at regular intervals with columns being removed as required.

529

Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Road Lighting Equipment

529

There was submitted a report dated 18 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the regulations effective from 8 May 2000 relative to polychlorinated biphenyls and (2) outlining actions taken to identify the presence and impact of polychlorinated biphenyls in road lighting equipment.

Decided: 

(1)  that the Committee note and endorse the action to date to identify the presence and impact of polychlorinated biphenyls in road lighting equipment;

(2)  that it be noted a further detailed report, outlining remedial action and subsequent cost implications, will be submitted to the Committee; and

(3)  that it be noted that any investigation and inventory analysis will impact upon the service’s Revenue Budget and service level.

530

Inspection Charges for Roads in New Developments

530

There was submitted a report dated 18 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive proposing that developers be offered a choice of either fixed or “at cost” charges for inspection and monitoring of new roads being constructed in accordance with construction consents.

Decided:  that the Head of Transportation and Roads Service be authorised to offer developers a choice of either fixed or “at cost” charges for inspection and monitoring of new roads being constructed in accordance with construction consents.

531

Road Adoptions

531

There was submitted a report dated 18 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of additions to Inverclyde’s list of public roads in accordance with the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.

Noted

532

Road Safety Training Unit Progress Report October 1999 to March 2000

532

There was submitted a report dated 18 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the work undertaken by the Road Safety Training Officers during the period October 1999 to March 2000 relative to schools’ activities, cycling, publicity, the schools working group and liaison activities.

Decided:  that the terms of the report be noted and the work of the Road Safety Training Officers acknowledged.

It was agreed in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6 & 8 of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act.

   533

Revenue Resurfacing Programme 2000/2001

533

There was submitted a report dated 8 May 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to carry out a programme of specialised proprietary surface treatments to carriageways and footways in Kilmacolm, Port Glasgow, Greenock, Gourock and Inverkip.

Decided:

(1)  that the Committee approve the programme of works detailed in Appendix 1 to the report; and

(2)  that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to evaluate and arrange acceptance of negotiated tenders from the two specialised contractors detailed in the report in compliance with the Council’s Standing Orders Relating to Contracts.