28 August 2002

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 28 August 2002 at 2.00pm.

PRESENT

Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman)

Mr Archie Campbell (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Alexander A MacDonald

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Martin C Taylor

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Mr Robert W Bennie

The Chairman referred to Mr Robert W Bennie, Director of Finance, who was unwell and on sick leave and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Bennie for a full and speedy recovery.

Welcome: Mr Ian Roxburgh

The Chairman welcomed Mr Ian Roxburgh, External Funding Officer for the Fresh Futures Funding Programme and indicated that Mr Roxburgh would make a presentation in respect of Item 19.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 29 May 2002

DS09.01

1

The Minute of Meeting of 29 May 2002 was approved.

Minute of Meeting of the Crofting JCC

DS09.05

2

The Minute of Meeting of the Crofting JCC of 21 August 2002 was noted and the recommendations at items 5 and 9 of the Minute were approved.

CONSITUTION

Membership of Crofting and Fisheries Joint Consultative Committees

DS09.04

DS09.05

3

The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking the appointment of a member to serve on the Crofting JCC and Fisheries JCC.

It was agreed to appoint Mr Angus Campbell to serve on the Fisheries JCC and Mr Martin C Taylor to serve on the Crofting JCC.

FINANCE

Non -Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2002 - 30 June 2002

PR110.08

4

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of progress on the Capital Programme and seeking decisions on changes. It was stated that total resources to fund gross capital expenditure in 2002/03 were £17,312,000 which consists of £14,799,000 Capital Consent and £2,473,000 Useable Capital Receipts and £40,000 from Revenue.

It was further stated in the Report that if all the projects on the Comhairle's conditional list were successful in attracting funding the programme would be over-committed by £175,000 or 1.01%.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report insofar as the Committee interest was concerned.

Fourth Quarter Revenue Outturn 2001/02

5

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of the financial performance of the Comhairle for 2001/02 and seeking approval for the carry-forward of budgets and the allocation of balances.

It was agreed to approve the recommendations in the Report insofar as the Committees interest was concerned.

First Quarter Forecast Outturn 2002/03

6

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast-outturn for 2002/03 following the first quarter monitoring.

It was agreed to note the Report.

R and M (Revenue) Programme 2002/03 Quarterly Expenditure Report to 6 August 2002

PR100.08

7

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report giving details of the expenditure incurred on the repair and maintenance properties held on the Sustainable Development Account on at 6 August 2002.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Tender Monitoring Report

DS65.02.01

8

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the comparison of Tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, final costs for Sustainable Development Schemes where the tender price was in excess of £75k.

It was agreed to note the Report.

TOURISM

Mr Murdo Macleod declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Area Tourist Board Review

DS40.08

9

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining a response to the letter from Mike Watson MSP, Minister for Tourism Culture and Sport seeking comment on whether changes required to be made to the current area tourist board arrangements. The Report commented on specific issues raised in the consultation. The Recommendations of the Area Tourist Board Review Member Officer Working Group were circulated.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle welcomes the review of the way visitor services are delivered throughout Scotland and responds as below:

(i) a mechanism similar to Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the LEC's be developed between VisitScotland and the ATB's with central services being delivered by VisitScotland and with both the ATB's and VisitScotland working together to market their areas as appropriate destinations for specific holidays;

(ii) the Membership structure of ATB's be looked at and other more appropriate structures be investigated while at the same time the ATBs should continue to raise revenues from selling services and products;

(iii) any restructuring must take account of the fact that the Western Isles was a unique destination and it must retain its own ATB;

(iv) the city gateways are so structured and funded as to provide a Scotland wide visitor information service, not just a local one;

(v) the model of the Western Isles, with the partnership agencies having co-terminus boundaries, be promoted as a model of best practice for other areas; and

(vi) Local Authority input to ATB's is recognised, and Local Authorities must have the legislative powers and financial ability to provide the required level of support.

(vii) there should be more emphasis on communication from the ATB's upward; and

(viii) there should be a niche marketing strand to VisitScotland for Gaelic Culture and Language which would give a direct lead into the main VisitScotland advertising and promotional activity.

(2) Discussions between the Comhairle and the Western Isles Tourist Board take place concerning the future structure of the organisation.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

UK Energy Review

DS61.19

10

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the consultation exercise launched by the Department of Trade and Industry reviewing the UK's long-term energy policy. The Chief Executive had consulted community-planning partners regarding the review and a draft response was detailed.

It was agreed:

(1) to approve the draft response detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report as the Comhairle's response to the UK Energy Review; and

(2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities would copy the response to the Scottish Executive and Western Isles Community Planning partners for information.

Renewable Energy Development - Update

DS61.19

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating the committee on renewable energy developments in the Western Isles. The Comhairle had been instrumental in promoting the industry of related developments in the Western Isles over the previous two years, particularly through the Energy Innovation Zone Initiative.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the Report;

(2) endorse the Western Isles conference proposed by WIAREP for March 2003 with the Comhairle and Western Isles Enterprise as lead agencies; and

(3) forward paragraphs 9.4 and 9.5 of the Report to SNH in response to the recently published SNH Strategic Locational Guidance for Wind Farms in Respect of the Natural Heritage.

Lewis Windfarm Scoping Opinion

DS61.19

12

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request from the Scottish Executive for its view on an application by Lewis Windpower Ltd for a scoping opinion in respect of the development of a wind farm in Lewis. The scoping opinion outlined would be covered in the environmental impact assessment of the proposed wind farm in order to inform the applicant whether there were any omissions from matters that need to be addressed differently. The Report detailed the proposed response to the request.

It was agreed that the views expressed in section 5 to 11 of the Report be submitted to the Scottish Executive as the Comhairle's views on the request by Lewis WindPower Ltd. for a Scoping Opinion.

FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS

Programme and Progress: Fishery Piers

T07.02

13

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in respect of Fishery Piers Schemes.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Common Fisheries Policy Reform

DS40.04.45

14

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the European Commissions proposals for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Report detailed the implications for the Western Isles and outlined a draft response for submission to the Scottish Executive and the European Commission.

It was agreed that the draft comments detailed in the separately circulated document by the Director for Sustainable Communities be approved and submitted to SEERAD and the European Commission.

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 order to comply with a deadline falling before the next meeting of Comhairle.

CROFTING

Crofting Reform: Proposals for Legislation Scottish Executive White Paper

DS40.02

15

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Scottish Executive White Paper entitled "Crofting Reform: Proposals for Legislation". The White Paper lays out in detail how the executive intended to update, simplify and extend crofting legislation and comments on the proposals had been invited by 27 September 2002. The Report detailed the five key objectives identified for crofting reform and detailed the comments from the Crofting JCC.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to respond to the Scottish Executive's Crofting Reform White Paper, taking account of the views of the Committee, along the lines that the Comhairle welcomes the changes towards greater local autonomy, greater simplification and clarification and towards more flexible use of croft land.

Less Favoured Area Support Scheme - Revised Proposals to Apply from 2003 Onward

DS40.02

16

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Scottish Executive's proposals for the less favoured area support scheme. It was apparent that the proposals would mean crofters in the Western Isles would lose out under the revised scheme due to the relatively low stocking densities on crofts and the corresponding grazing category to which the majority of crofts were allocated. The comments of the Crofting JCC were circulated.

It was agreed:

(1) to homologate the action of the Director for Sustainable Communities in submitting comments to the Scottish Executive in response to the revised proposals for the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS);

(2) that the crofting representatives would circulate copies of the letter to the European Commission in respect of the LFASS to MEPs, MSPs and MPs;

(3) that the Director for Sustainable Communities would look at undertaking joint representations with Highland Council and Argyll and Bute Council in respect of the LFASS;

(4) that the Chief Executive be authorised to arrange for a delegation involving Mr Alexander A MacDonald, Mr Donald M Mackay and Mr Donald Maclean to make representations to the Scottish Executive and Europe; and

(5) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to obtain clarification on the legality of the Scottish Executive's application of the LFASS.

Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture - Action 35

DS40.02

17

It was agreed to withdrawn this item.

Western Isles Slaughterhouses

DS40.42

18

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the latest position regarding Western Isles Slaughterhouses and the Auction Mart at Steinish.

It was agreed to note the Report.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Fresh Futures Funding Programme 2002/03

DS40.01.18

19

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Fresh Futures Funding Programme 2002/03. The programme had been established to distribute funds in Scotland on behalf of the New Opportunities Fund and the programme would be administered by a partnership between Scottish Natural Heritage and Forward Scotland. Mr Ian Roxburgh, External Funding Officer, was invited to make a presentation on the Fresh Futures Funding Programme. Members were offered the opportunity of asking questions of Mr Roxburgh.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the Report; and

(2) that Members assist in informing their communities of the funding opportunities afforded by this programme and of the proposed surgeries during the coming months.

Community Employment Initiative

DS40.01.18

20

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the current situation in respect of the Community Employment Initiative. An independent company limited by guarantee with charitable status has been registered to manage the Community Employment Initiative. The Report further indicated that there was currently insufficient funds to continue at the six project rate and the number of projects would have to be reduced as of September 2002. For four projects to continue until the end of December 2002, additional funding of £40k would be required.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the present situation regarding the Community Employment Initiative;

(2) that an amount of £40k be allocated from existing carry over funds from within the Department for Sustainable Communities in order to allow 4 projects to continue until the end of December 2002; and

(3) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to investigate the possibility of undertaking repairs to the wall running from the Porter's Lodge to the mouth of the Creed as a Community Employment Initiative.

Connected Communities Broadband Network

DS40.30

21

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining progress in respect of the Connected Communities Broadband Network which would provide an opportunity for the Comhairle to assist the accelerated rollout of broadband services throughout the Western Isles. The project was progressing as expected and, following a successful pre qualification stage, seven companies had confirmed their intention to submit tenders for the project.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the progress of the project to date; and

(2) that Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Nicolson be nominated to serve as Directors of the Asset Management Company, subject to approval of the company structure and constitution by the Director of Corporate Services.

Payment of Business Loan to CnES Council Tax Debtor

DS40.33

22

It was agreed to withdraw this item.

STRUCTURE PLANS

Western Isles Structure Plan

DS24.01

23

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the responses received to the consultation on the Western Isles Structure Plan. The Report detailed the main issues raised as a result of the consultation and responses to the comments were outlined. The finalised plan would be presented to Committee prior to submission to the Scottish Executive.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the comments received in respect of the Western Isles Structure Plan as detailed in Appendix 2 of the Report;

(2) to approve the draft responses to the main issues raised, as set out in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.19 of the Report, as amended, to indicate that the Comhairle does not support the establishment of a National Park for the Western Isles;

(3) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to prepare responses to the remaining issues and, where appropriate, to amend the Plan; and

(4) to present the finalised version of the Structure Plan to Committee prior to submission to Scottish Ministers for formal approval.

Finalised Harris Local Plan: Objections

DS24.06

24

It was agreed to withdraw this Report.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

25

The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

PRESENT	Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman)
	Mr Archie Campbell (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Alexander A MacDonald	Mr Donald Macdonald
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Martin C Taylor
	Mr Norman L Macdonald	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Donald J Macsween	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Finlay Morrison	Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Mr Robert W Bennie		The Chairman referred to Mr Robert W Bennie, Director of Finance, who was unwell and on sick leave and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Bennie for a full and speedy recovery.
Welcome: Mr Ian Roxburgh		The Chairman welcomed Mr Ian Roxburgh, External Funding Officer for the Fresh Futures Funding Programme and indicated that Mr Roxburgh would make a presentation in respect of Item 19.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 29 May 2002 DS09.01	1	The Minute of Meeting of 29 May 2002 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of the Crofting JCC DS09.05	2	The Minute of Meeting of the Crofting JCC of 21 August 2002 was noted and the recommendations at items 5 and 9 of the Minute were approved.
		CONSITUTION
Membership of Crofting and Fisheries Joint Consultative Committees DS09.04 DS09.05	3	The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking the appointment of a member to serve on the Crofting JCC and Fisheries JCC. It was agreed to appoint Mr Angus Campbell to serve on the Fisheries JCC and Mr Martin C Taylor to serve on the Crofting JCC.

		FINANCE
Non -Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2002 - 30 June 2002 PR110.08	4	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of progress on the Capital Programme and seeking decisions on changes. It was stated that total resources to fund gross capital expenditure in 2002/03 were £17,312,000 which consists of £14,799,000 Capital Consent and £2,473,000 Useable Capital Receipts and £40,000 from Revenue. It was further stated in the Report that if all the projects on the Comhairle's conditional list were successful in attracting funding the programme would be over-committed by £175,000 or 1.01%. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report insofar as the Committee interest was concerned.
Fourth Quarter Revenue Outturn 2001/02	5	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of the financial performance of the Comhairle for 2001/02 and seeking approval for the carry-forward of budgets and the allocation of balances. It was agreed to approve the recommendations in the Report insofar as the Committees interest was concerned.
First Quarter Forecast Outturn 2002/03	6	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast-outturn for 2002/03 following the first quarter monitoring. It was agreed to note the Report.
R and M (Revenue) Programme 2002/03 Quarterly Expenditure Report to 6 August 2002 PR100.08	7	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report giving details of the expenditure incurred on the repair and maintenance properties held on the Sustainable Development Account on at 6 August 2002. It was agreed to note the Report.
Tender Monitoring Report DS65.02.01	8	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the comparison of Tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, final costs for Sustainable Development Schemes where the tender price was in excess of £75k. It was agreed to note the Report.
		TOURISM
		Mr Murdo Macleod declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Area Tourist Board Review DS40.08	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining a response to the letter from Mike Watson MSP, Minister for Tourism Culture and Sport seeking comment on whether changes required to be made to the current area tourist board arrangements. The Report commented on specific issues raised in the consultation. The Recommendations of the Area Tourist Board Review Member Officer Working Group were circulated. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle welcomes the review of the way visitor services are delivered throughout Scotland and responds as below: (i) a mechanism similar to Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the LEC's be developed between VisitScotland and the ATB's with central services being delivered by VisitScotland and with both the ATB's and VisitScotland working together to market their areas as appropriate destinations for specific holidays; (ii) the Membership structure of ATB's be looked at and other more appropriate structures be investigated while at the same time the ATBs should continue to raise revenues from selling services and products; (iii) any restructuring must take account of the fact that the Western Isles was a unique destination and it must retain its own ATB; (iv) the city gateways are so structured and funded as to provide a Scotland wide visitor information service, not just a local one; (v) the model of the Western Isles, with the partnership agencies having co-terminus boundaries, be promoted as a model of best practice for other areas; and (vi) Local Authority input to ATB's is recognised, and Local Authorities must have the legislative powers and financial ability to provide the required level of support. (vii) there should be more emphasis on communication from the ATB's upward; and (viii) there should be a niche marketing strand to VisitScotland for Gaelic Culture and Language which would give a direct lead into the main VisitScotland advertising and promotional activity.
		(2) Discussions between the Comhairle and the Western Isles Tourist Board take place concerning the future structure of the organisation.


		RENEWABLE ENERGY
UK Energy Review DS61.19	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the consultation exercise launched by the Department of Trade and Industry reviewing the UK's long-term energy policy. The Chief Executive had consulted community-planning partners regarding the review and a draft response was detailed. It was agreed: (1) to approve the draft response detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report as the Comhairle's response to the UK Energy Review; and (2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities would copy the response to the Scottish Executive and Western Isles Community Planning partners for information.
Renewable Energy Development - Update DS61.19	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating the committee on renewable energy developments in the Western Isles. The Comhairle had been instrumental in promoting the industry of related developments in the Western Isles over the previous two years, particularly through the Energy Innovation Zone Initiative. It was agreed to: (1) note the Report; (2) endorse the Western Isles conference proposed by WIAREP for March 2003 with the Comhairle and Western Isles Enterprise as lead agencies; and (3) forward paragraphs 9.4 and 9.5 of the Report to SNH in response to the recently published SNH Strategic Locational Guidance for Wind Farms in Respect of the Natural Heritage.
Lewis Windfarm Scoping Opinion DS61.19	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request from the Scottish Executive for its view on an application by Lewis Windpower Ltd for a scoping opinion in respect of the development of a wind farm in Lewis. The scoping opinion outlined would be covered in the environmental impact assessment of the proposed wind farm in order to inform the applicant whether there were any omissions from matters that need to be addressed differently. The Report detailed the proposed response to the request. It was agreed that the views expressed in section 5 to 11 of the Report be submitted to the Scottish Executive as the Comhairle's views on the request by Lewis WindPower Ltd. for a Scoping Opinion.
		FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS
Programme and Progress: Fishery Piers T07.02	13	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in respect of Fishery Piers Schemes. It was agreed to note the Report.
Common Fisheries Policy Reform DS40.04.45	14	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the European Commissions proposals for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Report detailed the implications for the Western Isles and outlined a draft response for submission to the Scottish Executive and the European Commission. It was agreed that the draft comments detailed in the separately circulated document by the Director for Sustainable Communities be approved and submitted to SEERAD and the European Commission.
		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 order to comply with a deadline falling before the next meeting of Comhairle.
		CROFTING
Crofting Reform: Proposals for Legislation Scottish Executive White Paper DS40.02	15		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Scottish Executive White Paper entitled "Crofting Reform: Proposals for Legislation". The White Paper lays out in detail how the executive intended to update, simplify and extend crofting legislation and comments on the proposals had been invited by 27 September 2002. The Report detailed the five key objectives identified for crofting reform and detailed the comments from the Crofting JCC. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to respond to the Scottish Executive's Crofting Reform White Paper, taking account of the views of the Committee, along the lines that the Comhairle welcomes the changes towards greater local autonomy, greater simplification and clarification and towards more flexible use of croft land.
Less Favoured Area Support Scheme - Revised Proposals to Apply from 2003 Onward DS40.02	16		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Scottish Executive's proposals for the less favoured area support scheme. It was apparent that the proposals would mean crofters in the Western Isles would lose out under the revised scheme due to the relatively low stocking densities on crofts and the corresponding grazing category to which the majority of crofts were allocated. The comments of the Crofting JCC were circulated. It was agreed: (1) to homologate the action of the Director for Sustainable Communities in submitting comments to the Scottish Executive in response to the revised proposals for the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS); (2) that the crofting representatives would circulate copies of the letter to the European Commission in respect of the LFASS to MEPs, MSPs and MPs; (3) that the Director for Sustainable Communities would look at undertaking joint representations with Highland Council and Argyll and Bute Council in respect of the LFASS; (4) that the Chief Executive be authorised to arrange for a delegation involving Mr Alexander A MacDonald, Mr Donald M Mackay and Mr Donald Maclean to make representations to the Scottish Executive and Europe; and (5) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to obtain clarification on the legality of the Scottish Executive's application of the LFASS.
Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture - Action 35 DS40.02	17		It was agreed to withdrawn this item.
Western Isles Slaughterhouses DS40.42	18		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the latest position regarding Western Isles Slaughterhouses and the Auction Mart at Steinish. It was agreed to note the Report.
			ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Fresh Futures Funding Programme 2002/03 DS40.01.18	19		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Fresh Futures Funding Programme 2002/03. The programme had been established to distribute funds in Scotland on behalf of the New Opportunities Fund and the programme would be administered by a partnership between Scottish Natural Heritage and Forward Scotland. Mr Ian Roxburgh, External Funding Officer, was invited to make a presentation on the Fresh Futures Funding Programme. Members were offered the opportunity of asking questions of Mr Roxburgh. It was agreed: (1) to note the Report; and (2) that Members assist in informing their communities of the funding opportunities afforded by this programme and of the proposed surgeries during the coming months.
Community Employment Initiative DS40.01.18	20		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the current situation in respect of the Community Employment Initiative. An independent company limited by guarantee with charitable status has been registered to manage the Community Employment Initiative. The Report further indicated that there was currently insufficient funds to continue at the six project rate and the number of projects would have to be reduced as of September 2002. For four projects to continue until the end of December 2002, additional funding of £40k would be required. It was agreed: (1) to note the present situation regarding the Community Employment Initiative; (2) that an amount of £40k be allocated from existing carry over funds from within the Department for Sustainable Communities in order to allow 4 projects to continue until the end of December 2002; and (3) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to investigate the possibility of undertaking repairs to the wall running from the Porter's Lodge to the mouth of the Creed as a Community Employment Initiative.
Connected Communities Broadband Network DS40.30	21		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining progress in respect of the Connected Communities Broadband Network which would provide an opportunity for the Comhairle to assist the accelerated rollout of broadband services throughout the Western Isles. The project was progressing as expected and, following a successful pre qualification stage, seven companies had confirmed their intention to submit tenders for the project. It was agreed: (1) to note the progress of the project to date; and (2) that Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Nicolson be nominated to serve as Directors of the Asset Management Company, subject to approval of the company structure and constitution by the Director of Corporate Services.
Payment of Business Loan to CnES Council Tax Debtor DS40.33	22		It was agreed to withdraw this item.
			STRUCTURE PLANS
Western Isles Structure Plan DS24.01	23		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the responses received to the consultation on the Western Isles Structure Plan. The Report detailed the main issues raised as a result of the consultation and responses to the comments were outlined. The finalised plan would be presented to Committee prior to submission to the Scottish Executive. It was agreed: (1) to note the comments received in respect of the Western Isles Structure Plan as detailed in Appendix 2 of the Report; (2) to approve the draft responses to the main issues raised, as set out in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.19 of the Report, as amended, to indicate that the Comhairle does not support the establishment of a National Park for the Western Isles; (3) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to prepare responses to the remaining issues and, where appropriate, to amend the Plan; and (4) to present the finalised version of the Structure Plan to Committee prior to submission to Scottish Ministers for formal approval.
Finalised Harris Local Plan: Objections DS24.06	24		It was agreed to withdraw this Report.
			PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	25		The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.