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Development Services
DS02.09.01
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1
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MINUTES
The Minute of Meeting of 15 December 1998 was approved...\..\..\1998\MINUTES\DEVELOP\mds9812.doc
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Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee
DS09.04
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2*
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The Minute of Meeting of the Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee of 15 January 1999 was submitted and the recommendations contained therein 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 recommendations detailed in the Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee of 15 January 1999, 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.
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AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy
1999-2000
PR110.03.25
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3*
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FINANCE
With reference to item 3 of the Finance Sub-Committee of 25 January 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the final Aggregate External Finance (AEF) announcement and outlining a revised budget strategy for 1999-2000. Details of the AEF settlement were appended to the Report together with changes in Grant Aided Expenditure. Comments on the effect of the AEF settlement, the 1998/99 budgetary performance and movements in reserves, balances and the contingency fund were outlined in the Report. Policy issues arising which required to be addressed by the Comhairle in the budgetary profiles were detailed in the Report.
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It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests was concerned.
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Growth and Savings Proposals for the 1999/2000 Budget: Revised
PR110.03.25
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4*
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With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee of 25 January 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing revised growth and savings proposals for consideration as part of the 1999/2000 budgetary process.
It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests was concerned.
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Draft Budget Book
PR110.03.25
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5
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With reference to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee of 25 January 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Draft Budget Book for the financial year 1999/2000 detailing income and revenue expenditure budgeted for each of the Comhairle's services in the financial year 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000.
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It was agreed to note the Draft Budget Book 1999/2000 pending detailed consideration of the Revenue Estimates by the Finance Sub-Committee Working Party.
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Western Isles Marketing Group
DS40.24
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6*
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining proposals in relation to the Marketing of the Western Isles.
It was stated in the Report that, as part of the Comhairle's Business Development Service, which had attracted Objective 1 funding, a marketing partnership for the Western Isles had been established involving Western Isles Enterprise, Western Isles Tourist Board, the ICT Advisory Service, Comunn na Gaidhlig and the Comhairle. The Report identified the wide economic benefits to be gained for the Western Isles flowing from the exploitation of the Hebrides identity and branding. The Report stated that it would be appropriate to design and create a new style Western Isles Information Pack on the basis of the following information being included in the Pack, namely:
key information on Infrastructure, Workforce, Quality of Life, Investment Incentives, Development Potential (property/sites/land available, etc,) these fact sheets to be in bilingual format with potential for translation into other European languages in the future;
the Western Isles Business Directory and brochures promoting sectoral groups from the Western Isles; and
promotional material in CD-Rom and floppy disc format.
The Report further outlined the design strategy associated with the creation of the Information Pack and commented on the associated financial implications.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
the Comhairle should continue to play an active co-ordinating role with other partners, in the recently formed Western Isles Marketing Group;
the Comhairle agree to provide a maximum of 50% towards the projects of the Marketing Group, the remainder to be funded by other participating bodies;
funds allocated to the Marketing Group's activities be taken from the Objective 1 Marketing Budget within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services, on the basis of any Comhairle contribution being made in terms of the Scheme of Delegation; and
the Chief Executive be authorised to request the Marketing Group to consider and build upon the brand identity of "The Outer Hebrides" in its projects.
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Marketing Support Initiative
DS40.24
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7*
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report indicating that it was proposed to utilise the European Objective 1 Marketing Budget, within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services, to fund two marketing programmes, namely:
the "Effective Marketing Programme"; and
the "Web Marketing Programme".
The Report emphasised that both of the above-mentioned Programmes would actively seek to encourage Western Isles SMEs to exploit simple marketing techniques to reach a wider market and to adopt the Internet as a marketing tool.
Details of both Programmes, which had been devised following an assessment of needs of Western Isles firms, were given in the Report, together with the associated financial implications. It was stated that Companies participating in both Programmes could receive grants for a maximum of three concurrent years, in accordance with the criteria for expenditure of European and Development Services budgets, determined by the Comhairle in September 1998, and it was suggested that it be delegated to the Chief Executive to award grants from both Programmes.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
the outline of the Marketing Support Initiative as detailed in the Report by the Chief Executive, be approved;
the Comhairle authorise the Marketing Support Initiative to be fully developed and launched in March 1999;
applications for projects under the European Objective 1 Marketing Budget within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services be determined by the Chief Executive, according to the criteria for expenditure of European and Development Services budgets agreed by the Comhairle at its meeting in September 1998; and
the Chief Executive be requested to submit Progress Reports to the Committee, detailing Companies joining the "Effective Marketing Programme" and the "Web Marketing Programme", funds allocated under the Programmes, together with an indication of benefits derived by Western Isles SMEs participating in the Programmes, at every other Development Services Committee.
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Business Development Service
DS40.33.227
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8
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report informing Members of the progress made by the Comhairle's Business Development Service during the quarter to 24 December 1998. It was intimated in the Report that the Service administered the following Programmes and Schemes:
Business Loans (in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Western Isles Enterprise);
Business Start (an interest free loan fund specifically for new business start up);
Fisheries Assistance Scheme;
Marketing Support Initiative; and
The Princes' Scottish Youth Business Trust.
The Report concluded that the general trend for new business start-up and growth in all sectors within the Western Isles economy, apart from Fisheries, continued to be low.
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It was agreed to note the Report.
Arising out of consideration of this matter:
the Chairman stated that every Member of the Committee would be supplied with information, concerning details of the number of residents in each ward employed on a full time basis by the Comhairle, by the Director of Finance, on the basis of such information being available to Members by 10 February 1998; and
the Chief Executive informed the Committee that the Report by the Director of Finance concerning details of the number of residents in each ward employed on a full time basis by the Comhairle, would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee.
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Indicators of Sustainable Development: Consultation Paper
DS20.23
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9
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The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
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It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following two items on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
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Sites and Properties Management
DS20.24
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10*
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report appending:
list of properties held on the Development Services account;
list of vacant properties held on the Development Services account; and
list of vacant land held on the Development Services account.
It was intimated in the Report that all properties and land held on the Development Services account were now regularly inspected to ensure that maintenance standards were maintained and that new procedures had been introduced for the application of and the termination of leases.
The Report gave background information in relation to requests from tenants associated with the following properties:
Old School, Balivanich;
Plot 1, Leverburgh Development Site; and
Unit 2, Cnoc na Feille.
The Report gave background information associated with each of the above-mentioned properties.
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It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle:
note the progress regarding properties management;
agree to the request by Mr James Lynch to vacate the Old School, Balivanich and to terminate his lease;
advertises the Old School, Balivanich, for sale or lease;
determine the request regarding the sale of plot 1 of the Leverburgh Development Site to the existing tenant; and
release Cliuiche Puzzle Products from its lease of Unit 2, Cnoc na Feille.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
the Comhairle note the progress regarding properties management as detailed in the Report by the Chief Executive;
authorise the Chief Executive to inform Mr James Lynch that the Comhairle had agreed to his request to vacate the Old School, Balivanich and to terminate his lease;
the Chief Executive be authorised to advertise the Old School, Balivanich, for lease on a short term basis, with the period of lease being determined by the Chief Executive;
Plot 1, Leverburgh Development Site be not sold to the existing tenant and that the request from the existing tenant to purchase the plot on Leverburgh Development Site be considered further in the context of a Report by the Chief Executive on policy associated with the sale of sites and premises; and
The Chief Executive be authorised to inform Cluiche Puzzle Products that the Comhairle had agreed to release the Company from its lease of Unit 2, Cnoc na Feille.
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Bhaltos Estate, Isle of Lewis
DS02.50
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11*
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning an application from the Bhaltos Community Trust Limited, for financial assistance towards the costs involved in purchasing the Valtos Estate, Uig, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information in relation to the request and commented on the advantages associated with the Valtos Estate being owned by the Community Trust. It was highlighted in the Report that the Valtos was within the Uig Iomairt aig an Oir area.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Chief Executive be authorised to pay a grant to the Bhaltos Community Trust Limited in the sum of £10,000 towards the purchase and management of the Valtos Estate, on the basis of this sum being met from provision within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (Crofting Initiatives Budget) 1998/99 and that the grant be paid on conditions to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services.
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Crofting Animators Pilot Project
DS40.02.25
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12*
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining the scope of the Crofting Animators Pilot Project, which aimed to raise Crofters' awareness of various Schemes, including the Countryside Premium Scheme, SPA Corncrake Scheme and the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme and to assist Crofters to progress plans and to make applications under the Schemes referred to in the Report. It was emphasised in the Report that the uptake of Schemes could be increased and that any such increase would benefit crofting areas, both financially and through the improvement of facilities. Details of the costs associated with the Pilot Project were detailed in the Report.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
the Comhairle should support the Crofting Animators Pilot Project detailed in the Report by the Chief Executive; and
the Chief Executive be authorised to contribute £4,000 towards the Crofting Animators Pilot Project in the 1999/2000 financial year, on the basis of the sum involved being met from provision within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services (LEADER) for 1999/2000.
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Severe Weather Compensation Scheme
DS40.02.24
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13
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Severe Weather Compensation Scheme. The background associated with the establishment of the Scheme was given in the Report and it was intimated that the European Commission had granted approval for the Scheme on 30 November 1998 and that the period of operation for the Scheme was 20 October 1998 - 31 March 1999. Details of claims made under the Scheme were given in the Report, together with an estimate of anticipated claims to 31 March 1999.
It was agreed to note the Report.
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It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
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Mr Angus M Graham and Mr Alexander A Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
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Heather Isle Meats Limited
DS40.02.26
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14*
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With reference to item 130 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request from Heather Isle Meats Limited for additional subsidy to meet operating deficits. The Report gave background information concerning the application and stated that the activities of Heather Isle Meats Limited, together with Lewis and Harris Auction Mart Limited, were essential for the future of the Islands' crofting industry.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to:
(1) provide additional operating deficit subsidy of £12,612 and up to a maximum of £15,683 to cover the increased operating deficits incurred by Heather Isle Meats Limited in financial years ending 31 March 1998 and 31 March 1999 respectively, on the basis of the sums involved being met from the Contingency Fund 1998/99 and that the Chief Executive be authorised to pay both subsidies;
(2) increase the maximum operating deficit payable to Heather Isle Meats Limited in a single financial year from £75,000 to £90,000, subject to:
(a) the submission of separate Trading and Profit and Loss accounts for each year for the Abattoir division and the meat wholesaling division;
(b) the basis of preparation of these accounts and allocation of income and expenditure between each division being subject to approval by the Director of Finance; and
(c) any finance required for future marketing and/or development of the Company's products being met by the meat wholesaling division or raised externally; and
(3) the Chief Executive be authorised to inform Heather Isle Meats Limited that the condition of award of subsidy to the Company would be amended to enable the meat wholesaling venture to retain and reinvest profits in the two years up to 31 March 2000 to enable this part of the business to become fully established.
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Future of Tourism Development Programme
DS40.08
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15*
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Western Isles Tourism Development Programme which had been established in 1989.
Details of the Projects undertaken by the Programme were given in the Report and, in particular, reference was made to the Projects linked to the Interpretation Strategy, including:
Themed Leaflets;
Calanais Centre;
Balranald Centre;
Hides;
Field Centre at Gearrannan;
Barra Heritage Centre; and
Lochmaddy Arts/Cultural Centre.
It was intimated that the present phase of the Programme was scheduled to finish at 31 March 1999 and that EKOS Limited, Economic Consultants, had been commissioned to undertake an evaluation of the Programme and to suggest the best way to progress tourism in the Western Isles. It was further intimated that EKOS Limited had recommended that, following agreement on a general Tourism Strategy by all the main agencies involved, that the role of Tourism Development Manager be established within an existing officer post within one of the Agencies referred to in the Report. The Report commented on the recommendation from EKOS Limited and it was stated that the designation of an existing officer post, in one of the Agencies concerned with Tourism, as Tourism Development Manager, could present difficulties.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
the Comhairle note the Report from EKOS Limited entitled "Review of Western Isles Tourism Development Programme";
the Chief Executive be authorised to hold discussions with partner agencies involved in tourism regarding the best way to proceed with the further development of tourism in the Western Isles; and
the Chief Executive be requested to submit a Report to the Committee in early course recommending a way forward for the future of the Tourism Development Programme.
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Tourism in the Highlands and Islands: A Regional Position Statement
DS40.08
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16
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The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission with withdraw this item.
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Programme and Progress
T07.01
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17
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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.
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Development Plan Coverage
DS40.01.16
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18
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of progress being made in relation to the production of a Development Plan for na h-Eileanan an Iar. The Report indicated that recent appointments of Planning Officers for Harris and rural Lewis and the Uists and Benbecula and the appointment of the Forward Planning Manager would allow significant progress to be made in relation to:
the Review of the Structure Plan; and
the preparation of the Broadbay Local Plan, Uists and Benbecula Local Plan, Harris Local Plan and Rural Lewis Local Plan.
The Report referred to the need to ensure that procedures were put in place for ensuring that the Structure Plan and Local Plans were kept relevant and up to date and with a view to ensuring that the Development Plan was considered within the Best Value framework.
It was agreed to note the Report.
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Extend Community Centre at Breaclete, Bernera
DS22.01
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19
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The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for Building Warrant from the Bernera Community Association for an extension to the Community Hall at Breaclete, Bernera. It was indicated in the Report that the applicant's agent was an employee within the Environmental Services Department, with the consequence that the application could not be dealt with within the terms of the Comhairle's Scheme of Delegation. It was further stated in the Report that the proposals complied with the Building Standards Regulations.
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It was agreed that the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to issue a Building Warrant for an extension to the community hall at Breaclete, Bernera.
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Erect a Fence at 7 Sand Street, Stornoway
DS21.01
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20
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The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a two metre high chain link fence at the croft at 7 Sand Street, Coulregrein, Stornoway. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
It was recommended in the Report that the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a two metre high chain link fence at the croft at 7 Sand Street, Coulregrein, Stornoway, on the terms detailed in the draft Decision Notice appended to the Report.
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It was agreed to defer consideration of this matter to allow the Committee to visit the site at 7 Sand Street, Stornoway, prior to the application being considered at a special meeting of the Committee on the afternoon of Monday, 8 February 1999.
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Filling Station, Bayhead/
Matheson Road, Stornoway
DS21.01
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21*
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The Chairman declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Mitchell's Garage site at the junction of Matheson Road and Bayhead. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
The Principal Planning Officer recommended to the Committee that an additional condition restricting hours of use to 7.00am - 11.00pm Monday to Saturday be included in the Schedule of Conditions appended to the Report.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Mitchell's Garage site at the junction of Matheson Road and Bayhead Street, Stornoway, on the terms detailed in the draft Decision Notice appended to the Report and that the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to include a condition limiting use to between the hours of 7.00am and 11.00pm Monday to Saturday.
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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Proposed Junior Motorcycle Track, Island Road, Stornoway
DS21.01
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22*
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The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the use of land at Island Road, Stornoway, as a junior motorcycle track. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that a representation had been received.
It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the use of land at Island Road, Stornoway, as a junior motorcycle track, on the terms detailed in the draft Decision Notice appended to 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.
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Create Car Park Adjacent to the Mission House, Melbost
DS21.01
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23*
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The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to create car parking adjacent to the Mission House, Melbost. It was indicated in the Report that, as the applicant was a brother of the Assistant Director (Development), Environmental Services Department, the application could not be dealt with within the terms of the Comhairle's Scheme of Delegation. It was further stated in the Report that the proposals were in conformity with planning legislation and that no representations had been received against the proposals.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the creation of car parking adjacent to the Mission House, Melbost, on the terms detailed in the draft Decision Notice appended to 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.
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The Minch Forum
DS40.04.33
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24
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of proposals to establish a New Minch Forum.
The Report outlined the conclusions of a Working Group established by the Minch Forum to consider the reconstitution of the Forum. It was intimated that the Working Group had recommended that the Forum should be established as an Association governed by a constitution which would be similar to that employed by other organisations such as the Firth of Forth and the Moray Firth Forum. The Report further summarised the conclusions of the Working Group in relation to the:
structure, membership and voting rights; and
costs and funding;
associated with the proposed New Forum.
It was intimated that the Working Group had recommended that each of the eleven public bodies with an interest in the Minch area should contribute £10,000 per year towards the costs associated with the reconstituted Forum.
The Committee noted a letter dated 12 January 1999 from Nicholas Gubbins to Mr Norman L Macdonald, concerning the outcome of a consultation exercise undertaken by the Forum's Working Group.
It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle agree to allocate funding of £10,000 for the estimated first year costs of the New Minch Forum, on the basis of £5,000 from the Development Services budget and £5,000 from the Environmental Services Budget, subject to provision being identified within the respective Grow/Save process for 1999/2000.
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It was agreed to defer consideration of this matter on the basis that the Chief Executive would submit a further Report on the Minch Forum for consideration by the Committee at its next meeting in March 1999, once the position of other funding partners had been established.
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Proposed New Special Protection Areas
DS61.05
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25*
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning proposals for a number of new Special Protection Areas to be established within the Western Isles. It was intimated in the Report that the United Kingdom was required, in terms of the Wild Birds Directive, to take special measures to conserve the habitats of rare or migratory birds, including the classification of the more suitable areas for these birds, as Special Protection Areas and that Scottish Natural Heritage had advised the Scottish Office of a number of areas in the Western Isles that were of international importance for wild birds and merited classification as Special Protection Areas for corncrakes under the World Wild Birds Directive, the areas to include:
parts of Ness and Barvas, Lewis;
Aird and Borve, Benbecula;
Kilphedar and Smerclate, South Uist; and
Eoligarry, Barra.
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It was further indicated that Scottish Natural Heritage had also advised the Scottish Office that the North Uist Machair and Islands merited classification as a Special Protection Area and as a Wetlands of International Importance, also known as "Ramsar sites", under the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance. The Report highlighted that, in those Special Protection Areas for corncrakes, the Government and Scottish Natural Heritage were currently piloting a new approach which involved proposing sites for Special Protection Area classification without Sites of Special Scientific Interest notification. The Report further indicated that the new approach taken on Special Protection Area classification would allow owners and occupiers of land within the proposed Special Protection Area boundaries to enter into voluntary management schemes, under which payments could be made to Crofters, landowners and Farmers, for maintaining or creating suitable habitats for corncrakes. It was stated in the Report that the new Corncrake Special Protection Area Management Scheme provided an example of a Scheme which would encourage agricultural management that would be of benefit to the corncrake and that it was therefore essential that, as the Scheme would set a precedent for future agri-environment Schemes, it was important that the level of payments made under the Scheme would be economically meaningful.
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It was agreed to recommend that:
the Chief Executive be authorised to respond to Scottish Natural Heritage on the proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site designations, as detailed in the Report, on the basis set out at paragraphs 9.1 to 9.8 of the Report; and
the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to advise Scottish Natural Heritage of any extant planning permissions and analogous consents which could affect the proposed Special Protection Areas and Ramsar site.
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Conference: Resolving Conflicting Policy Objectives in Local Economic Development
DS03.17
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26*
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The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report appending details of a Conference entitled "Resolving Conflicting Policy Objectives in Local Economic Development" which would take place in Birmingham on Thursday, 25 February 1999.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle be represented at the Conference entitled "Resolving Conflicting Policy Objectives in Local Economic Development", which would take place in Birmingham on Thursday, 25 February 1999, by Mr Donald Macdonald, Member for Bays Ward.
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Reports Outstanding: Progress
PR33.01.12
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27*
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The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports outstanding from decisions of the Committee since 1 May 1994.
Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed to recommend that:
the Chief Executive be authorised to make representations to Western Isles Enterprise, in respect of the £500 charge made for attendance at the Weavers Training Course at Lews Castle College and that Western Isles Enterprise be requested to ensure that grants were available for individuals attending such Courses and that they be further requested to refund all Course fees already paid by those who had participated in the Weavers Training Course;
The Chairman declared an interest in the following matter and left the meeting during consideration of the issue.
the Chief Executive be authorised to write to the Office of Fair Trading, in the strongest possible terms, with a view to ensuring that the OFT Meeting, scheduled to take in Inverness in March 1999 be rescheduled to take place in the Western Isles, on the basis that the Comhairle would provide all appropriate facilities to enable the meeting to take place;
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the Chief Executive be authorised to make representations in respect of the Scheme relating to Grant Aid for Rural Filling Stations, with a view to ensuring that the "ten mile requirement", be reduced to "five miles";
the Chief Executive be requested to submit a further Report on differential pricing for petrol;
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the Chief Executive be requested to ensure that, in future, the petrol price watch information be submitted to Members on a regular basis;
the Convener, Vice-Convener, Mr Donald Maclean, Mr Alexander A Macdonald and Mr Roderick J Murray represent the Comhairle at any meeting which took place with the Office of Fair Trading;
the Chief Executive be authorised to make all necessary arrangements for Mr Donald Maclean, Mr Roderick J Murray and Mr Alexander A Macdonald and two Officers to be determined by him, to undertake a visit to an area within the European Union, possibly Scandinavia, where differential pricing, in respect of petrol, already operated; and
the Chief Executive be authorised to make representations, with a view to ensuring that Local Authorities administered the Rural Filling Station Grant Aid Scheme, rather than Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
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It was further agreed that the Director of Technical Services and the Director of Corporate Services should submit a Report to the next meeting of the Committee concerning Crofters' Rights on Access to the Foreshore, including Rights to Sand and Gravel, on the basis that the preparation of this Report could involve Counsel's Opinion being sought.
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Balivanich: Ministry of Defence Housing and reduction in Service Personnel
H02.31.35
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28*
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With reference to item 133 of the Minute of Meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 20 October 1998, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report indicating that a meeting had been sought with the Minister for Housing, Transport and European Affairs and the Secretary of State for Defence to discuss:
the negative impact of possible further reductions in service personnel in the Uist economy; and
the consequences flowing from the disposal of further MOD housing onto the civilian housing market.
It was indicated in the Report that, as the issues proposed for discussion at the meeting with the Minister and the Secretary of State for Defence were of interest to both the Housing and Development Services Committee, it would be appropriate for each Committee to nominate one Member to attend the meeting, together with the Local Member.
It was reported to the Committee that the meeting was scheduled to be held in London.
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It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Chairman, or his nominee, and the Local Member, be nominated to attend a meeting with the Minister for Housing, Transport and European Affairs and the Secretary of State for Defence, to discuss the future MOD interests in Balivanich.
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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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Draft National Planning Policy Guideline: Planning and the Historic Environment
DS20.09
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29*
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The Chief Executive submitted a Report intimating that the Scottish Office had sought comments on the Draft National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) on Planning and the Historic Environment. The Report commented on the General Policy Guidelines contained within the NPPG and gave details of those action points to be included in Local Plans and incorporated into Development Control practice. It was emphasised in the Report that, although predominantly rural in character, the Western Isles had built environments which were worthy of protection and enhancement and that the Structure Plan and Local Plans already contained policies which set out the Comhairle's position in relation to them.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Chief Executive be authorised to advise the Scottish Office that the Comhairle broadly welcomed the draft NPPG on Planning and the Historic Environment.
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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Eriskay Causeway: Notice of Intention to Develop
DS40.40
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30*
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The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the planning aspects of the proposed Eriskay Causeway, together with details of the mechanisms for dealing with the Notice of Intention to Develop.
It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services and the Director of Environmental Services, be authorised to refer the Notice of Intention to Develop in respect of the Eriskay Causeway, to the Secretary of State, together with any representations received and to meet with parties making representations with a view to resolving those representations.
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It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(i), namely, that exempt information relating to any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods and services, would be disclosed.
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Aird Laimishader Light - Transfer to Comhairle Ownership
DS41.56
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31*
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The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report intimating that the Northern Lighthouse Board had sought to transfer ownership of the Aird Laimishader Light to the Comhairle under the powers of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The Report gave background information and gave details of the implications associated with the transfer of the Aird Laimishader Light to the Comhairle.
It was agreed to recommend that:
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the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a formal request to the Northern Lighthouse Board to undertake a full review of the navigation lights provision to the West of Hebrides Deep Water Route, with a view to improving or adding to the existing facilities;
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the Director of Technical Services be authorised to request the Northern Lighthouse Board to withhold the proposed transfer of Aird Laimishader Light to the Comhairle until such a review was complete; or
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if the Comhairle was unsuccessful in (2) above, then the Director of Technical Services be authorised to negotiate with the Northern Lighthouse Board, with a view to securing the best terms of transfer of Aird Laimishader Light and ancillary buildings to Comhairle ownership.
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