Environment and Regeneration Committee

Tuesday 22 March 2005 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Blair, Forbes, Fyfe, Gallacher, Hill, McCabe, McCormick (P), 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 Implementation Team, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Mr R Graham (for Head of Transportation & Roads Service).

Apologies:  Councillor Mitchell.

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

275

Riverside Inverclyde - Regeneration Framework and Action Plan

275

Mr John Kelly, EKOS, was present and made a presentation on the Riverside Inverclyde Regeneration Framework.  Members asked a number of questions which were answered by Mr Kelly.

There was submitted a report dated 1 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) seeking endorsement of the Riverside Inverclyde Regeneration Framework and Action Plan, (2) detailing the financial implications and seeking support for a financial commitment from the Council, (3) advising of the proposed delivery  mechanism and the bid for Urban Regeneration Company status and  (4) seeking approval to implement an interim structure together with the Council’s partners.

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

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee endorse the Riverside Inverclyde Regeneration Framework and Action Plan;

(2)      that the progress with the Urban Regeneration Company bid be noted and that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to report back thereon in due course;

(3)      that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to implement an interim structure together with the Council’s partners;

(4)      that the Committee support financial provision being made for this significant policy development and remit the matter to the Policy & Strategy Committee to determine overall allocation of resources within the framework of priorities agreed by the Policy & Strategy Committee;  and

(5)      that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to report back on progress as required.

(Mr Kelly left the meeting following consideration of this item of business).

276

Revenue Budget 2004/05 - Period 10

276

There was submitted a report dated 7 March 2005 by the Director of Corporate Services on the position of the Revenue Budget 2004/05 as at Period 10 (31 January 2005).

Noted

277

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2004/05 - Period 10

277

There was submitted a report dated 14 March 2005 by the Director of Corporate Services on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2004/05 as at Period 10 (31 January 2005).

Decided:

(1)      that the current budget monitoring position for 2004/05 be noted;  and

(2)      that, as requested by the Committee at the meeting on 31 January 2005, a report be presented to the next meeting detailing the impact of the latest figures on the 2005/06 budget and possible further cost reductions.

278

Building Services Financial Position - Period 11

278

There was submitted a report dated 16 March 2005 by the Director of Corporate Services on the projected outturn position for Building Services based on financial information as at Period 11 (28 February 2004) advising that there is a projected surplus of £19,940 against a budgeted surplus of £382,810.

Decided:  that the contents of the report be noted and that it be noted a further detailed report examining the reasons for the shortfall against budgeted surplus will be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.

279

Capital Programme 2004/05 to 2006/07 - Progress

279

There was submitted a report dated 4 March 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.

280

HRA Capital Programme 2004/07 - Progress

280

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2004/07.

Noted

281

Transportation & Roads Service Capital Programme 2005/06

281

There was submitted a report dated 8 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to proceed with a programme of projects funded from the Transportation & Roads Capital Programme 2005/06.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve the projects listed in appendix 1 of the report in respect of the Capital Programme 2005/06;

(2)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation & 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 the tenders be granted in terms of the Financial Regulations and Standing Orders relating to Contracts;  and

(3)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation & Roads Service to apply appropriate variances to the programme as specified in the report.

282

Commercial and Industrial Property Portfolio - Rent Abatement Policy

282

There was submitted a report dated 6 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive recommending a rent abatement policy in respect of commercial and industrial property.

Decided:

(1)      that delegated authority be granted to the Head of Economic Development Service allowing rent free periods of up to three months or £10,000, whichever financial equivalent is the lesser, with reports being submitted to the Committee for consideration in respect of any  periods or sums greater than this;  and

(2)      that the Depute Chief Executive report to the Policy & Strategy Committee seeking endorsement of this policy.

283

Commercial and Industrial Property Portfolio - Aged Debt Appraisal

283

There was submitted a report dated March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on action being taken to recover commercial and industrial debt.

Decided:  that the positive action achieved with regard to recovery of commercial and industrial debt be noted.

284

Non-Operational Property Information Update

284

There was submitted a report dated March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive providing information relative to non-operational commercial and industrial property for the period September 2004 to February 2005.

Decided:  that the Committee note the details contained within the appendix to the report.

285

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Development Plans

285

There was submitted a report dated 7 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the requirement for the Council to produce a Strategic Environmental Assessment for development plans started after 21 July 2004 or those started before 21 July 2004 but unlikely to be approved or adopted by July 2006 and (2) advising of the implications for the Council.

Decided:  that the contents of the report be noted, in particular the potential consequences of any decisions which could delay the adoption of the current First Review of the Local Plan.

286

Local Plan - Covering Report to “Local Plan:  Annual Monitoring and Review of Housing Strategy (2003-04)” - Post-Proposed Modifications to Plan

286

There was submitted a report dated 28 February 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the implications (1) of the Council’s decision to accept the Reporter’s recommendation relative to Levan Farm (Phase III) and (2) a review of the approved Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan (2000) which will be in the form of an alteration to the Structure Plan.

Councillor Fyfe requested that the Committee note his disagreement with paragraph 2.1 of the report in respect of the Council’s reasons for agreeing with the Reporter’s conclusions on the Levan Farm site.

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

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee reaffirm the Brownfield housing development strategy of the Local Plan, notwithstanding the approval of the Greenbelt release site Levan Farm (Phase III) for housing development;

(2)      that the programming of the housing land supply and the encouragement it provides for the successful implementation of the Plan’s development strategy be noted;  and§

(3)      that the adoption of “an agenda for sustained growth” for the 2005 Alteration to the Joint Structure Plan and the implications this strategy may have for Inverclyde, in terms of future housing land provision, be noted.

287

Local Plan:  Annual Monitoring and Review of Housing Strategy (2003-04)

287

There was submitted a report dated 28 February 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress for the year April 2003 to March 2004 in implementing the Housing Strategy of the Local Plan and trends in take-up of housing land and house completions, by market sector and location across Inverclyde.

Decided:

(1)      that the findings of the annual monitoring exercise, in accordance with the requirements set out in policy H7 of the Local Plan, be noted;

(2)      that the Housing Strategy and Policies in the Local Plan:  First Review, Final Draft (2002) in the light of these findings be endorsed;  and

(3)      that the initiatives underway to publicise, promote and market the housing development opportunities identified in the Local Plan which will, in turn, contribute greatly to the corporate and partnership objectives enshrined in the Development Strategy of the Local Plan be noted.

288

Scottish Planning Policy and Advice Update

288

There was submitted a report dated 7 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the publication of Scottish Planning Policy 15:  Planning for Rural Development, Scottish Planning Policy 20:  Role of Architecture and Design in Scotland, Planning Advice Note 71:  Conservation Area Management, Planning Advice Note 72:  Housing in the Countryside, Planning Advice Note 73:  Rural Diversification and the Research Report:  Rural Planning Typologies.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee welcome the publication of Scottish Planning Policy 15:  Planning for Rural Development, Scottish Planning Policy 20:  Role of Architecture and Design in Scotland, Planning Advice Note 71:  Conservation Area Management, Planning Advice Note 72:  Housing in the Countryside, Planning Advice Note 73:  Rural Diversification and the Research Report:  Rural Planning Typologies;  and

(2)      that the Committee note the key issues raised, which will form material considerations in making future planning decisions and which are adequately incorporated in the Inverclyde Local Plan:  First Review, Final Draft (2002).

289

“Routes to Regeneration” - Update and Issues Arising from Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003

289

There was submitted a report dated 7 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the progress of access issues since the last report to the Committee on 5 March 2002 and (2) advising of the requirements of Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, effective from 9 February 2005, which introduces new duties and powers to local authorities including (i) a duty to uphold access rights, (ii) the requirement to produce a Core Paths Plan and (iii) the requirement to establish a Local Access Forum.

There was circulated appendix 1 to the report.

Decided:

(1)      that the proposals for the establishment of a Local Access Forum for Inverclyde as set out in the report be approved and that Councillors Stewart and Roach represent the Council on the ForumÀ; and  

(2)      that the Committee note progress on matters relating to access since the last report to the Committee on 5 March 2002 and the new duties and powers arising from Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the financial and legal implications.

290

Street Name - Inverkip

290

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the proposed naming of a street within the housing development at the former Inverkip House site, Station Avenue, Inverkip.

Decided:  that the name Inverhouse Gardens be adopted.

291

Street Names - Port Glasgow

291

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the proposed naming of streets within the housing development at the former Broadfield Hospital site, Port Glasgow.  There was also circulated letter dated 3 March 2005 from the developer Muir Homes Ltd suggesting a number of alternative street names.

Decided:  that authority be delegated to the Head of Planning Services to liaise with Muir Homes Ltd to select and adopt six names from the list provided by the developer.

292

Road Adoptions 2004/05

292

There was submitted a report dated 8 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of adoptions to Inverclyde’s list of public roads in accordance with the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.

Noted

293

Area Renewal - Update

293

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

The Head of Housing Services advised the Committee that the sixth address listed in appendix 2 should, in fact, refer to number 18 and not  187.

Decided: 

(1)      that the Committee note the intention to demolish the properties listed in appendix 1 to the report and the clearance (and closure) of houses in appendix 1 in preparation for demolition;

(2)      that the Committee approve (a) the commissioning of the feasibility studies and housing plan for Inverclyde provided no burden is placed on the Housing Revenue Account and (b) the buyback of houses specified in appendix 2 to the report;  and

(3)      that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to submit a further report on the application of the Housing Allocation Policy for those displaced from the Maukinhill area.

294

Private Sector Housing Grant - Heating Grants

294

There was submitted a report dated 4 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on proposals to utilise funding from the Private Sector Housing Grant for central heating grants to assist elderly clients who do not qualify for the Scottish Executive’s central heating programme.

Decided:

(1)      that grant applications be accepted from elderly clients ineligible for the Scottish Executive’s central heating programme and in respect of different powered systems;

(2)      that the cost of having a gas mains laid be ineligible for grant;

(3)      that the specification for a gas central heating system must include a gas condensing boiler;

(4)      that there be no maximum grant limit but that value for money be achieved by the process set out in the report;  and

(5)      that consideration be given to appropriate measures to promote the availability of central heating grants to ensure equitable access.

295

Broadfield Insulation Render Project Phase 7

295

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the engagement of A C Whyte & Co Ltd to carry out Phase 7 of the insulation render project in Broadfield, Port Glasgow in the sum of £200,039.06.

Noted

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 l of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.

Item  Paragraph(s)

Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 (Page 3) relative to Agenda Item 20

Detailing Buy Backs of Owner-Occupied Properties                            6

Term Contract for Supply and Maintenance of Road Signs                 6 and 8

Gibshill, Greenock - Heritage Surplus to Requirements                      2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Site: Mearns Street, Greenock                                            2, 6 and 9

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Lease of

Shop Premises:  Belville Street, Greenock                                            2, 6 and 9

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Private Sector Research                                                                           6 and 8

Stock Transfer:  Appointment of Council Legal Adviser                       6 and 8

Stock Transfer:  Building Services Review                                           6 and 8

296

Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 (Page 3) Relative to Agenda Item 20 Detailing Buy Backs of Owner-Occupied Properties

296

There were submitted appendix 2 and appendix 3 (page 3) relative to agenda item 20 (Area Renewal - Update) detailing proposed buy backs of owner-occupied properties.

Noted

297

Term Contract for Supply and Maintenance of Road Signs

297

There were submitted a report dated 9 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to extend the contract for the supply and maintenance of road signs with the contractor detailed in the report.

Decided:  that approval be given to the extension of the contract for the supply and maintenance of road signs with the contractor detailed in the report to 30 September 2005.

298

Gibshill, Greenock - Heritage Surplus to Requirements

298

There was submitted a report dated October 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to declare land and heritage at Gibshill, Greenock surplus to requirements with a view to disposal and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

299

Disposal of Site:  Mearns Street, Greenock

299

There was submitted a report dated March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to declare an area of ground at Mearns Street, Greenock surplus to requirements with a view to disposal and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

300

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Lease of Shop Premises:  Belville Street, Greenock

300

There was submitted a report dated February 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for the lease of shop premises at Belville Street, Greenock.

Noted

301

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

301

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out tenders received for research into private sector housing in Inverclyde and (2) advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to approve acceptance of the tenders submitted by David Adamson for the private sector house condition survey and Tribal HCH for the private rented study.

Noted

302

Stock Transfer:  Appointment of Council Legal Adviser

302

There was submitted a report dated 27 January 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out the tenders received for the appointment of a Council Legal Adviser to assist with the stock transfer and (2) advising of the appointment of Ledingham Chalmers.  The Committee agreed to note the appointment, all as detailed in the appendix.

303

Stock Transfer:  Building Services Review

303

There was submitted a report dated 8 March 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out tenders received for a consultant for the Building Services Business Review and (2) advising of the appointment of 4 Consulting.

Noted