COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 22 November 2000 at 2.00pm

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

Development Services DS09.01	186	MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 4 October 2000, was approved.
Development Services DS09.01	187	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to submit the Minute of Meeting of 30 October 2000. The Minute of Meeting of 30 October 2000, was approved.
Development Services Sub-Committee DS09.02	188	The Minute of Meeting of the Development Services Sub-Committee of 1 November 2000, was noted.
Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee DS09.04	189*	The Minute of Meeting of the Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee of 6 October 2000, was noted and the recommendations contained therein recommended for approval. Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed to request the Acting Chief Executive to submit a Report on the application of a Regulating Order in respect of nephrops.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee PR03.05	190	The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 4 October 2000, was noted.
Aquaculture Industry Liaison DS20.30	191*	CONSTITUTION The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report identifying the need for regular liaison with the Comhairle, at Member level, with representatives of the aquaculture industry in the Western Isles. It was intimated in the Report that the fish farming industry was important to the Western Isles economy, with the salmon sector of the industry producing some 22,000 tonnes per year and supporting the equivalent of 327 full-time jobs at sea sites and hatcheries, many in the more remote areas of the Western Isles. It was further intimated that, including the processing and marketing sectors and other directly related activity, the acquaculture industry supported the equivalent of 700 full-time jobs. The Report referred to a request from the local fish farming industry to establish regular liaison with the Comhairle and other public bodies involved with the industry, including Scottish Natural Heritage, Western Isles Enterprise, the North of Scotland Water Authority and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and further indicated that an informal Aquaculture Working Group, involving the Comhairle and other public bodies with an interest in the industry, had met on some five occasions during the previous twelve months and had provided a useful forum for the exchange of views on the Western Isles aquaculture industry. It was suggested in the Report that it would be appropriate to establish an Aquaculture Liaison Group, involving Members of the Comhairle, on the basis that the Group would meet with representatives of the Western Isles aquaculture industry and other relevant bodies on a regular basis.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to establish an Aquaculture Liaison Group, with the remit to discuss issues of mutual interest with representatives of the Western Isles fish farming industry, on a regular basis; and (2) the Comhairle be represented on the Western Isles Aquaculture Liaison Group, at Member level, by the Chairmen (or Vice-Chairman, on an alternate basis), of the Development Services, Environmental Services and Transportation Committees and the Comhairle's nominated Member on the Highlands and Islands Aquaculture Group, Mr Donald M Mackay.
Service Strategy Development Report PR110.08	192	FINANCE Service Strategy Development Reports for 2001/2002 Revenue Estimates for each of the Committee's services were submitted, setting out committed growth of proposed expenditure savings to match growth and savings proposed to match the Cash Planning Limits of expenditure.
		It was agreed to note the Service Strategy Development Reports.
Second Quarter Revenue Out-Turn 1 April-30 September 2000 PR110.08	193*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Account, for the six month ended 30 September 2000 and comparing such Income and Expenditure with the Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the period. The Report detailed the forecast out-turn of expenditure for each of the Comhairle's services for the financial year ending 31 March 2001. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned that, where the forecast overspend exceeded tolerances, the relevant Heads of Service be required to make proposals to bring spending back within tolerances to the next series of meetings.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2000-30 September 2000 PR110.08	194*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 30 September 2000 for all Services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated out-turn expenditure for the financial year 2000/01 for each Service. It was noted that the forecast out-turn was £220,000 below the revised approved programme of £15,650,000. A summary of the variations was set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions, were appended to the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, approval of the forecast out-turn as the revised approved Capital Programme for the financial year 2000/01 and specifically that:
		(1) £35,000 additional CFCR be transferred from money set aside from the closure of the Secondary Department at Scalpay School to fund the Home Economics Unit at Sir E Scott School;
		(2) an overspend of £22,000 on the Scalpay Bridge Project be included in the Capital Programme and funded out of slippage;
		(3) an overspend of £80,000 on the Smith Avenue/Sandwick Road Roundabout Project be included in the Capital Programme and funded out of slippage; and
		(4) the Director of Technical Services be requested to submit a Report detailing how the overspend on the Smith Avenue/Sandwick Road roundabout arose and setting out proposals for better control of contracts for the future.
Repairs and Maintenance Revenue Programme 2000/01 PR110.08	195	BUILDINGS The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report giving details of expenditure incurred on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Development Services account during the period 1 April - 30 September 2000. It was indicated in the Report that £12,812.72 (59%) of the Repairs and Maintenance Budget for Development Services' properties, had been spent or committed as at 30 September 2000. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Minute of Meeting of Highlands and Islands Action Group on Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices CH02.04.10	196	There was submitted Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Action Group on Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices of 6 October 2000. The Chairman stated that a further Report would be submitted to the Committee, following the publication of the Office of Fair Trading's Report into the supply of petrol, diesel, marine diesel and heating oil, within the Western Isles. It was agreed to note the Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Action Group on Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices of 6 October 2000.
Western Isles Local Economic Forum DS40.01.21	197	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
		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.
Unit 8A, 7 James Street, Stornoway DS41.14.11	198*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the lease of Unit 8A, 7 James Street, Stornoway. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to lease Unit 8A, 7 James Street, Stornoway, to Mr Iain H Mackay, trading as Duncan Mackay and Sons, for a period of five years, at a rent to be determined by the District Valuer Scotland North West, and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive, would determine, including without prejudice to the foregoing generality, a condition that no heavy goods vehicles are parked in the car park adjoining the building.
Lease of Seaforth House, Stornoway DS42.68	199	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Duthchas LIFE Project DS02.56	200	The Chairman invited Ms Vanessa Hallhead to address the Committee on the work of the Duthchas Project, a partnership initiative co-financed by the European Union LIFE Environment Programme. An opportunity was afforded to Members to ask questions of Ms Hallhead. The Chairman thanked Ms Hallhead for her presentation.
Duthchas LIFE Project DS02.56	201*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's financial contribution to the Duthchas Project. It was intimated in the Report that, in order to complete the Project, an extension beyond the original timescale had been agreed with the European Union and that the Comhairle was required to give consideration to granting the Duthchas Project additional financial assistance. Details of the Project costs were given in the Report and it was stated that, as a result of the depreciation of the Euro, funding partners were required to meet a deficit of £28,635. The Report concluded that it would be appropriate for the Comhairle to meet 5% of the estimated additional costs, associated with the completion of the Duthchas Project and to make an additional allowance for actual out-turn costs, taking into account the possibility of further currency fluctuations.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to contribute up to £4,000 towards the additional costs of extending the Duthchas Project to 31 March 2001 and of currency fluctuations over the Project period, on the basis that the Acting Chief Executive would be further authorised to determine the measurable output by the Duthchas Project, following consultation with the Duthchas Management Group and it being delegated to the Director of Corporate Services to determine the terms and conditions relating to the payment of the Comhairle's grant, such terms and conditions to include the measurable outputs; and (2) in the event of an agreement not being reached with the Duthchas Project, the Acting Chief Executive be requested to submit a further Report on the matter to the Committee.
Economic Development Estates Environmental Improvements DS40.15	202*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving background information on the following Estates: (1) Barvas Development Estate; (2) Mossend Development Estate; (3) Parkend Industrial Estate; (4) Leverburgh Development Estate; (5) Cnoc na Feille Development Estate; (6) Balivanich Commercial Development; and (7) Castlebay Development Units. The Report summarised the range of environmental improvements carried out to the above-mentioned Estates and further outlined an Environmental Improvement Policy which took into account: (1) Signage; (2) Grounds maintenance; (3) Landscaping; (4) Cleanliness; (5) Roads/footpaths; and (6) Fencing.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to the proposed Environmental Improvements Policy for the economic development estates identified in the Report and that the Acting Chief Executive be requested to draw up a strategy and costed programme, in consultation with relevant partners, local groups and the appropriate local member, with a view to applying resources to each area.
Tourism in the Western Isles: Strategic Plan 2001-2005 DS40.08	203*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning Tourism in the Western Isles: Strategic Plan 2001-2005. It was intimated in the Report that the Member/Officer Working Group established by the Comhairle, had considered the Strategic Plan in detail and had concluded that "Outer Hebrides" should be used in all marketing material. It was further intimated that the Comhairle had submitted an application for Highlands and Islands Special Programme funding, associated with the niche marketing aspects of tourism identified in the Strategic Plan. The Report referred to the fact that the Strategic Plan had suggested a mechanism whereby 14 `Actions', would be taken forward, over a five year period. It was suggested that it would be appropriate for the Western Isles Tourist Board to meet other agencies and organisations involved in the tourism sector, in order to determine the implementation process detailed in the Plan.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle adopt the "Tourism in the Western Isles: Strategic Plan 2001-2005"; (2) the Comhairle support the suggestion that future tourism marketing be carried out under the "Outer Hebrides" banner; and (3) the Chief Executive be authorised to request the Western Isles Tourist Board to lead discussions on the Tourism in the Western Isles: Strategic Plan 2001-2005, with other agencies and organisations involved in the tourism sector, to agree how the strategy should be implemented.
		Arising out of consideration of the above item, it was agreed that the Chief Executive be requested to submit a Report on the use of charter flights to promote tourism.
		CROFTING Mr Alexander A Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter. 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.
Western Isles Slaughterhouses DS40.23	204*	With reference to item 111 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, the Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving information on the position with regard to State Aids and their effect on the Comhairle's proposals to provide financial assistance to the four Slaughterhouses in the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to continue to pursue the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department, SERAD, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, MAFF, and the European Commission with a view to achieving an agreeable solution on the question of compliance with the Community Guideline for State Aid in the Agriculture sector; (2) the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to enter into individual discussions with representatives of the four slaughterhouses in the Western Isles with a view to drafting Rescue and Restructuring Plan(s) if appropriate; and (3) a further Report on this matter be brought before the Committee at its Meeting on 11 December 2000, on the basis that this Report should also consider the implications for the Comhairle if the European Commission were not to approve (a) Rescue and Restructuring Plan(s) (which were not currently known). It was further agreed to recommend that the Chairman or his nominee be authorised, by the Director of Corporate Service, in consultation with the Chief Executive, to attend any Meeting(s) arranged with SERAD, MAFF, Scotland Europa, the European Commission and any other appropriate individual or organisation, concerning the four slaughterhouses in the Western Isles
Lingerbay: Decision by Scottish Ministers DS21.19.02	205	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report appending "Scottish Ministers Press Release and Decision Letter", concerning the proposed development of a Superquarry at Lingerbay, Harris, which intimated that Scottish Ministers had refused planning permission for the proposed development of a Superquarry at Lingerbay, Isle of Harris. It was intimated in the Report that it was possible that the applicants Larfarge Redland Aggregates Limited, would appeal to the Court of Session and that any such appeal would have to be lodged before 15 December 2000. It was further stated that Larfarge Redland Aggregates Limited could also revive their appeal against the Comhairle's decision, following a statutory review of all minerals extractions permissions, not to include the 1965 and 1981 planning permissions on the list of extant minerals consents and that, if the appeal was revived, it would be dealt with by the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters.
		It was further intimated that objections lodged by Larfarge Redland Aggregates Limited to the absence, in the Harris Local Plan, of positive references to either the proposed Superquarry at Lingerbay, or to the existence of extant planning permissions for quarrying at Lingerbay, would have to be resolved through the Local Plan process, if they were not withdrawn. The Report concluded that there were no grounds for the Comhairle to challenge the Scottish Ministers decision in respect of the proposed development of a Superquarry at Lingerbay, Isle of Harris.
		It was agreed to note the Report. Arising out of consideration of the above item, it was agreed that, subject to there being no appeal to the Court of Session, in relation to the decision by Scottish Ministers concerning the proposed development of a Superquarry at Lingerbay, Harris: (1) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be requested to submit a Report concerning the status of the 1965 and 1981 planning consents for removal and extraction of rock at Lingerbay and of proposals to establish a Superquarry at Loch Seaforth; and (2) the Acting Chief Executive be requested to submit a Report identifying a strategy to be adopted, in light of the economic implications associated with the decision by Scottish Ministers to refuse planning permission for the proposed development of a Superquarry at Lingerbay, Isle of Harris.
New Planning Controls for Telecommunications Developments DS21.01.07	206	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report, intimating that it was anticipated that the Scottish Executive would be undertaking consultations on their proposals to introduce new planning procedures for telecommunications developments and that the Consultation Documentation was likely to comprise a Consultation Paper, a Draft National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG), a Draft Revision of Class 67 of the General Permitted Development Order and a Draft Regulatory Impact Assessment, with a Planning Advice Note being published along with the aforementioned documents.
		The Acting Director of Environmental Services reported that he proposed to submit a further Report to the Committee concerning New Planning Controls for Telecommunications Developments, as soon as the relevant Consultation Documentation had been issued by the Scottish Executive.
		It was agreed to request the Acting Director of Environmental Services to submit a Report on the New Planning Controls for Telecommunications Development to a future meeting of the Committee.
Western Isles Seal Population DS40.04.01	207*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving background information on the Western Isles Seal Populations. The Report referred to the discussions which had taken place at the Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee on 6 October 2000, following a presentation by the Sea Mammal Research Unit, concerning the number of grey and common seals in the waters around the Western Isles, population trends, seal diet, the interaction between seals and other fisheries and management options. It was stated in the Report that, although seals were a protected species, it was permissible, with the appropriate fire arms licence, to shoot animals which caused damage to fisheries, although any widespread cull as a strategic measure to control seal populations would require Government approval. The Report highlighted the fact that, due to the complex interactions within the marine environment, it was difficult to quantify the actual loss to the fishing industry which could be attributed to seals and that there was a need to undertake additional research work on seals. It would be appropriate, in light of the additional protection being proposed for seals, under Special Areas of Conservation Designations for the Comhairle to request the Scottish Executive to allocate additional funding for research on seals. It was suggested in the Report that it could be appropriate to manage seals in the same way as red deer, which would involve the establishment of a Seal Commission, which could operate on the same basis as the Red Deer Commission.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to make representations to the Scottish Executive, highlighting: (1) the need for better scientific information on the population, dynamics and feeding habits of common seals around the Western Isles; (2) the need for additional funding for research on seals and the justification for basing some of this work in the Western Isles; and (3) the case for establishing a Commission, along the lines of the Red Deer Commission, to advise on a National Management Strategy for Seals. It was further agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to seek a meeting with the appropriate Minister(s), in order to highlight the need for additional funding for research into the population and dynamics of common seals around the Western Isles and that the Comhairle be represented at the meeting by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Mr Donald Manford.
Special Areas of Conservation DS61.01	208*	With reference to item 174 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 October 2000, the Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning two new possible Special Areas of Conservation, at the Sound of Barra and Grimersta, Lewis and proposed amendments to the existing Special Area of Conservation (SAC) at Lochmaddy. The Report gave background information on both of the above-mentioned possible Special Areas of Conservation and indicated that there were a number of particular concerns related to the Sound of Barra possible Special Area of Conservation, associated with: (1) the Eriskay Causeway; (2) the proposed Ferry Terminal at Ardmor, Barra; and (3) the impact the designation might have on fishing interests.
		It was intimated that one of the main concerns in relation to the possible Special Area of Conservation at Grimersta related to a potential conflict between fish farming in Loch Roag and the objectives of the possible Special Area of Conservation. The Report concluded that the possible Special Area of Conservation for the Sound of Barra could have a potential impact on local fishing interests, particularly in light of the protection to be afforded to the common seal.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to: (1) not raise any objection to the possible SAC for Grimersta or the proposed extension and amendments to the candidate SAC for Lochmaddy; and (2) object to the possible SAC for the Sound of Barra, in respect of the inclusion of the common seal on the basis that: (a) there was insufficient scientific knowledge of the population dynamics and seal behaviour to justify and underpin the designation; (b) this lack of knowledge would mean that it would not be possible to manage the SAC to maintain favourable conservation status; and (c) a Programme should be put in place to manage seal numbers without detriment to local fisheries.
Broadbay Local Plan: Proposed Modifications DS24.03	209*	LOCAL PLANS The Acting Chief Executive submitted: (1) Broadbay Local Plan - Proposed Modifications; and (2) Revised Report concerning the Broadbay Local Plan - Proposed Modifications. It was intimated in the Revised Report that two objections to the proposed modifications to the Finalised Broadbay Local Plan had been received, from Mr Colin B M Scott, Back in relation to the proposed development of the former library site, Keith Street, Stornoway, for housing and the nomenclature used by the Comhairle. The Report commented on both of the aforementioned objections and referred to the Council of the European Union Directive 96/82/EC, particularly in relation to the definition of "establishment", contained within the Directive and intimated that the threshold for automative petrol and other petroleum spirits, set out in the Directive, was 5,000 tonnes. It was stated that the maximum tonnage that could be held at the BP Fuel Depot, Stornoway, was approximately 2,660 tonnes. It was further intimated in the Report that the Fuel Depot was managed by operating procedures and safety systems agreed by the operator and the Health and Safety Executive. The Report further referred to a risk associated with the transfer of liquid petroleum gas from the discharge facility at Number 2 Wharf in Stornoway Harbour to the Liquid Petroleum Gas plant on Sandwick Road, Stornoway and indicated that the Health and Safety Executive had commissioned a detailed Risk Assessment of the handling of dangerous substances in the Harbour, which had examined the possibility of a release of Liquid Petroleum Gas at Number 2 Wharf, Stornoway Harbour, with subsequent ignition, resulting in a flash fire explosion, impinging on the oil storage tanks at the BP Fuel Depot, Stornoway. The Risk Assessment had concluded that such an event was considered to be a remote possibility and that the incremental risk to life from such a fire over and above that from the initial explosion, was not likely to be significant.
		The Report referred to the response from the Health and Safety Executive concerning the former library site, Keith Street, Stornoway, for housing which stated that: "there are no reasons for advising against the granting of planning permission" for the development of the site for housing. The Report concluded that there were no clear planning reasons for resisting the development of the former library site, Keith Street, Stornoway for housing. The Report further referred to an objection made in relation to the nomenclature of the Comhairle and stated that, with effect from 1 January 1998, the Comhairle had used its powers under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as amended, to change its name from Western Isles Council to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and that as the term "Western Isles Council" no longer existed the use of "Comhairle" to describe the definitive article appeared to be more appropriate than "Council". The Report further concluded that there was no reason for the Comhairle to agree with Mr Scott, in relation to his objection on the nomenclature used by the Comhairle. The Report referred to proposal COM6/2 of the Broadbay Local Plan and suggested that, without prejudice to the consultation process being undertaken, options for future school provision in Point, that proposal COM6/2 be amended to read; "It is proposed that a community school be developed in Point, based either on existing school premises or on a new site yet to be identified."
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) do not agree to the objection made by Mr Colin B M Scott, Back regarding the proposed development of the former library site, Keith Street, Stornoway, for housing, and agree to hold a public local inquiry into this issue, if required; (2) do not agree to the objection made by Mr Colin B M Scott, Back regarding the nomenclature of the Comhairle; and (3) agree to replace proposal COM6/2 of the Broadbay Local Plan with; "It is proposed that a community school be developed in Point, based either on existing school premises or on a new site, yet to be identified" and also that the site identified under proposal COM6/2, be deleted.
Programme and Progress T07.01	210	FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS The Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report in respect of Fishery Piers. It was agreed to note the Report. Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed to request the Director of Technical Services to submit a Report on Kallin Harbour to the next meeting of the Committee.
Tender Monitoring	211	There was submitted a Tender Monitoring Report in respect of Fishery Pier Schemes, the tender value for which was greater than £75,000. It was agreed to note the Report.
Schedule of Rates and Dues at Comhairle Piers and Harbours 2001/2002 T07.08.02	212*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed changes to rates and dues at Comhairle Piers and Harbours for 2001/2002. The proposed rates represented a 4.5% increase, which included 2.5%, in line with the financial model, together with a further 2% to take account of increased waste management demands.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to introduce the schedule of rates and dues detailed in the Report as the scale of charges to be applied to the Comhairle's Piers and Harbours with effect from 1 April 2001, subject to the scale of charges being given further consideration in the context of the preparation of the Revenue Estimates for 2001/2002.
Piers and Harbours Oil Spill Contingency Plans PR11.20.03	213	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle's Piers and Harbours Oil Spill Contingency Plans. The plans had been approved by the Maritime Coastguard Agency and there was provision within the Fishery Piers Minor Improvement Capital Programme 2000/2001 for the cost of providing risk assessment, preparation of plans, purchase of Tier 1 capability and training. It was agreed to note the Report.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	214*	PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for repairs to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, Isle of Lewis. It was intimated in the Report that, as the applicant's agent was Mr Philip McLean, Member for the Plasterfield Ward, the application had been referred to the Committee for determination. It was further intimated that the planning application, as submitted, was in conformity with planning legislation and would otherwise have been approved.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for repairs to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 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.
34 Valtos, Uig, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	215*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for an extension to the house at 34 Valtos, Uig, Isle of Lewis. It was intimated in the Report that, as the applicant's agent Company was McLean Associates, in which Mr Philip McLean, Member for the Plasterfield Ward, had an interest, the application had been referred to the Committee for determination. It was further intimated in the Report that the concerns over elements of design and layout of the proposed extension had now been resolved.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the extension to the house at 34 Valtos, Uig, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 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.
New Church on Land at 1A North Street, Sandwick, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	216	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for outline planning permission to develop a new Church on land at 1A North Street, Sandwick, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant outline planning permission to develop a new Church on land at 1A North Street, Sandwick, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report.
		It was agreed to defer consideration of this matter to allow the Committee to visit the site at 1A North Street, Sandwick, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, on the basis that the visit to the site would take place on Monday, 11 December 2000, prior to the above Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services being considered at a special meeting of the Committee on Monday, 11 December 2000.
		The Principal Administrator left the meeting during consideration of the following matter. The Director of Corporate Services clerked the meeting for the following item.
Telecommunication Installations BT Exchange, Keith Street, Stornoway DS21.01	217	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to install mobile telephone equipment on the roof of the BT Exchange building, Keith Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission to install mobile telephone equipment on the roof of the BT exchange building, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		It was agreed to defer consideration of the above matter until the next scheduled meeting of the Committee in January 2001, in order that the Committee could consider the Scottish Executive Guidance on controls for telecommunications developments.
Change of Use to Restaurant, 26 Francis Street, Stornoway DS21.01	218*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the change of use of the existing shop at 26 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, to a restaurant. 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 change of use of the existing shop at 26 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, to a restaurant, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 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.
Area 3, Gleann Seileach Business Park, Stornoway DS21.01	219*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of an office building at Area 3, Gleann Seileach Business Park, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. It was intimated in the Report that, as the applicant's agent was Mr Philip McLean, Member for the Plasterfield Ward, the application had been referred to the Committee for determination. It was further intimated in the Report that the planning application, as submitted, was in conformity with planning legislation and would otherwise have been approved. The Acting Director of Environmental Services reported that concerns about drainage from the proposed development had been drawn to his attention but that these concerns could be resolved before the meeting of the Comhairle on 12 December 2000.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a building at Area 3, Gleann Seileach Business Park, Stornoway, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
Dog Kennels, Bayhead, North Uist DS21.01	220*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for alternations and change of use to form dog kennels at Bayhead, North Uist. The Report gave background information and commented on the application. It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to refuse planning permission for alterations and change of use to form dog kennels at Bayhead, North Uist, for the reasons shown at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		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 Committee on the application, on the basis that the Sub-Committee would comprise the following membership: Chairman; Mr James L Macarthur; Mrs Mary Bremner; Mr Ronald Mackinnon; and Mr Donald Manford; and that the quorum for the Sub-Committee be three Members.
		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 Comhairle.
Meeting with Scottish Natural Heritage North Areas Board DS02.34	221*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report indicating that the North Areas Board of Scottish Natural Heritage would be convening a Board Meeting in the Western Isles and that, in light of the many common interests between the Comhairle and Scottish Natural Heritage, it would be appropriate for representatives of the Comhairle to meet with the Scottish Natural Heritage North Areas Board, on Wednesday, 29 November 2000, to discuss Scottish Natural Heritage's policies and strategies for the Western Isles and how best the Comhairle could work more effectively and in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage, particularly with regard to community planning and sustainable development.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Convener, Vice-Convener, Chief Executive and other Officers of the Comhairle, to be determined by the Chief Executive, should represent the Comhairle at the meeting with Scottish Natural Heritage North Areas Board on Wednesday, 29 November 2000 to discuss matters of mutual interest and that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make all arrangements relating to the Meeting, in consultation with the 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.
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