Agenda Document Pack - Hamilton Area Committee - 08/02/2023
South Lanarkshire Council · 8 February 2023
Back to Hamilton Area Committee — 8 February 2023 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 31 January 2023 Dear Councillor Hamilton Area Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 08 February 2023 Time: 14:00 Venue: Hybrid - Council Chamber, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Cleland Sneddon Chief Executive Members Allan Falconer (Chair), Mo Razzaq (Depute Chair), Andy Carmichael, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Maureen Devlin, Colin Dewar, Mary Donnelly, Celine Handibode, Graeme Horne, Martin Hose, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Gavin Keatt, Kenny McCreary, Lesley McDonald, Mark McGeever, Davie McLachlan, Richard Nelson, John Ross, Bert Thomson, Helen Toner 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the previous meeting of the Hamilton Area Committee held on 9 November 2022 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 8 Item(s) for Noting 3 Community Asset Transfer Update Report dated 10 January 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 9 - 12 4 Participatory Budgeting - Education Resources - Pupil Equity Funding Report dated 24 January 2023 by the Executive Director (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 13 - 24 5 Participatory Budgeting - Housing and Technical Resources - Estate Improvement Budget Report dated 24 January 2023 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources). (Copy attached) 25 - 26 6 Update on Town Centres Report dated 24 January 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 27 - 30 Item(s) for Decision 7 Application P/22/1613 for Change of Use From Dwellinghouse to Short- term Lets/Serviced Accommodation at 26 Shawburn Street, Hamilton Report dated 23 January 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 31 - 38 8 Community Grant Applications/Warm Welcome Initiative Report dated 24 January 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 39 - 44 Urgent Business 9 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Elizabeth-Anne McGonigle Clerk Telephone: 07385403101 Clerk Email: elizabeth-anne.mcgonigle@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
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HAMILTON AREA COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Teams and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 9 November 2022 Chair: Councillor Allan Falconer Councillors Present: Councillor Andy Carmichael, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Maureen Devlin, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Mary Donnelly, Councillor Cal Johnston- Dempsey, Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Mark McGeever, Councillor Mo Razzaq (Depute), Councillor Bert Thomson, Councillor Helen Toner Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Celine Handibode, Councillor Graeme Horne, Councillor Martin Hose, Councillor Davie McLachlan, Councillor Richard Nelson, Councillor John Ross Attending: Education Resources L Mitchell, Quality Improvement Officer Finance and Corporate Resources G Cochran, Administration Assistant; J McCafferty, Development Officer; E A McGonigle, Administration Officer; K McLeod, Administration Assistant; L O’Hagan, Finance Manager (Strategy) 1 Declaration of Interests The following interests were declared:- Councillor(s) Item(s) Nature of Interest(s) Devlin and McCreary Community Grant Applications:- ♦ Bothwell Futures (HA/24/22) Members of Group In terms of Standing Order No 14, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 2.06pm for a 5 minute period 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Hamilton Area Committee held on 31 August 2022 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Common Good Update A report dated 20 October 2022 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on the Hamilton Common Good fund. 2 3
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Common Good was a fund of money or assets, or both, which was administered by a Scottish local authority in respect of each former burgh within the local authority area. Common Good property was owned by the local authority and administered separately from other local authority assets for accounting purposes. The Common Good funds held in South Lanarkshire were Biggar, Hamilton, Lanark and Rutherglen. The Common Good fund in Hamilton held a number of properties and a proactive approach to maintenance supported the viability of those assets and reduced the Council’s risk to greater liability in the future. On 2 October 2013, the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee approved an annual cyclical maintenance plan of £15,000 for Hamilton Common Good properties and the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) had delegated authority to approve maintenance expenditure up to that amount for all funds. Finance Services administered the Common Good accounts, which included revenue monitoring, preparation of annual accounts and, when required, to seek approval from the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee for expenditure to be incurred on various projects. Reports on the management of the Common Good funds would be provided annually to appropriate Area Committees. The unaudited annual accounts for 2021/2022 were detailed at Appendix 1 to the report. The balance invested in the Council’s Loans Fund for Hamilton was £412,000 and details of those assets were provided in Appendix 2 to the report. Details were provided on repairs and maintenance incurred during 2021/2022 and the commitments for repairs and planned maintenance in 2022/2023. There had been no consultations on Common Good properties since the previous update to the Committee on 8 September 2021. There followed a full discussion on the report during which the Finance Manager (Strategy) responded to members’ questions and undertook to:- ♦ provide information on administration costs of the Common Good Fund and whether this could be reviewed or increased ♦ provide a member with further details on the £3,000 for repair and redecoration works in Hamilton Town Centre, as detailed in section 8.3 of the report ♦ provide a member with details on the sale of the former Vogue Bingo Hall/Cinema which had still to be concluded. It was expected that this would be removed from the asset register during 2022/2023 ♦ take a request to the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee for the Davie Cooper Monument at the Hamilton Palace Grounds to be cleaned The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 8 September 2021 (Paragraph 3)] 4 Participatory Budgeting – Place Based Programme A report dated 25 October 2022 by the Executive Director (Education Resources) was submitted on Participatory Budgeting (PB) in relation to the Place Based Programme. 4
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An update was given on Hillhouse/Udston/Burnbank where the stakeholder group had been actively involved in designing the PB process. The consultation process opened on 14 September 2022 and had closed on 25 October 2022. Although proposals were welcomed on the 10 priority themes within the plan, the stakeholder group had decided that, in 2022/2023, the emphasis would be placed on projects and activities that:- promoted financial wellbeing reduced the impact of the cost-of-living crisis promoted health improvement The stakeholder group met on 27 October 2022 to assess the proposals received. Details were provided on the voting process which concluded on 8 November 2022. The stakeholder group in Strutherhill and Birkenshaw was actively involved in the PB process. Discussions were underway and a series of meetings and contacts had been made with relevant partners so that the following 3 elements of activity for investment could be enabled:- play and park development physical environment improvements a bike initiative The stakeholder group was proactively promoting neighbourhood planning and the benefits that this had brought to the area. Planned community events, hosted by local schools and community groups, would be used to raise awareness and promote wider community involvement in the neighbourhood planning process. An update was provided on the PB activity in Blantyre. The funding for 2021/2022 had been carried over so that local priorities could be re-established. A public survey had been carried out which ended in June 2022 and this had received 743 votes and identified 3 themes as follows:- youth activities community safety community activities A total of £11,200 had been allocated to 6 groups and those were detailed in the report. A breakdown of those voting by age, gender, ethnic background and disability was provided in the report. Consideration would be given to involving more men and young people in this year’s process which was currently being planned by the stakeholder group. The Development Officer responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. In relation to ensuring more young people and elderly people were involved in the PB process, assurance was provided that the team would continue publicise the process to as many local groups as possible. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 5 Education Resources - Participatory Budgeting - Pupil Equity Funding A report dated 14 October 2022 by the Executive Director (Education Resources) was submitted on Participatory Budgeting (PB) in relation to Pupil Equity Funding (PEF). 5
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An update was given on PB activity within Education Resources in 2021/2022 which highlighted that:- a video showing the work of PB within Education Resources in 2021/2022 had been shared locally and nationally lead officers had presented the Council’s PB journey at PB Scotland’s National Conference on 28 September 2022 Education Resources had submitted an award application to the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy for the Best Practice Award for Citizen Participation. The application highlighted the success of PB in schools during 2021/2022. The evaluation phase for the award was currently underway a PB section had been developed within a new Equity Hub, an online site to provide schools with support and resources to assist in tackling the poverty related attainment gap PB activity in 2022/2023 was also detailed in the report which highlighted that:- prior to the summer holiday period, Head Teachers had been asked to allocate a minimum of 5% of their 2022/2023 PEF allocation and identify a staff member to lead/facilitate this activity in their school refreshed PB training had been developed and delivered to Head Teachers and PB Leads Head Teachers had subsequently identified the percentage of their 2022/2023 PEF allocation they wished to allocate to PB in 2022/2023 Schools within the Hamilton area had allocated £196,007.25 of their £3,656,910 million PEF allocation for PB. A breakdown of the allocation for each learning community was provided in Appendix 1 to the report. Appendix 2 of the report summarised the percentage of PEF which schools had allocated for PB. A further school-by-school breakdown was outlined in Appendix 3 of the report. PB Stakeholder groups, comprising pupils, parents and staff, were currently leading the PB process in their schools. The outcome for each school would be reported to Education Resources by 7 October 2022. Information on the outcome of the process would be shared at future Area Committee meetings. Education Resources would provide Area Committees with:- a summary report of each school’s PB outcome case studies of school activity, which had particular impact/success a detailed financial report of how PEF money allocated for PB had been spent Education Resources would support schools and monitor and track the impact of this activity. Findings would inform any future PB activity within the Resource. The Committee acknowledged the good work that had been undertaken in relation to the PEF and thanked everyone involved, particularly the young people, whose voices were so important. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 16 February 2022 (Paragraph 3)] 6
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6 Community Grant Applications A report dated 20 October 2022 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on applications for community grants. There followed a discussion on the recommended grant awards to community groups which were presented to the Area Committee. The amount of grant proposed took account of the eligibility criteria for grants and, as a general rule, was based on a ‘standard’ level of grant dependent on the type of organisation/activity etc. This aimed to provide consistency across the 4 Area Committee areas. The following 2 proposals were put forward by the Committee and, following lengthy debate, it was agreed that the Chairs of the other Area Committees be consulted in order that a consistent approach could be adopted:- a copy of each grant application should be circulated to the Area Committee to help inform the amount awarded by the Committee each grant application should be considered on its individual merit and that the current criteria, particularly for the variable categories of spend, was not the best approach Following discussion on the proposal to award Bothwell Futures a community grant of £456, Councillor Johnston-Dempsey, seconded by Councillor Donnelly, moved that the level of grant be increased to £760 which was unanimously agreed. The Committee decided: (1) that community grants be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: Larkhall Avondale Amateur Swimming Club (HA/18/22) Purpose of Grant: Equipment Amount Awarded: £600 (b) Applicant: 78th Lanarkshire (3rd Blantyre) Scout Group (HA/21/22) Purpose of Grant: Entrance fees Amount Awarded: £350 (c) Applicant: Hamilton Ramblers Club (HA/23/22) Purpose of Grant: Outing Amount Awarded: £300 (d) Applicant: Bothwell Futures (HA/24/22) Purpose of Grant: Equipment, administration and publicity costs Amount Awarded: £760 Councillors Devlin and McCreary, having declared an interest in the above application, withdrew from the meeting during its consideration (e) Applicant: Blantyre Bonnie Tots (HA/25/22) Purpose of Grant: Start-up costs - equipment Amount Awarded: £300 (f) Applicant: 1st Larkhall Girls’ Brigade (HA/26/22) Purpose of Grant: Outing, administration and publicity costs Amount Awarded: £350 7
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(2) that the Chairs of the other Area Committees be consulted on the proposals outlined by the Committee in relation to the allocation of community grants in order that a consistent approach be agreed across all 4 areas. [Reference: Minutes of 31 August 2022 (Paragraph 7)] 7 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 8
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 8 February 2023 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Community Asset Transfer Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- provide Members with an update on the current work related to Community Asset Transfer 2. Recommendation(s) The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that progress regarding the development of Community Asset Transfer be noted. 3. Background 3.1. The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 created several legal obligations aimed at improving the involvement of community members in the design, implementation and delivery of services and activities that impacted them and their fellow residents, 1 of which was the introduction of Community Asset Transfer (CAT). 3.2. CAT enables suitably constituted local community organisations to formally apply to lease, purchase or implement managed arrangements for any land or property owned by relevant public bodies where they can evidence that their proposed community benefit is better than the current usage. 3.3. As this legislation increasingly impacted upon the work of the authority, a dedicated Community Asset Transfer officer was employed from March 2022 on a 2-year contract. The officer’s role was to improve the authority’s internal processes, redesign community information (website, documentation and marketing) to improve uptake, support organisations considering the process and to act as a conduit for the flow of information within the Council and externally. 4. Redesign of internal processes 4.1. The existing website was basic and contained limited information. This has been upgraded to be more user friendly and provide both members of the public and interested parties with more information on the process. This will go live in early 2023. 4.2. An animation has been designed and created and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smqE8MHVh1o. 5. Promotion of CAT Processes Internally 5.1. The CAT process can be complicated for colleagues and elected members who may be approached with regards to it. With this in mind, an internal short training package 3 9
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was produced and is hosted on the Council’s Learn-On-Line training platform which provides basic information on the process. 6. External Promotion 6.1. The CAT officer has attended a wide number of third sector network events to promote the opportunities that exist using the legislation. Strong links have been developed with key local and national agencies such as Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLAN) and Community Ownership Support Services, ensuring that where possible, a joined-up approach exists to support interested organisations into and through the progress. 6.2. The CAT officer hosted a recent information event in conjunction with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to provide information to over 50 individuals representing community football clubs on the CAT process and what it means to them. 7. Progress to Date 7.1. South Lanarkshire-wide there has been contact from over 75 organisations during the last financial year. 19 of these organisations were from the Hamilton area. 7.2. Of these enquiries the CAT officer is currently in dialogue with 30 organisations who are interested in using the legislation. 5 of these were from the Hamilton area. 7.3. Two applications have been submitted and approved, and it is anticipated that a further 5 will be submitted before the end of the year. One of these is from the Hamilton area. 8. Employee Implications 8.1. There are no employee implications associated with this report. 9. Financial Implications 9.1. There are no financial implications associated with this report. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1 There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 11. Other Implications 11.1. There are no risk or sustainability issues associated with the content of this report. 12. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 12.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. Paul Manning Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 10 January 2023 10
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Link to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Caring, connected, sustainable communities Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Iain Mulholland, Community Asset Transfer Officer Email: Iain.Mulholland@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 11
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Participatory Budgeting – Update for Hamilton Area Committee January 2023 Service Area Education Lead Officer Laura Mitchell Stage 1 : Pre Consultation : • What are we asking the public for their view on (what service is it / description etc)? • How much funding are we asking about? • Who are we asking, • How are we doing this ? • When are we doing this ? • When will we report back ? Progress update since last Area Committee Participatory Budget Allocation: As reported at the last Hamilton Area Committee, schools within the Hamilton area have collectively allocated £196,007.25 (approximately 5.4%) of their £3,656,910 Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) allocation for participatory budgeting (PB). Appendix 1 shows a breakdown of this for each of the learning communities. Appendix 2 summarises the percentage of PEF allocation that schools have allocated for participatory budgeting – 78% of schools have allocated the minimum 5% of their PEF budget, whilst 22% of schools have allocated more than this. Reported Outcome The Participatory Budgeting Stakeholder Group in each school has led the PB process in their school with the consultation now complete. Appendix 3 outlines the outcome of the vote for each school. Appendix 4 shows the distribution of spend across the Hamilton Area. Appendix 5 outlines the distribution of votes by stakeholders across the Hamilton area. Next Steps Schools are now progressing with their spend, to ensure the minimum 5% is spent in full by end of March 2023. The central Equity Team are available to help schools navigate any challenges they face to ensure a full spend before the end of the financial year. Stage 2 : Post Consultation • The outcome of the PB activity • What happens next ? • Further reporting requirements (e.g. required Committee approval) Following the voting, Education Resources will provide Area Committees with the following:- - Summary Report of each school’s PB outcome (available late October/early November) and Local Authority and Area analysis report of this - Case studies of school activity, which has had particular impact/success (ongoing throughout the year) - Detailed Local Authority Financial Report of how PEF money allocated for PB has been spent (May/June 2023) Education Resources will support schools with implementation of this and monitor and track the impact of this activity. Findings will inform any future PB activity within Education Resources. Regular PB Updates and the highlighting of good practice will be communicated to schools via the Equity Hub and through our @SLCEquity Twitter handle. 4 13
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Update for Hamilton Area Committee Participatory Budgeting – Update for Area Committee Service Area Estate Improvement Budget Lead Officer Claire Frew Stage 1 : Pre Consultation : • What are we asking the public for their view on (what service is it / description etc)? • How much funding are we asking about? • Who are we asking, • How are we doing this? • When are we doing this? • When will we report back? Improving Bin Areas in Blantyre The Estate Improvement Budget totals £40,000 and is split across the 4 housing divisions of South Lanarkshire. Each local housing management team can direct the funding towards projects or improvements highlighted as a priority by customers of Housing and Property Services. Although not a significant value, the budget is ideally suited for conversion to a participatory budgeting approach as often funds a number of smaller projects that have been highlighted as a priority by customers. Examples for its use recently have been the installation of new fencing and lighting, which the types and design of were consulted on with customers. To date, one project has been completed within the Hamilton area with improvements made to bin areas in the Industrial Estate area of Blantyre following feedback from tenants. Improving Lighting in Larkhall In addition to the project undertaken through the Estate Improvement Budget, a small project to improve lighting in Larkhall was delivered through the Planned Maintenance Budget following tenants highlighting safety and security issues. Stage 2: Post Consultation • The outcome of the PB activity • What happens next? • Further reporting requirements (e.g. required Committee approval) Improving Bin Areas in Blantyre In response to customer feedback, £3,109.20 was spent removing bin chutes and installing new bins in the Industrial Estate area of Blantyre. Improving Lighting in Larkhall Following engagement with local people who raised safety and security issues in Larkhall, officers utilised funding from the Planned Maintenance Budget to carry out an additional project making improvements to lighting at Annbank Street. The total cost of the project was £3,865.71. Officers from Housing and Technical Resources will continue to take forward opportunities within the Hamilton area to ensure tenants and other customers have the opportunity to determine the outcome of budgets within the Environmental Programme and Community Safety Partnership Commissioning Budget, with further updates provided to Committee at a later date. 5 25
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 8 February 2023 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Update on Town Centres 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- update members on the activity currently being undertaken in town centres across the Hamilton area [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the current activity across town centres be noted. [recs] 3. Background 3.1. The nature of town centres across the UK is in a transitional stage. The range of issues involved in the challenges town centres are facing are broad and complex. Factors such as the economic downturn, internet shopping, the growth of out of town shopping malls, changes in retailers’ business models and consumer expectations have resulted in a decline in footfall. 3.2. Some of the issues are local and specific to individual towns, however, many are issues seen across the country influenced by wider economic patterns, consumer behaviour and corporate decisions. Supporting town centres remains a Council priority and officers continue to work in partnership with groups and organisations in each town to achieve our common goals. 3.3. The role town centres have in our communities is significant and, therefore, their role cannot be overstated. Town centres support and contribute to people across our communities whether this is to access essential services, visiting for shopping or enjoying leisure time. 3.4. Around 70% of businesses and jobs in the economy are located in town centres and they are the principal location for leisure and hospitality. They retain a vital social importance as a meeting, events and performance space. 3.5. Across the 10 towns defined in the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan (LDP) there is active and ongoing engagement with the most appropriate groups in the town. These range from town to town and include Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Development Trusts, Community Councils and private property owners. 6 27
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3.6. Town Centre strategies and action plans have been prepared and approved for Hamilton, Cambuslang, Larkhall and Blantyre with work now underway in Rutherglen. Similar plans are being progressed by the communities in Lanark and Carluke along with the master planning work by the owners of East Kilbride. 3.7. These strategies and action plans are closely aligned with the Government approach to town centres captured in the New Future for Scotland’s Town Centres report and action plan. 3.8. Officers in Economic Development are working with all key stakeholders across our towns and have commissioned 2 key pieces of work to set the direction of the Council’s work around town centres going forward. These will inform and align with existing and emerging funding opportunities around town centres. Town Centre Visioning – this will set out how the Council delivers on the strategic aims and objectives at a local level. As noted above, while all towns have similar challenges, the solutions are not always the same. This work will set out how the Council, communities and partners should deliver meaningful and sustainable change within our town centres through a series of projects and action plans. Transition to net zero – town centres are major contributors to pollution and although a number of early wins have been achieved, the ways to deliver long term meaningful and sustainable reductions are complex and not always palatable to business or customers. This work will set out a practical approach to working towards net zero across our towns. 4. Town Centre Activity 4.1. Hamilton The town centre strategy and action plan were put in place in October 2018 and, given the continued change in consumer behaviour, the impact of the pandemic and the increased focus on the climate emergency officers have begun a review and update of the strategy and action plan. 4.2. This work is at a very early stage and will go through a similar process used for the preparation of each of the previous strategies. The aim will be to present a consultative draft to the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee in early summer 2023. This will capture the strategic work set out at section 3.8 of this report, a review of the previous strategy and initial suggestions for the action plan moving forward. Officers will consult with a range of partners and interested parties in the preparation of this initial draft and will look to hold a full consultation of the draft document over the summer period of 2023. 4.3. There are a number of ongoing projects linked to the previous strategy which are at various stages of delivery. The success of those projects which have been delivered and continual engagement to deliver those which are outstanding will be key to the future success of Hamilton. 4.4. Blantyre The Blantyre town centre strategy and action plan were approved at the Community and Enterprise Committee in October 2022 following an extensive period of work and consultation. Officers are now liaising with the community to deliver on the objectives set out in the report. 28
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4.5. Larkhall The Larkhall town centre strategy and action plan were approved at the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee in May 2021. The completion of this work has assisted the community in securing town centre capital funding to deliver a range of town centre project and improvements. These projects are close to completion and the groups are working on their next round of bids. 4.6. As can be seen from above, there is significant and ongoing activity across the town centres in the Hamilton area and officers in Enterprise and Sustainable Development would be keen to explore further opportunities with groups across our communities. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications from the information set out in this report 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no financial implications from the information set out in this report. All projects and spend referred to will be subject to separate approvals as appropriate 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. Climate change and working to net zero is at the heart of all the work on town centres as we seek to deliver sustainable town centres which support liveable neighbourhoods. 8. Other Implications 8.1. All town centres face a challenging set of circumstances. It is essential the Council plays a full and active role in the future of or town centres. Not doing so will result in continued decline and greater demands on limited resources. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. Our town centres have to be available for all across our communities. We continue to work and consult with a broad range of groups across our communities and as noted above the work involved in improving our town centres will be subject to wide consultation. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 24 January 2023 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable Priorities We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Outcomes Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres 29
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Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Iain Ross, Project Manager, Enterprise and Sustainable Development E-mail: Iain.ross@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 30
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 8 February 2023 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Application no. Planning proposal: P/22/1613 Change of use of dwellinghouse to short-term lets/serviced accommodation 1 Summary application information [purpose] •Application type: Detailed planning application • Applicant: Mr. Steven Evans •Location: 26 Shawburn Street Hamilton ML3 9DX [1purpose] 2 Recommendation(s) 2.1 The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): [recs] (1) Grant detailed planning permission (subject to conditions) based on conditions attached. [1recs] 2.2 Other actions/notes (1) The Area Committee has delegated powers to determine this application. 3 Other information ♦ Applicant’s Agent: Kimberley Hughes ♦ Council Area/Ward: 18 Hamilton West and Earnock ♦ Policy Reference(s): Policy 2 - Climate Change Policy 3 - General Urban Areas and Settlements Policy 5 - Development Management and Placemaking Policy 6 - Visitor Economy and Tourism Policy VET2 - Visitor Accommodation ♦ Representation(s): ► 6 Objection Letters ► 0 Support Letters ► 0 Comment Letters 7 31
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♦ Consultation(s): Roads Development Management Team Environmental Services 32
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Planning Application Report 1 Application Site 1.1 The site relates to an upper floor cottage flat at 26 Shawburn Street, Hamilton. The 2-bedroom flat has a driveway with a single off-street parking space and a rear garden shared with the lower flat. 1.2 Shawburn Street is a residential cul-de-sac composed of primarily cottage flats of similar scale and design, although not all properties have a driveway. That said the neighbouring property to the north-east (No. 24) is a semi-detached two storey house. 1.3 To the rear of the application site is a row/group of trees which separates the site from the A724 (Burnbank Road). The wider area is mainly residential in character. 2 Proposal(s) 2.1 The proposal relates to a change of use of the 2-bedroom cottage flat to short-term let accommodation. No external alterations/changes are proposed. 2.2 The applicant has provided details of the operation of the proposed short-term let. The property is to be let in its entirety and not for housing multiple occupants (House of Multiple Occupancy) and shall be managed by a professional letting agent who specialise in letting to professionals and businesses as well as insurance companies to accommodate people displaced from their own home due to repair work. The property may, however, on occasion be let as tourist accommodation. 3 Background 3.1 Local Plan Status 3.1.1 With regard to the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 this application must be assessed against: Policy 2 – Climate Change and Policy 5 – Development Management and Placemaking. In addition, as the site falls within the general urban area Policy 3 – General Urban Areas - is also applicable. Furthermore, as the property will on occasion be used as tourist accommodation, Policies 6 - Visitor Economy and Tourism and VET2 – Visitor Accommodation are also a consideration. 3.1.2 Policy 2 – Climate Change identifies that all development should seek to minimise and mitigate the effects of climate change, however, a change of use from flat to short-term let is not considered to have a significant impact on the climate. 3.1.3 Policy 3 – General Urban Areas and Settlements states that proposals that are ancillary to residential areas will be assessed on their individual merits regarding their effect on the amenity and character of the area. 3.1.4 Policy 5 – Development Management and Placemaking states that the Council should ensure that the proposal will not result in any significant adverse impact on nearby buildings or the streetscape by way of layout, scale, massing, design, or external materials. Development should also have no unacceptable adverse impacts by way of overshadowing, overlooking or any other loss of residential amenity. 3.1.5 Policy 6 – Visitor Economy and Tourism states that proposal for new visitor accommodation will be supported where they contribute to the visitor economy and demonstrate their viability. Development should respect the area’s character and have suitable parking provision. 33
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3.1.6 Policy VET2 – Visitor Accommodation states that all proposals should be accompanied by a business plan demonstrating financial viability and that proposals within settlement boundaries should respect and integrate with the establish character and streetscape. 3.1.7 Section 7.0 (Short-term lets/self-catering) of the recently approved Supporting Planning Guidance at a Dwellinghouse sets out that in deciding if a material change of use has occurred the following factors will be considered:- how guests arrive and depart likely frequency and intensity of noise or other antisocial behaviour impact on public services and resident’s amenity the ability of provide in-curtilage car parking cumulative impact on the character and amenity of a neighbourhood number or people staying. 3.2 Relevant Government Advice/Policy 3.2.1 The Revised Draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) was approved by the Scottish Parliament on the 11 January 2023. In the interim period before NPF4 is formally adopted, it will be considered a significant material consideration in the determination of planning applications. In this instance, there are not considered to be any provisions of the NPF4 draft framework which would materially affect the determination of this application. 3.3 Planning Background 3.3.1 There are no records of any previous planning applications relating to 26 Shawburn Street, Hamilton. 4 Consultation(s) 4.1 Roads Development Management Team – No objection. Visibility splays are achievable, one off-street parking space is acceptable for the proposal, and on-street parking is also available. 4.2 Environmental Services - No adverse comments or objection. 5 Representation(s) 5.1 Statutory neighbour notification was undertaken, and 6 letters of objection were received from neighbouring proprietors. The grounds of objection are summarised as follows: a) There is insufficient parking on the street to accommodate the proposal which is impacting residents’ ability to park. The proposal could also be detrimental to road safety and traffic congestion as pavements are full of parked cars and vans thus a fire engine would have trouble reaching the bottom of the street and the proposal is a danger to children playing and impairs the movement of elderly residents. Response: Shawburn Street is within an established residential area where cottage flats are dominant. When built, the provision of off-street parking was not a major consideration presumably due to low car ownership at that time. This, however, has changed with the passage of time. Any residential use of the property has potential to generate demand for parking be it one, two or more cars. The proposed use has similar possibilities and the fact that one off street parking space exists is advantageous. Furthermore, the limited number of bedrooms (two) is likely to limit parking 34
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demand. Accordingly, it is not considered that this proposal would have any detrimental effect in terms of parking when compared with the existing situation. The property will remain residential in use/character with the same parking requirements as being occupied long-term. It must be recognised that this is only one of several properties on the street and is not the sole cause of the expressed traffic/parking concerns. Indeed, 26 Shawburn Street has a driveway which approximately half the properties on the street do not, and as a 2-bedroom property it would be unlikely to require more than one vehicle to park on-street. Consequently, any perceived parking and traffic issues in Shawsburn Street are not considered sufficient justification to refuse planning permission. In terms of accidents and associated perceived danger this, on the balance of probability, is more likely to be due to irresponsible/inconsiderate driving rather that one property being used for short-term lets. b) The proposal could have a detrimental impact in terms of noise and disturbance. Response: The property will remain residential in use and while it will be used for short-term let instead of long-term occupancy, it will have similar amenity impacts. On this basis it is not considered that change of use when compared with ‘normal’ occupancy would cause any significant adverse impacts in terms of noise and disturbance. 5.2 These letters have been copied and are available for inspection in the usual manner and on the planning portal. 6 Assessment and Conclusions 6.1 The determining issues in the consideration of this application are its compliance with the adopted South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 and its impact on the amenity of the adjacent area. 6.2 It is considered that the proposed change of use raises no unacceptable issues from a development management perspective. In relation to Policies 2, 3, 5, 6, and VET2 of the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2, it is noted that:- As the application is for a change of use to an existing flatted dwelling, the development will not result in a significant material impact on the climate. No external changes are proposed to the flat, therefore, the change of use will not have a significant material impact on the physical character of the flat or its surroundings. Due to the proposed short-term let being a 2-bed cottage flat, the number of residents at any one time will be limited by the nature of the building. Guests will arrive and depart at varying times of day and the flat may be left unoccupied just as permanent residents would. The flat has one off-street parking space instead of the Council’s minimum standard of two spaces, however, on-street parking is also available and whether the flat is occupied long-term or let short- term, it would have the same parking requirements. The management company would take responsibility for disposing of waste and the flat would also benefit from Council refuse collection. Consequently, as a short-term let the property will have similar amenity impacts as its current use and, therefore, it is not considered that the proposed change of use would cause significant adverse impacts on neighbouring amenity. 35
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While Policies 6 and VET2 seek evidence of financial viability, this has not been sought for the establishment of the proposed short-term let as the applicant has provided a supporting statement detailing that the accommodation is not intended for general tourist purposes but mainly for letting to professionals, businesses, and home insurance companies. 6.3 The main consideration in the assessment of this application is the impact of the proposed use on the existing level of amenity. It is, however, considered that use as a short-term let will have a comparable impact on amenity as a permanently occupied flatted dwelling. Consequently, the proposal accords with the considerations of Policies 2, 3, 5, 6 and VET2 of the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2. 6.4 Given the above, it is recommended that planning permission be granted. 7 Reasons for Decision 7.1 The proposal will not result in a significant adverse impact on residential amenity and complies with the provisions of Policies 2, 3, 5, 6 and VET2 of the adopted Local Development Plan 2. There are no other material considerations which would justify the refusal of planning permission. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 23 January 2023 Previous references None List of background papers ► Application form ► Application plans ► South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 (Adopted 2021) ► Neighbour notification letter dated 25 November 2022 ► Supporting Planning Guidance – Development at a Dwellinghouse. ► Consultations: Roads Development Management Team 30.11.2022 Environmental Services 06.12.2022 ► Representations Dated: S Thompson 28 Shawburn Street, Hamilton, ML3 9DX 22.12.2022 M McJamie 24 Shawburn Street, Hamilton, ML3 9DX 22.12.2022 E Devine 34 Shawburn Street, Hamilton, ML3 9DX 12.12.2022 Elizabeth Valentin 36
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32 Shawburn Street, Hamilton, ML3 9DX 14.12.2022 Shelley McKeown 15.12.2022 Miss Jacqueline Campbell 22 Shawburn Street, Hamilton, ML3 9DX 02.12.2022 Contact for further information: If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Mark Ripley, Planning Officer, Floor 6, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA Phone: 07385516141 Email: mark.ripley@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 37
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Detailed planning application Paper apart – Application number: P/22/1613 Conditions and reasons 01. The development to which this permission relates shall be begun no later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date of grant of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Section 58(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended). 02. That the permission hereby granted is for a temporary period only and shall expire on 8 February 2033. For the avoidance of doubt, at the expiry of this permission the property will revert to Use Class 9 - House, unless an application is submitted to and approved by the Council as Planning Authority. Reason: To safeguard the amenity of the area. 03. That within the 10-year period set-out in Condition 1, the use of the short-term let hereby approved shall be restricted to short-term occupation only and shall not be let or used as the sole residence of any one person, family, or group. No individual, family, company, group, or any other type of occupant shall occupy the accommodation for more than 12 weeks in any calendar year. To facilitate monitoring, a record system of all lettings, to include names, addresses and duration of stay, shall be in place at all times for Council inspection and shall be submitted to the Council as Planning Authority 12 months from the date of initial occupation or completion, whichever is the earlier, and every 12 months thereafter. Reason: To ensure that the accommodation does not become occupied by long term or permanent residents without the express grant of planning permission and to ensure compliance with local plan policy. 38
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 8 February 2023 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Community Grant Applications/Warm Welcome Initiative 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] request approval for the allocation of community grants to 8 community groups in the Hamilton Area Committee area from the 2022/2023 community grant budget advise of grants awarded to community and voluntary groups/organisations in the Hamilton Area Committee area in response to the Warm Welcome Initiative 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that community grants be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: Dalserf Village Garden Club, Larkhall (HA/20/22) Purpose of Grant: Environmental project Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £380 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £380 Recommendation: £228 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (b) Applicant: Larkhall OAP Association Town Branch (HA/22/22) Purpose of Grant: Outing Identified Community Benefits: Working with and respecting others Estimated Cost: £300 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £300 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee 8 39
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(c) Applicant: REACH Lanarkshire Autism SCIO, Hamilton (HA/27/22) Purpose of Grant: Equipment, outing and entrance fees Identified Community Benefits: Focused on people and their needs Estimated Cost: £800 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £800 Recommendation: £530 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (d) Applicant: Cadzow Community Corps, Hamilton (HA/28/22) Purpose of Grant: Equipment and materials Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £625 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £625 Recommendation: £375 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (e) Applicant: Trinity Church Guild, Larkhall (HA/30/22) Purpose of Grant: Outing Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £400 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £400 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (f) Applicant: Hamilton Stitchers (HA/31/22) Purpose of Grant: Equipment, outing and entrance fees Identified Community Benefits: Caring, connected, sustainable communities Estimated Cost: £986 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £986 Recommendation: £530 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (g) Applicant: National Autistic Society (NAS) South Lanarkshire, Hamilton (HA/33/22) Purpose of Grant: Materials Identified Community Benefits: Focused on people and their needs Estimated Cost: £210 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £210 Recommendation: £126 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (h) Applicant: Hamilton YFC (HA/34/22) Purpose of Grant: Start-up costs - Equipment Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £360 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £360 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (2) that the award of 6 grants, totalling £5,500, to the following community and voluntary groups/organisations in the Hamilton Area in response to the Warm Welcome Initiative be noted:- 40
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(a) Applicant: Hamilton Old Parish Church Amount Applied for: £1,000 Amount Awarded: £1,000 (b) Applicant: The Machan Trust, Larkhall Amount Applied for: £1,000 Amount Awarded: £1,000 (c) Applicant: St Andrew’s Parish Church, Blantyre Amount Applied for: £1,000 Amount Awarded: £1,000 (d) Applicant: Meikle Earnock Community Council, Hamilton Amount Applied for: £1,000 Amount Awarded: £1,000 (e) Applicant: Supporting Our Community, Hamilton Amount Applied for: £1,000 Amount Awarded: £1,000 (f) Applicant: Hamilton Baptist Church Amount Applied for: £500 Amount Awarded: £500 3. Background 3.1. The Council operates a community grants scheme to support local constituted community groups and voluntary organisations. All applications require to be supported by a constitution, audited accounts or annual income and expenditure accounts, a bank statement, and confirmation that the group/organisation will adhere to the conditions of the grant award. Applications are invited continually throughout the year. 3.2. The main aims of the community grants scheme are to:- fund activities and projects which bring community benefit involve people in the community by bringing them together to enjoy educational, recreational, leisure and other community activities or to improve the local environment 3.3. Support can be provided for a range of activities including administration and publicity costs, purchase of equipment and materials, annual outings and entrance fees, start-up costs and special events. 3.4. At the meeting of the full Council on 28 September 2022, it was agreed that the Chief Executive would bring forward a package of cost of living supports for agreement, in consultation with the Group Leaders, and endorsed by the Executive Committee at its meeting on 30 November 2022. This package included support for a Warm Welcome Initiative. 3.5. Working in conjunction with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture and community and voluntary groups and organisations, the Warm Welcome Initiative is a network of warm spaces in community settings and public buildings where members of the public are welcomed and can participate in activities and access advice and support. 41
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To support the Initiative, a small grants scheme was created offering grants to a maximum of £1,000 to cover extra costs incurred by offering a Warm Welcome. A total of £40,000 was identified for the Initiative and the monies were apportioned equally between the 4 Area Committees. 3.6. As funds were required immediately to assist in the response effort, it was agreed that applications would be considered by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the relevant Area Committee Chair and submitted to the Area Committee for noting. 3.7. In terms of the community grants scheme, community groups would normally only be permitted to submit one application in each financial year, however, community groups that applied for funding to assist in the Warm Welcome Initiative are entitled to apply for a grant for another purpose under the scheme in the same financial year. 3.8. A total of 6 grants were awarded to community and voluntary groups/organisations in the Hamilton Area, totalling £5,500. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. The current position of the community for the Hamilton Area Committee area in 2022/2023 is as follows:- Total allocation for Community Grants £25,750 Grants previously allocated £9,278 Community grants allocated in this report £2,689 Remaining balance £13,783 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. The risk to the Council is that grant funding is not utilised for the purpose of which it was intended. This risk is mitigated by internal controls including audit procedures and conditions of grant agreement. 8. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 8.2. All the necessary consultation with the community groups has taken place. Paul Manning Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 24 January 2023 42
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Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes ♦ Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent ♦ We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places ♦ Caring, connected, sustainable communities Previous References Hamilton Area Committee – 9 November 2022 Executive Committee – 30 November 2022 South Lanarkshire Council – 28 September 2022 List of Background Papers Individual application forms Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Geraldine Wilkinson, Clerical Assistant Ext: 4818 (Tel: 01698 454818) E-mail: geraldine.wilkinson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 43
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