COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 31 August 2005 at 2.00pm.

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

Welcome:  Dr Deborah Roberts		The Chairman welcomed Dr Deborah Roberts of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute to the Meeting and indicated that Dr Roberts would address the Committee in relation to the 2003 Regional Accounts Study.
Welcome:  Mr Stuart Bagshaw		The Chairman welcomed Mr Stuart Bagshaw to the meeting and indicated that Mr Bagshaw would address the Committee in relation to Stornoway Township Heritage Initiative.
Welcome:  Ms Isla Macdonald		The Chairman welcomed Ms Isla Macdonald to her first meeting of the Committee following her appointment as Research Officer.
Welcome:  Martyn Tulloch		The Chairman welcomed Mr Martyn Tulloch to his first meeting following his appointment as Head of Energy, Coastal Zones and Special Projects.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 15 June 2005	1	The Minute of Meeting of 15 June 2005 was approved.
Declaration of Interest	2	The Chairman declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of item 28.
		FINANCE
First Quarter Revenue Monitoring Report PR110.03	3	With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 2005 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle's Forecast Revenue Outturn for 2005/2006.  A summary of the financial performance to the end of June 2005 was appended to the Report and it was indicated that the forecast outturn at the end of the first quarter showed a net saving of £472k.
		It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the Report be approved insofar as the Committee’s interest were concerned namely that; (1) the Report be noted; (2) the 2004/2005 Social Work overspend of £135k be funded from balances; (3) the Director of Social Work be required, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to bring forward a detailed analysis of the Social Work budgets and performance to the October meeting of the Social Work Committee to enable the Committee to consider options for controlling the Social Work budget; (4) £70k be added to the match funding for the OFTTI Project should the HISTP bid be successful; and (5) the use of the 2004/2005 Ionmhas carry forward for external audit fees be approved.
First Quarter Capital Monitoring Report PR110.03	4	With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 2005 the Director of Finance submitted a Report which provided an update on the progress of the Capital Programme as at 30 June 2005.  It was indicated in the Report that in 2005/06 Prudential Borrowing of £488k had been approved to date and a breakdown of this was detailed at Appendix 1 to the Report. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned namely that: (1) the Revised Programme for 2005/2006 be approved; (2) it be noted that the Director of Finance was developing an improved system for monitoring; and (3) Directors be required to highlight to the Comhairle, as part of the second quarter monitoring, any anticipated difficulties in delivering projects.
Efficiency Savings PR100.01	5	The Director of Finance submitted a Report which sought approval of the proposals submitted as part of the initial efficiencies exercise for 2005/06 and subsequent years.  Details of efficiency savings identified from 2005/06 onwards by most Departments were detailed at Appendix A to the Report.  It was indicated that savings of £280k in 2005/06 and a recurring saving of £463k were created as a result of the efficiency savings identified by Departments. It was agreed to recommend that the Efficiency Savings detailed in Appendix 1 to the Report be approved, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
		PRESENTATION
2003 Regional Accounts Study DS40.01.02	6	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the outcome of the 2003 Regional Accounts Study which provided a detailed insight into the economic make-up of the Western Isles.  The Report stated that Dr Deborah Roberts, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute had been commissioned to undertake the study.  Dr Roberts gave a presentation detailing the output of the study and Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions of Dr Roberts. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) welcome the completion of the 2003 Western Isles Regional Accounts Study; and (2) disseminate results of the Study to relevant contacts and key partners.
Township Heritage Initiative, Stornoway DS61.08.02	7	With reference to item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of the Sustainable Development Committee of 31 August 2005 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to progress being made with the Stage 2 bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in connection with the Township Heritage Initiative, Stornoway. It was stated in the Report that a Township Heritage Initiative could only be approved in a Conservation Area, or an Area that was about to be declared a Conservation Area, and that as the Stornoway Outstanding Conservation Area was fairly extensive it was considered, in submitting the Stage 1 bid that a smaller area should be selected.  Details of the preparatory work associated with the preparation of the Stage 2 bid were given in the Report namely; · economic appraisal/strategy in Stornoway; · building condition survey of buildings in the “focus area”; · heritage background survey for the Outstanding Conservation Area; · public realm survey in and adjacent to the “focus area”; · community involvement strategy; town wide; · conservation area management plan for the Outstanding Conservation Area; · bringing together other previous and ongoing feasibility studies, such as the Stornoway Town Hall, Lews Castle and the former industrial female school; · conservation skills development plan, town wide; and · an action plan and partnership document for the Townscape Heritage Initiative; The Report concluded that the Townscape Heritage Initiative was a complex project, which had a potential value of £2.2 million and that this sum represented a potentially significant boost to the regeneration of the Centre of Stornoway, together with the surrounding areas. It was agreed to recommend insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned that the Comhairle approve the Stage Two bid in relation to the Township Heritage Initiative as presented and that: (1) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised, in consultation with the Chairman of Sustainable Development Committee, the Chairman of Environmental Services Committee, the Director of Finance and the Director of Corporate Services to submit the final Stage Two bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to meet the timetable of 18 October 2005; (2) the finalised Conservation Area Management Plan be submitted for consideration to the next available Committee series; (3) a proposal for an Article 4 Direction be considered by the Environmental Services Committee at a future meeting; and (4) a bid to the Capital Programme beyond 2008 would be considered by the Comhairle at the appropriate time.

		RENEWABLE ENERGY
Hydrogen Energy Innovation Zone Project PER DS61.18	8	With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 2005 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval for phase 1 of the Hydrogen Energy Innovation Zone Project as part of the implementation of the Outer Hebrides Hydrogen Strategy.  The long term aim of the Project was to establish a hydrogen infrastructure and skills base to enable local capacity building for the long term transition to a hydrogen economy. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the Hydrogen Energy Innovation Zone Project Phase 1 as outlined for inclusion in the 2004-08 Capital Programme in line with the Project Evaluation Report at Appendix 1 to the Report.
		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.
Request for Financial Assistance DS61.19	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to an application for financial assistance from Tong Recreation Association to support the introduction of renewable energy systems at Tong Community Hall.  The system to be installed would include a ground source heat pump, supported by a solar thermal panel and photovoltaic panel and these technologies would be supported by a range of insulation measures to ensure efficiency and the reduction of energy losses. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle provide financial assistance of £27,400 to Tong Recreation Association to support the introduction of renewable energy systems at Tong Community Centre.
Microgeneration Strategy and Low Carbon Buildings Programme – DTI Consultation Document DS40	10	The Chief Executive submitted a Report in relation to a consultation document from the Department of Trade and Industry in relation to the Microgeneration Strategy and Low Carbon Buildings Programme.  The consultation document sought views on the potential of microgeneration to meet the goals of energy policy and on ways of making the best possible use of existing and new technologies. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of Sustainable Development Committee, to submit a response to the DTI Consultation Document ‘Microgeneration Strategy and Low Carbon Buildings Programme’.
Adjusting Transmission Charges for Renewable Generators in the North of Scotland DS61.19	11	The Chief Executive submitted a Report in relation to a consultation document from the Department of Trade and Industry in relation to the adjusting of transmission charges for renewable energy generators in the North of Scotland.  The Report highlighted the implications for renewable generation in the Western Isles with the introduction of an adjustment scheme.  The Report detailed a proposed response to the Consultation Document on behalf of the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of Sustainable Development Committee, be authorised to submit a response to the DTI Consultation Document ‘Adjusting Transmission Charges for Renewable Generators in the North of Scotland’, based on the comments set out in Sections 5, 6 and 7 of the Report and to make any necessary arrangements to that end.
Transmission Price Control Review of OfGEM Consultation Document DS20	12	The Chief Executive submitted a Report in relation to a consultation document from the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OfGEM) inviting comments on the objectives for the transmission price control review, the key issues to be addressed, the approaches to be used in resolving these issues and the forward work plan for the review.  The Report detailed a proposed response to the consultation document on behalf of the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of Sustainable Development Committee, be authorised to submit a response to the OfGEM Consultation Document ‘Transmission Price Control Review – Initial Consultation’, based on the comments set out in Section 5 of the Report and to make any necessary arrangements to that end.
Regulation of Offshore Electricity Transmission DS20	13	The Chief Executive submitted a Report in relation to a consultation on the regulation of offshore electricity transmission being conducted by DTI/OfGEM.  The consultation sought views on a range of high level options for the regulation of offshore electricity transmission and stated that these views would be taken into account in establishing the broad regulatory approach which would be subject to a further consultation process.  The Report detailed a proposed response on behalf of the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of Sustainable Development Committee, be authorised to submit a response to the DTI/OfGEM Joint Consultation Document ‘Development of a Regulatory Regime for Offshore Electricity Transmission’, based on the comments set out in Section 5 of the Report and to make any necessary arrangements to that end.
CPMR Working Group on Energy:  19/20 September 2005, Truro, Cornwall DS61.18	14	The Chief Executive submitted a Report in relation to the CPMR Working Group on Energy that was being held in Truro, Cornwall on 19 and 20 September 2005.  The Seminar would deal with how to reconcile the development of renewable energies with other pressing economic, social and environmental concerns.  There would be an opportunity for participating regions to share experience in best practice with regard to the development of renewables. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) be represented at the CPMR Working Group on Energy Seminar to be held in Truro on 19/20 September 2005; and (2) authorise the Vice-Convener to represent the Comhairle at the Seminar.
		BIODIVERSITY AND COUNTRYSIDE
Establishment and Management of Local Nature Conservation Site Systems – Consultation DS61.01	15	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a consultation on the draft guidance on the establishment and management of Local Nature Conservation Sites (LNCS).  A review of the current status of the LNCS system found that, although there was a common set of purposes retained by all local site systems, there was variation in the criteria used to define important and additional purposes applied in some areas.  The new guidance would establish a national standard of criteria to follow.  The Report detailed a draft response to the consultation on behalf of the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the introduction of a single purpose for Local Nature Conservation Site systems and a National Standard Framework; and (2) respond on the basis of paragraphs 5.1 to 5.9 of the Report.
Implementation of Part 1 Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 DS63	16	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the implementation of Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.  The Act states that it is the duty of Local Authorities to uphold access rights, to prepare core paths plans and to manage access.  The Report detailed a methodology for dealing with issues to continue the process of implementing the Act.  To date issues which have arisen have been resolved through the use of mediation and compromise but it was inevitable that the powers contained within the Land Reform Act would need to be invoked in order to resolve issues where other methods have not succeeded. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the proposed measures to implement Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 as set out at Appendices 1 and 2 to the Report
Establishment and Management of Local Nature Conservation Site Systems – Consultation DS61.01	17	The Chairman sought and obtained the Committee’s approval to withdraw this item.
Mink Project DS40.02.22A	18	With reference to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 3 February 2005 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the Hebridean Mink Project.  Progress towards the removal of mink from North Uist and Benbecula had been steady with trapping data suggesting a high probability of success.  The Report stated that the Project Team had taken forward work plans for a second phase of the Hebridean Mink Project that would cover all of Lewis and Harris and would aim to complete the eradication of mink from the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) support a contribution of £100k (over 2007/08 to 2011/12) towards a Hebridean Mink Phase Two Life Bid at the current annual level of £20k; (2) request that the Director for Sustainable Communities seek appropriate officer representation on any future project advisory group; and (3) authorise the Director of Corporate Services to conclude the legal ‘Minute of Agreement’ with SNH in respect of co-financing of the project.
		DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Planning White Paper DS20	19	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's response to the Scottish Executive Consultation on its White Paper: “Modernising the Planning System”.  The Report intimated that the White Paper set out proposed changes to Scotland’s planning system and recognised the central role of planning in the delivery of a sustainable pattern of economic growth supported by essential new homes, infrastructure and community facilities, whilst protecting Scotland’s most important heritage assets.  It was further stated in the Report that the White Paper generally provided a more effective, efficient and inclusive planning system and set out a welcome balance between the importance of local communities and democratic control, while setting a framework that clearly outlined national priorities. The Report emphasised that there were a number of concerns over the administration of local appeals and the transfer of responsibility for neighbour notifications from applicants to planning authorities and it was further intimated that the extension of marine planning powers did not form part of the White Paper’s proposals.  The Report highlighted that the key objectives of the White Paper included:
		(1) placing development plans firmly at the heart of the planning system; (2) ensuring that the planning system was ’fit for purpose’; (3) encouraging greater efficiency; (4) making the planning system more inclusive; (5) reforming the appeal system; (6) encouraging the effective use of existing enforcement powers; and (7) promoting sustainable development. The Report included a detailed commentary on the proposals contained within the White Paper and concluded that the Comhairle as planning authority should respond to the Scottish Executive on its White Paper   ‘Modernising the Planning System’, on the basis detailed at Appendix 1 to the Report. It was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that Appendix 1 should form the basis of the response to the Scottish Executive in respect of the Consultation Document, insofar as the interests of the Committee were concerned.
		COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Community Initiated Projects – Benbecula Community Association AL03.01	20	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a request for grant funding under the Comhairle's Community Initiated Projects Scheme from Benbecula Community Association. Consultation with the local community had demonstrated significant demand for premises that could be utilised by people of all ages for a range of community activities. The funding would support the construction of a multi-use building in Balivanich by the Community Association. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve funding of £20,000 to Benbecula Community Centre from the Community Initiated Projects Scheme, subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being confirmed.
Community Initiated Projects – Western Isles Motorcross Club AL03.01	21	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a request for grant funding under the Comhairle's Community Initiated Projects Scheme from the Western Isles Motorcross Club.  The funding would support the construction of an off-road motorcross/quad track adjacent to the karting centre on the outskirts of Stornoway.  The track would be available to potential users such as mountain bike riders and employers who were required to train their employees in the use of quad bikes. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve funding of £17,000 to Western Isles Motorcross Club from the Community Initiated Projects Scheme, subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being confirmed.
		BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress PR33.01.12	22	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of Sustainable Development properties. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.

		ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
		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 a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office holder, or former office holder, or an applicant to become an office holder of the Comhairle
Business Advantage DS40.82	23	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the Business Advantage Service.  Business Advantage provided business development assistance through packages of advice, support and finance and was due to terminate in 2006.  The Report proposed that work would be undertaken to explore the most appropriate mechanism to mainstream the Business Advantage Service and would include identifying the future configuration for the Service, achieving permanent staffing and identifying internal and external funding opportunities. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle endorse the strategic goal of “mainstreaming” the Business Advantage Service.
		It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, 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 Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
Community Fishing Quota Scheme – Project Evaluation Report DS40.04.49	24	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to proposals to establish a Community Fishing Quota Scheme for the Western Isles.  The Report proposed that the Comhairle would buy quota through an appropriate Producer Organisation who would hold and manage that quota on behalf of the Comhairle.  The Producer Organisation would be responsible for negotiating the purchase of quota, managing the quota in accordance with UK Fishery Department rules, leasing quota to appropriate parties and ensuring that the Comhairle optimised the return of its quota holding. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve the Project Evaluation Report attached to the Report and agree to the transfer of this project from the Provisional Capital Programme for 2004-08 to the Capital Programme; (2) agree to purchase West of Scotland Nephrops Fixed Quota Allocation (FQA) through Orkney Fish Producers Organisation in the first instance on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, shall deem appropriate including, for the avoidance of doubt, appropriate economic linkage conditions and any arrangements with a Quota Trading Company; (3) agree that the net income from the operation of the scheme be used to fund the Capital Programme; and (4) authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Community Fishing Quota Scheme Member/Officer Working Group, to monitor the operation of the scheme and report back to the Sustainable Development and Policy and Resources Committees in December 2006 evaluating the operation of the scheme in economic development and financial terms.

		CROFTING
Greylag Goose Census:  Lewis and Harris DS40.02	25	With reference to item 20 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 2005 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the greylag goose census for Lewis and Harris.  The Report indicated that a Goose Management Group had been operating in the Uists since 1990 and that the number of greylag geese in Lewis and Harris appeared to be on the increase with numbers estimated to be between 2000 – 3000.  It was intended that a Greylag Goose Survey would be undertaken throughout North West Scotland during Spring 2006 and this updated count would give a clearer picture of the overall numbers present in Lewis and Harris. It was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that: (1) Lewis and Harris should participate in the anticipated Greylag Goose Survey in Spring 2006; and (2) if considered appropriate, a Lewis and Harris Goose Management Group similar to the Uists model, be established.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding:  Progress PR33.01.12	26	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.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
		The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 50(B)4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended, the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Comhairle to take a view on the matter.
Community Initiated Projects DS40.01.02	27	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a request for grant funding under the Comhairle's Community Initiated Project Scheme from Cothrom Ltd.  The funding would support the construction of a purpose built learning centre in the Middle District of South Uist.  The centre would house a range of facilities including a nursery, training suites, a practical skills workshop and administrative offices. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve funding of £40,000 to Cothrom Ltd from the Community Initiated Projects Scheme, subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being confirmed; and (2) approve funding of £10,000 to Cothrom Ltd from the Industrial Promotion budget, subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being confirmed.
		The Chairman declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.  The Vice-Chairman chaired the meeting for the following item.
		The Vice-Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 50(B)4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended, the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Comhairle to take a view on the matter.
Community Initiated Projects DS40.01.02	28	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a request for grant funding under the Comhairle's Community Initiated Project Scheme from Urachadh Uibhist.  The funding would support the construction of an extension to the existing Claddach Kirkibost Centre North Uist.  The Centre was a hub for social, economic, cultural and educational activities but the size of the current building was restricting the development of further activities at the centre. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve funding of £20,000 to Urachadh Uibhist from the Community Initiated Projects Scheme, subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being confirmed.