	Environment & Regeneration Committee

	Tuesday 23 January 2007 at 3.00 pm

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

	Chair: Councillor Fyfe presided.

	In attendance: Corporate Director Regeneration & Resources, Corporate Director Environment & Community Protection, Mr G Douglas (for Head of Legal & Administration), Mr J Aird (for Head of Finance), Head of Economic & Social Regeneration, Head of Environmental Services, Head of Housing, Head of Implementation & Project Development, Head of Planning & Transportation and Head of Property Services.

	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.

78	Robert Street Area, Port Glasgow – Housing Options Study	78

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment & Community Protection (1) on the completion of the feasibility study for the Robert Street area and (2) seeking approval for the establishment of a corporate multi-disciplinary team to take forward the regeneration of the Robert Street area in partnership with Communities Scotland and Riverside Inverclyde.
	Decided:
	(1) that the completion of the feasibility study for the Robert Street area be noted;
	(2) that agreement be given to the establishment of a corporate multi-disciplinary team, in partnership with Communities Scotland and Riverside Inverclyde, to develop a strategy and action plan for the area; and
	(3) that it be noted that the team will report within six months.

79	Revenue Budget 2006/07 – Period 8	79

	There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Revenue Budget 2006/07 as at Period 8 (30 November 2006) which showed a projected underspend of £259,000.
	Decided: that the current projected underspend of £259,000 for 2006/07, as at 30 November 2006, be noted.

80	Housing Revenue Account Budget 2006/07 – Period 8	80

	There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 8 (30 November 2006) which showed a projected surplus of £426,000 after a contribution to the Housing Revenue Account balance of £332,000.
	Decided:
	(1) that the current projected surplus of £426,000, as at 30 November 2006, be noted;
	(2) that the increase in provision for bad debt on former tenants’ arrears from 95% to 100% in preparation for stock transfer be noted; and
	(3) that it be noted the projected balance on the HRA Reserve as at 31 March 2007 is £718,000.

81	Trading Account Revenue Budget 2006/07 – Period 8	81

	There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Roads and Building Services Trading Accounts as at Period 8 (30 November 2006) which showed a current cash surplus projection of £34,000 and £237,120 respectively.
	Decided: that the current projected increase in the cash target of £20,000 for Roads and the projected shortfall in the cash target of £125,830 for Building Services be noted.

82	Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08 – Progress	82

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration & Resources on the position of the Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the progress of the specific projects detailed in the appendices to the report; and
	(2) that the sum of £100,000 set aside for the Gourock Pool repairs to scum channels be deferred subject to the development of a comprehensive asset management plan refurbishment programme and that, to replace this expenditure in the current Capital Programme, agreement be given to the following:
	(a) that £30,000 be set aside for the provision of a toilet for the disabled at Gourock Pool;
	(b) that £70,000 be set aside as a contribution to the replacement of the Battery Park Astroturf football park; and
	(c) that it be remitted to the Corporate Director Regeneration & Resources to report as a matter of urgency on the full funding package for the replacement of the Battery Park Astroturf pitch along with any revenue implications.

83	HRA Capital Programme 2005/2008 – Progress	83

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment & Community Protection on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2005/2008.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the financial position and the progress being made; and
	(2) that the Committee confirm the allocation of £180,000 in 2006/07 for energy efficiency measures by SOLAS in accordance with the HECA Strategy.

84	Housing – Performance Indicators, Quarter 3 (Week 39) 2006/07	84

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment & Community Protection on the position with regard to the performance indicators for rent arrears and void houses and total indebtedness as at Quarter 3 2006/07.
	Noted


85	Building Services Operational Performance Period 8	85

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration & Resources on the operational performance of Building Services as at Period 8.
	Decided: that the Committee note the current levels of performance of Building Services and the proactive efforts of the Service to secure additional income to offset any projected shortfall in income.

86	Economic Development Service – Performance Report	86

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration & Resources on the performance of the Economic Development Service as measured against agreed performance indicators.
	Noted

87	Planning Services Performance Report	87

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment & Community Protection on the performance of Planning Services in relation to achieving service objectives and how this contributed to the achievement of key corporate policies.
	Noted

88	Transportation & Roads Service’s Performance Report	88

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment & Community Protection on the performance of the Transportation & Roads Service as measured against agreed performance indicators.
	Decided:
	(1) that the performance information in respect of the Transportation & Roads Service be noted; and
	(2) that future performance reports include information on those street lights for which Scottish Power is responsible.

89	Transportation & Roads Service’s Performance Report (Trading Account)	89

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment & Community Protection on the performance of the Transportation & Roads Service (Trading Account) for the six month period to 30 September 2006.
	Noted

90	Property Services Performance Report	90

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration & Resources on the performance of Property Services as measured against agreed performance indicators.
	Decided:
	(1) that the performance information provided in respect of Property Services be noted; and

	(2) that it be noted the format of the report is currently under review and will be revised in line with the corporate template for Committee Performance Reporting which is expected to be piloted in January 2007.

91	Area Renewal Update
		91
	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection (1) updating the Committee with regard to progress of the area renewal strategy and (2) seeking approval for additional expenditure associated with demolition works.
	Decided:
	(1) that the financial and technical progress made on the various projects be noted;
	(2) that approval be given to the following expenditure increases:-
	Project Expenditure Variation
	Regeneration Demolitions Phase 7 +£22,804 (including fees)
	Regeneration Demolitions Phase 12 +£5,830 (including fees)
	Regeneration Demolitions Phase 15 +£129,090 (including fees)
	Regeneration Demolitions Phase 18 +£4,834 (including fees)
	(3) that approval be given to the boundaries of the Woodhall regeneration area as set out in appendix 6 of the report and that the actions to be progressed, as set out in paragraph 4.4, be noted.

92	Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG) 2006/07 - Update	92

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection updating the Committee on the progress of the Private Sector Housing Grant funded projects approved by the Committee at the meeting on 21 March 2006 (para 254).
	The Head of Housing advised the Committee that the allocation of £92,139 for 2/4 John Street, Gourock for 2007/08 was a provisional allocation and should be included within appendix 1 to the report as a possible project.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the current position with regard to the funding and delivery of the Private Sector Housing Grant funded services;
	(2) that approval be given to a virement of funds within the Private Sector Housing Grant projects to ensure maximum spend; and
	(3) that agreement be given to the opening of the repairs grant waiting list.

93	Heat with Rent	93

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection (1) advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to accept a tender for the electric Heat with Rent scheme and (2) seeking approval of the Heat with Rent policy 2006/07, a copy of which was appended to the report.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive for the acceptance of a tender for the electric Heat with Rent scheme; and
	(2) that the Heat with Rent policy 2006/07 be approved.

94	Maukinhill Stock Transfer	94

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection (1) seeking approval for the transfer of housing and related assets in Maukinhill to Cloch Housing Association as set out in the report and (2) advising of the impact of the transfer for the Council.
	There were circulated (1) supplementary report by the Head of Finance providing further details on the financial implications and (2) amended appendix 3.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee approve Cloch Housing Association’s business plan and the lead consultant’s appraisal as set out in appendix 1 to the report;
	(2) that approval be given to the area of ground and related assets to be transferred to Cloch Housing Association as set out in appendices 2 and 3 to the report;
	(3) that it be noted the net valuation has been estimated at £8,000;
	(4) that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive and appropriate officers to complete the detail of the transfer agreement outlined in Section 6 of the report;
	(5) that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and appropriate officers to apply to the Minister for final approval to transfer the housing in Maukinhill to Cloch Housing Association; and
	(6) that the Committee approve the transfer date of 31 March/1 April 2007 subject to the financial impact on the 2007/08 Housing Revenue Account budget being fully addressed as part of the 2007/08 budget setting process.

95	Care Commission Inspection of Sheltered Housing Services	95

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection (1) on the second inspection of Inverclyde Sheltered Housing Services carried out by the Care Commission in November 2006 and (2) detailing the requirements and recommendations from the Care Commission’s inspection report and action taken in response to the comments made. (Councillor White left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the positive outcomes and report by the Care Commission; and
	(2) that approval be given to the implementation of the Care Commission requirements and recommendations as outlined in paragraph 4.4 of the report.

96	Workforce Plus	96

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources (1) advising that Inverclyde had been successful in becoming a pilot for the Workforce Plus initiative which sought to reduce the number of people not participating in the job market and (2) seeking authority to accept and disperse funds for the programme on behalf of Inverclyde Alliance.
	Decided:
	(1) that the Committee note the success of Inverclyde in becoming a pilot for Workforce Plus; and

	(2) that the future expenditure proposals of Inverclyde Alliance’s employability steering group be endorsed and that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to accept and disperse funds for the programme on behalf of Inverclyde Alliance.

97	Inverclyde Local Plan: Annual Monitoring and Review of Housing Strategy (2005-06)	97

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection on the progress for the year 2005-06 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. It was noted during the course of discussion that future reports should make reference to population trends to assist in the assessment of housing demand. (Councillor White returned to the meeting during consideration of this item of business).
	Decided: that the Committee note the wider planning policy context that influences the implementation of the Local Plan’s Housing Strategy and the findings and interpretation of this year’s annual monitoring, in accordance with the requirements of Local Plan Policy H7.

98	Provision of Street Names	98

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection on (1) the proposed naming of a new street in Gibshill, Greenock and (2) the renaming of part of Bay Street, Port Glasgow.
	Decided:
	(1) that with regard to the new street in Gibshill, the name Laburnum Place be approved; and
	(2) that the postal address for the flatted development taking place within the former Gourock Ropeworks building remain as Bay Street, Port Glasgow.

99	Best Value – NESI Benchmarking Group	99

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection on the development of benchmarking rates for patching and surfacing works by the NESI Benchmarking Group to demonstrate best value.
	Decided: that approval be given to the continued partnership with the NESI Benchmarking Group for the development of benchmarked rates that demonstrate best value for patching and surfacing works carried out by Transportation and Roads Service’s Trading Operations.

100	Central Gourock Development	100

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources (1) updating the Committee on the current position with regard to the central Gourock redevelopment scheme and the progress made by the Transport Scotland Working Group established by the Minister for Transport to find an affordable way of implementing a transport interchange at Gourock and (2) advising that the Minister’s decision on the report submitted by the Working Group was currently awaited. The Head of Implementation and Project Development advised the Committee that to date there had been no announcement from the Minister.
	Decided: that the Committee note the present position and that it be remitted to the Head of Implementation and Project Development to report to the Committee as necessary.

101	Future Use of the West Station Site	101

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources (1) on the future use of the site at the West Station area indicated on the plan appended to the report and (2) setting out proposals, together with a summary of the implications, for consideration.
	After discussion, Councillor Fyfe moved: (1) that the preferred option (to provide a park and ride facility with a community landscaped area), resulting from the option review assessment, be approved for the site;
	(2) that approval be given to progress the preferred option and to seek tenders in 2 phases as detailed within the report and that delegated authority be granted in accordance with the Financial Regulations to accept the lowest acceptable tender in each case;
	(3) that approval be given to fund the landscape proposals for the site from the Transportation and Roads Capital Programme 2006/2007 and that delegated authority be granted for tender acceptance;
	(4) that approval be given to fund the park and ride phase of the project from funding being made available from the Scottish Executive through the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT); and
	(5) that the Council manage the park and ride facility to maximise benefits to local residents and shoppers. As an amendment, Councillor Roach moved that consideration of the matter be continued for an assessment of the parking requirements within the area and a strategic overview of park and ride facilities in Greenock. On a vote, 3 Members voted of the amendment and 6 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: (1) that the preferred option (to provide a park and ride facility with a community landscaped area), resulting from the option review assessment, be approved for the site;	C
	(2) that approval be given to progress the preferred option and to seek tenders in 2 phases as detailed within the report and that delegated authority be granted in accordance with the Financial Regulations to accept the lowest acceptable tender in each case;
	(3) that approval be given to fund the landscape proposals for the site from the Transportation and Roads Capital Programme 2006/2007 and that delegated authority be granted for tender acceptance;
	(4) that approval be given to fund the park and ride phase of the project from funding being made available from the Scottish Executive through the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT); and
	(5) that the Council manage the park and ride facility to maximise benefits to local residents and shoppers.

102	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive – Issue of Tenders to Upgrade Roads in Slaemuir	102

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to issue tenders to upgrade roads in Slaemuir.
	Noted

	It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.

	Item Paragraph(s)
	Appendix 1 Relative to Agenda Item 15 (Heat with Rent) 6 and 8
	East India and Victoria Harbours, Greenock 6 and 9
	Proposed Waiver of Servitude Right of Access: 2, 6 and 9 Land at Fox Street, Greenock
	Proposed Servitude Right of Access: 2, 6 and 9 Footpath at Wellington Park Lane/Upper Cartsburn Street, Greenock
	Lease of Shop Premises: Cathcart Street, Greenock 2, 6 and 9
	Lease of Shop Premises: John Wood Street, Port Glasgow 2, 6 and 9
	Lease of Shop Premises: Moss Road, Port Glasgow 2, 6 and 9
	Lease of Shop Premises: Dubbs Road, Port Glasgow 2, 6 and 9
	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive – 6 and 8 Acceptance of Tenders for Demolitions and Environmental Works
	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive – 2, 6 and 9 Lease of Premises, Ravenscraig Neighbourhood Centre, Greenock

103	Appendix 1 Relative to Agenda Item 15 (Heat with Rent)	103

	There was submitted appendix 1 relative to Agenda Item 15 (Heat with Rent) providing details of the Heat with Rent contract.
	Noted

104	East India and Victoria Harbours, Greenock	104

	There was submitted a report by the Interim Head of Implementation and Development Projects Officer updating the Committee with regard to the progress of negotiations with Clydeport Ltd for the Victoria and East India Harbours project (1) advising of the issues affecting completion of the final legal agreement and (2) making recommendations for the way forward and the Committee agreed to take action, all as detailed in the appendix.
	(Councillor Hill left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

105	Proposed Waiver of Servitude Right of Access: Land at Fox Street, Greenock	105

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking consent to grant a waiver of servitude right of access over land at Fox Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

106	Proposed Servitude Right of Access: Footpath at Wellington Park Lane/Upper Cartsburn Street, Greenock	106

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources relative to a servitude right of access in respect of the footpath from Wellington Park Lane to Upper Cartsburn Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

107	Lease of Shop Premises: Cathcart Street, Greenock	107

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises at Cathcart Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

108	Lease of Shop Premises: John Wood Street, Port Glasgow	108

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises at John Wood Street, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

109	Lease of Shop Premises: Moss Road, Port Glasgow	109

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises at Moss Road, Port Glasgow. 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.

110	Lease of Shop Premises: Dubbs Road, Port Glasgow	110

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises at Dubbs Road, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

111	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive – Acceptance of Tenders for Demolitions and Environmental Works	111

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to approve the acceptance of tenders for the demolition works at Langham and Jedburgh Courts (including Ettrick, Dunns and Teviot Places), Cumberland Court, Fancy Farm Garages and environmental works at Drumfrochar Road and Lynedoch Street.
	Noted

112	Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive – Lease of Premises, Ravenscraig Neighbourhood Centre, Greenock	112

	There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to approve the acquisition of interests in the lease of premises within Ravenscraig Neighbourhood Centre, Greenock.
	Noted