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COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE |
Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 4 February 2004 at 2.00pm
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PRESENT |
Mr Archie Campbell (Chairman) |
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Mrs Annie Macdonald (Vice-Chairman) |
Mr Angus McCormack |
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Miss Samantha E L Hawkins |
Mr Alexander M Mackintosh |
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Mr John Mackay |
Mr Donald Maclean |
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Mr Alex A MacDonald |
Mr Peter Carlin |
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Mr Neil Campbell |
Mr Ronald J Mackinnon |
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Mr Angus Campbell |
Mr Donald Manford |
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APOLOGIES |
Mr Donald Macdonald |
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The Chairman referred to the recent announcement that the Western Isles had been selected by the DTI as the first pilot project for a Scotland wide consumer advice service which would create up to thirty jobs in a modern business centre in Shawbost, Isle of Lewis. The Chairman congratulated all the project partners that had been involved in the bid. |
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Welcome: Mr Robert Goodhand |
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The Chairman welcomed Mr Robert Goodhand to his first meeting of the Committee following his appointment as Development Officer: Alternative and Renewable Energy, within the External Strategy Team.
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MINUTES
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Sustainable Development Committee
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1 |
The Minute of Meeting of 26 November 2003 was approved.
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FINANCE
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General Fund Capital Monitoring 1 April 2003 – 31 December 2003
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2 |
The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the General Fund Capital Monitoring for the period 1 April 2003-31 December 2003.
It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the General Fund Capital Monitoring for the period 1 April 2003-31 December 2003, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
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Capital Programme 2004–2005
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3 |
The Director of Finance submitted a Report in relation to expenditure on the Capital Programme 2004-2005.
It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the Capital Programme 2004-2005, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
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Third Quarter Revenue Monitoring
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The Director of Finance submitted a Report in relation to the Third Quarter Revenue Monitoring.
It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the Third Quarter Revenue Monitoring, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
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Budget Strategy
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5 |
The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Budget Strategy 2004/05 to 2006/07.
It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the Budget Strategy, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
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Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2003/04 PR110.08 |
6 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development account to 31 December 2003.
It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
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BIODIVERSITY AND COUNTRYSIDE |
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Forestry Commission Scotland Consultations DS40.05 |
7 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report indicating that the Forestry Commission Scotland, were seeking comments on consultation documents on a Review of Land Managed by the Forestry Commission and Refining the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme. The Commission had issued a further consultation document in relation to Langass and Mairebhal woodlands, North Uist. The proposed responses to the consultation documents were detailed in the Report.
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It was agreed to recommend that Appendices 1, 2 and 3 form the basis of the Comhairle's responses to Forestry Commission Scotland.
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It was 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, to enable a response to be made prior to the deadline for receipt of comments, on the grounds that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.
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Local Authority World Heritage Forum – Application for Membership DS01 |
8 |
The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval for the Comhairle to take membership of the UK Local Authority World Heritage Forum.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle join the Local Authority World Heritage Forum on the basis that attendance at Forum meetings would not be an approved duty. |
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RENEWABLE ENERGY |
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Alternative and Renewable Energy Projects: Capital Programme 2003/2004 |
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It was agreed to withdraw this Item. |
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.
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Review of Business Support Services DS40.82 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining a phased implementation of proposed actions, following the comprehensive review of the Comhairle’s Business Support Services.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle adopt a two phase approach to the development of Business Support Services; phase one revolving around the development of the Comhairle's own Business Support Services and phase two revolving around wider partner issues as follows:
PHASE ONE
(1) Develop, in conjunction with WIE, a lead-officer system for clients projects and pilot the introduction of consents to data sharing, enabling information to be shared as appropriate between any authorised body;
(2) Formalise the development and delivery of a high-quality aftercare programme, in partnership with others, as appropriate;
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(3) Initiate, in consultation with WIE, a programme of sustained promotion and awareness-raising in regard to all business support services;
(4) Take steps, to seek clarification with WIE, with regard to marketing support criteria, to ensure minimal business community confusion;
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(5) Initiate an independent review of the Business Loans Scheme – similar to that carried out recently in respect of the Fisheries Loan Scheme – in order to bring the BLS up to date as necessary and seek to ensure that all banks are enabled to participate in “partnership” loan assistance schemes in future; and
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(6) As part of the review of the Comhairle's economic development function, seek to establish the requirement for business support services as a core function of the Comhairle, beyond 2006.
PHASE TWO
(1) Engage WIE, and others as appropriate, in discussions to jointly-produce a simple, informative and effective inter-agency business support services information pack;
(2) Explore the feasibility of developing a multi-agency, on-line, single-entry point resource, in order to overcome barriers of access to services;
(3) Initiate dialogue with WIE, the Chamber of Commerce and others to explore the feasibility of developing a mentoring/peer-group support service;
(4) Explore with WIE, how access to specific, specialist advice for the innovative and “high-tech” business sectors can be achieved most effectively; and
(5) Explore with WIE the feasibility of a series of short-term secondments for operational staff, and the development of a “shadowing” programme amongst appropriate functions within each agency.
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It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following two items on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle, in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.
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Western Isles Credit Union PR43.01 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals for the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union. The Report detailed the proposed submission to the Scottish Executive for development funding to allow the establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1) notes that an application to the Scottish Credit Union Competitive Grant fund has been made; and
(2) continues to support the development of a Western Isles Credit Union.
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Bulk Cargos Import to Stornoway: Future Options Study T01 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking support for a study into the future options for bulk cargos import into Stornoway. The Report outlined the context for the study and indicated that Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission and Stornoway Trust would also be contributing to the Study.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1) approve a funding contribution of up to £7,500 from the Sustainable Communities Marketing and Promotions budget estimates 04/05 to enable a study into the future options of bulk cargoes import to Stornoway and related development issues; and
(2) authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to co-ordinate, on behalf of the Community Planning Partnership, the appointment of Consultants to undertake the study and to report back the findings.
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Branding the Western Isles DS40.01.02 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining a project to determine the appropriate branding and marketing of the Western Isles which was proposed by Community Planning partners. The various stages of the project were detailed.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agrees to contribute to stage one of the Western Isles “Branding” project from the Sustainable Development Committee’s Marketing budget in 2003/2004 and 2004/05.
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Local Authority Standing Committee on Oil Fabrication (LASCOF) DS40.09 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report asking Members to consider whether to participate in a new multi-agency organisation which aimed to ensure that the UK Government had a long-term energy strategy based on its renewables aspirations so that long term, sustainable work could be guaranteed in the UK Steel Fabrication Industry.
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It was agreed:
(1) to recommend that the Comhairle continues to be a member of the successor body to LASCOF; and
(2) to appoint the Chairman to represent the Comhairle on LASCOF.
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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 1 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; information relating to the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the supply of goods or services and any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a contract for the supply of goods or services.
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Arnish Point Feasibility Study DS42.01 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals for a Feasibility Study on an area of land at Arnish Point which would be carried out in conjunction with Western Isles Enterprise, Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission and the Stornoway Trust. The Study would identify the best way to proceed with future developments on the various underdeveloped areas at Arnish Point in order to ensure that the site was able to accommodate a range of activities which would increase supply chain opportunities and lead to further investment.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agrees in principle, to contribute £20k to a £150k Feasibility Study, to be carried out in conjunction with Western Isles Enterprise, Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission and Stornoway Trust and that the contribution would be funded from the management of existing Sustainable Development Committee budgets for 2003/04.
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It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of items 16 & 17 on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property of the supply of goods or services.
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Proposed Update of the 1997 Regional Accounts Study DS01 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval to initiate an update of the 1997 Regional Accounts Study of the Western Isles. The Report detailed proposals to appoint a lead consultant on the 1997 Study to undertake a follow-up. The 1997 Study was the only comprehensive source of economic information available for the Western Isles and is continually used as a source of reference by the Comhairle and other organisations.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agrees to a contribution of up to a maximum of £17,500 towards the costs of the study from sources identified the Report.
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Carloway Factory DS41 |
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With reference to Item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 November 2003, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the disposal of Carloway Factory. The Report indicated that the present incumbents of the factory have indicated that they wish to purchase the Comhairle owned buildings. The Report further indicated that there was an outstanding request from a former tenant to lease the buildings again.
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It was agreed to defer consideration of this item to Policy and Resources Committee on 12 February 2004, to allow further information to be obtained. |
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ARCHAEOLOGY |
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Historic Scotland Carved Stones Consultation AL09.01.14 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a consultation document on Historic Scotland’s approach to the protection, management and conservation of carved stones. The Report detailed a proposed response to the consultation document.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approves the proposed response to Historic Scotland’s carved stones consultation as detailed in Appendix 2 of the Report. |
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FISHING |
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Programme and Progress Fishery Piers T07.02
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The Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in relation to Fishery Piers.
It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted. |
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Future Management of Coastal and Inshore Waters DS40.01.02 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the consultation exercise by Highland Council on the future management of coastal and inshore waters. The Report detailed proposals to establish a Crown Estate Review Group which could explore the implications of the different management options and have the level of joint effort that would be required to develop a credible alternative to management by the Crown Estate. The Report proposed that an exploratory meeting be held with Highland Council to consider the scope and implications of the proposed Review Group.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
(1) the actions of the Director for Sustainable Communities in submitting the initial response to Highland Council on the Future Management of Coastal and Inshore Waters be homologated; and
(2) the Comhairle propose to Highland Council that an exploratory meeting be held to consider the scope and implications of the proposed Crown Estate Review Group and Orkney and Shetland Islands Councils be invited to the exploratory meeting in order to discuss the potential benefits of the Comhairle managing its coastal waters.
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Mr Norman A Macdonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.
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Diversification of Aquaculture Activities within the Western DS40.04.49 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to current aquaculture trends. The Report identified several prospects for diversification of the industry. There were opportunities for developing production of other species of fin fish and shellfish and the Comhairle’s role in diversification and optimisation within the aquaculture industry was detailed.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle, along with the industry and other relevant partner agencies, continues to support the industry, to help it in whatever way possible to capitalise upon new opportunities, and to ensure that all sources of external assistance are explored and exploited to the benefit of the industry.
Arising from consideration of this item, it was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to a future Meeting, examining the feasibility of aquaculture businesses producing organic stock and developing niche markets.
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CROFTING
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Crofting and Land Use Advice DS40.02 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to the provision of advisory support in respect of crofting and land use issues. The Report indicated that the Comhairle could buy in advice or directly employ appropriate resources. The Report further indicated that direct employment would provide best value and would allow greater flexibility to adapt to changing issues in relation to land use.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
(1) the management review of Economic Development services identifies the dedicated staff resources necessary to promote the development of land-use, crofting and the provision of advice to the Comhairle in these subjects; and
(2) the Comhairle does not seek to obtain these professional services from the Scottish Crofters Foundation, but explore whether there is a case for financially assisting the organisation for the general well-being of crofting and land use development.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
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Stornoway Regeneration DS40.01.18 |
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With reference to Item 21 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 August 2003, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the outcome of a Workshop held in relation to Stornoway Regeneration. The Workshop had concluded that the Community Planning Partnership should take forward the proposals to improve the co-ordination of initiatives that affect the physical environment in and around Stornoway.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
(1) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to prepare a Report to the next available Community Planning Partnership meeting regarding a joint approach to co-ordinating a ‘Stornoway Regeneration’ agenda; and
(2) the Stornoway Regeneration area would incorporate the Stornoway Electoral Wards.
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It was 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, to enable a Report to be submitted to the next Community Planning Partnership Meeting, on the grounds that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.
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Better Neighbourhood Services Fund DS40.34 |
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the Scottish Executive’s funding allocation for the Better Neighbourhood Services Programme for 2004/2005 and 2005/2006. The Report further indicated that a further allocation of £450K for the financial year 2005/06 had been made and this additional funding would allow the local programme to consolidate the successful examples of service improvement with a view to having them adopted by the main services agencies on final closure of the Programme in March 2006.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle notes the confirmation by the Scottish Executive of Better Neighbourhood Services Fund funding for 2004/05 and 2005/06. |
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PERFORMANCE MONITORING |
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Reports Outstanding Progress PR33.01.12 |
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The Acting Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports Outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee.
It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted. |