COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 4 October 2000 at 2.00pm

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

Development Services DS09.01	170	MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 30 August 2000, was approved.
		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 a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office-holder or former office-holder, or applicant to become an officer-holder, under the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Economic Development Officer (Gaelic) M01.03.01	171*	ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report regarding proposals to establish a permanent post of Economic Development Officer (Gaelic). It was stated that the existing temporary post of Gaelic Development Officer was due to end in February 2001. The projects in which the postholder had become involved were summarised in the Report, together with an outline of the future potential for such a post. It was concluded that the post of Gaelic Development Officer should continue, but retitled Economic Development Officer (Gaelic) to reflect the nature of the duties. It was suggested that the current postholder of the post of Gaelic Development Officer be offered the post of Economic Development Officer (Gaelic).
		It was recommended in the Report that the current holder of the post of Gaelic Development Officer be offered a permanent post under the title "Economic Development Officer (Gaelic)".
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned that, the current holder of the post of Gaelic Development Officer be offered a permanent post under the title "Oifigear Leasachaidh Economaiceach (Gaidhlig)".
Study Visit to Hammerfest DS03.19	172*	There was submitted a Report by Mr Donald Maclean, Chairman Development Services Committee and Mr Archibald K Campbell, Vice-Chairman Development Services Committee, describing the outcome of a Study Visit to Hammerfest, Norway. It was intimated that the main objectives of the Study Visit were: (1) to study a community which faced similar problems and challenges to the Western Isles, such as perhipherality, high transport costs and a trend of population decline; and (2) to analyse and make an assessment of the strategies a community could employ to mesh in its plans for economic development with exploitation of oil and gas reserves.
		Details of the visits undertaken during the Study Visit were outlined, together with a summary of the presentations made to the Comhairle's representatives during the Study Tour. The Report concluded that: (1) any proposals to develop an oil supply base in the Western Isles should be planned so as to allow for joint use with other commercial activity, otherwise, there was every likelihood that large sums of capital investment would be tied up in facilities which were only used for short periods of time in any given year; (2) the importance of strategic decisions being taken at a National level, to ensure that remote communities gained maximum economic benefit from the exploitation of the natural resources, including oil and gas, around their shores; and (3) the establishment of a local Economic Forum afforded an opportunity to explore, in a co-ordinated and detailed way, the possibility of forming an Investment Company, which could access private and public sector funds, along the lines of Naerings Invest as, as detailed in the Report, to assist in the economic development of the Western Isles.
		Arising out of consideration of the Report, it was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to maintain links with the Hammerfest Kommune, with a view to ensuring that policies and initiatives could be shared, to help meet the economic needs of both the Western Isles and the Hammerfest communities, as well as safeguarding both communities' very special environments; and (2) the Acting Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be authorised to make representations to the Government on the need for oil/gas supply base facilities to be made available in the Western Isles and that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make all necessary arrangements associated with any meetings with Ministers and/or Civil Servants, associated with the Comhairle's campaign on this issue.
Stornoway Abattoir DS40.42	173	CROFTING The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Special Areas of Conservation: Moderation Process DS61.01	174	CONSERVATION The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report intimating that Scottish Natural Heritage have been unable to commence the formal consulation period in respect of the candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) covering the Sound of Barra and Grimersta, Lewis and an extension to the boundaries of the existing cSAC for Lochmaddy, North Uist, prior to 18 September 2000 and that the revised twelve week period for consultation was due to commence on 30 September 2000. The Report further intimated that Scottish Natural Heritage had arranged several public meetings to discuss the proposed Sound of Barra designation, to hear the views of owner/occupiers and interested parties, including the Western Isles Fishermen's Association. It was further stated that the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department had been invited to attend the public meetings to answer any specific questions relating to Government policy on the management of seal populations and how these related to the requirement to identify Special Areas of Conservation for Annex II species.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Mink Eradication in the Western Isles Ds40.02.22	175*	With reference to item 159 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 2000, the Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report intimating that Scottish Natural Heritage had submitted an application under the Life III Nature Programme for 50% of the total costs estimated in the sum of £1.75 million, associated with the eradication of mink from the Uists and Benbecula, as well as trapping at locations in the south of Harris. It was intimated that, as the Comhairle had been asked to confirm its financial commitment towards the Life III Nature bid by 15 September 2000, the Acting Chief Executive had indicated to Scottish Natural Heritage that the Comhairle would be prepared to make a financial contribution of up to £20,000 per annum, over a period of four financial years, towards the Phase 1 Programme of Mink Eradication outlined in the Report.
		The Acting Chief Executive reported that Scottish Natural Heritage had requested that the Comhairle's financial commitment to the Phase 1 Mink Eradication Programme detailed in the Report, be made over a period of five financial years.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle support the mink eradication proposals detailed in the Report by the Acting Chief Executive; (2) the Acting Chief Executive's action in commiting up to £20,000 per annum for a period of four financial years to the proposals for mink eradication detailed in the Report, be homologated, on the basis that this expenditure would be found from existing provision within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services and the actual sums involved be a matter for negotiation between the Acting Chief Executive and Scottish Natural Heritage; and (3) the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to commit up to £20,000 per annum for a period of one financial year, in addition to the period of four financial years referred to in (2) above, to the proposals for mink eradication, as detailed in the Report, on the basis that this expenditure be found from existing provision within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services and that the actual sum involved be a matter for negotiation between the Acting Chief Executive and Scottish Natural Heritage.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendations 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 recommendations were 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 amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition or supply of goods or services, would be disclosed.
Fish Farming and Processing Support Initiative DS08.01	176*	FISHERIES AND FISH FARMING The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning proposals to fund the production of a training and development support strategy for the Western Isles fish farming and processing sectors. It was intimated that the main objectives of the exercise for which Comhairle funding had been sought were to: (1) review the support mechanisms available to the local fish farming and processing sectors, including training, finance and consultancy; (2) develop a supervisory training programme, including assessor verifior training for the industry; and (3) produce a Report outlining a training and development support strategy for the fish farming and processing sectors in the Western Isles economy for 2001/02. The Report highlighted the fact that over 700 jobs were associated with the fish farming and fish processing sectors of the Western Isles economy and that a significant proportion of these jobs were in the more remote areas of the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to make a contribution of £6,000 from the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Fisheries Development) 2000/01, to Lews Castle College, for the production of a training and development support strategy for the fish farming and processing sectors.
		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 a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office-holder or former office-holder, or applicant to become an office-holder, under the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Regulating Order Feasibility Study DS40.04.42	177*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining proposals in relation to the feasibility study into the establishment of a comprehensive Shellfish Regulating Order for the Western Isles. It was intimated in the Report that the main objectives of the feasibility study were to: (1) investigate the costs and benefits of setting up a Company to manage a comprehensive Shellfish Regulating Order for the Western Isles, drawing on the experience of other areas;
		(2) develop proposals for local management of shellfish stocks, in consultation with the potential stakeholders, including fishing, aquaculture, conservation and other relevant interests; (3) identify the funding and other resource requirements for a comprehensive Shellfish Management Scheme and identify potential sources of funding; and (4) subject to the application requirements being in place, prepare a funding bid for submission to the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme. The Report highlighted the importance of fisheries resources to the economy of the Western Isles and intimated that the local processing sector was heavily dependent on shellfish, which accounted for 90% of the value of landings. The Report stated that the Comhairle alone could not establish a regulating body, under a Regulating Order, and that the support and involvement of the local fishing industry would be essential prior to a Regulating Order being put in place.
		The Report identified the staffing resources necessary to undertake the investigations associated with an examination of the feasibility of setting up a Shellfish Management Company to manage a comprehensive Shellfish Regulating Order for the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve expenditure of up to £20,000 from provision within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Fisheries Development) 2000/01, for the establishment of a six month fixed-term Marine Projects Officer post, on the basis outlined in the Report, to investigate the feasilbity of setting up a Shellfish Management Company to manage a comprehensive Shellfish Regulating Order for the Western Isles.
		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 Comhairle.
Highlands and Islands Forum on Aquaculture DS20.30	178*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report indicating that the Comhairle had been invited to nominate one Elected Member to attend meetings of the Highlands and Islands Forum on Aquaculture, which had been established by the Highland Council. It was intimated in the Report that the Forum would consider the strategic issues relating to the development of aquaculture, including the regulatory and planning frameworks and would comprise of Elected Members from Highlands and Islands Councils and representatives from the fish farming industry and other relevant bodies.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle agree in principle, to the proposals to establish a Highlands and Islands Forum on Aquaculture; and (2) the Comhairle be represented on the Highlands and Islands Forum on Aquaculture by the Chairman or his nominee. Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed to request the Acting Chief Executive to submit a Report to the next meeting of the Committee on the options available to the Comhairle for maintaining liaison with the aquaculture industry within the Western Isles.
		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 two items 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 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 amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.
Leverburgh Basin and Harbour Road T09.05	179*	With reference to item 113 of the Minute of Meeting of the Transportation Committee of 4 October 2000, the Director of Corporate Services and Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report concerning the current position with negotiations for the contract for the Leverburgh Basin works and Harbour Road. Negotiations were ongoing with the lowest tenderer to agree the terms of the contract for the project. The Report further indicated that, in view of the delays experienced to date in the acquisition of plots 2A and 2B and 3 it was deemed necessary to seek authority to institute compulsory purchase procedures in order to acquire the necessary land. The Director of Technical Services submitted a supplementary Report giving updated information on the discussions in connection with the contract for the Leverburgh Basin and harbour Road.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to enter into a contract with Aggregate Industries for the provision of the Leverburgh Basin and Harbour Road and the completion of the breakwater to be undertaken in conjunction with the contract subject to the necessary land acquisition procedures being completed; and (2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to institute compulsory purchase procedures for the acquisition of land designated plots 2A, 2B and 3 on the land plan displayed at the meeting and that, in the event that an agreement could not be reached with the landowners the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to negotiate a settlement with the landowners in accordance with the District Valuer's valuation at any point prior to and during the compulsory purchase process.
Future of the Tourism Development Programme Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme Application DS40.08	180*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report referring to the production of the document entitled "Tourism in the Western Isles Strategic Plan 2001-05", which it was anticipated would be adopted by all relevant funding agencies by December 2000, with a view to maximising the benefits of tourism for the people of the Western Isles, by developing a competitive industry focused on quality that was economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, building on its history, culture, environment and the hospitality of its people. The Report further referred to the evaluation of the Tourism Development Programme undertaken by EKOS Ltd, which had recommended that, following the agreement of a general tourism strategy, the role of Tourism Development Manager be established within one of the partner agencies. It was intimated in the Report that the Comhairle, in association with the Western Isles Tourist Board, had made an application to the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme (HISP), to employ a Marketing Officer and a Development Officer to take forward the proposals outlined in the Western Isles Tourism Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy produced by the Scottish Executive.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note that: (1) the Tourism Development Programme had been completed; (2) the Tourism Development Strategy had been prepared; and (3) the Comhairle, in conjunction with its other partners, had made a HISP application for funding for Tourism Officers to take forward the Western Isles Tourism Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy, insofar as it affected the Western Isles.
Tourism and Traditional Music Initiative DS40.08	181	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Tourism and Traditional Music Pilot Project which took place in Uist in July/August 2000. The Report detailed the background to the Traditional Music and Tourism Initiative 2000 and particularly the project entitled "The Music of Uist", which involves promotion of ten traditional music nights across four venues in the islands of North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist, during the peak tourist months of July and August. The response to the pilot project was very positive and provided evidence that traditional music events were welcomed by tourists and provided an opportunity to highlight the music and culture of the Western Isles. It was agreed to note the Report.
Extraction of Sand from Traigh Shandaidh, Ness DS21.01	182*	PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the extraction of wind blown sand from the foreshore at Traigh Shandaidh, Ness, Isle of Lewis. 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 extraction of wind blown sand from the foreshore at Traigh Shandaidh, Ness, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report.
Renew Consent for Recycling Centre at Bennadrove DS21.01	183*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the renewal of a consent for a Recycling Development Centre at Bennadrove, to include all types of metal and increase working hours to 8.00am - 8.00pm Monday to Saturday. 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 renewal of consent for a Recycling Development Centre at Bennadrove, Isle of Lewis, to include all types of metal and to increase working hours to 8.00am - 8.00pm Monday to Saturday, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report.
		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 Comhairle.
Change of Use 18b Bells Road, Stornoway DS21.01	184*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the change of use of 18b Bells Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, from an industrial building into a micro-brewery. The Report gave background information and intimated that, as the proposed development was of a sensitive nature, the matter had not been dealt with 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 a change of use of 18b Bells Road, Stornoway, from an industrial building into a micro-brewery, 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 recommendations 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 recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	185*	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. Arising out of consideration of the Report, it was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to make representations supporting the position of the Stornoway Community Council in relation to the proposed erection of telecommunications masts at Keith Street, Stornoway.
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