COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 2 February 2000 at 2.00pm

PRESENT	Mr Donald Maclean (Chairman)
	Mr Archibald K Campbell (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Donald Macdonald
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr James L Macarthur
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Roderick Murray	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Norman L Macdonald	Mr Donald Manford
	Mr Donald J Macsween
APOLOGIES	Ms Rita Macdonald

Development Services DS09.01	1	MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 was approved.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee PR03.05	2	The Minutes of Meetings of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 25 October 1999 and 14 January 2000 were noted, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 2000/01 PR110.08	3*	FINANCE The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the final aggregate external finance (AEF) announcement and outlining a first draft budget strategy for 2000/01. An outline of changes in grant aided expenditure was appended to the Report. Comments on the effect of the AEF settlement, the 1999/2000 budgetary performance and movements in reserves, balances and contingency fund were set out in the Report, together with policy issues which required to be addressed by the Comhairle in the budgetary process.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, concerning the AEF Announcement Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 2000/01, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Third Quarterly Revenue Out-turn Forecast: PR120.10	4	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Income and Expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, for the nine months ended 31 December 1999 and comparing such income and expenditure with the Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the period. The Report detailed a forecast out-turn expenditure for each of the Comhairle's services for the financial year ending 31 March 2000. It was agreed to note the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Draft Budget 2000/01 PR110.08	5*	The Director of Finance submitted a draft budget for the financial year 2000/01 detailing Income and Revenue Expenditure budgeted for each of the Comhairle's Services for the financial year 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, together with revised growth and savings proposals for each of the Comhairle's services.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the Draft Budget of Income and Expenditure for 2000/01 and the growth and savings proposals as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
		The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8(a), that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matter prior to the next meeting of the Committee.
Non-Housing Capital Programme 1999-2000 PR110.08	6*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 31 December 1999 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report referred to approved expenditure and estimated out-turn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each service. It was noted that the forecast out-turn was £434,000 below the revised approved Programme of £14,030,000. A summary of the variations were set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revision were appended to the Report. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, approval of the revised out-turn for the Capital Programme 1999/2000, as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance.
		Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting.
Capital Programme 2000-03 PR110.05.01	7*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report outlining the process in determining the Capital Programme for the three years 2000/01 to 2002/03. Details of the proposed Programme were appended to the Report, taking account of projects which had been accepted through a scoring exercise, projects which had been amalgamated into composite programmes, projects which were conditional on external funding becoming available, projects considered to be essential to achieve the Comhairle's objectives, and a list of reserved projects. Projects rejected at the scoring stage were also listed.
		It was agreed to recommend for the Committee's interest that: (1) one of the spinal route schemes depending on Scottish Executive matching finance be deferred so that £500,000 of net expenditure fall into the financial year 2003/04; (2) the principles adopted in reducing the bid expenditure as outlined in paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 and detailed in Appendices 2, 3, 5 and 6 respectively of the Report be approved;
		(3) the Comhairle approve the planning assumption that 40% of the bid resources on projects dependent on matching funding will be required; (4) in the event of a project not attracting any external finance it is recommended that the project be excluded from the Capital Programme; (5) in the event of such a project attracting only part of the finance currently estimated in the PIR, it is recommended that the project be subject to review perhaps to reduce costs to maintain the Comhairle's contribution at the estimate included in the PIR. Thereafter, the project will be presented together with any emergency works PIRs, special opportunity PIRs and the approved reserve list to be selected or otherwise for inclusion in the Capital Programme; (6) the Composite Programme given in Appendix 3 to the Report be approved for inclusion in the Capital Programme; (7) the projects given in Appendix 6 to the Report by the Director of Finance be approved as essential and include them in the Capital Programme; (8) the Reserve List of projects given in Appendix 5 to the Report be approved; (9) that the projects on the rejected list given in Appendix 7 to the Report be given no further consideration in their current form; (10) that up to 13% of the gross costs of the project, where it is a project dependent on external finance and of a building nature, and 8%, where it is a project of engineering works may be incurred be approved; (11) in the event of the project dependent on external finance on the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre be not successful in attracting external finance then the project at the top of the Rejected list on the same building be included in the Capital Programme; (12) a survey of Members and Heads of Service be undertaken in February of this year; (13) the Capital Programme 2000-03 given in Appendix 9 to the Report by the Director of Finance be approved, subject to £40,000 of proposed expenditure on the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre in year 1 of the programme being slipped into later years of the project;
		(14) that, in respect of the Fishery Pier Minor Improvements, the sum of £30,000 be included to meet the costs associated with the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive, being authorised to take the necessary action in connection with the promotion of a Parliamentary Order, which would enable the Comhairle, as Harbour Authority, to sell fuel to harbour users; and (15) that the Leverburgh Pier Breakwater and Leverburgh Basin works be combined with the Leverburgh Pier roadworks, with a view to carrying out all of the above-mentioned works, subject to adequate financial provision being made in the Capital Programme 2000-03.
Repairs and Maintenance Programme 1999/2000 Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 December 1999 PR110.08	8	BUILDINGS The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report giving details of the expenditure incurred on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Development Services Account during the period 1 April to 31 December 1999. It was indicated in the Report that £22,060.52 (110%) of the repairs and maintenance budget for Development Services properties had been spent or committed as at 31 December 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
Meeting with a Representative of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute DS40.02.23	9	ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Chairman invited Dr Deborah Roberts, Senior Economist, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute to address the Committee on the undernoted topic: Modelling the Western Isles Economy: Regional Accounts 1997. An opportunity was afforded to Members to ask questions of Dr Roberts. The Chairman thanked Dr Roberts for her presentation.
Modelling the Western Isles Economy Regional Accounts 1997 DS40.02.23	10*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report appending the Executive Summary of the Study undertaken by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute with the University of Aberdeen entitled "Modelling the Western Isles Economy: Regional Accounts 1997". Details of the funding of the Study were given in the Report together with the methodology adopted which had been based on a social accounting matrix approach, which allowed an assessment to be made of income and expenditure within the business community and in households.
		It was stated in the Report that the Study had established that the value of the Western Isles Regional Economy, as at 1997, was estimated in the sum of £221 million or £7,827 (per capita). This represented 65% of the average UK Gross Domestic Product (£12,054 per capita) and was significantly lower for the Orkney (£10,618) and Shetland Isles (£12,857) and also lower than the Highlands and Islands average (£8,318). The Report highlighted that the Western Isles Economy was different structurally to the rest of the Scottish Economy, particularly as a result of the contribution to GRDP made by sea fishing, fish farming, fish processing and transport and education related activities. The Report concluded that the higher reliance placed upon certain sectors of the economy made it particularly fragile and vulnerable and identified the undernoted for the further development of the Western Isles economy and employment creation activities:
		(1) the need to target inward investment at those sectors which have a strong income and employment generating potential; (2) the importance that primary sector activity and public sector activity played in the economy;
		(3) the need to concentrate on reducing the effects of high transportation costs; (4) the need to seek to encourage diversification of the economic base; (5) the need to support those sectors that can demonstrate best competitive advantage; (6) the need to utilise any potential for growth and tourism; (7) the need to support the fish farming and processing industries; (8) the need to focus on sectors with high employment multiplier impacts such as fish processing, air transport, food processing "other" public services and fish farming; (9) the need to focus on sectors with high export values which are not dependent upon high levels of material imports; and (10) the need to address the issues posed by the threat of increased purchases off the Islands and the potential growth of Internet shopping.
		The Report identified a number of ways in which the Study could be used by the Comhairle and it was further intimated that it would be appropriate to utilise the economic modelling software provided by the Study to undertake a similar Study at around 2005.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle welcome the Study entitled "Modelling the Western Isles Economy: Regional Accounts 1997" and note the Study's findings; (2) the Head of European and Development Services be authorised to invite economic development agencies and partners to discuss the Study findings and to develop a common approach to economic development services in the Western Isles, on the basis that a workshop would be held in June 2000 to enable this process; and
		the Comhairle agree that the Study be: (a) used as a base line for focused economic development strategy for the Western Isles; (b) used in the pursuit of EU structural funding and other funding as part of wider cases being made;
		(c) used in the provision of support services for business, including advising existing and potential businesses on how the economy works and how the mechanics of their chosen sector operates; (d) used in terms of any new policy or any review of policy; (e) used to perform economic modelling, assessing the impact of proposed upturn or downturns in the economy; (f) sent to the Scottish Executive, Western Isles Member of Parliament and Member of the Scottish Parliament for the their information; and (g) circulated, free of charge, to representatives of business interests in the Western Isles in addition to making it available to parties requesting copies of the Study.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following two items on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Unit 4, Barvas Industrial Estate DS41.18.08	11*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request from Mr Kevin Melia, trading as Clinomania, to terminate his lease of Unit 4, Barvas Industrial Estate. The Report gave background information and commented on the financial implications associated with the request.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to the request by Mr Kevin Melia to vacate Unit 4, Barvas Industrial Estate, and that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to terminate the lease for the property.
Plot 6A, Parkend Development Estate DS41.02.17	12*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request by Aggregate Industries (John Fyfe Limited) to purchase Plot 6A at Parkend Industrial Estate. The Report gave background information to the request. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offer Plot 6A, Parkend Development Estate for sale to the existing tenant at the current market valuation, as determined by the valuation office, on terms and conditions to be determined by the Acting Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services.
Old Sail Loft, Stornoway DS21.07.10	13*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust to undertake a feasibility study for the Old Sail Loft, Stornoway, on the basis detailed in the Report. The Report identified a range of issues for the Old Sail Loft and identified the main outputs for the feasibility study. Details of the proposed funding arrangements for the Study were given in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to make a grant to the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust in the sum of £2,500 to undertake a feasibility study for the Old Sail Loft, Stornoway, subject to adequate provision being made in the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Marketing and Promotion) for 2000/01.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to: (1) the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle; and (2) any instructions to Counsel and any Opinion of Counsel, whether or not in connection with any proceedings, and any advice received, information obtained or action to be taken in connection with: (i) any legal proceedings by or against the Comhairle; or (ii) the determination of any matter affecting the Comhairle; (whether, in either case, proceedings have been commenced or were in contemplation); would be disclosed.
		Mr Alexander A Macdonald and Mr Angus M Graham declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Stornoway Abattoir - Painterwork DS40.42	14*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning problems which were associated with the painterwork at Stornoway Abattoir. The Report further identified the need to carry out remedial painting work on the steel work in the chill area of the Abattoir.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) in the circumstances of the case, the Comhairle does not seek to raise Court proceedings against any party involved in the failure of the painterwork in the killing hall at Stornoway Abattoir, as part of the original contract for improvement works undertaken in 1992/93; and (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to instruct the painterwork referred to in the Report at Stornoway Abattoir, under the present building maintenance term contract, which is to the satisfaction of the Scottish Executive Veterinary Officer. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine recommendation (2) above on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Application for Ex-Gratia Payment DS40.33.282	15	With reference to item 241 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning an ex-gratia payment. It was agreed to note the action of the Acting Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Director of Corporate Services in settling the claim by the person referred to in the Report, on behalf of the Comhairle, within the sum previously reported.
Programme and Progress T07.01	16	FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS There was submitted Programme and Progress Report in respect of Fishery Piers. It was agreed to note the Report.
Live Interpretation Project DS40.08.14	17*	TOURISM The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining proposals to establish a "Live Interpretation Project" in conjunction with Western Isles Enterprise. It was indicated that it was proposed to base individuals trained in live interpretation techniques at visitor attraction centres during the period May to September 2000, with applications for funding from the Scheme being invited from attractions, community groups or organisations, on the basis that the six most innovative and practical proposals would secure financial assistance under the Scheme. Details of the costs and proposed funding for the Live Interpretation Scheme were given in the Report. The Report concluded that the Live Interpretation Pilot Scheme would be evaluated with a view to assessing whether this form of tourism promotion would increase visitor numbers and income to local tourism businesses.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle agree to participate in the Live Interpretation Pilot Project, in conjunction with Western Isles Enterprise, on the basis detailed in the Report; and (2) the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to allocate £3,200, this sum representing the Comhairle's contribution, towards the Live Interpretation Pilot Project, subject to adequate provision existing within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Cultural Tourism) for 2000/01.
Pricing Policy for Local Plans DS20.03	18*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning proposals to levy a charge for adopted local plans. It was intimated in the Report that, whilst it was not considered appropriate to charge for consultative drafts or finalised versions of local plans, many local authorities did make a charge for adopted local plans. The Report referred to the current charge made for the Barra and Vatersay Local Plan in the sum of £15.00 and concluded that this sum barely covered the cost of administration and that, therefore, it was considered appropriate to levy a charge of £25.00 for each adopted local plan, on the basis that local residents, non-profit making organisations and students be exempted from payment.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle levy no charge for consultative drafts or finalised versions of local plans; (2) the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to levy a charge of £25.00 for each adopted local plan, on the basis that: (a) one complimentary copy of the plan being sent, free of charge, to organisations and individuals who participated in the statutory plan making; and (b) the charge of £25.00 being waived in respect of non-profit making organisations, residents of the Western Isles and students requesting copies of the plan.
Proposed Nature Conservation Designations: Lewis Peatlands DS61.01	19*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning proposals to designate the Lewis Peatlands as a Special Protection Area (SPA), Ramsar Site and Special Area of Conservation. It was indicated in the Report that the proposed designations reflected the fact that the Lewis Peatlands formed one of the oldest and near natural landscapes in Europe and also provided a unique habitat for a diverse range of breeding birds of international importance. It was indicated that SNH were consulting with a wide range of organisations, including Grazings Committees, on the introduction of a Lewis Peatlands Management Scheme, which would be a voluntary Scheme, in which Common Grazings Committees, owner/occupiers, landlords, agricultural tenants or sub-tenants who agreed to manage their land in ways which would maintain the special habitat and wildlife interest of the Lewis Peatlands, could participate.
		The Report gave background information on the proposed nature conservation site designations and intimated that the proposed SPA/Ramsar Designated Area would cover 36% of Lewis, whilst the SAC would cover 17%, the latter being wholly within the former. It was emphasised in the Report that the proposed designations did not mean that there would be a blanket prohibition on development activity, as development would be considered in its wider socio-economic context, although, any proposals for wind farms, afforestation and other infrastructure projects would be likely to be more closely scrutinised to assess their impact on the designated sites. It was stated in the Report that SNH had requested the Comhairle to provide details of any extant planning permissions and analogous consents which could affect the proposed designated areas.
		It was recommended in the Report that: (1) the Comhairle broadly welcome the proposed Lewis Peatlands nature conservation designations, noting particularly the emphasis on management agreement incentives, consultation and local involvement opportunities and the positive approach to future development considerations; (2) the comments set out in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.9 of the Report by the Acting Chief Executive be used to form the basis of a response by the Comhairle to Scottish Natural Heritage on the proposed Lewis Peatlands nature conservation designations; and (3) Scottish Natural Heritage be advised by the Acting Director of Environmental Services of any extant planning permissions and analogous consents which may affect the proposed Lewis Peatlands nature conservation designations.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) it be delegated to the Acting Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman, to respond to Scottish Natural Heritage on the proposed Lewis Peatlands nature conservation designations, on the basis detailed in the Acting Chief Executive's Report, and subject to any response taking account of the views expressed at a meeting arranged by the Scottish Crofters Union for 25 February 2000, to discuss the Lewis Peatlands, with the response also taking account of the proposal that the Lewis Peatland Scheme be extended to include areas not originally included in the proposed site designations; and (2) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to advise SNH of any extant planning permissions and analogous consents which may affect the proposed Lewis Peatlands Nature Conservation Designations. It was further agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be authorised to place an advertisement in the local press and make appropriate arrangements, in consultation with the Scottish Crofters Union, for a meeting scheduled to be held on 25 February 2000, at which the Lewis Peatlands Scheme would be discussed. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation, relating to the press advertisement and arrangements for the meeting on 25 February 2000, on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Review of National Nature Reserve Status for Loch Druidibeg, Monach Isles and St Kilda DS61.02	20*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning proposals from Scottish Natural Heritage to review the National Nature Reserve Designation for Loch Druidibeg, Monach Isles and St Kilda. It was indicated in the Report that Scottish Natural Heritage were currently undertaking a review of all National Nature Reserves in Scotland and had in a paper entitled "National Nature Reserves in Scotland - A New Policy Direction" against which each National Nature Reserve was being reviewed. The Report gave background information on the existing National Nature Reserves at Loch Druidibeg, St Kilda and the Monach Isles and indicated that, all of the above mentioned sites would appear to meet the criteria determined by SNH for National Nature Reserve status. The Report concluded that support for such designations would be consistent with the Comhairle's key policy to focus on resources on developing industries such as tourism, which depended on heavily of environmental quality and the attributes of the area.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to advise SNH that the Comhairle: (1) supported the continued designation of Loch Druidibeg, Monach Isles and St Kilda as National Nature Reserves; and (2) continued to support locally based tourism initiatives associated with these reserves.
Marine Fish Farm Site, Locheynort, South Uist (Ref No 99/00475) DS08.02	21*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for a marine fish farm lease at Locheynort, South Uist. The Report gave background information in relation to the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to give a qualified favourable view to the Crown Estate in relation to the application for a marine fish farm lease at Locheynort (ref no 99/00475), subject to: (1) the northern perimeters being suitably marked with a navigation buoy of appropriate colour and shape; and (2) apart from navigation equipment, all other equipment should be of a dark matt colour.
Marine Fish Farm Site, Locheynort, South Uist Ref No 99/00416 DS08.02	22*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report for a marine fish farm lease at Locheynort, South Uist. The Report gave background information in relation to the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle give an unqualified favourable view to the Crown Estate in relation to the application for a marine fish farm lease at Locheynort, South Uist, Ref No 99/00416, subject to (1) adequate marking with approved navigational buoys; (2) all equipment other than for navigation being marked of a dark matt colouring; (3) only one site at any one time being used; and (4) site two being moved slightly to the west as suggested by the Royal Yachting Association. The Acting Director of Environmental Services reported that the Crown Estate Commission's public consultation period had not expired.
		It was agreed to recommend that a Sub-Committee be established to visit the site relating to the above application, consider a Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services on this matter and make a recommendation to the Development Services Committee on the application, on the basis that the Sub-Committee would comprise the following membership: Chairman; Vice-Chairman; Mr Ronald Mackinnon, Member for the Locheynort Ward; and
		Mr David Blaney, Member for the Daliburgh & Eriskay Ward; and Mr Donald Manford, Member for the Barra and Vatersay Ward.
		Mr Ian M Macleod declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item.
Interim Consultation Procedure Marine Oyster Farm, Tong Sands DS08.02	23*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for a marine fish farm lease at a site located on the sands of Tong and Melbost on an islet formed at the lowest extent of the low Spring tide. The Report gave background information and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle give an unqualified favourable view to the Crown Estate Commission in relation to the application for a marine fish farm at the sands of Tong and Melbost, on an islet formed at the lowest extent of the lowest Spring tide, subject to the Commission being satisfied that this would not give rise to an increased danger of bird strike to aircraft using the Stornoway Airport. It was agreed to recommend that consideration of the above application be deferred until the views of the Civil Aviation Authority were submitted to the Committee.
Charges for Building Warrant Related Services DS22.01	24*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report outlining proposals to introduce a scale of charges for a range of services relating to building control and the functions undertaken by the Comhairle as planning authority. The Report gave information on the level of charges made by other local authorities associated with building, planning and the housing functions. It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to introduce the charges detailed at paragraph 6.3 of his Report; and (2) it be delegated to the Acting Director of Environmental Services to review the charges, referred to in his Report, as part of the annual budget setting process.
Change of Use of Offices to School, Stornoway Airport DS21.01	25*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for a change of use of the remainder of a former office block at Stornoway Airport to a school. The Report gave background information and indicated that the matter had been presented to the Committee for consideration as it was judged to be of a sensitive nature, with the consequence that the matter had not been determined by the Acting Director of Environmental Services.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for a change of use of the remainder of a former office block at Stornoway Airport to a school, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report.
Ready Mix Concrete Batching Plant at Parkend Industrial Estate DS21.01	26*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the construction of a ready mix concrete batching plant at Plot 7, Parkend Industrial Estate. The Report gave background information and commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a supplementary Report concerning the application for planning permission for a concrete batching plant at Parkend, Stornoway. It was indicated in the Report that additional information had been requested from the applicant relating to noise level produced at the various stages of the operation of the batching plant. It was further indicated in the Report that the additional information supplied by the applicant had been assessed and it was considered that the noise levels produced by the batching plant were unlikely to amount to a statutory nuisance at the nearby houses, although, it was pointed out that nuisance could occur to other users of the Estate.
		It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the construction of a ready mix concrete batching plant at Plot 7, Parkend Industrial Estate, Stornoway, subject to the conditions detailed in the supplementary Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services.
		It was agreed to recommend that a Sub-Committee be established to visit the site relating to the above planning application, consider a Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services on the matter, and make a recommendation to the Development Services Committee on the application, on the basis that the membership of a Sub-Committee would comprise the following: Chairman; Vice-Chairman; Mr Donald I Nicholson, Member for the Braighe Ward; Mr Finlay Morrison, Member for the North Lochs Ward; and Mr Donald J Macsween, Member for Tiumpan Ward.
Erection of Club House at Barra Golf Course DS21.01	27	The Director of Corporate Services sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Ports of Entry Environmental Improvement Schemes DS63.01	28*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the appointment of Consultants to prepare enhancement plans for Ports of Entry. It was indicated in the Report that the production of enhancement plans for each port of entry to the Western Isles was one of the Comhairle's Key Tasks. The Report set out, in general terms, the work which consultants would be required to undertake, together with the common elements of the brief for each study. It was further indicated that, in considering the priority list for the preparation of enhancement plans, it had been taken into account that some ports of entry had already benefited from financial and project commitments which had included environmental benefits. The Report indicated that it would be appropriate to commission enhancement plans for the ports of Leverburgh and Lochboisdale.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to appoint Consultants, on a competitive basis, to prepare enhancement plans for the ports of entry commencing with Leverburgh and Lochboisdale, within the financial years 1999-2001.
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	29	PERFORMANCE REVIEW The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee since May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
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