3 October 2001

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 3 October 2001 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman)

Mr Archie K Campbell (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr James L Macarthur

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

MINUTES

Development Services

152

The Minutes of Meetings of 29 August 2001 and 10 September 2001 were approved.

CROFTING

Heather Isles Meats Limited: Request for Financial Assistance

153

The Director of Corporate Services withdrew this item.

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B (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.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item 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 that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Letter dated 20 September 2001 from Ross Finnie, MSP, to Calum Macdonald, MP

154*

There was submitted a letter dated 20 September 2001 from Ross Finnie, MSP, to Calum Macdonald, MP, concerning Heather Isle Meats.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to write to Heather Isles Meats Ltd, as a matter of urgency, seeking information on the Company's views on the terms of the letter dated 20 September 2001 from Ross Finne, MSP, Minister for Environment and Rural Development, to Calum Macdonald, MP, on the basis that the Company be asked to respond, as soon as possible, and in any event within one week from 4 October 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.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

Fuel Depot at Stornoway Airport for Air BP

DS21.01

155*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a new fuel depot to service the re-developed airport terminal at Stornoway Airport. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration as it raised issues which were potentially contentious.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a new fuel depot to service the re-developed Stornoway Airport Terminal subject to the conditions shown in Appendix 1 of his Report, together with the completion to the satisfaction of the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, of a Section 75 Agreement in respect of landscaping of the site.

Erect 8 Flag Poles at South Beach, Stornoway

DS21.01

156*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of 8 flag poles at South Beach, opposite Castle Street, Stornoway.

The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as Mr A Robson, at Depute Director level with the Comhairle, was a member of the Stornoway Amenity Trust and Mr I Wilson, Planning Officer, was a technical advisor to the Trust, 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 erection of 8 Flag Poles at South Beach, Stornoway.

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.

Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

Extend Shop at Manor Filling Station, Stornoway

DS21.01

157*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to extend the existing shop at the Manor Filling Station, Stornoway. It was indicated that, as the applicant Mr Norman L Macdonald, was the Member for the Goathill Ward, and Mr Philip McLean, his Agent, was the Member for the Plasterfield Ward, the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration.

It was stated that the proposals were in conformity with planning legislation and had not been the subject of any objection.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission to extend the existing shop at the Manor Filling Station, Stornoway, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.

Extend Bakehouse with Flat Above at Castlebay, Isle of Barra

DS21.01

158*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for a bakehouse extension with residential flat above at "Kismuil Galley", Castlebay, Isle of Barra. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.

It was recommended in the Report that the application for a bakehouse extension with residential flat above at "Kismuil Galley", Castlebay, Isle of Barra be approved, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that a Sub-Committee be established to visit the site relating to the application for planning permission for the Bakehouse extension with Residential Flat above at "Kismuil Galley", Castlebay, Isle of Barra and consider a Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities prior to making a recommendation to the Committee on the application on the basis that the Sub-Committee would comprise the following Membership:

Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr Murdo Macleod, Mr Roderick J Murray, Mr Donald Manford, and that the quorum for the Sub-Committee be three members.

Reports Outstanding

PR33.01.12

159

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports outstanding from decisions of the Committee from 1 May 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising out of consideration of the above Item it was agreed to request the Director for Sustainable Communities to prepare a Report on the implications of Laser Nuclear Fusion for the Western Isles, particularly in light of recent government announcements on the "Interconnector".

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B (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.

International Islands Conference and Study Tour on Wind Energy in Gotland, Sweden, 13-15 September 2001

160

There was submitted a Report by Mr Donald I Nicholson, concerning the International Islands Conference and Study Tour on Wind Energy held in Gotland, Sweden, between 13 and 15 September 2001. The Report concluded that the Conference and Study Tour had been particularly beneficial especially in relation to the contacts made and information gathered which it was anticipated would be incorporated into the deliberations of the Alternative Energy Member/Officer Working Group and the Western Isles Alternative and Renewable Energy Partnership.

It was agreed to note the Report.

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B (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.

Presentation by Mr Mark Jeremy Strudwick, CBE

161

The Chairman invited Mr Mark Jeremy Strudwick, CBE, to address the Committee on the work of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust.

Following Mr Strudwick's presentation an opportunity was afforded to members to ask questions of Mr Strudwick.

The Chairman thanked Mr Strudwick for his presentation.

___

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

APOLOGIES	Mr Malcolm J Macleod

		MINUTES
Development Services	152	The Minutes of Meetings of 29 August 2001 and 10 September 2001 were approved.
		CROFTING
Heather Isles Meats Limited: Request for Financial Assistance	153	The Director of Corporate Services withdrew this item.
		The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B (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.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item 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 that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Letter dated 20 September 2001 from Ross Finnie, MSP, to Calum Macdonald, MP	154*	There was submitted a letter dated 20 September 2001 from Ross Finnie, MSP, to Calum Macdonald, MP, concerning Heather Isle Meats. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to write to Heather Isles Meats Ltd, as a matter of urgency, seeking information on the Company's views on the terms of the letter dated 20 September 2001 from Ross Finne, MSP, Minister for Environment and Rural Development, to Calum Macdonald, MP, on the basis that the Company be asked to respond, as soon as possible, and in any event within one week from 4 October 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.
		PLANNING APPLICATIONS
		Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Fuel Depot at Stornoway Airport for Air BP DS21.01	155*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a new fuel depot to service the re-developed airport terminal at Stornoway Airport. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration as it raised issues which were potentially contentious. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a new fuel depot to service the re-developed Stornoway Airport Terminal subject to the conditions shown in Appendix 1 of his Report, together with the completion to the satisfaction of the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, of a Section 75 Agreement in respect of landscaping of the site.
Erect 8 Flag Poles at South Beach, Stornoway DS21.01	156*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of 8 flag poles at South Beach, opposite Castle Street, Stornoway. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as Mr A Robson, at Depute Director level with the Comhairle, was a member of the Stornoway Amenity Trust and Mr I Wilson, Planning Officer, was a technical advisor to the Trust, 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 erection of 8 Flag Poles at South Beach, Stornoway.
		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.
		Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Extend Shop at Manor Filling Station, Stornoway DS21.01	157*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to extend the existing shop at the Manor Filling Station, Stornoway. It was indicated that, as the applicant Mr Norman L Macdonald, was the Member for the Goathill Ward, and Mr Philip McLean, his Agent, was the Member for the Plasterfield Ward, the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration. It was stated that the proposals were in conformity with planning legislation and had not been the subject of any objection.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission to extend the existing shop at the Manor Filling Station, Stornoway, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
Extend Bakehouse with Flat Above at Castlebay, Isle of Barra DS21.01	158*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for a bakehouse extension with residential flat above at "Kismuil Galley", Castlebay, Isle of Barra. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the application for a bakehouse extension with residential flat above at "Kismuil Galley", Castlebay, Isle of Barra be approved, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report. It was agreed to recommend that a Sub-Committee be established to visit the site relating to the application for planning permission for the Bakehouse extension with Residential Flat above at "Kismuil Galley", Castlebay, Isle of Barra and consider a Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities prior to making a recommendation to the Committee on the application on the basis that the Sub-Committee would comprise the following Membership: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr Murdo Macleod, Mr Roderick J Murray, Mr Donald Manford, and that the quorum for the Sub-Committee be three members.
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	159	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports outstanding from decisions of the Committee from 1 May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
		Arising out of consideration of the above Item it was agreed to request the Director for Sustainable Communities to prepare a Report on the implications of Laser Nuclear Fusion for the Western Isles, particularly in light of recent government announcements on the "Interconnector".
		The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B (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.
International Islands Conference and Study Tour on Wind Energy in Gotland, Sweden, 13-15 September 2001	160	There was submitted a Report by Mr Donald I Nicholson, concerning the International Islands Conference and Study Tour on Wind Energy held in Gotland, Sweden, between 13 and 15 September 2001. The Report concluded that the Conference and Study Tour had been particularly beneficial especially in relation to the contacts made and information gathered which it was anticipated would be incorporated into the deliberations of the Alternative Energy Member/Officer Working Group and the Western Isles Alternative and Renewable Energy Partnership. It was agreed to note the Report.
		The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B (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.
Presentation by Mr Mark Jeremy Strudwick, CBE	161	The Chairman invited Mr Mark Jeremy Strudwick, CBE, to address the Committee on the work of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust. Following Mr Strudwick's presentation an opportunity was afforded to members to ask questions of Mr Strudwick. The Chairman thanked Mr Strudwick for his presentation.