COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on 23 August 2006 at 2.00pm  

 

PRESENT

Mr Archie K Campbell (Chairman)

 

 

Mrs Annie MacDonald (Vice-Chairman)

 

 

Mrs Annie Macsween

 

 

Mr John Mackay

Mr Donald Macdonald

 

Mr Alex A MacDonald

Mr Donald Maclean

 

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Peter Carlin

 

Mr Neil Campbell

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

 

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Donald Manford

 

 

 

APOLOGIES

Mr Angus McCormack

Mr Alexander M Mackintosh

 

 

 

 

MINUTES

 

Sustainable Development Committee

 

 

1

The Minute of Meeting of 14 June 2006 was approved.

 

Declaration of Interest

 

 

 

Mr Neil Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of item 11.

 

Mrs Annie MacSween declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of item 5.

 

Mr Angus Campbell and Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of item 14.

 

 

 

 

FINANCE

 

General Fund Revenue Monitoring

PR110.05

 

2

With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 June 2006 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle’s Forecast Revenue Outturn for 2006/07.  The Report provided a summary of the financial performance to the end of June 2006 and indicated that the forecast outturn at the end of the first quarter showed a net overspend of £681K.

 

It was agreed to recommend that, in so far as the Committee’s interests were concerned, the Comhairle:

 

(1)                 note the report; and

 

(2)                 require the Director of Social Work and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to report to the October series of meetings on options to bring their budgets back into balance during this financial year.

 

 

General Fund  Capital Monitoring

PR100.03

 

3

With reference to Item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 June 2006 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the forecast outcome for the Comhairle’s Capital Programme as at June 2006.  The Report stated that forecast capital expenditure in 2006/07 was expected to be £31.6 million and, if this level of expenditure were to be achieved it would require the acceleration of resources from 2007/08 as it was £3.8 million above available resources.

 

It was agreed to recommend that, in so far as the Committee’s interests were concerned, the Comhairle approve the Forecast Out-turn as the Revised Approved Programme for 2006/07 and specifically approve:

 

(1)         in the Education Capital Programme, slippage of £837k, including:

£209k in the Boiler Plant Replacement Programme

£50k in the Schools Accessibility Programme

£100k in the Water Services Improvement Programme

£53k in the Window Replacement Programme

£83k in the Toilet Improvement Programme

£67k for Energy Improvements in Sir E Scott School

£100k for Structural Improvements to Schools

£50k for Traffic Management

£60k for HORSA Replacement

£65k for Safer School Playgrounds;

 

(2)         in the Environmental Services Capital Programme, acceleration of £22k in the ACE grant scheme;

 

(3)         in the Transportation Capital Programme, acceleration of £263k in the Spinal Route project and £3k for Amenity lighting; slippage of £529k for work on the North Ford Causeway and £110k on Alternative Energy Projects;

 

(4)         in the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme, slippage of £87k for work at Lews Castle and £60k for work to play areas; and

 

(5)         in the Policy and Resources Capital Programme, slippage of £61k in work to the Comhairle Offices.

 

 

Repairs and Maintenance Revenue Programme

PR33.01.12

 

4

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development account to 30 June 2006.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.

 

 

 

 

PRESENTATION

 

Hebridean Connections: Phase 2

AL09.02

 

5

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to Hebridean Connections which was an online archive containing genealogical, historical and cultural information on the people and places of the Outer Hebrides.  The project enabled users to access genealogical records, maps/landscape/building information, photographs and sound clips of stories, songs and memories relating to particular individuals or places.  The project had been developed through a partnership between four Comunn Eachdraidh.  Mrs Sarah Egan, Project Co-ordinator, gave a presentation in relation to the Hebridean Connections Project.

 

It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned, that the Comhairle agree to contribute £10,000 to Hebridean Connections during 2006/07 and £10,000 during 2007/08 with 50% of the contribution coming from the Industrial Promotion Budget and 50% coming from the Gaelic Development Budget.

 

 

 

 

 

RENEWABLE ENERGY

 

Sound of Harris Renewable Energy Generation Feasibility Study

DS61.19

 

6

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in relation to the Marine Coastguard Agency’s announcement that an extension of 1 hour before sunrise to the sailing hours permitted on the Sound of Harris ferry service had been granted.  The extension was the result of the installation of several risk control measures, including the improvement of navigational aids in the Sound and the main benefit to customers would be an earlier crossing on most sections of the timetable, a greater consistency of departure and arrival times and a reduction in the number of timetable changes during the year.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           welcome the proposal to establish a fixed link across the Sound of Harris and establish a Project Steering Group tasked with progressing the delivery of this significant infrastructure project;

 

(2)           appoint the Chairmen of Sustainable Development and Transportation, Committees, the Convener and, until May 2007, the Elected Members for North Uist and Harris to the Project Steering Group;

 

(3)           invite Western Isles Enterprise to nominate two representatives to sit on the Project Steering Group;

 

(4)                 authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant Service Directors, to appoint Officers to the Project Steering Group; and

 

(5)                 in light of the importance of renewable energy, make representations to Mr Angus MacNeil, MP seeking his support for the capping of transmission charges.

 

 

Outer Hebrides Coastal Marine Partnership

DS60

 

7

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the membership of the Outer Hebrides Coastal and Marine Partnership Forum.  It was intimated in the Report that the launch of the partnership had taken place in Benbecula on 6 July 2006 and that approximately eighty people had attended the launch with a range of speakers giving presentations on integrated coastal zone management topics including:

 

(a)                 national and international perspectives;

 

(b)                 effects of climate change on soft, sandy coasts;

 

(c)                 comparisons between coastal erosion being experienced in Nova Scotia and the Hebrides;

 

(d)                 the Loch Roag site optimisation plan;

 

(e)                 the importance of fishing to the local economy; and

 

(f)                   the potential for the development of marinas in the Hebrides.

 

The proposed structure for the partnership was detailed at Appendix 1 to the Report and it was further intimated that the Forum would be established and would function within the partnership.

 

It was envisaged that the Comhairle would appoint four members to the Forum with representatives from each of the Transportation, Sustainable Development, Environmental and Policy and Resources Committees.

 

It was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that the Chairman be appointed to the Outer Hebrides Coastal Marine Partnership Forum and that the Vice-Chairman be appointed as substitute Member.

Request for Financial Assistance

DS02

 

8

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval of financial assistance to support local biomass trials.  The Report stated that the introduction and development of bio-fuels was seen as an important element of the national drive towards greater renewable solutions and improved energy efficiency.  The potential of biomass cropping for use as renewable bio-fuels offered significant potential and three demonstration project sites had been identified in which biomass trials could be established.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle provide financial assistance of £11,500 to the three projects outlined at 5.4 of the Report to support the establishment of an Outer Hebrides biomass demonstration project.

 

 

Request for Financial Assistance

DS02

 

9

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a request for financial assistance under the Community Renewable Support Scheme from Barvas and Brue Community Centre in order to install a ground source heat pump system.  The project sought to extend and renovate the existing community centre and was being undertaken in conjunction with the provision of new facilities for Westside Football Club.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle provide financial assistance of £23,700 to Barvas and Brue Community Centre to support the introduction of a Ground Source Heat Pump system.

 

 

 

 

DEVELOPMENT PLANS

 

Finalised Western Isles Local Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

DS24.01

 

10

With reference to Item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2006 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the draft Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Finalised Western Isles Local Plan.  The Report stated that the assessment findings had shown that policies and proposals contained in the Local Plan would have a positive effect on the environment.  In line with the requirements of legislation, the views of the public would be sought and reported back to the Committee before the Environmental Assessment was finalised.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           approve the draft Environmental Report for the Finalised Western Isles Local Plan SEA as a basis for consultation; and

 

(2)           authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to undertake statutory consultation and report back comments received together with any suggested modifications to the Local Plan.

 

 

 

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

 

 

Mr Neil Campbell declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of item 11.

 

 

 

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of item 11 below on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle)

 

Camcal Limited - Update

DS40.01.02

 

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the latest position in respect of Camcal Limited.  The Report stated that Camcal Limited was established in 2004 in order to service the renewable energy market for large steel tubular structures for wind turbines/foundations, wave and tidal energy devices and other applications.  Discussions were ongoing with a number of potential private sector investors with a view to either a buyout or a re-capitalisation of Camcal Limited.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)                note actions taken to date in regard to securing the on-going viability of Camcal Limited; and

 

(2)                authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities and the Director of Corporate Services, to take such actions as are necessary to ensure the protection of assets in relation to Camcal Limited.

 

 

Research and Development in the Outer Hebrides

DS40.01.02

 

12

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to proposals to establish Research Hebrides as a multi agency partnership network to drive forward research and development capacity in the Outer Hebrides.  The Report stated that research, development and the commercialisation of research were high value and high skilled activities which could bring benefits to the economic viability and sustainability of a region.  The Report further stated that the development of the knowledge economy was a focus within the Creating Communities of the Future Economic Regeneration Strategy for the Outer Hebrides.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           agree, in principle, to the proposals for the development of Research Hebrides over the period to 2010; and

 

(2)           agree to contribute £10,000 to Research Hebrides during the financial year 2006/07.

 

Innovation and New Technologies Programme:  Update

DS40.01.02

13

With reference to Item 16 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 April 2005 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the Innovation and New Technologies Programme which sought to bring together a range of projects to contribute to the Comhairle’s aspirations for developing the knowledge economy in the Outer Hebrides.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           note progress in the area of innovation and new technologies; and

 

(2)           authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to pursue the range of activity outlined in the Report under the heading “Innovation and New Technologies Programme”.

 

 

 

 

Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.

 

Public Consultation on the Draft Opinion of the OFT Relating to Newspaper and Magazine Distribution

PR11.14

 

14

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the draft opinion on agreements for the distribution of newspapers and magazines in the UK which had been issued by the Office of Fair Trading.  The Report stated that the draft opinion would, if upheld, require publishers, wholesalers/distributors and retailers to review their current arrangements and could revolutionise newspaper and magazine distribution.  A proposed response to the draft opinion was detailed in the Report.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree that representations be made to the OFT, from an Outer Hebrides perspective, on the basis of Appendix 1 to the Report.

 

 

Cearcall Na Gaidhlig - Update

PR13.05.09

 

15

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the Cearcall na Gaidhlig Project.  The project was a tourism marketing initiative based around the greater utilisation of the transport infrastructure of the Hebridean islands and the West Highland mainland and the key feature would be the linking of the physical transport infrastructure with the areas unique cultural heritage and, in particular, the Gaelic language.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           note progress in regard to the Cearcall na Gàidhlig project; and

 

(2)           agree that the Economic Development Services provides appropriate support to facilitate the establishment of Cearcall na Gàidhlig.

 

 

Public Sector Entrepreneurship Scheme Pilot

DS40.01.02

16

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to proposals to develop a Public Sector Entrepreneurship Scheme pilot in the Outer Hebrides.  The Report stated that the overall aim of the scheme was to promote growth of new businesses and encourage diversification in rural areas.  The Report intimated that the Scottish Executive had agreed a broad approach for the pilot, including the need to identify a suitable location, a broad outline for the scheme and the importance of allowing local partners to shape the details structure in order to suit their needs.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           support the idea of developing a Public Sector Entrepreneurship Scheme pilot in the Outer Hebrides; and

 

(2)           agree that officers progress the development of the pilot, in consultation with the Scottish Executive's Corporate Services Department, staff representatives, along with other external interested parties and stakeholders.

 

 

 

 

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of item 17 below on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle)

 

Balivanich Development Estate - Sale of Plots

DS41

 

17

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a request by Mrs Nina Macrae of Carrakeele Nurseries to purchase plots 11 and 12 at Balivanich Development Estate. 

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offer plots 11 and 12 Balivanich Development Estate - measuring 330m2 - for sale to Mrs Nina Macrae at the current market valuation per the District Valuation office, and on terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, shall determine

 

 

Stornoway Town Centre Feature:  Competition

AL07.01

 

18

With reference to Item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 2005 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in relation to proposals to replace the existing brick pyramid located at the junction of Cromwell Street and North Beach Street and to run a competition and invite submission for ideas to provide an outstanding feature in the available area.  The Report highlighted the design brief for the provision of a new feature in Stornoway town centre.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           approve the holding of a competition for a new feature in Stornoway to replace the existing brick pyramid;

 

(2)           approve the brief as shown in Appendix 2 to the Report including the proposed programme and the Panel membership;

 

(3)           approve the appointment of Mr Neil Campbell to the Panel; and

 

(4)           note that the final funding package and the recommendation of the Panel would be reported to the Comhairle for a decision in December.

 

 

Competition Commission Enquiry: Pan Fish ASA

DS40.04.49

 

19

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the response submitted to the Competition Commission’s request for views on the Pan Fish/Marine Harvest merger.  The Report stated that a provisional response had been forwarded to the Competition Commission and it was anticipated that there would be additional opportunities to provide information before the inquiry reported.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           homologate the actions of the Director for Sustainable Communities in forwarding the response to the Competition Commission in regard to their inquiry into the acquisition of Marine Harvest N.V. by Pan Fish ASA;

 

(2)           note the correspondence with the Office of Fair Trading;

 

(3)                identify any additional points it may wish to relay to the Competition Commission in regard to their inquiry; and

 

(4)                authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to arrange a meeting with key stakeholders in relation to the development of niche marketing opportunities within the Outer Hebrides aquaculture sector.

 

 

Response to Call for Evidence on the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill

DS40.04.49

 

20

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the Scottish Parliaments Environmental and Rural Development Committees call for evidence on the general principles of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill.  A proposed response was detailed in the Report.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle respond to the Scottish Parliament's Environment and Rural Development Committee Call for Evidence on the proposed Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill as outlined in Appendix 1 to the Report.

 

 

Fisheries and Marine Resources Development Programme

DS40.04.49

 

 

21

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a programme of development and funding support for fisheries and marine resource initiatives in the Outer Hebrides.  The Report highlighted details of projects and grants totalling £35K which represented a balanced portfolio of activity which would support key representative organisations, key strategic policy areas and related projects.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)           approve the fisheries and Marine Resources Development Programme proposals for 2006/07 as outlined in the Report; and

 

(2)           approve the specific grants to partner organisations as detailed in Table 1.

 

 

Kallin Harbour: Tender Report

T07.02

22

The Director Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the tenders received for the Kallin Harbour Development Project.  The Report indicated that the bids received were considerably greater than the existing project budget and it was proposed that officers would continue to investigate possible sources of funding for the project.

 

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

 

(1)                 note the results of the Kallin Harbour Development Project tender process;

 

(2)            agree that, subject to the confirmation by the Director of Technical Services that sufficient funding is available from FIFG, WIE and the Comhairle's capital allocation the Comhairle agree to seek tenders to carry out the necessary engineering works to enable the ice plant to be constructed (together with the additional berthing this will create);

 

(3)                 authorise the Director of Technical Services and Director of Finance, together with the Chairman of Sustainable Development and the Local Member, meet with users of the Kallin Harbour to discuss the difficulties in providing the P