9

ENVIRONMENT AND REGENERATION COMMITTEE - 23 MARCH 2004

 

 

Environment and Regeneration Committee

 

Tuesday 23 March 2004 at 3.00 pm

 

 

Present:  Councillors Blair, Forbes, Fyfe, Gallacher, Hill, Hunter, McCabe, McCormick (P), Mitchell and Snoddy.

 

 

Chair:  Councillor Fyfe presided. 

 

 

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Miss M McKnight (for Director of Legal and Support Services), Head of Economic Development Service, Head of Financial Services, Head of Housing and Building Services, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Mr E McCarron (for Head of Transportation and Roads Service).

 

 

Apologies:  Councillor Roach.

 

 

With the exception of the decision marked “C”, which is open for confirmation or otherwise, the following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

 

215

Inverclyde - Strategy for Change:  Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire Vision Development Exercise

215

 

There was submitted a report dated 8 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive on the Vision development exercise commissioned by Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire on behalf of Inverclyde Alliance and appending a copy of the Vision document.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve the Vision document and confirm its commitment to the action planning process which will be led by Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire;  and

 

 

(2)      that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to report back to the Committee at the conclusion of the action planning process so that progress and actions may be reviewed.

 

216

Antigua Court, Greenock

216

 

It was noted that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.

 

217

Working for Families Fund

217

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on Working for Families funding for the development of services to support parents in disadvantaged areas in accessing childcare to enable them to move into or towards education, training or employment awarded by the Scottish Executive for the period 2004/2006 subject to submission of a satisfactory outcome agreement and appending a copy of the pro forma outcome agreement returned to the Scottish Executive by the required date of 27 February 2004.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee notes the contents of the report and the information contained in the pro forma outcome agreement submitted to the Scottish Executive, acknowledges the processes being put in place to achieve the required levels of consultation and engagement and the timetable involved in submitting the final outcome agreement and notes the role of the Economic Development Service in co-ordination and administration of the fund in Inverclyde;  and

 

 

(2)      that authority be delegated to the Head of Economic Development Service to seek tenders for and accept the most appropriate tender received for the programme of research work in support of the implementation of the Working for Families fund.

 

218

Review of Planning Practice Advice Notes

218

 

There was submitted a report dated 9 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of (1) amendments to Planning Practice Advice Notes 1-13 as set out in the Appendix to the report and (2) the publication of Planning Practice Advice Notes 14 (satellite television dishes) and 15 (garden decking) as appended to the report.

 

 

Decided:  that the Committee approves the amendments to Planning Practice Advice Notes 1-13 and approves the publication of Planning Practice Advice Notes 14 (satellite television dishes) and 15 (garden decking).

 

219

Transportation and Roads Service Capital Programme 2004/05

219

 

There was submitted a report dated 12 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to proceed with a programme of projects funded from the Transportation and Roads Capital Programme 2004/05.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve the projects listed in Appendix 1 of the report in respect of the Capital Programme 2004/05, subject to the Policy and Strategy Committee confirming the allocation of funding for the Capital Programme 2004/05 and subject to the incorporation of any carry forward of incomplete 2003/04 projects;

 

 

(2)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to proceed to tender, or in terms of the best value regime to issue to the Council’s service provider, in respect of the projects listed in Appendix 1 of the report and that approval to accept tenders be granted in terms of Standing Orders relating to Contracts and the Financial Regulations, subject to the Policy and Strategy Committee confirming the allocation of funding for 2004/05;  and

 

 

(3)      that, should the Policy and Strategy Committee not approve the funding required to enable all of the projects listed in Appendix 1 to be carried out, a further report be submitted to allow the Committee to determine priorities for works to be carried out in 2004/05.

 

220

Essential Large Maintenance Works

220

 

There was submitted a report dated March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of Essential Large Maintenance works to address in the main health and safety matters in order of priority with estimated costs.

 

 

Decided:

(1)        that the Committee approve the list of Essential Large Maintenance projects in the priorities as listed in the report subject to funding confirmation from the Policy and Strategy Committee;

 

 

(2)        that all projects listed be developed to tender stage as appropriate and that the works be programmed and tendered for completion throughout the financial year 2004/2005;

 

 

(3)        that the Committee approve the acceptance of tenders for all projects detailed in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Section 12 of the Standing Orders Relating to Contracts and, where Committee approval is required for the acceptance of tenders in accordance with Standing Orders, that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner for such acceptance subject to the total allocation for Essential Large Maintenance works not being exceeded;

 

 

(4)        that the Committee confirm that the number of projects put out to tender and subsequently accepted be subject to the cost limit of £1,000,000 (that cost limit must not be exceeded), in accordance with the Financial Regulations;

 

 

(5)        that the Committee delegate to the Head of Property Services authority to adjust the priority of the projects detailed in the report by maintaining a continuous assessment of the said priorities in pursuance of the requirements of the Council and best value;

 

 

(6)        that it be remitted to the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Chief Executive and appropriate Officers to investigate the use of the funds available in the Cy-Pres Scheme for the Watt Library and McLean Museum towards the cost of works required in the McLean Museum as detailed in the report;  and

 

 

(7)        that a more detailed report on the options available for the Old Police Building be submitted to the Committee.

 

221

HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06

221

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the progress on the specific projects detailed in the Appendices to the report be noted;  and

 

 

(2)      that the Committee approve, in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations, expenditure increases totalling £8,598 for the refurbishment of the rent hall at Wallace Place.

 

222

Survey Work to Inform Stock Transfer

222

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to commission a stock condition survey, a needs/demands survey and a Right to Buy survey to facilitate stock transfer to a Not for Profit Trust, as agreed at the special meeting of the Health Improvement Committee held on 24 November 2003 (para 870), at a total estimated cost of £205,500 to be funded by Scottish Executive grant.

 

 

Decided:  that approval be given to the commissioning of the surveys detailed in the report to inform the stock transfer process and that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Legal and Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tenders received.

 

 

223

Inverclyde Fuel Poverty Strategy

 

223

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of Inverclyde’s first Fuel Poverty Strategy for submission to Communities Scotland by 31 March 2004, copies of which had been made available to Members.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the requirement for the Council to submit its first Fuel Poverty Strategy to Communities Scotland by 31 March 2004;

 

 

(2)      that the Committee accept the Strategy and refer it to The Inverclyde Council at the meeting to be held on 22 April 2004 for endorsement;  and

 

 

(3)      that authority be delegated to the Depute Chief Executive to make arrangements for the establishment of a Fuel Poverty Working Group to implement the Strategy and to report back on progress.

 

224

Seafield Sheltered Housing Complex

Replacement Heating System

224

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for a replacement heating system at Seafield Sheltered Housing Complex at an estimated cost of £195,000, including fees.

 

 

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for replacement of the heating system at Seafield Sheltered Housing Complex and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received.

 

225

Kempock House, 114 Kirn Drive, Gourock

Property Surplus to Requirements

225

 

There was submitted a report dated March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive requesting that the property at Kempock House, 114 Kirn Drive, Gourock be declared surplus to requirements with a view to marketing the asset for disposal.

 

 

Decided:  that a further report be submitted to the Committee seeking in principle approval of the Development Brief for the property and advising of the results of community consultation on the future use of the property.

 

226

Public Conveniences

226

 

There was submitted a report dated 8 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive updating the Committee on the current position in respect of the Council’s public conveniences following the decision of The Inverclyde Council at the meeting on 12 February 2004 (para 130) to provide reduced public conveniences services.

 

 

After discussion, Councillor McCabe moved (1) that the public conveniences at the War Memorial car park, Inverkip, Shore Street, Gourock, Campbell Street, Greenock and Coronation Park, Port Glasgow remain open with the conveniences at Hunter Place, Greenock and Clyde Square, Greenock being closed together with the two automatic public conveniences at Kilblain Street, Greenock and Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm; and (2) that the public convenience at Kilblain Street, Greenock be retained with the convenience in Albert Road Gourock being closed.  As an amendment to (2), Councillor Blair moved that the public convenience at Albert Road, Gourock be retained with the convenience in Kilblain Street, Greenock being closed.  On a vote 4 Members voted for the motion and 6 for the amendment which was declared carried.  Three of the Members who had voted in favour of the motion then requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the motion.

 

 

 

 

C

Decided: 

(1)      that the public conveniences at the War Memorial car park, Inverkip, Shore Street, Gourock, Campbell Street, Greenock and Coronation Park, Port Glasgow remain open with the conveniences at Hunter Place, Greenock and Clyde Square, Greenock being closed together with the two automatic public conveniences at Kilblain Street, Greenock and Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm;  and

(2)      that the public convenience at Albert Road, Gourock be retained with the convenience in Kilblain Street, Greenock being closed.

 

 

 

C

227

Non-HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06

227

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the position of the other Housing Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2004/05.

 

 

Decided:  that the Committee note the progress of the specific projects detailed in the Appendices to the report.

 

228

Revenue Budget 2003/04 - Period 11

228

 

There was submitted a report dated 16 March 2004 by the Director of Corporate Services on the position of the Revenue Budget 2003/04 as at Period 11 (29 February 2004).

 

 

Decided:  that the Committee note the projected overspend in the current budget monitoring position.

 

229

Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06 - Progress

229

 

There was submitted a report dated 8 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the progress of the specific projects detailed in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the report;  and

 

 

(2)      that the Committee note the spend projection contained within paragraph 6.1 of the report.

 

230

Community Benefits in Procurement

230

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the progress of a pilot project being undertaken in Inverclyde to achieve community benefits in procurement and (2) outlining the contractual and financial implications.

Noted

 

231

SPP17 - Planning for Transport (Consultation Draft)

231

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the consultation draft of Scottish Planning Policy 17 on Planning for Transport.

 

 

Decided:  that the Committee note the summary of the content of the consultation draft of Scottish Planning Policy 17 on Planning for Transport contained in the report, with which the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan and Inverclyde Local Plan:  First Review - Final Draft are largely in accord, and welcome the consultation document and the condensing of three documents into one.

 

232

Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan

232

 

There was submitted a report dated March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the launch of a joint Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire and (2) summarising the potential value of the Action Plan for Inverclyde.

 

 

Decided:  that the process that has taken place to date, culminating in the launch of the Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan be noted.

 

233

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Inverclyde Access Strategy Towards a Strategic Core Path Network

233

 

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to extend the contract with the consultants for the access strategy to produce a report defining the strategic elements of Inverclyde’s core path network.

Noted

 

234

Weather Forecast Partnership - Update

234

 

There was submitted a report dated 12 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the contract awarded to PA Weather Centre Ltd for the provision of weather forecast services on behalf of the Weather Forecast Partnership, the Council’s share of the annual cost being £13,900.

Noted

 

 

The Convener, being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Corporate Services was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee to be informed of the current position with regard to the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2003/04 at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

 

235

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2003/04 - Period 11

235

 

There was submitted a report dated 16 March 2004 by the Director of Corporate Services (1) on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 11 (29 February 2004) and (2) advising that there was a projected underspend of £231,000.

 

 

Decided:  that the current budget monitoring position for 2003/04 as at Period 11 (29 February 2004) be noted.

 

236

Tenant Sub-Group Update

236

 

It was noted that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.

 

 

It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.

 

 

Item                                                                                                   Paragraph(s)

 

Disposal of Ground - Finnart Street, Greenock                         2, 6 & 9

Kirn Drive, Gourock

Finnart Street, Greenock

Heritage Surplus to Requirements                                              2, 6 & 9

Door Replacement Contract, Phase 1C -

Receipt of Tenders                                                                        6 & 8

Kitchen and Bathroom Refurbishments:

Phase 3A - Receipt of Tenders                                                     6 & 8

Proposed Demolition - 142 - 168 Kenilworth Crescent,

Greenock                                                                                         6 & 8

Stewart House Sheltered Housing Complex

Requirement for Replacement Boiler                                         6 & 8

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Pottery Street Redevelopment                                                    13

 

237

Disposal of Ground - Finnart Street, Greenock

237

 

There was submitted a report dated 5 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to dispose of an area of ground at Finnart Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the Appendix.

 

238

Kirn Drive, Gourock

Finnart Street, Greenock

Heritage Surplus to Requirements

238

 

There was submitted a report dated March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive requesting that the Council’s land and heritage at Kirn Drive, Gourock and Finnart Street, Greenock be declared surplus to requirements with a view to marketing the assets for disposal.

 

 

It was noted that the proposals relative to Kirn Drive had been considered in the separate report by the Depute Chief Executive.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that Finnart House be declared surplus to requirements;

 

 

(2)      that approval be given to the marketing of Finnart House;

 

 

(3)      that all expenses associated with the sale of Finnart House be met from the proceeds;  and

 

 

(4)      that if Finnart House is not sold it be advertised at a future appropriate date or be made available in response to purchase enquiries.

 

 

239

Door Replacement Contract, Phase 1C - Receipt of Tenders

 

239

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on five tenders received for Phase 1C of the door replacement contract.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender received, that by Building Services, Inverclyde Council in the corrected sum of £131,155.97;  and

 

 

(2)      that additional provision of around £20,000 be made available for this project from the Housing Capital Programme.

 

240

Kitchen and Bathroom Refurbishments:  Phase 3A - Receipt of Tenders

240

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on five tenders received for Phase 3A of the kitchen and bathroom refurbishments.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that it be remitted to the Director of Legal and Support Services to accept the lowest tender received, that by Laidlaw Scott Ltd in the corrected sum of £96,654.67;  and

 

 

(2)      that additional provision of around £40,000 be made available for this project from the Housing Capital Programme.

 

 

The Convener, being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Depute Chief Executive was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee, if in agreement, to authorise negotiations for the works without delay.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

 

241

Proposed Demolition - 142-168 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock

241

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to negotiate with a company for demolition of the property at 142-168 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock.

 

 

Decided:  that, subject to the two remaining tenants vacating, it be remitted to the Head of Housing and Building Services to negotiate with the contractor detailed in the report for demolition of the property at 142-168 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock as an extension to the existing contract for demolition of the property at 86-112 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock.

 

 

The Convener, being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Depute Chief Executive was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee, if in agreement, to authorise negotiations for the works without delay.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

 

242

Stewart House Sheltered Housing Complex

Requirement for Replacement Boiler

242

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to negotiate with a contractor for replacement of the gas central heating boiler at Stewart House Sheltered Housing Complex.

 

 

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Head of Housing and Building Services to negotiate with the contractor detailed in the report for replacement of the gas central heating boiler at Stewart House Sheltered Housing Complex.Ø

 

243

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Pottery Street Redevelopment

243

 

There was submitted a report dated 5 March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to approve action in connection with the redevelopment of Pottery Street.

Noted

 

 

 

ENV&REG-23Mar04/11