COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 29 May 2002 at 2.00pm.
PRESENT |
Mr Archie K Campbell (In the Chair) |
|
Mr Malcolm J Macleod |
||
Mr Roderick Morrison |
||
Mr Alexander A Macdonald |
Mr Martin C Taylor | |
Mr Norman L Macdonald |
Mrs Mary Bremner | |
Mr Donald J Macsween |
Mr Ronald J Mackinnon | |
Mr Donald Macdonald |
Mr Donald Manford | |
APOLOGIES |
Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman) |
|
Mr Donald M Mackay |
MINUTES | ||
1 |
The Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2002 was approved. | |
MANAGEMENT | ||
Departmental Business Plans PR33.01.12 |
2 |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing summaries of the Departmental Business Plans for each of the Comhairle's Departments. It was agreed to approve the Department Business Plans insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned. |
FINANCE | ||
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002 PR110.08 |
3 |
With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. It was agreed to approve the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned. |
CONSERVATION | ||
St Kilda - World Heritage - Extension DS61.01 |
4 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining proposals to extend the World Heritage Site accolade for the St Kilda Group of islands to include its cultural and marine heritage. The extension of the accolade should increase opportunities for improved education, interpretation and environmental tourism but the Comhairle should seek to ensure that the economic and marine traffic activities currently undertaken in the area are not hindered and that the aspirations of the people of the Western Isles for maximising the potential of wind and sea for power generation are not compromised. |
It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to make representations to the Scottish Executive to the effect that the Comhairle supports the proposed extension of the World Heritage Site accolade to the St Kilda archipelago to include its cultural and marine heritage on the conditions that the extension: (1) does not hinder MOD activity from the Uist Range; (2) does not hinder creel fishing activity; (3) does not impose greater restrictions in hydrocarbon exploration; (4) does not restrict marine traffic in the traffic lanes immediately to the west of the Hebrides; and (5) does not hinder future energy generation from wind or sea on or around the Western Isles. | ||
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | ||
Scottish Energy Efficiency Office DS61.18 |
5 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the Scottish Energy Efficiency Office. The SEEO had recently appointed a number of Regional Advisers as part of a nationwide project to promote their energy services to business. Mr Richard Holmes had been appointed as the Regional Advisor for the Western Isles and Northern Isles. Mr Holmes was invited to make a presentation to the Committee outlining his role and the services which SEEO could offer businesses in the Western Isles. Members were offered the opportunity of asking question of Mr Holmes. It was agreed to note the presentation by Mr Richard Holmes, Scottish Energy Efficiency Office. |
UK Energy Review DS61.19 |
6 |
With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the consultation exercise on the future of UK Energy Needs. It was agreed that: (1) in response to the Government consultation on the UK Energy Review, the Chief Executive carries out further consultation with Community Planning partners; (2) the consultation document is circulated to all Members with a deadline for responses of 2 August 2002; and (3) a further Report be brought to the Sustainable Development Committee in August 2002 to agree a final response. |
It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 7 below, on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person. | ||
Unit 1 Cnoc na Feille, Benbecula DS41.09.18 |
7 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of applications received from prospective tenants wishing to lease Unit 1, Cnoc na Feille, Benbecula. The Unit was located 3.5 miles east of Benbecula and had been vacant since 31 October 2001. Following advertising two applications from local businesses were received and the Report commented on the applications. It was agreed that the Comhairle offer Unit 1 Cnoc na Feille for lease to Mr W J Macaulay on conditions to be determined by the Director for Sustainable Communities in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services. |
Broadband Fibre Optic Cable Project DS40.30 |
8 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the outcome of a feasibility study into establishing a fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure to interconnect the Western Isles with the national telecommunications trunk infrastructure. The study had identified potential routes and points of interconnection for the submarine and overland segments of the network. The Report further detailed the recommendations from the feasibility study together with estimated project costs. It was agreed: (1) to note the feasibility study recommendations as detailed in paragraph 7.1 of the Report; and (2) that the Comhairle would work with key partners to prioritise and progress these recommendations. |
Arnish Point Consultancy DS40.01.02 |
9 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Stornoway Trading Ltd to engage consultants to carry out a topographical study of Arnish Point. Stornoway Trading Ltd were currently employing a consultant to develop a master plan for the Arnish Site. In order to augment this work and to enable the consultants to estimate costs of site development it would be necessary to undertake a topographical survey. The study would cost £6,000 with the Comhairle contributing £1,800 with the remainder to be funded by Western Isles Enterprise. It was agreed that £1,800 be granted to Stornoway Trading Ltd for a topographical survey of Arnish Point, Stornoway, funded from the Economic Development Budget in 2002/03. |
Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh Leader + Programme DS40.01.02 |
10 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating the Committee on progress in respect of the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh Leader+ Programme. The Report detailed the executive summary of the business plan that had been submitted to the Scottish Executive. The Leader + Programme would be delivered by the local Action Group and the Comhairle had been asked to nominate a Member to serve on the Action Group. It was agreed: (1) to note the Report; and (2) that the Chairman or his nominee be authorised to represent the Comhairle on the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh Leader + local Action Group. |
Scottish Executive Consultation on Draft NPPG3: Planning for Housing and Draft Plan 38: Housing Land DS20.24 |
11 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking the Committee's views on the draft National Planning Policy Guideline 3: Planning for Housing and the Draft Planning Advice Note 38: Housing Land. The Report commented on the draft documents. It was agreed that the views expressed in the Report form the basis of a response to the Scottish Executive. |
It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 7 below, on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph 4 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, Information relating to any particular applicant for, or recipient or former recipient of, any financial assistance provided by the Comhairle | ||
Kick-Start Marketing Grant and Loan Application for Assistance: Ref No AB126/013/B DS40.33.242 |
12 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for kick-start marketing grant and loan from Wild West Foods (UK) Ltd. The Report indicated that one of the companies Directors was currently employed by the Niche Marketing Project which was partly funded by the Comhairle with the consequence that the application could not be dealt with under delegated powers. It was agreed to approve an interest free loan of £9,000, repayable over 5 years, and Marketing grants as follows: Year 1 30% (up to a maximum of £3,000) for the year ending June 2002 Year 2 30% (up to a maximum of £4,350) for the year ending June 2003 for all marketing activities outlined in the marketing plan less advertising. 25% (up to a maximum of £625) for the year ending June 2003 for advertising costs. Year 3 30% (up to a maximum of £4,350) for the year ending June 2004 for all marketing activities outlined in the marketing plan less advertising. 25% (up to a maximum of £625) for the year ending June 2004 for advertising costs. Total marketing grant - £12,950 subject to standard scheme conditions. |
LOCAL PLANS | ||
Finalised Harris Local Plan: Progress Report DS24.06 |
13 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the finalised Harris Local Plan. Most objections raised by the Local Plan Consultation Exercise had now been resolved. Once the remaining objections were resolved and any enquiry outcomes concluded, a schedule of proposed modifications to the plan would be prepared to progress the plan closer to adoption. The Report commented on the remaining potential objections. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities; (1) be authorised to make arrangements as necessary to hold a public inquiry (via written representations) in respect of the objections made by Mr W Reed, Tarbert to Policy E26 Harbour Development Site, East Loch Tarbert; (2) be authorised to undertake negotiations with a view to resolving the outstanding objections on the basis of the responses outlined in the Report and that any public inquiry implications be reported back to Committee; and (3) would submit a Report to a future meeting of the Committee detailing the outcome of (1) and (2) above together with a schedule of proposed modifications to the Finalised Harris Local Plan. |
TOURISM | ||
It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 14 below, on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person. Mr Alex A Macdonald and Mr Roderick Morrison declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item. | ||
Callanish Ltd DS40.08 |
14 |
With reference to item 25 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for funding from Callanish Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre had requested financial assistance for a reprint of the guidebook and for upgrading part of the premises to provide a better visitor experience. The Report further indicated that the Centre provided important employment opportunities in a rural area of Lewis and the trading arm of the Centre re-invested all the funds into providing these jobs and into the facility itself. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to provide financial assistance of £21k to Tursachan Trading Ltd towards the upgrading of visitor facilities and the reprint of the guidebook. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to a future meeting reviewing the conditions attached to grants to local organisations, including the requirements for financial reporting. |
Tourism Niche Marketing Project (Visithebrides) DS40.08 |
15 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Tourism Niche Marketing Project (Visithebrides). The Project was set up to capitalise on the potential of niche tourism in the islands. A suite of ten websites had been built with the main Visithebrides site acting as the umbrella site for the nine niche websites which targeted specific interest groups. Miss Gillian Dykes, Niche Marketing Manager, was invited to make a presentation and Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions of Miss Dykes. It was agreed to note the progress made by the Tourism Niche Marketing Project (VisitHebrides). |
Dun Eisdean Castle Access Project DS40.02.06 |
16 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from the Morrison Society for the creation of bridge between the archaeological site of Dun Eisdean, Ness and the Lewis mainland. It was agreed to note the Report. |
CROFTING | ||
Western Isles Slaughterhouses DS40.42 |
17 |
With reference to item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the provision of slaughtering facilities throughout the Western Isles. Business plans for the operation of Slaughterhouses in Barra and Lochmaddy were awaited and the former operator of the Comhairle owned Stornoway Abattoir was in liquidation. The lease for the premises had been terminated and the Comhairle was now in possession of the property. Advertisements had been placed in the press asking for expressions of interest in the provision of an Abattoir service using Stornoway Abattoir within the period 12 August 2002 - 20 December 2002. The Report further indicated that, should no suitable tender for the operation of Abattoir services be submitted, work had been put in hand to investigate alternative arrangements to allow the slaughter of western isles stock in the coming Autumn. It was agreed: (1) that the Report be noted; and (2) to homologate the actions of the Director of Corporate Services in terminating the lease for Stornoway Abattoir. |
It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 18 below, on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person. | ||
Lewis and Harris Auction Marts Ltd DS40.42 |
18 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of Stornoway Auction Mart. The operator of the Auction Mart was in liquidation and officers of the Comhairle had been in discussion with the interim liquidator and were trying to support a fair solution to buy the asset. The Report further indicated that the Comhairle should seek to encourage community organisations to take over the ownership and organisation of the Mart. It was agreed that: (1) the Comhairle seeks to encourage a community organisation to take over the ownership of the Steinish, Stornoway Auction Mart; and (2) the Comhairle agrees to pay up to £5,693 from the Marketing and Promotion Budget of the Department for Sustainable Communities to Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association for a feasibility study of the Lewis and Harris Auction Mart. |
The Welfare of Animals During Transport CH03.03 |
19 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the European Commission Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare Report on the Welfare of Animals During Transport. The main recommendations of the Report had caused concern in the Highlands and Islands as it was considered that some of the recommendations could cause particular difficulties with the transport of animals, particularly during Winter time. While the proposals would have less impact on the Western Isles than Orkney and, in particular, Shetland it would be prudent to highlight the difficulties that may be experienced to both the Scottish Executive and the European Commission. It was agreed; (1) to approve the letter to Mr Ross Finnie MSP concerning the EC Scientific Committee's Report on Animal Health and Welfare; and (2) that a copy of the letter be sent to David Byrne, EC Commissioner responsible for this legislation. |
Proposals for Improvements to the Operation of Agri-environment Schemes in Scotland DS40.02 |
20 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the Scottish Executive's consultation paper on proposals for improvements to the operation of agri-environment schemes in Scotland. The consultation paper consisted of four main proposals which affect the operation of the Organic Aid Scheme, the Rural Stewardship Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme. It was agreed that the comments set out in paragraphs 7.1 - 8.1 and Appendix 1 of the Report form the basis of the Comhairle's response to the Scottish Executive's Consultation Paper on proposals for improvements to the operation of agri-environment schemes in Scotland. |
FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS | ||
Programme and Progress: Fishery Piers T07.02 |
21 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a programme and progress Report in respect of fishery piers schemes. It was agreed to note the Report. |
Pier and Harbour Development T07.02 |
22 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report summarising the progress with pier and harbour developments in the Western Isles. Current needs and aspirations for pier and harbour developments had been costed at over £8.5 million but no funding for significant projects had been identified within the Capital Programme. Notable progress in improving and providing small scale landing facilities had been achieved through partnership with WIE and the Report proposed that the Comhairle should join with WIE in undertaking an option appraisal study for Kallin Harbour, subject to any matching funding requirements from the Comhairle being identified. It was agreed that: (1) the Committee notes the level of demand and aspirations for pier and harbour improvements throughout the Western Isles in the context of the current Capital Programme; (2) the Comhairle should continue to pursue innovative solutions and partnership with WIE in order to maximise the impact of the funding available; and (3) the Comhairle undertake an appraisal study with WIE in order to investigate the options for alleviating congestion at Kallin harbour subject to matching funding being identified. |
Sustainable Marine Resources Development Programme 2002/03 DS40.04.40 |
23 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the Comhairle's Sustainable Marine Resources Development Programme which provided support for fisheries, aquaculture and related resources including seaweed and marine eco-tourism. The Report outlined a proposed programme of projects for 2002/03 which aimed to support the sustainable development of marine resources in the Western Isles. It was agreed to approve the proposed Sustainable Marine Resources Development Programme for 2002/03 as outlined in the Report. |
CONFERENCES AND COURSES | ||
Orkney Renewable Energy Conference DS03.01 |
24 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Renewable Realities Conference being held in Orkney on 15-17 October 2002. The Conference would provide an opportunity to discuss renewable energy issues at an island level and would also provide an opportunity to promote the Western Isles to an audience with a distinct interest in the Scottish Islands. It was agreed that Mr Donald M Mackay be authorised to represent the interests of the Western Isles at the conference Renewable Realities Orkney, 15 - 17 October 2002. |
Recommendation 25 (2) was referred to Comhairle. | ||
Economic Development Association (Scotland) and Managing to be Sustainable Conferences DS03.01 |
25 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Economic Development Association (Scotland) Conference and Managing to be Sustainable Conference. The Report detailed the issues to be addressed at each of the conferences. It was agreed: (1) that Mr Archie K Campbell, or his nominee, be authorised to attend the Economic Development Association (Scotland) Conference in November 2002 in Edinburgh and the Managing to be Sustainable Conference in Glasgow in June 2002; and (2) to recommend to Policy and Finance Committee that the Economic Development Association (Scotland) Conference be included on the list of approved conferences. |
PERFORMANCE REVIEW | ||
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12 |
26 |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report. |
ADDITIONAL ITEM | ||
Western Isles Slaughterhouses Sub-Committee DS09.06 |
27 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking the establishment of a temporary Sub-Committee, with full delegated powers, to take any necessary decisions in respect of Western Isles Slaughterhouses over the Summer 2002 period. It was anticipated that several decisions in respect of Western Isles Slaughterhouses and Lewis and Harris Auction Mart would have to be taken over the Summer period when there were no scheduled meetings of the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) a Sub-Committee be established to take all decisions in relation to Western Isles Slaughterhouses and Lewis and Harris Action Marts; (2) the Sub-Committee be established until the August 2002 meeting of Sustainable Development Committee; (3) the Member representatives on Western Isles Slaughterhouses Member/Officer Working Group, Mr Archie K Campbell, Mr Donald M Mackay and Mr Ronald J Mackinnon be appointed to serve on the Western Isles Slaughterhouses Sub-Committee and the following Members also be appointed to serve on the Sub-Committee; Mr Donald Macdonald Mr Roderick Morrison Mr Alex A Macdonald Mr Malcolm J Macleod |
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