James Green, Marine Planner (Development and Marine Planning) (for Items 1 to 8) Rebecca McAuliffe, Press Officer

Transcription

1 1712 MINUTE of the MEETING of the DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE of ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL held in COUNCIL OFFICES, KIRKWALL on 4 FEBRUARY 2014 at 10.30am Present: Councillors James W Stockan, Graham L Sinclair, Janice Annal, Maurice C Davidson, Andrew Drever, James Foubister, T Stephen Hagan, Steven B Heddle, James W R Moar, Gwenda M Shearer, William T Stout and David R Tullock Councillors Robin W Crichton (who had been invited for Items 5 to 9) and Jack Moodie (who had been invited for Item 13, and was also present for Items 14 to 20) Clerk to the Committee: In Attendance: Observing: Angela Kingston, Committees Officer Gavin Barr, Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Brian Archibald, Head of Marine Services, Engineering and Transportation Gareth Waterson, Head of Finance (for Items 1 and 11 to 21) Roddy MacKay, Head of Planning and Regulatory Services (for Items 1 to 20) Colin Kemp, Corporate Finance Senior Manager Shona Croy, Strategic Advisor (for Items 11 and 12) Sheila Shearer, Solicitor Stuart Allison, Economic Development Manager (for Items 11 to 21) Peter Bevan, Engineering Services Manager (for Items 2 to 24) Simon Butcher, Roads Services Manager (for Items 1 to 3) Laura Cromarty, Transportation Manager (for Items 7 to 10) Michael Morrison, Business Development Manager (for Items 19 to 21) Jackie Thomson, Development and Regeneration Manager (for Items 11 to 21) Stuart West, Planning Manager (Development and Marine Planning) (for Items 1 to 8) Hazel Flett, Senior Committees Officer James Green, Marine Planner (Development and Marine Planning) (for Items 1 to 8) Rebecca McAuliffe, Press Officer Declarations of Interest: Councillor James W R Moar Item 5 Councillor William T Stout Items 3 and 21 Councillor James W Stockan in the Chair

2 REVENUE EXPENDITURE MONITORING 1 APRIL TO 31 DECEMBER 2013 After consideration of a joint report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Executive Director of Corporate Services, copies of which had been circulated, and after hearing a report from the Corporate Finance Senior Manager, Councillor J Foubister moved that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure should submit a report, to the next meeting of the Committee, providing an update in respect of the Alternate Weekly Collection programme. On receiving no seconder, his motion fell, and the Committee:- 1.1 the revenue expenditure statement in respect of Development and Infrastructure for the period 1 April to 31 December 2013, indicating: a net General Fund overspend of 29,000; and a net Non-General Fund overspend of 617,000; and 1.2 the explanations given and actions proposed in respect of significant budget variances, as outlined in the Budget Action Plan, attached as Annex 2 to the joint report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Executive Director of Corporate Services. Councillor M C Davidson joined the meeting during discussion of this item. 2 GREAT WESTERN ROAD (SOUTH) CAR PARK, KIRKWALL PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF PAY-AND-DISPLAY CHARGING Infrastructure, together with an Equality Impact Assessment, copies of which had been circulated, and after hearing a report from the Roads Services Manager, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 10 September 2013, paragraph 7.5, the Committee:- 2.1 that no objections were received during the consultation process carried out in respect of the proposal to regulate parking at the Great Western Road (South) Car Park, Kirkwall; and 2.2 the statement of reasons for making the traffic regulation order in respect of the proposal, referred to at paragraph 2.1 above, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure.

3 1714 The Committee RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers:- 2.3 to make The Orkney Islands Council (Great Western Road (South) Car Park) (Kirkwall) Order 2014; and 2.4 that the traffic order, referred to at paragraph 2.3 above, should come into effect on 1 March ROADS FOR ADOPTION Councillor W T Stout declared a non-financial interest in this item, in that he lived at Meadow Park, but concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion. the Roads Services Manager, the Committee:- 3.1 that construction consent was previously granted in respect of the following new roads: Meadow Crescent, Kirkwall; and Meadow Park, Kirkwall; and 3.2 that, following completion of the works in accordance with the conditions of the construction consent, applications had been received from the developers requesting that the new roads, referred to at paragraph 3.1 above, be added to the list of publically maintained roads. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council:- 3.3 that the roads, referred to at paragraph 3.1 above and detailed in Appendix 1 to this Minute, be adopted and added to the list of publicly maintained roads. 4 HEART OF NEOLITHIC ORKNEY WORLD HERITAGE SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN the Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Education, Leisure and Housing Committee held on 13 November 2013, paragraph 5, the Committee:-

4 that the consultative draft of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Management Plan was presented to the Development and Infrastructure Committee and the Education, Leisure and Housing Committee on 12 and 13 November 2013 respectively for comment; 4.2 that the Council s response to the Management Plan consultation, referred to at paragraph 4.1 above, was submitted to Historic Scotland, with the comments informing the revision of the updated Management Plan, attached as Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure; 4.3 that the Action Plan, attached as Appendix 1a to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, which formed part of the updated Management Plan and outlined how the aims and objectives would be realised, would be updated on an annual basis and submitted to the Council for consideration; and 4.4 that the existing World Heritage Site capital programme was coming to an end and funding specific to the emerging actions would require to be identified if they were to be delivered during the lifetime of the new Management Plan. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council:- 4.5 that the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Management Plan , including its Action Plan, attached as Appendix 2 to this Minute, be acknowledged and adopted, in so far as it related to the remit of this Committee. 5 PLANNING PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK Councillor J W R Moar declared a non-financial interest in this item, in that he had a planning application under consideration, and was not present during discussion thereof. the Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 12 November 2013, paragraph 6.2, the Committee:- 5.1 the Scottish Government s feedback report on the 2012/13 Planning Performance Framework, attached as Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, which concluded that good progress was being made on delivering a service that had a positive approach to collaborative working, customer engagement and delivering high quality development; and

5 the requirement to complete adoption of the new Local Development Plan at the earliest opportunity and ensure that slippage in the timescale for preparation of the subsequent Local Development Plan review was avoided. 6 DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS PROCEDURE the Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Environment, Planning and Protective Services Committee held on 18 March 2003, paragraph 6.1.3, the Committee:- 6.1 the current procedure followed by Development and Marine Planning to produce Development Briefs, as summarised at section 6.1 and attached as Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, which was established by Council in April 2003; 6.2 the proposed revised procedure in respect of Development Briefs, as detailed at section 6.4 of the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, which would streamline the current process and prevent unnecessary delays that might stifle development; and 6.3 the proposed procedure in respect of less complex sites where there were limited constraints and a requirement for a Development Brief as a matter of urgency to respond to a potential development opportunity, as detailed at section 6.5 of the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council:- 6.4 that the undernoted procedure be approved in respect of the production of Development Briefs to be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance or statutory Supplementary Guidance: Development and Marine Planning produce a draft Brief for consultation purposes; a briefing note issued to Members of the Development and Infrastructure Committee and Local Ward Members, together with a copy of the draft Brief; providing no serious concerns raised as a result of the notification, referred to at paragraph above, a further briefing note issued to all Elected Members advising that a consultative draft of a Development Brief had been prepared, providing details of the consultation and a copy of the Brief; the draft Brief released for six week consultation; updated Brief reported to Committee and subsequently approved by Council;

6 Brief adopted as supplementary planning guidance; and if the Brief to be set as statutory supplementary guidance, notification sent to Scottish Ministers; and 6.5 that the undernoted procedure be approved in relation to comparatively simple or non-contentious sites where it was deemed appropriate for the Development Brief to be adopted as Development Management Guidance: Development and Marine Planning produce a Draft Development Brief; the draft Brief reported to Committee and subsequently approved by Council; and adopt the Brief as Development Management Guidance, which would be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications but would not bear as much weight as guidance which had been subject to public consultation. 7 COPLAND S DOCK DEVELOPMENT BRIEF Infrastructure, together with an Equality Impact Assessment, copies of which had been circulated, and after hearing a report from the Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 4 June 2013, paragraph 12, the Committee:- 7.1 that public consultation had been undertaken in respect of the draft Copland s Dock Development Brief; 7.2 the Participation Statement and Consultation Report, attached as Appendix 2 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, which recorded the steps taken to ensure full and proper consultation was undertaken, the comments raised by members of the public and stakeholders and the response by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure to those comments; 7.3 the summary of key consultation responses, as detailed at section 5 of the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure; and 7.4 that the draft Copland s Dock Development Brief had been amended to respond to material planning matters raised through the consultation process, referred to at paragraphs 7.1 and 7.2 above. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council:- 7.5 that text be added to clarify the reason for the shape of the site marked area of search for potential care home ; 7.6 that the area identified as visitor and harbour parking be amended to read harbour operational area ; and

7 that the Copland s Dock Development Brief, attached as Appendix 3 to this Minute and incorporating the amendments referred to at paragraphs 7.5 and 7.6 above, be approved as Supplementary Planning Guidance. 8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE the Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 5 February 2013, paragraph 10, the Committee:- 8.1 that Policy S4 within the Modified Proposed Orkney Local Development Plan (December 2012) set out the requirements for the delivery of affordable housing within new housing developments, including contributions from private developers towards the provision of affordable housing; 8.2 that revised Affordable Housing Supplementary Guidance was approved by Council in March 2013 to support delivery of Policy S4, referred to at paragraph 8.1 above; and 8.3 that the Development Management Guidance Note, attached as Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, provided clarity to Development Management Officers and developers in respect of the Affordable Housing Supplementary Guidance. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council:- 8.4 that the Development Management Guidance Note, attached as Appendix 4 to this Minute, be approved for use in the determination of planning applications relating to affordable housing provision. 9 PUBLIC AND SCHOOL BUS SERVICE CONTRACT MONITORING the Transportation Manager, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 5 February 2013, paragraph 7, the Committee:- 9.1 the information on public bus usage for the period January to December 2013, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure; and

8 the complaints received in respect of public bus services and school transport, together with actions taken by the Council, for the period January to December 2013, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure. 10 ENHANCED DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT INITIATIVE Infrastructure, together with an Equality Impact Assessment, copies of which had been circulated, and after hearing a report from the Head of Marine Services, Engineering and Transportation, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 13 March 2012, paragraph 11, and the Minute of the Meeting of the Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 7 June 2012, paragraph 22, the Committee: that, in October 2013, the Council invited applications to the Enhanced Demand Responsive Transport Initiative (EDRTI) scheme for financial year 2014/15; 10.2 that, in response to the invitation referred to at paragraph 10.1 above, five applications were submitted for support towards EDRTI services; 10.3 the appraisal of the applications, referred to at paragraph 10.2 above, as detailed in section 7 of the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure; and 10.4 that a revenue budget had yet to be confirmed for financial year 2014/15. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council: that, subject to an adequate budget being established for the transportation service for 2014/15, the following grants be awarded in respect of the EDRTI scheme: a grant of 25%, up to a maximum sum of 4,500, to the British Red Cross in respect of flexible, tailored transport and escorting services for individuals to and from health care appointments; a grant of 70%, up to a maximum sum of 1,412, to North Walls Centre in respect of transport provision for the local youth club, given the logistical issues on the island; a grant of 42.9%, up to a maximum sum of 80,900, to Orkney Disability Forum in respect of continued operation of the flexible door-to-door service for its members;

9 a grant of 60%, up to a maximum sum of 2,613, to the Papay Development Trust in respect of ad hoc passenger ferry services between Papa Westray and Westray; and a grant of 23.9%, up to a maximum sum of 3,330, to the Shapinsay Development Trust in respect of a new bus service on the island; 10.6 that powers be delegated to the Solicitor to the Council to conclude grant funding agreements in respect of the offers of funding referred to at paragraph 10.5 above; and 10.7 that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure should undertake a review of the performance of the EDRTI fund to date and establish priorities for future funding opportunities, and submit a report, to a meeting of the Committee prior to financial year 2015/16, detailing the outcome of the review. 11 CORROSION DAMAGE TO PIERS AND HARBOURS STEEL STRUCTURES PROGRESS UPDATE ON CORRECTIVE MEASURES the Engineering Services Manager, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held on 10 November 2009, paragraph 8, the Committee: that the corrosion phenomenon known as Accelerated Low Water Corrosion (ALWC) had been found to affect many piers and harbours in Orkney to a greater or lesser extent; 11.2 that all steel pier structures within the Kirkwall Harbour complex now had cathodic protection in the form of sacrificial anodes; 11.3 that, in addition to the structures, referred to at paragraph 11.2 above, Hatston Pier and extension, Longhope extension and the new Copland s Dock pier were also cathodically protected, with that protection now being included in all new pier and harbour projects employing structural steel members in the tidal zone; 11.4 that detailed underwater inspections had been undertaken of all steel pile piers and harbours owned by the Council which indicated that, although there were structures which required urgent attention, in the main results were encouraging; 11.5 that the engineering study report prepared as a result of the inspections, referred to at paragraph 11.4 above, recommended that cathodic protection be installed on all existing unprotected steel pile pier structures;

10 the estimated total cost for installation of cathodic protection, in the form of sacrificial anodes, on all pier and harbour steel pile structures of 1.22 million; 11.7 that, while the pier and harbour structures were considered to be structurally competent, some of the steel pile structures had suffered severe localised corrosion that required repair; 11.8 the estimated total cost for repair of corrosion damage to all pier and harbour steel pile structures of 2.48 million; 11.9 the proposed programme of cathodic protection and repair works to all steel pile structures, to be undertaken over a period of 11 years, attached as Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure; that, although the proposed programme, referred to at paragraph 11.9 above, had been prepared on the basis of currently identified priorities, it should be accepted that the programme and priorities might change through the course of the work as circumstances changed due to other factors impacting the piers such as pier improvements or changes in use; that, as the proposed works did not add to, but merely maintained, the value and useful life of the existing asset base, the expenditure was considered to be revenue and, as such, it would be necessary to provide for the works to be met from the Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours revenue maintenance budgets; and that the annual repairs and maintenance programme for the Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours Account would require to be reviewed in light of the proposed programme of cathodic protection and repair works. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council: that a programme of cathodic protection and repair works to all steel pile structures be included within the annual repairs and maintenance programme for the Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours Account, at a current total cost of 3.7 million, phased over a period of 11 years; that the repairs and maintenance programme, referred to at paragraph above, be reviewed annually to ensure that it continued to comply with current priorities, commencing with financial year 2014/15; and that, in reviewing the repairs and maintenance programme, referred to at paragraph above, the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Head of Finance, should allow for the programme of cathodic protection and repair works to be accelerated where necessary, to ensure best value could be obtained for the Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours Account.

11 ONSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENTS the Strategic Advisor, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 10 September 2013, paragraph 15, the Committee: that Orkney had a good wind resource with the potential to produce very profitable projects; 12.2 that, in October 2013, Council endorsed the principle of establishing, developing or investing in an onshore wind farm project; 12.3 that grid access remained a substantial barrier with the existing distribution grid at capacity; 12.4 that, to enable the grid situation to be overcome, it was likely that a large amount of onshore wind development would be required to trigger reinforcement of the grid necessary to export the power; 12.5 that the UK Government had confirmed that onshore wind projects on Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles would be entitled to a higher subsidy than those on the mainland, namely 115 per megawatt hour from 2017, compared to 90 for the Mainland, to take account of higher transmission charges; and 12.6 the options to develop or invest in an onshore wind farm project in Orkney, as outlined in section 10 of the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council: that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure should commission expert advice with regard to the Council developing its own wind farm, at an estimated cost of 20,000; 12.8 that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Executive Director of Corporate Services should investigate potential company structures, project governance and land ownership of potential sites; and 12.9 that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure should submit a report, to the meeting of the Committee to be held on 10 June 2014, detailing the outcome of the advice and investigations, referred to at paragraphs 12.7 and 12.8 above.

12 1723 The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Policy and Resources Committee: that an allocation of up to 20,000 be made from the Renewable Energy/ Redevelopment and Regeneration Fund for the provision of the expert advice, referred to at paragraph 12.7 above. Councillor T S Hagan left the meeting at this point. 13 FIXED LINKS the Head of Marine Services, Engineering and Transportation, with reference to the Minute of the General Meeting of the Council held on 10 December 2013, paragraph 5.2.1, the Committee: the historic work to consider fixed links, as detailed in section 5 of the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure; 13.2 data on the viability and costs associated with fixed links, attached as Appendix 2 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure; 13.3 that water depth and length of crossings indicated that a number of routes in Orkney were not appropriate or viable for fixed links; 13.4 that, whilst considering the options of fixed links, a number of factors, including the impact on communities, cost efficiencies and the impact on the nature of the ferry service, required further detailed investigation; 13.5 that a full review of existing data would require to be undertaken in order to inform the establishment of a detailed study proposal in respect of fixed links; and 13.6 that the study proposal, referred to at paragraph 13.5 above, should include Options 2 to 4, referred to at section 7.1 of the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council: that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure should submit a report, to the meeting of the Committee to be held on 10 June 2014, detailing a programme of work to explore fixed links opportunities for Orkney, together with the feasibility and cost appraisal of the undernoted options, as well as a programme for community engagement:-

13 a fixed link between Eday and Westray; the links to Papa Westray should Eday receive a new west side ferry terminal; the ferry service for Sanday, Stronsay and North Ronaldsay, should Eday receive a new west side ferry terminal; a tunnel to Shapinsay; a fixed link between Rousay and Egilsay; and a fixed link between Rousay and Wyre; and 13.8 that a project development budget of up to 5,000, to fund the staff time necessary to undertake the work outlined at paragraph 13.5 above, be established for 2014/15, to be sourced from underspend areas across the Development and Infrastructure Service in 2013/ ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS 2014 the Economic Development Manager, the Committee: that 12 applications for financial assistance had been received in respect of archaeological investigation projects to be undertaken during the 2014 season, comprising seven mainland based projects and five island based projects, with total project costs of 238,278; 14.2 that the applications, referred to at paragraph 14.1 above, requested assistance totalling 75,665, which exceeded the available budget of 40,000 by approximately 89%; and 14.3 the offers of grant, in respect of the applications referred to at paragraph 14.1 above, based on the existing allocated budget of 40,000, as detailed in Annex A to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure. The Committee RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers: that the following offers of grant be made to the undernoted applicants from the Fund for Archaeological Investigations for the 2014 season: ORCA ORCA had requested assistance towards geophysical surveys at The Cairns/ Windwick Bay, South Ronaldsay, at a total cost of 3,872.38, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that a grant of 18.43% of eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 714, should be offered.

14 Dr Annalisa Christie Dr Annalisa Christie had requested assistance towards developing a strategy for the rapid recording of eroding coastal middens at Dingieshowe, at a total cost of 5,454.80, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that no assistance be awarded ORCA ORCA had requested assistance towards continuing investigations at the Ness of Brodgar excavations, at a total cost of 107,966, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that a grant of 12.04% of eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 13,000, should be offered ORCA ORCA had requested assistance towards an archaeological field project at The Cairns/Windwick Bay, South Ronaldsay, at a total cost of 21,162.31, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that a grant of 23.63% of eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 5,000, should be offered University of Manchester University of Manchester had requested assistance towards archaeological investigations at a single settlement at the Braes of Smerquoy, at a total cost of 16,124, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that a grant of 8.35% of eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 1,346, should be offered ORCA Marine ORCA Marine had requested assistance towards a survey of Orkney s early harbours, at a total cost of 15,259.78, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that no assistance be awarded ORCA Marine ORCA Marine had requested assistance towards investigations of Orkney s submerged forests and intertidal peats at Widewall Bay, South Ronaldsay, at a total cost of 4,146.77, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that no assistance be awarded.

15 Dr Annalisa Christie Dr Annalisa Christie had requested assistance towards intertidal archaeological investigations around Shapinsay, at a total cost of 3,079.85, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that no assistance be awarded ORCA ORCA had requested assistance towards a survey and landscape project at Rackwick and South Walls, Hoy, at a total cost of 6,653.67, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that a grant of 62.43% of eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 4,154, should be offered ORCA Marine ORCA Marine had requested assistance towards investigations of Orkney s submerged forests and intertidal peats at Otterswick Bay, Sanday, at a total cost of 4,207.67, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that a grant of 43.53% of eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 1,832, should be offered University of Bradford University of Bradford had requested assistance towards investigations at the Knowe of Swandro, Rousay, at a total cost of 39,000, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that a grant of 21% of eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 8,200, should be offered ORCA ORCA had requested assistance towards cultural and landscape research at Faraclett, Rousay, at a total cost of 11,351, and the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, that a grant of 50.69% of eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 5,754, should be offered; and 14.5 that a sum of up to 40,000 be allocated within the Economic Development Grants budget in respect of the offers of grant referred to at paragraph 14.4 above, subject to an appropriate annual budget being made available to the Committee.

16 STRATEGIES, STUDIES AND PROJECT INITIATION BUDGET the Economic Development Manager, with reference to the Minute of the Meeting of the Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 13 November 2012, paragraph 21, the Committee: that the Committee s annual Economic Development Grants budget incorporated a ring-fenced Strategies, Studies and Project Initiation budget amounting to 30,000; 15.2 that the Strategies, Studies and Project Initiation budget was utilised to support the completion of preliminary studies or projects which might be urgently required to enable the Council to actively facilitate project feasibility and preparatory works essential to: progressing bespoke major strategic development and regeneration projects; assessing inward investment proposals; inputting to sectoral strategies; and enabling external project funding to be sought in respect of development projects; and 15.3 that the Economic Development Grants budget for financial year 2014/15 and subsequent years was dependent on an appropriate budget allocation to the Committee and might therefore be subject to review on an annual basis. On the motion of Councillor S B Heddle, seconded by Councillor M C Davidson, the Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council: that, subject to an annual Economic Development Grants budget being made available in financial years 2014/15 to 2016/17, up to 150,000 be nominally allocated annually for the next three financial years from the Economic Development Grants budget to the Strategies, Studies and Project Initiation budget; and 15.5 that the following project criteria and procedure for allocating funds from the Strategies, Studies and Project Initiation budget be approved: funding of up to 25,000 might be approved in respect of preliminary projects which required to be undertaken in order to expedite strategic development projects or inward investment proposals, to enable external capital project funding to be sought in respect of such development projects, and to facilitate development of Orkney s key industry sectors;

17 that powers be delegated to the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Development and Infrastructure Committee and the Head of Finance, to commit to project funding as detailed at paragraph above; and that, where the Council s contribution was estimated to exceed 25,000, the proposal should be submitted to the Development and Infrastructure Committee for determination. 16 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS BUDGET MONITORING Infrastructure, copies of which had been circulated, the Committee: that the approved budget for Economic Development Grants in 2013/14 was 761,500, including the capacity to over-commit by 20% in line with Council policy; 16.2 spending to 31 December 2013, in relation to Economic Development Grants, totalling 376,664, of which 301,956 related to grant commitments made in previous financial years, 44,589 to current year commitments and 30,119 to other non-grant spending; 16.3 grant approvals made in the period 1 April to 31 December 2013, totalling 314,260, as detailed in Annex C to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure; and 16.4 that, as at 31 December 2013, the budget available for approval from the Economic Development Grants budget amounted to 417, EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC RESOLVED, on the motion of Councillor J W Stockan, seconded by Councillor G L Sinclair, that, under section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the remainder of the meeting on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. Councillor J Foubister left the meeting at this point.

18 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS APPLICATIONS APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS RESOLVED that, under section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting for this item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 4 and 6 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. Infrastructure, copies of which had been circulated, the Committee:- NOTED that the following applications had been approved in terms of delegated powers:- New Business Start-up Scheme /5/2/1912 The applicant had requested assistance towards the purchase of a steel shed, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 100%, up to a maximum sum of 1,500, had been offered /5/2/1910 The applicant had requested assistance towards the purchase of equipment and marketing costs in respect of establishing a craft outlet, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 100%, up to a maximum sum of 1,500, had been offered /5/2/1916 The applicant had requested assistance towards the purchase of hardware and marketing costs, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 100%, up to a maximum sum of 1,500, had been offered /5/2/1917 The applicant had requested assistance towards upgrading the electrical supply to manufacturing premises, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 100%, up to a maximum sum of 1,500, had been offered /5/2/1920 The applicant had requested assistance towards the purchase of equipment, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 100%, up to a maximum sum of 1,500, had been offered.

19 /5/2/1921 The applicant had requested assistance towards the purchase of IT equipment, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 100%, up to a maximum sum of 1,400, had been offered /5/2/1922 The applicant had requested assistance towards the purchase of specialist equipment, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 100%, up to a maximum sum of 1,500, had been offered /5/2/1924 The applicant had requested assistance towards the purchase of IT equipment and promotional material, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 100%, up to a maximum sum of 1,492, had been offered. Flexible Business Development Grant /5/2/1705 The applicant had requested assistance towards the purchase of equipment and marketing costs associated with brand development, at a total estimated cost of 6,300, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 50% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 3,150 had been offered /5/2/1918 The applicant had requested assistance towards marketing costs associated with targeting new outlets outwith Orkney, at a total estimated cost of 4,635, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 50% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 2,318 had been offered /5/2/1913 The applicant had requested assistance towards web development and marketing costs for a new package service, at a total estimated cost of 11,000, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 45% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 5,000 had been offered.

20 /5/2/1923 The applicant had requested assistance towards development of a new service and associated marketing costs, at a total estimated cost of 2,294, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 50% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 1,147 had been offered. Business Expansion and Start-up Scheme /5/2/1914 The applicant had requested assistance towards renovating workshop space at a total estimated cost of 27,510, and the Committee:- NOTED that a grant of 40% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum sum of 11,004 had been offered. 19 APPLICATION NUMBER 0/5/2/1925 RESOLVED that, under section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting for this item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 4 and 6 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. the Development and Regeneration Manager, the Committee:- RESOLVED, in terms of delegated powers, what action should be taken with regard to application number 0/5/2/1925. The above constitutes the summary of the Minute in terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 section 50C(2) as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

21 1732 Councillor J Foubister rejoined the meeting during discussion of this item. 20 OIL AND GAS RELATED POTENTIAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS UPDATE RESOLVED that, under section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting for this item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 6 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. Infrastructure, copies of which had been circulated, the Committee:- NOTED the progress update in respect of various oil and gas related potential business developments. The above constitutes the summary of the Minute in terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 section 50C(2) as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

22 ORKNEY CRUISE INDUSTRY SERVICE SUPPORT Councillor W T Stout declared a non-financial interest in this item, being the Councilappointed member of the Kirkwall Business Improvement District, but concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion. RESOLVED that, under section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting for this item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. the Head of Marine Services, Engineering and Transportation, the Committee: that Orkney had been welcoming cruise ships for over 35 years and now attracted on average in excess of 75 vessels a year, being the most popular destination for cruise ships in the United Kingdom; 21.2 the Economic Impact Survey, attached as Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, conducted during the 2013 season; 21.3 that, over the period 2009 to 2013, the Harbour Authority had reported an increase in cruise ship related revenues of 151%; and 21.4 that a cruise ship co-ordinator would be recruited for the 2014 cruise ship season, as a pilot scheme, to be reviewed thereafter.

23 1734 The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council: that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure should procure a two year contract for 2014 and 2015 for the provision and co-ordination of a Meet and Greet service for cruise ship passengers at Hatston, Kirkwall and Stromness Piers and additionally at shuttle bus pick up/drop off points and on larger cruise ship dates, at key shopping areas; 21.6 that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure should procure a two year contract for 2014 and 2015 for the provision and co-ordination of a shuttle bus service for cruise ship passengers and crew; and 21.7 that both the Kirkwall Travel Centre and Kirkwall Harbour front should continue to be utilised as passenger drop off points for the 2014 cruise season. The above constitutes the summary of the Minute in terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 section 50C(2) as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

24 1735 Councillor S B Heddle left the meeting at this point. 22 COPLAND S DOCK NEW PIER/MARINE RENEWABLES SERVICE BASE ADDITIONAL COSTS RESOLVED that, under section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting for this item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6, 8, 9 and 12 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. the Head of Marine Services, Engineering and Transportation, the Committee:-

25 that, in July 2012, the capital allocation in respect of the new pier and marine renewables service base at Copland s Dock, Stromness, was increased to a gross cost of 9,200,000; and 22.2 that additional maintenance dredging in Stromness harbour and additional dredging on the approach to Copland s Dock had been undertaken, funded outwith the capital allocation referred to at paragraph 22.1 above. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council: that additional funding in respect of the Copland s Dock project be allocated from the Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours Fund. The Committee resolved to RECOMMEND to the Policy and Resources Committee: that the capital allocation in respect of the Copland s Dock project be increased. The above constitutes the summary of the Minute in terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 section 50C(2) as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

26 1737 Councillor D R Tullock left the meeting during discussion of this item. 23 SCHOOLS INVESTMENT PROGRAMME REVIEW OF PROJECT RESOURCE RESOLVED that, under section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting for this item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 11 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. Infrastructure, copies of which had been circulated, the Committee:- Resolved to RECOMMEND to the Council what action should be taken with regard to project resource in respect of the Schools Investment Programme. The above constitutes the summary of the Minute in terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 section 50C(2) as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

27 CONCLUSION OF MEETING At 4.50pm the Chair declared the meeting concluded. Signed: James W Stockan