	Environment and Regeneration Committee

	Tuesday 17 May 2005 at 3.00 pm

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

	Chair: Councillor Forbes 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 Head of Transportation & Roads Service.

	Apologies: Councillors Fyfe and Gallacher.

	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.

447	Housing Revenue Account Budget 2005/06 - Period 1	447

	There was submitted a report dated 3 May 2005 by the Director of Corporate Services on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 1 (30 April 2005).
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the action being taken by Officers to progress further savings in the Housing Revenue Account 2005/06; and
	(2) that the Committee otherwise note the current position of the 2005/06 Housing Revenue Account Budget.

448	Building Services Financial Position - Period 12	448

	There was submitted a report dated 22 April 2005 by the Director of Corporate Services on the projected outturn position for Building Services based on financial information as at Period 12 (31 March 2005) advising that there is a projected surplus of approximately £80,000 against a budgeted surplus of £396,810.
	Decided: that the Committee note the current position of the Building Services Trading Operation.

449	Building Services Financial Projection	449

	There was submitted a report dated April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) examining the reasons for the shortfall against the Building Services Trading Account budgeted surplus and (2) advising of progress against the action plan included within the report by the consultants, 4-Consulting.
	Decided:
	(1) that the content of the report and the direction now being pursued in line with the agreed action plan identified within the 4-Consulting report be noted; and
	(2) that minutes of meetings of the Building Services Working Group and action plan updates be submitted to the Committee.

450	Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08 - Progress	450

	There was submitted a report dated 29 April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the position of the Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08.
	(Councillor Blair entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).
	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.

451	HRA Capital Programme 2005/08 - Progress	451

	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2005/08.
	Decided:
	(1) that the progress of the projects detailed in the appendices to the report be noted; and
	(2) that approval be given to the following expenditure variations:-

	Project Effect on Expenditure

	Gibshill Timber Houses Phase 2 - Final Account
	Remeasured Quantities + £2,591

	55 and 57 Belville Street, Housing Office
	Change of Level between Numbers 55 and 57 + £10,500
	Adaptation of Existing Office + £11,104
	Installation of IT Cabling + £4,386
	Provide Doc M Fittings and Door Widening to Toilets + £1,300
	Other Small Variations - £274

	Kilblain Court - Insulation and Re-rendering - Final Account
	Remeasured Quantities etc. + £4,027

	Replacement Doors, Phase 1C - Final Account
	Remeasured Quantities etc. + £1,183

452	Affordable Housing and the Local Plan	452

	There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the publication of Planning Advice Note 74 on affordable housing, (2) advising of the findings of the housing needs/demand research study by Arneil Johnston relating to affordable housing and (3) setting out the implications of these two reports on the affordable housing policy in the Local Plan, including the particular circumstances relating to Kilmacolm.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee endorse the approach outlined in paragraphs 5.7 - 5.9 of the report to bring forward an Alteration to the Inverclyde Local Plan: First Review, following its adoption, dealing with affordable housing policy, to include any Supplementary Planning Guidance to accompany the Alteration;
	(2) that approval be given to the undertaking of a sequential site search for land to make provision for any affordable housing need that may be required to be addressed for Kilmacolm, in accordance with the Reporter’s recommendations arising from the Local Plan Inquiry; and
	(3) that the Committee note the approach outlined in paragraph 5.10 of the report to consult fully with all relevant stakeholders and the public, as recommended by the Government’s Advice in Planning Advice Note 74.

453	Provisional Tree Preservation Order No. IC29 - Former Bridge of Weir Hospital Site, Quarriers Village	453

	There was submitted a report dated 27 April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the current situation with regard to the making of a Provisional Tree Preservation Order at the former Bridge of Weir Hospital site, Quarriers Village and (2) seeking approval to confirm the Order.
	Decided: that The Inverclyde Council be recommended to confirm The Inverclyde Council (former Bridge of Weir Hospital site, Quarriers Village) (First) Tree Preservation Order No. IC29 as shown on the plan appended to the report.

454	Property Enhancement and Disability Discrimination Act Improvement Works	454

	There was submitted a report dated May 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to proceed with a programme of improvement works relating in the main to planned enhancement, Disability Discrimination Act and accommodation works, including works to address health and safety matters, in order of priority with estimated costs.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee approve the list of property enhancement projects in the priorities as listed in the report;
	(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 period 2005-2007;
	(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;
	(4) that the Committee confirm that the number of projects put out to tender and subsequently accepted be subject to the cost limit as detailed in paragraph 1.1 of the report, in accordance with the Financial Regulations;
	(5) that the Committee delegate to the Head of Property Services authority to adjust the priorities 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; and
	(6) that a report on the vacant shop premises at Port Glasgow Town Hall be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

455	Housing Service Plan 2005/06	455

	There was submitted a report dated 27 April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the achievements of the Service Plan for 2004/05 and (2) outlining the main objectives of the Service Plan 2005/06.
	(Councillor Roach left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the achievements of Housing Services in addressing the targets outlined in its Service Plan 2004/05;
	(2) that the Service Plan for 2005/06 be referred to the Best Value and Corporate Services Committee; and
	(3) that the Committee’s appreciation of the service provided by Housing Services over the course of the last 12 months be conveyed to staff.

456	Area Renewal Update	456

	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive updating the Committee with regard to the progress of the Area Renewal Strategy.
	(Councillor Roach returned to the meeting during consideration of this item of business).
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the intention to demolish the properties listed in appendix 1 to the report;
	(2) that the Committee note the clearance and closure of the houses listed in appendix 1 in preparation for demolition;
	(3) that the Committee note that consultation with residents of Octavia Court, Cumberland Court, Cumberland Walk and East Crawford Street is to be revisited; and
	(4) that approval be given to the buyback of houses specified in appendix 2 to the report.

457	Gibshill Regeneration - Allocation Policy	457

	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive recommending removal of the ring-fencing allocation policy in Gibshill in view of the changed circumstances within the estate.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee agree to remove the ring-fencing policy for the retained stock in Gibshill;
	(2) that the current applications from the 18 Gibshill tenants for the 20 new build houses to be provided by Cloch Housing Association be given priority before the ring-fencing is removed; and
	(3) that all future allocations in Gibshill be made in accordance with the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy.

458	Housing Management Information System (HMIS) Update	458

	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive updating the Committee on the current status of the Housing Management Information System project and seeking approval to upgrade the Oracle system.
C	Decided: that it be agreed to make £25,000 available from the HRA Capital Programme for the update to the Oracle system.	C


459	Rent Arrears Update	459

	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of rent arrears performance for 2004/2005.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the position in respect of rent arrears as at 31 March 2005; and
	(2) that Housing Services continue to prioritise the tackling of rent arrears and that further consideration be given to ways of addressing former tenant arrears.

	(Councillor McCabe left the meeting following consideration of this item of business).

460	Installation of Sprinkler System - Seafield Sheltered Housing Complex	460

	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for the installation of a sprinkler system at Seafield House, Greenock at an estimated cost of £59,200 inclusive of fees and allowances.
	Decided: that it be remitted to the Head of Legal Services to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the installation of a sprinkler system at Seafield House, Greenock.

461	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Demolition of Glencoe Court, Greenock	461

	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 authorise formal negotiations with and appoint JCJ Group Ltd to undertake the demolition of the multi-storey property at Glencoe Court, Greenock.
	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 I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.

	Item Paragraph(s)

	Appendix 2 Relative to Agenda Item 10 Detailing Buybacks
	of Owner Occupied Properties 6
	Lease of Shop Premises: Moss Road, Port Glasgow 2, 6 and 9
	Lease of Shop Premises: Tower Drive, Gourock 2, 6 and 9
	Lease of Ground: Stafford Road, Greenock 2, 6 and 9
	Lease of Bowling Greens and Associated Pavilions 2, 6 and 9
	Disposal of Land: Ingleston Street, Greenock 2, 6 and 9
	Neil Street, Greenock - Heritage Surplus to Requirements 2, 6 and 9
	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -
	Buyback of Property 6


462	Appendix 2 relative to Agenda Item 10 Detailing Buybacks of Owner Occupied Properties	462

	There was submitted appendix 2 relative to Agenda Item 10 (Area Renewal Update) detailing buybacks of owner occupied properties.
	Noted

463	Lease of Shop Premises: Moss Road, Port Glasgow	463

	There was submitted a report dated April 2005 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.

464	Lease of Shop Premises: Tower Drive, Gourock	464

	There was submitted a report dated April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises in Tower Drive, Gourock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

465	Lease of Ground: Stafford Road, Greenock	465

	There was submitted a report dated April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of ground at Stafford Road, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

466	Lease of Bowling Greens and Associated Pavilions	466

	There was submitted a report dated April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to establish new leases for the bowling clubs referred to in the report and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

467	Disposal of Land: Ingleston Street, Greenock	467

	There was submitted a report dated 29 April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to dispose of an area of ground at Ingleston Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

468	Neil Street, Greenock - Heritage Surplus to Requirements	468

	There was submitted a report dated 26 April 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to declare land and heritage at Neil Street, Greenock surplus to requirements with a view to marketing the assets for disposal. The Committee agreed to continue consideration of the matter, all as detailed in the appendix.

469	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Buyback of Property	469

	There was submitted a report dated May 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for approval to submit an offer to buy back an owner occupied property and (2) indicating that the subsequent offer had been accepted.
	Noted