COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 31 January 2001 at 2.00pm
PRESENT |
Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman) |
|
Mr Archie Campbell (Vice-Chairman) |
Mr Donald J Macsween | |
Mr Roderick Morrison |
Mr Donald M Mackay | |
Mr Alexander A Macdonald |
Mr Donald Macdonald | |
Mr Roderick J Murray |
Mr James L McArthur | |
Mr Norman L Macdonald |
Mr Donald Manford | |
APOLOGIES |
Mr Malcolm J Macleod |
|
Mrs Mary Bremner |
||
Mr Ronald J Mackinnon |
|
Development Services DS09.01 |
1 |
MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 11 December 2000, was approved. |
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee PR03.05 |
2* |
The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 28 November 2000, was noted, and the recommendations contained therein recommended for approval, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned. |
Crofting Joint Consultative Committee of 11 December 2000 DS09.05 |
3* |
The Minute of Meeting of the Crofting Joint Consultative Committee of 11 December 2000, was noted, and the recommendations contained therein recommended for approval. 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. |
Development Services Sub-Committee DS09.02 |
4 |
The Minutes of Meetings of the Development Services Sub-Committee of 13 December 2000 and 21 December 2000, were noted. |
Site Visit Sub-Committee: Dog Kennels at Bayhead, North Uist DS21.01 |
5* |
With reference to item 220 of the Minute of Meeting of 22 November 2000, there was submitted Minute of Meeting of the Site Visit Sub-Committee of 21 December 2000, established to consider an application for planning permission for alterations and change of use from stables to dog kennels at the Animal Centre, Bayhead, North Uist. The Chairman, seconded by Mr James L McArthur, moved approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report, namely that, the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to refuse planning permission for alterations and change of use from stables to dog kennels at the Animal Centre, Bayhead, North Uist, for the following reasons: |
(1) the proposed dog kennels would be likely to give rise to noise and disturbance from barking. This is likely to be an intermittent noise that could occur at any time during the day or night. It is likely that it would disturb the residents of nearby houses to an unacceptable degree; (2) the nuisance identified in reason (1) would be exacerbated by the generally quiet character of the area, especially at night. The proposal would, accordingly, be contrary to the advice contained in Planning Advice Note 56 "Planning and Noise"; | ||
(3) for the reasons given above, the proposal would be contrary to policy DC1 of the Uists and Benbecula Local Plan that states: "the Comhairle will seek to ensure that there will be no undue harm to nearby residents by reason of (inter alia) noise"; and (4) it is considered that the potential problems identified in reasons (1)-(3) above could not be overcome effectively by planning conditions and that, accordingly, the aims in Policy DC3 of the Uists and Benbecula Local Plan could not be met. | ||
The Vice-Chairman, seconded by Mr Donald J Macsween moved, as an amendment, that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for alterations and change of use from stables to dog kennels at the Animal Centre, Bayhead, North Uist, for a period of five years with effect from 21 February 2001, subject to the installation of sound-proofing arrangements at the proposed dog kennels, to the satisfaction of the Acting Director of Environmental Services. There being an equality in the voting, the Chairman gave his second and casting vote in favour of the motion, which became the finding of the meeting and it was agreed to recommend accordingly. | ||
|
AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 2001/2002 to 2003/2004 PR110.08 |
6 |
FINANCE The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the final Aggregate External Finance (AEF) Announcement for the coming year and set out the revised Budget Strategy for 2001/2002 to 2003/04. It was agreed to defer consideration of the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Aggregate External Finance Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 2001/2002 to 2003/2004, until the next meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on 19 February 2001. |
Updated Service Strategy Development Reports PR110.08 |
7 |
The Director of Finance submitted Service Strategy Development Reports for each of the Comhairle's services. The Report took account of the aggregate external finance announcement for 2001/2002. It was agreed to defer consideration of the Director of Finance's Report concerning Updated Service Strategy Development Reports until the next meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on 19 February 2001. |
Draft Revenue Budget 2001/2002 PR110.08 |
8 |
The Director of Finance submitted the draft Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the financial year 2001/2002. It was agreed to defer consideration of the draft Revenue Budget 2001/2002 to the next meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on 19 February 2001. |
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring to 31 December 2000 PR110.08 |
9* |
The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 31 December 2000, for all services, except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated out-turn expenditure for the financial year 2000/01 for each service. It was noted that the forecast out-turn was £220,000 below the revised approved programme of £15,650,000. A summary of the variations was set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report. |
It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance at item 3.1 (a), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j) and (k), be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned. | ||
Building Control Income - Impact on Budgets 2000/01 DS22.01 |
10* |
The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the impact of the severe fall in income from the Development Services Committee from the building control and development control services. It was indicated that, whilst there was no detailed seasonal pattern to the income profile for these services, a significant trend of decline in income had become apparent for the period 1 October - 31 December 2000. The Report highlighted that the workload for Officers of the Comhairle providing the building control service had remained the same, notwithstanding that the total value of construction work subject to building control had dropped from approximately £27 million in 1999 to £15 million in 2000. Details of measures to assist the Committee in meeting the likely substantial overspend, were outlined in the Report and it was suggested that the matter be further reviewed as soon as possible after 31 March 2001, when the exact financial position would be known. |
It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to minimise the impact of the loss of income from building control and development control services by constraining expenditure of the Environmental Services Committee during the 2000/01 financial year, within the service levels budgeted for by that Committee. | ||
Local Economic Forums: Draft National Guidelines: Consultation DS40.01.21 |
11* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report, intimating that the Scottish Executive had invited the Comhairle to comment on Draft National Guidelines for Local Economic Forums. It was indicated in the Report that it was essential to ensure that proposals relating to the establishment of a Western Isles Local Economic Forum took account of the national framework for Forums. The Report set out, in detail, suggested responses to specific questions contained within the Draft National Guidelines for Local Economic Forums and concluded that the establishment of Local Economic Forums, as set out in the Draft National Guidelines, would, in the context of the Western Isles, be beneficial to the functioning of economic development, subject to a small degree of amendment as set out in the Report. |
It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle should welcome the Draft National Guidelines on Local Economic Forums; and (2) the Chief Executive be authorised to use the suggested responses as outlined in paragraphs 7.1 to 8.1 of his Report, to form the basis of a consultation reply to the Scottish Executive. 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. | ||
Peripheral Economic Development Scheme DS40.01.20 |
12* |
With reference to item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000, the Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining proposed amendments to the Community Economic Development Scheme. It was indicated in the Report that since the Community Economic Development Scheme had been established in April 2000, it had assisted in the creation/retention of 10 jobs throughout the Western Isles. Details of the demand for assistance under the Scheme were set out in the Report and it was stated that bids for financial assistance would exceed the provision made for the Scheme within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services for 2001/2002 and that it was, therefore, necessary to prioritise applications for assistance under the Scheme, with a view to ensuring that the Scheme's objectives were met. Full details of the proposed amendments to the Community Economic Development Scheme were set out in the Report, including a proposal to rename the Scheme as the Peripheral Economic Development Scheme, in order to avoid confusion with the Highlands and Islands Special Programme Community Development Scheme. |
It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle should note the success of the Peripheral Economic Development Scheme in creating/retaining 10 jobs throughout the Western Isles; and (2) the amendments detailed at paragraph 6.2 of the Report by the Chief Executive be approved and incorporated into the Scheme criteria. 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. | ||
Business Loan Scheme/ Fisheries Loan Scheme DS40.33.242 |
13* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the existing guarantee limits for the Business Loan Scheme and the Fisheries Loan Scheme. It was indicated in the Report that both Schemes had had a significant impact on the Western Isles economy in terms of job creation and new investment. Full details of the key outputs and employment impacts for each Scheme were given in the Report and it was further intimated that the success of the Schemes was due in substantial part to the "panel method", adopted in assessing applications for assistance under both Schemes, which comprised representatives from the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Comhairle. It was stated in the Report that, to date, there had been no defaults on loans given under either Scheme. It was suggested in the Report that it was now considered appropriate to increase the level of existing guarantees for each Scheme, which would, if implemented, result in a combined loan fund of £2 million, which would allow both Schemes to expand during the next twelve month period. |
It was agreed to recommend: (1) that the Comhairle should note the success of the Business Loan Scheme and the Fisheries Loan Scheme; (2) approval of the increase in existing guarantee limits in the favour of the Royal Bank of Scotland for the Business Loan Scheme and the Fisheries Loan Scheme, up to a maximum global guarantee limit of £700,000 and £500,000 respectively; (3) that no alterations be made to the terms and conditions and underwriting procedures for the Business Loan Scheme and the Fisheries Loan Scheme; and (4) that the Comhairle should record its appreciation of the work undertaken by Royal Bank of Scotland staff involved with both of the above-mentioned Schemes. 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. | ||
Achmore Business Centre DS41.01 |
14* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request from the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services to terminate its management agreement for the Achmore Business Centre. Details of the financial implications associated with the request were given in the Report and it was stated that the vacant unit would be offered for lease as soon as possible. |
It was agreed to recommend that the Chief Executive be authorised to agree to the request by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services to vacate the Achmore Business Centre and that the current management agreement be terminated at no penalty to the tenant. | ||
It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A 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 that exempt information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office holder or former office holder, or applicant to become an office holder under, the Comhairle, would be disclosed. | ||
Oifigear Leasachaidh Economaiceach (Gaidhlig) M01.03.01 |
15* |
The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding difficulties which had arisen concerning the offer of the post of Oifigear Leasachaidh Economaiceach (Gaidhlig). It was stated that, following the decision to offer the post to the holder of the existing post of Gaelic Development Officer, proposals had been put forward to restructure the Chief Executive's Office. These proposals intended the transfer of the postholder into Sgioba na Gaidhlig as a Policy Development Officer and were still subject to consultation. It was noted that the postholder was on secondment from a post of Head Teacher. It was indicated that the officer had requested that his secondment be extended for a period of twelve months to enable the restructuring to be completed and a complete offer of employment to be made to him. |
It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the period of secondment of the Head Teacher, Aird School, be extended for a period of one year to 31 January 2002. | ||
The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8(a), 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. | ||
World Festival of Island Culture, Jeju, South Korea 2001 PR60 |
16* |
The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing the Committee of an invitation from the Organising Committee of the World Festival of Island Cultures based in Jeju, South Korea, requesting performers from the Western Isles to participate in the Festival in 2001. The Report detailed the background to the request indicating that representatives of the Festival Organising Committee had visited the Western Isles and had detailed the support that would be available for participating in this event. |
It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned that, following a full Report and statistics from the working level representatives' meeting held on Jeju Island, South Korea, on 30 January 2001 - 1 February 2001, that: (1) the Chief Executive be authorised to spend a provisional sum of £5,000 from the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure, to cover the outline costs of a performance rehearsal and associated publicity, subject to a satisfactory Report from the meeting held in Jeju on 30 January - 1 February 2001; (2) the invitation to participate in the World Festival of Island Cultures to be held on Jeju Island, South Korea, be considered in detail at the Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 20 February 2001; and (3) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Chief Executive be authorised to develop an outline of support structure associated with attendance at the World Festival of Island Culture, Jeju, South Korea, 2001. | ||
It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following four items on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed. | ||
Mr Alexander A Macdonald declared an interest in the following four items and left the meeting during consideration of these matters. | ||
Presentation by Heather Isle Meats Limited and Lewis and Harris Auction Marts Limited DS40.02.26 |
17 |
The Chairman welcomed Mr Donald Maclennan, Mr Mike Ferris and Mr Allan Macaskill to the meeting and invited them to give a presentation on Heather Isle Meats Limited and Lewis and Harris Auction Marts Limited. At the conclusion of the presentation, Members of the Committee were afforded an opportunity to ask questions of Messrs Maclennan, Ferris and Macaskill. The Chairman thanked Messrs Maclennan, Ferris and Macaskill for their presentation. |
Western Isles Slaughter-houses DS40.23 |
18* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report regarding state aids and the Comhairle's proposals to provide deficit funding for slaughterhouses in the Western Isles. |
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the position regarding progress concerning the "non-paper" and possible assistance for local slaughterhouse operators submitted to the European Commission in December 2000, on the basis that the Chief Executive would submit a further Report to the Policy and Resources Committee on 20 February 2001, in the event that, in his view, significant progress had not been made by mid-February 2001, in this matter. | ||
Heather Isles Meats Limited DS40.02.26 |
19* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report regarding proposals that the Comhairle purchase tenants improvements at the Stornoway Abattoir. It was stated that the proposal would consolidate the Comhairle's interest in the facility as the owner of the property. The background to the matter was set out, together with details of the improvements and the financial aspects associated with the proposal. |
It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle agree to purchase improvements to the Stornoway Abattoir from Heather Isles Meats Limited, in settlement of the outstanding loan of £60,000, and a further payment of £40,000, subject to suitable terms, including the FEOGA Grant, being determined by the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Corporate Services; (2) the Comhairle agree that the Company's indebtedness to the Comhairle was not settled out of the above-mentioned £40,000, subject to a suitable instalment payment agreement being reached with the Company, on terms and conditions determined by the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services; and (3) the Chief Executive be requested to submit a further Report concerning progress with efficiency improvements at Heather Isles Meats Limited, with the aim of achieving optimum performance. | ||
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. | ||
Lewis and Harris Auction Marts Limited DS40.02.26 |
20* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining a proposal that the Comhairle buy out the position of the Royal Bank of Scotland in respect of the two loans to Lewis and Harris Auction Marts Limited, currently guaranteed by the Comhairle. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. |
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to buy out the position of the Royal Bank of Scotland, in respect of the loans guaranteed by the Comhairle for Lewis and Harris Auction Marts Limited, in return for assuming the rights of the Bank, subject to the Chief Executive negotiating suitable terms, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Corporate Services. | ||
Mr Murdo Macleod, a non-Member of the Committee, declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter. | ||
Western Isles Tourist Board Funding Request for 2001/2002 DS40.08 |
21* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request from the Western Isles Tourist Board for grant aid funding. The Report referred to the Comhairle's decision to award a grant of £84,050 to the Tourist Board for the 2000/2001 financial year, on the basis that, at least the same amount would be available for the 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 financial years. It was indicated in the Report that a review of Area Tourist Boards was currently being undertaken by the Scottish Executive and that it was therefore important to ensure that the Western Isles Tourist Board was enabled to adequately market and promote the Western Isles and to provide accurate quality information services to visitors to the Western Isles. The Report emphasised the importance of tourism to the Western Isles in terms of job creation and further intimated that the contribution of tourism to the Western Isles economy represented some 14% of the Western Isles Gross Domestic Product. It was stated in the Report that the Comhairle, in partnership with the Western Isles Tourist Board, had submitted an application for financial assistance associated with the employment of a Marketing Officer and a Tourism Development Officer under the Highlands and Islands Special Programme and that it was anticipated that the outcome of the application would be known in Spring 2001. |
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree: (1) to grant aid the Western Isles Tourist Board from the Revenue Estimates for Development Services 2001/2002, in the sum of £84,050, subject to this amount being reviewed in the context of the preparation of the Revenue Estimates and following the meetings referred to at (2) and (3) below; (2) that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make arrangements for a meeting between representatives of the Comhairle and the Western Isles Tourist Board and with the Scottish Tourist Board to determine the level of tourism services required in the Western Isles and how this should be resourced; and (3) that the following Members be authorised to attend meetings with the Western Isles Tourist Board and the Scottish Tourist Board: Mr Norman L Macdonald, Member for the Goathill Ward Mr Donald J Macsween, Member for the Tiumpan Ward Mr Ronald Mackinnon, Member for the Locheynort Ward Mr Malcolm Graham, Member for the Coll Ward Mr Norman A Macdonald, Member for the Uig Ward | ||
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Programme and Progress T07.01 |
22 |
FISHERIES, FISH FARMING AND FISHERY PIERS 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. |
Pontoon Berthing at Miavaig and Stockinish T07.02.47 |
23* |
The Chief Executive and Director of Technical Services submitted a Report referring to the Study commissioned by the Comhairle, to investigate the possibility of providing pontoon berthing facilities at Miavaig, Stockinish, Lochboisdale and Acarsaid. Details of the costs associated with the installation of pontoon berthing were given in the Report. It was intimated that such berthing was much less expensive to install than a fixed timber piled pier of similar length. Details of the funding available to the Comhairle for pontoon facilities at Miavaig and Stockinish were given in the Report and it was stated that provision had been made in the sum of £80,000 in the Programme of Capital Expenditure (Fishery Piers Minor Improvements), to meet the Comhairle's contribution towards the cost of the work involved. The Report concluded that it would be appropriate to install pontoons at Miavaig and Stockinish, given the existing facilities at these locations, which were used by fishing and fish farming interests, as well as leisure craft. It was further suggested in the Report that it was proposed that the Harbour Master and pier users' representatives be given the opportunity to inspect pontoon systems in operating conditions, prior to pontoon berthing being installed at Miavaig and Stockinish. The Report further stated that, in light of the timetable associated with the installation of pontoon berthing at Miavaig and Stockinish, it would be appropriate to retain Arch Henderson and Partners as Consulting Engineers and Project Managers, with the aim of completing both installations by Summer 2001. |
It was agreed to recommend that: (1) subject to confirmation of Western Isles Enterprise funding of £140,000, the installation of pontoon facilities at Miavaig and Stockinish Piers, be undertaken at an estimated total cost of £220,000, on the basis of this sum being included in the 2000/2001 - 2002/2003 Fishery Piers Minor Improvements Programme; (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to retain Arch Henderson and Partners as Consulting Engineers and Project Managers for works associated with the installation of pontoon facilities at Miavaig and Stockinish Piers; and (3) the Chief Executive and Director of Technical Services be authorised to fund the cost of a visit by appropriate Comhairle staff and pier user representatives, to be determined by the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, in order to inspect proprietary pontoon systems in operating conditions, on the basis that the cost of such visits be included in the estimated total cost of £220,000. 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. | ||
Kallin Harbour Level of Use DS41.31.01 |
24* |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the current level of usage at Kallin Harbour. Details of the construction of Kallin Harbour were given in the Report, together with information on the additional works undertaken in 1993, which had resulted in the provision of an additional 18 metres of berthing face at the Harbour, thereby, allowing for larger vessels, up to 12 metres, to berth outside the Harbour and free up a loading/discharging berth by the lifting crane. The Report referred to difficulties currently being experienced by fishing vessels using the Harbour and, in particular, referred to the factors which gave rise to smaller vessels being "locked in" the Harbour, particularly when the weather was such that larger vessels were unable to fish in the Minch. |
It was recommended that the Report be noted. | ||
It was agreed to recommend that a Member/Officer Working Group comprising the undernoted membership be established to examine and assess the problems experienced by users of Kallin Harbour, prior to reporting back to the Committee on possible solutions to the problems being experienced by harbour users, both in the short and long term: Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman), Member for the Lochmaddy Ward Mr James L Macarthur, Member for the Benbecula North Ward Mr Murdo Macleod, Member for the Manor Park Ward Mr Calum Macleod, Harbour Master and Officers to be determined by the Chief Executive; and that Mr Duncan Macinnes, Chairman, Western Isles Enterprise and Secretary, Western Isles Fishermen's Association, be invited to attend meetings of the Group. | ||
Inclusion of Nephrops Norvegicus in Regulating Order Feasibility Study DS40.04 |
25 |
With reference to item 189 of the Minute of Meeting of 22 November 2000, the Chief Executive submitted a Report, intimating that the shellfish species, Nephrops norvegicus (Norway Lobster), was being considered as part of the Feasilbity Study, into a comprehensive Regulating Order for the Western Isles. It was intimated that, whilst the Scottish Executive did not currently list nephrops in their list of approved species for inclusion in a Regulating Order, a non-listed shellfish species, such as Nephrops norvegicus could be included in a Regulating Order, in the event that Scottish Ministers considered that they could be satisfactorily managed. The Report further highlighted the economic importance of the fishery associated with Nephrops norvegicus to the Western Isles. |
It was agreed to note that Nephrops norvegicus were being investigated as part of a study into a Regulating Order for shellfish species in the Western Isles. | ||
Highlands and Islands Aquaculture Forum DS20.30 |
26* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report proposing that the Comhairle should offer to host a meeting of the Highlands and Islands Aquaculture Forum. It was intimated that Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs Ward, was the Comhairle's representative on the Forum and had attended the first meeting of the Forum, which had been hosted by the Highland Council in Inverness in December 2000. Details of the costs associated with hosting the Highlands and Islands Aquaculture Forum were outlined in the Report. |
It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle offer to host a meeting of the Highlands and Islands Aquaculture Forum, on a date to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Chief Executive; (2) the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services be authorised to provide administrative support for the meeting; and (3) the costs associated with the hosting of the Highlands and Islands Aquaculture Forum, estimated at up to £1,000, be met from the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Fisheries Development Budget) for 2001/2002. | ||
Western Isles Aquaculture Organisation DS20.30 |
27* |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report identifying the need to establish a formal representative organisation for the Western Isles Aquaculture Industry and for such a Group to employ a co-ordinator, who would have, as part of his/her remit: (1) press and public relations; (2) the co-ordination of inter-business information flow at a local level; (3) the administration and organisation of Working Group and liaison meetings; and (4) co-ordinating development initiatives. Full details of the costs associated with funding a Co-ordinator post, initially on a part-time basis, were detailed in the Report. The Report further highlighted the importance of acquaculture, particularly salmon farming, to the Western Isles economy, particularly in terms of job creation and further intimated that, at least 10 separate companies were involved in marine and fresh water production in the Western Isles, in addition to the six commercially active shellfish farming operations. The Report stated that it was important for the Acquaculture Industry to have effective public relations, both at a national and local level, and that an active organisation representing the Western Isles Acquaculture Industry, employing a Co-ordinator, would assist in the promotion of a positive and environmentally responsible image for acquaculture in the Western Isles. |
It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle approve funding of £2,000 from the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Fisheries Development Budget) for 2000/2001, towards the costs of establishing a formal representative organisation for the Western Isles Aquaculture Industry; (2) subject to budgetary provision being made, the Comhairle allocate funding of up to £10,000 from both the 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Fisheries Development Budget), towards the employment of a Co-ordinator by the proposed Aquaculture organisation; and (3) the Comhairle's funding be conditional on the local Aquaculture Industry contributing at least one third of the costs and to the Constitution of the proposed organisation being approved by the Director of Corporate Services. | ||
Lingerbay: Appeal by Lafarge Redland Aggregates Limited DS21.19.02 |
28* |
With reference to item 205 of the Minute of Meeting of 22 November 2000, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report intimating that Lafarge Redland Aggregates had exercised their right of appeal to the Court of Session in terms of Section 139 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, against the decision of the Scottish Ministers to refuse planning permission for the proposed extraction, processing and transport by sea of anorthosite from land near Rodel, Isle of Harris, and the construction of relevant facilities. |
The Report indicated that, as the appeal had been lodged by the Company on 15 December 2000, the Director of Corporate Services, in terms of the delegation granted to him, to institute and defend any proceedings on behalf of the Comhairle, had lodged answers to reserve the Comhairle's position, thereby, allowing an opportunity for the Comhairle to determine its involvement in the appeal hearing. Full details of the appeal lodged by Lafarge Redland Aggregates Limited and the answers lodged by Messrs Brodies, Solicitors, on behalf of the Comhairle, were appended to the Report and it was further stated that, by arranging to have answers lodged on behalf of the Comhairle by Messrs Brodies, Solicitors, it was possible for the Comhairle to make further submissions in light of any matter raised in submissions by other parties to the appeal. It was further intimated in the Report that the costs to the Comhairle of instructing Counsel to attend the hearing stage of the appeal, which was likely to be held in late 2001/early 2002, was in the order of £8,000 to £10,000, and that no budgetary provision had been made for these costs, although, it would be possible for the Director of Corporate Services to maintain a "watching brief", in relation to the action prior to the appeal hearing taking place at minimal cost to the Council. | ||
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note that the Director of Corporate Services has exercised his delegation to lodge answers to the appeal by Lafarge Redland Aggregates Limited against the decision of the Scottish Ministers to refuse planning permission for the proposed extraction, processing and transport by sea of anorthosite from land near Rodel, Isle of Harris, and to the construction of relevant facilities and that the Comhairle do not instruct Counsel, at this stage, to prepare for, or represent, the Comhairle, at any appeal hearing, but that it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services to continue to monitor the progress of the appeal, on the basis that, if an issue was raised prior to the hearing, in which the Director of Corporate Services determined the Comhairle may have an interest, the matter be referred to the Development Services Committee. | ||
Consultation on Planning and Tele- Communications DS21.01.07 |
29* |
With reference to item 206 of the Minute of Meeting of 22 November 2000, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report in respect of consultation documents issued by the Scottish Executive outlining proposals for increasing planning controls over telecommunications developments. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that: (1) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to respond to the Scottish Executive with the comments and concerns summarised in Section 10 of his Report, entitled "Consultation on Planning and Telecommunications"; |
(2) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to request that all telecommunication code system operators developing in the Western Isles, agree to a voluntary protocol with the Comhairle, to the effect that they will adhere to the draft proposals during the period pending the implementation of new planning powers; and | ||
(3) with regard to Comhairle land and property, the moratorium on any telecommunications development should be extended during the period pending the implementation of new planning powers. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine recommendation (1) and (2) above, 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. | ||
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Assembly Hall at 25 Newmarket, Stornoway DS21.01 |
30 |
PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of an Assembly Hall on land at 25 Newmarket, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of an Assembly Hall on land at 25 Newmarket, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report. |
It was agreed to defer consideration of the application for planning permission for the erection of an Assembly Hall with seating for 67 persons at 25 Newmarket, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, on the basis that there would be an opportunity for Members to visit the site on Monday, 19 February 2001, at a time to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services, prior to the Acting Director of Environmental Services' Report on this matter being considered at a meeting of the Committee, before the meeting of the Comhairle on 20 February 2001. | ||
Insert Window and Door for Sale of Fish, Former Ice Store, King Edward Wharf, Stornoway DS21.01 |
31* |
The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the insertion of a window and door for the sale of fish at the Former Ice Store, King Edward Wharf, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. It was intimated in the Report that, as the applicant's agent was Mr Philip McLean, Member for the Plasterfield Ward, the application had been referred to the Committee for determination. It was further intimated that the planning application, as submitted, was in conformity with planning legislation and would otherwise have been approved. |
It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the insertion of a window and door for sale of fish at the Former Ice Store, King Edward Wharf, Stornoway, 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. | ||
The Principal Administrator left the meeting during consideration of the following matter. The Committee Services Manager clerked the meeting for the following item. | ||
Tele-communication Installations, BT Exchange, Keith Street, Stornoway DS21.01 |
32* |
With reference to item 217 of the Minute of Meeting of 22 November 2000, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to install mobile telephone equipment on the roof of the BT Exchange, Keith Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was further intimated in the Report that draft guidance on telecommunications developments had been issued by the Scottish Executive and that the proposed installation of mobile telephone equipment on the roof of the BT Exchange building, Keith Street, Stornoway, complied with the advice from the Scottish Executive. |
It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the installation of mobile telephone equipment on the roof of the BT Exchange Building, Keith Street, Stornoway, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report. The Chairman, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, moved approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services. Mr Alexander A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Norman L Macdonald, moved, as an amendment, that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to refuse planning permission for the installation of mobile telephone equipment on the roof of the BT Exchange Building, Keith Street, Stornoway, for the following reason: "The development, as proposed, in the Stornoway Outstanding Conservation Area, would result in excessive visual intrusion in this location". | ||
On the matter being put to the vote, the amendment received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly. | ||
Additional Dishes, Eitshal, Achmore, Isle of Lewis DS21.01 |
33 |
With reference to item 262 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for three additional dishes at Eitshal, Achmore, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application, and indicated that representations had been received. It was further intimated in the Report that the Scottish Executive had issued draft guidance on telecommunications developments. It was stated in the Report that the applicant had confirmed that the proposed installations would comply with the emission standard set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, although the Report identified the need for clarification with the International Commission on how Non-Ionising Radiation Protection standards would be monitored and enforced. It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for three additional dishes at Eitshal, Achmore, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report. |
It was agreed to defer consideration of the application for planning permission for additional dishes at Eitshal, Achmore, Isle of Lewis, to allow Members to visit the site prior to the meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on 28 March 2001. | ||
Re-Use, "K6", Telephone Kiosk, Carinish, North Uist DS21.01 |
34* |
The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the re-use and repair of a "K6" Telephone Kiosk, as a township information point at Carinish, North Uist. It was intimated in the Report that, as the Principal Planning Officer had been closely involved with the township information point at Carinish, the application had been referred to the Committee for determination. It was further intimated in the Report that, the planning application, as submitted, was in conformity with the planning legislation and would otherwise have been approved. |
It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the re-use and repair of a "K6" telephone kiosk, as a township information point at Carinish, North Uist. 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. | ||
Tele-communications Mast at Ardveenish, Barra DS21.01 |
35 |
The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item. |
Presentation of Ports of Entry Enhancement Report DS63.01 |
36* |
The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the presentation of the findings contained within the Ports of Entry Enhancement Project to the Comhairle. It was suggested in the Report that the presentation by the Consultants, Smith, Scott, Allan, Mullan (Architects), could take place on either Monday, 19 February or Tuesday, 20 February, 2001. It was recommended in the Report that arrangements be made for a presentation of the final Report on plans and proposals for the enhancement of Leverburgh and Lochboisdale Ports of Entry on either Monday, 19 February or Tuesday, 20 February 2001, in the Council Chamber, Stornoway, at a time which would take account of Members' availability. |
It was agreed to recommend that it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Director of Environmental Services, to make arrangements for a presentation of the final Report and plans and proposals for the enhancement of Leverburgh and Lochboisdale Ports of Entry. | ||
Local Countryside Access Officer Post |
37* |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report outlining proposals to establish a Local Countryside Access Officer Post. The Post would be established on a joint funding basis with Scottish Natural Heritage and Western Isles Enterprise for a three year period, subject to the Comhairle's establishment of post procedure. The location of the post should be determined as part of the Chief Executive's review of Departments. |
It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Comhairle agree, in principle, to the establishment of a Local Countryside Access Officer Post, subject to a joint funding package being concluded with Scottish Natural Heritage and Western Isles Enterprise, together with adequate provision being made in the Revenue Estimates for 2001-2004, and the completion of the Comhairle's establishment of post procedure, with the location of the post being determined in the context of the Chief Executive's Review of Departments. | ||
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12 |
38 |
The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding from decisions of the Committee since 1 May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report. |
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