DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 21 November 2001 at 2.00pm

PRESENT	Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman)	Mr Archie K Campbell (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Alexander A Macdonald
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Norman L Macdonald
	Mr Donald J Macsween	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Donald Macdonald	Mr James L Macarthur
	Mrs Mary Bremner	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Donald Manford

		MINUTES
Development Services	162	The Minute of Meeting of 3 October 2001 was approved.
Crofting Joint Consultative Committee DS09 05	163*	The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50(B) 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the following Item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matter, prior to the next meeting of the Committee. There was submitted recommendations from the Crofting Joint Consultative Committee of 16 November 2001. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities concerning proposals to exempt the Western Isles from the lamb export ban be noted; (2) the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities concerning the Light Lamb Cull Scheme be noted, and; (3) the letter dated 8 November 2001 from the Highlands & Islands Convener's Group to the Scottish Executive concerning the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS) be noted.
Site Visit Sub-Committee	164*	The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50(B) 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matter prior to the next meeting of the Committee.
		With reference to Item 158 of the Minute of Meeting of 3 October 2001, there was submitted Minute of Meeting of the Site Visit Sub-Committee of 9 November 2001, established to consider an application for planning permission for a Bakehouse Extension with Residential Flat above "Kismuil Galley", Castlebay, Isle of Barra. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for an extension to the Bakehouse with Residential Flat above "Kismuil Galley", Castlebay, Isle of Barra, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities and impose planning conditions detailed in the Supplementary Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities.
		BUILDINGS
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2001/2002: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 September 2001	165	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report giving details of the expenditure incurred in the Repair and Maintenance of properties held on the Development Services Account during the period 1 April 2001-30 September 2001. It was agreed to note the Report by the Director of Technical Services concerning the Repairs and Maintenance Revenue Programme 2001/2002 and note that further Reports on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Development Services Account would continue to be placed before the Committee at quarterly intervals.
		ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Presentation by Vicky Argyraki on Islenet and the Future for Energy Policy in Europe	166	The Chairman invited Vicky Argyraki to address the Committee on the work of Islenet and the future for energy policy in Europe. Following Vicky Argyraki's presentation, an opportunity was afforded to Members to ask questions. The Chairman thanked Vicky Argyraki for her presentation. Arising out of consideration of the above Item, it was agreed to request the Director of Technical Services to prepare and submit a Report concerning the use of solar energy in houses and property owned by the Comhairle.
Transitional Upgrading of Studio Shiphoirt, Seaforth Road DS40.32	167*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning proposals to upgrade and renew items of equipment at Studio Shiphoirt, Seaforth Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. It was emphasised in the Report that some of the items which it was proposed to upgrade or renew had been in service for over twenty years and could not be used to provide digital studio technical facilities. The Report stressed that the proposed investment in new digital equipment was seen as essential, in light of the forthcoming Communications Bill, which, it was anticipated, would make provisions for significant Capital Expenditure for a new Gaelic Television Channel and that failure to install the digital equipment at Studio Shiphoirt before any decision by the Government on the location of the new Gaelic digital television channel could significantly reduce the chance of it being located in Stornoway. Details of the proposed upgrade of equipment were given in the Report and it was further intimated that it was envisaged that the upgrading project, as detailed in the Report, would attract funding from Western Isles Enterprise, in the sum of £192,500 and from CCG, in the sum of £212,500. The Report concluded that the upgrading of Studio Shiphoirt would allow for the creation of employment in Gaelic broadcasting, which would inevitably result from the creation of a dedicated digital Gaelic television channel. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle provide funding in the sum of £44,500 towards the costs and partnership funding detailed at Paragraphs 6.1 and 7.1 of the Report by the Chief Executive, concerning the Transitional Upgrading of Studio Shiphoirt, Seaforth Road, Stornoway, on the basis of the sum involved being met jointly from provision made within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services and Policy and Resources (Gaelic Development) for 2001/2002.
East Loch Tarbert Waterfront Re-generation and Harris Tweed Centre Proposals: Consultants' DS40.33 .	168	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report giving details of Consultants' feasibility studies in relation to: (1) a reclamation and development scheme at East Loch Tarbert - Halcrow Consultancy, and; (2) a design concept for the Harris Tweed Centre - Skakel and Skakel Consultancy. It was intimated in the Report that the Reclamation and Development Scheme Feasibility Study, proposed the creation of a 0.8 hectare serviced site for prestigious mixed development, including a Harris Tweed Centre. The Report commented on the economic and environmental benefits associated with the creation of a prime development site at East Loch Tarbert and gave details of the costs associated with the development of a Harris Tweed Centre and the Reclamation Project. It was further intimated that funding for a proposal to infill, reclaim and provide serviced sites at East Loch Tarbert, with one of these having a prestigious waterfront location well suited for the flagship Harris Tweed Centre, could attract funding from a range of organisations and that such sources of funding were currently being investigated. The implications of the Council not supporting the proposals detailed in the Report were outlined. It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle: (1) note the Consultants' study findings for an East Loch Tarbert Regeneration Scheme and Harris Tweed Centre, and; (2) support, in principle, the proposal to site the Harris Tweed Centre at East Loch Tarbert and the course of action outlined in Paragraph 6.11 of the Report regarding revised Project Initiation Reports for this Project. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to submit a comprehensive Report on the East Loch Tarbert Waterfront Re-generation and Harris Tweed Centre Proposals to the next meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held in January 2002, on the basis that the Report would include the views of relevant Outside Bodies including, Western Isles Enterprise and the Harris Tweed Authority, in relation to the above-mentioned matters, as well as identifying the advantages/disadvantages associated with siting of the Harris Tweed Centre in other locations in Harris.
Community Employment Initiative	169	With reference to Item 117 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 August 2001, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report identifying three options concerning future funding for the Community Employment Initiative, namely; (1) Option 1 - a small scale initiative consisting of two projects, supporting ten individuals, estimated cost - £226,000 (2) Option 2 - a larger scale initiative consisting of four projects, supporting twenty individuals, estimated cost - £357,000, and; (3) Option 3 - an initiative which would make provision for the current seven separate projects operated throughout the Western Isles at the present time, with twenty-eight participants, estimated annual cost - £380,000 It was stated in the Report that the disadvantages associated with Option 1 and 2 outlined above were that they were heavily dependent on Comhairle funding and would not meet the demands for employment opportunities and skills for those who had experienced social and economic exclusion. It was further intimated that Option 3, whilst still requiring an ongoing commitment from the Comhairle, of at least £95,000 per annum, significantly increased the opportunity for expanding the Project and at the same time afforded an opportunity to access other funding sources. The Report concluded that by establishing a stand-alone Company Limited by Guarantee, with charitable status, as proposed in the above-mentioned Option 3, to operate the Community Employment Initiative, it would be possible to ensure that the Initiative continued to meet the needs of the long-term unemployed, project sponsors and the continued employment of existing Comhairle staff. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to: (1) adopt Option (3) as detailed in the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities concerning the Community Employment Initiative, as the preferred funding route and further agree to the setting up of a stand-alone Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status; (2) a contribution of at least the existing £95,000 being committed each year for the next three years to the Company, plus an amount of approximately £2,000 in this financial year from the Community Employment and Training Initiative's Budget to assist with initial business plan costs; and (3) the proposed Company's set-up arrangements being delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services.
		CROFTING
A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture DS40.02	170*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report indicating that the Scottish Executive had published "A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture" and that the strategy set out a range of actions aimed at assisting the prosperous development of the agriculture industry. It was further intimated that the strategy document considered the following areas: (a) food production (b) the role of agriculture in sustainable rural development (c) the role of agriculture in protecting and enhancing the environment ,and (d) the way forward for Scottish agriculture. It was indicated in the Report that farming and crofting were seen as part of the food industry and that crofting had a key role to play in managing the environment as well as having a wide social role, particularly in the most remote rural areas. The Report concluded that the Comhairle would be involved in developing with Western Isles Enterprise and others, a strategic framework as identified in Action 35 of the strategy which stated that "Western Isles Enterprise, in partnership with others, will work with the farming and crofting community in the Western Isles to agree a strategic framework which identifies the concerns facing that community with the aims of improving the prosperity of farming businesses and developing alternative sources of income". It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to support the development of a Local Agriculture Strategy in co-operation with Western Isles Enterprise, along with Community Planning Partners, as directed in Action 35, referred to in the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities.
Cattle Health Scheme in Uist and Barra DS40.02	171*	With reference to Item 147 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 2000, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report giving details of a proposed Cattle Health Scheme for Uist and Barra which would screen for and eradicate four diseases, namely: Bovine Virus Diarrhoea, Infectious Bovine Rhinotrachetis (BR), Johne's Disease and Leptospirosis with the ultimate aim of attaining a certified disease free status for all Uist and Barra cattle. The costs associated with achieving the necessary accreditation were given in the Report and it was envisaged that the proposal would be funded by the Comhairle, Western Isles Enterprise and producers. It was emphasised in the Report that the scheme would maintain cattle numbers in the Uists and Barra as well as having environmental and economic benefit. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree, in principle: (1) to provide financial assistance to the Uist Cattle Breeders up to a maximum of £25,753 in 2002/2003, £22,653 in 2003/2004 and £20,505 in 2004/2005, subject to the funds being identified in the Revenue Estimates for the relevant financial years, proof of expenditure and the participation of the other partner, and; (2) that an evaluation of the Lewis and Harris Scheme be undertaken and a Report be submitted by the Director for Sustainable Communities on the results of the evaluation.
		Mr Alexander A Macdonald, Mr Roderick J Murray, Mr Angus M Graham, Mr Donald M Mackay, Mr Donald Macdonald, Mr Ronald Mackinnon and Mr Donald Manford declared an interest in the following Item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.
Core Funding of Scottish Crofters Union/Scottish Crofting Foundation DS40.02	172*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the establishment of a Service Level Agreement between the Comhairle and the Scottish Crofters Union/Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCU/SCF). It was intimated in the Report that the aim of a strategic partnership between the Comhairle and the Western Isles area of the SCU/SCF was to ensure that Members and Officers of the Comhairle would be well briefed on crofting issues, resulting in the Comhairle being able to broaden its lobbying efforts, on behalf of the crofting communities of the Western Isles, whilst greatly increasing the level of activity among crofters within the Western Isles. Full details of the proposed partnership, together with its financial implications were given in the Report and it was intimated that the SCU/SCF proposed to appoint two locally based staff to ensure that communication within the Western Isles was made effective and that innovative projects were advanced jointly by the Comhairle and the SCU/SCF. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) support the development of the Scottish Crofters Union/Scottish Crofting Foundation in the Western Isles; and (2) agree, in principle, to enter into a Service Level Agreement, the details to be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, with the Scottish Crofters Union/Scottish Crofting Foundation, subject to the sums of £29,250 in 2002/2003, £24,250 in 2003/2004 and £25,250 in 2004/2005, being identified in the budgetary process for the relevant years.
		It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7(A) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds of exempt information relating to any particular applicant for, or recipient, or former recipient, of any financial assistance provided by the Comhairle, and information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other then the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Western Isles Slaughterhouses DS40.02.06	173*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report giving information on the situation regarding assistance to the Western Isles' four slaughterhouses. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle establish a Member/Officer Working Group comprising the following membership: Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs Ward, Mr Archie K Campbell, Member for the Paible Ward, Mr Ronald Mackinnon, Member for the Locheynort Ward, and Officers to be determined by the Director for Sustainable Communities, to explore possible Rescue and Restructuring Aid under the terms of Community Guidelines on State Aid for Rescuing and Restructuring Firms in Difficulty (1999/C 288/02), in conjunction with Western Isles Enterprise, Scottish Executive, Environment Rural Affairs Department and Slaughterhouse Operators in the Western Isles, on the basis that the Member/Officer Working Group would make recommendations to a special meeting of the Development Services Committee to be held on 10 December 2001.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
		TOURISM
Area Tourist Board Restructuring DS40.08	174*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report indicating that "VisitScotland" had produced a Report entitled "Proposals for a Fully Integrated Support Structure for Scottish Tourism", which proposed a range of changes to the way in which the tourist industry in Scotland was organised and indicated that proposals for change were based on: (1) a national decline in tourism numbers; (2) the complex and inadequate Area Tourist Board funding structure;and (3) the radical changes already underway within VisitScotland. It was stated that the VisitScotland Report proposed that one national delivery mechanism would have responsibility for marketing Scotland and a number of local delivery mechanisms would be involved in product delivery and tourist information. It was emphasised in the Report that the proposals, if implemented, would mean the abolition of the existing Area Tourist Board structure with tourism operators buying in services. The impact of the VisitScotland proposals on the Western Isles were detailed in the Report and it was stated that the proposed rationalisation would mean the end of the Western Isles Tourist Board, which would be replaced by a much larger local delivery mechanism, which could have some Western Isles representation. The Report concluded that VisitScotland should be required to ensure that a mechanism was found whereby the interests of peripheral areas such as the Western Isles were positively promoted. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle respond to VisitScotland on the paper entitled "Proposals for a Fully Integrated Support Structure for Scottish Tourism" on the basis that: (1) the Comhairle welcomed the review of the way tourism services were delivered throughout Scotland; (2) the option of one National Organisation (VisitScotland) with a number of "local" organisations (Local Delivery Mechanisms) was not the best way to proceed and that the best solution was to centralise everything within the National Body; (3) VisitScotland be requested to find a mechanism whereby the interests of and marketing of peripheral areas such as the Western Isles was positively promoted, and; (4) it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman, to make further representations to VisitScotland, in relation to the restructuring of tourism in Scotland, taking account of the views expressed by the Committee, particularly in relation to the importance of the Western Isles being promoted and marketed as a unique tourist destination and the need for the Western Isles to be fully represented within any new structure for tourism in Scotland.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
		It was further agreed to recommend that a Member/Officer Working Group comprising the following membership: Chairman, Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs Ward, Mr Roderick J Murray, Member for the Laxdale Ward and Officers to be determined by the Director for Sustainable Communities, be established to consider the proposals put forward by the Scottish Executive in relation to the future of the structure for tourism in Scotland.
		FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS
Programme and Progress: Fishery Piers T07.02	175	The Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report in respect of Fishery Piers. It was agreed to note the Report.
Tender Monitoring TO7.01	176	There was submitted a Tender Monitoring Report in respect of Fishery Piers Schemes, the tender value for which was greater than £75,000. It was agreed to note the Report. .
Schedule of Rates and Dues at Comhairle Piers and Harbours 2002/2003 TO7.08.02	177*	With reference to Item 212 of the Minute of Meeting of 22 November 2000, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed changes to Rates and Dues at Comhairle Transportation and Fishery Piers for 2002/2003. The proposed rates represented a 5 percent increase, in line with the financial model. It was further stated that a new section had been included in the Schedule of Rates and Dues to take account of the proposed pontoon systems at Miavaig and Stockinish. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to the proposed schedule of rates and dues appended to the Report by the Director of Technical Services, being the scale of charges to be applied to the Comhairle's various Piers and Harbours with effect from 1 April 2002, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, and subject to the percentage increase to be applied to the Schedule of Rates and Dues being considered as part of the process associated with the preparation of the Revenue Estimates for 2002/2003.
		It was further agreed to recommend that the Director for Technical Services be requested to submit a Report to the Committee at its January 2002 meeting in relation to the charges made for pontoons. The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 50 (B) (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the following Item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matter prior to the next meeting of the Committee.
Leverburgh Harbour Pontoon Berthing Feasibility Study	178*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning proposals for a Feasibility Study of Pontoon Berthing at Leverburgh Harbour. It was stated in the Report that the combined access road and harbour basin contract at Leverburgh had recently been completed and that the harbour basin had been designed to accommodate a pontoon berthing system. It was stated in the Report that whilst no financial provision had been identified, by the Comhairle, for the provision of berthing, there were opportunities to pursue external funding and that to take advantage of such funding, it was proposed to commission a Feasibility Study, and subject to the outcome of the Study, progress the necessary statutory consents. The Report stated that the main objectives of the Feasibility Study would be to: (1) identify the most suitable arrangement of pontoons within the harbour basin; (2) recommend a pontoon mooring/location system; (3) design the shore access arrangements; (4) obtain estimates of capital costs for installation, and; (5) estimate ongoing maintenance costs. It was further stated that the Feasibility Study would require specialist knowledge of pontoon systems and experience of the Western Isles marine conditions and it was suggested that Arch Henderson & Partners, who had designed and project managed the installation of pontoons at Miavaig and Stockinish, be engaged to undertake the Feasibility Study at Leverburgh. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to: (1) commission a Feasibility Study of pontoon berthing at Leverburgh Harbour and progress the necessary consent; and (2) engage the services of Arch Henderson & Partners to undertake the Feasibility Study at an estimated cost of less than £5,000.
Western Isles Acquaculture Strategy DS40.04.02	179	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the production of a Western Isles Acquaculture Strategy. It was indicated in the Report that the Comhairle had a number of roles to play in relation to acquaculture, including: (1) promoting and supporting development; (2) regulating development; and (3) infrastructure provision (roads, piers, etc) and transport policy. It was further stated that the Comhairle had an important influential regulatory role through the interim planning arrangements associated with acquaculture development and that it was envisaged that this role would become statutory. The Report emphasised the importance of the acquaculture industry to the local economy and suggested that it would be appropriate to develop a Western Isles Acquaculture Strategy, which would take account of the existing locational guidelines and policy guidelines from the Scottish Executive, but would also seek to be an enabling, rather than a constraining initiative. The Report further stated that the Western Isles Acquaculture Strategy should adopt as a model, the land based planning system and should consist of two elements: (1) a statement of strategic policies and acquaculture development; and (2) area plans. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) should initiate the production of a Western Isles Acquaculture Strategy which would consist of a Strategic Policy Statement and Complementary Area Plans; and (2) undertake consultations on the proposed strategy with stakeholders, relevant local agencies, community and other interests.
Community Managed Lobster Project: Potential for Berneray and Eriskay Causeways	180*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning proposals to undertake a Feasibility Study on the stocking of Berneray and Eriskay causeways with juvenile lobsters. It was stated in the Report that both causeways provided the correct environmental characteristics for growing lobsters and suggested that should the Study yield positive results, an Action Plan and funding bid could be developed to progress the initiative. It was anticipated that the Feasibility Study would cost approximately £4,000, towards which partner agencies were likely to contribute £2,000. The Report concluded that the Western Isles Fishermen's Association, Seafish Industry Authority, Western Isles Enterprise, Iomairt aig an Oir and members of the respective local communities had already expressed an interest in the potential of the proposed project. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle should initiate the Feasibility Study as proposed in the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities entitled, "Community Managed Lobster Project: Potential for Berneray and Eriskay Causeways", and that the costs involved for the Comhairle, estimated at £2,000 be met from provision within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Area and Sectoral Development Budget) for 2001/2002.
		PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Telecommunications Mast at South Galson, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	181*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission for the erection of a Telecommunications installation at Galson Water Treatment Works, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a telecommunications installation at Galson Water Treatment Works, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
Extension to Heaval Ward, Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	182*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission for an extension to Heaval Ward Day Room to form a new resuscitation Training Unit at the Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as the agent for the applicant was Mr Philip Maclean, Member for Plasterfield Ward, the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for an extension to Heaval Ward Day Room, Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis to form a new Resuscitation Training Unit, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Outdoor Activity Centre in the Castle Grounds, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	183*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission to develop a single storey Outdoor Activity Centre within the Castle Grounds, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as the proposals were contrary to policy set out in the Western Isles Structure Plan and Finalised Broadbay Local Plan, the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration. The Report gave further background information on the application and outlined the views of the North of Scotland Water Authority and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission to develop a single storey outdoor activity centre within the Castle Grounds, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, as the application was a minor departure from the Development Plan for the reasons stated at 11.3 of the Report and subject to the schedule of proposed conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following two Items and left the meeting during consideration of these matters.
Display Sign at Cannery Road Filling Station, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	184*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for advertisement consent to display a 16m long illuminated sign at Cannery Road Filling Station, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as the applicant was Mr Angus Campbell, Member for Newton Ward, the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for advertisement consent to display a 16 m long illuminated sign at Cannery Road Filling Station, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Siting of LPG Tank, Cannery Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	185*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission for the siting of an LPG Tank at Cannery Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as the applicant was Mr Angus Campbell, Member for Newton Ward, the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the siting of an LPG tank at Cannery Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Part Change of Use to Wholesale Motor Factors and Demolition of Existing Building, 3-5 Bells Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	186*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission for a change of use to Wholesale Motor Factors and Demolition of on-site Buildings at 3-5 Bells Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as the applicant was related to Mr Iain Morrison, Member for Barvas Ward, the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for a part change of use to Wholesale Motor Factors and Demolition of on-site Buildings at 3-5 Bell's Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, subject to conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
House and 2 Self Catering Cottages, Scaristavore, Isle of Harris DS21.01	187*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission for the erection of a House and 2 Self-Catering Cottages at 5 Scaristavore, Isle of Harris. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a House and 2 Self-Catering Cottages at 5 Scaristavore, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
Removal of Condition, Leverburgh Hall, Isle of Harris DS21.01	188*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission for the Removal of Condition 4 from previous Consent Reference 00/444 which prohibited ventilation openings in the side elevations of the new Leverburgh Village Hall, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant Planning Permission for the removal of Condition 4 from previous Consent Reference 00/444 which prohibited ventilation openings in the side elevations of the new Leverburgh Village Hall, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report. It was agreed to recommend that a Site Visit Sub-Committee comprising the following membership: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr Donald Macdonald, Member for the Harris East Ward and Mrs Morag Munro, Member for the Harris West Ward, be established to consider and make a recommendation to the meeting of the Development Services Committee, scheduled to be held in January 2002, in relation to the application for planning permission for the removal of Condition 4 from the previous Consent Reference 00/444, which prohibited ventilation openings in the side elevations of the Leverburgh Hall, Isle of Harris.
Residential Development at Eoligarry, Isle of Barra DS21.01	189*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for outline Planning Permission for a Residential Development, (1 or 2 houses) at Eoligarry, Isle of Barra. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as the applicant was a sister of Donald Manford, Member for Barra Ward, the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for Residential Development (1 or 2 houses) at Eoligarry, Isle of Barra, subject to planning conditions to be determined by the Director for Sustainable Communities.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Improving Building Standards: A Consultation Paper from the Scottish Executive	190*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking homologation of his action in endorsing through the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Association of Chief Building Control Officers, a response to the Scottish Executive's Consultation Paper entitled, "Improving Building Standards". It was agreed to recommend that the decision by the Director for Sustainable Communities to indicate to the Scottish Executive through the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities that the Comhairle wished to endorse the Scottish Association of Chief Building Control Officers response to the Consultation Paper "Improving Building Standards" should be homologated.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.0.12	191	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee from 1 May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.