Councillor J MacLaren declared an interest in item 4 for the reason that he was a private landlord. Councillor MacLaren indicated that as he had declared an interest, he would withdraw from the meeting during any discussion and voting on the item.

There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Sub-committee held on 18 January 2022, which formed the Appendix to this Minute.

DECIDED: That the Minute be approved.

 

 

 

 

There was submitted a Housing Revenue Account, Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report by the Director of Finance & Resources for the period 1 April 2021 to 7 January 2022.

The report stated that the projected outturn, as at 31 March 2022, for all services reporting to this Policy Board was an overspend position of £0.076 million against the revised budget for the year. The projected capital outturn, as at 31 March 2022, for projects reporting to this Policy Board was a breakeven position against the revised budget for the year. Summaries were provided over the relevant services in the tables within the report, together with further analysis.  It was noted that for financial year 2021/22 the projected outturn position had been split into core and Covid-19 related variances to assist understanding of the impact of the pandemic on service finances. It was also highlighted that revenue budget adjustments totalling £0.015 million, relating to the Adult Social Care pay uplift and transfer to Property Services for repairs and maintenance works had been made since the previous meeting.  In addition, the report stated that since consideration of the previous report, capital budget changes totalling £1.75 million had arisen which reflected budget carry forward from 2021/22 to 2022/23 in respect of the expected timing of demolitions at Johnstone Castle and Tannahill; completion of installation of smoke alarm and heat detectors in early 2022/23; and updated cash flows received for the Tannahill new build project. 

DECIDED: 

(a) That the projected Housing Revenue Account and Revenue outturn position, detailed in table 1 of the report, be noted;

(b) That the projected Capital outturn position, detailed in table 2 of the report, be noted; and 

(c) That the budget adjustments, detailed in sections 4 and 6 of the report, be noted.

There was submitted a joint report by the Chief Executive and Director of Communities & Housing Services relative to the draft Renfrewshire Local Housing Strategy 2022/27, a copy of which was appended to the report. 

The report stated that in terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 local authorities had a duty to prepare a five-year Local Housing Strategy (LHS), informed by an assessment of housing provision, need and related services in the area. The LHS outlined the strategic vision for housing and housing related services in Renfrewshire and sought to provide clear direction for strategic housing investment. The report stated that the preparation of the draft LHS had involved extensive consultation and engagement with local communities and a range of stakeholders over the previous two-year period, built on the previous housing strategy and supported the regeneration of existing neighbourhoods and the delivery of high-quality, well designed, energy efficient and sustainable places. The draft strategy proposed five strategic priorities for Renfrewshire, details of which were provided within the report, which the Council and partners would seek to deliver over the next five-year period. The draft strategy also detailed actions which the Council and partners required to deliver to achieve the strategic priorities. These actions would form the basis of an action plan to accompany the finalised LHS 2022/27, and be monitored and reported to this Policy Board on an annual basis. Authority was sought to undertake consultation to gather the views of local communities, residents and tenants, housing association partners, the Health and Social Care Partnership and Third Sector organisations across Renfrewshire on the draft LHS, between 21 March 2022 and 13 June 2022. Following the consultation period, the LHS 2022/27 would be finalised and submitted to a future meeting of this Policy Board for consideration and, if appropriate, approval.

DECIDED: That the draft Local Housing Strategy 2022/27 be approved for consultation and the necessary publicity and consultation in relation to the strategy be authorised.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities & Housing Services relative to the Renfrewshire Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) Strategy 2022/25.

The Anti-social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004 required all local authorities to publish a strategy jointly with the Chief Constable of Police Scotland for their Council area. All local authorities and Police Scotland required to consult with the Principal Reporter, registered social landlords, community bodies and “other persons” considered appropriate, to assist in the preparation, review, and revision of Anti-social Behaviour strategies. The report reminded members that at the meeting of this Policy Board held on 26 October 2021, a draft Renfrewshire ASB had been approved for consultation. Consultation had now been undertaken with statutory, voluntary and community partners.

The Renfrewshire ASB Strategy 2022/25, a copy of which was appended to the report, had been developed in liaison with a range of statutory, voluntary and community partners whilst taking account of the relevant legislative requirements. The outcomes and priorities detailed within the Renfrewshire ASB Strategy 2022/25 had been developed based on evidence reported through various channels, including the Renfrewshire Public Services Panel and consultation workshops with elected members. An Action Plan had been developed, and was attached as Appendix 2 of the report, to incorporate improvement actions that had been identified during the course of the review and following discussion in connection with tenancy agreements it was agreed that this would cover ‘potential legal action and/or reductions in tenancy rights’ that could be instigated in the event that tenants broke the terms of their tenancy agreement as a result of anti-social behaviour.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Renfrewshire Anti-social Behaviour Strategy 2022/25 and associated Action Plan be approved; and 

(b) That it be agreed that an annual update on the progress of the Anti-social Behaviour Strategy and delivery of the Action Plan would be submitted to future meetings of this Policy Board; including information on the ‘potential legal action and/or reductions in tenancy rights’ that could be instigated in the event that tenants broke the terms of their tenancy agreement as a result of anti-social behaviour.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities & Housing Services relative to the Covid Tenant Grant Fund and homelessness in Renfrewshire.

The report provided an update on the proposed distribution of the Covid-19 Tenant Grant Fund, outlined how the needs of homeless people continued to be met throughout the pandemic, and provided an update on the significant progress that had been made in the implementation of Renfrewshire’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP). Information relating to the consultation exercise being undertaken by the Scottish Government on the prevention of homelessness duty was also provided.

The report advised that a Scottish Government fund had been established which distributed funding to local authorities aimed at providing some degree of support to tenants with rent arrears, including the private rented sector, council tenants, and those renting housing association properties. This funding, the Covid-19 Tenant Grant Fund, was targeted towards those tenants who were faced with rent arrears directly caused by the pandemic and specifically accrued between 23 March 2020 and 9 August 2021.The Fund was to be primarily distributed to those who might be at risk of having their tenancies repossessed. Renfrewshire’s share of the fund was £214,000, and national and local publicity during late 2021 had invited applications from tenants and landlords across the private and social rented sectors. Over 300 applications had subsequently been received in Renfrewshire, and these had been assessed in line with the relevant Scottish Government guidance and criteria. It was noted that the value of applications for the fund had exceeded the available fund for distribution, however, having regard to the guidance to prioritise prevention of homelessness and a letter from the Cabinet Secretary to the Convenors of Housing across all Scottish Councils which had advised that the expectation was that applications from private tenants should be prioritised, the distribution of the fund would enable 100% of eligible claims from private tenants/landlords to be met, with 90% of the value of claims from Registered Social Landlord and Council tenants to be met. A breakdown of the payments which were on schedule to be distributed prior to the end of the current financial year was provided.

The report also made reference to the Scottish Government aim of introducing legislation, in the upcoming Housing Bill, which would lead to wider homeless prevention duties across public bodies. The associated consultation exercise, which took the form of 96 questions on the proposed new legal duty, offered the opportunity to provide views on how to improve practice around joint working to ensure consistency of delivery across Scotland, while recognising local circumstances and decision-making. It was noted that the response prepared by the Director of Communities & Housing would be broadly supportive of the objective of promoting good practice but would express caution regarding the potential new duties that might arise for local authorities and highlight the need to ensure that this was recognised with appropriate funding. 

DECIDED:

(a) That the proposed distribution of funding across Renfrewshire in relation to the £214,000 allocated in terms of the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus Tenant Grant Fund be noted;

(b) That the progress made in meeting the needs of those who were statutorily homeless during the recovery from the impacts of Covid-19, and the implementation of Renfrewshire’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan be noted; and 

(c) That the Director of Communities & Housing Services be authorised to submit a response to the Scottish Government consultation on proposals for broadening the duty for prevention of homelessness across public bodies.

There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities & Housing Services relative to the Council’s Financial Harm Strategy 2022/25.

The report indicated that financial harm was the risk of experiencing, or the actual perpetration of, financial abuse by whatever means, including theft, fraud, forgery or exploitation. It could involve people being put under pressure in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions, or benefits. The methods used in the commission of financial harm were complex, varied and often extremely deceptive and manipulative. Many people who fell victim to financial harm were otherwise unknown to agencies and were not in other ways vulnerable or easily coerced. 

The report advise that a Financial Harm Sub-Group had been established to ensure the engagement of key stakeholders in the protection of adults at risk of financial harm. It was intended that the Sub-group report to the Community Protection PREVENT Steering Group, reflecting the broad community protection relevance of financial harm and the frequent links to organised criminality. The proposed terms of reference of the Sub-group were appended to the report, together with a proposed Financial Harm Strategy for approval by the Board.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Council’s Financial Harm Strategy 2022/25, as detailed in appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and

(b) That it be noted that a Financial Harm Strategy action plan would be developed by the Financial Harm Sub-Group following approval of the strategy.

There were submitted an intimation by the Director of Communities & Housing Services in terms of paragraph 2.5 of the Renfrewshire Common Housing Allocation Policy, which required all housing allocations which involved either (i) Council members or their immediate families or (ii) members of staff of the Housing Services Division or their immediate families to be notified to the relevant Policy Board.

DECIDED: That the intimation be noted.

 

 

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan Action Programme and the revised draft New Development Supplementary Guidance.

The report advised that following the decision, taken at the meeting of this Policy Board held on 15 December 2021, to adopt the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan (2021) legislation required an Action Programme to be published to support the delivery and implementation of the Plan. A copy of the proposed Action Plan together with revised draft Renfrewshire New Development Supplementary Guidance, which set out the detailed advice on the application of policies and proposals within the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan, (2021) was provided. During discussion, elected members were advised that approval was sought to undertake further consultation in respect of the revised New Development Supplementary Guidance, which included the Householder’s Guidance document. 

DECIDED:
 
(a) That the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan Action Programme (2022) be approved and its adoption and publication in support of the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan (2021) be authorised; and

(b) That the revised draft New Development Supplementary Guidance (2022) be approved for consultation prior to the finalised guidance being submitted to this Policy Board for approval.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Renfrewshire Planning and Development Tree Policy 2022.

The report stated that trees and woodlands contributed greatly to amenity and the quality of place, benefitting biodiversity and having a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of the climate crisis. Following the Council meeting held on 30 September 2021, an updated policy framework, a copy of which was appended to the report, had been prepared which aimed to protect and maintain existing trees across Renfrewshire as well as outlining the importance of active management of existing trees and ensuring appropriate provision for the planting and preservation of trees on new development sites.

The proposed policy provided up to date advice on works to Council-owned trees; protected trees in conservation areas and trees covered by tree preservation orders; high hedges; Council powers in relation to privately owned trees; householders common law rights for trees; trees overhanging roads and footways; trees in gardens of Council houses; and trees affected by development sites. Subject to approval, the policy would be published on the Council’s website and used as advice for future tree works as well as a material consideration when determining planning applications for tree works and development site and ensuring appropriate provision for the planting and preservation of trees when considering development proposals. 

DECIDED; That the Renfrewshire Planning and Development Tree Policy 2022, as appended to the report, be approved.

 

 

 

 

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to proposed consultation responses to the consultation documents entitled (i) draft National Planning Framework 4; (ii) Local Development Planning Regulations & Guidance and (iii) Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments.

The report stated that following the enactment of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, the Scottish Government was progressing the implementation of the Act and the wider reforms of the planning system. As part of the delivery of transforming planning, the Scottish Government had published a series of consultation documents seeking comment on issues including the draft National Planning Framework 4, significant changes to the development planning regulations and guidance and new duties on planning authorities to prepare and publish an Open Space Strategy and to assess the sufficiency of play opportunities for children in all local authority areas. The deadline for the submission of responses to the consultation documents was 31 March 2022.

The report summarised the key points being taken forward in the consultation responses and provided copies of the proposed responses, prepared on behalf of the Council, to each of the consultation documents. The report noted that the draft responses indicated that the Council was supportive of the approaches outlined in all three consultation areas. Aspects of each of the documents which it was suggested required further consideration, clarification and detail before finalising and publishing the framework, regulations and guidance were outlined.

DECIDED; That the proposed consultation responses to the draft National Planning Framework 4, Local Development Planning Regulations & Guidance and Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments consultation documents, copies of which were appended to the report, be approved for submission to the Scottish Government.

There were submitted reports by the Chief Executive relative to the following applications for planning permission that required to be determined by the Board.

(A) 20/0516/PP: Erection of residential development comprising 17 dwellinghouses and 8 flats with associated infrastructure, parking and landscaping and erection of relocated greenkeeping facility with associated storage - Land east of Newton Cottage at Elderslie Golf Club, Newton Avenue , Elderslie, Johnstone. 

Councillor Rodden, seconded by Councillor Nicolson, moved that consideration of the application be continued pending a site visit. This was agreed.

DECIDED: That consideration of the application be continued pending a site visit.

(B) 21/1668/PP: Mixed Use Redevelopment of The Paisley Centre to include Class 1 (Shops), Class 2 (Financial, Professional & Other Services), Class 3 (Food & Drink), Class 4 (Business), Class 7 (Hotel), Class 10 (Non-residential Institutions), Class 11 (Assembly & Leisure), Residential, Healthcare, Sui Generis (Hot Food Takeaway), Demolition and Other Ancillary Uses - Inshops Managers Office, Paisley Centre, 23 High Street, Paisley.

In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor McGurk, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report This was agreed.

DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.



(C) 21/1669/LB: Alterations to 2 facades in association with the Redevelopment of The Paisley Centre - Inshops Managers Office, Paisley Centre, 23 High Street, Paisley.

In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor McGurk, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report This was agreed.

DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.

(D) 21/1670/CA: Demolition in association with Mixed Use Redevelopment of The Paisley Centre - Inshops Managers Office, Paisley Centre, 23 High Street, Paisley.

In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor McGurk, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report This was agreed.

DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report.

(E) 22/0030/PP: Siting of residential caravan for temporary period of 3 years (in retrospect) - Land to North of East Auchenhean, Auchenhean Road, Lochwinnoch 

In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor McGurk, moved that the application be refused for the reasons detailed within the report This was agreed.

DECIDED: That the application be refused for the reasons detailed in the report.

(F) 21/1030/PP: Erection of 49 dwellings with associated roads, carparking and landscaping - Site between Fordbank Stables and Corseford Avenue, Johnstone

Councillor Hood, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, moved that the application be refused as it was contrary to Policy ENV 1, eroded the Greenbelt between Johnstone and Howwood and would result in unacceptable traffic congestion, at peak times, in the vicinity of the proposed development site. 

Councillor Rodden, seconded by Councillor Burns, moved as an amendment that consideration of the application be continued pending a site visit.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Burns, K MacLaren, M MacLaren, McGurk, McNaughtan, Nicolson and Rodden.

The following members voted for the motion: Councillors Binks, Brown, Devine, A Doig, Graham, Hood and J MacLaren.

7 members having voted for the amendment and 7 members having voted for the motion, the Convener, in terms of Standing Order 31, used her second and casting vote in favour of the amendment which was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That consideration of the application be continued pending a site visit.

(G) 20/0597/PP: Erection of residential development, comprising fifty nine dwellinghouses and twenty flats with ancillary roads, parking, and landscaping - Reid Linwood Building, 48 Napier Street, Linwood, Paisley

In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor McGurk, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report and a Section 75 agreement being concluded with the applicants for a financial contribution towards the provision of alternative pitch facilities.  This was agreed.

DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report and a Section 75 agreement being concluded with the applicants for a financial contribution towards the provision of alternative pitch facilities.

 

 

 

 

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 paragraph 12 of part I of schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the decision taken at the meeting of this Policy Board, held on 7 December 2021, to adopt the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan in accordance with the provisions of The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.

The report advised that a statutory appeal had been received by the Council, the grounds of which were detailed, and outlined, in an appendix to the report, legal opinion obtained in this connection from senior counsel. 

DECIDED: That the recommendations detailed in the report be agreed.