Environment and Regeneration Committee

Tuesday 21 March 2006 at 3.00 pm

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

Chair:  Councillor Fyfe presided. 

In attendance:  Chief Executive, 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.

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.

227

Revenue Budget 2005/06 - Period 10

227

There was submitted a report dated 27 February 2006 by the Chief Financial Officer on the position of the Revenue Budget 2005/06 as at Period 10 (31 January 2006).

Decided:

(1)      that the current budget projection for the Environment & Regeneration Committee 2005/06 be noted;

(2)      that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to submit a report on the Invest in Inverclyde initiative providing information on strategies and actions;  and

(3)      that it be noted the Depute Chief Executive would be submitting regular reports to the Committee on Riverside Inverclyde.

228

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2005/06 - Period 10

228

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 by the Chief Financial Officer on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period  10 (31 January 2006).

(Councillors Gallacher and Forbes entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Noted

229

Revenue Budget 2005/06 - Period 10

229

Building Services and Roads Trading Accounts

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 by the Chief Financial Officer on the position of the Building Services and Roads Trading Accounts as at Period 10 (31 January 2006).

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

230

Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08 - Progress

230

There was submitted a report dated 3  March 2006 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 of the specific projects detailed in appendices 1, 2 and 3 of the report;

(2)      that approval be given to an expenditure increase of £3,494 in the project for the tower office refurbishment at Greenock Municipal Buildings as the result of additional rot works/building fabric repairs and additional fees;  and

(3)      that the Committee otherwise note the report.

231

HRA Capital Programme 2005/08 - Progress

231

There was submitted a report dated 14 March 2006 by the Depute 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 appendices 1-5 of the report;

(2)      that approval be given to an expenditure increase of £42,000 in the gas and electrical ad hoc project 2005-2006 as set out in appendix 6 to the report;  and

(3)      that it be noted that, in future, there would be separate monitoring reports for the mainstream Housing Capital Programme and the Area Renewal Programme.

232

Non-House Rents and Other Charges March 2006

232

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on proposed increases in non-house rents and other charges for 2006/07.

Decided:  that the Committee note the increase in non-house rents and other charges to meet the income projections included in the 2006/07 base budget as set out in the report.

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

233

Area Renewal Update

233

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

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve the excambions of land for the electrical sub-stations at Upper Bow and Cumberland Court, the associated costs to be met through the Early Action Fund;

(2)      that approval be given to the demolition of the properties set out in appendix 2 to the report; 

(3)      that delegated authority be granted for the acceptance of tenders for the demolition of properties and projects associated with the Early Action Fund, as outlined in appendix 4 to the report;

(4)      that approval be given to the submission of an application to the Scottish Executive for the suspension of Right to Buy in Maukinhill and that a report on Compulsory Purchase Orders for Maukinhill be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee;

(5)      that approval be given to the commissioning of feasibility studies in Gilmour Street and East Crawford Street;  and

(6)      that the Committee note the progress to date of the proposed demolition programme 2006/07 and the Early Action Fund Programme 2005/06 as set out in appendices 4 and 5 of the report.

234

Managing Attendance - Absence Statistics 3 October 2005 to 31 December 2005 (Period 4)

234

There was submitted a report dated 13 February 2006 by the Solicitor to the Council on absence statistics for employees within Environment & Regeneration Services for the period 3 October 2005 to 31 December 2005.

Noted

235

Community Benefits from Construction Contracts

235

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) seeking approval for the continued development of community benefits accruing from local authority construction contracts and (2) outlining the financial implications.

Decided:

(1)      that authority be delegated to the Head of Economic Development Service to enter into a Community Regeneration Fund programme as the lead agency to implement the Community Benefits Programme;

(2)      that it be noted that the Economic Development Service would enter into discussions with Personnel Services with a view to the early employment of a Construction Intermediary, based within the Business Store, Inverclyde, for a two year fixed term contract;  and

(3)      that it be noted that the Economic Development Service would continue to work with all other Council Services and partner organisations to identify and maximise opportunities for securing community benefits from private sector construction.

236

2006 Structure Plan Alteration - Consolidated Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan (January 2006)

236

There was submitted a report dated 28 February 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the current position of the 2006 Structure Plan Alteration which had been approved by the Structure Plan Joint Committee for submission to the Scottish Ministers and (2) advising of a number of additional changes made to the Plan with particular regard to issues relevant to Inverclyde, these being housing demand & supply assessment and windfarm policy.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the current position regarding the Structure Plan Joint Committee’s approval of the 2006 Structure Plan Alteration and all accompanying documentation and its impending submission to the Scottish Ministers;

(2)      that the Committee welcome the approach taken in the Alteration to the housing land supply assessment as it affects the Inverclyde Housing Market Area, for both the short and medium-long term planning periods;

(3)      that the Committee endorse the amendments made to Strategic Policy 8(b) and Strategic Policy SP9, Schedule 9, regarding “Potential Areas of Search” for windfarm developments and the reduction in the threshold under which a proposal would be considered as a strategic matter;  and

(4)      that the Head of Planning Services be requested to submit the report to the Committee to the Structure Plan Manager to inform him of the Committee’s consideration of these outstanding matters relating to the 2006 Structure Plan Alteration.

237

Transportation and Roads Service’s Capital Programme (2006/07

237

There was submitted a report dated 9 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to proceed with a programme of projects funded from the Transportation and Roads Service’s Capital ProgrammeÍ 2006/07.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve the projects listed in appendix 1 of the report in respect of the Capital Programme 2006/07;

(2)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to proceed to tender, or in terms of the Best Value regime to issue to the Transportation and Roads Trading Operation, 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;

(3)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to apply appropriate variances as specified in paragraph 2.4 of the report;  and

(4)      that approval be granted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to evaluate and accept in terms of the Council’s Financial Regulations and Standing Orders relating to Contracts negotiated tenders to a total value of £100,000 from Colas and Keily as single suppliers of proprietary treatments for appropriate carriageways and footways contained within appendix 1 of the report.

238

Grant Aided Roads Related Projects (2006/07)

238

There was submitted a report dated 7 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to proceed with a programme of projects to be undertaken in 2006/07 using grant offers of funding from the Scottish Executive for 20 mph Speed Limits around Schools and Related Safety projects and for Cycling, Walking and Safer Street projects (CWSS).

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve the programmes of projects listed in appendices 1 and 2 of the report;

(2)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to proceed to tender, or in terms of the Best Value regime to issue to the Transportation and Roads Trading Operation, in respect of the projects listed in appendices 1 and 2 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 and Roads Service to apply appropriate variances to the programmes as specified in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

239

Transportation and Roads Service’s Trading Account - Business Plan 2006 - 2009

239

It was agreed that consideration of this item be deferred to a special meeting of the Committee to be held on a date to be arranged in consultation with the Convener.

240

Cleaning Services - Business Plan 2006-2009

240

It was agreed that consideration of this item be deferred to a special meeting of the Committee to be held on a date to be arranged in consultation with the Convener.

241

Building Services - Business Plan 2006-09

241

It was agreed that consideration of this item be deferred to a special meeting of the Committee to be held on a date to be arranged in consultation with the Convener.

242

Building Services Operational Performance

242

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive on the operational performance of Building Services as at Period 10.

The Head of Property Services advised the Committee that there had been significant progress and that, as at the date of the meeting, the number of jobs "out of time" had further reduced to 592.

Noted

243

Property Enhancement and Disability Discrimination Act Improvement  Works

243

There was submitted a report dated March 2006 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 2006-2008;

(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 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 access to Greenock Central Library be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

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 6 relative to agenda item 8 on the use of

authority delegated to the Chief Executive to accept

tenders in connection with the Area Renewal Programme                6 and 8

Asset Management System - Proposal to Acquire                               6

Appointment of Council Lead Consultant for Stock Transfer            6 and 8

Non-Operational Property

Scheme of Delegation Register                                                             2, 6 and 9

Non-Operational Property

Property Information Update                                                                  2, 6 and 9

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

Lease of Shop Premises - Nairn Road, Greenock                               2, 6 and 9

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

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

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive                              6

Private Sector Housing Grant 2004-2006 and 2006-2008                     13

244

Appendix 6 Relative to Agenda Item 8 on the Use of Authority Delegated to the Chief Executive to Accept Tenders in connection with the Area Renewal Programme

244

There was submitted appendix 6 relative to agenda item 8 (Area Renewal Update) on the use of authority delegated to the Chief Executive to accept tenders in connection with the Area Renewal Programme, setting out the tenders received for the works.

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

Noted

245

Asset Management System - Proposal to Acquire

245

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority, in principle, for the acquisition of an Asset Management System to support Housing Services in controlling and managing housing assets.

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

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve, in principle, the acquisition of an Asset Management System for Housing Services and grant authority to invite tenders from appropriate specialist contractors as set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report;  and

C

(2)      that £50,000 be added to the HRA Capital Programme for the purchase of an Asset Management System.

C

246

Appointment of Council Lead Consultant for Stock Transfer

246

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the exercise of powers delegated to the Chief Executive to expedite stock transfer for the appointment of Arneil Johnston as the Council’s Lead Consultant and (2) setting out the tenders received for the work.

Noted

247

Non-Operational Property

247

Scheme of Delegation Register

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive providing information relative to non-operational property for the period October 2005 to February 2006.

Councillor McCabe intimated a personal interest in this matter.

Noted

248

Non-Operational Property

248

Property Information Update

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive providing information relative to non-operational commercial and industrial property for the period October 2005 to February 2006.

Noted

249

Lease of Shop Premises - Cathcart Street, Greenock

249

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 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.

250

Lease of Shop Premises - Nairn Road, Greenock

250

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises in Nairn Road, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

251

Lease of Shop Premises - John Wood Street, Port Glasgow

251

There was submitted a report dated 3 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises in John Wood Street, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

252

Gibshill, Greenock - Heritage Surplus to Requirements

252

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to (1) declare premises in Gibshill, Greenock surplus to requirements and (2) approve a proposal relative to the missives of sale and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

253

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive

253

There was submitted a report dated 13 March 2006 by the Solicitor to the Council advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive since the last ordinary meeting of the Committee to authorise the appointment of a Programme Manager for the housing stock transfer project.

Noted

254

Private Sector Housing Grant 2004-2006 and 2006-2008

254

There was submitted a report dated 16 March 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the background to the Private Sector Housing Grant 2004-2006, (2) seeking approval for a strategic direction acknowledging the recently enacted Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, (3) proposing the continuation of a number of projects for 2006/08 and (4) setting out proposals for new projects for 2006/08.

Decided:

(1)      that it be delegated to the Depute Chief Executive in consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member of the Minority Groups to approve or otherwise continuation of the funding of the services outlined in Sections 5.2 to 5.9 of the report;  and

(2)      that, otherwise, the matter be deferred to a special meeting of the Committee to be held on a date to be arranged in consultation with the Convener.