5 February 2003

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 5 February 2003 at 2.00pm.

PRESENT

Mr Archie Campbell (Vice-Chairman - in the Chair)

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Donald M Mackay

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

APOLOGIES

Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman)

Mr Donald Macdonald

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 19 December 2002

DS09.01

1

The Minute of Meeting of 10 December 2002 was approved.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Programme - Third Quarter Monitoring

PR110.08

2

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2002 - 31 December 2002.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, concerning the Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2002 - 31 December 2002, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Third Quarter Revenue Forecast Outturn

PR110.08

3

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report giving information on the Quarterly Forecast Out-turn. The Report detailed revenue expenditure incurred in the period from 1 April to 31 December 2002 for the Comhairle's services.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, concerning the Third Quarter Revenue Forecast Outturn 2002/2003, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Budget Strategy 2003/04

PR110.08

4

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the final aggregate External Finance announcement for 2003 - 2004 and setting out the revised Budget Strategy for 2002/03 to 2004/05.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, concerning the Budget Strategy 2003/2004 - 2005/2006, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Budget Growth Bids 2003/04

5

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report, relating to the growth bids submitted by departments under the headings of:

Scottish Executive Priorities;

Quality of Life; and

Other Bids

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, concerning Budget Growth Bids 2003/2004 - 2005/2006, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Repairs and Maintenance: Quarterly Expenditure Report

PR110.08

6

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report detailing expenditure on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development account, to the end of the third quarter of the current financial year.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Corporate Strategy Progress Report

7

The Chief Executive submitted a Report advising Members of the progress made towards meeting the Key Aims included in the Comhairle's Corporate Strategy, and advising on other achievements that have been accomplished. It was stated that the majority of the services that the Comhairle provide relate to statutory duties and standards of service are often pre-determined, however a number of policies and service developments had also been achieved.

It was agreed:

(1) that the appendices containing the Corporate Strategy Progress Report and Achievements 1999 - 2003, in the report by the Chief Executive, be noted; and

(2) to recommend that a system of half yearly Corporate Strategy monitoring reports be introduced.

CONSERVATION

The Archaeology Service

AL09.01.14

8

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the history, functions and future plans for the Archaeology Service. The Service was established in 1998 in response to Government Policy and, since that time, the Archaeologist had provided planning and development advice and had sought to develop and publicise the archaeology of the Western Isles. Dr Mary Macleod, Archaeologist made a presentation and Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions of Dr Macleod.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Morrison Society, Ness, Isle of Lewis

DS40.08

9

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request from the Morrison Society of Ness to cover a deficit in respect of the Dun Eistean Project. The Report indicated that the final net out-turn showed a deficit of £6,000 and that the Morrison Society would be able to cover at least £3,000 of the deficit. The Dun Eistean Project had provided benefits to the local economy by attracting visitors to the Islands.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle provide a grant of up to £3k to the Morrison Society, Ness.

Creation of a Full Time Equivalent Biodiversity Post

DS61.01

10

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report indicating that the Crofting/Biodiversity post which was created to provide advice to the Comhairle on policy issues effecting crofting and to take forward production of the Western Isles Biodiversity Action Plan was due to cease in March 2003. While significant progress had been made in the biodiversity process it was considered that the best way forward would be to create a dedicated Biodiversity post initially for a period of one year. During this term the remaining tasks in the local Biodiversity Action Plan could be completed and the process of encouraging the community to take ownership of the plan taken forward.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle support the creation of a full time equivalent post to deal with biodiversity initially for one year, thereafter to be reviewed, subject to the support of SNH being forthcoming.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

The Energy Advisory Service: TEAS

DS61.19

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted Report in respect of a request from Tighean Innse Gall for the Comhairle to make a contribution towards developing the Western Isles Energy Advisory Service. The proposal to develop TEAS would create a full time Member of staff, increase the promotion of energy saving in the residential sector, provide energy efficiency advice throughout the islands and develop projects in that field.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle contributes £10k to The Energy Advisory Service from the Department of Sustainable Communities revenue budget 2003/04 for the purposes of implementing the proposal at Appendix 1 of the Report;

(2) the Comhairle make £10,3000 budget provision for TEAS in 2004/05 and that payment will be conditional upon Committee approving a progress report on TEAS activities for 03/04;

(3) the Comhairle requests that WIAREP act as a steering Group for TEAS and the new post is advertised openly; and

(4) the Head of Economic Development be the Comhairle nomination for the leeting and interview processes.

Future Offshore - DTI Offshore Wind Consultation

DS61.19

12

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a consultation document from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the future framework for the development of the Offshore Wind Industry. While the consultation document primarily focused on England and Wales the Comhairle should respond in light of the strategic importance to the UK. The Report outlined a draft response which concentrated on key political issues and highlighted that the Western Isles should be considered as an integral part of government policy in respect of the offshore wind industry.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of Appendix 3 as forming the basis of the Comhairle's response to the DTI Consultation Paper; and

(2) that the response be copied to the Scottish Executive.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 13 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 other than the Comhairle.

Development Properties - Benbecula

DS41

13

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing applications which had been received from prospective tenants wishing to lease development units at Cnoc Na Feille and the Balivanich Old School Library, Benbecula.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) approves the request by the Uist Council for Voluntary Organisations to vacate the Balivanich Old School Library and that the current lease be terminated at no penalty to the UCVO;

(2) lease the Balivanich Old School Library to Mr P Ladyman;

(3) lease Unit 1 Cnoc Na Feille to Environmental Services as a recycling process plant, subject to the approval of the Highland and Islands Partnership Programme; and

(4) lease Unit 2 Cnoc Na Feille to Mitchell & Struthers (Contracts) Ltd, subject to the company terminating its current lease of a development site at Cnoc Na Feille: all of the above subject to such terms and conditions as the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, shall determine.

Proposed Land Reclamation and Harris Tweed Centre Project: Funding

DS41

14

With reference to item 17 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request from Western Isles Enterprise for the Comhairle to allocate the funding for the overall Reclamation/Harris Tweed Centre Scheme at East Loch Tarbert to the initial reclamation works. Western Isles Enterprise intended to commence works on site in the current financial year and, to allow the work to progress, had requested that the Comhairle's funding contribution be allocated to the initial reclamation/service site works. The Report indicated that, should the Comhairle's financial contribution be offered for the initial reclamation works, this should be subject to a proportional asset clawback being agreed with WIE in the event that the Tweed Centre does not proceed and the land was sold/leased for some other use.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle's £131,000 Capital Programme contribution for the combined reclamation/services site and Harris Tweed Centre development, at East Loch Tarbert be reallocated to the initial reclamation/serviced site works subject to a satisfactory asset clawback agreement with WIE in the event that the Tweed Centre does not proceed and the land is used for some other purpose, on terms to be agreed by the Director for Sustainable Communities in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services.

Old School, Shawbost

DS41

15

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of a request from the Old School Committee (Shawbost) for funding to refurbish Shawbost Old School for community purposes. The Report indicated that the Committee had raised £732,230 of which the Comhairle granted £108,000 leaving a shortall of £30,000. In order to secure all external funding, works had to start in the current financial year. The local Councillor had donated £5K of Ward Initiative Funding towards the project leaving a shortfall of £25K.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle transfer £25k of the conditional capital 2003/04 budget for Business Development Parks to the condition capital allocation for Shawbost Old School Development.

Seaweed Cultivation

DS40.04.22

16

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of a request for funding towards a seaweed cultivation for bio-remediation project. The project aimed to trial the effectiveness of cultivated seaweed in removing nitrogen from seawater adjacent to fish farms and to further explore the potential uses of the rapidly grown seaweed and the markets for them.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offers project funding to Comunn na Mara for the seaweed cultivation for bio-remediation project as follows:- £2k from the 2002/03 Sustainable Communities Fisheries Development Budget, £5k in 2003/04, £3k in 2005/06, subject to provision being made in the Fisheries Development Budget for these years.

Old Sail Loft, Stornoway

DS41

17

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for funding from the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust for a feasibility study to ascertain a long term sustainable use for the A Listed Sail Loft, Stornoway.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle award grant assistance to the Highland Buildings Preservation trust for a feasibility study for the old Sail Loft, Stornoway from the Department for Sustainable Communities Marketing and Promotion budget, subject to the satisfactory completion of the study; and

(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to make representations to Historic Scotland requesting that consideration of developing the Old Sail Loft into a maritime museum and/or aquarium be included in the feasibility study.

FISHERY PIERS

Programme and Progress

T07.02

18

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Programme and Progress Report in respect of fishery piers.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Outstanding Reports

PR33.01.12

19

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

PRESENT	Mr Archie Campbell (Vice-Chairman - in the Chair)
	Mr Roderick Morrison
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Donald M Mackay
	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

APOLOGIES	Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman)	Mr Donald Macdonald

		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 19 December 2002 DS09.01	1	The Minute of Meeting of 10 December 2002 was approved.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Programme - Third Quarter Monitoring PR110.08	2	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2002 - 31 December 2002. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, concerning the Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2002 - 31 December 2002, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Third Quarter Revenue Forecast Outturn PR110.08	3	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report giving information on the Quarterly Forecast Out-turn. The Report detailed revenue expenditure incurred in the period from 1 April to 31 December 2002 for the Comhairle's services. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, concerning the Third Quarter Revenue Forecast Outturn 2002/2003, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Budget Strategy 2003/04 PR110.08	4	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the final aggregate External Finance announcement for 2003 - 2004 and setting out the revised Budget Strategy for 2002/03 to 2004/05. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, concerning the Budget Strategy 2003/2004 - 2005/2006, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Budget Growth Bids 2003/04	5	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report, relating to the growth bids submitted by departments under the headings of: Scottish Executive Priorities; Quality of Life; and Other Bids It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, concerning Budget Growth Bids 2003/2004 - 2005/2006, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Repairs and Maintenance: Quarterly Expenditure Report PR110.08	6	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report detailing expenditure on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development account, to the end of the third quarter of the current financial year. It was agreed to note the Report.
		PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Corporate Strategy Progress Report	7	The Chief Executive submitted a Report advising Members of the progress made towards meeting the Key Aims included in the Comhairle's Corporate Strategy, and advising on other achievements that have been accomplished. It was stated that the majority of the services that the Comhairle provide relate to statutory duties and standards of service are often pre-determined, however a number of policies and service developments had also been achieved. It was agreed: (1) that the appendices containing the Corporate Strategy Progress Report and Achievements 1999 - 2003, in the report by the Chief Executive, be noted; and (2) to recommend that a system of half yearly Corporate Strategy monitoring reports be introduced.
		CONSERVATION
The Archaeology Service AL09.01.14	8	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the history, functions and future plans for the Archaeology Service. The Service was established in 1998 in response to Government Policy and, since that time, the Archaeologist had provided planning and development advice and had sought to develop and publicise the archaeology of the Western Isles. Dr Mary Macleod, Archaeologist made a presentation and Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions of Dr Macleod. It was agreed to note the Report.
		Mrs Katie M Mackenzie declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Morrison Society, Ness, Isle of Lewis DS40.08	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request from the Morrison Society of Ness to cover a deficit in respect of the Dun Eistean Project. The Report indicated that the final net out-turn showed a deficit of £6,000 and that the Morrison Society would be able to cover at least £3,000 of the deficit. The Dun Eistean Project had provided benefits to the local economy by attracting visitors to the Islands. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle provide a grant of up to £3k to the Morrison Society, Ness.
Creation of a Full Time Equivalent Biodiversity Post DS61.01	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report indicating that the Crofting/Biodiversity post which was created to provide advice to the Comhairle on policy issues effecting crofting and to take forward production of the Western Isles Biodiversity Action Plan was due to cease in March 2003. While significant progress had been made in the biodiversity process it was considered that the best way forward would be to create a dedicated Biodiversity post initially for a period of one year. During this term the remaining tasks in the local Biodiversity Action Plan could be completed and the process of encouraging the community to take ownership of the plan taken forward. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle support the creation of a full time equivalent post to deal with biodiversity initially for one year, thereafter to be reviewed, subject to the support of SNH being forthcoming.
		RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Energy Advisory Service: TEAS DS61.19	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted Report in respect of a request from Tighean Innse Gall for the Comhairle to make a contribution towards developing the Western Isles Energy Advisory Service. The proposal to develop TEAS would create a full time Member of staff, increase the promotion of energy saving in the residential sector, provide energy efficiency advice throughout the islands and develop projects in that field. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle contributes £10k to The Energy Advisory Service from the Department of Sustainable Communities revenue budget 2003/04 for the purposes of implementing the proposal at Appendix 1 of the Report; (2) the Comhairle make £10,3000 budget provision for TEAS in 2004/05 and that payment will be conditional upon Committee approving a progress report on TEAS activities for 03/04; (3) the Comhairle requests that WIAREP act as a steering Group for TEAS and the new post is advertised openly; and (4) the Head of Economic Development be the Comhairle nomination for the leeting and interview processes.
Future Offshore - DTI Offshore Wind Consultation DS61.19	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a consultation document from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the future framework for the development of the Offshore Wind Industry. While the consultation document primarily focused on England and Wales the Comhairle should respond in light of the strategic importance to the UK. The Report outlined a draft response which concentrated on key political issues and highlighted that the Western Isles should be considered as an integral part of government policy in respect of the offshore wind industry. It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of Appendix 3 as forming the basis of the Comhairle's response to the DTI Consultation Paper; and (2) that the response be copied to the Scottish Executive.
		ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 13 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 other than the Comhairle.
Development Properties - Benbecula DS41	13	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing applications which had been received from prospective tenants wishing to lease development units at Cnoc Na Feille and the Balivanich Old School Library, Benbecula. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approves the request by the Uist Council for Voluntary Organisations to vacate the Balivanich Old School Library and that the current lease be terminated at no penalty to the UCVO; (2) lease the Balivanich Old School Library to Mr P Ladyman; (3) lease Unit 1 Cnoc Na Feille to Environmental Services as a recycling process plant, subject to the approval of the Highland and Islands Partnership Programme; and (4) lease Unit 2 Cnoc Na Feille to Mitchell & Struthers (Contracts) Ltd, subject to the company terminating its current lease of a development site at Cnoc Na Feille: all of the above subject to such terms and conditions as the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, shall determine.
Proposed Land Reclamation and Harris Tweed Centre Project: Funding DS41	14	With reference to item 17 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request from Western Isles Enterprise for the Comhairle to allocate the funding for the overall Reclamation/Harris Tweed Centre Scheme at East Loch Tarbert to the initial reclamation works. Western Isles Enterprise intended to commence works on site in the current financial year and, to allow the work to progress, had requested that the Comhairle's funding contribution be allocated to the initial reclamation/service site works. The Report indicated that, should the Comhairle's financial contribution be offered for the initial reclamation works, this should be subject to a proportional asset clawback being agreed with WIE in the event that the Tweed Centre does not proceed and the land was sold/leased for some other use. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle's £131,000 Capital Programme contribution for the combined reclamation/services site and Harris Tweed Centre development, at East Loch Tarbert be reallocated to the initial reclamation/serviced site works subject to a satisfactory asset clawback agreement with WIE in the event that the Tweed Centre does not proceed and the land is used for some other purpose, on terms to be agreed by the Director for Sustainable Communities in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services.
Old School, Shawbost DS41	15	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of a request from the Old School Committee (Shawbost) for funding to refurbish Shawbost Old School for community purposes. The Report indicated that the Committee had raised £732,230 of which the Comhairle granted £108,000 leaving a shortall of £30,000. In order to secure all external funding, works had to start in the current financial year. The local Councillor had donated £5K of Ward Initiative Funding towards the project leaving a shortfall of £25K. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle transfer £25k of the conditional capital 2003/04 budget for Business Development Parks to the condition capital allocation for Shawbost Old School Development.
Seaweed Cultivation DS40.04.22	16	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of a request for funding towards a seaweed cultivation for bio-remediation project. The project aimed to trial the effectiveness of cultivated seaweed in removing nitrogen from seawater adjacent to fish farms and to further explore the potential uses of the rapidly grown seaweed and the markets for them.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offers project funding to Comunn na Mara for the seaweed cultivation for bio-remediation project as follows:- £2k from the 2002/03 Sustainable Communities Fisheries Development Budget, £5k in 2003/04, £3k in 2005/06, subject to provision being made in the Fisheries Development Budget for these years.
Old Sail Loft, Stornoway DS41	17	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for funding from the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust for a feasibility study to ascertain a long term sustainable use for the A Listed Sail Loft, Stornoway. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle award grant assistance to the Highland Buildings Preservation trust for a feasibility study for the old Sail Loft, Stornoway from the Department for Sustainable Communities Marketing and Promotion budget, subject to the satisfactory completion of the study; and (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to make representations to Historic Scotland requesting that consideration of developing the Old Sail Loft into a maritime museum and/or aquarium be included in the feasibility study.
		FISHERY PIERS
Programme and Progress T07.02	18	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Programme and Progress Report in respect of fishery piers. It was agreed to note the Report.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Outstanding Reports PR33.01.12	19	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.