COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 29 March 2000 at 3.00pm

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

Development Services DS09.01	30	MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 2 February 2000 was approved.
Development Services Sub-Committee DS09.02	31	The Minute of Meeting of the Development Services Sub-Committee of 24 February 2000 was noted.
Site Visit Sub-Committee: Marine Fish Farm, Locheynort DS09.01	32	The Minute of Meeting of the Site Visit Sub-Committee: Marine Fish Farm, Locheynort, of 20 March 2000 was submitted and the recommendations contained therein were recommended for approval. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Site Visit Sub-Committee: Ready Mix Concrete Batching Plant at Parkend Industrial Estate DS09.01	33	The Minute of Meeting of the Site Visit Sub-Committee: Ready Mix Concrete Batching Plant, Parkend Industrial Estate, of 22 March 2000, was submitted. The Chairman, seconded by the Vice-Chairman moved approval of the recommendation detailed in the Minute of the Site Visit Sub-Committee of 22 March 2000.
		Mr Alexander A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald Macdonald, moved as an amendment, that the application for planning permission for a ready mix concrete batching plant at Parkend Industrial Estate, be granted, on terms and conditions to be determined by the Acting Director of Environmental Services, as detailed in the Report to the said Site Visit Sub-Committee. On the matter being put to the vote, the amendment received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
Enterprise Network Review DS40.34	34*	ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Mrs Morag Munro and Mr Norman A Macdonald (being non-Members of the Committee) declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting. The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining a response which it was proposed to make to the Scottish Executive in relation to the delivery of economic development services in Scotland. The Report gave background information on the role of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the network of local enterprise companies. Details of the role played by Councils throughout Scotland on direct services of economic development and regeneration were also given in the Report. It was further indicated that, in the financial year 2000/01, budgetary provision for economic development services in the Western Isles, were as follows: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar £1,224,000 Western Isles Enterprise £7,248,000 The Report highlighted the lack of resources available to the Comhairle to address the long-term structural difficulties of the Western Isles economy and that the Comhairle's aims and objectives for economic development were different to those of other local authorities in that it was not only concerned with the expansion of export markets and the attraction of inward investment, but also had to focus effort on bringing the Western Isles economy up to the same level of economic activity as in other areas of Scotland. The Report set out the interim conclusions of the Scottish Parliament's Enterprise and Life-long Learning Committees on the delivery of economic development services and further suggested that it would be appropriate for the Comhairle to take a radical approach towards the future delivery of such services, advocating the establishment of an Economic Development Company, which would combine the resources of Western Isles Enterprise and the Comhairle's economic development resources, together with a substantial proportion of the resources of Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It was further suggested that the Economic Development Company would comprise of Members of the Comhairle, business representatives, representatives of other sectors of tourism, health, environment and housing, with the responsibility for promoting economic development by adopting a "local one door approach". The advantages associated with the establishment of an Enterprise Development Company were detailed in the Report and these included: (1) the elimination of confusion in those wishing to establish and consolidate businesses in the Western Isles, as to the role of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Western Isles Enterprise and the Comhairle;
		(2) the ability to market and promote the Western Isles Enterprise; and (3) the improved accountability which would result from the Company being linked to the local community and the elected representatives on the Company.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to respond to the Scottish Executive on the future of the delivery of economic development services in Scotland, on the basis detailed at paragraphs 11.1 - 11.19 in the Report.
European Seafood Exhibition, Brussels DS03.01	35*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's participation in the European Seafood Exhibition to be held in Brussels from 9 to 11 May 2000. The Report indicated that the European Seafood Exhibition was the most important seafood trade show in Europe and that several companies from the Western Isles would be exhibiting their products. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle be represented at the European Seafood Exhibition to be held in Brussels from 9 to 11 May 2000 by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or their nominees.
		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.
Lasair Information Services Limited DS02.52	36*	With reference to item 239 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the purchase of £15,000 of Preference Shares from Lasair Information Services Limited, Balivanich. The Report gave details of the main terms on which it was proposed to purchase the Preference Shares and further indicated that, as Lasair Information Services Limited had been represented by Mr Angus Nicolson, Member for the Castle Ward, during discussions with Officers of the Comhairle, the delegation granted to the Director of Corporate Services to conclude the purchase of the Shares, had not been exercised. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to purchase £15,000 of Preference Shares in Lasair Information Services Limited, Balivanich, on the basis detailed in the Report.
Community Economic Development Scheme DS40.01.20	37*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the introduction of a new Economic Development Scheme. The Report gave information on the likely demand on the proposed Scheme and outlined eligibility and funding criteria, together with details of the proposed application process which would involve groups applying for both core and project costs. The Report concluded that the implementation of a new Community Economic Development Scheme would provide a framework for a more structured approach to meet the needs and aspirations of the various Community Economic Development organisations in the Western Isles and would allow the Comhairle to more easily monitor and evaluate the initiatives, to ensure that the projects were evaluated in a systematic way.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle approve the Community Economic Development Scheme, as detailed in the Report; (2) approval of applications for project costs, not exceeding £10,000, be delegated to the Acting Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman; and (3) applications for project costs exceeding £10,000 and core costs be submitted to the Committee.
Community Economic Development Scheme: Application for Core Costs Funding DS40.01.20	38*	With reference to item 33 above the Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the allocation of funding for core costs under the Community Economic Development Scheme. It was intimated in the Report that the Scheme, as proposed, would allow the Comhairle to have a more structured approach to funding community development organisations with a focus on creating jobs and assisting economic regeneration. It was intimated that the Scheme would support new and existing initiatives and provide funding stability for core costs for a period up to three years to enable projects to come forward with clearly identified outputs and impacts which would benefit the local community and the economy of the Western Isles. The Report gave details of applications received from organisations for core cost funding from the undernoted organisations: Iomairt Nis Shawbost Community Council Uig/Bernera Iomairt aig an Oir Group Ionad Loch a Tuath Limited LEAP Pairc and Kinloch Harris Development Limited Proiseact Uibhist 2000 Southern Isles Amenity Trust Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay and further intimated that the Comhairle had agreed funding for the following organisations: West Side Story Proiseact Uibhist 2000 4 x Iomairt aig an Oir Development Officers Iomairt aig an Oir National Co-ordination Team and that requests for core cost funding, together with the committed expenditure referred to immediately above, totalled £160,860 against a budgetary provision of £100,000.
		The Report identified a range of factors which it would be appropriate to take into account in allocating core costs funding and suggested that, taking account of these factors, it was proposed to allocate funding for 2000/01, as follows: Iomairt Nis £ 7,000 Shawbost Community Council £ 7,600 West Side Story £ 5,700 Uig/Bernera Iomairt aig an Oir Group £12,500 Pairc and Kinloch £ 5,000 Harris Development Limited £12,500 Project Uist 2000 £ 4,500 Project Uist 2000 £16,100 Southern Isles Amenity Trust £ 5,000 Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay £12,500 4 x Iomairt aig an Oir Development Officers £ 6,000 Iomairt aig an Oir National Co-ordination Team £ 4,000 TOTAL £98,400
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) in the first instance, only applications for core costs be funded under the Comhairle's Community Economic Development Scheme; (2) a further Report be submitted to the Committee by the Acting Chief Executive regarding funding for project costs;
		(3) the Comhairle approve the allocation of funds as set out in Table 2 in the Report for the 2000/01 financial year, subject to each organisation providing a six monthly Report on its activities; and (4) the Comhairle adopt the same procedure for subsequent years' core funding.
Establishment of a Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme AL04.11 DS40.01.20	39*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the establishment of a Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme. The Report detailed the background to the linked work and training scheme, which was designed to meet the needs of the local communities through the provision of a training scheme which will simultaneously train local people to a professional level and continue to provide them with an income. The Report indicated that such a scheme could be implemented along with other interested organisations using a partnership funding formula similar to the approach adopted in Central Scotland and Grampian. The Report highlighted that a key factor in the success of these schemes was the establishment of a co-ordinator post and suggested that the post could be funded through a bid to the deprivation fund. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committees interest was concerned, that: (1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised in principle to establish a training scheme, as outlined in the Report; (2) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to undertake further development of the linked work and training scheme through negotiation with potential partner organisations and the voluntary sector; and (3) consideration of the establishment of a Co-ordinator post with a bid for finance to the Comhairle's Deprivation Challenge fund.
		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 six 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.
Allocation of Unit 7, Mossend Industrial Estate DS40.33.94	40*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request from Mr Duncan Mackay, trading as Autohire to determine the existing lease at Unit 7 Mossend Industrial Estate. It was further indicated in the Report that an application had been received from Hebridean Hygiene Limited to lease Unit 7, Mossend Industrial Estate. The Report gave background information and commented on both requests.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) agree to the request by Mr Duncan Mackay, trading as Autohire, to vacate Unit 7, Mossend Industrial Estate, Stornoway, and that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to terminate the current lease; and (2) offer Unit 7, Mossend Industrial Estate for lease to Mr Murdo O'Connor, trading as Hebridean Hygiene Limited, on terms and conditions to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Bells Road, Plots A and B DS41.13	41*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request by Messrs Murray & Macdonald to assign their lease of Plots A and B, Bells Road, Stornoway, to Mr Duncan Mackay, trading as Autohire. The Report gave background information and commented on the request. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to assign the tenants' interest in the lease of Plots A and B, Bells Road, Stornoway, to Mr Duncan Mackay, trading as Autohire, on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive, including, without prejudice to the foregoing generality, the amended terms and conditions requested by the proposed assignee, as detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the Report.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Plot C, Bells Road, Stornoway DS41.13	42*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request to purchase Plot C, Bells Road, Stornoway. The Report gave background information and commented on the application. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offer Plot C, Bells Road, Stornoway, for sale to the existing tenant at the current market valuation as determined by the District Valuer, on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive.
Plot 7, Parkend Industrial Estate DS40.02.07	43*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request from Messrs I A & C Maciver Limited, to change Clause 8(1) (permitted use of site) of the lease of Plot 7, Parkend Industrial Estate, to permit the operation of a concrete batching plant. The Report gave background information in relation to the request. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to change Clause 8(1) (permitted use of site) of the lease to Plot 7, Parkend Industrial Estate, on the basis of terms and conditions to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive.
		Mr Angus Campbell (non-Member) declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting.
Weaving Sheds Site, Cannery Road, Stornoway DS41.29	44*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request to purchase 201 square metres of the Cannery Road Weaving Sheds Site, Stornoway. The Report gave background information in relation to the request. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) 201 square metres at Cannery Road Weaving Sheds Site, Stornoway, be advertised for sale on the open market; and (2) 201 square metres at Cannery Road Weaving Sheds Site be sold on terms and conditions to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive.
Sale of Co-Chomunn Store, Vatersay DS41.47	45*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the future use of the Co-Chomunn Store, Vatersay. The Report gave background information and referred to the decision to sell the Old Co-Chomunn Store, Vatersay for the purpose of business development. It was further intimated that the purchaser had sought permission to change the property into a dwellinghouse. It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle agree to either: (1) change the Missive and permit the purchaser to build a dwelling house on the site of the Old Co-Chomunn Store, Vatersay; or (2) ensure that the future use of the Co-Chomunn Store, Vatersay, be for business development only.
		It was agreed to recommend that the future use of the Co-Chomunn Store, Vatersay, be for business development only.
A New Strategy For Scottish Tourism DS40.08	46*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of the response of the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Tourist Board to the Consultation Document entitled "A New Strategy for Scottish Tourism". Particularly, the Report highlighted proposals of the Scottish Tourist Board to introduce an on-line booking system which would be fully operative for e-commerce from June 2000 and proposals to introduce a new strategy to target niche markets, focusing initially on golf, culture and genealogy, together with proposals to provide a national transport timetable by December 2000. The Report concluded that, whilst A New Strategy for Scottish Tourism provided a structured and detailed approach to the development of the industry, the strategy did not take into account the relatively greater importance of tourism in peripheral local economies and did not tackle the issue of exorbitantly high fuel and transportation costs which had an adverse effect on tourism and all other economic sectors in rural areas.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to respond to the Scottish Executive, on the basis detailed at paragraphs 8.1 - 8.7 of the Report.
Western Isles Visitor Survey 1999 DS40.08.12	47*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report appending the Executive Summary of a major survey of visitors to the Western Isles in 1999. The Report gave details of the main findings of the survey and intimated that some 165,000 visitors came to the Western Isles in 1999, spending £33 million on the Islands. It was further intimated that the 1999 Visitor Survey would be of particular use to a wide variety of organisations, agencies, businesses and individuals involved in tourism and visitor services in the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle accept the final Report of the 1999 Western Isles Visitor Survey prepared by Macpherson Research.
Tourism Signposting Policy T09.04	48*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Tourism Signposting Policy that had been produced by the Western Isles Tourism Signposting Group. The Policy would improve the information available to visitors, improve the tourism product in the Western Isles and would help to regulate the signage to attractions and other destinations.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that: (1) the draft Tourism Signposting Policy for the Western Isles be adopted and (2) that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to identify a sum of £3,000 within the Grants for Tourism Development Budget for the financial year 2000/01 to provide financial assistance for applicants who wished to provide appropriate signage.
Coastal Access Project DS40.54	49*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report indicating that it had not been possible to proceed with the Coastal Access Projects at the undernoted locations: Tangasdale, Barra Scolpaig, North Uist Ardivachar, South Uist It was indicated in the Report that it was proposed to provide alternative coastal access facilities in Barra and Ardivachar, utilising the £10,000 allocated by the Comhairle to match funding from the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme Coastal Access Project. It was stated in the Report that Western Isles Enterprise may be in a position to give grant aid to provide alternative coastal access sites in Barra and at Ardivachar.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to transfer £10,000 from the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme Coastal Access Phase II budget towards providing similar facilities in Barra and at Ardivachar.
Hebridean Maritime Festival 2 - 4 August 2000 DS02.48	50	The Director of Corporate Services sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Consultation Paper on Review of Crofters Commission DS40.02.08	51*	CROFTING The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a review of the Crofters Commission, undertaken by the Scottish Executive's Efficiency Unit. The Report gave details of the methodology adopted by the review team and undertaking the review, and indicated that the review had resulted in two recommendations for change to the Commission, namely:
		(1) transferring the Commission's development function to Highlands and Islands Enterprise; and (2) converting the Commission into either an agency or into a modern non-department public body (NDPB). The Report commented on both recommendations and suggested that, if the Commission's development functions were undertaken by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, this could lead to crofting interests not being given the same focus as at present. It was further intimated that if the Commission were to be granted agency status, it would be possible to decentralise large parts of the work of the new agency to relevant areas, such as the Western Isles, thereby creating jobs in rural areas and, at the same time, allowing a better local delivery of services, coupled with greater accountability.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to respond to the Scottish Executive on the recent review of the Crofters Commission, as follows: (1) that the Crofters Commission retain its development function, as this recognised the special status of Crofters and delivered separate specialist advice and support for Crofters; (2) the Crofters Commission be adapted into an agency where it would take over the crofting policy and executive functions currently delivered by the Scottish Executive, Rural Affairs Department, and become part of Central Government; and (3) the Crofters Commission functions be dispersed throughout the Highlands and Islands, giving more local control, creating more local enterprise and information and, more importantly, increased relevant job opportunities in the areas most affected by crofting. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Crofters etc, Building Grants and Loan Scheme DS40.02.11	52*	With reference to item 32 of the minute of meeting of the Housing Committee of 28 March 2000 the Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of representations made recently to the Scottish Executive concerning the relocation of the administration of the Crofters, etc, Building Grants and Loan Scheme (CBGLS), to the Western Isles. It was intimated in the Report that Alasdair Morrison MSP, Depute Minister for the Highlands and Islands and Gaelic, had indicated his full support for the decentralisation of the administration of CBGLS and had suggested that the Comhairle make direct representations on the matter to Ross Finnie MSP, Minister for Rural Affairs. Appended to the Report was a letter dated 28 February 2000 from Ross Finnie, MSP, which stated that, whilst the Scottish Executive was committed to ensuring that Government in Scotland was efficient and decentralised, the criteria for locating a new Scottish Executive unit or agency outside Edinburgh, had not been met. In light of the apparent divergence of views from the Scottish Executive on decentralising the administration of the CBGLS, it was suggested that, as a matter of urgency, a meeting be sought with the Depute Minister for the Highlands and Islands and Gaelic, in order to further the Comhairle's case for decentralisation, which, if implemented, would generate significant local employment, as well as making the Scheme more accessible to the crofting community.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to seek a meeting with Alasdair Morrison MSP, Depute Minister for the Highlands and Islands and Gaelic, in order to further the Comhairle's case for the decentralisation of the administration of the CBGLS to the Western Isles, with a view to making the Scheme more accessible to the crofting community as well as generating significant local employment, at which meeting the Committee's interest be represented by the Chairman or his nominee.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Consultation on the Draft National Parks (Scotland) Bill DS61.16	53*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking homologation for his actions in submitting comments to the Scottish Executive in connection with the National Parks in Scotland - Consultation on National Parks (Scotland) Bill. It was indicated in the Report that the Scottish Executive had published a Consultation Paper entitled "National Parks in Scotland", which had set out the framework for the establishment of national parks and included a draft Bill on this issue. It was highlighted in the Report that the draft Bill included the undernoted provisions: (1) a commitment to local community involvement in the identification, governance and management of national parks; (2) that no new financial burdens would fall on the Comhairle if a national park was established in its area; and (3) the promotion of economic and social development would be a stated aim of national parks, with the aims of national parks as defined in the draft Bill being: (a) to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area; (b) to promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area; (c) to promote understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public; and (d) to promote economic and social development of the area.
		It was stated in the Report that the Consultation Document made reference to the potential to create marine parks encompassing the coast, islands and sea. The Report highlighted the potential for conflict between those wishing to undertake economic development in national parks with park authorities which would have, as their primary aim, conservation of natural and heritage interests and intimated that, whilst it would be appropriate for the Comhairle to enter discussions on proposals to establish a national park for any part of the Western Isles or Minch, it would be prudent to assess the operation of the national park for Loch Lomond, the Trosachs and the Cairngorms, prior to reporting such designations in the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that the action taken by the Acting Chief Executive in submitting the letter of 9 March 2000 concerning national parks in Scotland to the Scottish Executive, as appended to the Report, be homologated.
Berneray Conservation Area DS61.01	54*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report giving details of representations received in relation to proposals to designate a conservation area at Rushgarry, Berneray. The Report commented on the representations and concluded that the representations, as submitted, were not of sufficient weight to justify abandoning or amending the proposal to the proposed conservation area at Rushgarry. It was recommended in the Report that the designation of a conservation area at Rushgarry, Berneray and the request of Historic Scotland, should be given an outstanding status should proceed and that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to take the necessary action.
		It was agreed to recommend that a Site Visit Sub-Committee, comprising the following membership, be established to visit the site of the proposed Berneray Conservation Area, prior to making recommendations to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. Mr Donald Maclean, Chairman Mr Archibald K Campbell, Vice-Chairman Mr Ronald Mackinnon, Member for the Locheynort Ward and that the quorum for the Site Visit Sub-Committee be three Members.
Programme and Progress T07.01	55	FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS There was submitted Programme and Progress Report in respect of Fishery Piers. It was agreed to note the Report.
Tender Monitoring DS65.02.01	56	There was submitted a Tender Monitoring Report in respect of Fishery Pier Schemes, a tender value of which was greater than £75,000. It was agreed to note the Report.
Leverburgh Pier Road and Harbour Basin Development Project DS41.35	57*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the combination of the Leverburgh Pier Road and Harbour Basin development. The Harbour Basin Development and Breakwater had been included in the Capital Plan and there was proposed progress remainder of the breakwater on a similar basis to the previous works, utilising a motorised barge with lifting capability at an estimated cost of £70,000. This would clear the stockpiled armour stones and leave the way clear for the combined Leverburgh Pier Road and Harbour Basin Project to be tendered on a lump sum basis within the envelope of the resources available.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Director of Technical Services, subject to the confirmation of adequate external funding, be authorised to: (1) progress the remainder of the Leverburgh breakwater works utilising a hired barge; and (2) seek tenders for the Leverburgh Pier Road and Harbour Basin Development on a lump sum basis.
		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.
Stockinish Pier: Lease of Creel Storage Area T07.02.31	58*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request by the Stockinish Pier Users Association to lease a storage area at Stockinish Pier, for a nominal rent. This Report gave background information to the application and gave details of improvements undertaken at Stockinish Pier.
		It was agreed to recommend that the rent payable by Stockinish Pier Users Association for the lease of a storage area, etc, at Stockinish Pier, be waived, subject to the approval of Scottish Ministers.
Interim Consultation Procedure Marine Oyster Farm, Tong Sands DS08.62	59*	MARINE FISH FARMS With reference to item 23 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 February 2000, 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 a islet formed at the lowest extent of the low Spring tide. The Report gave background information and indicated that the Civil Aviation Authority had concluded that the development, as proposed, had the potential to become a major bird attractant and had advised against the proposal.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle, in view of the objections made by the Stornoway Airport Manager and the Civil Aviation Authority, give an unfavourable view to the 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 Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Vehicle Hire Valeting and Offices at 3/5 Bells Road, Stornoway DS21.01	60*	PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for a change of use of building from joinery shop to car hire, valeting and office at 3/5 Bells Road, Stornoway. It was indicated in the Report that the applicant was the nephew of Mr Iain Morrison, Member for the Barvas Ward, and that it was considered that the application was too sensitive to be dealt with under the terms of delegation granted to 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 building from joinery workshop to car hire, valeting and office at 3/5 Bells Road, Stornoway, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Retail Shop, Car Repairs and Car Sales at 48 Anderson Road, Stornoway DS21.01	61*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for part change of use of existing retail premises to part car repairs, part minibus storage/parking and the retention of some retail use at 48 Anderson Road, Stornoway. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the part change of use of existing retail premises to part car repairs, part minibus storage/parking and the retention of some retail use at 48 Anderson Road, Stornoway, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report.
Occasional Market, Point Street, Stornoway DS21.01	62*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the holding of a street market for the sale of local horticultural produce on specified dates throughout the Summer months at the Point Street frontage at the Town Hall. The Report gave background information, commented on the application, which was considered to be of potentially sensitive nature and, as a consequence, had not been determined in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the holding of a street market for the sale of local horticultural produce along the Point Street frontage of the Town Hall, Stornoway, on eight separate days between May and October 2000, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Proposed Caravan Camp Site, Horgabost, Isle of Harris DS21.01	63*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to form a caravan and camping site at Horgabost. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that the matter had been referred to the Committee, as it was considered to be of a potentially contentious nature and, as a result of the involvement of Mr Philip Maclean, Member for the Plasterfield Ward, in the application.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the formation of a caravan and camping site at Horgabost, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Wastewater Treatment Works, Balivanich DS21.01	64*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for a wastewater treatment works at Balivanich, Benbecula. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for a wastewater treatment works, Balivanich, Benbecula, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM 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.
Provide Sports Facility Centre at Lionel School DS21.01	65*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for outline planning permission for the erection of an extension to Lionel School, to provide an integrated sports facility centre. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant outline planning permission for the erection of an extension to Lionel School, to provide an integrated sports facility centre, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, 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.
Policy Report and Recommendations of the National Goose Forum DS40.02.03	66*	RELATED MATTERS The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Policy Report and Recommendations of the National Goose Forum, which had made some 34 recommendations relating to goose management, which range from the setting up of Management Schemes with feeding areas, buffer scarring zones, to the re-introduction of controlled shooting of some protected species. It was intimated in the Report that the Uist Greylag Goose Management Committee would consider the Consultation Document at its next meeting.
		It was agreed to recommend that it be delegated to the Acting Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, to submit the Comhairle's views on the response of the Uist Greylag Goose Management Committee to the Report entitled "Policy Report and Recommendations of the National Goose Forum".
Outstanding Action: Progress Report PR33.01.12	67	PERFORMANCE REVIEW The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports outstanding from decisions of the Committee since 1 May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM 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.
Marketing Office for Follow-up to Castaway 2000 Project DS40.08	68*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report inviting Members to consider a request from the Western Isles Tourist Board that a Marketing Post be created to concentrate on maximising the benefit of the Castaway 2000 Project on Taransay, which had received considerable publicity as a result of the details of the Project being broadcast on BBC Television. It was indicated in the Report that there was an opportunity to build upon the publicity generated by the Castaway 2000 Project to encourage visitors to the Western Isles, and that it would be appropriate for the Western Isles Marketing Group, a Group comprising Officers from the Comhairle, Western Isles Enterprise, Western Isles Tourist Board and Comhairle na Gaidhleag, to consider the proposal to establish a marketing post, on the basis that the Group would consider the possibility of seconding an existing Member of Comhairle or Western Isles Enterprise staff to a marketing post.
		It was agreed to recommend that, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned: (1) the proposal to maximise the benefits of the Castaway 2000 Project be discussed initially by the Western Isles Marketing Group; and (2) a temporary post is funded up to a cost of £6,000 to help take forward tourism marketing on the back of the publicity generated by the Castaway 2000 Project.
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