Agenda and minutes

The Central Governance Manager advised that a request had been received from Councillor Robin Currie to speak, but not to vote, on item 6 of the agenda (Proposed Management Measure For Marine Protected Areas And Special Areas Of Conservation - Update). This request was agreed by the Chair due to the provisions contained within Standing Order 22.1 which allow a Councillor who is not a Member of a Committee to attend and take part in discussion only without prior notice.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alistair MacDougall, Duncan MacIntyre and Len Scoullar.

There were none intimated.

Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 13 August 2015

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 13 August 2015 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report presenting the Development and Infrastructure Services departmental performance reports with associated scorecard performance for financial quarters one and two 2015-16.

Decision

The Committee noted the Development and Infrastructure Services departmental performance report with associated scorecard performance for financial quarters one and two 2015-16.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated November 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report setting out the progress on developing the business case in regard to the street lighting project for upgrading the lighting assets within Argyll and Bute. The project was proposed to provide more energy efficient lamps and thus reduce the cost to the Council with regard to energy consumption.

Decision

The Committee agreed to recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee that the Council –

1.    Progresses with an innovative lighting energy efficient scheme as detailed in this business case, the costs of which are summarised in 5.4 of this report, in order to reduce future cost pressure relating to street lighting electricity.

2.    Agrees to a tender process being completed and that the energy efficient scheme is progressed utilising the most cost effective model as determined from the tender process.

3.    Agrees that the remaining reduced electricity budget, as a result of the innovative lighting scheme, is inflated in line with energy costs on an annual basis.

4.    Agrees that the balance of savings generated is used to fund a column replacement program with replacements being prioritised on condition. 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated October 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

Following the detailed report which had been provided to them at their meeting on  13 August 2015, the Committee considered a report providing an update on the current position of the Scottish Government on management proposals for existing Marine Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation.

Prior to his presentation of the report the Marine and Coastal Development Manager advised that since the publication of the report the Cabinet Secretary had responded to the RACCE Committee. An amendment should be made to the Executive Summary of the report to recognise that he had not discounted the economic concerns raised by the Council and other parties.

The Chair adjourned the meeting at 12.15 and re-convened at 12.30pm.

Decision

The Committee –

1.    Reaffirmed its view that the implementation of these proposals will cause a disproportionate economic impact on Argyll and Bute and have the potential to cause further depopulation to already fragile communities and that the impact of displacement activity could also have adverse environmental impacts.

2.    Recognised that Clyde fishermen have implemented safeguards to enhance the sustainability of fishing grounds in MPAs.

3.    In the event that the MPAs are implemented, as proposed, agreed to call on the Scottish Government to provide urgent financial assistance to mitigate the economic impact on individual fishing businesses, the local supply chain and workers, their families and communities. The financial package should include measures to help affected businesses and employees to adapt to change, such as support to modify or change vessels and/or gear, diversification, decommissioning and training.

4.    Noted that Angus McNeil MP has called for progress on the introduction of Marine Protected Areas to be halted pending the progress of the Scotland Bill and the devolution of powers to island areas, citing the potential economic impact of the proposed management plans.

5.    Requested officers to engage with the MSPs for Argyll and Bute and for the Highlands and Islands, and the MP for Argyll and Bute, in supporting the case for appropriate financial support measures necessary to mitigate adverse economic impacts and protect the fragile fishing communities of Argyll and Bute.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated November 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report providing the Committee with an update on the development of European Policy and funding issues under the current 2014-2020 European programming period was considered.

Decision

The Committee -

1.    Noted the content of the report.

2.    Congratulated the European Team on their success in securing significant European funding and noted in particular that for every £1 of Argyll and Bute Council Salary Costs (excluding on-costs) for core European Team staff, £87.29 of European funding (including LEADER) was levered into the local economy between 2007 and 2013.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated November 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report which sought agreement from Members to a draft Minute of Understanding between Argyll and Bute Council and Scottish Canals which would represent a new collaborative approach of working between both parties.  The purpose of the collaborative approach would be to drive forward the regeneration of Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead and settlements along the Crinan Canal corridor, to secure investment into the wider Mid Argyll area and to maximise local socio economic benefit offered to our area from the Crinan Canal.

Decision

The Committee –

1.    Noted the content of the report.

2.    Agreed to the attached Minute of Understanding and to its formal signing.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated November 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report providing an update on various digital infrastructure projects including Next Generation Broadband, Mobile Communications and Public WiFi.  The report also detailed consultation responses which had been submitted over the previous 2 months.

Decision

The Committee noted –

1.    The content of the report.

2.    The consultation responses as contained at appendices 2 – 4 of the submitted report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated November 2015, submitted)

The Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Work Plan as at November 2015 was before Members for consideration.

Decision

The Committee noted the up to date Work Plan for November 2015 onwards.

(Reference: Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Work Plan dated November 2015, submitted)