Minutes of meeting
Renfrewshire Council · 5 November 2024
Back to Planning and Climate Change Policy Board — 5 November 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Minute of Meeting Planning and Climate Change Policy Board Date Time Venue Tuesday, 05 November 2024 13:00 Council Chambers (Renfrewshire), Council Headquarters, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1AN Present: Councillor Jennifer Adam, Councillor Alison Ann-Dowling, Councillor Andy Doig, Councillor Chris Gilmour, Councillor Neill Graham, Councillor Anne Hannigan, Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, Councillor Kenny MacLaren, Councillor Jamie McGuire, Councillor Marie McGurk, Councillor John McNaughtan, Councillor Iain Nicolson, Councillor Jim Paterson, Councillor John Shaw, Councillor Ben Smith Chair Councillor Paterson, Convener, presided. In Attendance A Morrison, Head of Economy & Development; D Love, Chief Planning Officer, J Weir and F Knighton, both Senior Planning Officers, J McCafferty, C Murray and A McKenzie, all Planners, A Williamson, Strategy & Place Manager and E Smith, Climate Emergency Lead Officer (all Chief Executive’s); G Hannah, Head of Climate, Public Protection & Roads and G Heaney, Climate & Public Protection Manager (both Environment, Housing & Infrastructure); and V Howie, Finance Business Partner, R Graham, Senior Solicitor (Litigation & Regulatory Services) and R Devine and C MacDonald, both Senior Committee Services Officers (all Finance & Resources). Webcasting of Meeting Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Convener intimated that this meeting of the Policy Board would be filmed for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council's internet site. Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements There were no declarations of interest or transparency statements intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.
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1 Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 2024/25 at 13 September 2024 There was submitted a joint report by the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Resources relative to the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring report for the period to 13 September 2024. The report stated that the projected revenue outturn as at 31 March 2025 for all services reporting to this Policy Board was an overspend position of £0.005 million against the revised budget for the year. It was noted that there were no capital projects reporting to this Policy Board. Summaries were provided over the relevant services in the tables within the report, together with further analysis. DECIDED: That the projected revenue outturn position, an overspend of £0.005 million, be noted. 2 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Reporting 2023/24 There was submitted a report by the Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure relative to the Renfrewshire Council Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, a copy of which was appended to the report, outlining details on the Council’s emissions; activities, plans and strategies undertaken during 2023/24 in relation to climate change and adaptation; together with priorities for the year ahead in relation to climate action. The report stated that the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 committed Scotland to achieve net zero by 2045, with the Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting Duties placing a legal requirement on public bodies to set target dates for zero direct emissions and indirect emission reductions; report on how spending and resource would contribute to these targets; and report on the body’s contribution to Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme. To comply with legislative requirements Renfrewshire Council required to prepare an Annual Report which detailed progress in mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The report highlighted that the Council’s total annual emissions had been a reduction since the baseline year, a reduction in both scope 1 and scope 3 emissions from the previous year, but an increase in scope 2 emissions. Details of these reductions and increase were detailed in section 4 of the report. DECIDED: (a) That the Renfrewshire Council Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report 2023/24, a copy of which was appended to the report be approved; and (b) That it be noted that the Renfrewshire Council Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report 2023/24 would be submitted to the Scottish Government by the 30 November 2024 deadline. 3 National Planning Improvement Framework – Action Plan
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There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the National Planning Improvement Framework (NPIF) which replaced the previous annual Planning Performance Framework (PPF) and, in particular, highlighting the Action Plan agreed as a result of the NPIF. A copy of the Action Plan was appended to the report. The report stated that the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced a new approach to measuring the performance of planning authorities and made it mandatory for planning authorities to prepare a report on their performance after the end of each financial year. In addition, the Act had introduced the role of the National Planning Improvement Champion to monitor the performance of planning authorities and provide advice to them, and other persons considered appropriate, on the steps that might be taken to help improve performance. The NPIF had been developed by the National Planning Improvement Champion and its aims and key stages were outlined in the report. DECIDED: (a) That it be noted that Renfrewshire Council had participated in the Scottish Government’s pilot of the introduction of the National Planning Improvement Framework; (b) That it be noted that the National Planning Improvement Framework included a review workshop with a variety of stakeholders in attendance; and (c) That it be noted that the Council would now seek to progress the agreed Action Plan. 4 Planning Appeals There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to planning and other relevant appeals which were currently under consideration and appeal decisions which had been issued by the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) in the previous 12-month period. DECIDED: (a) That the Renfrewshire planning appeals which were currently under consideration by the DPEA and were awaiting a decision be noted; (b) That the decisions recently issued by the DPEA in respect of development proposals within Renfrewshire be noted; and (c) That the award of expenses against the Council be noted. 5 Hillington Business Park Simplified Planning Zone and Masterplan Consent Areas Update There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Hillington Park Simplified Planning Zone Scheme and new powers available to planning authorities to prepare Masterplan Consent Area schemes. This report advised that the Hillington Park Simplified Planning Zone Scheme, a joint
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project between Renfrewshire and Glasgow City Councils, with the aims of attracting investment into the area and supporting existing businesses by streamlining the planning process and removing the need for planning permission for certain types and scales of development ended on 1 October 2024. A summary of what had been delivered by the scheme during its 10 years of operation was provided. The report also indicated that powers were available to planning authorities to prepare Masterplan Consent Area schemes, which replaced Simplified Planning Zones, in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. DECIDED: (a) That it be noted that the Hillington Park Simplified Planning Zone Scheme came to an end on 1 October 2024 and that all new development proposals previously permitted by the scheme would now require to be considered through an application for planning permission; and (b) That it be noted that the regulations for making Masterplan Consent Area schemes had been laid in the Scottish Parliament and were expected to come into force later in 2024. 6 Renfrewshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2024 There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Renfrewshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2024, a copy of which was appended to the report. The Renfrewshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2024 identified a number of actions to promote redevelopment and re-use of previously used land and supported the enhancement of places, delivery of sustainable economic growth and aimed to stimulate nature recovery. The Strategy identified five key themes, (a) Infrastructure- first approach to investment to support sustainable inclusive economic growth and unlock development potential of stalled sites; (b) Prioritise development on brownfield and previously used land; (c) Local Living - supporting development in and around our town and village centres; (d) Consider the potential of innovative delivery mechanisms; and (e) Support nature positive places that will be more resilient to the impacts of the climate crisis and support the recovery and restoration of the natural environment, together with a series of related actions. The report noted that Renfrewshire’s vacant and derelict land would be monitored through the preparation and submission to the Scottish Government of the annual Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS) and that the Renfrewshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy would be reported bi-annually to this Policy Board. DECIDED: That the Renfrewshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2024 be approved. 7 Development Plan Update There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to development planning activity in Renfrewshire, the proposal to establish a Member/Officer Working Group to consider the evidence gathered to support the preparation of the new Local Development Plan and the preparation of Local Place Plans by communities in Renfrewshire.
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The report provided an update on development planning activity in Renfrewshire advising that the 2024 Development Plan Scheme, which detailed the timetable for preparing the new Local Development Plan (LDP3) and how stakeholders would be involved in its preparation, a Draft Delivery Programme relating to implementation of the current Local Development Plan (LDP2) and an update on the preparation of Local Place Plans by local communities in Renfrewshire. It was highlighted that consultation took place on the evidence gathered to support the preparation of the new Local Development Plan prior to it being submitted to the Council for approval, and it was recommended that a Member/Officer Working Group be established to consider this evidence prior to submission. DECIDED: (a) That the 2024 Renfrewshire Development Plan Scheme and Participation Statement, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved; (b) That it be noted that the evidence to be included in the Local Development Plan (LDP3) Evidence Report would be consulted on ahead of being reported to Council; (c) That it be agreed that a Member/Officer Working Group be established to consider Local Development Plan evidence ahead of the submission of the LDP3 Evidence Report to Council; and (d) That the Draft Local Development Plan (LDP2) Delivery Programme Update, as set out in Appendix 3 of the report, be approved for consultation. 8 Section 75 Update There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to agreements currently being negotiated in relation to planning obligations, secured by an agreement in accordance with Section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, which sought to mitigate the impacts of the proposed developments and make them acceptable in planning terms. The report intimated that Section 75 agreements could be used to secure financial contributions to, or in-kind provision of, necessary new social and community infrastructure to support new developments and it was highlighted that planning consent was not issued in respect of the proposal until such time as the Section 75 agreement had been signed and registered as required. The Scottish Government’s policy on Planning Obligations was detailed in Circular 3/2012 (Planning Obligations and Good Neighbour Agreements - Revised 2020) which set out five tests which required to be met when seeking to secure a planning obligation. Details of the test criteria were outlined in the report. Under reference to Item 5 of the Minute of the meeting of this Policy Board held on 19 March 2024 the report advised that no further planning applications had been granted subject to a Section 75 agreement and updates were provided in respect of individual ongoing planning applications which were subject to Section 75 negotiations. DECIDED: That the ongoing negotiations, which were taking place in respect of
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securing planning obligations which would be secured by agreement, in accordance with Section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, be noted. 9 Planning Applications There were submitted reports by the Chief Executive relative to the following applications for planning permission that required to be determined by the Board. (a) 23/0193/PP - Use of land as caravan site with associated installation of 33 serviced caravan pitches at 1 Newton of Barr, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JB by Mr Tom Milligan. Councillor Andy Doig indicated that he was of the view that the application should be granted, outlining the main reasons for adopting this position. The Convener made reference to the holding objection which had been submitted in respect of the application by SEPA due to the absence of sufficient information to allow an assessment to determine the potential impacts in relation to flood risks of the proposed development, indicated that in the event the Board was minded to grant the application the Scottish Government would ‘call in’ the decision on the basis that a statutory consultee had submitted an objection and that the timeline for a decision would be impacted. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1.44pm and reconvened at 1.54pm. Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, moved that “the Board notes that Application 23/0193/PP accords with Policy ENV1, ENV2, and E4 of the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan, and also with policies 3,6,13,14,20,21, 22,29, and 30 of National Planning Framework 4. The Board recognises the reservations of SEPA with regards to flood prevention, and therefore agrees to grant the application subject to conditions being imposed relating to the prohibition of caravan storage, a landscaping scheme, and confirmation of hard surfaces as well as other appropriate conditions as delegated to officers.” This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: (i) That the Board notes that Application 23/0193/PP accords with Policy ENV1, ENV2, and E4 of the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan, and also with policies 3,6,13,14,20,21, 22, 29, and 30 of National Planning Framework 4; and (ii)That the Board recognises the reservations of SEPA with regards to flood prevention, and therefore agrees to grant the application subject to conditions being imposed relating to the prohibition of caravan storage, a landscaping scheme, and confirmation of hard surfaces as well as other appropriate conditions as delegated to officers.
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(b) 24/0261/PP - Erection of holiday lodge at Site on northern boundary of High Linthills, Linthills Road Lochwinnoch by Mr Robert Seaton. Councillor Andy Doig indicated that he was of the view that the application should be refused, outlining the main reasons for adopting this position. Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. Councillor Andy Doig, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, moved as an amendment that: “This Board notes that Application 24/0261/PP accords with Policies ENV1 and E4 of the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan, and 8, 29, and 30 of National Planning Framework 4. The Board also recognises the challenges around the adequacy of the water supply, as recognised by Environmental Protection, and further highlights the seasonal risk of increased farm traffic. The Board therefore agrees, given the unsuitable road access, that this application be refused”. On the roll being called, the following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Ann-Dowling, N Graham, Hannigan, McGuire, McGurk, McNaughtan, Nicolson, Paterson, Shaw and Smith. The following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Andy Doig, Gilmour, MacFarlane and K MacLaren. 11 members having voted for the motion and 4 members having voted for the amendment, the motion was accordingly declared carried. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. (c) 24/0316/PP - Conversion of vacant nursing home to form 17 flats with associated parking and landscaping at Priory Park Nursing Home, 19 - 21 Main Road, Paisley by P Zace PZ Investments Limited. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be approved subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. (d) 23/0565/PP - Erection of 25 retirement flats with communal facilities and the conversion of c listed former chapel into 5 retirement flats with associated roads, parking and landscaping at St Joseph's Nursing Home,Kilbirnie Road, Lochwinnoch by Sitepride Ltd C Murray, Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal during which it was intimated that in view of further information received from flooding and drainage consultants it was proposed that, should the Board be minded to approve the application, condition 10 be amended to read: 10. That prior to the commencement of development, an updated Drainage Strategy
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Report, Flood Risk Assessment, and the additional information outlined in the Dougall Baillie Associates email dated 26th April 2024 shall be submitted for the written approval of the planning authority and thereafter implemented as approved prior to the occupation of the development. Reason: To ensure the appropriate provision of drainage and flooding measures where necessary. and that the following condition relating to the drainage outfall be added; 15. That prior to the commencement of development, the location, nature, and condition of the existing drainage outfall shall be confirmed by CCTV survey and any defects identified within the survey shall be repaired prior to the occupancy of any dwelling. Reason: To ensure that the drainage outfall is acceptable. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be approved subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report and as amended by the Planning Officer. Councillor Andy Doig proposed that, in addition, authority be delegated to officers to formulate a further condition to be attached to any planning permission approval relative to the identification of potential burial grounds on the site and measures for their protection. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report, and as amended by the Planning Officer, together with an additional condition to be formulated by officers relative to the identification of potential burial grounds on the site and measures for their protection. (e) 23/0566/LB - Redevelopment and conversion of c listed chapel building to form five flats at St Joseph's Nursing Home, Kilbirnie Road, Lochwinnoch by Sitepride Ltd C Murray, Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be approved subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. (f) 24/0078/PP - Erection of residential development (in principle) including demolition at Site at the Junction of Well Street, Clavering St East, and Underwood Lane, Paisley by Sanctuary Scotland. 24/0316/PP F Knighton, Senior Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be approved subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report.
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(g) 24/0494/PP - Erection of 49 dwellinghouses and 16 flats with associated works including landscaping and drainage at Site on southern boundary of M8 at Montgomery Avenue and Montgomery Road, Paisley by McTaggart Construction. J Weir, Senior Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be approved subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed within the report. (h) 24/0495/PP - Erection of 70 dwellinghouses with associated landscaping works and drainage at Site bounded by Dundonald Ave, Highcraig Ave, Craigview Ave and, Craigbog Johnstone by McTaggart Construction. F Knighton, Senior Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. (i) 24/0563/PP - Erection of residential development comprising 48 flats with associated parking, infrastructure and landscaping at The Institute, Maxwellton Street, Paisley by Westpoint Homes Ltd. J McCafferty, Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal. Councillor K MacLaren indicated that he was of the view that consideration of the application should be continued pending a site visit, outlining the main reasons for adopting this position. Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved that no site visit be undertaken prior to consideration of the application. Councillor K MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, moved as an amendment that consideration of the application be continued pending a site visit. On the roll being called, the following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Ann-Dowling, N Graham, Hannigan, McGuire, McGurk, Nicolson, Paterson, Shaw and Smith. The following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Andy Doig, Gilmour, MacFarlane, K MacLaren and McNaughtan. 10 members having voted for the motion and 5 members having voted for the amendment, the motion was accordingly declared carried.
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Councillor K MacLaren then indicated that he was of the view that the application should be refused, outlining the main reasons for adopting this position. Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor Smith, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report and the applicant entering into a Section 69 agreement in terms of a developer contribution in respect of education provision. Councillor K MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Andy Doig, moved as an amendment that the application be refused on the grounds it would be overdevelopment of the site and the impact of the development on surrounding traffic causing further congestion on Maxwellton Road and Maxwellton Street leading back to the A761 and Gallow Green Road. On the roll being called, the following members voted for the motion: Councillors Adam, Ann-Dowling, Gilmour, N Graham, Hannigan, McGuire, McGurk, McNaughtan, Nicolson, Paterson, Shaw and Smith. The following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Andy Doig, MacFarlane and K MacLaren. 12 members having voted for the motion and 3 members having voted for the amendment, the motion was accordingly declared carried. DECIDED: (a) That no site visit be undertaken prior to consideration of the application; and (b) That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report and the applicant entering into a Section 69 agreement in terms of a developer contribution in respect of education provision. (j) 24/0580/AD - Display of double sided freestanding digital advertising hoarding at The River Inn, Houston Road, Crosslee by Mr Lianne Gannon Mediascape Ltd. J McCafferty, Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed. Councillor Nicolson proposed that an additional condition be attached to the granting of the application restricting the operation of the digital sign to the operating hours of the associated business. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report and an additional condition restricting the operation of the digital sign to the operating hours of the associated business. (k) 24/0586/LB - Demolition of police cells and offices to rear of former Renfrew Police Station and stripping out of all wood within main front part of building to mitigate dry and wet rot at Former Renfrew Police Station, Inchinnan Road by Renfrewshire Council.
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A McKenzie, Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed. Councillor Shaw proposed that additional conditions be attached to the granting of the application requiring that no work take place until appropriate security fencing, approved by the Planning Authority, was implemented to secure the Sea Scout’s compound and that prior to the commencement of any work on site details of 24-hour staffed security be submitted for the written approval of the Planning Authority and thereafter the agreed staffed security shall be in place throughout the planned demolition works. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report and additional conditions requiring that no work take place until appropriate security fencing approved by the Planning Authority was implemented to secure the Sea Scout’s compound and that prior to the commencement of any work on site details of 24-hour staffed security be submitted for the written approval of the Planning Authority and thereafter the agreed staffed security shall be in place throughout the planned demolition works. (l) 24/0589/PP - Formation of footpath at Site Between No 20 Sandielands Avenue and No 12, Wrightlands Crescent, Erskine by Mr Murray McLean Cala Homes West Scotland. J McCafferty, Planner, made a presentation relative to the proposal. In terms of Standing Order 59 Councillor Paterson, moved that the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report. This was agreed. Councillor Nicolson proposed that an additional condition be attached to the granting of the application requiring the works to be implemented within 3 months of the planning consent being issued. This was agreed unanimously. DECIDED: That the application be granted subject to the conditions and reasons detailed within the report and an additional condition requiring the works to be implemented within 3 months of the planning consent being issued.