STIRLING COUNCIL
MINUTES of MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 30 JUNE 2016 at 10.30 am
Present:
Provost Mike ROBBINS (in the Chair)
Councillor Neil BENNY
Councillor Alistair BERRILL
Councillor Margaret BRISLEY
Depute Convener Callum CAMPBELL
Councillor Scott FARMER
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Alycia HAYES
Councillor John HENDRY
Councillor Graham HOUSTON
Councillor Graham LAMBIE
Councillor Alasdair MACPHERSON
Councillor Corrie McCHORD
Councillor Gerry MCLAUGHLAN
Councillor Ian MUIRHEAD
Councillor Mark RUSKELL
Councillor Christine SIMPSON
Councillor Jim THOMSON
Councillor Violet WEIR
Councillor Fergus WOOD
In Attendance
Carol Beattie, Senior Manager Economic Development & Regeneration, Children,
Communities & Enterprise
Louise Beattie, Business Manager, Social Services
Jim Boyle, Chief Officer - Finance
Stacey Burlet, Director of Children, Communities & Enterprise
Stewart Carruth, Chief Executive
Emma Fyvie, Planning & Policy Team Leader, Infrastructure & Localities
Kristine Johnson, Chief Officer - HR
Michelle MacDonald, Committee Officer,
Lorrainne MacGillivray, Manager of Regulatory Services, Localities & Infrastructure
Peter Morgan, Manager – Planning, Localities & Infrastructure
Jonathan Padmore, Transport Development Team Leader, Localities & Infrastructure
Nicole Paterson, Senior Manager – Environment & Place, Localities & Infrastructure
Brian Roberts, Senior Manager - Infrastructure, Localities & Infrastructure
Robert Steenson, Director of Localities & Infrastructure
Iain Strachan, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)
Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Johanna Boyd and Councillor
Martin Earl.
Announcements
Prior to the formal commencement of proceedings the Provost advised that this would be the last Council meeting attended by Robert Steenson, Director of Localities & Infrastructure as he was taking up a post in another authority. The Provost, on behalf of the Council, wished Robert all the best of the future.
The Provost advised that he had recently attended the Smith Art Gallery & Museum to view The 50th Anniversary Stirling Albion F.C. Tour of Japan exhibition. He commended Councillor Jim Thomson for all his hard working in bring the exhibition to the Smith Art Gallery & Museum.
The Provost intimated his intention to alter the order of the Agenda. The items were taken in the order minuted below.
SC474 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Ruskell declared a non-financial interest in item 18a (Motion - Railway
Crossing at Cornton Road) as he was also a Member of the Scottish Parliament.
The Director of Localities & Infrastructure submitted a report that detailed Stirling Council had been working to sustain the provision of the Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter for kennelling stray dogs following notification from all three of its existing partners of their intention to withdraw from the Bandeath facility partnership.
Stirling Council was the only partner not to submit notice to withdraw from the
partnership, and had never indicated any intention to close the facility. The Council would continue to work with its partners to gain their commitment to support the operation of the facility.
Following intervention at a political and officer level with the partners and following the significant public support demonstrated for the facility, both Clackmannanshire Council and Falkirk Council had agreed to reconsider their intention to withdraw, but Police Scotland had advised that they still intended to withdraw from the partnership from 31 December 2016.
The Senior Manager – Environment & Place advised Members that currently there was no Dog Warden in place however there were Officers trained to deal with stray dogs.
Members from all Political Parties thanked the Bandeath Buddies for their effective campaign and hard work in supporting the facility.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
-
to continue to operate the stray dog shelter at Bandeath, and to fund any shortfall in operational costs from existing budgets;
-
to continue to work with its partners to ensure sustained support for the
partnership and facility; and -
to work positively with all interested organisations to secure a sustainable future for the Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 22 June 2016, submitted)
Councillor Wood entered the meeting during discussion of the above item of
business.
SC476 URGENT BUSINESS
There were no items of urgent business.
SC477 MINUTES
-
Meeting of Stirling Council – 19 May 2016
The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 19 May 2016 were
approved as a correct record of the proceedings. -
Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 13 June 2016
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 13 June 2016 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
-
Citizenship Appointments Panel – 25 August 2015
The Minutes of the Citizenship Appointment Panel held on 25 August 2015 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
-
Local Review Body – 2 June 2016
The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 2 June 2016 were approved as a correct record of the proceedings.
The Minutes of the Petitions Panel held on 29 October 2015 were approved as
a correct record of the proceedings.
SC478 WRITTEN QUESTIONS
One written question had been received in terms of Standing Order 41. The question and answer were attached at Appendix 1 to these Minutes.
The Member who had put the written question was allowed one supplementary
question and the supplementary question and answer are also included in Appendix 1.
SC479 QUESTION TIME
In terms of Standing Order 48, Members had the opportunity to put questions to the Provost, the Leader of the Council, any Portfolio Holder or Committee Convener or Chair of any Panel as appropriate regarding any business included in the Volume of Minutes circulated with the agenda for the meeting.
The following questions were put:-
Councillor Graham Lambie - Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council held on 19
May 2016 (SC460 Written Questions – DRT Services in Trossachs & Teith)
The Convener of Environment & Housing advised that he would ask the Public
Transport Team to feedback direct to Councillor Lambie.
Councillor Scott Farmer – Minutes of Meeting of Community Planning &
Regeneration held on 21 April 2016
The Convener of Community Planning & Regeneration agreed that an update on the Syrian Refugees located in the Stirling Council area be provided to a future meeting of the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee.
SC480 FINANCE & ECONOMY COMMITTEE – VACANCY
Councillor Scott Farmer had stepped down from his position as Opposition
Spokesperson for Finance & Economy and was therefore resigning as a member of the Finance & Economy Committee. A report submitted by the Director of Corporate Operations invited Council to make an appointment to fill the vacancy.
The Convener of the Finance & Economy Committee thanked Councillor Farmer for his contribution to the Committee over the last four years.
Decision
The Council agreed to appoint Councillor Gerry McLaughlin to serve on the Finance & Economy Committee.
(Reference: Report by Director of Corporate Operations, dated 16 June 2016,
submitted)
SC481 DISTRICT OF STIRLING LICENSING BOARD – VACANCY
A report submitted by the Director of Corporate Operations invited Council to make an appointment to fill a vacancy on the District of Stirling Licensing Board.
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 provided that “where there is a vacancy in the membership of a Licensing Board, the relevant council must, at their first meeting after the vacancy arises, hold an election to fill the vacancy”.
No nominations were received.
Decision
A report inviting Council to make an appointment to fill the remaining vacancy on the District of Stirling Licensing Board will be included in the agenda for the next Council meeting and subsequent meetings until this appointment is agreed.
(Reference: Report by Director of Corporate Operations, dated 3 June 2016,
submitted)
SC482 COSLA EXECUTIVE GROUP – VACANCY
A report submitted by the Director of Corporate Operations invited Council to make an appointment to fill a vacancy on the CoSLA Development, Economy &
Sustainability Executive Group.
Council was invited to appoint a replacement Member on the Group.
Councillor Alycia Hayes, seconded by Councillor Gerry McLaughlan, nominated
Councillor Jim Thomson.
Councillor John Hendry, seconded by Councillor Violet Weir, nominated Councillor Danny Gibson.
The Council agreed to vote by show of hands. Voting was as follows:-
Councillor Danny Gibson 10 votes
Councillor Jim Thomson 9 votes
Decision
The Council agreed to appoint Councillor Danny Gibson to represent the Council on the CoSLA Development, Economy & Sustainability Executive Group.
(Reference: Report by Director of Corporate Operations, dated 3 June 2016,
submitted)
A report submitted by the Director of Corporate Operations invited Council to
consider whether to accept an invitation from the Royal Navy to approve an affiliation between the City of Stirling and HMS Forth.
Motion
“That the Council accept the invitation from the Royal Navy to approve an affiliation between the City of Stirling and HMS Forth”
Moved by Councillor Neil Benny, seconded by Councillor Fergus Wood.
Direct Negative
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, seconded by Councillor Alycia Hayes, moved the Direct Negative.
On the roll being called the Members present voted as follows:-
For the Motion (17)
Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Alistair Berrill
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Depute Convener Callum Campbell
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor John Hendry
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Corrie McChord
Councillor Gerry McLaughlan
Councillor Ian Muirhead
Provost Mike Robbins
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Jim Thomson
Councillor Violet Weir
Councillor Fergus Wood
Against the Motion (1)
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Not Voting (2)
Councillor Alycia Hayes
Councillor Mark Ruskell
Decision
The Motion having been carried by 17 votes to 1 with 2 Members not voting, the Council accordingly agreed:-
The Council agreed to accept the invitation from the Royal Navy to have an affiliation between the City of Stirling and HMS Forth.
(Reference: Report by Director of Corporate Operations, dated 3 June 2016,
submitted)
SC484 STIRLING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: PROPOSED PLAN
A report submitted by the Director of Localities & Infrastructure detailed how Stirling Council carried out a review of the Stirling Local Development Plan 2014 and, in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended), the procedure for preparing a new Local Development Plan (LDP) required to be followed.
The second key stage in the review process was the preparation and publication of a Proposed Plan which contained the Council’s settled view on all planning policy matters. The first stage was the Main Issues Report (MIR) published in June 2015. Just under 400 responses were received at MIR stage and these had been taken into account in the preparation of the Proposed Plan.
In preparing the proposed plan, the Council must meet with Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) which required plans to identify a generous supply of housing land equating to 10-20% above the Housing Supply Target (HST). The Proposed Plan that was presented allocated sufficient land to accommodate a generosity level which is 14.4% over the HST.
Alongside the Proposed Plan, a draft Action Programme had been prepared which provided a list of actions necessary to deliver the plan’s policies and allocated sites and, in line with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, an EnvironmentalReport had been produced. It analysed and assessed whether the Proposed Plan would have significant positive or negative impacts on the environment. In addition, a Development Plan Scheme and Participation Statement had been prepared to provide an updated timetable for preparing the LDP and to set out how stakeholders would be consulted throughout the remainder of the plan preparation process.
The existing Stirling Local Development Plan 2014 had 37 accompanying statutory Supplementary Guidance (SG) documents. In order for these to form part of the new plan, they required to be reviewed and consulted upon. It could take place at any time during preparation of the plan but SG could not form part of the new LDP until the plan itself had been adopted by the Council in late 2017.
It was intended that revised drafts of the SG documents on Housing in the
Countryside and Low and Zero Carbon Developments would be presented alongside the Proposed Plan. However, at briefings prior to the Council meeting, Members requested that additional research on Housing in the Countryside be undertaken. In this regard, work on this issue would be carried out over the summer months in full consultation with Members and would be presented to the December meeting of Council for approval. It would also apply to the Low and Zero Carbon Buildings SG. A programme of review for all remaining SG would also take place over summer 2016.
The report described the process undertaken to date to inform the preparation of the Proposed Plan and its associated documents and sought approval for the publication and consultation on the Proposed Plan, the draft Action Programme, the Environmental Report and an updated Development Plan Scheme.
In response to Members questions, the Planning Manager advised that discussions had taken place with the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and while they had their own planning authority, the Council continued to work closely with them.
A local member raised concern about the increase in traffic at the Cushenquarter, Plean and also raised that there was no Community Council in Plean, who would have taken part in the formal consultation process. The Planning Manager advised he was aware that there was no Community Council in Plean and at the request of the local members the Planning Manager assured the Council that Officers would ensure consultation took place with the wider communities where there was no Community Council in operation.
Members from all political groups expressed their thanks to officers for the
preparation of the Local Development Plan.
Decision
The Council agreed: -
-
to publish and consult upon the Proposed Plan, draft Action Programme, and Environmental Report; and
-
to publish the Development Plan Scheme and Participation Statement and agreed to the plan preparation timescales and consultation methods contained therein and submit this to Scottish Ministers.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 22 June 2016, submitted)
SC485 REVIEW OF STIRLING’S LOCAL TRANSPORT STRATEGY
A report was submitted by the Director of Localities and Infrastructure noted that at the Environment and Housing Committee on 19 November 2015 it was agreed to review Stirling’s Local Transport Strategy (LTS) and its delivery plans.
Officers proposed to engage with communities and agencies between July and
September 2016 to inform the content of a proposed Local Transport Strategy to be brought back to Council later this year.
The engagement would be based on the issues identified in a ‘Main Issues
Consultation Report’.
In response to a Member’s question, the Senior Manager – Infrastructure advised that the consultation period would mirror that of the Local Development Plan and that the consultation period would run to October 2016.
Officers advised Members that as well as the Council’s statutory Community
Planning Partners that they would continue to work with other Services to ensure that the consultation was accessed by the wider community. The consultation documents would be available on the Council’s website and links to these pages would be sent out to various groups.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
-
to undertake consultation on a Local Transport Strategy for 2017-2027 based on the ‘Main Issues Consultation Report’ included as Appendix 4 to the report; and
-
to receive a report on a proposed Local Transport Strategy for 2017-2027 following consultation on the ‘Main Issues Consultation Report’.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 22 June 2016, submitted)
SC486 STIRLING COUNCIL DRAFT ACCOUNTS 2015/16
The draft Stirling Council Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016 had been prepared for audit. The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 required the draft accounts to be submitted for audit by 30 June 2016.
Best practice guidance required the Council or a Committee of the Council charged with audit or governance to consider the draft accounts prior to their submission for audit. Given the earlier completion of the 2015/16 accounts closure process, the draft accounts were presented for consideration to the Audit Committee meeting on 26 May 2016.
All Members had received copies of the accounts and they had also been placed on the public website.
A report by the Chief Officer – Finance outlined the key features of the financial position displayed in the 2015/16 draft accounts, incorporating a brief overview of the final outturns for General Fund and the General Services Capital Programme.
The draft accounts showed the Council ending the year with General Fund balances of £10.028m (4.9% of the 2015/16 budget). Although the reported outturn was expected to represent the final position for 2015/16, the figures remain subject to audit.
In response to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Officer –
Finance agreed to provide him with information on the current Bainbridge claims.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
-
to note that available General Fund balances at 31 March 2016 would be
£10.028m (4.9% of the 2015/16 budget);
-
to approve the transfer of £557k from revenue balances to be earmarked as a contribution to the Risk Fund as set out in Paragraph 3.4; and
-
to note the position in terms of the Council’s share of the net pension liability of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
(Reference: Report by Chief Finance Officer, dated 8 June 2016, submitted)
SC487 GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL FINAL OUTTURN REPORT 2015/16
The Director of Corporate Operations and Chief Officer – Finance submitted a report that sets out the actual outturn for the General Services Capital Programme for 2015/16.
The total General Services capital programme expenditure was £30.462m, a
variance of £4.056m against a full year adjusted and re-profiled programme of £34.518m.
Appendices 2 and 3 to the report set out the programme expenditure and resources and the main variances were commented on in the remainder of the report.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
-
to note the outturn of the General Services Capital Programme for 2015/16;
-
to approve the capital budget carry forwards into 2016/17 for both the project slippage and overspends as detailed in Appendix 2 of the submitted report, noting that many of the carry forwards had already been incorporated into the 2016/17 programme set by Council on 25 February 2016;
-
to note the virement of £0.015m from the Private Sector Landlords – Increase Penaltiesand Licence Applications project to the Decriminalised Parking Enforcement Implementation Project for 2016/17; and
-
to approve an additional slippage of £0.015m in relation to the CCTV project as outlined at paragraph 3.23 of the submitted report.
(Reference: Report by Director of Corporate Operations and Chief Finance Officer, dated 22 June 2016, submitted)
Councillor MacPherson left the meeting at the conclusion of the above item of
business.
SC488 COMMON GOOD FUNDS AND CHARITABLE TRUSTS AUDITED ACCOUNTS
2015/16
A report submitted by the Chief Officer - Finance advised the Council’s External Auditors, Grant Thornton, had certified the Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016 of the Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Callander and Dunblane Common Good Funds, the Dunblane Cemetery Memorial Garden (Maintenance) Trust and a further 19 small Charitable Trusts.
The Audit Committee meeting of 26 May 2016 approved for signature the audited Accounts of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2016 in line with the requirements of the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014.
The Auditor’s Final Reports on the accounts were the subject of a separate report on the Council agenda, and it is pleasing to note that there were no qualifications to the Independent Auditor’s Reports on the respective accounts.
Copies of the respective Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016 had been placed on the public website.
Work also continued on the review of small charitable trusts and the report provided information on progress made to date.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
-
to note the Annual Accounts of the Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts for the year ended 31 March 2016; and
-
to note progress on the review of the small charitable trusts.
(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Finance, dated 8 June 2016, submitted)
SC489 EXTERNAL AUDIT REPORT ON THE CHARITABLE TRUSTS FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
A report by the Council’s External Auditors was submitted with their findings for the audits of charitable trusts where the council was not the sole trustee.
Under section 106 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, charitable trusts where the Council is the sole trustee were subject to external audit. The report, set out on Appendix 1 of the submitted report, presented the External Audit findings for the audits of the following charitable trusts:
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Dunblane (Cemetery) Memorial Garden Trust
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Stirling Council Common Good Fund
-
Stirling Council Consolidated Small Charitable Trusts
Members noted that External Audit had found the charitable trusts accounts were prepared to a high standard with only minor disclosure adjustments arising from the Council’s audit work.
Decision
The Council agreed to note the content of the Annual Audit Report on the Charitable Trusts.
(Reference: Report by Grant Thornton (External Auditors), dated 9 June 2016,
submitted)
SC490 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 16
Prior to the Meeting, Elected Members had received supplementary information from Officers on the subject of this Motion. The supplementary information is attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.
-
Railway Crossing at Cornton Road
Motion“Council notes with concern the proposals by Network Rail to close the railway crossing at Cornton Road.
Council believes that this will adversely affect residents in Forth Park and Vale Grove by removing their connection with the rest of Bridge of Allan. School catchments, access to shops and the accessibility of medical facilities in Bridge of Allan would be significantly adversely affected.
Council believes this to be unacceptable and that safety improvements at the crossing could be made that would address the concerns of Network Rail.
Council resolves to make representations to Network Rail to keep the
connections within the community of Bridge of Allan.Council further resolves to cooperate with Network Rail on this matter only so far as the law requires and to instruct the Chief Executive to write to Network Rail and the relevant Ministers expressing these concerns.”
Signed by Councillor Callum Campbell and Councillor Neil Benny
First Amendment
(To replace the Motion in its entirety)
“Council notes the level crossing at Cornton is Scotland’s highest risk level crossing and is due for renewal by 2020.
Council further notes the ongoing public consultation and the concerns
expressed by the residents of Forth Park and Vale Grove.We further note the concerns expressed by the residents of Cornton and
Causewayhead in regards to the closure of the Easter Cornton Road pedestrian crossing.We request that Network Rail takes full account of the community concerns and works with Stirling Councils elected members and officer to address these concerns.
Page 117 of this Agenda makes reference to funding allocations for new roads.
The City Development Framework allocates funding to the bridge as does the approved 2016-17 capital budget (appendix 1).
Council therefore agrees to allocate part of that funding to provide appropriate pedestrian crossings.”
Signed by Councillor Graham Houston and Councillor Mark Ruskell
Second Amendment
(To replace the Motion in its entirety)
“Council notes concerns raised by residents in the area adjacent to the Cornton railway crossing and agrees that Council officers should facilitate further discussions between residents and Network Rail to explore all possible options with a view to bringing a report back to the Environment & Housing Committee and/or Planning & Regulation Panel as deemed appropriate.”
Signed by Councillor Danny Gibson and Councillor John Hendry
At this point in the proceedings the Council unanimously agreed to suspend Standing Orders and not take the scheduled comfort break.
During debate Members agreed to combine parts of the First Amendment and the Second Amendment which the Chief Governance Officer then read out as an amended Motion which had the agreement of all parties,
Decision
“Council notes the level crossing at Cornton is Scotland’s highest risk level crossing and is due for renewal by 2020.
Council further notes the ongoing public consultation and the concerns
expressed by the residents of Forth Park and Vale Grove.We further note the concerns expressed by the residents of Cornton and
Causewayhead in regards to the closure of the Easter Cornton Road pedestrian crossing.We request that Network Rail takes full account of the community concerns and works with Stirling Councils elected members and officers to address these concerns.
Council agrees that Council officers should facilitate further discussions between residents and Network Rail to explore all possible options with a view to bringing a report back to the Environment and Housing Committee and/or Planning & Regulation Panel as deemed appropriate.”
This was unanimously approved without the need for a roll call vote.
-
One in Five Scotland Campaign
Motion“One in Five is a cross party organisation which has ambassadors from all political parties in Scotland as well as being supported by all of Scotland’s main party leaders.
Council in recognition of the above agrees to sign up to the One in Five Charter. The Charter contains 5 pledges:
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That all members are asked of their needs to ensure these are actioned to increase inclusion.
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That meetings are held in accessible venues.
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All roles are flexible to ensure that all members can fulfil these roles without it causing them undue stress.
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Materials are available in a variety of formats for example Braille.
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All barriers and issues facing disabled Scots are challenged and that we all remain positive about the contribution disabled Scots can make to our society.”
-
Signed by Councillor Scott Farmer and Councillor Alycia Hayes
This was unanimously approved without the need for a roll call vote.
The Convener closed the meeting at 1.15pm
Appendix 1
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR MARK RUSKELL FOR ANSWER BY THE LEADER OF
THE COUNCIL AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 30 JUNE 2016.
Question
EU Citizens
To ask the Council Leader how Stirling will make EU citizens from other member states feel welcome here following the result of the EU referendum.
Answer
Stirling is a warm and welcoming place for people of all nationalities living and working here, both from within the EU and beyond. This will not change as a result of a changed political situation.
The Council will work with everyone in our community to maintain and strengthen Stirling’s position whatever follows politically and economically as a result of the EU referendum. Ensuring that all our citizens, whatever their background, nationality, economic status or political creed are represented and protected throughout this process is key to Stirling’s future success.
The senior management team of the Council is working to ensure that advice and support is provided to those who might be concerned at this time. This includes residents and employees. In terms of our workforce, the Council is taking action to reassure employees from every background that we will support them. In terms of residents, management and the Council will continue to work with our Community Planning Partners, which includes
Police Scotland, to ensure that everyone living and working in Stirling feels safe and welcome in our community.
The uncertainty and stress that those from other EU countries are understandably feeling at the moment needs to be addressed and we all have a responsibility to make people feel welcome and valued in our community. The Council remains committed to ensuring that Stirling is a welcoming place for all nationalities both within and out with the EU. People living and working here make a valuable contribution to our community and are fully part of
it.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Ruskell welcomed the Council’s press release on European Democracy week and asked how the Council could galvanise on this. He stated that he thought there needs to be some thinking beyond Armed Forces Day and suggested that this could be done at the Civic Meeting along with the Leader of the Council and the Lead of the Opposition being in attendance.
The Depute Leader of the Council and the Provost advised that the Council has good links with many national groups and would continue its links with its European countries/citizens. The Provost agreed that the Leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition should be included in a future Civic Meeting to look at ways to continue welcoming European citizens to the City of Stirling.
Appendix 2
MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
OLD VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 30 JUNE 2016
Motion in Terms of Standing Order 16
Information/Advice from Officers
-
Railway Crossing at Cornton Road
Network Rail are required to renew the rail crossing of Cornton Road (Cornton1) by 2020. Due to the guidance of the Office of the Rail Regulator, their options for renewal are either:
-
Conversion of the half barrier crossing to a full barrier crossing (which would not require any planning or road closure applications by Network Rail) OR
-
Replacement of the crossing with a bridge
Hence the pros and cons of the Network Rail’s proposed bridge solution must be considered against the pros and cons of the alternative, which is a full barrier crossing. Maintaining the
current format of the crossing is not an option.Replacement of
Cornton 1 with….Pros
Cons
Full barrier
crossingResidents of Forth Park would
not have a 692m diversion to
walk to facilities in Bridge of
AllanThe barriers would be down for 3minutes with every train, as
opposed to 30secs which is the
current average. The longer
barrier down time will also mean
that the likelihood of the barriers
being down for two trains is
increased (i.e. barriers could be
down for 6minutes). The
consequences of this is that
Cornton Rd is likely to be, meaning:which currently uses
-
Longer journey times for
users of Cornton Rd.
Network Rail modelling
has estimated an
average of 5 minutes
-
There would be a
significant redistribution
of Bridge of Allan traffic
Replacement of
Cornton 1 with….Pros
Cons
Cornton Road onto
Henderson Street /
Airthrey Road /
Causewayhead Rd,
increasing the degree of
congestion on these
currently busy routes
(the severity of which is
proposed to increase
anyway)The industry strives towards more services along this route.
This would increase the barrierdown time.
Road Bridge
o preventing a
redistribution of traffic
onto Causewayhead
RdResidents of Forth Park would
have a 692m diversion to walk
to facilities in Bridge of Allano not putting bus
services at riskthereby addressing the
-
Bus journey time
reliability would be
significantly affected.
While the decision on
whether to run bus
services is entirely a
commercial decision, it is
assumed that such
conditions are likely to
affect the viability of
services along Cornton
Rd / Fountain Rd
-
Would continue (and
improve) journey time
reliability along Cornton Rd:
-
Would provide a realistic
alternative to the pedestrian
level crossing at Easter
Cornton Rd (Cornton2). This
would enable Network Rail
to close this crossing
Replacement of
Cornton 1 with….Pros
Cons
significant safety risk posed
at this crossing. The closure
of both level crossings would
remove a constraint to
enable more and faster
services on this key rail
route between Glasgow and
Dunblane and onto
Aberdeen, Dundee,
Inverness and Perth-
Improved actual and
perception of safety for
users (pedestrians, cyclists
and vehicles) of the Cornton
Rd route
It is suggested that Network Rail have taken on board the various pros and cons of the two alternatives, and hence Network Rail propose that a road bridge would provide a better all
round solution, addressing more issues than it would cause.Network Rail are currently undertaken pre-application consultation with neighbouring communities to their decision making process. Council officers are working closely with Network Rail to ensure the views of the community are fully reflected in their consultation
processes.The Council needs to consider the merits of any forthcoming application (planning and road closure) on its own rights, whilst considering the Council’s aspirations, as expressed in the
Local Transport Strategy’s City Transport Plan which includes:-
Kildean to Cornton Rd and Cornton Rd to Airthrey Rd road links: The work informing the Local Transport Strategy consultation proposed elsewhere in this committee, continues
to suggest that these road links are required to enable the longer term growth of Stirling City without significant congestion.In response to two particular issues:
-
Rezoning the primary school catchment areas:
-
Vale Grove and Forth Park are within the catchment area of Bridge of Allan Primary. The removal of the crossing will lead to a substantial increase in the distance that parents and pupils will have to walk to get to Bridge of Allan Primary.
-
Changing the catchment would take a substantial amount of time (approx. 9 months) and probably would not be popular as historically the area is keen to associate with Bridge of Allan.
-
-
The introduction of a pedestrian footbridge would bring with it its own pros and cons. Such a facility would shorten the route for Forth Park residents to local facilities in
Bridge of Allan. However, the footbridge would need to be ramped. This would be a structure with a significant visual impact (it would be approx 8m high, with significant ramps required on either side and would be lit at night). Whilst a bridge would significantly shorten the distance for people who are able to use the steps, for cyclists and people with mobility difficulties, the ramped route would itself be approximately 220m long.
As mentioned above, it may be that Network Rail’s proposals will come before elected members for a decision at a future time, namely the Planning & Regulation Panel. As such,
members are reminded of their obligations under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct when it comes to the determination of quasi-judicial and regulatory matters, including the need to be
able to demonstrate that there has been no pre-judging of the application in question and that the application has been considered on its own merits in accordance with the relevant
regulations. If members require any specific advice in connection with this in advance of the Council meeting, they should contact the Chief Governance Officer.Given the above considerations, officers would recommend continuing to work with Network Rail – as we would with all developers – to enable an application to be formally submitted to
the Council for determination in the normal way, should Network Rail wish to submit one. To this end, officers suggest that, if Council is minded to support the principle of the motion, the
last paragraph be deleted and the motion also be amended to make it clear that, for the avoidance of doubt, elected members are not pre-judging any application that may at a later
date be formally submitted by Network Rail in respect of this matter, but merely expressing points they would wish taken into account by Network Rail as they develop their proposals.NB
Safety statistics - Cornton 1 is the highest risk level crossing in Scotland. Since 2010, there have been 2 near miss events (a near miss event is when the driver of the train has had to
apply the brakes to bring the train to a stand/ slow it down to avoid striking the person), 13 trespass incidents and 8 reported incidents of misuse. The British Transport Police also
have recorded stats of traffic offences at this level crossing which shows 37 such offences since 2013. There has also been one fatality at this location, a suicide. As for Cornton 2,
there have been two fatalities here since 2010 (in 2012 and 2016) as well as 2 near misses, two misuse events and 2 incidents of trespass. -
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One in Five Scotland Campaign
The stated aim of the One in Five campaign is to encourage, empower and increase political participation amongst disabled people in Scotland, one in five people of working age in Scotland being disabled.
Officers understand that Moray Council and Renfrewshire Council have already passed motions to support the campaign.
As regards the Council’s ability to fulfil the campaign’s pledges, Stirling Council meeting venues have already been made accessible to disabled users, with the exception of a small number of areas within Municipal Buildings and the first floor of Old Viewforth. As such, it is not anticipated that there would be any issues in the Council meeting this element of the charter, other than perhaps some practical issues which could be overcome with suitable
advance planning, for example the availability of meeting rooms.
Equally, transcription in braille and sign language interpretation can be sourced and made available, as they are currently. If there was a requirement for these supports to be made more widely available to members in the future then it is anticipated this could be accommodated within existing budgets, and otherwise kept under review.
Following the 2017 local government elections, officers can also engage with new members to ensure that any needs are suitably addressed, to increase inclusion.
As members will be aware, the campaign is to support current and aspiring elected members/politicians and party members, and it is not intended to apply to Council employees or members of the public in the general sense. In this respect, the Council has a Customer Service Strategy that sets out our commitment to deliver services in line with our publicised standards and serve all our customers at all times with dignity, courtesy and respect, responding to their individual needs.
Signing up to this campaign would now also support that service delivery commitment, but also supplement the Council’s existing legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. The 2010 Act already gives protection from discriminatory treatment to a number of "protected characteristic" groups and individuals, and covers:
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Age;
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Disability;
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Gender and gender reassignment;
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Pregnancy and maternity;
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Race;
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Religion and belief;
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Sexual orientation.
The 2010 Act also sets out a 'general' duty that applies to the Council as a service provider, policy maker and employer to:
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Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
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Advance equality of opportunity between people by removing or minimising disadvantage, meeting the needs of particular groups which are different from the needs of others and encouraging participation in public life; and
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Foster good relations by tackling prejudice and promoting understanding.