Environment and Regeneration Committee

Thursday 6 September 2005 at 3.00 pm

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

Chair:  Councillor Fyfe presided. 

In attendance:  Depute Chief Executive, Mr G Douglas (for Solicitor to the Council), Head of Economic Development Service, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Housing Services, Head of Implementation Team, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Head of Transportation & Roads Service.

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.

625

Revenue Budget 2005/06 - Period 4

625

There was submitted a report dated 18 August 2005 by the Chief Financial Officer (1) on the out-turn of the Revenue Budget 2004/05 and (2) the position of the Revenue Budget 2005/06 as at Period 4 (31 July 2005).

Noted

626

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2005/06 - Period 4

626

There was submitted a report dated 22 August 2005 by the Chief Financial Officer (1) on the out-turn of the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2004/05 and (2) on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 4 (31 July 2005).

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the Housing Revenue Account 2004/05 out-turn and that the surplus had been transferred to the Housing Revenue Account balance;  and

(2)      that the Committee note the projected deficit in the Housing Revenue Account 2005/06 and that more details on the repairs and rents position will be reported to the next Committee.

627

Revenue Budget 2005/06 - Period 4 - Building Services and Roads Trading Accounts

627

There was submitted a report dated 19 August 2005 by the Chief Financial Officer (1) on the out-turn of the Building Services and Roads Trading Accounts 2004/05 and (2) the position of the Building Services and Roads Trading Accounts as at Period 4 (31 July 2005).

Decided:  that the Committee note the current projection for the rolling three year period for the Building Services and Roads Trading Accounts.

628

Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08 - Progress

628

There was submitted a report dated 19 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the position of the Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08.

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.

629

HRA Capital Programme 2005/2008 - Progress

629

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2005/2008.

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

Riverside Gardens - Heating and Sprinkler Contract

Additional Valves                                                                               + £  3,400

Attendo Pull Cord Relocation                                                            + £  1,200

Boxing In of Heating Pipework                                                          + £  5,903

Fees                                                                                                  + £     340

Kitchens and Bathrooms Phase 3A

Add Flat 14a John Wood Street                                                        + £   2,500

Plaster Ceilings                                                                                 + £      200

Variations at 3 Station Road                                                             + £      502

Loss and Expense                                                                            + £   5,190

Additional Fees                                                                                  + £      839

Broadfield Phase 7

Armour Mesh to Closes                                                                    + £   1,380

Additional TV Masts                                                                           + £      220

Additional Conduit                                                                             + £      952

Fire Walls                                                                                          + £   2,400

Removal of Asbestos Soffits                                                            + £   4,263

BT Works                                                                                          + £   1,138

Deduct Remaining Contingency                                                       - £    6,340

Additional Fees                                                                                  + £      421

Regeneration Demolition Phase 3

Asbestos Removal Works                                                                + £   3,400

Removal of Reinforced Concrete Floors                                          + £ 16,623

Removal of Non Standard Concrete Foundations                            + £   4,826

Contractor’s Extension of Time Claim                                              + £ 19,000

Contingency Allowance                                                                     - £  15,692

Fees                                                                                                  - £    2,432

Regeneration Demolition Phase 5

Furniture Removal                                                                            + £   1,080

Asbestos Removal Works (Grampian Court)                                  + £   2,849

Asbestos Removal Works (Nevis Court)                                         + £   2,065

Removal of Reinforced Concrete Floors                                          + £   2,712

Removal of Non Standard Concrete Foundations

(Tweed Street)                                                                                  + £   7,130

Removal of Non Standard Concrete Foundations

(Grampian Court)                                                                              + £   9,334

Contractor’s Extension of Time Claim                                              + £ 28,211

Contingency Allowance                                                                     - £  21,444

Fees                                                                                                  + £ 34,846

Cairngorm Court                                                                               +£103,406

630

Proposed Stopping-Up of Road:  Newark Street, Port Glasgow

630

There was submitted a report dated 23 August 2005 by the Solicitor to the Council recommending confirmation of a Stopping-Up Order at Newark Street, Port Glasgow necessary to allow for the construction of a Class 1 Food Store and associated works.

Decided:  that the Committee confirm the Stopping-Up of Road, Inverclyde (Newark Street, Port Glasgow) Order 2005 and authorise the Solicitor to the Council to take all necessary action in connection therewith.

631

Environment & Regeneration  Services - Service Plan Update

631

There was submitted a report dated 24 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the current position in respect of Service Plan preparation for Environment and Regeneration Services.

Decided:  that the Committee note the position in respect of Service Plan preparation for Environment and Regeneration Services.

632

Economic Development Service Plan 2005/06

632

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of the Economic Development Service Plan 2005/06, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee approve the Service Plan for 2005/06;

(2) that approval be given to 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;  and

(3) that the Service Plan for 2005/06 be referred to the Best Value & Corporate Services Committee for consideration and approval.

633

Transportation & Roads - Service Plan for 2005/06 to 2008/09

633

There was submitted a report dated 24 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of the Transportation & Roads Service Plan for 2005/06 to 2008/09, a copy of which was appended to the report, and to the Committee receiving monitoring reports on the plan on an annual basis.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee approve the Service Plan for 2005/06 to 2008/09 and agree to receive annual monitoring reports on the Plan;  and

(2) that the Service Plan for 2005/06 to 2008/09 be referred to the Best Value & Corporate Services Committee for consideration.

634

Building Services - Business Plan 2005/08

634

There was submitted a report dated August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of the Business Plan for Building Services 2005/08, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:  that the Committee approve the Business Plan 2005/08 and refer it to the Best Value and Corporate Services Committee for consideration.

635

Cleaning Services - Business Plan 2005/08

635

There was submitted a report dated August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of the Cleaning Services Business Plan 2005/08, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:  that the Committee approve the Business Plan 2005/08 and refer it to the Best Value and Corporate Services Committee for consideration.

636

Glasgow and The Clyde Valley 2005 Structure Plan Alteration - Response to Consultative Draft Plan

636

There was submitted a report dated 15 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the publication and placing on deposit for public consultation of the Consultative Draft Structure Plan Alteration 2005 and (2) seeking endorsement of the Council’s response to the Alteration for submission to the Structure Plan Joint Committee as set out in the report.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee endorse the contents of the report as the formal response of the Council to the 2005 Alteration to the 2000 Glasgow and The Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan;

(2) that it be agreed to draw the attention of the Joint Committee to the Council’s particular concern at the identification in the 2005 Alteration of Bishopton as a potential large scale location for future housing development and its likely confirmation as an Established Urban Expansion Area, with a large residential allocation;

(3) that it be agreed to express concern over the impact this is likely to have upon the approved waterfront regeneration and new neighbourhood strategies in Inverclyde;

(4) that it be agreed to draw the attention of the Joint Committee to the other issues raised in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.18 of the report and, in particular, the alternative planning and development framework for Bishopton as a predominantly business and industrial location to serve the western side of the Conurbation;  and

(5) that it be agreed to seek early and necessary discussions through the Joint Committee with the relevant parties dealing with this development proposal, with a view to resolving a range of issues that should, as a matter of course, be shared with Inverclyde Council as an affected neighbouring authority.

637

Inverclyde Local Plan:  First Review, Final Draft - Response to Proposed Modifications and Next Stages

637

There was submitted a report dated 23 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive providing an update on the progress of the Inverclyde Local Plan:  First Review (1) advising of the objections and representations received to the Proposed Modifications to the Plan indicating that a number had been successfully resolved but that there were two outstanding areas of objection, Inverkip Power Station and Hill Farm, Inverkip and (2) outlining the likely next stages and associated timescales for any other public consultation required and adoption of the Plan, dependent upon the Committee’s views relative to the outstanding areas of objection.ƒ

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

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the responses to the representations and objections that had been resolved as outlined in paragraph 3.2 of the report;

(2) that approval be given to the response in relation to Hill  Farm, Inverkip as outlined in paragraph 3.6 of the report;

(3) that Chapter 17 of the Local Plan “Inverkip Power Station” be reinstated in the light of the additional information and undertakings received from Scottish Power, as set out in Annexes 3 and 3A of the report, and the revised Proposed Modifications to Chapter 17, set out in Annex 4 and incorporating in the relevant Housing Development Opportunity Schedule a maximum capacity of 400 housing units on the site;  and

(4) that the Committee endorse the requirement to advertise the further proposed modifications to the Final Draft Local Plan.

638

“Routes to Regeneration” - Outdoor Access in Inverclyde

638

There was submitted a report dated 23 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of access issues since the last report to the Committee on 22 March 2005.

Decided:

(1) that the initial structure of the Local Access Forum as set out in appendix 1 to the report be approved;  and

(2) that it be noted future reports will be submitted to the Committee on the progress of preparation of the Core Path Plan and the likely timetable and costs.

639

Mapping Services Agreement

639

There was submitted a report dated 23 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the new Mapping Services Agreement entered into by the Head of Planning Services on behalf of the Council which would enable the Council to continue to receive essential digital mapping data and (2) setting out the financial and other implications.

Decided:

(1) that it be noted the Head of Planning Services had entered into a new Mapping Services Agreement on behalf of the Council;  and

(2) that the Committee note the costs associated with the Mapping Services Agreement which will be contained within the existing budget allocation for the current financial year with any subsequent increases in excess of the budget allocation being reported to the Committee.

640

Street Names for Housing Development at East Hamilton Street/Ratho Street, Greenock

640

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the proposed naming of two streets within the housing development at East Hamilton Street/Ratho Street, Greenock.

Decided:  that the street names Kincaid Court and Oakfield Terrace be adopted.

641

Unoccupied Houses within School Grounds

641

There was submitted a report dated August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to declare six unoccupied houses within the grounds of Gourock High School, Slaemuir Primary School, St Columba’s High School, St Kenneth’s Primary School, St Laurence’s Primary School and St Ninian’s Primary School surplus to requirements.

Decided:

(1) that the properties identified in the report, but not the sites, be declared surplus to requirements;  and

(2) that approval be given to demolish the properties and return the vacant sites for use as part of the school grounds, subject to the project being added to the Education Capital Programme.

642

Area Renewal Update

642

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

After discussion, Councillor Gallacher moved that the Committee approve the recommendations as set out in the report including (4) approval of the increase in redevelopment points from 30 to 48 points with immediate effect, subject to review.  As an amendment to (4), Councillor McCabe moved that the Committee approve an increase in redevelopment points from 30 to 40 points with immediate effect, subject to review.  On a vote, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 8 for the motion which was declare 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.

Decided:

(1) that the draft indicative housing Masterplans attached to the report as appendices 1a and 1b be endorsed and that it be remitted to Property Services and Legal Services to deal with the timeous disposal of the sites in concurrence with the site boundaries appended;

(2) that the outcomes of the consultation in Octavia Court, Cumberland Court and East Crawford Street be noted;

(3) that the intention to clear and demolish the properties listed in appendix 2 to the report be noted;

C

(4) that the increase in redevelopment points from 30 to 48 points, with immediate effect, subject to review, be approved;  and

C

(5) that the draft Early Action Fund programme for 2005/06 as set out in appendix 3 to the report be noted.

643

Private Sector Housing Grant 2005/06

643

There was submitted a report dated 15 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive setting out for consideration spending suggestions to utilise the remainder of the Private Sector Housing Grant 2005/06 baseline allocation.

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

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to use £60,000 of the unallocated reserve towards commissioning an options appraisal for the Robert Street area;  andŽ

(2) that approval be given to use the remaining £263,000 to assist grant applicants, ineligible for Inverclyde Care & Repair Service, who wish to carry out roof renewals, rot eradication works and/or structural/render works as outlined in paragraphs 3.9 to 3.11 of the report.

644

Private Sector Housing Grant - Tenemental Inspection Service

644

There was submitted a report dated 24 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the Tenemental Inspection Service since its inception in March 2005.

Decided:  that the Committee note the progress of the Tenemental Inspection Service and the contribution the service is making to the long term sustainability of tenemental properties, a targeted management of private sector resources and corporate aims and objectives.

645

Housing Allocations Policy

645

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of discrepancies in the current Housing Allocations Policy, (2) outlining proposed amendments to reflect a change from a time based to a needs based policy which were currently subject to a consultation process and (3) setting out the proposed implementation timescale together with the implications of implementing the changes.

Decided:

(1) that it be noted the proposed policy will be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee for consideration once the consultation and testing process has been completed;

(2) that the Committee authorise the expenditure from the Housing Reserve as detailed in paragraph 7.1 of the report;

(3) that authority be given to the invitation of tenders from suitably qualified contractors to conduct the re-registration exercise;

(4) that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the most favourable tender received;  and

(5) that the intention to hold a briefing session in September to apprise Members of progress be noted.

646

Ad Hoc Replacement of Gas Heating Installations

646

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for the ad hoc replacement of gas heating installations at an estimated cost of £200,000 per annum, including fees.

Decided:

(1) that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the ad hoc replacement of gas installations;  and

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

647

Building Services Operational Performance

647

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the operational performance of Building Services as at Period 4.

Noted

648

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Funding for Consultants - Valuation of Housing Stock

648

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to agree expenditure of £40,000 for the appointment of consultants to undertake a valuation of the Council’s housing stock.

Noted

649

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Proposed Demolition of Cairngorm Court, Greenock

649

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to authorise formal negotiation with JCJ Group Ltd and engagement of the company to demolish the vacant multi-storey property at Cairngorm Court, Greenock.

Noted

650

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Repair to Passenger Lift at Lynedoch Court, Greenock

650

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 instruct a specialist contractor to repair the passenger lift at Lynedoch Court, Greenock.

Noted

651

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Fire and Water Festival August 2005

651

There was submitted a report dated 18 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to authorise expenditure of £35,000 to cover infrastructure and other support for a Fire and Water Festival on Customhouse Quay on 20 and 21 August 2005.

Noted

652

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Greenock Cut Refurbishment Works:  Approval to Extend Stage 1 Contract

652

There was submitted a report dated 2 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for approval to extend the Stage 1 Contract with Land Engineering to a value not exceeding £35,000.

Noted

653

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Energy Management

653

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 issue tenders for projects within the Scottish Executive Initiative grant award and to delegate authority to the Head of Property Services in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer to accept the lowest acceptable tender in each case.

Noted

654

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Bitumen Macadam Repairs 2005/2006

654

There was submitted a report dated June 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for approval to accept the lowest tender for the provision of a measured term contract for bitumen macadam repairs, that by Newmac Asphalt Ltd.

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

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)

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Lease of Premises:  John Wood Street, Port Glasgow                               2, 6 and 9

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Proprietary Treatments for Carriageways and Footways - 2005/06           6 and 8

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Road Lighting Maintenance 2005 - 2009(10)                                                 6 and 8

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Proposed Demolition of Property at 63-77 Glasgow

Road, Port Glasgow                                                                                         6 and 8

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Lease of Premises:  Drumfrochar Road, Greenock                                     2, 6 and 9

Sunnyside Avenue, Port Glasgow

Pleasantside Avenue, Port Glasgow                                                             6 and 13

Garvald Street, Greenock                                                                               6 and 13

Pottery Street Redevelopment Area                                                             2, 6 and 9

Lease of Shop Premises:  Cathcart Street, Greenock                                2, 6 and 9

Lease of Shop Premises:  Inverkip Street, Greenock                                2, 6 and 9

Lease of Shop Premises:  Bay Street, Port Glasgow                                  2, 6 and 9

Lease of Shop Premises:  Church Street, Port Glasgow                            2, 6 and 9

Former St Saviour’s Primary School Site, Burns Road, Greenock           2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Land:  Mount Pleasant Street/Roxburgh Street, Greenock  2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Land:  Florence Street/Mary Street, Greenock                       2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Land:  Sinclair Street, Greenock                                               2, 6 and 9

Clydeview Road, Greenock - Heritage Surplus to Requirements             2, 6 and 9

Former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm                                                             2, 6 and 9

Memorandum and Articles of Association, River Clyde Homes                 12

Private Sector Housing Grant - Energy Grants                                           6 and 8

Upgrading of Lifts in Heather, Thistle and Rowan

Courts, Port Glasgow                                                                                       6 and 8

Heat with Rent                                                                                                  6 and 8

Report on Tenders:  Supply of Blacksmith Services                                  6 and 8

Building Services Working Group Update                                                   1

655

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Lease of Premises:  John Wood Street, Port Glasgow

655

There was submitted a report dated August 2005  by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for the lease of premises in John Wood Street, Port Glasgow.

Noted

656

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Proprietary Treatments for Carriageways and Footways - 2005/06

656

There was submitted a report dated 8 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for approval to appoint specialist contractors for proprietary treatments for carriageways and footways - 2005/06.

Noted

657

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Road Lighting Maintenance 2005 - 2009(10)

657

There was submitted a report dated 15 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out tenders received for road lighting maintenance 2005 - 2009(10) and (2) advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to approve the acceptance of the lowest tender submitted, that by Centre Great Ltd in the corrected sum of £367,899.19.

Noted

658

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Proposed Demolition of Property at 63-77 Glasgow Road, Port Glasgow

658

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) setting out tenders received for the demolition of the property at 63-77 Glasgow Road, 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 JCJ Group Ltd in the sum of £128,621.90.

Noted

659

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Lease of Premises:  Drumfrochar Road, Greenock

659

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 grant a lease of premises in Drumfrochar Road, Greenock.

Noted

660

Sunnyside Avenue, Port Glasgow

660

Pleasantside Avenue, Port Glasgow

There was submitted a report dated 9 August 2005 by the Solicitor to the Council recommending action to be taken at Sunnyside Avenue, Port Glasgow and Pleasantside Avenue, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

661

Garvald Street, Greenock

661

There was submitted a report dated 4 August 2005 by the Solicitor to the Council (1) updating the Committee in respect of the Housing Action Area for Demolition project at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Garvald Street, Greenock and (2) recommending action to be taken.

Councillor McCabe declared a personal interest in this matter and took no part in its consideration or decision.

The Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

662

Pottery Street Redevelopment Area

662

There was submitted a report dated 24 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to enter into a ground lease with a developer for two platforms at the Pottery Street redevelopment area and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

663

Lease of Shop Premises:  Cathcart Street, Greenock

663

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

664

Lease of Shop Premises:  Inverkip Street, Greenock

664

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

665

Lease of Shop Premises:  Bay Street, Port Glasgow

665

There was submitted a report dated June 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises in Bay Street, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

666

Lease of Shop Premises:  Church Street, Port Glasgow

666

There was submitted a report dated May 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises in Church Street, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

667

Former St Saviour’s Primary School Site, Burns Road, Greenock

667

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to amend the development proposal relative to the former St Saviour’s Primary School site, Burns Road, Greenock from two 40 bed care homes to one care home with no fewer than 82, and no more than 90, bed spaces and a housing complex for six persons with learning difficulties, together with approval for a title variation and transfer of title to a new company and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

668

Disposal of Land:  Mount Pleasant Street/Roxburgh Street, Greenock

668

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to amend the area of land at Mount Pleasant Street/Roxburgh Street, Greenock to be disposed of for the development of a primary health care facility and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

669

Disposal of Land:  Florence Street/Mary Street, Greenock

669

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

670

Disposal of Land:  Sinclair Street, Greenock

670

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

671

Clydeview Road, Greenock - Heritage Surplus to Requirements

671

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to declare land and heritage at Clydeview Road, Greenock surplus to requirements with a view to disposal.

Councillor Mitchell declared an interest in this matter and took no part in its consideration or decision. 

The Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

672

Former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm

672

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on offers to purchase the former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm following the marketing of the property on the basis of a revised development brief.  The Committee agreed to the action recommended and that a report on timescales and other issues be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee, all as detailed in the appendix.

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

673

Memorandum and Articles of Association, River Clyde Homes

673

There was submitted a report dated 19 August 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive and the Solicitor to the Council seeking endorsement of the proposed Memorandum and Articles of Association of River Clyde Homes, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:

(1) that the draft Memorandum and Articles of River Clyde Homes be endorsed, with the following requirements:

(i) that the voting formula in respect of Annual General and Special Meetings as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report be deleted;

(ii) that employees of the Council or close relatives should be allowed to be Board Members subject to the usual selection and appointment procedure;  and

(iii) that the Council should request and apply for corporate membership of the company;  and

(2) that the Solicitor to the Council confirm the Council’s requirements to River Clyde Homes as a condition to endorsement of the Memorandum and Articles.

674

Private Sector Housing Grant - Energy Grants

674

There was submitted a report dated 9 June 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on administrative arrangements for energy efficiency grants through the Private Sector Housing Grant and (2) setting out information received from power suppliers with regard to the provision of cavity wall and loft insulation to private households.

Decided:

(1) that energy efficiency grant applications from owners ineligible for the Scottish Executive’s warm deal be accepted;

(2) that the maximum approved expense for cavity wall insulation or loft insulation be set at £109 and for both jobs at £218;

(3) that it be agreed to pay minimum percentage grants of 50% where cavity wall insulation or loft insulation is being fitted in a common property;

(4) that where a property can take, and needs, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation both measures must be taken;  and

(5) that the nPower scheme be acknowledged as the scheme preferred by the Council and that officers work jointly with nPower and its installers to promote the scheme.

675

Upgrading of Lifts in Heather, Thistle and Rowan Courts, Port Glasgow

675

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for the upgrading of lifts in Heather, Thistle and Rowan Courts, Port Glasgow.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to accept the tender submitted by Lift Maintenance Ltd in the sum of £512,567.

676

Heat with Rent

676

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on an expected deficit in the heat with rent fund balance and advising of the requirement to increase the charge levied to tenants and owners on the heat with rent scheme and (2) advising of a meeting to take place with an energy supplier to assist consideration of options.

Decided:  that the position with regard to the heat with rent scheme be noted and that it be noted a further report will be prepared once future electricity costs are quantified.

677

Report on Tenders:  Supply of Blacksmith Services

677

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for the supply of Blacksmith Services.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to accept the tender submitted by Inverweld on the basis of the rates set out in the report.

678

Building Services Working Group Update

678

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive appending (1) approved minutes of meeting of the Building Services Working Group of 6 June and 18 July 2005 and (2) the current action plan update.

Noted