Environment and Regeneration Committee

Tuesday 1 November 2005 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Gallacher, Hill, 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, Mr J Aird (for Chief Financial Officer), Head of Housing Services, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Head of Transportation & Roads Service.

Apologies:  Councillors Forbes and McCabe.

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.

833

Revenue Budget 2005/06 - Period 5

833

There was submitted a report dated 10 October 2005 by the Chief Financial Officer on the position of the Revenue Budget 2005/06 as at Period 5 (31 August 2005).

(Councillor Mitchell and Councillor McCormick entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Noted

834

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2005/06 - Period 6

834

There was submitted a report dated 25 October 2005 by the Chief Financial Officer on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 6 (30 September 2005).

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Corporate Management Team to report on options to balance the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2005/06.

835

Revenue Budget 2005/06 - Period 5

Building Services and Roads Trading Accounts

835

There was submitted a report dated 17 October 2005 by the Chief Financial Officer on (1) 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 5 (31 August 2005).

Decided:  that the Committee note the current projection for the rolling three year period for both Trading Accounts.

836

Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08 - Progress

836

There was submitted a report dated 14 October 2005 by the Acting 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 appendices 1, 2 and 3 to the report;

(2)      that approval be given to an expenditure increase of £14,850 in the McLean Museum and Watt Library contract as a result of additional slates and additional fees;  and

(3)      that the Committee otherwise note the report.

837

HRA Capital Programme 2005/08 - Progress

837

There was submitted a report dated 12 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2005/08.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the progress of the projects detailed in the appendices to the report;

(2)      that approval be given to the following expenditure variations:-

Project                                                                                              Effect on Expenditure

Regeneration Demolition Phase 3

Removal of Reinforced Concrete Garage Bases and

Foundations                                                                                      + £1,500

Increase in fees                                                                                 + £120

Regeneration Demolition Phase 2

Gabion Walling Retaining Wall                                                         + £1,500

Increase in Fees                                                                               + £150

Riverside Gardens - Heating and Sprinkler Contract

Floor Covering Cleaning                                                                   + £650

Alarm to Sprinkler System                                                                + £1,800

Demolition 86-112 and 142-168 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock

Street Lighting Works                                                                       + £5,000

Increase in Fees                                                                               + £400

Gas and Electrical Ad Hoc Contract 2005-2006

Projected Increase in Expenditure                                                    + £150,000

(3)      that it be noted an analysis of expenditure on gas heating installations was being undertaken and would be made available to the Committee;  and

(4)      that it be agreed to increase the budget for the ad hoc replacement of gas heating systems during 2005/06 to £350,000.

838

Transportation & Roads Service Trading Account - Business Plan 2005/06 to 2008/09

838

There was submitted a report dated 19 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking approval of the Transportation & Roads Service Trading Account Business Plan 2005/06 to 2008/09, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:  that the Committee approve the Transportation & Roads Service Trading Account Business Plan 2005/06 to 2008/09 and refer it to the Best Value & Corporate Services Committee for consideration.

839

Housing Service Plan 2005/2006 Review

839

There was submitted a report by the Acting Chief Executive providing an update on the progress of the Housing Service Plan 2005/2006.‡

Decided:  that the Committee note the additions and progress made to date on the Housing Service Plan 2005/2006.

840

Scottish Planning Policy - Response to Consultation Drafts

840

There was submitted a report dated 17 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive (1) on the publication of Scottish Planning Policy documents relating to Green Belts (SPP 21), Town Centres (SPP 8) and Mineral Working (SPP 4) and (2) seeking endorsement of the comments set out in the annexes to the report as the Council's formal response to the Scottish Executive.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee welcome the opportunity to comment on the publication of new consultation draft Scottish Planning Policy documents relating to Green Belts (SPP 21), Town Centres (SPP 8) and Mineral Working (SPP 4);

(2)      that the comments outlined in annexes A, B and C of the report be endorsed as the Council's formal response to the Scottish Executive;  and

(3)      that the Committee note the key issues raised and the implications outlined, which have already been incorporated into the First Review of the Local Plan or will be taken into account in future updates or review of the Local Plan and which are material considerations in making future planning decisions.

841

Glasgow and the Clyde Valley 2005 Structure Plan Alteration - Bishopton

841

There was submitted a report dated 13 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive on the outcome of a meeting with Renfrewshire Council and the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee Manager relative to the Council's response to the 2005 Structure Plan Alteration and its proposals for Bishopton.

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

Decided:

(1)      that the outcome of discussions with the Structure Plan Manager and Renfrewshire Council with regard to the identification of land for development at Bishopton be noted;

(2)      that, as a consequence of (1), the Committee endorse the understanding that has been reached as set out in annex 1 to the report particularly with regard to the timing and phasing of housing development at Bishopton which should minimise its impact upon the approved plans for the regeneration of Inverclyde's waterfront and the new neighbourhood strategy of the Local Plan;  and

(3)      that it be noted that with another round of consultation on the Finalised Draft  2005 Alteration over the coming months, the Council has a further opportunity to make representations on the Plan that will be considered by the Joint Committee in the New Year for final endorsement and submission to the Scottish Ministers for approval.

842

Local Plan:  Annual Monitoring and Review of Housing Strategy (2004-05)

842

There was submitted a report dated 17 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive on the progress for the year 2004-05 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 Committee note the wider planning policy in partnership context that continues to have a bearing on and influences the implementation of the Local Plan's Housing Development Strategy;

(2)      that the findings of the annual monitoring exercise, in accordance with the requirements of Policy H7 of the Local Plan, be noted;

(3)      that the Housing Strategy and Policies in the Local Plan: First Review in accordance with the interpretation of the findings in the report be endorsed;  and

(4)      that the initiatives being undertaken in partnership to assist the implementation of the Development Strategy and the Local Plan, for example Riverside Inverclyde and the Area Renewal Strategy, be noted.

843

Inverclyde Local Plan:  First Review - Update on Progress and Adoption of Plan

843

There was submitted a report dated 18 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive providing an update on the progress of The Inverclyde Local Plan:  First Review (1) advising of the statutory requirements and costs of adoption and (2) outlining the budgetary provisions necessary to bring forward required alterations and for regular monitoring, update and review of the Local Plan.

Decided:

(1)      that the position regarding the absence of any outstanding objections to the final proposed modifications to the Local Plan with respect to Inverkip Power Station be noted;

(2)      that, as a consequence of (1), the Committee approve in principle the advertisement required by statute of the Council's Notice of Intention to adopt the Local Plan and that the matter be reported to the meeting of The Inverclyde Council to be held on 1 December 2005 for formal confirmation of this course of action, including the date on which the Plan will become operative;  and

(3)      that the position regarding budget allocation and future provision for the Local Plan, in order to fulfil the commitments which Planning Services have to bring forward as expeditiously as practicable the First Alteration to the Plan on Affordable Housing, subsequent alterations and supplementary planning guidance and for the regular monitoring, updating and review of the Plan be noted.

844

Modernising the Planning System - Scottish Executive White Paper

844

There was submitted a report dated 11 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive (1) on the main proposals contained in the Scottish Executive White Paper "Modernising the Planning System" and (2) seeking endorsement of the comments submitted on behalf of the Council to the Scottish Executive.

Decided:  that the Committee endorse the comments set out in appendix 1 to the report which had been forwarded to the Scottish Executive.

845

Grant Aided Roads Related Projects 2005/06

845

There was submitted a report dated 19 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive recommending works to be undertaken in 2005/06 using grant offers of funding from the Scottish Executive for 20 mph speed limits around schools and related safety projects and cycling, walking and safer streets projects.

Decided:  that approval be given to the programme of projects listed in appendices 1 and 2 to the report.

846

Transportation & Roads Service Trading Account Operational Performance Report

846

There was submitted a report dated 19 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive on the operational performance of the Transportation & Roads Service Trading Account.

Noted

847

Corporate Property

847

There was submitted a report by the Acting Chief Executive seeking consent to redesignate land from surplus to requirements to operational.

Decided:  that it be agreed to redesignate the land at 64 Cathcart Street, Greenock, 15 Mearns Street, Greenock, 46/48 Broomberry Drive, Gourock and Crawford Lane/Glen Crescent, Inverkip as operational.

848

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Greenock Municipal Buildings, Tower Office Refurbishment:  Acceptance of Lowest Tender

848

There was submitted a report dated September 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to approve acceptance of the lowest tender submitted for refurbishment of the Tower Office at Greenock Municipal Buildings, that by Elim Construction Ltd in the sum of £137,337.12.

Noted

849

Area Renewal Update

849

There was submitted a report by the Acting Chief Executive (1) updating the Committee with regard to the progress of the Area Renewal Strategy and (2) providing details of the half yearly position on expenditure of the Early Action Fund.

Decided:

(1)      that the clearance and demolition of Teviot Place, Greenock be approved;

(2)      that the reopening of the properties listed in appendix 1 to the report be approved;  and

(3)      that the Committee otherwise note the contents of the report.

850

Rent Arrears Update - September 2005

850

There was submitted a report dated 28 October 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of rent arrears performance as at 30 September 2005 and (2) recommending steps to assist recovery.

Decided:  that it be agreed to remit the report to the Corporate Management Team for consideration in terms of the Council's corporate debt collection.

851

Allocations Policy

851

There was submitted a report dated 11 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive (1) seeking approval of the reviewed Housing Allocations Policy, a copy of which was appended to the report, and (2) updating the Committee on implementation timescales.

Decided:

(1)      that the reviewed Housing Allocations Policy appended to the report be approved, it being noted that the points values were indicative;‰

(2)      that it be noted that additional work to the Housing Management Information System to accommodate the policy was required;  and

(3) that the outsourcing of the re-registration of tenants be reconsidered as part of the review of the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2005/06 by the Corporate Management Team agreed earlier in the meeting.

852

External Cladding of Heather, Thistle and Rowan Courts, Port Glasgow

852

There was submitted a report dated 12 October 2005 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to (1) add the cladding of two additional multi-storey properties in Port Glasgow to the HRA Capital Programme and (2) invite tenders for the works.

C

Decided:

(1)      that the cladding of Heather and Rowan Courts, Port Glasgow be added to the HRA Capital Programme at an estimated additional cost of £1m;  and

C

(2)      that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the project comprising the three multi-storey properties, Heather, Thistle and Rowan Courts.

853

Lift Upgrading Phase 5:  Sheltered Housing Complexes

853

There was submitted a report dated 6 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for Phase 5 of the Lift Upgrading Programme, at an estimated cost of £210,000 including fees and contingencies.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders for Phase 5 of the Lift Upgrading Programme comprising the four sheltered housing complexes at Glebe Court, Riverside Gardens, Seafield House and Stewart House and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received.

854

Fire Detection System Upgrades - Sheltered Housing Complexes

854

There was submitted a report dated 13 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for the upgrading of fire detection systems in sheltered housing complexes, at a total estimated cost of £197,000 including fees.

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the upgrading of the fire detection systems at Glebe Court, Kilmacolm and Stewart House, Greenock;

(2)      that the fire detection system at Seafield House, Greenock be upgraded, the works to be tendered with the works to install a sprinkler system previously approved by the Committee;  and

(3)      that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the upgrading of the fire detection equipment and associated measures at the sheltered housing complexes detailed in (1) and (2) above and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tenders received.

855

Roof and Rainwater Goods Replacement

855

Riverside Gardens, Gourock

There was submitted a report dated 14 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for roofing works and the replacement of rainwater goods at Riverside Gardens, Gourock, at an estimated cost of £61,000 including fees.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders for roofing works and the replacement of rainwater goods at Riverside Gardens, Gourock and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received.

856

Rewiring - Crescent Street Depot

856

There was submitted a report dated 10 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for the rewiring of the Crescent Street Depot, at an estimated cost of £80,000.

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the rewiring of the Crescent Street Depot, the project to be funded through the Prudential Framework;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the works and that tenders be accepted in accordance with the Standing Orders Relating to Contracts and the Financial Regulations.

857

Replacement Heating Installation - Crescent Street Depot

857

There was submitted a report dated 10 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for the replacement of the heating installation at the Crescent Street Depot, at an estimated cost of £85,000.

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the project to replace the heating system at the Crescent Street Depot, the project to be funded through the Prudential Framework;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the works and that tenders be accepted in accordance with the Standing Orders Relating to Contracts and the Financial Regulations.

858

Building Services Operational Performance

858

There was submitted a report dated 10 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive on the operational performance of Building Services as at Period 5.

Noted

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Solicitor to the Council was relevant, competent and urgent moved its consideration to allow the Committee to consider a remit from the Health & Social Care Committee relative to a proposal to develop further vocational training and employment opportunities for people with mental health problems at the gap site in Caddlehill Street, Greenock.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

859

Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003

859

Gap Site at Caddlehill Street, Greenock

There was submitted a report dated 26 October 2005 by the Solicitor to the Council on a remit from the Health & Social Care Committee of 25 October 2005 seeking the Committee's view on the disposal of the gap site at Caddlehill Street, Greenock for the development as an operational property by Inverclyde Association for Mental Health in further pursuance of the Council's obligations under the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.

Decided:  that the Committee approve for its interest the proposal for Inverclyde Association for Mental Health to develop further vocational training and employment opportunities for people with mental health problems at the gap site in Caddlehill Street, Greenock.

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)

Heat with Rent - Proposed Charges                                                        6 and 8

Development of Victoria and East India Harbours, Greenock             6 and 9

Pottery Street Redevelopment Area  - Financial Model                       9

Non-Operational Property

Scheme of Delegation Register                                                               2, 6 and 9

Non-Operational Property

Property Information Update                                                                    2, 6 and 9

Former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm                                                       2, 6 and 9

Clyde Muirshiel Park

Disposal of Land and Heritage                                                                 2, 6 and 9

Wellington Park and King George V Playing Fields -

Heritage Surplus to Requirements                                                          2, 6 and 9

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

Disposal of Land and Heritage:  Grosvenor Road, Greenock             2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Ground:  Burnside Road, Gourock                                     2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Ground:  Mallard Crescent, Greenock                               2, 6 and 9

Acceptance of Tender:  Replacement Doors                                         6 and 8

Refurbishment of BISF Properties - Phase 1

Report on Tenders                                                                                     6 and 8

Refurbishment of BISF Properties in Bardrainney, Port Glasgow

and South Maukinhill, Greenock - Phase 2                                             6

Building Services Working Group Update                                             1

860

Heat with Rent - Proposed Charges

860

There was submitted a report by the Acting Chief Executive seeking authority to extend the contract for the electric heat with rent scheme with the current supplier.

Decided:  that approval be given to the extension of the electric heat with rent contract with Scottish Power until November 2007 on the terms set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

861

Development of Victoria and East India Harbours, Greenock

861

There was submitted a report dated 11 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive (1) on the outcome of negotiations between the Council and Clydeport on the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement for the development of Victoria and East India Harbours, Greenock and (2) seeking approval to enter into the Joint Venture arrangement, details of which were appended to the report.  The Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

862

Pottery Street Redevelopment Area - Financial Model

862

There was submitted a report dated 19 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive updating the Committee on the financial model for the Pottery Street Redevelopment Area.

Decided:

(1)      that the current cashflow predictions be noted;

(2)      that, subject to confirmation from the Policy & Strategy Committee, approval be given to the receipt from the sale of the sites estimated to be valued at £810,000 being reinvested within the project;  and

(3)      that a report be submitted to the Policy & Strategy Committee seeking approval for reinvestment of the capital receipts in the project.

863

Non-Operational Property

863

Scheme of Delegation Register

There was submitted a report dated 19 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive providing information relative to non-operational property for the period April 2005 to September 2005.

Noted

864

Non-Operational Property

864

Property Information Update

There was submitted a report dated 19 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive providing information relative to non-operational commercial and industrial property for the period April 2005 to September 2005.

Noted

865

Former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm

865

There was submitted a report by the Acting Chief Executive updating the Committee on the timescales and other issues relating to the proposed disposal of the former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm.

Decided:  that the Committee note the position regarding negotiations in relation to the disposal of the former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm.

866

Clyde Muirshiel Park

866

Disposal of Land and Heritage

There was submitted a report dated 11 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking consent to dispose of land and heritage at Clyde Muirshiel Park.

Decided:  that consideration of the matter be continued to the next meeting of the Committee, to afford Elected Members the opportunity to visit the site prior to reaching a decision on the matter.

867

Wellington Park and King George V Playing Fields - Heritage Surplus to Requirements

867

There was submitted a report by the Acting Chief Executive seeking consent to declare land and heritage at Wellington Park and King George V Playing Fields surplus to requirements with a view to disposal and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

868

Disposal of Premises:  Newton Street, Greenock

868

There was submitted a report dated 11 October 2005 by the Acting 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.

869

Disposal of Land and Heritage:  Grosvenor Road, Greenock

869

There was submitted a report dated 11 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive on offers to purchase land and heritage at Grosvenor Road, Greenock following advertisement and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

870

Disposal of Ground:  Burnside Road, Gourock

870

There was submitted a report dated 12 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking consent to declare ground at Burnside Road, Gourock surplus to requirements with a view to disposal and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

871

Disposal of Ground:  Mallard Crescent, Greenock

871

There was submitted a report dated 12 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking consent to declare ground at Mallard Crescent, Greenock surplus to requirements with a view to disposal and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

872

Acceptance of Tender:  Replacement Doors

872

There was submitted a report dated 12 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive on tenders received for Phase 2 of the replacement doors contract.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to accept the lowest tender submitted, that by Thermashield Insulation Ltd in the sum of £224,596.65.›

873

Refurbishment of BISF Properties - Phase 1

873

Report on Tenders

There was submitted a report dated 13 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive on tenders received for Phase 1 of the refurbishment of BISF properties.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to accept the tender submitted by Clark Contracts Ltd in the amended sum of £998,212.88.

874

Refurbishment of BISF Properties in Bardrainney, Port Glasgow and South Maukinhill, Greenock - Phase 2

874

There was submitted a report dated 13 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive seeking authority to (1) negotiate with a consultant for the provision of professional services relative to Phase 2 of the refurbishment of BISF properties in Bardrainney, Port Glasgow and South Maukinhill, Greenock and (2) invite tenders for the works.

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to negotiations with the consultant detailed in the report for the provision of professional services relative to Phase 2 of the BISF refurbishment project;

(2)      that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the works;  and

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

875

Building Services Working Group Update

875

There was submitted a report dated  10 October 2005 by the Acting Chief Executive appending (1) approved minute of meeting of the Building Services Working Group of 22 August 2005 and (2) the current action plan update.

Noted