Environment & Regeneration Committee

Tuesday 20 March 2007 at 3.00 pm

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

Chair:  Councillor Forbes presided. 

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

Attending also:  Mr W Nicol, Chief Executive, Riverside Inverclyde.

Apologies:  Councillors Fyfe and Mitchell.

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

251

Revenue Budget 2006/07 - Period 10

251

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Revenue Budget 2006/07 as at Period 10 (31 January 2007) which showed a projected underspend of £337,000.

Decided:  that the current projected underspend of £337,000 for 2006/07, as at 31 January 2007, be noted.

252

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2006/07 - Period 10

252

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Housing Revenue Account Budget as at Period 10 (31 January 2007) which showed a projected surplus of £493,000 after a contribution to the Housing Revenue Account balance of £332,000.

Decided:

(1) that the current projected surplus of £493,000, as at 31 January 2007, be noted;  and

(2) that it be noted the projected balance on the HRA Reserve as at 31 March 2007 is £785,000.

253

Trading Account Revenue Budget 2006/07 - Period 10

253

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the Roads and Building Services Trading Accounts as at Period 10 (31 January 2007) which showed a current cash surplus projection of £39,000 and £236,000 respectively.

Decided:  that the current projected over achievement against the cash target of £39,000 for Roads and the projected shortfall in the cash target of £126,000 for Building Services be noted.

254

Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08 - Progress

254

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on the position of the Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08.

Decided:  that the Committee note the progress on the specific projects detailed in the appendices to the report.

255

HRA Capital Programme 2005/2008 - Progress

255

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2005/2008.

Decided:  that the Committee note the financial position and the progress being made.

256

Housing - Performance Indicators (Week 45) 2006/07

256

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection on the position with regard to the performance indicators for rent arrears and void houses and total indebtedness as at week 45.

Noted

257

Building Services Operational Performance - Period 10

257

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on the operational performance of Building Services as at Period 10.

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

Decided:  that the current levels of performance of Building Services and the pro-active efforts of the Service to secure additional income to offset any projected shortfall in income be noted.

258

Property Resources and Economic & Social Regeneration Performance Report

258

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on the performance of Property Resources and Economic & Social Regeneration as measured against agreed performance indicators.

Noted

259

Planning and Transportation Performance Report

259

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and 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

260

Transportation and Roads Service’s Performance Report

260

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection on the performance of the Transportation and Roads Service as measured against agreed performance indicators.

Mr Graham, Environmental Services, updated the Committee with regard to the performance of Scottish Power in relation to lighting faults during 2006/07.

Noted

261

Area Renewal Update

261

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection updating the Committee with regard to progress of the Area Renewal Strategy.

Decided:  that the financial and technical progress being made on the various projects be noted.

262

Non-HRA Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2008/09

262

Property Services Allocation 2007/08

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking approval to proceed with the programme of Property Services Allocation 2007/08 projects and Office Accommodation Allocation projects set out in the report.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee approve the list of Property Services Allocation 2007/08 projects and Office Accommodation Allocation projects detailed in Section 5 of the report;

(2) that the Property Services Allocation 2007/08 projects and Office Accommodation Allocation projects listed in the report be developed to tender stage and that the works be programmed, where appropriate, for completion in financial year 2007/08;

(3) that the Committee approve the acceptance of tenders for all projects detailed subject to compliance with the Financial Regulations and 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 the volume of contracts to be progressed as set out in paragraph 4.4 of the report;  and

(5) that the Committee delegate to the Head of Property Resources and Facilities Management authority to adjust the priorities detailed in the report subject to maintaining a continuous assessment of the priorities in pursuance of the interests of the Council and Best Value.

263

Local Housing Strategy 2004-2009

263

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection seeking approval of revisions and additions to the Local Housing Strategy 2004-2009.

Decided:  that the revised and updated resources chapter and additions to the market analysis chapter of the Local Housing Strategy 2004-2009 as set out in the appendices to the report be approved.

264

Housing Allocation Policy

264

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection (1) seeking approval for amendments to the Housing Allocation Policy and (2) requesting that authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection to implement the policy as part of the process of stock transfer.

Decided:  that a decision on the matter be deferred to allow further consideration and consultation with Elected Members on the aspects of the Housing Allocation Policy causing concern, with a view to resolving the difficulties and submitting a recommendation for approval to the meeting of The Inverclyde Council to be held on 19 April 2007.

265

Policy and Procedures Manual

265

Management of the Commercial and Industrial Property Portfolio

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking approval of a Policy and Procedures Manual for the management of the Council’s Commercial and Industrial Property Portfolio, a copy of which was appended to the report.

Decided:  that the Policy and Procedures Manual for the Management of Inverclyde Council’s Commercial and Industrial Property Portfolio be approved subject to revisal at paragraphs 2.9 and 2.10 to include reference to steps to be taken in dealing with rent and rates arrears.

266

Riverside Inverclyde - Draft Business Plan and Legal Agreements

266

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources (1) seeking approval of Riverside Inverclyde’s Draft Business Plan, a copy of which was included within the agenda, and (2) seeking delegated authority for completion of the Members’ Agreement and other legal documentation for the funding and progress of approved Riverside Inverclyde projects.

Decided:  that consideration of this item be continued to that part of the meeting held following exclusion of the public and press.

267

European Pipe Band Championship - 2009

267

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking approval to submit a bid in the sum of £50,000 plus VAT to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association to host the 2009 European Pipe Band Championship.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee approve the submission of a bid in the sum of £50,000 plus VAT to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association to host the 2009 European Pipe Band Championship, recognising that the likely total cost of the event to the Council will be around £84,000; and

(2) that it be remitted to the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources to submit a further report on proposals to (a) showcase the championship with supporting, themed events, (b) attract sponsorship to defray the costs of staging the championship and (c) carry out a robust evaluation of the economic benefits to the area attributable to staging the championship.

268

Inverclyde Local Plan:  Proposed Alteration - Greenock West End Outstanding Conservation Area

268

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection (1) on the outcome of the public consultation exercise on the proposed amendments to the Greenock West End Outstanding Conservation Area approved by the Committee at its meeting on 31 October 2006 (para 779) and (2) seeking approval of the boundary confirmed by the consultation process in advance of making a formal Alteration to the adopted Local Plan.

Decided:  that the Committee note the contents of the report, endorse the proposed finalised boundary of the Greenock West End Outstanding Conservation Area and approve the statutory procedures to be followed as outlined in the report and, thereafter, endorse the preparation of an Article 4 Direction for the area.

269

Inverclyde Local Plan:  Proposed Supplementary Planning Guidance - Riverside Inverclyde Urban Design Framework

269

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection (1) on the outcome of the public consultation exercise on the proposed Riverside Inverclyde Urban Design Guidance approved by the Committee at its meeting on 31 October 2006 (para 780) and (2) seeking approval to incorporate the Guidance as Supplementary Planning Guidance in the adopted Local Plan.

Decided:  that the Committee note the response, endorse the proposed limited amendments to the renamed Riverside Inverclyde Urban Design Framework and approve the document as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the adopted Inverclyde Local Plan.

270

Provision of Street Names

270

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection on the proposed naming of new streets forming part of residential and commercial developments in Greenock and Port Glasgow.

Decided:  that delegated authority be granted to the Head of Planning and Transportation, in consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener, Councillor Roach and the Ward Members, to decide upon suitable street names within the new developments.

271

Environmental Services (Roads) - Capital Programme (2007/08)

271

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection seeking approval to proceed with a programme of projects funded from the Environmental Services (Roads) Capital Budget 2007/08.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee approve the projects listed in paragraph 5 of the report in respect of the Capital Programme 2007/08;

(2) that it be remitted to the Head of Environmental Services to proceed to tender (or in terms of the Best Value regime to issue to the Environmental Services (Roads) Trading Operation) in respect of the projects listed in paragraph 5 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 Environmental Services to apply appropriate variances as specified in paragraph 4.4 of the report;  and

(4) that approval be granted to the Head of Environmental Services 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 Kiely as single suppliers of proprietary treatments for appropriate carriageways and footways contained within paragraph 6.1 of the report.

272

Environmental Services (Roads) - Grant Aided Roads Related Projects (2007/08)

272

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection seeking approval to proceed with a programme of projects to be undertaken in 2007/08 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.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee approve the programme of projects listed in paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 of the report;

(2) that it be remitted to the Head of Environmental Services to proceed to tender (or in terms of the Best Value regime to issue to the Environmental Services (Roads) Trading Operation) in respect of the projects listed in paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 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 Environmental Services to apply appropriate variances to the programme as specified in paragraph 4.4 of the report.

273

Environmental Services (Roads) - Transport (Scotland) Act 2005

273

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection on the implications of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005.

Noted

274

Report on Use of Single Contractor for Emergency Works

274

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking homologation of action taken by officers with regard to the instruction of works to a single contractor to carry out asbestos containment and removal works at Sacred Heart Primary School and St Ninian’s Primary School.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the use of a single contractor, Enviraz, who were employed directly on three occasions in November and December 2006 to ensure that asbestos containment and removal works were carried out in accordance with statutory obligations and with the minimum disruption to the property user;  and

(2) that the Committee agree the need for a term contract to be developed and tendered to deal with similar future occurrences and that it be remitted to the Head of Property Resources and Facilities Management to progress this.

occurrences

275

Dalrymple House

275

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources (1) on the conversion of the former Barlas Centre in Dalrymple House and (2) seeking an increase of £85,000 in the capital allocation for the works to meet the current basic needs of the building user.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to an additional allocation of £75,000 from the Property Enhancement and DDA Budget 2007/08 for the development of the former Barlas Centre, resulting in a revised total project cost of £160,000;  and

(2) that approval be given to seek competitive tenders and to accept the most appropriate tender in terms of Best Value.

276

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive

276

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive since the last ordinary meeting of the Committee to (1) authorise a direct appointment to a training company, (2) approve works to the passenger list at Broomhill Court, Greenock and (3) facilitate the purchase of heating equipment held under an operating lease within some Council houses.

Noted

The Chairman being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources was relevant, competent and urgent moved its consideration to allow the matter, if agreed, to be progressed at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

277

Former Holy Cross Primary School - Fence

277

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on a request from Greenock Golf Club to take down and re-use the fence at the former Holy Cross Primary School.

Councillor Blair declared an interest in this matter as a member of Greenock Golf Club and took no part in its consideration or decision.

Decided:  that approval be given to Greenock Golf Club to take down and re-use the fence at the former Holy Cross Primary School subject to the Council being relieved of any liability with regard to the fencing and the use thereof and other appropriate conditions.

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)

Riverside Inverclyde - Draft Business Plan and

Legal Agreements                                                                       6

HRA Environmental Impact Proposals and Criteria                6 and 9

Battery Park Synthetic Pitch Replacement Surface               6, 8 and 12

East India Harbour and Victoria Harbour, Greenock              6 and 9

Appendix 1 Relative to Agenda Item 16 Comprising

Riverside Inverclyde Business Plan                                        6

Schools PPP - Provision of Cleaning Services                      1 and 9

Stock Transfer VAT Arrangement                                             6

Refurbishment of BISF Houses - Phase 3                               6 and 8

Balrossie Drive, Kilmacolm - Maintenance of Road

And Street Lighting                                                                     6

Non-Operational Property Portfolio Information

Scheme of Delegation Register                                                2, 6 and 9

Re-Marketing of Pottery Street Development Site                2, 6 and 9

Disposal of Premises - Grosvenor Road, Greenock              2, 6 and 9

Gas Ad Hoc Contract                                                                  6 and 8

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive                  1 and 9

278

Riverside Inverclyde - Draft Business Plan and Legal Agreements

278

The Committee resumed consideration of this item of business.

Councillors Blair and Roach declared an interest in this matter as Directors of Riverside Inverclyde.

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

Decided:

(1) that the Committee endorse the Riverside Inverclyde draft Business Plan;

(2) that the financial implications arising from the draft Business Plan be remitted to the Policy and Strategy Committee for consideration;  and

(3) that authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources in consultation with the Heads of Finance and Legal & Administration to:-

(a) negotiate and conclude the detailed terms and conditions of the Members’ Agreement among the Council, Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire and Riverside Inverclyde to regulate the funding and participation in Riverside Inverclyde and to grant consent on behalf of the Council for all matters specified therein;

(b) revise and conclude the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Riverside Inverclyde’s property holding subsidiary company and to agree terms for Inverclyde Council’s participation in it as a member;

(c) release the Council’s agreed annual contribution to Riverside Inverclyde provided such funding is in conformity with the Business Plan and the Members’ Agreement, taking cognisance of the differentiation between revenue and capital contributions;  and

(d) transfer the physical assets identified in the draft Business Plan from the Council’s ownership to Riverside Inverclyde on terms considered appropriate to contribute to the Council’s funding commitment to Riverside Inverclyde and to report back on progress and for approval of any additional land or support which may be proposed.

(Mr Nicol left the meeting following consideration of this item of business).

279

HRA Environmental Impact Proposals and Criteria

279

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection seeking approval of proposals to achieve a significant environmental impact on housing estates during the period 1 April to 30 September 2007.

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

Decided: 

(1) that the Committee approve the prioritised lists of capital and revenue projects appended to the report;

(2) that it be remitted to the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection together with the Corporate Management Team to progress the works for completion before stock transfer;

(3) that the Committee authorise negotiation with the firm detailed in the report for the painting of the second phase of tenements at Drumfrochar Road, Greenock;

(4) that authority be delegated for the appointment of consultants where necessary;  and

(5) that authority be delegated for acceptance of the most favourable tenders.

280

Battery Park Synthetic Pitch Replacement Surface

280

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on options for the maintenance or replacement of the synthetic pitch at Battery Park, Greenock.

Councillors Blair, Forbes and White declared an interest in this matter as Directors of Inverclyde Leisure.

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

281

East India Harbour and Victoria Harbour, Greenock

281

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources updating the Committee (1) on discussions with Clydeport Ltd and Riverside Inverclyde and to seek a way forward for the joint development of East India and Victoria Harbours, Greenock and (2) on a potential relocation opportunity at Greenock Waterfront.  Councillors Blair and Roach declared an interest in this matter as Directors of Riverside Inverclyde.

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

282

Appendix 1 Relative to Agenda Item 16 Comprising Riverside Inverclyde Business Plan

282

Noted

283

Schools PPP - Provision of Cleaning Services

283

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking approval for a course of action in respect of the provision of cleaning services under the Schools PPP project.  Following consideration, the Committee agreed that authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources to take action and otherwise to note the position, all as detailed in the appendix.

284

Stock Transfer VAT Arrangement

284

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the VAT arrangement being progressed between the Council and River Clyde Homes and the opportunities presented.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the potential VAT saving which will accrue if the proposed VAT arrangement is approved by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC);

(2) that the Committee confirm that they wish to ensure that an appropriate share of the VAT saving is utilised for the furtherance of Council objectives;  and

(3) that it be remitted to the Corporate Directors Environment & Community Protection and Regeneration & Resources together with the Head of Finance to act on the Council’s behalf in discussions with River Clyde Homes in developing proposals for use of the potential VAT saving.

285

Refurbishment of BISF Houses - Phase 3

285

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection seeking authority to (1) negotiate with the consultants detailed in the report for the provision of lead consultancy services for phase 3 of the refurbishment of BISF houses in Bardrainney, Port Glasgow and South Maukinhill, Greenock and (2) thereafter, invite tenders for the phase 3 works.

Decided:

(1) that it be agreed to engage the consultants identified in the report as lead consultants for phase 3 of the refurbishment of the BISF houses subject to suitable terms being agreed and acceptable to the Head of Housing in consultation with the Heads of Property Resources & Facilities Management, Finance and Legal & Administration;  and

(2) that, following the appointment of the consultants, tenders be invited from contractors to undertake the refurbishment works.

286

Balrossie Drive, Kilmacolm - Maintenance of Road and Street Lighting

286

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection providing background information and options for consideration with regard to the Council’s obligations in terms of the maintenance of the road and street lighting at Balrossie Drive, Kilmacolm.

Decided:

(1) that the owners of the properties be made aware of the options being considered by the Council with a view to reaching a consensus in terms of the expenditure needed to repair the road and the street lighting or to bring them up to an adoptable standard;  and

(2) that the Council commit to its maintenance obligation to repair the road outside numbers 1, 6 and 7 Balrossie Drive and, possibly, the street lighting associated with these properties.

287

Non-Operational Property Portfolio Information

287

Scheme of Delegation Register

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources providing information relative to non-operational property for the period October 2006 to March 2007.

Decided:  that the Committee recognise the details contained within the report.

288

Re-Marketing of Pottery Street Development Site

288

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources (1) on the position with regard to negotiations on a ground lease for two platforms at the Pottery Street development site and (2) seeking approval to re-market the site.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Head of Economic and Social Regeneration to re-market the Pottery Street site for the development of industrial and commercial premises.

289

Disposal of Premises - Grosvenor Road, Greenock

289

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on offers to purchase premises in Grosvenor Road, Greenock following advertisement and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

290

Gas Ad Hoc Contract

290

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Environment and Community Protection updating the Committee on the current position of the gas ad hoc contract following renewal in December 2006.

Decided:  that the Committee note the extension of the contract with Quality Gas Services Ltd and approve the projected spend for the current year as detailed in the report.

291

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive

291

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive since the last ordinary meeting of the Committee to approve (1) the upgrading of the fire detection system at Glebe Court, Kilmacolm and (2) the upgrading of the fire detection system at Stewart House, Greenock.

Noted