COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 10 March 1999 at 2.00pm

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PRESENT	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Donald Maclean (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Colin Campbell
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Angus M Graham	Capt Roderick Mackinnon
	Mr Donald M Mackay	Mr Allan F Macleod
APOLOGIES	Mr Callum I Macmillan

Development Services Committee DS09.01	34	MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 8 February 1999 was approved, subject to the following amendment: Item 33 - Insert the words "on the terms detailed in the draft decision appended to the Report", after the word "Stornoway", at the end of the second paragraph of the item.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee PR03.05	35	The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 28 January 1999, was noted.
		CONSTITUTION The Chairman ruled, in terms of Standing Order 8, that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to enable the Comhairle to take a view on the matter, prior to its next meeting.
Delegation to Development Services Sub-Committee DS21.01	36*	The Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking additional delegation for the Development Services Sub-Committee to determine a number of planning applications prior to the meeting of the Comhairle. It was intimated in the Report that representations had been received against the following planning applications:
		creation of a new access track to a North of Scotland Water Authority septic tank at Sheshader; re-development of Lochmaddy Community Hall; and construction of a two-way box trap for monitoring salmon and trout at Claddach Kirkibost, North Uist; and that it had not been possible, within the required timescale, to submit Reports to the Committee in respect of these applications. The Report also referred to further applications for planning permission concerning:
		rock extraction at Carnan, South Uist; and permanent consent for a haulage yard at Creagorry, Benbecula; and suggested that it would be appropriate to delegate determination of these applications to the Development Services Sub-Committee. The Report stated that the proposed additional delegation to the Sub-Committee was sought on the basis that the planning applications detailed in the Report were not major developments and would also reduce the potential for delay in determining the applications.
		It was agreed to recommend that it be delegated to the Development Services Sub-Committee to determine the undernoted planning applications, on the basis set out in the Report by the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Environmental Services. creation of a new access track to a North of Scotland Water Authority septic tank at Sheshader; re-development of Lochmaddy Community Hall; construction of a two-way box trap (for monitoring salmon and trout) at Claddach Kirkibost, North Uist; rock extraction at Carnan, South Uist; and permanent consent for a haulage yard at Creagorry, Benbecula.
Economic Development Strategic Planning April 1994-99 DS40.01	37	ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of the activity undertaken in respect of the undernoted areas: marketing and promotion; business advice and financial support; employment support and training initiatives; sectoral and area development support; and strategic planning and environmental projects. The Report highlighted that, as a result of the economic development activity undertaken by the Comhairle, the Western Isles had been promoted as a place to live and work in and that, as well as safeguarding many jobs, a number of new jobs had been created. The Report referred to the Training Schemes operated by the Comhairle for unemployed people and, in particular, referred to the environmental projects which had commenced during the last five years. In addition, the Report gave details of the current status of Local Plans within the Western Isles and intimated that work was also being undertaken on the Structure Plan.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
		Arising out of consideration of this item, it was noted that the Scottish Crofters Union would be invited, by the Chief Executive, to send a representative to the next meeting of the Seaweed Industry Member/Officer Working Group.
Community Development Initiatives DS40.01	38	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Western Isles ICT Advisory Service DS40.01.17	39	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Western Isles ICT Advisory Service. It was intimated that the Advisory Service, which was funded on partnership basis by ERDF Objective 1, Western Isles Enterprise and the Comhairle, was now in its second phase, having met or exceeded all target and output measures set for the Service during its first phase. In particular, the Report referred to the "Skills Register" and the role which this had played in marketing the highly qualified potential workforce available within the Western Isles, with a view to attracting potential employers and Companies willing to out-source work to Teleworkers. It was intimated in the Report that it was proposed to develop the "Friends of the Western Isles" Initiative during 1999 and that, at present, several of the best projects for creating new jobs in the Western Isles had evolved from contact made through "Friends of the Western Isles". The Report gave details of the initiatives and projects with which the ICT Advisory Service had an involvement and also highlighted the main success of the Advisory Service, namely, the creation of 60 jobs at the Call Centre at Gleann Seillach Business Park.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
		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 defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Unit B, Castlebay Factory, Isle of Barra DS41.05	40*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report giving information on applications received in respect of the lease of Unit B, Castlebay Factory, Isle of Barra. The Report gave background information and commented on the applications received. It was recommended in the Report that: the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to offer Unit B, Castlebay Factory, for lease to Gerry Porter, trading as Crofters Hebridean Toffee, on terms and conditions to be agreed with the Chief Executive subject to the submission of: a comprehensive Business Plan; and satisfactory Bank references; and the Chief Executive be authorised to determine which of the other applicants who had expressed an interest in leasing Unit B, Castlebay Factory, Isle of Barra, should be offered the lease of the property in the event of the above conditions not being met.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report subject to an additional condition being included at (1) above, namely that Gerry Porter, trading as Crofters Hebridean Toffee be required to submit a comprehensive Business Plan and satisfactory Bank references within one month of the date of the offer of lease.
		The Chairman declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.
Economic Impact of High Fuel Prices CH02.04.05	41*	With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999, the Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of progress being made in implementing the decisions of the Comhairle in respect of issues related to high fuel prices. It was intimated that: the Office of Fair Trading had been invited to a meeting in the Western Isles and it was anticipated that the meeting between representatives of the Comhairle and the Office of Fair Trading would take place on 31 March 1999; representations were currently being made to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to review the criteria for the Rural Filling Station Grant Aid Scheme; representations were being made to the Scottish Office regarding the administration of the Rural Filling Station Grant Aid Scheme; and a visit would be arranged to a European Union Country where differential pricing for fuel operated. The Report also commented on the role of the Highlands and Islands Action Group on Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices in attempting to secure fair prices for hydrocarbon motor and heating fuels throughout the Highlands and Islands and the continuing supply of such fuels in remote rural areas and suggested that it would be appropriate for the Chief Executive to appoint an Officer from within European and Development Services, to serve on the Action Group. A "Pricewatch" Report dated 11 February 1999, giving details of the cheapest fuels available at Lerwick, Kirkwall, Inverness, Glasgow and Stornoway, was appended to the Report and it was stated that subsequent "Pricewatch" information would be included in the Information Bulletin.
		It was agreed to recommend that: the Comhairle should continue to support the Highlands and Islands Action Group on Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices; the Comhairle should await the outcome of the actions agreed by the Comhairle at its February meeting in respect of high fuel prices before determining the direction of future action; and the Chief Executive be authorised to appoint an officer from European and Development Services, to join the Highlands and Islands Action Group on Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices. It was further agreed to recommend that: the Chief Executive be requested to produce a Briefing Paper for Members which would include a section on unfair trading prior to representatives of the Comhairle meeting with the Office of Fair Trading to discuss high fuel prices; and
		the Director of Corporate Services and the Chief Executive be requested to make all appropriate arrangements for a Briefing Meeting for Members, prior to the meeting with the representatives of the Office of Fair Trading, on the basis that this meeting was most likely to take place on the evening prior to the meeting with representatives of the Office of Fair Trading.
		It was further noted that the economic impact of high fuel prices was likely to be discussed at the forthcoming Conference on Economic Development which would take place on Friday, 19 March 1999, entitled "Western Isles Economy: Prospects for Renewal".
Consultation and Changes to the Crofters Building Grant and Loan Scheme (CBGLS) DS40.02.11	42*	CROFTING The Chief Executive submitted a Report appending a letter dated 9 February 1999 from the Scottish Office Agriculture Environment and Fisheries Department, which sought the Comhairle's views on proposed changes to the Crofters, etc, Building Grants and Loan Scheme (CBGLS). The Report gave background information and referred to the Report commissioned by the Comhairle from Chapman Hendy Associates on the impact of the Crofters Building Grant and Loan Scheme which had concluded that the Scheme was an effective crofting support mechanism which provided necessary, though insufficient support to Crofters. The Report intimated that the Government proposed to widen access to the CBGLS by: allowing Council house and other secure tenants who intended to give up their present house tenancy on completion of their crofthouse, to be eligible for assistance; allowing single adult Crofters who resided in their parental home to be eligible for assistance; and by widening the grounds which justified the need to live on the croft to encompass non agricultural business needs. It was stated that the Government had no plans to increase the budget for CBGLS but proposed to introduce a number of measures to simplify the administration and reduce management costs associated with the Scheme by: changing payment of advances of grant and loan to payment by five instalments and ending the requirement to vouch expenditure; ensuring that new houses met the long term needs of the croft by introducing a minimum house size; introducing fixed grants for certain common types of improvement; tightening access to loans by requiring Crofters to repay, in their own lifetime, and by introducing an upper age limit by which an applicant would have to repay any loan; and introducing a minimum value on house improvements. The Report commented in detail on each of the proposed changes to the Scheme and highlighted the fact that grant and/or loan made available under CBGLS had not been increased since 1991, whilst during the same period, the Department of Trade and Industry Tender Price Index had increased by 26%.
		It was recommended in the Report that: the comments set out in the Report by the Chief Executive form the basis of the Comhairle's response to the Consultation Document issued by the Scottish Office on changes to the Crofters Building Grant and Loan Scheme; and the Chief Executive be authorised to respond to the Scottish Office with the views of the Comhairle on the proposed changes to the Crofters Building Grant and Loan Scheme.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Chief Executive concerning the Crofters Building Grant and Loan Scheme on the basis that:
		the proposal on "repayment in borrower's own lifetime", be not supported by the Comhairle; the Chief Executive be authorised to make representations seeking an increase to the grant and/loan amounts payable under CBGLS; and a cross-departmental Officer Working Group be established to prepare a Report examining options for the re-location of the administration of the CBGLS to the Western Isles.
Crofters Rights of Access to Foreshore DS40.02.27	43	With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999, the Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning Crofters Rights of Access to the Foreshore. Appended to the Report was the opinion of Sir Crispin Agnew QC, regarding Crofters Rights of Access to the Foreshore, which stated that, generally, there was no specific rights conferred by legislation to Crofters to have access to work the foreshore but that Crofters could, in specific instances, have specific rights to access to the foreshore.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
		The Chairman ruled, in terms of Standing Order 8, that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to enable the Comhairle to take a view on the matter, prior to its next meeting.
		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 defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Rights of Access to Foreshore: Uisgebhagh Jetty DS40.02.27	44*	With reference to item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of the Transportation Committee of 10 March 1999, the Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning access to Uisgebhagh Jetty. It was intimated in the Report that West Minch Salmon Limited had enquired whether the Comhairle would be prepared to adopt the relevant roadway to the Jetty. It was recommended in the Report that, the Committee, for its interest: note the situation at Uisgebhagh Jetty but that the length of road concerned be not adopted; and that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to give a statement, on behalf of the Comhairle, in support of the maintenance of the access right to Uisgebhagh Jetty in any future Court proceedings.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure public access to Uisgebhagh Jetty including, if necessary, the exercise of compulsory purchase powers, on such terms and conditions as approved by the District Valuer, Scotland North West, on the basis that the road would not be adopted but that public access would be maintained and also on such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Chief Executive, should deem appropriate.
Coastal Access Project: Progress and Prospects DS40.54	45*	TOURISM The Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of progress made in relation to the Coastal Access Project. The Report indicated that the total Project had attracted funding in the sum of £488,000 with this sum being met by contributions from Western Isles Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, European Objective 1 Grant and the Comhairle. Details of the works typically undertaken at each Coastal Access Project site were given in the Report and it was stated that the average cost of works was £16,000 per site. Appended to the Report was a summary of the Project's progress to 1 January 1999 and it was intimated that work had commenced on 15 of the 23 sites originally identified in the Project application. The Report highlighted the need to identify four more project sites to be completed by 25 September 1999, when funding for project management expired and further intimated that the Project Steering Group, following an appraisal of all proposed sites, had identified four sites, together with a reserve site, to be progressed, namely: Dalmore, Isle of Lewis (Reserve Site, Luskentyre); Ardivachar, South Uist (Reserve Site, Baleshare); Gress, Isle of Lewis (Reserve Site Tong Saltings); and Tangusdale, Barra (Reserve Site Askernish). It was emphasised in the Report that improvements to coastal access improved the attraction of the natural and cultural heritage of the Western Isles and was of particular value to the tourist industry, which played an important part in the local economy.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: note the progress being made with the Coastal Access Project; and authorise the Chief Executive to include in the Project, the four sites or their replacements detailed in paragraph 6.4 of his Report on the Coastal Access Project.
Tender Monitoring DS65.02.01	46	FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the tender amounts and actual costs to January 1999 of those Fishery Pier Schemes, tender prices for which were in excess of £75,000. It was agreed to note the Report.
Brevig Harbour T07.01.09	47	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 defined in Standing Order 26(h), namely that exempt information relating to the amount of expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle, under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services, would be disclosed.
Proposed West Side Slipway Project T07.03.15	48*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from the West Side Association towards the costs of constructing a slipway at Port Mhor, Bragair. The Report gave background information in relation to the request for financial assistance and indicated that the provision of a slipway at Port Mhor, Bragair, would bring considerable benefit to the local community by opening up access to inshore fishing grounds on the west side of Lewis, as well as allowing the development of water sports, sea angling and consequently the tourism industry in the area. It was further intimated that the slipway would provide a useful launching facility for the Coastguard's RHIB.
		A Project Initiation Report for the Port Mhor, Bragair, slipway was appended to the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that: the Project Initiation Report for the slipway at Port Mhor, Bragair, be approved; the Comhairle consider £40,000, in the context of the preparation of the Programme of Capital Expenditure for 2000/2001 towards the costs of the proposed slipway facility at Port Mhor, Bragair; and the Comhairle's funding be subject to terms and conditions to be determined by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Finance.
		The Chairman declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.
Fuel at Fishery Piers DS21.23	49*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the possibility of the Comhairle becoming involved in the supply of marine fuel to vessels calling at Comhairle owned piers and harbours. It was intimated in the Report that a card operated fuel system was currently being installed at 11 fishery piers with the aim of improving amenity public safety and convenience for users. The Report gave background information relating to discussions which had taken place with Fishery Pier Users Groups on the possibility of the Groups taking responsibility for fuel provision. It was further intimated in the Report that, whilst the Comhairle could purchase fuel through a buying agency contract at a favourable rate, it had no power to sell this fuel to private parties although, it was possible that the Comhairle could provide fuel as a service to constituted non-profit making bodies such as Pier User Groups.
		Details of the price variation for marine gas oil was given in the Report and it was stated that prices at Stornoway were currently 4 pence to 7 pence per litre above a number of mainland ports. It was further stated in the Report that, if the Comhairle could provide fuel to Pier User Groups, it could result in a saving of approximately £60,000 per year to the local fleet.
		The Report identified the undernoted two options, either of which, if implemented, could pass on a saving in fuel costs to a proportion of the local fleet: providing fuel onto Pier User Groups on a non-profit making basis; or the Comhairle obtaining powers as Harbour Authority to trade in marine fuel. The Report concluded that option (2), if implemented, would allow greater scope for future development as well as producing important future benefits for the local economy and reducing fuel costs to the local fleet. It was recommended in the Report that:
		the Comhairle, as Harbour Authority, agree, in principle, to obtain powers to enable it to trade in marine fuel and that a further detailed Report be prepared by the Chief Executive on the cost and other implications associated with this proposal; and in the short term, the Comhairle agree to provide marine fuel, as a service, at its piers and harbours, on a non-profit basis, to constituted non-profit making Pier Users Groups.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle, as Harbour Authority agree, in principle, to obtain powers to enable it to trade in marine fuel and that a further detailed Report on the cost and other implications of this proposal be submitted, by the Chief Executive, to the meeting of the Committee scheduled to take place in June 1999.
Thatched Building Policy DS21.23	50*	BUILDING CONTROL The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report appending a draft Thatched Building Policy which had, as its objective, the preservation, renovation and viable use of thatched buildings in na h-Eileanan an Iar. It was stated in the Report that the number of traditional Hebridean thatched buildings had declined dramatically during the previous 30 years and that the retention of as many of the remaining thatched buildings as possible would preserve an important part of the culture and heritage of the Western Isles. It was intimated that, whilst some aspects of the draft Thatched Building Policy required to be further investigated, it would offer a measure of support to individuals or groups committed to any particular thatching project. Details of the present grant aid position in respect of thatched buildings was given in the Report, particularly the Scheme offered by Historic Scotland and it was further intimated that, in order to improve the processing of applications and ensure that payments were made as quickly as possible, it was proposed to seek the devolution of the Historic Scheme to the Western Isles at the earliest possibility.
		The Report also referred to thatching skills courses organised by Historic Scotland on the mainland and it was indicated that it was hoped that thatching courses in the Western Isles could be arranged in the future. It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle approve the Development Control Thatched Buildings Policy appended to the Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services.
		It was agreed to recommend: approval of the recommendation detailed in the Report; that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to request Historic Scotland to arrange thatching skills courses in the Western Isles; and that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be requested to submit a Report on the planting of 10 to 20 acres of bere barley, which would be suitable for thatching, on the basis that such a Scheme would be treated as a "pilot project".
Removal of Tree, 2 Goathill Crescent, Stornoway DS21.16	51*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for a Tree Preservation Order consent for the removal of a large mature sycamore tree at 2 Goathill Crescent, Stornoway. It was intimated in the Report that the tree, which was covered by a Tree Preservation Order, was sited in the front garden of 2 Goathill Crescent, which was a listed building within the Stornoway Outstanding Conservation Area. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that the matter had been submitted to the Committee for consideration as it was proposed to refuse the application for Tree Preservation Order Consent.
		It was recommended in the Report that the application for Tree Preservation Order Consent for the removal of a large mature sycamore tree at 2 Goathill Crescent, Stornoway, be refused on the grounds that the tree was safe and healthy and that there was insufficient justification to remove it because it had been made the subject of a Tree Preservation Order due to its important contribution to the character and amenity of the area.
		It was agreed to recommend that: the application for Tree Preservation Order Consent for the removal of a large mature sycamore tree at 2 Goathill Crescent, Stornoway, be approved and that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to take all steps to implement this decision, including seeking any necessary statutory consents from the Secretary of State for Scotland and the issuing of any formal consents; and the Acting Director of Environmental Services be requested to submit a Report outlining a strategy for the replacement of mature trees within the Stornoway Outstanding Conservation Area.
Local Plan Progress Report DS40.01.16	52	LOCAL PLANS With reference to item 18 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999, the Chief Executive submitted a Report giving information on the undernoted four Local Plans which were currently under preparation, namely, the Uists and Benbecula Local Plan, the Broadbay Local Plan, the Harris Local Plan and the Rural Lewis Local Plan. The anticipated timetable for the adoption of the Uists and Benbecula Local Plan was detailed in the Report and it was indicated that it was proposed to seek the Comhairle's approval of the Schedule of proposed modifications to the Comhairle at its June meeting. It was further intimated that, whilst the majority of those who had made representations on the finalised version of the Broadbay Local Plan had agreed to withdraw their objections, negotiations were continuing with a number of objectors and that the plan process could involve a Public Local Inquiry.
		The Report further indicated that progress on the Harris and Rural Lewis Local Plans was as follows: Harris Local Plan Member Officer Working Group to be held in March to consider the representations received with a view to presenting the finalised version of the Plan to the Committee in Summer 1999; Progress Report on the Plan to be considered by the Member/Officer Working Group in early Summer 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
Direct Agricultural Building Adjacent to Monard, Borve, Isle of Harris DS21.01	53*	PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of an agricultural building on an allotment at land adjacent to Monard, Borve, Isle of Harris. 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 erection of an agricultural building on an allotment at land adjacent to Monard, Borve, Isle of Harris, on the terms of the draft decision 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 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 recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Nightclub, Disco and New Flat: 25 South Beach, Stornoway DS21.01	54*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning a re-application for planning permission to extend and form a Nightclub and Disco at the first floor level and provide a new flat at second floor level at 25 South Beach, Stornoway. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that a representation had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission to extend and form a Nightclub and Disco at first floor level and provide a new flat at second floor level at 25 South Beach, Stornoway, on the terms detailed in the draft decision detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that planning permission to extend and form a Nightclub ad Disco at first floor level and provide a new flat at second floor level at 25 South Beach, Stornoway, be refused on the grounds that the development, as proposed, would detract from the general amenity of the area and, furthermore, that the pedestrian access at the entrance and exit to the building is too restrictive for the amount of people who may potentially use this building and that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to advise the applicant of the decision.
Display Advert: 23 Cromwell Street, Stornoway DS21.01	55*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for advertisement consent to display illuminated advertisements on the Cromwell Street frontage and Kenneth Street frontage on the former James Mackenzie premises at 23 Cromwell Street, Stornoway. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant advertisement consent to display illuminated advertisements on the Cromwell Street frontage and Kenneth Street frontage on the former James Mackenzie premises at 23 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, on the terms of the draft decision 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.
Housing and Site Preparation at the Old Dormitory, Stornoway DS21.01	56*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for outline planning permission for housing and for full planning permission for roads, earthworks and use of the Old Dormitory Site, Stornoway, for residential and community purposes. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that the matter had been referred to Committee as the proposal was considered sensitive and complex.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant outline planning permission for Housing and full planning permission for roads, earthworks and use of the Old Dormitory Site, Stornoway, for residential and community purposes on the terms of the draft decision 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.
Erect a Garage at 109 Leurbost, North Lochs DS21.01	57*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a garage at 109 Leurbost, North Lochs. It was indicated that the matter had been presented to the Committee for determination as the applicant, Mr Gordon C Frith, was a Principal Administrator in Corporate Service, with the consequence that the matter could not be dealt with in terms of the Comhairle's Scheme of Delegation. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a garage at 109 Leurbost, North Lochs, Isle of Lewis, on the terms of the draft decision detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
Siting of Container, Gravir, South Lochs DS21.01	58*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the siting of a container at the car park, Gravir Cemetery, South Lochs. The Report gave background information and commented on the application. It was agreed to recommend that the application for planning permission for the siting of a container at the Car Park, Gravir Cemetery, South Lochs, be refused, on the terms of the draft decision detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report and that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to advise the applicant of the decision.
Erection of Hospital at Balivanich, Benbecula DS21.01	59*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a Hospital at Balivanich, Benbecula. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that a representation had been received. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a Hospital at Balivanich, Benbecula, on the terms of the draft decision detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report. It was further agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to seek a meeting with the Health Board, with a view to securing improvements to the front of the building in order that it would make a positive contribution to the enhancement of the centre of Balivanich, in accordance with the Balivanich Enhancement Plan. 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 recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Sludge Treatment Works, Balivanich, Benbecula DS21.01	60	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a number of items of plant designed to process and de-water sewage sludge at Balivanich, Benbecula. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration as it was judged to be of a sensitive nature.
		It was recommended in the Report that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a number of items of plant designed to process and de-water sewage sludge at Balivanich, Benbecula on the terms of the draft decision detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		It was agreed to defer consideration of this matter to allow the Committee to visit the site of the proposed sludge treatment works at Balivanich, Benbecula, on the basis that the visit to the site would be timed around the forthcoming Conference entitled "Western Isles Economy: Prospects for Renewal" which would be held in Sgoil Lionacleit on Friday, 19 March 1999, prior to the application being considered at a special meeting of the Committee on the evening of Monday, 22 March 1999.
Erect Slaughterhouse at Askernish, South Uist DS21.01	61*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a slaughterhouse at 5 Askernish, Isle of South Uist. 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 for the erection of a slaughterhouse at 5 Askernish, Isle of South Uist, on the terms of the draft decision detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that consideration of the above item be deferred until the outcome of the process required to be undergone in terms of the Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897, was known.
Erect Garage at 109 Leurbost, North Lochs DS22.02	62*	BUILDING CONTROL The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for building warrant for the erection of a garage at 109 Leurbost, North Lochs, Isle of Lewis. It was intimated in the Report that the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration as the applicant, Mr Gordon C Frith, was a Principal Administrator in Corporate Services, with the consequence that the application could not be dealt with under the terms of the Scheme of Delegation.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to issue a building warrant for the erection of a garage at 109 Leurbost, Lochs, Isle of Lewis.
Business Plan 1999/2000 DS20.25	63*	PERFORMANCE REVIEW With reference to item 36 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 1999, the Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report detailing the Environmental Services Department's Business Plan for 1999/2000. The Report identified the management structure and responsibilities necessary to effect the Plan. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that: the Comhairle approve the Business Plan for 1999/2000 for the Environmental Services Department as detailed in the Report; and that the revised managerial working arrangements necessary to effect the Plan be noted.
Best Value Review Development Control Enforcement DS20.26	64*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the terms of reference and for a draft Service Improvement Plan for the purposes of the consultation for a Best Value Review of Development Control Enforcement. Details of the timescale established for the Review were given in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Service Review terms of reference and analysis for the Best Value Review of Development Control Enforcement be approved on the terms detailed in the Report and that the draft Service Improvement Plan be approved for the purposes of consultation with stakeholders.
Strategic Planning and Environmental Projects: Best Value Service Review DS20.26	65*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking approval of the terms of reference for the Strategic Planning and Environmental Projects Best Value Service Review. The timetable for the Review was detailed in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that: the terms of reference for the Strategic Planning and Environmental Project's Best Value Service Review, as stated in paragraph 5.1 of the Report by the Chief Executive, be approved; and the indicative timetable for the Strategic Planning and Environmental Project's Best Value Service Review, given at paragraph 7.1 of the Report by the Chief Executive, be noted.
Business Advice and Finance Support Best Value Service Review DS20.26	66*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking approval of the terms of reference for the Business Advice and Financial Support Best Value Service Review. The timetable associated with the Review was detailed in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that: the terms of reference for the Business Advice and Financial Support Best Value Service Review, as stated in paragraph 5.1 of the Report by the Chief Executive, be approved; and the indicative timetable detailed at paragraph 7.1 of the Report by the Chief Executive for the Business Advice and Finance Support Best Value Service Review, be noted.
Review of Committee Business PR33.01.12	67	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning decisions of the Committee from August 1998 to February 1999. Heads of Service responsible for implementing the decisions were listed together with comments by the Heads of Service about progress with tasks identified in the Comhairle's decision. It was agreed to note the Report.
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	68	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.
Related Matters National Scenic Areas Review Consultation Paper DS20.05	69*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a Consultation Paper published by Scottish Natural Heritage in connection with its review of National Scenic Areas. It was intimated in the Report that three such areas existed in the Western Isles covering South Lewis, Harris and North Uist, St Kilda and the South Uist Machair. It was stated in the Report that the Consultation Paper, as well as setting out Scottish Natural Heritage's initial thinking and proposals for making the National Scenic Area designation more effective, also outlined the organisation's thinking on the links between the National Scenic Area designation and National Parks and with Regional and Local Scenic Designations. The Report identified the key considerations for the Comhairle contained within the Consultation Paper, together with suggested comments on the Paper. The Report concluded that the Consultation Paper detailed proposals, which if implemented, would encourage greater public participation in the establishment and administration of National Scenic Areas.
		It was agreed to recommend that: the Comhairle welcome the opportunity to comment on the future of National Scenic Areas; and the Chief Executive be authorised to submit the comments set out at Appendix 1 of his Report, concerning National Scenic Areas, to Scottish Natural Heritage as representing the views of the Comhairle.
Land Use Planning Under a Scottish Parliament DS21	70*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report indicating that the Comhairle had been invited to make representations on a Consultation Paper concerning Land Use Planning under a Scottish Parliament. The main points contained in the Consultation Paper were summarised in the Report and, in particular, the Report highlighted the broad assumptions contained within the Paper about the way the planning system could evolve under a Scottish Parliament, namely that: planning would remain a local authority responsibility; there should be better co-ordination of the work of the public and private sectors; the Scottish Parliament could have greatest interest in the strategic level of planning; and any changes introduced to the planning system would be consistent with ensuring a fair, open and participate planning process, offering high service standards and best value for users. The Report set out proposed comments in response to the questions raised in the Consultation Paper and, in particular, referred to: Strategic/National Planning Policy Guidelines; Development Plans; and Development Control.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Chief Executive be authorised to forward the comments set out in paragraphs 6 and 7 and Appendix 1 of his Report to the Scottish Office as representing the views of the Comhairle on the Consultation Paper concerning Land Use Planning Under a Scottish Parliament.
Benbecula Ministry of Defence Reduction in Service Personnel H02.31.35	71*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report setting out the background to a meeting which had taken place with Callum Macdonald MP, Minister for Housing, Transport and European Affairs and Members and Officers of the Comhairle. The Report highlighted the main points to emerge from the meeting, namely that: no decision had yet been taken by the Government concerning the future of the Base at Balivanich; an announcement of the future of the Base was likely to be made in Summer 1999; no firm commitment had been made by the Government for a funding package to be put in place in the event of the withdrawal of RAF personnel from Benbecula at this stage; the Minister had given a commitment, on behalf of the Government, that in the event of an announcement or a withdrawal of RAF personnel from Benbecula, that the Scottish Office would meet with the Comhairle to co-ordinate a response by development agencies and the Ministry of Defence to mitigate the impact on the community; the Defence Housing Executive had stated that no further disposal of MOD housing stock would take place until after the Strategic Defence Review decision on the future of the Base at Balivanich, had been announced; the Minister had indicated that direct lines of communication needed to be developed to co-ordinate agencies to include the Comhairle, Ministry of Defence, Defence Housing Executive, the Enterprise Network and Scottish Homes, on the basis of the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Office taking a lead role in bringing together the relevant agencies; and the Minister had indicated that the Comhairle should make a direct approach to the Scottish Office Development Department Housing Division in relation to the implementation of parts of the Balivanich Enhancement Plan.
		It was recommended in the Report that the Report be noted. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Chief Executive should undertake discussions with outside agencies and organisations, including Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Western Isles Enterprise and the Defence Diversification Agency, in relation to the Balivanich Base, prior to the announcement of the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review
Comhairle Employees by Ward M18.06	72	The Director of Finance submitted a Report appending a booklet entitled "Council Employees by Ward 1998/99". It was intimated in the Report that the information contained in the booklet and the Appendix to the Report had been based on current Ward boundaries. It was agreed to note the Report.
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