Environment and Regeneration Committee

Tuesday 16 May 2006 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors 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), Mr J Aird (for Chief Financial Officer), Head of Economic Development Service, Head of Housing Services, Head of Implementation Team, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Acting Head of Transportation & Roads Service.

Apologies:  Councillor Blair.

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.

385

Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08 - Progress

385

There was submitted a report dated 2 May 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 1-4 of the report;  and

(2)      that the Committee otherwise note the report.

386

HRA Capital Programme 2005/08 - Progress

386

There was submitted a report 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;  and

(2)      that approval be given to an expenditure increase of £10,007 in the Replacement Doors Phase 1C contract as set out in appendix 6 to the report.

387

Rent Arrears Performance - 2005/06

387

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the position with regard to rent arrears and associated debt for 2005/06 and (2) outlining actions to improve performance.

Decided:   that the level of rent arrears and associated debts as at 31 March 2006 and the steps being taken to improve recovery be noted.

388

Area Renewal Update

388

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive updating the Committee with regard to progress of the Area Renewal Strategy (1) advising of the expenditure against the Early Action Fund in 2005 and 2006 and (2) seeking approval for expenditure increases in the projects set out in appendices 3-6 of the report.C

The Head of Housing Services advised that appendix 4, item 5 should in fact refer to Cairngorm Court rather than Glencoe Court.

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

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the Early Action Fund expenditure to date and projected expenditure;

(2)      that the Committee approve in principle the demolition of Lynedoch Court noting the intention to rehouse proactively from the property after Jedburgh and Langholm Courts are vacated;  and

(3)      that approval be given to the following expenditure increases:-

Project                                                                                              Expenditure Increase

Regeneration Demolition Phase 3

1-96 Pentland Court, 1-61 and 63-65 Ness Road, Greenock           £34,287

Regeneration Demolition Phase 5

1-96 Nevis Court, 1-96 Grampian Court &

21-23 Tweed Street, Greenock                                                         £110,106

Regeneration Demolition Phase 2

37-55 Osprey Road, 37-61 Mavis Road, Blairmore Crescent

Garages and Lynedoch Court Car Park, Greenock                          £8,067

Regeneration Demolition Phase 1

3-12 Woodhall Terrace, 32-34 and 48-54 Sunnyside Avenue,

Port Glasgow                                                                                     £17,298

389

Woodhall

389

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) updating the Committee on the findings of the Feasibility Study for Woodhall and (2) seeking approval of the development concept for the Woodhall area.

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

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve the development concept for Woodhall as outlined in the drawings attached to the report as appendices 1, 2a and 2b;

(2)      that the study’s findings on housing requirements and tenure mix as set out in paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3 of the report be noted;

(3)      that approval be given to the progression to detailed design stage for the redevelopment of the area to the south of Parkhill Avenue;

(4)      that it be noted a further report on the Holy Family School Site will be submitted to the Committee;

(5)      that the use of Compulsory Purchase Powers for the Woodhall area, as a position of last resort, be approved;  and

(6)      that a report on proposals for a park and ride strategy for Port Glasgow be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

390

Fire Protection System Upgrades - Sheltered Housing Complexes

390

There was submitted a report dated 21 April 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking authority to invite tenders for the upgrading of fire detection systems in three sheltered housing complexes, at an estimated cost of £215,000 including fees.÷

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the upgrading of the fire detection systems at John Galt House, Greenock, Riverside Gardens, Gourock and Broadstone Gardens, Port Glasgow and 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 complexes;

(2)      that it be agreed to fund the project by virement from the Aids and Adaptations budget;

(3)      that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received, where costs can be contained within the approved budget;  and

(4)      that a report on the demand from Council tenants for aids and adaptations, identifying the funding available and the extent of the funding required to address the needs of all tenants who require aids and adaptations, be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

391

Housing Stock - Implications of “No” Vote for Transfer to River Clyde Homes

391

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive setting out the implications relative to service and strategic issues, the Housing Revenue Account budget and the Housing Service if tenants do not vote for housing stock transfer to River Clyde Homes in the forthcoming ballot.

Decided:  that the contents of the report be noted and that it be agreed (a) that housing stock transfer is in the interests of the Council and the Council’s tenants, (b) to make the case for transfer and campaign vigorously for a positive vote in the forthcoming ballot and (c) that in the event of a “No” vote, the Housing Services Review Group, through the Steering Group, develop a 10 year business plan with the initial emphasis on the 2007/08 budget.

392

Local Housing Strategy 2004-2009

392

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of the updated Local Housing Strategy 2004-2009.

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the updated Local Housing Strategy 2004-2009, chapters 1-8 and 10;

(2)      that it be remitted to the Convener, Vice-Convener and Leader of the Minority Group to approve the final version of the resources section of the Strategy before formal submission of the document to Communities Scotland;  and

(3)      that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to arrange a seminar on the Local Housing Strategy for Members.

393

Housing Service Plan 2006/07

393

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the achievements of the Service Plan for 2005/06 and (2) outlining the main objectives of the Service Plan 2006/07, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the achievements of Housing Services in addressing the targets outlined in the Service Plan for 2005/06;‚

(2)      that the objectives of the Service Plan for 2006/07 be agreed;  and

(3)      that the Service Plan for 2006/07 be referred to the Best Value and Corporate Services Committee for approval.

394

Absence Management

394

There was submitted a report dated 2 May 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive together with amended section 7 (1) reviewing the position with regard to absence within Environment and Regeneration Services and (2) providing an assessment of absence management within each service area.

Noted

395

Riverside Inverclyde

395

There was submitted a report dated 4 May 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) updating the Committee with regard to the progress of Riverside Inverclyde and (2) appending a copy of the draft Operating Plan/Project Activity for 2006/07 for review.

Decided:  that the terms of the report be noted and the project priorities set out in the draft Operating Plan 2006/07 be agreed.

396

Clyde Urban Waterfront Regeneration Zone Working Group - Minute of Meeting of 16 March 2006

396

There was submitted minute of meeting of the Clyde Urban Waterfront Regeneration Zone Working Group held on 16 March 2006.

Noted

397

Inverclyde Local Plan (2005) - Retail Policy Issues and Scope of Proposed Alteration

397

There was submitted a report dated 2 May 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the likely scope and purpose of an Alteration to the Local Plan arising principally from the current developments which were extending the size of Port Glasgow town centre and (2) providing guidance on the issues to be recognised when considering planning proposals and applications in the meantime.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve the broad outlines of the scope and content of the proposed Retail Policy Alteration to the Inverclyde Local Plan (2005) outlined in the report with particular regard to (a) the concept of complementarity between Inverclyde town centres, (b) the changing role and function of Greenock and Port Glasgow as centres for retailing and (c) amending the Port Glasgow town centre boundary to take account of the extension to the centre, which together will be the subject of a future report on a draft Alteration to the Inverclyde Local Plan (2005);  and

(2)      that, in the meantime, approval be given to the contents of the report as a basis for the consideration and determination of retail planning proposals and applications until a draft Alteration is brought forward.

398

Hunter Place Public Convenience

398

There was submitted a report by the Solicitor to the Council on a request received from Councillor McCabe that, following representations from Inverclyde Elderly Forum regarding re-opening of the public conveniences at Hunter Place, Greenock, the Committee consider the matter.

After consideration, Councillor Fyfe moved that no action be taken with regard to the re-opening of the public conveniences at Hunter Place.  As an amendment, Councillor McCabe moved that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to report to the Committee on the current provision of public conveniences within Greenock town centre, with particular regard to disabled access, and how the position could be improved to meet the needs of the public.  On a vote, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 5 for the motion which was declared 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.

C

Decided:  that no action be taken with regard to the re-opening of the public conveniences at Hunter Place, Greenock.

C

399

Road Adoptions

399

There was submitted a report dated 28 April 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of adoptions to Inverclyde’s list of public roads in accordance with the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.  It was noted that the reference to Iona Crescent, Port Glasgow should instead state Iona Crescent, Gourock.

Decided:

(1)      that the terms of the report be noted;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to include details of unadopted roads in a future report on adopted and unadopted roads in Inverclyde.

400

Efficient Government Bid by SCOTS for a National Asset Management Framework

400

There was submitted a report dated 27 April 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the bid by the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) for Efficient Government Funding to develop a National Asset  Management Framework and (2) seeking agreement to the Council’s continued involvement in the project.

Decided:  that the Committee authorise the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to inform SCOTS that Inverclyde Council will participate in the collective Efficient Government Bid and subsequent implementation of the Asset Management System.

401

Building Services Operational Performance

401

There was submitted a report dated 26 April 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive on the operational performance of Building Services as at Period 12.

Decided:

(1)      that the terms of the report be noted;  and

(2)      that the Committee’s congratulations on the improvements to date be extended to the relative Officers.

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

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)

Private Sector Housing Grant Scheme of Assistance                             13

Acceptance of Tender - Seafield House Service Installation                 6 and 8

Acceptance of Tender - Electrical Rewiring

Lower Bow, Drumfrochar and Highholm                                                    6 and 8

Appointment of Programme Manager for Stock Transfer                       6 and 8

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive                                    6 and 8

Former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm                                                         2, 6 and 9

Planning Services:  Building Standards - Review of Establishment     1

402

Private Sector Housing Grant Scheme of Assistance

402

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive providing details of a proposed project at 2-4 John Street, Gourock.

Decided:   that approval be given to the appointment of consultants to develop proposals for the works with updated costings.

403

Acceptance of Tender - Seafield House Service Installation

403

There was submitted a report dated 21 April 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for service installation at Seafield House.

Decided:

(1)      that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to accept the lowest tender submitted, that by Elim Construction Ltd in the sum of £178,011.88;  and

(2)      that the shortfall in funding for the project be funded by virement of £60,000 from the Aids and Adaptations budget.

404

Acceptance of Tender - Electrical Rewiring

404

Lower Bow, Drumfrochar and Highholm

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on tenders received for electrical rewiring at Lower Bow, Drumfrochar and Highholm.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Solicitor to the Council to accept the lowest tender submitted, that by Star Electrics in the corrected sum of £238,749.

405

Appointment of Programme Manager for Stock Transfer

405

There was submitted a report dated 19 April 2006 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to appoint a Programme Manager for Stock Transfer and (2) setting out the tenders received for the work.

Decided:  that the appointment of PSBA as Programme Manager for Stock Transfer be noted.

406

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive

406

There was submitted a report dated 2 May 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 formal negotiations with and the appointment of a company to undertake the demolition of the vacant property at 114-140 Kenilworth Crescent, Greenock.g

Noted

407

Former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm

407

There was submitted a report by the Solicitor to the Council advising the Committee of the current position relating to the disposal of the former Balrossie School, Kilmacolm and the Committee agreed to note the position and to take action, all as detailed in the appendix.

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Head of Personnel Services was relevant, competent and urgent moved its consideration to allow changes to the staffing establishment of the Building Standards Section of Planning Services, if approved, to be progressed at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

408

Planning Services:  Building Standards - Review of Establishment

408

There was submitted a report dated April 2006 by the Head of Personnel Services recommending revisions to the structure within the Building Standards Section of Planning Services to comply with the Building (Scotland) Act  2003 and to provide an enhanced organisational structure.

Decided:  that approval be given to the changes to the staffing establishment within the Building Standards Section of Planning Services as set out in appendix 1 to the report subject to the matter being referred to the Best Value and Corporate Services Committee for consideration of the grading of the posts.