Councillor McEwan, Convener, presided. 

S MacDougall, Director of Environment & Communities; S McFadden, Project Director (City Deal) and B Walker, Depute Project Director (City Deal) (both Development & Housing Services); O Reid, Head of Public Protection, C Dalrymple, Regulatory and Enforcement Manager, K Anderson, Amenity Services Manager - Waste, G Hannah, Strategic Change Manager, A McNab, Transportation Manager, D Kerr, Service and Coordination Manager and C Grainger, Planning & Performance Manager (all Environment & Communities); and J Lynch, Head of Property Services, F Hughes, Asset Manager, D Farrell, Finance & Business Partner and R Devine, Senior Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources).

 

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Convener referred to the appendix to agenda item 9 – Environment & Communities: Service Improvement Plan Outturn Report – and specifically to the two sets of figures detailed in terms of each of action codes 16, 17, 19 and 20.  The Board was informed that the percentage figures detailed immediately before the due dates were the correct figures in each case and that the progress bars in the progress columns for these four entries should be ignored.

Councillor Mylet having declared an interest in the following item of business left the meeting.

Councillor Mylet declared an interest in relation to item 17 of the agenda – Review of Car Parking Provision and Charges Across Renfrewshire; Follow Up Report - and indicated his intention to leave the meeting during consideration of this item and not to take part in any discussion or voting thereon.

There was submitted a joint revenue budget monitoring report by the Directors of Finance & Resources and Environment & Communities in respect of Services reporting to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board for the period 1 April, 2017 to 2 March, 2018.

DECIDED: That the budget position be noted.

There was submitted a capital budget monitoring report by the Director of Finance & Resources in respect of Services reporting to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board for the period 1 April, 2017 to 2 March, 2018.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Development & Housing Services relative to the Renfrewshire Council (Glasgow Airport Investment Area, City Deal) (Number Two) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018.

The report advised that the Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project comprised the realignment of Abbotsinch Road between Arran Avenue and Greenock Road/Inchinnan Road; a new bridge across the White Cart; and improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, all aimed at improving connections between the Westway, Inchinnan and Airport Business Parks and as an enabler for the delivery of a world- class business and commercial offering located around the airport. The GAIA project also included the provision of cycling infrastructure including a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Black Cart Water.

The planned infrastructure required for the GAIA project required the acquisition of property, titles and interests. In order to progress the project the Board, at the meeting held on 30 August 2017, had approved the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to progress land assembly. Following that meeting there had been revisions to the project, which had resulted in less land being required and it was considered prudent to  recommence  the  approval  for  land  acquisition  process  to  include  only  those landowners affected by the revised GAIA project. A schedule attached to the report identified the property, titles and interests to be acquired for the revised project. Scottish Government guidance (Planning Circular 6/2011) recommended a “twin track” approach to land acquisition in order to provide a greater degree of certainty should voluntary negotiations falter and to resolve any defects in the title in the land to be acquired. The Council continued to adopt the recommended approach of pursuing the acquisition of land required on a voluntary basis while at the same time progressing with the preparation of a CPO to be used as a fall back in the event of failure to reach agreement with the affected parties. It was highlighted that not all of the interests would need to be acquired using CPO powers and that it might also be the case that, as the Council proceeded with the CPO and voluntary discussions, other, as yet unidentified, titles or interests might come to light which were not listed within the schedule which would form part of the CPO.

DECIDED:

That the use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers to acquire the titles and interests of the properties required to implement  the Project be approved where voluntary acquisition was not possible; and

That it be noted that voluntary acquisition discussions would continue with all affected owners concurrently with the publication of the Compulsory Purchase Order and voluntary acquisition would be progressed wherever possible.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Development & Housing Services relative to the Renfrewshire Council (Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside, City Deal) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018.

The report advised that the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside, City Deal (CWRR) project comprised a new ‘opening’ bridge across the River Clyde; the Renfrew Northern Development Road and new cycle routes, all of which were aimed at providing improved access to development opportunities, employment, education, health and leisure locations. The Project would also link the communities of Renfrew, Yoker and Clydebank and provide improved access to job opportunities that would be delivered by the Glasgow Airport Investment Area Project (GAIA). The report outlined the main public benefits of the CWRR Project and detailed the rationale for determining the proposed locations of key project infrastructure, together with mitigation proposals to address potential adverse effects.

Land assembly was required In order to progress the project and a schedule, appended to the report detailed the property, titles and interests to be acquired. Scottish Government guidance (Planning Circular 6/2011) recommended a “twin track” approach to land acquisition in order to provide a greater degree of certainty should voluntary negotiations falter and to resolve any defects in the title in the land to be acquired. The Council continued to adopt the recommended approach of pursuing the acquisition of land required on a voluntary basis while at the same time progressing with the preparation of a CPO to be used as a fall back in the event of failure to reach agreement with the affected parties. The use of CPO powers was considered appropriate for the Project on the basis that the land interests to be acquired were generally limited and/or minor in nature, as indicated on the plans attached to the report. It was highlighted that of the three parties that faced significant acquisitions in terms of their overall ownership voluntary terms had been agreed with two and discussions were underway with the third. As such it was considered that the public benefits outweighed the remaining interests. In addition it was highlighted that as the Council proceeded with the CPO and voluntary discussions, other, as yet unidentified, titles or interests might come to light which were not listed within the schedule which would form part of the CPO.

The report sought approval for the use of compulsory purchase powers in respect of those properties located within the Renfrewshire Council boundary only, highlighted that principles had been agreed on the terms of the voluntary purchase of the property located within the Glasgow City Council boundary and reminded members that the voluntary acquisition of an area of land to the north of the river had previously been approved, at the meeting of this Policy Board held on 8 November 2017,as part of an acquisition agreement with another landowner. It was noted that discussions were also advanced with the two remaining owners in the West Dunbartonshire boundary area.

DECIDED:

That the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order, where voluntary acquisition had not been achieved, to acquire all the titles and interests in the land required to implement the Project, shown on Clyde Waterfront Renfrew Riverside Compulsory Purchase Order Location Plan, Maps 1, 2, 3 and Map 3 Inserts, referred to in the Clyde Waterfront Renfrew Riverside Compulsory Purchase Order Land Schedule, be approved;

That it be noted that, as indicated in paragraph 4.6 of the report, the Compulsory Purchase Order would only be progressed when the purchase of the land outwith the Renfrewshire Council boundary had been agreed; and

That it be noted that voluntary acquisition discussions would continue with all affected parties concurrently with the publication of the Compulsory Purchase Order and that voluntary acquisition would be progressed wherever practicable.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the proposed declaration of land at Underwood Road, Paisley, identified in a plan appended to the report, as surplus to the Council’s requirements.

The report advised that the Paisley West & Central Community Council, through one of its sub-committees, The West End Growing Grounds Association (SCIO) (WEGGA), leased two sites in Sutherland Street, Paisley, in terms of temporary lets, for use as growing grounds. The sites had been identified within the West End Regeneration Master Plan, approved at the meeting of the Leadership Board held on 17 December 2017, as sites for new affordable housing. Formal notification had been served terminating the leases with effect from 25 September 2018.

A request had subsequently been received from WEGGA that the date of termination of the leases be extended to 30 November 2018 to facilitate the end of the growing season. In recognition that the growing grounds were required as part of the regeneration process officers had been involved in the process of identifying potential alternative sites for the growing grounds. A potential site at Underwood Lane, Paisley, held on the General Services account by Environment & Communities, had been identified as being suitable.   The Service had confirmed that the open space site involved was not required for future operational needs. WEGGA had asked that the Council agree to a short-term lease of the site to facilitate its early occupation with a view to making it suitable for relocation at the earliest opportunity.

Details of the proposed lease, should the land be declared surplus to requirements were outlined in the report.

DECIDED:

That the area of land at Underwood Road, Paisley, as indicated on the plan attached
to the report, be declared as surplus to the Council’s requirements;

That it be noted that a short-term lease of the land to West End Growing Grounds Association (SCIO) would be on such terms and conditions as may be negotiated by the Head of Property Services utilising delegated powers recognising the community use;

That it be noted that West End Growing Grounds Association (SCIO) was developing proposals for a Community Asset Transfer, in terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, and that these would be submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board for consideration.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the proposed renunciation of the existing lease in respect of 28 High Street, Renfrew and the granting of a new five-year lease of the premises. A plan appended to the report outlined the location of the property

The report stated that the Council-owned shop property at 28 High Street, Renfrew had been leased, on an annual basis since 2011, by Ms L McLeod who traded as a hairdresser, at an annual rental of £9600. Ms McLeod had provisionally agreed to sell her business to HB Renfrew LLP and had requested that the lease be transferred to that company. She had accepted responsibility for meeting all rent, rates and occupation costs due along with the Council’s reasonable expenses in progressing the lease renunciation. The proposed incoming tenant had requested a five-year full repairing lease to facilitate investment in the property and business and had agreed to a rent uplift to £10,500 per annum and to meet the Council’s reasonable expenses in granting the new lease.

DECIDED:

That the renunciation of the existing lease to Ms Louise McLeod be approved,
subject to the outgoing tenant meeting the Council’s costs incurred in the transaction;

That the granting of a new five-year, full repairing lease, to HP Renfrew LLP, be agreed subject to suitable terms and conditions, as detailed in this report, being agreed; and

That the Head of Corporate Governance conclude the lease renunciation with Ms Louise McLeod and the granting of a five-year lease to HB Renfrew LLP on such terms and conditions as to protect the Councils’ interest.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the proposed declaration of an area of ground at Milliken Road, Kilbarchan as surplus to the Council’s requirements. 

The report advised that Williamsburgh Housing Association (WHA) had approached the Council seeking to purchase the area of land, identified on plan E2576 appended to the report, to assist with the development of the adjacent site, owned by the Housing Association, on which it was proposed to build 18 residential units.  The Council-owned site was held by Environment & Communities in the General Services account and the Service had confirmed that the land was not required for future operational needs.  It was noted that the development had been identified as a priority site, within the Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan, to provide affordable housing within the villages, had been granted planning consent and been approved in terms of Scottish Government grant funding.

Details of the proposed lease, should the land be declared surplus to requirements were outlined in the report.

DECIDED:

(a) That the area of land at Milliken Road, Kilbarchan, indicated on plan E2576 appended to the report, be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements; 

(b) That it be noted that the sale of the land to Williamsburgh Housing Association would be on such terms and conditions as may be negotiated by the Head of Property Services utilising delegated powers; and

(c) That the Head of Corporate Governance be authorised to conclude the sale of the land on such terms and conditions deemed necessary to protect the Council’s interest.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Finance & Resources relative to the proposed transfer, in terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, of Linwood Community Woodland to Linwood Community Development Trust (LCDT).

The report stated that LCDT had been established as a charity to promote the health and wellbeing of the residents of Linwood.  Reference was made within the report to the decision to transfer, in terms of the Council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy, the playing fields at the fomer Clippens School and build a Health and Wellbeing Centre with 3G football pitch on the site, the funding package for the project and the financial support allocated by the Council to assist LCDT achieve the development.  It was also stated that the former Janitor’s Cottage and remaining Clippens school grounds had been transferred to LCDT for a woodland outdoor nursery.  An asset transfer request, in terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, had been received to acquire Linwood Community Woodland for the sum of £1.  The woodland had been recorded, in the Council’s 2018 Asset Register, as having a zero asset value in view of the maintenance liability and there being no identified development opportunity.  The advertisement requirements for transfer requests were outlined in the report.  The Transfer Asset Panel had met and considered the merits of the application, the plan to manage the woodland for the benefit of the community, the funding package and the arrangements in place to prohibit disposal of the woodland to a third party.  The Panel had recommended approval of the asset transfer request.

DECIDED:

(a) That it be noted that the Council had received a Community Asset Transfer request from the Linwood Community Development Trust, in terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, for Linwood Community Woodland as indicated on plan E2699, a copy of which was appended to the report; 

(b) That the transfer of Linwood Community Woodland, in terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, to Linwood Community Development Trust be approved; and 

(c) that the Head of Corporate Governance be requested to undertake the necessary legal transaction to transfer ownership of the Council’s title for Linwood Community Woodland to Linwood Community Development Trust.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities providing an overview of progress to deliver the Environment & Communities Service Improvement Plan during the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018. Reference was made to the amendments to the Service Improvement Action plan, attached as Appendix 1 of the report, previously intimated by the Convener. 

The report summarised the main achievements of the service during 2017/18.  the Service Improvement Action plan, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, detailed progress to date against the agreed priorities for the Service and identified areas where significant advances had been made, together with actions that had been reviewed or delayed.  It was noted that the priorities for the Service were aligned to the Council's strategic outcomes approved at the meeting of the Council held on 28 September 2017.  Appendix 2 to the report incorporated a score card of performance indicators measuring annual progress to deliver key tasks. 

DECIDED:

(a) That the progress made by Environment & Communities in terms of implementation of the Environment & Communities 2017/20 Service Improvement Plan actions and performance indicators, of areas within the remit of this Policy Board and detailed in the appendices, be noted; and 

(b) That it be noted that the Service Improvement Plan outturn report for Environment & Communities would also be considered at the meetings of the Communities, Housing and Planning and the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Boards to approve elements of the Plan within the remit of those Policy Boards.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities relative to key service activities during the period 7 January to 31 March 2018. The report provided a progress update on the main projects and activities delivered by the services within Environment & Communities together with key performance indicators.

DECIDED:

(a) That the operational performance update be noted; and

(b) That the re-allocation of existing capital funding from within the Council’s approved Capital Programme 2018/2019 for the purchase of the additional bin infrastructure, detailed within section 4.7 of the report, be approved. 

There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities relative to proposed improvements in the cemeteries estate in Renfrewshire.

The report advised that the Council operated nine cemeteries, which were highly valued by the local communities but required investment in their infrastructure to continue to provide an appropriate setting for the services provided. It had been agreed at the meeting of the Council held on 2 March 2018 that £1m be allocated from the Council’s Revenue Budget to deliver improvements in the cemeteries estate.

During 2015 Environment & Communities had commissioned a high-level business case which focussed on future lair capacity within Renfrewshire’s cemeteries.  During this process asset condition surveys had been undertaken which identified infrastructure improvement works, including works to roads, paths, walls and drainage systems which could be delivered within the Council’s cemeteries.  The report detailed investment works undertaken in cemeteries in recent years. The report also proposed that, on the basis of recognised and ongoing need for investment, taking account of usage, condition and enhancement, the Council’s £1m investment be utilised to deliver on priority improvements focussed on cemeteries and areas within cemeteries where the investment would make the greatest improvement to support the continued need and usage of the cemeteries.   Additional surveys would require to be undertaken to supplement the existing known priority areas for investment and would inform the infrastructure improvements required to the drainage, wall, paths and roads within the cemeteries.  Details of the priority areas for improvement identified within specific cemeteries was provided, together with a summary of proposed works.  A table within the report provided a breakdown of the proposed investment in each cemetery together with the anticipated timescale for implementation of improvement works.

DECIDED:

(a) That the investment proposals and spend of the Council’s £1m in Renfrewshire’s cemeteries, detailed within the report, be approved; 
 
(b) That it be noted that the anticipated commencement timescale of common early infrastructure works and improvements to cemeteries was Autumn 2018; and  

(c) That it be noted that progress updates in respect of the Council’s £1m investment in cemeteries would be submitted to future meetings of this Policy Board.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities relative to the development and implementation of a respectful funeral service and the proposal to remove local burial and registration fees for children under 16 years of age.

The report advised that £0.5m had been committed at the Council meeting held on 2 March 2018, from the Council’s Revenue Budget to help alleviate funeral poverty through the development and implementation of an affordable  respectful funeral service for Renfrewshire. The funding was also to be utilised to remove burial and registration fees for children under 16. 

The Scottish Government had reviewed the issue of funeral poverty in Scotland and reference was made to the Birrell report, “Funeral Poverty in Scotland”, which indicated that the average cost of a funeral in Scotland was approximately £3,500, including funeral directors’ costs. All funeral directors in Renfrewshire currently provided a “basic funeral package”. The Council charged Renfrewshire residents, £479.25 for interments and £459.90 for new lairs which were among the lowest fees charged by local authorities in Scotland. 

The report also highlighted that local authorities had a responsibility, in terms of the National Assistance Act 1948, to arrange a dignified funeral where there was no identifiable relative to take responsibility for arranging the funeral.  The Council carried out approximately 12 such funerals per annum. In recent years there had been instances where this type of burial had been arranged by the Council where there had been identifiable relatives but they did not have funds to arrange a funeral.  Due to an increase in funeral poverty some local authorities had worked with funeral directors to introduce a “respectful funeral service”. This service was not the same as a National Assistance Funeral and enabled family members to plan for a funeral at an affordable cost. The report proposed that Renfrewshire Council work with funeral directors, nearby crematoria and neighbouring local authorities where such schemes had been implemented successfully to develop an affordable and respectful funeral service specification and promote the scheme to Renfrewshire residents who might struggle to meet the costs of a funeral.  A further report, providing detail in relation to the proposed Renfrewshire scheme and how residents would access it would be prepared and submitted to a future meeting of the Policy Board.

DECIDED:

(a) That it be agreed that officers from Environment & Communities work with local funeral directors and nearby crematoria to develop and agree appropriate criteria and a standard for a respectful funeral service for residents within Renfrewshire, as detailed in section 4 of the report, that cost no more than a specified amount; 
 
(b) That it be noted that arrangements had been made to ensure that any costs payable to Renfrewshire Council, such as lair, interment and registration, for a funeral of a young person under the age of 16 were waived; and 
 
(c) That a further report outlining the details of the proposed respectful funeral service scheme and how it would operate in Renfrewshire be submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities relative to further investment and future activities in the Environment and Place Programme.

The Programme had been established during 2017 and provided support to communities through enhanced operational activities, including additional and targeted streetscene and roads activities, mechanised street sweeping and the cleaning of gullies; litter clean ups and targeted dog fouling activities and enforcement; removal of old and redundant street furniture and roads infrastructure such as signage, poles, barriers, etc; and the relining of road markings and box junctions. Reference was made within the report to the investment of £2.5m approved at the meeting of the Council, held on 2 March 2018 to continue and improve on the work undertaken to date. 

The report recommended a proposed programme of works for 2018/19 and provided information on the future development of the programme during 2019/20 and beyond. It was noted that regular updates on progress would be provided within the operational update report.  An annual update report would also be submitted to the Policy Board for consideration.

DECIDED:  That the Environment and Place programme, the focus for 2018/19 and how this would influence work in future years be agreed.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities relative to the Greater Glasgow & Clyde Joint Health Protection Plan 2018/20.

The report stated that the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008, amongst other things, detailed the responsibilities of Scottish Ministers, local authorities and health boards, in terms of protecting public health in Scotland and enabled appropriate action in this connection.  In summary local authorities were responsible for all public health regulation in relation to premises and property while the National Health Service (NHS) was responsible for all public health regulation in relation to persons and individuals. 

Health Boards in Scotland required in terms of the Act to lead on the preparation of a Joint Health Protection Plan (JHPP) for the area. The content, nature and scope of Plans were covered in guidance issued by Scottish Ministers. The JHPP set the strategic context for Public Health Protection within the area. In preparing the Greater Glasgow & Clyde JHPP 2018/20 NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board had consulted with local authorities within the Health Board area. A copy of the draft Plan was appended to the report for approval.  It was highlighted that the JHPP also required to be approved by the NHS Board and the other local authorities within the Health Board area. 

DECIDED:

(a) That the draft Greater Glasgow & Clyde Joint Health Protection Plan 2018/20, a copy of which was appended to the report, be approved; and

(b) That the Director of Environment & Communities, be authorised to sign the Joint Health Protection Plan.

Under reference to item 14 of the Minute of the Council held on 2 March 2018 there was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities relative to the feasibility of (i) making it illegal to walk a dog without carrying a bag to pick up and dispose of dog waste and (ii) licensing dog walkers.  

The report stated that the primary legislation in Scotland in relation to dog fouling was the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003, which made it an offence for a dog walker to fail to pick up after their dog. Local authority officers and Police Scotland were authorised to issue fixed penalty notices when the offence was witnessed. It was highlighted that there was no provision within the legislation to take enforcement action against someone for not carrying a bag for the disposal of their dog waste and that it was unlikely that the Scottish Government would confirm a by-law requiring this as there was already legislation available to address the issue that the proposed by-law wished to address. 

Currently there was no legislation for the licensing of dog walking companies and therefore no enforcement could be undertaken by the Council.  Initial investigations had shown that some Scottish Authorities offered voluntary registration where dog walking groups were encouraged to sign up to abide by set conditions. Thereafter the group promoted membership of the scheme to demonstrate compliance. The feasibility of introducing a similar scheme in Renfrewshire was currently being assessed together with options for the possible operating criteria and potential benefits.  It was intended that a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Policy Board detailing the analysis undertaken and the conditions under which any proposed scheme would operate.

DECIDED:

(a) That the report and legislative limitations with regards to taking enforcement action against dog walkers that did not carry a bag to pick up after their dog be noted;  

(b) That it be noted that no licensing regime currently existed for the registration of dog walkers in Scotland; and 

(c) That it be noted that the options for implementing a voluntary register for dog walking companies in Renfrewshire were currently being assessed and that the Director of Environment & Communities would prepare and submit a further report to a future meeting of this Policy Board on the feasibility of introducing a registration scheme and the conditions under which this regime would operate.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities relative to consultation by the Scottish Government in connection with the proposed Pet Shop (Licensing) Bill.

The report advised that Jeremy Balfour MSP had launched consultation on a Members’ Bill to improve animal welfare by enhancing local authority pet shop licensing powers and updating the system in relation to licence conditions, fees and inspections. The current legislation, the Pet Animals Act 1951, was considered to be outdated, leading to issues in terms of enforcement and interpretation.  In addition, it appeared that the legislation was being inconsistently applied across Scotland.  The proposed legislation addressed measures that were within the remit of the local authority in its role as the pet shop licensing authority and sought to ensure that a high standard of inspection and enforcement was maintained.  The deadline for responses to the consultation was 18 June 2018 and the draft response which was appended to the report was supportive of the proposal to strengthen the licensing regime for pet shops in Scotland as this would provide greater consistency in the inspection and enforcement regime across Scotland and protect animal welfare. 

DECIDED:

(a) That the consultation on the proposed Pet Shop (Licensing) (Scotland) Bill be noted; and  

(b) That the Council’s response to the consultation, detailed in the appendix to the report, be approved.

Under reference to item 5 of the Minute of the meeting of this Policy Board held on 8 November 2017 there was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Communities relative to the review of car parking provision and charges across Renfrewshire.

The report detailed the key findings of the impact assessments undertaken in relation to Johnstone and Renfrew town centres.  In addition to the key findings, the impact assessment had identified other issues, both from stakeholder dialogue and onsite observations, that the Council planned to address through early enabling works.  Details of potential parking interventions and controls to address these issues were provided.  In terms of the wider Renfrewshire position it was noted that detailed design principles for parking permits, informed by the findings of the impact assessments, feedback from stakeholders and the wider public of Johnstone and Renfrew and tailored and targeted to each town centre would be required.

It was proposed that consideration be given to holding public meetings in both Johnstone and Renfrew to obtain feedback on the proposals.  This was agreed.

Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor Don, moved:-

(a) That the findings of the impact assessment as carried out into the introduction of parking charges in Johnstone and Renfrew be noted; 

(b) That it be agreed that arrangements be made to share, for their views and comments, the findings of the impact assessment Johnstone and Renfrew with the key stakeholders who had contributed to the process and also the wider public of Johnstone and Renfrew;

(c) That it be agreed that the key findings of the impact assessment Johnstone and  Renfrew would inform any future detailed design principles, as would be tailored to both town centres;

(d) That it be noted that a further report would be submitted to the next meeting of this Policy Board, to be held on 29 August 2018, following feedback and comments from the key stakeholders and wider public of Johnstone and Renfrew, as referred to in paragraphs 1.7 and 2.2 of the report; and

(e) That it be agreed that consideration of an annual charge for residents and businesses parking permits for Paisley and potentially Johnstone and Renfrew be continued until the further report, referred to in (d) above, was submitted to this Policy Board on 29 August 2018 for consideration.

Adjournment

Councillor Graham intimated that he proposed to put forward, for consideration by the Board, an amendment to the recommendations detailed in the report. It was agreed that the meeting be adjourned to enable the amendment to be reduced to writing in terms of Standing Order 25 and circulated to members of the Policy Board.

The meeting adjourned at 1.40pm and reconvened at 1.45pm.

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor Binks moved, as an amendment that recommendations 2.4 and 2.5 of the report be brought and presented to full Council for approval.

On the roll being called the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Binks, Davidson, Devine, Graham, Hood, Kennedy and J MacLaren

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, Cameron, Campbell, Audrey Doig, Don and McEwan. 

7 members voted for the amendment and 7 members voted for the motion.  There being an equality of votes cast, the Convener used her second and casting vote in favour of the motion which was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the findings of the impact assessment as carried out into the introduction of parking charges in Johnstone and Renfrew be noted; 

(b) That it be agreed that arrangements be made to share, for their views and comments, the findings of the impact assessment Johnstone and Renfrew with the key stakeholders who had contributed to the process and also the wider public of Johnstone and Renfrew;

(c) That it be agreed that the key findings of the impact assessment Johnstone and  Renfrew would inform any future detailed design principles, as would be tailored to both town centres:

(d) That it be noted that a further report would be submitted to the next meeting of this Policy Board, to be held on 29 August 2018, following feedback and comments from the key stakeholders and wider public of Johnstone and Renfrew, as referred to in paragraphs 1.7 and 2.2 of the report;

(e) That it be agreed that consideration of an annual charge for residents and businesses parking permits for Paisley and potentially Johnstone and Renfrew be continued until the further report, referred to in (d) above, was submitted to this Policy Board on 29 August 2018 for consideration; and

(f) That consideration be given to holding public meetings in both Johnstone and Renfrew to obtain feedback on the proposals.

Sederunt 

Councillor Mylet re-entered the meeting prior to consideration of the following items.

The Board resolved that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that if members of the press and public were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6, 8 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.