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Meeting Details

Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board
3 Nov 2021 - 13:00 to 14:00
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests
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Documents

Agenda

Agenda
Councillors
Standard Items
Recording of Meeting

This meeting will be broadcast live via the Council’s website. Following the meeting a recording of the meeting will be available to view on the Councils website.

To locate the recording please follow the link which will be attached to this agenda once the meeting has concluded.

If you have any queries regarding this please contact Committee Services on 07934714023.

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Convener intimated that this meeting of the Board would be webcast live on the Council's website and outlined the rules to be followed by participants at a hybrid meeting.

Thereafter the Clerk took a roll call of members in attendance at the meeting, indicating those in the Council Chamber and those participating remotely.
Hybrid Meeting
Please note that this meeting is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers.  However, it is a hybrid meeting and arrangements have been made for members to join the meeting remotely should they wish.
Section 1 Heading
Section 1
Apologies
Apologies from members.
Declarations of Interest
Members are asked to declare an interest in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest.
Councillor Sharkey declared a non-financial interest in respect of agenda item 5 – Renfrewshire Council Road Safety Policy - and intimated that it was his intention to remain in the meeting and to take part in any discussion or voting thereon. 

Councillor Hood declared a non-financial interest in respect of agenda item 5 – Renfrewshire Council Road Safety Policy - and intimated that it was his intention to remain in the meeting and to take part in any discussion or voting thereon. 
Joint report by Director of Finance & Resources, Director of Environment and Infrastructure & Director of Communities and Housing. 
1
There was submitted a joint Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report by the Directors of Finance & Resources, Environment & Infrastructure and Communities & Housing Services for the period  1 April to 17 September 2021.

The report stated that the projected revenue outturn as at 31 March 2022 for all services reporting to this Policy Board was an overspend position of £3.175 million (9.9%) against the revised budget for the year, with £3.142 million of expenditure directly attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic response.  The projected capital out-turn as at 31 March 2022 for projects reporting to the Board was a break-even 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 out-turn position was split into core and Covid-19 related variances.

The report highlighted revenue budget adjustments totalling £66,000 since the last report which related to a budget allocation for the living wage increase in 2021/22.  In addition it was noted that there had been capital budget adjustments of £0.441 million since the last report, comprising of budget increases to reflect grant awards for the Vehicle Replacement Programme, renewal of play parks and the Nature Restoration Fund.

DECIDED:

(a) That the projected Revenue outturn position, as detailed in table 1 of the report, acknowledging that the forecast position was based on best estimates at this point in time, be noted;

(b) That the projected Capital outturn position, as 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.
Joint report by Director of Environment & Infrastructure and Director of Communities and Housing.
2
There was submitted a joint report by the Directors of Environment & Infrastructure and Communities & Housing Services relative to operational performance.




The report provided updates since the previous Board meeting in respect of key areas delivered by services within Environment & Infrastructure, which were within the remit of this Policy Board. It also outlined the areas of priority through to Autumn 2021, highlighting key areas of focus and plans for next steps to support the Council’s recovery plans. Whilst developing these plans, the local and national position remained fluid and services would remain flexible and able to respond quickly in relation to changes in restrictions and local outbreaks as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  It was noted that all required safety measures were in place and well established.

The report recognised the commitment and resilience shown by staff during the pandemic while delivering essential services, volunteering to support frontline services and helping others to remain safe at home.  Updates were provided on a number of areas including improvements to the Fleet, Roads and Transportation Depot at Underwood Road, the deployment of electric fleet vehicles to frontline operations, safe crossing installations, active travel routes, town centre carparking, the Parks Investment Programme, the Recycling Improvement Fund and the Community Investment Fund. 

The report also highlighted that Waste Operations had been successful in winning the Outstanding COVID-19 Response Award at the Chartered Institute of Waste Management Scottish Resources Awards and Team Up to Clean Up had been shortlisted in two categories, Environmental Services and Community Involvement, at the local Government Chronicles awards with the award ceremony taking place on 4 November 2021.

Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor Campbell, moved that (a) the content of the report be noted; (b) the reintroduction of car parking charges from 8 November 2021 in Paisley Town Centre, with three hours of free parking offered in the six car parks that had previously been part of the ‘free for three’ pilot as set out in section 4.7 of the report, be approved; (c) the expansion of the Free for Three car parking to include two further car parks at the Lagoon Centre be approved; (d) the evaluation of temporary cycle routes, over the period November to July 2022, set out in section 4.6.1 of the report, including a review of the consultation and engagement arrangements undertaken with communities and elected members be approved; and (e) it be noted that a report would be presented to the Board in August 2022 to  consider the results and longer-term cycle route infrastructure and community engagement approach.

Councillor Hood, seconded by Councillor Sharkey, moved as a first amendment that the recommendation set out at section 2.3 of the report be amended to read "Approves the evaluation of temporary cycle routes, over the period November to July 2022 set out in paragraphs 4.6.1; including a review of the consultation and engagement arrangements methods undertaken with communities and elected members, provided the communities and elected members are satisfied with the arrangements, with a report being brought back to the first Full Council possible to consider the results and longer-term cycle route infrastructure and community engagement approach."

Councillor Graham, seconded by Councillor Kerr, moved as a second amendment that the recommendation set out at section 2.2 of the report be amended to read "Approves the reintroduction of car parking charges from 8 November 2021 in Paisley Town Centre, with three hours of free parking offered in all car parks within the Paisley boundary."

On the roll being called between the motion and the first amendment, the following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, Cameron, Campbell, Audrey Doig, McEwan, Mylet and Nicolson.

The following members voted for the first amendment: Councillors Devine, Devine-Kennedy, Graham, Hood, Kerr, J MacLaren and Sharkey.

7 members having voted for the first amendment and 8 members having voted for the motion, a vote was then taken between the motion and second amendment.

On the roll being called between the motion and the second amendment, the following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, Cameron, Campbell, Audrey Doig, McEwan, Mylet and Nicolson.

The following members voted for the second amendment: Councillors Devine, Devine-Kennedy, Graham, Hood, Kerr, J MacLaren and Sharkey.

7 members having voted for the second amendment and 8 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the content of the report be noted;

(b) That the reintroduction of car parking charges from 8 November 2021 in Paisley Town Centre, with three hours of free parking offered in the six car parks that had previously been part of the ‘free for three’ pilot as set out in section 4.7 of the report, be approved;

(c) That the expansion of the Free for Three car parking to include two further car parks at the Lagoon Centre be approved;

(d) That the evaluation of temporary cycle routes, over the period November to July 2022, set out in section 4.6.1 of the report, including a review of the consultation and engagement arrangements undertaken with communities and elected members be approved; and

(e) That it be noted that a report would be presented to the Board in August 2022 to  consider the results and longer-term cycle route infrastructure and community engagement approach.
Report by Director of Environment & Infrastructure. 
3
There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Infrastructure relative to the Service Delivery Plan for Environment & Infrastructure highlighting performance over the period 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.






The Service Delivery Plan, which was set out at Appendix 1 to the report, was created as part of alternative service planning arrangements in place for 2021/22 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and replaced the Service Improvement Plan.  The plan set out the priorities for each service area as it continued to deliver a crisis response where required and efforts to build back services and support the council’s recovery and renewal agenda.

DECIDED:

(a) That the progress made by Environment & Infrastructure on actions and performance indicators as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report specific to the areas of activity delegated to this Policy Board be noted;

(b) That it be noted that the report would also be provided to the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board for the elements covered within that Board’s
remit; and 

(c) That it be agreed that an out-turn report in respect of areas of activity delegated to this Policy Board be provided to this Board in Spring 2022.
Report by Director of Communities and Housing Services.
4
There was submitted a report by the Director of Communities & Housing Services relative to the Service Delivery Plan for Communities & Housing highlighting performance over the period 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.

The Service Delivery Plan, which was set out at Appendix 1 to the report, was created as part of alternative service planning arrangements in place for 2021/22 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and replaced the Service Improvement Plan.  The plan set out the priorities for each service area as it continued to deliver a crisis response where required and efforts to build back services and support the council’s recovery and renewal agenda.

DECIDED:

(a) That the content of the report be noted;

(b) That the achievements of Communities and Housing Services during the first six months of 2021/22 which fall within the remit of this Board be noted; and

(c) That it be noted that the mid-year report was also presented to the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board on 26 October 2021 in respect of service areas falling within the remit of that board.
Report by Director of Environment & Infrastructure.
5
There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment & Infrastructure relative to the Council's proposed Road Safety Policy, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

The report set out the Council's statutory duty to deliver an appropriate road safety education service and to provide a safe local road network and detailed existing measures which the Road Safety Policy would compliment, including the Council's Cycling Strategy and work with the Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership.  The report summarised the content of the Road Safety Policy, highlighting educational initiatives, policy development, investment in public transport and active travel and a partnership working approach to tackle inappropriate driving and parking practices.

Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor Campbell, moved that (a) the Road Safety Policy, as attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and (b) it be noted that update reports would be provided to future Boards on the progress made against the action plan.


Councillor Hood, seconded by Councillor Sharkey, moved as an amendment that (a) the Road Safety Policy, as attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and (b) it be agreed that update reports would be provided to full Council on the progress made against the action plan.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, Cameron, Campbell, Audrey Doig, McEwan, Mylet and Nicolson.

The following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Devine, Devine-Kennedy, Graham, Hood, Kerr, J MacLaren and Sharkey.

7 members having voted for the amendment and 8 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Road Safety Policy, as attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and

(b) That it be noted that update reports would be provided to future Boards on the progress made against the action plan.
Report by Head of Economy and Development.
6
There was submitted a report by the Head of Economy and Development relative to the Renfrewshire Allotments Annual Report 2020.

The report set out the Council's statutory duty to provide allotments under the provisions of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 (Part 9) along with a number of associated duties, including the requirement for the publication of an annual allotments report. It was noted that the ratio between waiting list places and plot numbers was below 50 percent, the level at which extra provision would be required, but that plans were in place to engage with communities in preparation of the new Local Development Plan in 2022 to assess possible sites to meet demand. Progress towards meeting other statutory duties, including the publication of a food growing strategy and regulations for allotments, were highlighted along with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

DECIDED:

(a) That the Renfrewshire Annual Allotments Report 2020 be approved; and 

(b) That it be noted that the report would be published on the Renfrewshire Council website in accordance with statutory requirements.
Report by Head of Economy & Development.
7
There was submitted a report by the Head of Economy & Development relative to an application for a five-year lease renewal of Bridgewater Library, Erskine. 

The report advised that that the Council's lease of Bridgewater Library ended on 15 May 2021 following a notice to quit being served and that, following a period of negotiation, the landlord had agreed to renew the lease of the property for a period of five years at the increased rent of £71,180+VAT with the commencement date being 15 May 2021.  The provisional terms and conditions of the lease were set out.

DECIDED: That the request for a five-year lease renewal of the Bridgewater Library, Erskine be approved as per the terms detailed within the report.
Report by Head of Economy & Development.
8
There was submitted a report by the Head of Economy & Development relative to the proposed disposal of land adjacent to Linwood Toll, Linwood, identified on location plan E3165A, a copy of which was appended to the report.

The report advised that that applicant had expressed an interest in acquiring this land to construct a new building to house electrical switch gear for the railway line and that a purchase price had been agreed subject to the land being declared surplus by this board.

DECIDED:

(a) That the area of land located adjacent to Linwood Toll, Linwood, as identified in the plan at Appendix 1 to the report, be declared surplus to requirements with a view to disposing to the adjacent owner;

(b) That the sale thereof to the adjoining proprietor, Network Rail, be authorised on such terms and conditions as may be negotiated by the Head of Economy & Development utilising delegated powers;

(c) That the Head of Corporate Governance be authorised to conclude the sale incorporating into the bargain such terms and conditions as may be deemed necessary to protect the Council’s interest; and 

(d) That it be noted that the Head of Economy and Development would place an advert in the local press in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1959 for the proposed sale of an area of open space.
Report by Head of Economy & Development.
9
There was submitted a report by the Head of Economy & Development relative to the proposed disposal of land adjacent to Moredun Park, Stanely Road, Paisley, identified on the location plan contained in Appendix 1 to the report.

The report advised that that applicant had expressed an interest in acquiring this land to construct a new 16 space car park to support their adjacent residential development and that a purchase price had been agreed subject to the land being declared surplus by this board.  In addition to the purchase price the developer had agreed to construct a new 12 space car park (including 2 disabled spaces) within the Renfrewshire Leisure Limited leased area to provide dedicated car parking for the playing fields.



Councillor McEwan, seconded by Councillor Campbell, moved that the report be continued to a future meeting of this board to allow further investigations to be carried out.

Councillor Devine, seconded by Councillor Graham, moved as an amendment that the recommendations in the report be refused and that no action be taken.

On the roll being called, the following members voted for the voted for the motion: Councillors Adam-McGregor, Burns, Cameron, Campbell, Audrey Doig, McEwan, Mylet and Nicolson.

The following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Devine, Devine-Kennedy, Graham, Hood, Kerr, J MacLaren and Sharkey.

7 members having voted for the amendment and 8 members having voted for the
motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.

DECIDED: That the report be continued to a future meeting of this Board to allow further investigations to be carried out.
Report by Head of Economy & Development.
10
There was submitted a report by the Head of Economy & Development relative to the proposed disposal of land adjacent to 67 Foxbar Crescent, Paisley, identified on location plan E3161, a copy of which was appended to the report.

The report advised that the applicant had expressed an interest in acquiring this land to provide addition garden ground and that a purchase price had been agreed subject to the land being declared surplus by this board.

DECIDED:

(a) That the area of land located adjacent to 67 Foxbar Crescent, Paisley, as identified in the plan at Appendix 1 to the report, be declared surplus to requirements with a view to disposing to the adjacent owner;


(b) That the sale thereof to the adjoining proprietor of 67 Foxbar Crescent, Paisley, be authorised on such terms and conditions as may be negotiated by the Head of Economy & Development utilising delegated powers;

(c) That the Head of Corporate Governance be authorised to conclude the sale, incorporating into the bargain such terms and conditions as may be deemed necessary to protect the Council’s interest; and 

(d) That it be noted that the Head of Economy & Development would place an advert in the local press in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1959 for the proposed sale of an area of open space.
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
The Board may by resolution exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that if members of the press and public are present, there could be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973.
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 and 9 of part I of schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 
Exempt Item
Exempt documents are no longer available in print format.  You will require to log in to Infrastructure, Land and Environment Exempt to access documents.  Please note that access to exempt documents is now restricted.
Report by Head of Economy and Development. 
11
There was submitted a report by the Head of Economy & Development relative to the proposed disposals of Barnbrock Farm and Brownside Farm.

DECIDED: That the recommendations as set out in the report be approved.
Report by Head of Economy and Development.
12
There was submitted a report by the Head of Economy & Development relative to the proposed sale of Kersland School, Paisley.

DECIDED: That the report be continued to a future meeting of this Board.
Section 2 Heading
Section 2
Section 3 Heading
Section 3
Section 4 Heading
Section 4
Section 5 Heading
Section 5
Section 6 Heading
Section 6
Section 7 Heading
Section 7
Section 8 Heading
Section 8

Attendance

Name
No other member attendance information has been recorded for the meeting.
NameReason for Sending Apology
No apology information has been recorded for the meeting.
NameReason for Absence
No absentee information has been recorded for the meeting.

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
Councillor John Hood5Non-financial interestNon-PecuniaryIntimated intention to remain in the meeting and take part in discussion/vote.
Councillor Jim Sharkey5Non-financial interestNon-PecuniaryIntimated intention to remain in the meeting and take part in discussion/vote.

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