|
Welcome:
Miss Sarah Maclean
|
|
The Chairman welcomed Miss Sarah Maclean to
her first meeting of the Committee following her appointment as Community
Support Officer.
|
|
|
Welcome:
Mr Stephen Liddle
|
|
The Chairman welcomed Mr Stephen Liddle to
his first meeting of the Committee following his appointment as Woodland
Project Officer.
|
|
|
|
|
MINUTES
|
|
|
Minute of
Meeting of 21 April 2004
|
1
|
The Minute of
Meeting of 21 April 2004 was approved.
|
|
|
|
|
FINANCE
|
|
|
Use of
Year End Surplus within Sustainable Communities
PR100.01
|
2
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the use of revenue
funds carried forward from 2003/04 in the Sustainable Communities portfolio
of services. It was indicated that the unallocated combined sums carried
forward were £93k. The allocation of funds carried forward from 2003/04 was
detailed in the Report.
It was agreed to recommend, insofar as
the Committee’s interests were concerned that the Comhairle approve the
allocation of revenue funds carried forward from the financial year 2003/04
from the combined budgets for the Department for Sustainable Communities to
the services detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report.
|
|
|
|
|
BIODIVERSITY
AND COUNTRYSIDE
|
|
|
Core
Paths Network
T12.67
|
3
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the Core Path
Network Scheme. The Scheme would support the preparation of a Core Paths
Plan and begin the upgrading of paths in the Western Isles to an acceptable
standard in preparation for the designation of a formal Core Path Network.
Projects would be carried out following local consultation and would include
the provision of signage and improved access arrangements and would aim to
resolve access problems and opportunities in advance of designating the Core
Path Network.
|
|
|
|
|
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve:
(1)
the Scheme of Administration as
detailed in the Report; and
(2)
the inclusion of the project “Core
Paths Network” in the Capital Programme 2004-08 in line with the Project
Evaluation Report at Appendix 1.
|
|
|
Scotland Marine Environment Consultation
DS63
|
4
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response
from the Comhairle to the Scottish Executive’s consultation on a “Strategic
Framework for Scotland’s Marine Environment”. The consultation document set
out a draft vision for Scotland’s Marine Environment which would provide for
full stakeholder participation in devising appropriate management strategies;
establish a clear vision and objectives for the quality and sustainable
development of our seas; provide the strategic link between the anticipated
outputs and form the policy basis for Scotland’s input to wider UK, EU and
international developments.
It was
agreed to recommend that Appendix 3 of the Report forms the basis of the
Comhairle’s response to the Scottish Executive’s consultation on a “Strategic
Framework for Scotland’s Marine Environment”.
|
|
|
|
|
DEVELOPMENT
PLANS
|
|
|
Western
Isles Local Plan
DS24.01
|
5
|
With reference
to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 October 2002 the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a new approach to development
planning in the Western Isles including a move to a single island wide local
plan. The Western Isles Structure Plan was approved by the Scottish
Executive in December 2003 and provided a strategic framework upon which the
local plan could now build detailed land use policy guidance to help meet the
needs and priorities of the Western Isles community.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle agrees to undertake the preparation of a Western Isles Local Plan
and that issues in paragraph 8.1 – 8.4 and Appendix 1 of the Report are used
as a basis for stakeholder consultations.
|
|
|
Making
Development Plans Deliver: Scottish Executive Consultation
DS24.01
|
6
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Scottish Executive’s
consultation document “Making Development Plans Deliver”. The consultation
paper had been produced as part of a review process to modernise and improve
development planning and included measures to speed up the process with
better management and delivery focus, to provide more effective consultation
with early key stakeholder engagement, shorten plan content and target key
spatial issues. The Report detailed a draft response on behalf of the
Comhairle.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
generally welcomes the measures
suggested in the Consultation Paper and forwards Appendix 1 as the basis of
its response to the Scottish Executive; and
(2)
authorise the Director for Sustainable
Communities to discuss with the Scottish Executive any support available to
improve Development Plan delivery to meet Western Isles needs.
|
|
|
|
|
RENEWABLE
ENERGY
|
|
|
Community
Benefit: Western Isles Community Wellbeing Trust
DS61.19
|
7
|
The Chief
Executive submitted a Report detailing progress with the work of the Alternative
and Renewable Energy Development Member/Officer Working Group in respect of
community benefit.
It was agreed to defer further
consideration of this matter until after the Windfarm Development Seminar on
23 June 2004.
|
|
|
Landscape
Capacity Study – Wind Energy
DS61.19
|
8
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the findings of the
Landscape Capacity Study for onshore wind energy development in the Western
Isles. The study had been commissioned by SNH, on behalf of the Western
Isles Alternative and Renewable Energy Partnership and would add a range of
tools available for use when evaluating wind energy proposals.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
support the use of the Landscape
Capacity Study as part of the range of documentation for private sector
developers and public sector organisations alike when considering landscape
impacts of wind energy developments; and
(2)
support WIAREP in making the findings
of the study publicly available.
|
|
|
Renewable and Alternative Energy Support
Fund
DS61.19
|
9
|
The Chief
Executive and the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a joint
Report detailing proposals for renewable energy projects in order to initiate
activities to encourage community take up of renewable energy. The Report
indicated that there was provision in the Capital Programme 2003/06 and the
Conditional Capital Programme 2004/08 and these financial allocations would
assist delivery of a Comhairle Sustainable Energy Project Fund; purchase of
second hand wind turbines for demonstration purposes; a Sustainable Energy
Project Fund and Community Renewable Support Fund.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle agrees the Community Renewables Support Fund Scheme of
Administration as set out in Appendix 1 and remits the Scheme of Delegation
to the Director for Sustainable Communities accordingly.
|
|
|
|
|
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
|
|
|
|
|
Mr Norman A
Macdonald declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of
the following item.
|
|
|
Partnership
Loan Guarantees – Funding Requirements
DS40.82
|
10
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to Comhairle loan
guarantees. The Comhairle currently provided a guarantee to the Royal Bank
of Scotland to support two loan schemes – the Fisheries Loan Scheme and the
Business Loan Scheme. The loan schemes were operated in partnership with
Western Isles Enterprise and the Western Isles Fisherman’s Association. The
current global guarantee limit was about to be fully utilised and it was proposed
to explore options to identify additional resources which would enable these
successful business development schemes to continue.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
is supportive of the continuation of
both the Business and Fisheries Loan Schemes; and
(2)
authorises the Directors for
Sustainable Communities and Finance to bring forward proposals for the future
funding of Loan Scheme Global Guarantees to a future Meeting.
|
|
|
|
|
It was agreed
that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information as
defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act
1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or
business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
|
|
|
Consumer
Direct Scotland – Progress Report
CH02.01.12
|
11
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the
implementation phase of the Consumer Direct Project. The Report detailed the
decisions taken under delegation and indicated that a Consumer Direct
“Champion” has been appointed on a part time consultancy basis, supported by
the project team and this would underpin the efficient implementation of the
project.
It was agreed to recommend, insofar
as the Committee’s interests were concerned, that the Comhairle:
(1)
notes the current progress of the
implementation of the Consumer Direct Scotland Project;
(2)
notes the action taken under delegation
by the Director for Sustainable Communities, as detailed in the Report; and
(3)
approves the continued involvement of
the Head of Health and Consumer Services in supporting the role of Consumer
Direct Champion, subject to a further Report to the next Environmental Services
Committee on the impact this will have on his other responsibilities.
|
|
Consultation on Co-operative
Development Agency
DS40.01.02
|
12
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Scottish
Executive’s consultation on the proposals to set up a new Co-operative
Development Agency to promote the ethos of co-operation in business and
community affairs, to help develop those Co-ops already in existence and to
increase the number of Co-ops in Scotland. A proposed response to the
consultation was detailed in the Report.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
welcomes the opportunity to respond to
the proposal by the Scottish Executive to set up a Co-operative Development
Agency; and
(2)
responds on the basis of Appendix 1.
|
|
|
Creating
Communities of the Future
DS40.01.02
|
13
|
With reference
to item 22 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 April 2004 the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the
implementation of Creating Communities of the Future. The Creating
Communities of the Future Strategy was a shared inter-agency vision for the
regeneration of the Western Isles and had been launched in 2002. The
Strategy was being revised in the light of achievements and changes since the
initial launch of the document, based on six inter-related economic drivers
which would secure private/public sector investment leading to a cascade of
related developments.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle approves the first draft of the revised Creating Communities of the
Future Strategy.
|
|
|
|
|
COMMUNITY
SUPPORT
|
|
|
Matching
Funds for Community Initiated Projects
DS40.01.02
|
14
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking to initiate a new
programme of activity to encourage and stimulate community based economic
development. The provision of match funding for community initiated projects
would be utilised to support projects which would assist fragile communities
in the future through the generation of sustainable, social and economic
opportunities. The fund would integrate with and be complementary to other
Comhairle funding streams and eligible projects would revolve around
community capacity building, community infrastructure and enhancing local
resources.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Scheme of Administration outlined in Appendix 1 be approved and that the
Scheme of Delegation be amended to authorise the Director for Sustainable
Communities to administer the Scheme in accordance with the said Scheme of
Administration.
|
|
|
Western
Isles Credit Union
PR43.01
|
15
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals for the
establishment of a Western Isles Credit Union. A feasibility study conducted
by the Association of British Credit Unions Limited was undertaken in
relation to the establishment of a local Credit Union. Based on the Study a
successful grant application was made to the Scottish Executive and
successful applications for match funding have also been made to Western
Isles Enterprise and the LEADER+ Programme. The Report detailed project
funding to allow implementation to be progressed and identified a timetable
for key tasks to be completed.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
notes the Credit Union implementation
plan;
(2)
supports the establishment of a
Multi-Agency Steering Group, chaired by the Chairman of Sustainable
Development; and
(3)
approves Sustainable Development
Committee as the Service Committee with responsibility for the Credit Union
|
|
|
Sponsored
Student Scheme Proposal
DS01
|
16
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals to include
a measure for a sponsored student within the Apprenticeship and Enterprise
Scheme. The Scheme was designed to support young people acquiring a trade or
professional qualification and the Report proposed that the Comhairle pilot a
Sponsored Student Scheme by offering sponsorship to a student wishing to
study for a degree in Environmental Health.
It was
agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned that
the Comhairle:
(1)
agrees, in principle, that the
Apprenticeship & Enterprise Scheme will support University study and
other non SVQ industry approved apprenticeship/professional routes in
addition to Modern Apprenticeships & SVQ Level III’s;
(2)
pilot a University Sponsorship Scheme
for a young person studying to become an Environmental Health Officer; and
(3)
agrees, in principle, to support the
private sector, in partnership with Western Isles Enterprise, in providing
non SVQ industry approved apprenticeships.
|
|
|
|
|
ARCHAELOLOGY
|
|
|
Protecting
Our Marine Historic Environment: Historic Scotland Consultation
AL09.01.15
|
17
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Historic
Scotland Consultation Document – “Protecting Our Marine Historic
Environment: Making the System Work Better”. The Report detailed a proposed
response from the Comhairle to the Consultation Document.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle approves the proposed response to Historic Scotland’s consultation as shown in Appendix 2.
|
|
|
|
|
TOURISM
|
|
Comhairle Policy on Tourism
DS40.08
|
18
|
The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report seeking the establishment of a Member/Officer Working
Group to prepare for a meeting with the Scottish Executive and VisitScotland
in relation to tourism services. The Report proposed that the Working Group
would also develop a Tourism Policy for the Comhairle.
|
|
|
|
It was
agreed to recommend that
(1)
a Member/Officer Working Group be established
to prepare and meet with the Scottish Executive and VisitScotland and that
this Group also takes forward and formulates a tourism policy for the
Comhairle which defines the Comhairle stance on tourism and evaluates the
best use of Comhairle funds in a strategic way;
(2)
the Comhairle authorises the
Member/Officer Working Group to formulate the Comhairle's response to the
draft Scottish Statutory Instruments to wind up the existing Area Tourist
Boards;
(3)
the Comhairle representatives on the
Western Isles Tourist Board be appointed to the Member/Officer Working Group;
and
(4)
officer representation on the
Member/Officer Working Group be delegated to the Chief Executive.
|
|
|
|
FISHING
|
|
Strategic
Review of Inshore Fisheries
DS40.04.49
|
19
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Scottish
Executive’s strategic review of the management of inshore fisheries, Scotland. The key proposals of interest within the consultation document were detailed and
the Report indicated that the proposals marked a significant move toward more
local influence on management priorities and measures.
It was
recommend that the Comhairle seeks the views of the Fisheries JCC on the
current SEERAD consultation paper on the Strategic Review of Inshore Fisheries
with a view to considering the Comhairle's response at the next Meeting.
|
|
Marine
Resources – Sustainable Development Programme 2004/05
DS40.04.40
|
20
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning projects and
specific grants to be funded from the Marine Resources Development Programme
2004/05. The main focus of the programme in recent years has been
acquaculture and fresh water fisheries and it was proposed to continue this
in 2004/05. The Comhairle was working closely with the acquaculture industry
in order to safeguard long term employment and has assisted the development
of fresh water fisheries through the Western Isles Fisheries Trust.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle approves the Marine Resources Development Programme proposals for
2004/05 and the specific grants as detailed in the Report.
|
|
Fisheries
Piers and Marine Access Programme 2004 – 2008
T07.02
|
21
|
The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report concerning the Fishery Piers and Marine Access Programme
2004/08. Funding of £600k had been identified within the Capital Programme
2004/08 for the Programme. The Report detailed proposals for fishery related
projects and identified a need for improving facilities for leisure and
general community marine access. In order to assist the provision of leisure
related facilities, a Community Marine Access Scheme would be established and
would provide grants of up to £50k for community led projects. The provision
of pontoon berthing at Leverburgh and alleviating congestion at Kallin Harbour had been identified as priorities and the scope for funding other fishery
projects within the programme would become clearer once these projects had
been finalised.
It was
agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that:
(1)
a Community Marine Access Scheme be
established to provide match-funding for community marine access projects;
(2)
funding of £150k be allocated to the
Scheme from the Fishery Piers and Marine Access Programme 2004-08; and
|
|
|
|
(3)
the Scheme of Administration detailed
in the Report for the Community Marine Access Scheme be approved.
|
|
|
|
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 9 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.
|
|
Acarsaid and
Leverburgh Fishery Piers and Kallin Harbour Feasibility Studies
T07.02
|
22
|
The Director
of Technical Service submitted a Report seeking to commission a study
investigating the feasibility of providing appropriate landing/berthing
facilities at Acarsaid and Leverburgh fishery piers and Kallin harbour.
Studies had been carried out by Arch Henderson in relation to the provision
of pontoon landing/berthing facilities at Acarsaid and Leverburgh fishery
piers but various developments at these locations now required the original
studies to be reviewed. It was also necessary to carry out an appraisal of
the options relating to Kallin harbour and the Report proposed the
reappointment of Arch Henderson to undertake these studies in light of their
considerable previous experience in marine and pier related developments in
the Western Isles.
It was
agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that:
(1)
this work be not tendered for the
reasons set out in paras 7.4 and 7.5 of the Report; and
(2)
the Director of Corporate Services be
authorised, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, to
appoint Arch Henderson to review and update the studies relating to Acarsaid
and Leverburgh Piers and to investigate options and make recommendations
relating to the provision of additional landing/berthing facilities at Kallin
Harbour.
|
|
|
|
CROFTING
|
|
|
CAP Reform: Cross Compliance
DS40.02
|
23
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the consultation on
the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. The details of the reformed
Common Agricultural Policy were outlined. Under the new regime, producers in
receipt of subsidy would have responsibilities towards the environment,
animal welfare and public health and would have to observe certain conditions
in return for subsidy. The Report indicated that the deadline for receipt of
comments on the consultation had passed and the response sent on behalf of
the Comhairle was detailed.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle notes the response to the Consultation
|
|
|
|
PERFORMANCE
MONITORING
|
|
Reports
Outstanding: Progress
PR33.01.12
|
24
|
The 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.
|
|
|
|
The meeting
was adjourned at 4.20pm.
The meeting reconvened on Wednesday 23 June
2004 at 1.10pm and the following Members were found to be present;
|
|
|
|
Mr Archie
Campbell (Chairman)
|
|
|
|
Mrs Annie
Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)
|
|
|
|
Miss Samantha
E L Hawkins
|
Mr Angus
McCormack
|
|
|
Mr John Mackay
|
Mr Alexander M
Mackintosh
|
|
|
Mr Alex A
MacDonald
|
Mr Donald
Macdonald
|
|
|
Mr Norman A
Macdonald
|
Mr Donald
Maclean
|
|
|
Mr Neil
Campbell
|
Mr Peter
Carlin
|
|
|
Mr Angus
Campbell
|
Mr Ronald J
Mackinnon
|
Community
Benefit: Western Isles Community Well Being Trust
|
25
|
The Chief
Executive submitted a Report detailing the work of Alternative and Renewable
Energy Development Member/Officer Working Group in respect of Community
Benefit.
It was
agreed to recommend that:
(1) membership of the Western Isles
Development Trust would be as follows:
Nominated Members
CNES 5
WIAREP 1
WICPP 1
Community Councils 3
SCF 1
Ordinary Member 1
12
(2)
the Comhairle appoint two Members to
the Western Isles Development Trust in addition to the Convener,
Vice-Convener and Chair of Sustainable Development.
(3)
notification of meetings of the
Alternative and Renewable Energy Development Member/Officer Working Group
would go to all members
(4)
the Chief Executive would arrange for
regular updates in respect of renewal energy developments to be placed in
community newspapers.
(5)
the Chief Executive would provide
regular updates to members in relation to renewable energy developments and
regular informal seminars would be held.
(6)
the Director of Corporate Services
would submit a report to a future meeting in relation to the Western Isles
Charitable Trust following clarification from the Inland Revenue.
(7)
Samantha Hawkins, Roddy Morrison, John
Mackay and Iain Morrison be invited to attend the next meeting of the
Alternative and Renewable Energy Development Member/Officer Working Group.
(8)
the Alternative and Renewable Energy
Development MOWG would remain the lead Comhairle body in relation to the
alternative and renewable energy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|