Agenda and minutes

Prior to considering the matters before the Committee, the Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the press and public from the meeting for articles 30 and 31 so as to avoid disclosure of exempt information of the class described in paragraph 8 (article 30), and 6 (article 31) of Schedule 7(A) to the Act.

The Committee also resolved to exclude the press and public to consider a report which was under embargo (article 32).

The Committee had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 6 November, 2012.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         in relation to article 5 (West Huxterstone, Kingswells Masterplan), to request that officers ensure that the Community Council receives a full set of documentation and that any specific instances of this not happening to be reported to the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development;

(ii)        in relation to article 38(i) (Motions List – Motion by Councillor Yuill – Snow Clearing), to request that officers ensure that a report is submitted to the next meeting of the Committee;  and

(ii)        to otherwise approve the minute.

The Committee had before it the minute of the Special Meeting of the Committee on 6 December, 2012.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute.

“In view of the recent decision to reduce the speed limit from the Kingswells roundabout to Blacktop from 60mph to 40mph, that officers be instructed to report on the implications of this for the neighbouring rural roads network including Countesswells Road, Kirk Brae and Baillieswells Road, and on the need to ensure consistency of speed limits in the area, instruct the Director of Corporate Governance and Head of Finance to identify an appropriate budget from which to fund any works which officers may propose.”

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following motion by Councillor Malone which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 19 December, 2012:-

"In view of the recent decision to reduce the speed limit from the Kingswells roundabout to Blacktop from 60mph to 40mph, that officers be instructed to report on the implications of this for the neighbouring rural network including Countesswells Road, Kirk Brae and Baillieswells Road, and on the need to ensure consistency of speed limits in the area, instruct the Director of Corporate Governance and Head of Finance to identify an appropriate budget from which to fund any works which officers may propose.”

The Committee had before it a background report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided information and details relating to the local rural road network within the Countesswells/Baillieswells/Blacktop area and matters related to a speed limit assessment.

In light of the decision taken by the Committee in relation to the Kingswells roundabout to Blacktop, Councillor Malone sought the Committee’s approval to amend her Notice of Motion by inserting the words “to begin the statutory consultation process” following the word “decision.”

The Committee agreed to the request, following which, Councillor Malone formally moved her motion and explained the rationale behind her request.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to adopt the motion, subject to amending the wording, referred to above;  and

(ii)        that a report be submitted exploring the potential for installation of speed reduction signs in the areas referred to, and that this include all associated financial implications.

“That the Council recognises and appreciated the key role that micro, small and medium sized local businesses, including shops and single traders in Aberdeen, as economic generators which play a major part in determining and enhancing the quality of life across the city.

That this Council undertakes a broad-ranging review to identify specific ways that the Council and its partners can work together to support and foster micro, small and medium sized business activity.

To this end, that the Council carries out a consultation exercise to enable micro, small and medium sized business people to have their say in identifying specific suggestions and proposals; and that a report is produced with recommendations for action.”

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following motion by Councillor Greig which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 19 December, 2012:-

“That the Council recognises and appreciated the key role that micro, small and medium sized local businesses, including shops and single traders in Aberdeen, as economic generators which play a major part in determining and enhancing the quality of life across the city.”

That this Council undertakes a broad-ranging review to identify specific ways that the Council and its partners can work together to support and foster micro, small and medium sized business activity.

To this end, that the Council carries out a consultation exercise to enable micro, small and medium sized business people to have their say in identifying specific suggestions and proposals; and that a report is produced with recommendations for action.”

The Committee resolved:-

to defer consideration of this item until the next meeting of the Committee in terms of Standing Order 21(4).

With reference to article 7 of the minute of meeting of 11^th September, 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to a motion submitted by Councillor Jennifer Stewart relating to the on-street parking charges in the city centre, specifically relating to Sundays.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee agree that no further action should be taken with regard to the removal of the on-street Sunday car parking charges.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice-Convener, moved:-

that the recommendations contained within the report be approved.

Councillor Jennifer Stewart, seconded by Councillor Delaney moved as an amendment:-

to remove on-street car parking charges on Sundays.

Councillor McCaig, seconded by Councillor Townson moved a further amendment:-

to instruct officers to prepare a report on the feasibility and cost of undertaking a full scale review of parking policies in the city taking into account the impact this has on transportation policy and economic development.

In terms of Standing Order 12(9) a division between the two amendments was taken.

On a division, there voted:-  for Councillor Jennifer Stewart’s amendment (5) – Councillors Boulton, Delaney, Finlayson, Jennifer Stewart and Yuill;  for Councillor McCaig’s amendment (5) – Councillors Dunbar, Jaffrey, MacGregor, McCaig and Townson;  declined to vote (6) – the Convener, the Vice-Convener and Councillors Allan, Grant, Jean Morrison MBE and Thomson.

There being an equality of votes between the two amendments, the Convener exercised his casting vote in favour of Councillor Stewart’s amendment.

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (8) – the Convener, the Vice-Convener and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Finlayson, Grant, Jean Morrison MBE and Thomson;  for the amendment by Councillor Jennifer Stewart (3) – Councillors Delaney, Jennifer Stewart and Yuill;  declined to vote (5) – Councillors Dunbar, Jaffrey, MacGregor, McCaig and Townson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion

With reference to article 11 of the minute of the previous meeting of 6^th November 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to a motion by Councillor Jennifer Stewart relating to the scheduling of meetings of the Development Management Sub-Committee

The report recommended:-

that the Committee agree to continue the practice of holding meetings of the Development Management Sub-Committee in July in order to demonstrate sustained improvement in planning performance in terms of time taken to determine planning applications as required by the Scottish Government.

The Vice-Convener, seconded by Councillor McCaig, moved:-

that the recommendation contained within the report be approved.

Councillor Jennifer Stewart, seconded by Councillor Delaney, moved as an amendment:-

to recommend to Council in determining the diary for future years, that meetings of the Development Management Sub-Committee are not held in the month of July.

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (11) – the Convener , the Vice-Convener and Councillors Allan, Dunbar, Grant, Jaffrey, MacGregor, McCaig, Jean Morrison MBE, Thomson and Townson;  for the amendment (5) – Councillors Boulton, Delaney, Finlayson, Jennifer Stewart and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

With reference to article 9 of the minute of meeting of 11^th September 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to a joint motion submitted by Councillors Yuill, Delaney and Malone which proposed changes to the regulatory regime for local bus services.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee request the Convener of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure to write to the Scottish Government welcoming the commencement of discussions and consultation on legislative changes to local bus services and requests continued involvement to identify improvements to legislation that will help to improve competition, grow patronage, make improvements in service quality and encourage modal shift.

Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Delaney, moved:-

to request the Convener of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure to write to the United Kingdom and Scottish Governments and Aberdeen City MPs and MSPs calling for a change in the regulatory regime for bus operators providing scheduled public services to introduce a “public service obligation” which would require any bus operator providing more than 50% of the bus services in a particular local authority area to provide a basic level of bus service (including in evenings and at weekends) to communities across that local authority area.

The Vice-Convener, seconded by the Convener, moved as an amendment:-

to request the Leader of the Council to write to the United Kingdom and Scottish Governments and Aberdeen City MPs and MSPs welcoming the commencement of discussions and consultation on legislative changes to local bus services and requesting continued involvement to identify improvements to legislation that will help to improve competition urgently, grow patronage, make improvements in service quality and encourage modal shift.

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (2) – Councillors Delaney and Yuill;  for the amendment (13) – the Convener;  the Vice-Convener and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Dunbar, Finlayson, Grant, Jaffrey, MacGregor, McCaig, Jean Morrison MBE, Thomson and Townson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

With reference to article 12 of the minute of meeting of 13^th September, 2011, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to a motion by Councillor Yuill, which provided details of the updated survey data for Broomhill Road.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the contents of this report and agree that the results of this most recent surveys on Broomhill Road confirm that the:-

(1)       proportion of HGV’s travelling along Broomhill Road is not excessive;

(2)       speeds are appropriate for the layout and nature of the road;

(3)       daytime parking does not generally obstruct the passage of vehicles on this major route into the city;

(b)       agree that no further action be taken and that officers continue to monitor the traffic flows on Broomhill Road in line with the normal traffic management operations.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice-Convener, moved:-

that the recommendations within the report be approved.

Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Delaney, moved as an amendment:-

that, in view of the long standing and continued concerns of the local community about inappropriate use of Broomhill Road by HGV’s, this Committee agrees to instruct officers to report to the next meeting of this Committee on the implementation of an “except for access” weight or width restriction on Broomhill Road between South Anderson Drive and Holburn Street and the financial implications of that.

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (13) – the Convener , the Vice-Convener and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Dunbar, Finlayson, Grant, Jaffrey, MacGregor, McCaig, Jean Morrison MBE, Thomson and Townson;  for the amendment (2) – Councillors Delaney and Yuill.

The Committee Resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it a joint report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure and the Head of Finance, which provided an update on the capital spend to date for the Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure projects included within the Non-Housing Capital Programme.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the current position.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a joint report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure and the Head of Finance, which highlighted the current year revenue budget performance to date along with forecast outturns for the services which related to the Committee and advised on any areas of risk and management action.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note this report on the performance to date and the forecast outturn and the information on risks and management action that is contained therein;

(b)       instruct that officers continue to review budget performance and report on Service strategies as required to ensure a balanced budget;  and

(c)        instructs officers to report, in due course, on the actual outturn compared to budget following completion of the 2012/13 financial statements.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 18 of the minute of its previous meeting of 6 November, 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which sought approval of applications for financial assistance from the International Twinning Budget 2012/13.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee approve the following applications –

(a)       £2,246 contribution towards the visit of a group of 15 English pupils and 2 teachers from Von Muller Gymnasium Regensburg to Aberdeen as part of their social enterprise project to donate money to an Aberdeen charitable organisation who have the same kind of motivations and targets as the Regensburg group, based on the idea of mutual help and understanding, Aberdeen, 8^th February to 12^th February 2013;

(b)       £4,300 contribution towards the visit of pupils and teachers from Jean Jaures Ecole, Clermont-Ferand to Manor Park Primary, Aberdeen, 24^th June to 28^th June, 2013;

(c)        £7,000 contribution towards the visit of Aberdeen Girl Guiding to the National Scout Jamboree Event in Stavanger, 6^th July to 13^th July, 2013;

(d)       £3,170 contribution towards the visit of a group of school pupils of Gymnasium 71, Gomel to Kincorth Academy, Aberdeen, 4^th to 14^th October, 2013;  and

(e)       £2,500 contribution towards the educational and cultural visit of a group of 21^st Aberdeen Scouts (Cults) to Gomel, Belarus, 9^th to 16^th October 2013.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which sought approval of proposals by the Economic and Business Development team to sponsor business awards in 2013/2014.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve the proposals by the Economic and Business Development team to sponsor business awards, as detailed in the report and appendix one, in 2013/14;  and

(b)       receive an annual report on the impact of this activity.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 16 of the minute of meeting of 11^th September, 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided information in relation to the Community Festive Fund and in particular, the benefits, previous and present uptake figures with geographical spread and what the grants were used for.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the content of this report;

(b)       note the variety of groups and organisations throughout the city that have benefitted from the fund;  and

(c)        approve the recommendation to grant funding to the same group or organisation for a maximum of 3 consecutive years before sitting out a year.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations;

(ii)        that officers ensure that applicants are notified as early in the year as possible; and

(iii)       to note that funding would only be awarded to organisations where an application has been submitted.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which sought approval for the Council’s planned international trade development activities for 2013/2014, and in particular the attendance at overseas trade events, in order to help deliver the economic development priorities of the Smarter Aberdeen vision.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve the report and the activities described therein, subject to their approval by the Scottish Government in the normal manner;

(b)       approve the relevant travel by officers and elected members for the activities as described in the appendix;

(c)        receive a bulletin report on each event undertaken in the plane;  and

(d)       receive a presentation on the findings of the 2012 International Trade Survey at the next Committee (19 March 2013).

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 17 of the minute of the previous meeting of 6 November 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided an update in relation to the progress of Aberdeen’s Super Connected Cities Programme Bid for Urban Broadband Funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the contents of the report;

(b)       agree that officers should undertake the necessary procurements to secure suitable private sector development partners to implement the city wireless, voucher scheme, white are in-fill and open access broadband projects outlined in the Accelerate Aberdeen proposal document within the plan up to the value of £28.5M as described in section 2 of this paper;

(c)        agree that officers ensure a formal funding agreement between Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council is put in place;

(d)       agree that officers to obtain both Councils agreement to recruit a Head of Broadband Delivery and Broadband Delivery Project Manager to oversee delivery of the Accelerate Aberdeen Programme to December 2014;

(e)       agree the availability of the required budget which is part of ACC’s overall contribution to this project for these shared posts once agreement is obtained;  and

(f)         refers these decisions to the Finance and Resources Committee for their endorsement.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which presented the first Development Plan Scheme for the next Aberdeen Local Development Plan which was a requirement of the Planning etc, (Scotland) Act 2006 and must be reviewed annually and submitted to Scottish Ministers. The report set out the detailed timetable and programme for the preparation and adoption of the Local Development Plan.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the adoption of the Local Development Plan Scheme, its publication (including electronically) and sending it to Scottish Ministers;  and

(b)       approve sending it to, or informing, the key agencies and consultees.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided details of the current Local Development Plan policy that sets out the requirements for affordable housing for new developments and sets out a proposal for the Committee to consider with the intention of maximising affordable housing provision through the implementation of the policy.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee agree for officers in Planning and Sustainable Development to consult on proposals to amend the commuted payment and report back to this Committee with the results of this consultation with a proposed figure or method of calculation to be agreed.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which outlined the results of several consultation periods that have been carried out on five draft supplementary guidance documents in support of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan as follows:-

(1)       BP Headquarters Complex Development Brief;

(2)       Friarsfield Development Framework;

(3)       Loirston Development Framework; 

(4)       Maidencraig Masterplan; and

(5)       Oldfold Development Framework.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the representations received on the draft supplementary guidance documents;

(b)       approve appendix 1, which includes officers’ responses to representations received and any necessary actions to the draft Supplementary Guidance documents;  and

(c)        agree for officers to send the requested finalised Supplementary Guidance documents to be ratified by the Scottish Government.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations;

(ii)        to instruct officers to undertake a site visit to investigate flooding issues near Lewis Court and confirm whether a potential site for a primary school development has been included within the Maidencraig Masterplan, in light of the Committee’s decision of 6 November 2012;  and

(iii)       to record Councillor Finlayson’s concerns that the Loirston Development Framework had been produced by the developer and that it had not been amended to take account of the Community Council’s comments.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided an update on various strategic and local transportation projects within Aberdeen City and the wider area.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the contents of the report;

(b)       endorse development through Nestrans as outlined in section 5 of the report, including Board decisions and progress on the 2012/13 programme of works;

(c)        approve a programme for the refresh of the Aberdeen Local Transport Strategy and instruct officers to begin the process and to routinely report on progress;

(d)       agree to Aberdeen City Council participating in ‘In Town Without My Car Day 2013’ and instruct officers to proceed with the necessary road closure on Sunday 22^nd September 2013;

(e)       note the outline results from the pedestrian footfall surveys, on-street interviews, online survey and stakeholder workshops undertaken as part of the development of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for Aberdeen;

(f)         inform officers if members would like, either individually or as a group, a presentation on the full results of the SUMP consultation once these have been fully analysed;  and

(g)       approve the summary draft response to the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland refresh and instruct officers to submit a full and formal response to the Scottish Government on behalf of Aberdeen City Council.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations;

(ii)        that a presentation on the full SUMP consultation be delivered for members;

(iii)       that a briefing session be arranged for members in terms of the various schemes currently being considered for the Bridge of Dee, which would also include information relating to the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance;

(iv)       to instruct officers to provide additional detail to Councillor Allan in relation to Core Path 78: Coastal Path;  and

(v)        to instruct officers to confirm with Councillor Delaney that the bus lane enforcement cameras on the Lang Stracht would be able to detect contraventions in both directions.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to various small scale traffic management measures identified by officers, residents, local members, emergency services, etc and verified as necessary through surveys by officers.  The report also outlined proposals associated with new developments as part of the development management process.  Finally, the report included proposals for individual parking spaces for Blue Badge holders which now require to be progressed through the normal legal process for the required Traffic Regulation Order.

The report related to proposals at the following locations in the city:-

• Proposals to be funded from Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets budget -

Auchinyell Gardens;

Broadfold Road;

Cloverhill Road;

Duthie Park;

Eday Road;

Gray Street;

Justice Street;

Mill Court;

Powis Lane;

Riverside Drive (Riverside House);

Palmerston Road/Poynernook Road – Proposed Car Club Parking Spaces;

• Proposals to be funded by the Developer -

Burnside Road;

Riverside Business Park, North Esplanade West;

• Proposals to be funded from the Disabled Parking Revenue budget –

Various On-Street Parking (10 spaces);  and

Various Off-Street Parking (1 space).

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the proposals in principle;

(b)       decline the suggested action from the Licensing Committee to implement ‘Maximum stay’ parking on Cloverhill Road and forward the Minute of this item to that Committee for information;

(c)        instruct the appropriate officers to commence the necessary legal procedures of preliminary statutory consultation for the traffic regulation orders required as described in the report.  If no significant objections were received, then progress with the public advertisement and report the results to a future meeting of this Committee;  and

(d)       instruct the appropriate officers to commence the combined statutory consultation for the traffic regulation order for the list of Blue Badge parking spaces and report back to a future meeting of this Committee.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations contained within the report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which outlined the results of an informal consultation, carried out by letter drop along with speed surveys on streets proposed for traffic calming measures surrounding the new residential development at Oakbank, Midstocket Road, Aberdeen.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of the report and the results of the informal consultation and speed survey exercise;  and

(b)       instruct officers not to proceed with the implementation of traffic calming measures for this development.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 6 of the minute of meeting of 31 May, 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure, which provided details of the proposed road closure on The Bush, Peterculter.  The report also advised on the requirement to revise the previous decision by Committee and re-commence the last stage of the legal process for the required Traffic Regulation Order.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee rescind the previous decision by the Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure Committee on 31 May, 2012 and therefore instruct officers to advertise the new location and to report back on the outcome to a future meeting of this Committee.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

With reference to article 4 of the minute of meeting of 15 March, 2011, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided an update on (1) the proposed pricing structure for the Forresterhill and Garthdee on-street parking zones; (2) consultation carried out with the businesses within the Forresterhill Zone;  and (3) the review of the NHS Grampian’s new parking scheme recently implemented within the Forresterhill campus.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of the report and the impact of review of the recently implemented changes at the NHS Grampian’s Forresterhill campus;  and

(b)       instruct officers to increase the charges in accordance with Option 1 (5.4.1 of the report refers) and advertise the changes by street notice;

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener, moved:-

that the recommendations contained within the report be approved.

Councillor Delaney, seconded by Councillor Yuill, moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee –

(1)       recognises the need to address long term commuter parking in these zones;

(2)       acknowledge the difficulties faced by low paid NHS staff travelling to the Forresterhill site and their contribution to the health and wellbeing of our citizens;  and

(3)       defers a final decision on this report for one cycle to allow for consultation with NHS Grampian on the detailed implementation of a ‘season ticket’ type parking scheme for their staff and any associated financial implications.

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (8) – the Convener, the Vice -Convener  and Councillors Allan, Finlayson, Grant, Jean Morrison MBE, Thomson and Young;  for the amendment (7) – Councillors Dunbar, Delaney, Jaffrey, MacGregor, McCaig, Townson and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

With reference to article 8 of the minute of meeting of 31 May, 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided an update in relation to recent surveys that have been carried out to monitor the volume of HGV’s using Morningside Road, Cranford Road and Duthie Terrace.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee as a result of the low volume of Heavy Goods Vehicles using these roads, instructs officers to cease annual surveys and monitor these roads in line with general traffic management priorities.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener, moved:-

that the recommendation contained within the report be approved.

Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Delaney, moved as an amendment:-

that, in view of the long-standing and continued concerns of residents about inappropriate use by HGV’s on Morningside Road, Cranford Road and Duthie Terrace as through routes, this Committee agrees to instruct officers to report to the next meeting of this Committee on the implementation of an ‘except for access’ weight or width restriction on Morningside Road, Cranford Road and Duthie Terrace and the financial implications of that.

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (13) – the Convener, the Vice-Convener and Councillors Allan, Dunbar, Finlayson, Grant, Jaffrey, MacGregor, McCaig, Jean Morrison MBE, Thomson, Townson and Young;  for the amendment (2) – Councillors Delaney and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

With reference to article 5(ii)of the minute of meeting of the Development Management Sub-Committee of 18 March 2010, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided details of an informal consultation by letter drop carried out on streets proposed for inclusion within an extension to the existing Garthdee Controlled Parking Zone.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the results of the informal consultation exercise;  and

(b)       instruct officers to monitor the parking impact in the area following the opening of the expanded Robert Gordon University campus and report findings to the Committee with further recommendations pertaining to the implementation of the Controlled Parking Zone.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener, moved:-

that the recommendations contained within the report be approved.

Councillor Delaney, seconded by Councillor Yuill, moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee agrees recommendations 1 and 2 and further agrees to instruct officers to report to a future meeting of this Committee on measures necessary to tackle the problem of parking on pavements in Garthdee and Kaimhill, in particular near the junction of Pitmedden Crescent and Pitmedden Terrace.

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (13) – the Convener, the Vice-Convener and Councillors Allan, Dunbar, Finlayson, Grant, Jaffrey, MacGregor, McCaig, Jean Morrison MBE, Thomson, Townson and Young;  for the amendment (2) – Councillors Delaney and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

MATTER OF URGENCY

The Convener intimated that he had directed in terms of Section 50(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the following item of business be considered as a matter of urgency as the Committee had instructed that the report be submitted to this meeting.

With reference to article 36 of the minute of the previous meeting of 6 November 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which outlined the results of the trial to temporarily ban the movement of vehicles westbound from Virginia Street into Guild Street over the period from 26 November 2012 to date.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       instruct the appropriate officers to commence the necessary legal procedures for the introduction of a permanent ban on the movement of vehicles westbound from Virginia Street into Guild Street;  and

(b)       instruct the appropriate officers to extend the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order until 30 September 2013.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations contained within the report;  and

(ii)        to instruct officers to provide car count figures for Guild Street/ Market Street to Councillor Allan.

The Committee had before it a statement of pending and outstanding Committee Business, which had been prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to delete item 10 (On-Street Parking Charges at Forresterhill), item 13(1) (Festive Communities Grant) and item 25 (Policy Relating to 25% Affordable Housing Provision) from the statement;

(ii)        to instruct officers to update the statement at item 2 (Access from the North Proposals – Third Don Crossing) in terms of the decision taken by Council on the projects relating to the Third Don Crossing;

(iii)       that in relation to item 4 (Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route), to instruct officers to provide an update for the Committee on the delivery of the Third Don Crossing as part of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route;

(iv)       that in relation to item 14 (Policy on Events in Park and Ride Sites), to instruct officers to submit a report in relation to a policy for events in Park and Ride sites;

(v)        that in relation to item 20 (Palmerston – Revised Traffic Management and Controlled Parking Zone), to note that a report would be submitted within two cycles;

(vi)       that in relation to item 21 (Permit Misuse Policy), to note that a report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee;

(vii)      that in relation to item 23 (Speed Limit Review), to note that a report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee;  and

(viii)     to otherwise note the updates contained within the list.

The Committee had before it a statement of outstanding motions under the Committee’s remit which had been prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to delete item 2 (HGV’s Using Broomhill Road), item 4 (Sunday Parking Charges), item 6 (Regulatory Regime for Local Bus Services), item 7 (Airyhall Bus Services), item 8 (Seafield and Craigiebuckler Bus Services) and item 10 (Development Management Sub-Committee) from the Motions List;

(ii)        that in relation to item 5 (Motion by Councillor Yuill – Provision of Snow Clearing Materials), that officers be instructed to submit a report to the next meeting of the Committee;  and

(iii)       that officers be instructed to provide an update in relation to item 9 (Park and Ride Services – Invitation to Meet with Transport Minister).

In accordance with the decision recorded under article 1 of this minute, the following items of business were considered with the press and public excluded.

With reference to articles 10 and 11 of the minute of meeting of 11 September 2012, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which outlined the current provision of bus services in Airyhall and Craigiebuckler areas of the city and on the options for implementing a bus service in the future if required.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the service currently being provided by Stagecoach Bluebird;  and

(b)       request officers to report back to the Committee if there is a future requirement to review the provision of supported bus services.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided an update on Aberdeen’s Renewable Energy Group’s (AREG) activities, provided details on secondment arrangements and sought approval for funding arrangements going forward.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of the report;

(b)       approve the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 funding arrangements, including the associated expenditure levels detailed in section 5.3 of the report;

(c)        authorise that Services Level Agreements covering 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 be signed between AREG and Aberdeen City Council;  and

(d)       instruct officers to obtain a business plan from AREG for the 2013-2018 periods to form the basis of an annual funding and reporting arrangement and report this plan to Committee by September, 2013.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations subject to adding the following to recommendation (d) above ‘This report should also include a detailed analysis of current and future State Aid and procurement issues, to be undertaken by the Council’s Legal Services, in consultation with the Scottish State Aid Unit and the Service.’

MATTER OF URGENCY

The Convener intimated that he had directed in terms of Section 50(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the following item of business be considered as a matter of urgency as a Committee decision was required prior to the awards ceremony on 6^th March 2013.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided details of the Council’s shortlisting to the European Commission Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) Awards 2013 and to request that a member attends the ceremony in Brussels on 6 March 2013.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note that Aberdeen City Council has been shortlisted for the EC SUMP Awards 2013;  and

(b)       approve attendance of an elected member, along with an officer, to represent Aberdeen City Council at the Awards Ceremony in Brussels on 6 March 2013.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

- COUNCILLOR CROCKETT, Convener.