Environment and Regeneration Committee

Tuesday 25 January 2005 at 3.00 pm

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

Chair:  Councillor Fyfe presided. 

In attendance:  Depute Chief Executive, Mr G Douglas (for Head of Legal Services), Head of Economic Development Service, Head of Finance Services, Head of Housing Services, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Mr A Bruce (for Head of Transportation and Roads Service).

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

  68

Revenue Budget 2004/05 - Period 8

68

There was submitted a report dated 10 January 2005 by the Director of Corporate Services on the position of the Revenue Budget 2004/05 as at Period 8 (30 November 2004).

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the virement of £75,000 from janitors’ wages to cleaning wages;  and

(2)      that the Committee otherwise note the report.

  69

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2004/05 - Period 8

69

There was submitted a report dated 21 January 2005 by the Director of Corporate Services on the position on the Housing Revenue Account budget as at Period 8 (30 November 2004).

Decided:

(1)      that it be noted that the current budget monitoring position for 2004/05 has estimated Building Services jobbing expenditure;  and

(2)      that due to a revision in the current number of let houses there is a shortfall in next year’s draft budget of £507,000.

  70

Building Services Financial Information

70

There was submitted a report dated 21 January 2005 by the Director of Corporate Services advising that there was no cyclical budget monitoring report for Building Services and of action being taken by Officers to rectify the situation.

Decided:

(1)      that the contents of the report be noted;  and

(2)      that a special meeting of the Environment & Regeneration Committee be convened, if required, once a clearer picture of the current financial position for Building Services emerges.

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 to be updated at the earliest opportunity with regard to the Housing Management Information System.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

  71

Housing Management Information System

71

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of difficulties that had arisen with the Housing Management Information System and advising of action to address the situation.

Noted

72

Capital Programme 2004/05 to 2006/07 - Progress

72

There was submitted a report dated 13 January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the position of the Capital Programme 2004/05 to 2006/07.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the progress on the specific projects detailed in the appendices to the report;  and

(2)      that the Committee otherwise note the report.

  73

HRA Capital Programme 2004/2007 - Progress

73

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2004/2007.

Noted

  74

Performance Management Framework for Environment & Regeneration Services

74

There was submitted a report dated January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive informing the Committee of the mechanism within each part of Environment & Regeneration Services for managing performance.

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the Performance Management Framework of each part of Environment & Regeneration Services;  and

(2)      that approval be given for the frameworks to be kept under continuous review in order that each service provision can be improved and developed to meet the Council’s objective of continuous improvement of service to the citizens of Inverclyde.

  75

Inverclyde Local Plan:  First Review, Final Draft

Report on the Local Plan Inquiry and Proposed Modifications to the Local Plan

75

There was submitted a report dated 13 January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) presenting the Reporter’s conclusions and recommendations in his Report on Objections to the Inverclyde Local Plan, Final Draft (2002), (2) outlining a response to the Reporter’s recommendations and (3) seeking endorsement of the proposed modifications to the Final Draft Local Plan and approval of the proposed modifications for publication, publicity and deposit for the statutory six week period for any new objections. 

After discussion, Councillor Blair moved that the Special Development Area status for the Inverkip Power Station site be deleted, that the site revert to Greenbelt status and that the position be reviewed in a year’s time.  As an amendment, Councillor McCabe moved that the proposal for the Inverkip Power Station site remain as recommended by the Head of Planning Services, that is identified as a Special Development Area.  On a vote, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 8 for the motion which was declared carried.  Those Members who had voted in favour of the amendment then requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the amendment.

With regard to Levan Farm (Phase III), Councillor Fyfe moved that the Reporter’s recommendations as set out in the report be accepted.  As an amendment, Councillor Roach moved that the Head of Planning Services’ recommendation be accepted and that a report on greenfield release be submitted to the next meeting of the Environment & Regeneration Committee.  On a vote, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 8 for the motion which was declared carried.  Those Members who had voted in favour of the amendment then requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the amendment.

With regard to Hill Farm, Inverkip, Councillor Roach moved that there be a 150m buffer zone around Everton Scout Camp as set out in the Final Draft Local Plan 2002.  As an amendment, Councillor Fyfe moved that approval be given to the Reporter’s recommendation to amend part (ii) of Policy H6 to include the nine recommendations of Mr Hogarth regarding the “potential for mitigation of adverse impacts” in relation to fields 8 and 9 in particular or, failing that, to include in the required masterplan for the site.  As a further amendment, Councillor McCabe moved that approval be given to revert to the previous status quo with none of the additional fields being released.  On a vote between the two amendments, 1 Member voted for the second amendment by Councillor McCabe and 8 for the first amendment by Councillor Fyfe which was declared carried.  The second amendment then fell.  On a vote between the motion by Councillor Roach and the first amendment by Councillor Fyfe, 3 Members voted for the motion and 8 for the amendment which was declared carried.  Those 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.

Decided:

C

(1)      that the Special Development Area status for the Inverkip Power Station site be deleted, that the site revert to greenbelt status and that the position be reviewed in a year’s time;

C

C

(2)      that the Reporter’s recommendations relative to Levan Farm (Phase III) as set out in the report be accepted; 

C

C

(3)      that approval be given to the Reporter’s recommendation to amend part (ii) of Policy H6 to include the nine recommendations of Mr Hogarth regarding the “potential for mitigation of adverse impacts” in relation to fields 8 and 9 in particular or, failing that, to include in the required masterplan for the site;

C

(4)      that the recommendations as set out in paragraph 5.2 of the report in relation to affordable housing provision in Kilmacolm be approved;

(5)      that Annex 1 be endorsed as an accurate summary of the Reporter’s report on objections to the Inverclyde Local Plan and the Council’s “statement of response”; and

(6)      that, subject to decisions (1), (2) and (3), the proposed modifications in Annex 2, Appendix 2 (including Appendices 2A, 2B, 2C , 2D and 2E) be endorsed and approved for publication, publicity and placing on deposit.

  76

Scotland’s Transport Future

The Transport White Paper

76

There was submitted a report dated 13 January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the Transport White Paper “Scotland’s Transport Future” proposing the establishment of a Scottish transport agency together with a new regional transport partnership network and (2) recommending a response to the consultation exercise.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the contents of “Scotland’s Transport Future” the Transport White Paper;  and

(2)      that the Committee note the consultation and approve the Transport White Paper consultation response as set out in the appendix to the report.

  77

Property Services - Service Plan 2005/07

77

There was submitted a report dated January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the Property Services Service Plan 2005/07, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:  that the Committee note the Property Services Service Plan 2005/07 and remit it to the Best Value & Corporate Services Committee for approval.

  78

Report on Further Consideration on the Future Use of the Land on the Site of the Former

(a) St Mungo’s Primary School, Grosvenor Road, Greenock

(b) Springfield Primary School, Berwick Road, Greenock

78

There was submitted a report dated January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on (1) the future use of the site of the former St Mungo’s Primary School following consultation with Education Services and exploration of the feasibility of pursuing the increased development opportunity at the site and (2) the future use of the site of the former Springfield Primary School following consultation with the Larkfield Community Safety Group and Larkfield Housing Association.

(Councillors Gallacher, Blair and McCabe left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to declare the former Springfield Primary School surplus to requirements;

(2)      that approval be given to the marketing of the former Springfield Primary School;

(3)      that the former St Mungo’s Primary School site be retained in Council ownership and that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to submit a further report on a full options appraisal, including consultation with interested parties, to allow the Committee to consider the future use of the site;  and

(4)      that the costs associated with the former Springfield Primary School site that is designated for disposal be set against the Asset Management Budget.

  79

Area Renewal - Progress on Implementation

79

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive updating the Committee with regard to the progress of the Area Renewal Strategy.

Decided:  that the Committee note (a) the progress made in ongoing implementation as set out in the report, (b) the additional properties identified for demolition and those currently subject to buyback as outlined in appendix 1 to the report and (c) the amended implementation of the Housing Allocation Policy./

  80

57 Wren Road, Greenock - Transfer of Site from HRA to General Account

80

There was submitted a report dated December 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to transfer the site at 57 Wren Road, Greenock from the Housing Revenue Account to the General Account to be incorporated into the site of St Joseph’s Primary School to facilitate improvements to the access to the school.

Decided:  that approval be given to the transfer of the site at 57 Wren Road, Greenock from the Housing Revenue Account to the General Account.

  81

Private Sector Housing Grant 2004/06

81

There was submitted a report dated 5 January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the current position with regard to the Private Sector Housing Grant for the current year and (2) making recommendations for the 2005/06 baseline allocation.

(Councillor Gallacher returned to the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)      that the position with regard to the current financial year’s Private Sector Housing Grant be noted;  and

(2)      that the baseline allocation for 2005/06 be utilised as set out in the report, specifically:-

          aids and adaptations through Inverclyde Care and Repair          £380,000

          repair and improvement grants through Inverclyde Care and Repair            £  55,000

          energy efficiency grants                                                                                  £  50,000

          central heating grants                                                                                     £  50,000

          extending eligibility for lead pipe removal grants                                            £  10,000

          grants for owners affected by Council improvement/repair schemes           £  40,000

          initial reserves          £293,000

  82

Revision of Redecoration and Displacement Allowances

82

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive recommending revised redecoration and displacement allowances.

Decided:  that approval be given to an increase in displacement allowances and the recommended increase and extension of the situations where redecoration allowances are payable as set out in the report.

  83

Rent Arrears Update

83

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of rent arrears performance in the current year.

Decided:

(1)      that the position of rent arrears as at 31 December 2004 be noted;  and

(2)      that the Rent Arrears Working Group continue to work on managing rent arrears.

  84

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Private Sector Research

84

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for approval to invite tenders for research into private sector housing in Inverclyde.

The Head of Housing Services requested the Committee to grant delegated authority for acceptance of the most favourable tender received.

(Councillor Gallacher left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)      that the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive be noted;  and

(2)      that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the most favourable tender received.

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)

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Acquisition of Building at Pottery Street, Greenock                             6

HRA Town Centre Shops                                                                          2 and 6

Shop Premises at Cathcart Street, Greenock                                        2 and 6

Former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm                                                       2, 6 and 9

Property Register                                                                                       2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Premises:  Newton Street, Greenock                                 2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Premises:  Nicolson Street, Greenock                               2, 6 and 9

Lease of Shop Premises:  Moss Road, Port Glasgow                           2, 6 and 9

Appendix 1 relative to Agenda Item 11 detailing Properties to

be Demolished and Properties subject to Buyback                              6

Stock Transfer:  HRA Shops Valuation Service                                     6 and 8

Stock Transfer:  Joint Communication Adviser                                      6 and 8

Acceptance of Tender - Riverside Gardens Heating Replacement

and Sprinkler Installation                                                                          6 and 8

Acceptance of Tender - Lift Maintenance Contract                              6 and 8

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Proposed Demolition of Properties in Gilmour Street and

Sinclair Street, Greenock                                                                          6 and 8

Pottery Street Redevelopment                                                                2, 6 and 9

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Demolition of 3-12 Woodhall Terrace, 32-34 and 48-54

Sunnyside Avenue, Port Glasgow                                                            6 and 8

Acceptance of Tender for Demolition of Nevis Court,

Grampian Court and 21-23 Tweed Street, Greenock                            6 and 8

Acceptance of Tender for Demolition of Pentland Court

and 1-65 Ness Road, Greenock                                                                6 and 8

  85

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Acquisition of Building at Pottery Street, Greenock

85

There was submitted a report dated 18 November 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for the acquisition of a building at Pottery Street, Greenock.

Noted

  86

HRA Town Centre Shops

86

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) outlining the economic and financial implications of retaining the HRA town centre shops and (2) providing comments by the Head of Planning Services relative to the HRA shops in Dubbs Road, Port Glasgow and Tower Drive, Gourock.

After discussion, Councillor Fyfe moved that the Council retain ownership of the HRA shops.  As an amendment, Councillor Roach moved that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee on the possible transfer of the HRA shops to the Common Good Fund.  On a vote, 2 Members voted for the amendment and 7 for the motion which was declared carried.

(Councillor Gallacher returned to the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:  that the Council retain ownership of the HRA shops referred to in the report.

  87

Shop Premises at Cathcart Street, Greenock

87

There was submitted a report dated January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the Council’s policy relating to the General Fund shops at Cathcart Street, Greenock and (2) options for disposal or retention of the shops including the financial implications.

Decided:  that the Council’s interest in the existing premises at Cathcart Street be retained and that an appropriate report be submitted to the Policy & Strategy Committee by the Depute Chief Executive.

  88

Former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm

88

There was submitted a report dated 13 January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the compliance of offers received for the former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm with the development brief.

(Councillor Gallacher left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:  that approval be given to the revised development brief appended to the report and that the property be marketed for sale again.

  89

Property Register

89

There was submitted a report dated January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on settled rent reviews, lease renewals and new leases.

Councillor Stewart declared a financial interest in this matter.

Noted

  90

Disposal of Premises:  Newton Street, Greenock

90

There was submitted a report dated January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on offers to purchase premises in Newton Street, Greenock following advertisement and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

  91

Disposal of Premises:  Nicolson Street, Greenock

91

There was submitted a report dated January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to dispose of premises in Nicolson Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

  92

Lease of Shop Premises:  Moss Road, Port Glasgow

92

There was submitted a report dated May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises in Moss Road, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

  93

Appendix 1 relative to Agenda Item 11 Detailing Properties to be Demolished and Properties Subject to Buyback

93

There was submitted appendix 1 relative to agenda item 11 (Area Renewal - Progress on Implementation) detailing properties to be demolished and properties subject to buyback.

Noted

  94

Stock Transfer:  HRA Shops Valuation Service

94

There was submitted a report dated 20 December 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out tenders received for the appointment of a professional surveyor for the valuation service in respect of the Council’s HRA shops and (2) advising of the acceptance of the lowest tender submitted, that by Millar Surveying Services in the sum of £4,884.00.

Noted

  95

Stock Transfer:  Joint Communication Adviser

95

There was submitted a report dated 20 December 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out tenders received for a Joint Communication Adviser for the Council, River Clyde Homes and Cloch Housing Association and (2) advising of the acceptance of the most favourable tender submitted, that by Pagoda.

(Councillor McCormick left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Noted

  96

Acceptance of Tender - Riverside Gardens Heating Replacement and Sprinkler Installation

96

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for heating replacement and installation of a sprinkler system at Riverside Gardens Sheltered Housing Complex, Gourock.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Head of Legal Services to accept the lowest tender submitted, that by Taylor & Fraser in the sum of £231,117.00.

  97

Acceptance of Tender - Lift Maintenance Contract

97

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for the planned maintenance of lift installations within Housing Services ownership and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

  98

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Proposed Demolition of Properties in Gilmour Street and Sinclair Street, Greenock

98

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for approval to negotiate with the company detailed in the report for the demolition of the properties in Gilmour Street and Sinclair Street, Greenock.

Noted

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 proposal, if agreed, to be progressed at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

  99

Pottery Street Redevelopment

99

There was submitted a report dated 19 January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval for the acquisition of land and buildings at Port Glasgow Road, Greenock as part of the ongoing land consolidation exercise for the future development at Pottery Street and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

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 to be advised of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

100

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Demolition of 3-12 Woodhall Terrace, 32-34 and 48-54 Sunnyside Avenue, Port Glasgow

100

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out tenders received for the demolition of 3-12 Woodhall Terrace, 32-34 and 48-54 Sunnyside Avenue, Port Glasgow and (2) advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to approve acceptance of the lowest tender submitted, that by Reigart Contracts Ltd in the corrected sum of £108,234.50.

Noted

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 tender to be accepted, if agreed, at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

101

Acceptance of Tender for Demolition of Nevis Court, Grampian Court and 21-23 Tweed Street, Greenock

101

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for the demolition of Nevis Court, Grampian Court and 21-23 Tweed Street, Greenock.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Head of Legal Services to accept the lowest tender submitted, that by JCJ Group Ltd in the corrected sum of £235,886.80.

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 tender to be accepted, if agreed, at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

102

Acceptance of Tender for Demolition of Pentland Court and 1-65 Ness Road, Greenock

102

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for the demolition of Pentland Court and 1-65 Ness Road, Greenock.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Head of Legal Services to accept the lowest tender, that by JCJ Group Ltd in the corrected sum of £172,612.00.