COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 22 March 2006 at 2.00pm.

PRESENT	Mr Archie K Campbell (Chairman)
	Mrs Annie MacDonald (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr John Mackay	Mr Angus McCormack
	Mr Alex A MacDonald	Mr Donald Macdonald
	Mr Norman L Macdonald	Mr Peter Carlin
	Mr Neil Campbell	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Angus Campbell	Mr Donald Manford
APOLOGIES	Miss Samantha E L Hawkins	Mr Alex A Mackintosh

Welcome:  Ms Jenny Cassells		The Chairman welcomed Ms Jenny Cassells to the meeting and indicated Ms Cassells would give a presentation to the Committee on climate change and the work of the Carbon Trust.
Tribute: Mr Ken Kennedy		The Chairman referred to Mr Ken Kennedy, Project Manager who would shortly be retiring from the Comhairle following 29 years services.  The Chairman thanked Mr Kennedy  for his contribution to economic development in the Western Isles and wished him well in this retirement.
		MINUTES
Sustainable Development Committee	1	The Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2006 was approved.
Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee	2	The Minute of Meeting of the Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee of 3 February 2006 was noted.
Crofting Joint Consultative Committee	3	The Minute of Meeting of the Crofting Joint Consultative Committee of 13 March 2006 was noted.
Declaration of Interest	4	No declarations of interest were intimated.
		BUSINESS PLANS
Business Plans 2006/07 – 2008/09 PR33.01.04	5	With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2006 the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the Business Plans for 2006/07 – 2008/09.  The Report stated that the draft Plans had been subject to further consultation with staff and other stakeholders and had been amended to include additional information. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the Business Plans as amended insofar as the interests of the Committee were concerned.

		FINANCE
Repairs and Maintenance Programme 2005/06 PR33.01.12	6	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development account for 2005/06. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.
		RENEWABLE ENERGY
Carbon Trust	7	Ms Jenny Cassells was invited to make a presentation to the Committee in relation to the Local Authority Carbon Management Programme.  Members were given the opportunity of asking questions of Ms Cassells. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the presentation on climate change and the work of the Carbon Trust.
		BIODIVERSITY AND COUNTRYSIDE
Coastal and Marine National Parks DS60	8	With reference to Item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2006 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to proposals by Scottish Natural Heritage to identify potential areas for designation as Scotland’s first Coastal and Marine National Park.  The Report stated that SNH had identified a number of areas deemed to worthy of closer consideration, including areas in and around the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle inform the Scottish Executive and SNH that it was not minded to recommend any area of the Western Isles for designation as a Coastal and Marine National Park at this time, as the ‘added value’ of such a designation for the Western Isles has not yet been demonstrated.
		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 the Comhairle's viewpoint to be intimated to SNH prior to their meeting with Ministers on the grounds that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.
Consultation Paper:  Enhancing our Care of Scotland’s Landscapes DS61	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a consultation paper issued by the Scottish Executive in relation to the operation of National Scenic Areas in Scotland.  The Report stated that the consultation contained proposals for legislation to give Scottish Ministers powers to designate, de-designate or revise the boundaries of any National Scenic Area.  It was also proposed that Local Authorities could propose new areas and would be responsible for preparing management plans for each National Scenic Area.  The Report detailed a proposed response to the consultation document on behalf of the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to submit a response to the consultation from the Scottish Executive on the basis of the comments contained in Appendix 3 of the Report.
Hebridean Mink Project – Phase 2 DS40.02.22	10	With reference to Item 18 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 August 2005 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the Hebridean Mink Project .  The Report stated that funds had been secured to run the Hebridean Mink Project from April 2001 to April 2006 but an application from SNH for EU Life Bid Funding for Phase 2 of the project had been unsuccessful.  SNH would take forward a scaled down project and were currently considering additional contributions from their own resources. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) continue to support a contribution to SNH of £20k per annum over 2006/07 to 2011/12 towards the Hebridean Mink Project; (2) request the Director for Sustainable Communities to seek Comhairle officer representation on any Project Advisory Group; (3) authorise the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, to conclude the legal ‘minute of agreement’ with SNH in respect of co-financing and approve the management structure for the project; and (4) authorise the Director of Corporate Services to make representations to the RSPB seeking an increased contribution to the cost of the project.
Western Isles Woodland Initiative DS63	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to proposals by the Forestry Commission Scotland to change its woodland grants schemes to align with changes to other rural schemes.  No new applications for grant under the existing Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme and the Locational Premium would be accepted after August 2006.  The Report stated that a number of outcomes of the Western Isles Woodland Initiative had been achieved but further work was required to fully realise the aims of the Woodland Strategy and formal discussions had begun with Forestry Commission Scotland to investigate options as to how best to deliver these tasks. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the closure of the current grant assistance schemes for woodland establishment provided through the Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme and Locational Premium Scheme funding; and (2) authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to carry out formal partnership discussions with Forestry Commission Scotland to consider future delivery of woodland activities in the Western Isles.
Scottish Forestry Strategy Consultation DS63	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the consultation from Forestry Commission Scotland on the draft Scottish Forestry Strategy 2006.  The Report stated that the Strategy had been prepared in response to changing national priorities such as the integration of forestry with other land management activities through land management contracts and the current social justice agenda as well as the need to address issues such as economic growth, climate change and biodiversity.  A draft response to the consultation on behalf of the Comhairle was detailed in the Report. It was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that: (1) paragraphs 5.1 to 6.2 of the Report form the basis of the response to Forestry Commission Scotland; and (2) the Director, Forestry Commission Scotland be invited to the next Meeting of the Sustainable Development Committee.
		ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Programme and Progress PR33.01.12	13	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in relation to Sustainable Development schemes. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.
Highlands and Islands Croft Entrant Scheme DS40.02	14	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the updated Highlands and Islands Croft Entrant Scheme which was launched in 2005 in recognition of a need to regenerate crofting activity and approve the age structure of crofting communities.  The Report stated that the scheme had been successful with demand for participation currently outstripping available resources and the Comhairle was being asked to make a contribution to the scheme in order to maximise the available budget in the Outer Hebrides, thereby stimulating and accelerating activity. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the background to and the objectives of the Highlands and Islands Croft Entrants Scheme; (2) approve a financial contribution to the Highlands and Islands Croft Entrants Scheme on a pilot, case by case basis – to a maximum of £20,000; (3) require the establishment of a local panel to discuss and approve applications to the scheme; and (4) agrees that the initial meeting of the local panel would set the priorities for the implementation of the Outer Hebrides Croft Entrants Scheme.
Rural Development Programme Consultation DS40.01.18	15	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the consultation on the implementation of the Rural Development Programme for Scotland 2007 - 13.  The Report stated that funding would be delivered through a single European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development which would be used to support the following strategic priorities: · improving the competitiveness of agricultural and forestry by supporting, restructuring, development and innovation; · improving the environment and the countryside by supporting land management; · improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity.
		A draft response on behalf of the Comhairle was detailed in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) consider the proposed responses detailed in the Appendix to the Report; (2) authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman, to respond to the consultation on the implementation of the Rural Development Plan due in early April; and (3) appoint the Convener to attend the Joint Working Group which would consider the consultation on the programme implementation.
Interposed Leases DS40.02	16	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the latest developments with regard to the issue of interposed leases.  As part of their application under the Land Reform Act, the Pairc Trust had requested that the Scottish Executive challenge the legality of interposed leases.  The Report stated that the Scottish Executive have confirmed that they would take the matter to the Land Court on behalf of the Pairc community. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the issues arising from the Report; and (2) authorise the Chief Executive to submit written representations to the Scottish Executive, on the basis detailed in the Report expressing the Comhairle’s concerns surrounding the issue of interposed leases and the legislation enacted in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
		The meeting was adjourned at 5.45pm. The meeting reconvened on Thursday 23 March 2006 at 9.00am when the following Members were found to be present
		Mr Archie K Campbell (Chairman)
		Mrs Annie MacDonald (Vice-Chairman)
		Mr John Mackay	Mr Angus McCormack
		Mr Alex A MacDonald	Mr Donald Macdonald
		Mr Norman L Macdonald	Mr Peter Carlin
		Mr Neil Campbell	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
		Mr Angus Campbell	Mr Donald Manford
The Crown Estate Review Working Group DS40.02	17	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the inter-authority Crown Estate Review Working Group.  The Report stated that the remit of the Group was to promote and develop the case for an appropriate constituted review of the contribution of the Crown Estate in Scotland to the delivery of Scottish Executive and Local Authority policies and to ensure that Scotland’s Crown Estate was managed more generally in the best interests of the people of Scotland. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the progress made to date by the Crown Estate Review Working Group; and (2) approve a contribution of up to £4k towards the associated costs of the Crown Estate Review Working Group on the basis outlined in paragraph 6.2 of the Report.
Stornoway Inner Harbour Regeneration DS02	18	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a potential project to regenerate Stornoway's inner harbour area through the provision of expanded marine facilities and related services.  The project would aim to attract additional and larger leisure vessels and would benefit local boat owners and improve the public realm around the inner harbour area.  The Report detailed proposals to undertake a joint Feasibility Study to ensure that the project was compatible with and complemented other planning and regeneration initiatives and projects. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve the draft Feasibility Study Brief circulated as an Appendix to the Report;
		(2) approve a contribution of one third of the costs of the Stornoway Inner Harbour Project Feasibility Study up to a maximum of £10k, with funding allocated on an equal share basis from the Economic Development (Industrial Promotion) and Ports of Entry budgets for 2006/07; (3) request that the Director for Sustainable Communities submit a Report to a future meeting detailing the outcomes of the Feasibility Study; and (4) authorise the Director of Technical Services to discuss the issues of the gate at Cromwell Street Quay with Stornoway Port Authority.
Lochboisdale Harbour Development T07.02	19	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to proposals to develop the harbour area at Lochboisdale.  The first phase of the project included the construction of a breakwater, creation of berthage for fisherman, construction of a second breakwater for development for a marina for leisure craft, reclamation of land around the inner harbour and the construction of an access road.  The Report stated that the development had been led by the local construction sector and would have the potential to bring significant economic benefit to a number of sectors. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) welcome the Lochboisdale Harbour Development Project; and (2) agree, in principle, to act as the lead body in relation to the preparation of funding applications for the development of the infrastructure elements of the Project.
Lochmaddy Harbour Feasibility Study T07.02	20	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a summary of Lochmaddy Harbour Feasibility Study which was undertaken by Arch Henderson and which had taken account of the aspirations of current users, the community and associated Groups.  The Study provided detail of the case for improvements and how they could be achieved. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle authorise the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Ionmhas and the Director for Sustainable Communities, to examine the means of progressing the Shealtragram – Eilean Phail option to project stage where costings were detailed and financial provision of identified.
Partnership Loans Guarantees	21	It was agreed to withdraw this item.
Broadband Television in the Outer Hebrides DS40.30	22	With reference to Item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 October 2005 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to proposals to develop a community based broadband television service.  The report stated that it was proposed to implement a twelve month pilot project that would act as a demonstrator of community broadband television for the Outer Hebrides.  The pilot would assist in assessing the implications and benefits of establishing a full scale project by providing a demonstration of the potential technology, content and users of the service. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the approach suggested for the Community Based Broadband Television Pilot Project; and (2) approve a contribution of £15,000 from the Industrial Promotion budget towards the Pilot, subject to confirmation of the remainder of the funding package from other sources.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of item 23 below 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 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
Future Delivery of Business Support Services DS40.33.242	23	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the future direction of the Comhairle’s Business Support Services.  The Report stated that, with the termination of external funding resources, it was proposed to continue the Comhairle’s Business Support Service and integrate the staff into the wider Economic Development Section.  This approach would allow a complementary approach with the services offered by Western Isles Enterprise and would ensure continuity of Comhairle services in a changing business environment. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the historical success of its Business Development Service and the findings of the recent independent evaluation of the Service; and (2) agree the recommendations detailed at para 11.1 to 11.4 of the Report subject to concurrent Reports to the Human Resources Sub-Committee and the Policy and Resources Committee on the consequential financial and staff resource implications.
		The Chairman declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item. The Vice-Chair chaired the meeting in respect of the following item.
Balivanich New Economic Development Unit	24	With reference to Item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 3 February 2005 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the proposed development of commercial units at Balivanich Development Estate.  The Report stated that during the ongoing planning process it had become clear that there was greater demand for units than had first been identified and the most appropriate option would be the construction of a larger building than the original two unit proposal.  The proposed building should be of sufficient scale to accommodate all expressed demand with a total of nine units incorporated into the build.  The Report further stated that the solution offered a local innovative approach to property development and would allow an opportunity for shared ancillary facilities which would reduce overall ongoing revenue costs for occupiers. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree: (1) to explore the construction of an economic development building on the Balivanich Commercial Development Estate in partnership with other organisations; (2) that a Brief and Plan for such a building be developed; and (3) that a further Report be brought to the Committee with specific construction and financial proposals.
Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) 2006 DS42	25	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the proposals to support the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme which aimed to place undergraduates into small or medium sized enterprises and community organisations. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) agree to allocate grant funding of £4325 towards the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) 2006 from the Student Summer Placement Programme on the condition that confirmation of STEP 06 going ahead was received by 16 June 2006; (2) agree to continue to support the Skillseekers Awards Ceremony; and (3) agree to retain the level of the Student Summer Placement Grant at £1,000 per student.
		TOURISM
Tourism Partnership Agreement and Funding for 2006/07 DS40.08	26	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the draft Partnership Agreement with VisitScotland for 2006/07.  The Report stated that the Partnership Agreement outlined the roles and responsibilities of each agency and identified activity and financial resources for completion of that activity. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the terms of the Minute of Agreement as approved by the Tourism Member/Officer Working Group; and (2) approve the funding of VisitScotland for the year 2006/07 as follows: · £104,000 for core activities from the Tourism Budget · £25,000 for the maintenance/development of VisitHebrides.com from the Marketing and Promotion budget.
Area Tourism Partnership Plan DS40.08	27	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the draft Area Tourism Partnership Plan 2006/09.  The Plan detailed the aims, objectives and targets for each of the participating organisations together with a timescale for completion.  The Report stated that the Plan would be used as the Strategic Plan for each of the participating organisations and would help to promote and develop tourism in the Outer Hebrides. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the successful completion of the Outer Hebrides Area Tourism Partnership Plan; and (2) endorse the Outer Hebrides Area Tourism Partnership Plan as the Comhairle’s Tourism Strategy for the period 2006-2009.
		COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Community Initiated Projects – Urras Eaglais Na H-Aoidhe DS40.31	28	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of an application for grant funding under the Comhairle’s Community Initiated Projects Scheme from Urras Eaglais Na H-Aoidhe for £20k towards the first phase of improvement works at Eaglais Na H-Aoidhe.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve funding of £20,000 to Urras Eaglais na h-Aoidhe from the Community Initiated Projects Scheme, subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being confirmed; and (2) authorise the Director of Technical Services to liaise with Urras Eaglais na h-Aoidhe in order to ensure that there was co-ordination between the works and the proposal to provide emergency access over the Braighe
Community Initiated Projects – Stornoway Angling Association DS02	29	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of an application for granting funding under the Comhairle’s Community Initiated Project from Stornoway Angling Association for funding towards the first phase of enhancement works around the Creed River, Stornoway.  The proposed works would include new planting, improved access for all abilities, provision of shelter and amenity facilities, links to sites of local heritage interest and an enhanced river regime to encourage use of the site to anglers. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve funding of £20,000 to Stornoway Angling Association from the Community Initiated Projects Scheme, subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being confirmed.
Exploring the Commercial Opportunities for the Stories and Tales of the Outer Hebrides AL03	30	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to proposals for a two year project which would work with local communities to develop products based on the stories and traditional tales of the Outer Hebrides. It was agreed to recommend insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned, that the Comhairle (1) agree to contribute £10k to the project during 2006/07, comprising £5k from Economic Development and £5k from the Gaelic Development Budget on the basis that all funding requested from other agencies was put in place, and that a detailed Project Plan was submitted to the Comhairle; and (2) agree in principle to contribute the same sum during the period 2007/2008, subject to a satisfactory Report to Members in March 2007 on the progress of the project.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	31	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports Outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.