COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 6 October 1999 at 2.00pm

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

Development Services DS09.01	181	MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1999 was approved.
Development Services Sub-Committee DS09.02	182	The Minute of Meeting of the Development Services Sub-Committee of 8 September 1999, was noted.
		The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8(a), that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matter prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle.
Compensation Package for Farmers and Crofters DS40.02.29	183*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of the compensation package in the sum of £150 million, made available to the UK Agricultural Industry. It was intimated in the Report that, of the £40 million allocated to Scottish Farmers and Crofters, some £20 million would be used to provide direct compensation to Crofters and Hill Farmers by ensuring that HLCA payments would remain at similar levels to those which existed in the 1998/99 financial year. It was further intimated that some £20 million would be used to offset costs as a result of the introduction of new legislation until 2002. It was stated in the Report that the Scottish Executive had applied to the European Commission for a Scottish Cull Ewe System and that the Executive also proposed to carry out an efficiency study of the meat hygiene service.
		The background to the crisis facing those involved in sheep production in the Western Isles were given in the Report and it was stated that financial returns for Crofters outwith area payments would be generated through quality of stock rather than quantity although, it was emphasised that, in the Western Isles, where land quality was particularly poor, there were many difficulties encountered in producing high quality stock. The Report highlighted the need for a decision to be taken, as soon as possible, on the Scottish Cull Ewe System, in order to allow the Scheme to be introduced effectively and to enable Crofters and Hill Farmers to plan their stock management.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle welcome the package of measures for the UK Agricultural Industry, announced by the Government on 20 September 1999, but that, the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to reiterate to the Minister for Rural Affairs, the urgency for the need for a positive decision regarding the Scottish Cull Ewe Scheme and highlighted a need for the implementation of measures to secure the long term future of the Scottish Agricultural Industry.
Crofting Joint Consultative Committee DS09.05	184*	The Minute of Meeting of the Crofting Joint Consultative Committee of 14 September 1999, was noted and the recommendations contained therein, recommended for approval.
		The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8(a), that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Sub-Committee to take a view on the matter prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle.
Recommend-ations: Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee: 1 October 1999 DS09.04	185*	The recommendations of the Fisheries Joint Consultative Committee of 1 October 1999, were submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations, with the exception of recommendation 5. It was further agreed to recommend that the Comhairle should not establish a Fish Farming Working Group.
Presentation by Mr Duncan Macinnes, Chairman, Western Isles Enterprise DS20.29	186	PRESENTATION The Vice-Chairman welcomed Mr Duncan Macinnes, Chairman, Western Isles Enterprise, to the meeting and invited Mr Macinnes to address the meeting on the Western Isles Enterprise Annual Report. At the conclusion of Mr Macinnes' presentation, an opportunity was afforded to Members to ask questions of Mr Macinnes. The Committee noted the meeting scheduled to take place between representatives of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Western Isles Enterprise and the Comhairle, to discuss the needs of the Western Isles economy. The Chairman thanked Mr Macinnes for his presentation.
Applicants and Objectors at Sub-Committee Meetings DS09.02	187*	CONSTITUTION The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report which gave an assessment of the procedures used for hearing applicants and objectors at the Development Services Sub-Committee. It was stated in the Report that the decision to give applicants and objectors the opportunity to address the Development Services Sub-Committee, was based on the advice give in the Nolan Committee's Report on Standards in Public Life and in Planning Advice Note Number 41.
		It was further stated in the Report that, in light of the particular difficulties experienced in operating the procedure for hearing applicants and objectors at the Sub-Committee, it was questionable whether participants had sensed any increased fairness. It was suggested in the Report that, whilst it was felt that any benefits to be gained from allowing applicants and objectors to speak to Committee meetings were outweighed by the disadvantages that there could be occasion when Members would wish to hear applicants and objectors. It was recommended in the Report that: the provision for applicants and objectors to be allowed, as a matter of course, to attend and speak to the Development Services Sub-Committee, should be discontinued; and the opportunities for Members to invite applicants and objectors to speak to either the Development Services Committee or the Development Services Sub-Committee, should be retained, on the terms set out in the "Procedure for Hearing Applicants and Objectors at Development Services Committee".
		It was agreed to recommend that the existing procedure for hearing applicants and objectors at the Development Services Sub-Committee be continued until October 2000.
Future Capital Programme PR110.08	188*	FINANCE With reference to Item 70 of the Minute of Meeting of 16 August 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the capital planning process. The methods by which capital was financed were outlined in the Report. It was noted that there had been a trend of decline in capital allocations since 1992/93. The projected capital resources for the period 2000/01 to 2002/03 were set out in the Report. The key issues raised at a Seminar held on 7 September 1999 for Members to discuss the future capital programme were outlined in the Report, together with the outcome of consultation with Community Councils.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the revised recommendations detailed at Appendix A to the Report by the Director of Finance, in respect of the Future Capital Programme, be approved.
Project Initiation Report Bids PR110.08	189*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report appending a list of schemes which had featured in the financial planning processes of the Comhairle and which had arisen as a result of a request from Members. The Report invited the Committee to determine whether the projects identified in the Report should be progressed to full Project Initiation Report status. It was stated in the Report that the schemes identified were consistent with the Comhairle's approved Key Tasks for Development Services.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree that the Project Initiation Report Bids referred to in the Report be prepared for the schemes listed at Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Technical Services. It was further agreed that a Project Initiation Report bid be prepared in relation to the utilisation of steel-work for carrying out works at piers throughout the Western Isles, on the basis that the steel-work project would cost approximately £40,000.
Programme and Progress Fishery Piers T07.01	190	FISHERIES AND FISHERY PIERS The Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report in respect of Fishery Piers. It was agreed to note the Programme and Progress Report in respect of Fishery Piers. Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services be requested to submit a Report to a future Meeting of the Committee suggesting a priority list for improvement works at Fishery Piers throughout the Western Isles.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of an organisation other than the Comhairle, could be disclosed.
Brevig Harbour Entrance Modifications: Contract Costs T07.01.09	191	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report giving details of the out-turn project cost for the entrance modifications at Brevig Harbour. It was agreed to note the Report.
Fisheries Loan Scheme DS40.04.41	192*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking approval of a new Fisheries Loan Scheme. It was stated in the Report that the Scheme, as proposed, would involve the Comhairle, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Western Isles Enterprise and the Western Isles Fishermen's Association. It was further intimated in the Report that the Scheme would have a number of advantages over the current Fisheries Assistance Scheme and, in particular, would: (1) significantly increase the loan fund; (2) bring about a faster processing of applications; and (3) provide loans for matching funding for modernisation grants from the European Union. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle approve the Fisheries Loan Scheme, as outlined in the Report by the Acting Chief Executive and, in particular, the granting of Guarantee in favour of the Royal Bank of Scotland plc for 50% of the sums outstanding in terms of the Fisheries Loan Scheme, the said Guarantee to be on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive and the Director of Finance may determine; and (2) the Scheme priorities and conditions be reviewed annually by the Acting Chief Executive to maximise the impact of both Scheme and any European Union funding for vessels under the new structural regulations for fisheries.
		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.
Eaglais na H-Aoidh AL02.15/ L10.91	193*	ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report identifying works which it was proposed to undertake at Eaglais na H-Aoidh. It was stated in the Report that the works which involved stabilising the existing structure and repairs to coastal protection, were required to be undertaken as a matter of urgency. The Report also identified maintenance works which would require to be undertaken in the 2000/01 financial year. It was recommended in the Report that: £9,050 be found immediately to cover the necessary maintenance detailed in the Report; and £2,500 be budgeted in the Budgetary Review Process for 2000/01 for annual maintenance.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Chief Executive be asked to examine if alternative sources of funding within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services for 1999/2000 could be identified to undertake the works at Eaglais na H-Aoidhe, detailed in his Report and that, in the event of such budgetary provision being identified by the Acting Chief Executive, he be authorised to ensure that the works were carried out; (2) in the event of the Acting Chief Executive being unable to identify sources of funding within the Revenue Estimates for Development Services that the costs involved, in the sum of £9,050 in undertaking the works at Eaglais na H-Aoidh, as detailed in the Report by the Acting Chief Executive, be met from the Contingency, subject to this recommendation being considered by the Finance Sub-Committee; and (3) the £2,500 referred to in the Report for annual maintenance at Eaglais na H-Aoidhe, be considered as part of the Budgetary Review Process for 2000/01.
Funding Towards Harris Development Limited (HDL) Revenue Assistance 1 April 2000- 31 March 2003 DS02.51	194*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of the financial assistance given by the Comhairle to HDL Limited since 1996/97. It was stated in the Report that funding for the post of Development Officer, on the Comhairle's payroll, budgeted for in 1999/2000 at £12,000, would, under the existing financial arrangements, terminate on 31 October 1999, at which time, the Development Officer's contract with the Comhairle would also terminate. It was stated in the Report that Harris Development Limited had sufficient funding to allow the post to continue for the remainder of the current year. The Report referred to the allocation of funds made available for Area Development Initiatives for 1999/2000 and that some £8,500 had been allocated to HDL for core costs. It was recommended in the Report that:
		it be noted that the Comhairle's Contract of Employment for the post of Development Officer (HDL Limited), would terminate on 31 October 1999; the Comhairle no longer act as employer for the post of Development Officer (HDL Limited); financial assistance for core costs for development bodies/organisations, including HDL Limited, be consolidated within the budget for Area Development Initiatives; and the request by HDL Limited for a continuation of their current funding arrangements for Revenue and core costs from the Comhairle, be considered in the Revenue Budget Process for 2000/01.
		Mr Donald Manford, seconded by Ms Rita Macdonald, moved that the Contract of Employment for Development Officer (HDL Limited), be extended to 31 March 2000, on the basis of no additional cost to the Comhairle, with HDL Limited providing a financial guarantee in the appropriate sum to the Comhairle and that recommendations (b) and (c), detailed in the Report, be considered alongside the Revenue Estimates process for 2000/01. Mr Archibald K Campbell, seconded by Mr Alexander A Macdonald, moved, as an amendment, approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report. On the matter being put to the vote, the amendment received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
Unit 5, 7 James Street, Stornoway DS41.14.08	195*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a request from Strategic IT Marketing (Scotland) Limited, for the termination of the lease of Unit 5, 7 James Street, Stornoway. The Report gave background information to the request and indicated that the Company had ceased trading and had vacated their premises in James Street.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to the request by Strategic IT Marketing (Scotland) Limited to vacate Unit 5, 7 James Street, Stornoway, and that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to terminate the current lease for the property.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to 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 or services, would be disclosed.
		Mr Alexander A Macdonald declared an interest in the matter and left the meeting during discussion on the Stornoway Abattoir. Mr Angus M Graham, a non-Member of the Committee declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of the Stornoway Abattoir.
Sites and Properties Management DS20.24	196	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report inviting the Committee to consider the current and future policy for properties held on the Development Services Account. The Report identified three categories into which properties on the account fell, namely: multiple-occupancy; stand-alone; and harbour-related; and gave details of the properties held on each of the above-mentioned categories. It was stated that there had been a decline in the demand for leasing property from the Comhairle, with businesses preferring to purchase properties outright. The Report set out a policy relating to the future of the properties referred to in the Report. It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle agree to a change in its policy for all commercial properties and land held on the Development Services Account, as follows: (1) multi-occupancy properties or sites, properties on short term lease and all properties which were within harbour areas, be retained; and (2) that stand-alone properties or sites be offered for sale to sitting tenants or (3) to entrepreneurs with specific development proposals to create new businesses or expand existing ones.
		It was agreed to defer consideration of the matter, pending the submission of a further Report by the Acting Chief Executive, giving information on the status of the various properties referred to in the Report, including information on occupancy, type of lease, duration of lease, market value and loan charges outstanding.
A New Strategy for Scottish Tourism DS40.08	197*	TOURISM The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking homologation for his action in submitting the response detailed in the Report to the document entitled "A New Strategy for Scottish Tourism", issued by the Scottish Executive. It was agreed to recommend that the action taken by the Acting Chief Executive in submitting the response attached to his Report to the document entitled "A New Strategy for Scottish Tourism", be homologated. Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed to request that the Acting Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, submit a Report to the Committee on the establishment of a Tourism Sub-Committee, which would, include in its remit, the monitoring of Best Value for tourism expenditure and the ways in which innovative tourism related schemes and ideas could be developed.
Coastal Access Project: Selection of Remaining Sites DS40.54	198*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report which indicated that a Steering Group for the Coastal Access Project had re-assessed the sites at which it was proposed to undertake Coastal Access works and had suggested that sites in the Balivanich area and Scolpaig, North Uist, be developed instead of Baleshare and Tong Saltings, on the basis that the new sites identified better met the overall objectives of the project. It was stated in the Report that it was now proposed that, if for any reason, an approved Coastal Access site was unable to proceed, that a site at Caol, Paible, North Uist, be substituted if the original was located in the Southern Isles and Borve/Scarista, Harris, if it was Luskentyre. The Report concluded that the total number of sites included in the Coastal Access Project would be 23 and would fulfil the requirements of the application for funding from the European Commission, in terms of "Objective 1".
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the following Coastal Access sites for development: Luskentyre, Harris; Balivanich Area; Scolpaig, North Uist; and Askernish Area, South Uist; and that in the event of any approved Coastal Access site being unable to proceed, Caol, Paible, North Uist, be submitted in the case of a site in the Southern Isles and Borve/Scarista, Harris, for Luskentyre.
Interim Scheme for Authorisation of Marine Fish Farms DS08.02	199*	MARINE FISH FARMS The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report indicating that the Scottish Executive had invited Local Authorities and COSLA to review the operation of the Interim Scheme for Marine Fish Farms. Details of the operation of the Scheme were given in the Report and particular reference was made to the nine cases dealt with under the Interim Scheme in the Western Isles. The Report also referred to the views of the fish farming industry on the Interim Scheme and, in particular, the concerns of the industry on the effect of the Interim Scheme on Business Planning, were identified. The Report concluded that the levels of confusion and delay associated with the Interim Scheme would only be eliminated when full planning powers were given to Local Authorities.
		It was agreed to recommend that: the views expressed in the Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services should be put forward to the Scottish Executive at the review meeting called for 12 October 1999; and the outcome of the review meeting, including an indication of any timetable for introducing primary legislation in the Scottish Parliament, to extend planning powers below the low watermark, be reported back by the Acting Director of Environmental Services to the next meeting of the Committee. 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.
Interim Consultation Procedure Mussel Farm, East Loch Tarbert, Harris DS08.02	200*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for a Marine Mussel Farm at East Loch Tarbert, 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 inform the Crown Estate Commission that the Comhairle gave a qualified favourable view to the Crown Estate Commission in relation to the application for a Marine Mussel Farm at East Loch Tarbert, Harris, subject to satisfactory marking being installed at site 2.
Interim Consultation Procedure Marine Fish Farm Locheynort, South Uist DS08.02	201	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for a shellfish farm at Aird Buidhe, Locheynort, 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 inform the Crown Estate Commission that the Comhairle gave a qualified favourable view to the amended proposals submitted in respect of the shellfish farm at Aird Buidhe, Locheynort, South Uist, subject to the guarantee of a satisfactory amended location, satisfactory marking, to ensure navigational safety and a dark colouring of any surface equipment, other than buoys.
		It was agreed to defer consideration of the above matter, until the next meeting of the Committee and that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be requested to submit a further Report to the next Meeting, giving information on the meetings held to discuss the application for a shellfish farm at Aird Buidhe, Locheynort, South Uist.
Timber Dwellings and Wind Turbines on Taransay DS21.01	202*	PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of two residential buildings and two wind turbines and the change of use of an existing steading into a community building and the execution of associated works on the Island of Taransay, Harris. The Report gave background information and indicated that the matter had been referred to the Committee for determination since the proposals were considered to be sensitive within the context of the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area and that the Western Isles Structure Plan contained a presumption against permanent development on uninhabited offshore islands. The Report concluded that insufficient detail was available at the present time to allow to the Committee to reach a decision and it was suggested that it be delegated to the Acting Director of Environmental Services to determine the application, in consultation with the Chairman and the Local Member. There was submitted an e-mail dated 6 October 1999 from Mike Suillivan, on behalf of Stornoway Canoe Club making representations in connection with the above-mentioned application.
		It was agreed to recommend that it be delegated to the Acting Director of Environmental Services to determine the application for the erection of two residential buildings and two wind turbines, a change of use of an existing steading into community building and the execution of associated works on the Island of Taransay, in consultation with the Chairman and the Local Member.
Studio Workshop at 39 South Dell, Ness DS21.01	203*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the change of use of an agricultural building to an artist's studio at 39 South Dell, Ness, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planing permission for the change of use of an agricultural building to an Artist's Studio/Workshop, at 39 South Dell, Ness, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Housing Development, 44 Newvalley, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	204*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted: Report concerning an application for outline planning permission for a housing development at 44 Newvalley, Isle of Lewis; and supplementary Report concerning the application for outline planning permission for a housing development at 44 Newvalley, Isle of Lewis.
		The Report commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. The supplementary Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services reviewed the recommendation detailed in his Report, following suggested potential variations to the proposals resulting from the response by the applicant's agent, which had been received after the preparation of the Report. The supplementary Report referred to policy HS10 of the Finalised Broadbay Local Plan, which stated that the Comhairle would work with Grazings Committees in the Broadbay Area to identify locations adjoining townships where serviced plots could be developed and common grazings, in such a manner that access to the Crofter Building Grant and Loan Scheme, could be maintained. It was also stated in the supplementary Report that the Community Council had indicated its general support for the development, which could provide starter home accommodation.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant outline planning permission for a housing development at 44 Newvalley, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed in the Supplementary Report.
Extend House, 6 Sand Street, Stornoway DS21.01	205*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for an extension to the house at 6 Sand Street, Stornoway. It was intimated in the Report that the matter had been referred to the Committee as the applicant was Mr Murdo Murray, Director of Technical Services, with the consequence that the application could not be determined in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to grant planning permission for an extension to the house at 6 Sand Street, Stornoway, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
		The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8(a), that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Sub-Committee to take a view on the matter prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle.
Planning Control over Telecomm-unications Development DS21.01	206*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an Inquiry which the Scottish Parliament's Transport and Environment Committee proposed to hold in relation to the Scottish Executive's proposals to introduce new planning procedures for telecommunications developments. The Report identified a number of issues on which the Transport and Environment Committee had invited Local Authorities to submit their views. The Report commented on the current statutory position with regard to telecommunications equipment and suggested that it would be appropriate to increase local planning control over such developments and that such control should be applied retrospectively. The Report concluded that, in light of the considerable public concern associated with telecommunications development, that such development should be subject to full planning control.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to respond to the Scottish Parliament's Transport and Environment Committee that: telecommunications development should be subject to full planning control; health, including adoption of the precautionary principle, and amenity issues should be regarded as legitimate material consideration in the determination of planning applications; any advice to be issued in the form of a planning advice note and/or National Planning Policy Guidelines, should indicate how health and amenity issues should be measured and what weight they should hold when considered against the economic and social welfare benefits to arrive from investment in an expansion of telecommunications; any such advice should clarify the distinctions between planning matters and those which should be left to the licensing system, operated by the Department of Trade and Industry, but with a request that an emphasis should be placed on maximising local control through the planning process, including the right to be able to insist on site/mast sharing; given that a National Programme of Telecommunications Developments is well under way, provision should be given to planning authorities to review the need for, and appropriateness of, installations which have been established under permitted development rights; and
		to ensure adequate public awareness, planning applications for telecommunications development should be required to be advertised in the local press. 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.
		Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to establish whether Highlands and Islands Enterprise's proposals for satellite coverage for mobile phones had been introduced or were planned for introduction.
Erect Telecoms Mast and Cabin at Plocrapool, Harris DS21.01	207*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a telecoms mast and cabin at Plocrapool, 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 a telecoms mast and cabin at Plocrapool, Harris, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Erect Telecoms Mast and Cabin at Leverburgh, Harris DS21.01	208*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for the erection of a telecoms mast and cabins at Leverburgh, 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 a telecoms mast and cabins at Leverburgh, Harris, subject to the conditions detailed in the Report. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Extend House at 6 Sand Street, Stornoway DS22.01	209	BUILDING CONTROL The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an application for building warrant for an extension to the property at 6 Sand Street, Stornoway. The Report indicated that the matter had been referred to the Committee for consideration as the applicant, Mr Murdo Murray, Director of Technical Services, was an officer of the Comhairle, with the consequence that the matter could not be determined in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation.
		It was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to issue a building warrant for the extension to the property at 6 Sand Street, Stornoway.
Town Scheme Grant for Old Co-op Buildings, James Street, Stornoway DS21.07.75	210*	TOWN SCHEME GRANTS The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the award of a Town Scheme Grant for restoration works to the former Co-op buildings at James Street, Stornoway. The background to the application was detailed in the Report and it was indicated that, whilst the property was just beyond the boundary of the Stornoway Outstanding Conservation Area, and, therefore, not strictly eligible for a Town Scheme Grant, it was readily accepted by him that the listed premises now provided a valuable contribution to the appearance of James Street, a large part of which was within the Outstanding Conservation Area.
		It was agreed to recommend that authority be granted to the Acting Director of Environmental Services to award a Town Scheme Grant in the sum of £3,000 to Kenman Holdings Limited, for restoration works to the Old Co-op Building, James Street, Stornoway.
Telework '99 Conference DS03.20	211*	CONFERENCES AND COURSES The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Sixth European Assembly in Telework and New Ways of Working, which had been held in Aarhus, Denmark, between 22-24 September 1999. Mr Norman L Macdonald reported on the Comhairle's participation in Telework '99. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle continue to support teleworking as a means of creating added value jobs in an area of high unemployment, far from the main centres of commerce.
		It was further agreed to recommend that the Acting Chief Executive be requested to submit a Report to the Committee, examining ways in which the Comhairle, in partnership with other public bodies and the Private Sector could focus its energy into maximising the benefits of teleworking and new ways of working for the Western Isles.
Offshore Europe '99 - Oil Industry Conference and Exhibition DS03.19	212*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's participation in the Oil and Gas Industry Exhibition held in Aberdeen entitled "Offshore Europe `99". The Report outlined the experience of the Comhairle's representatives at the Conference and emphasised the need for the Comhairle to be involved with the oil and gas industry as it had a long term future in the Western Isles through Lewis Offshore Limited and developments in the Atlantic Margin.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle continue to monitor the oil and gas industry and to assist the marketing of the Western Isles to the industry for the benefit of the whole economy.
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	213	PERFORMANCE REVIEW The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding from decisions of the Committee since 1 May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
		Arising out of consideration of the Report, it was agreed that the Harbour Master be requested to submit a Report to a future Meeting of the Committee concerning Harbour Management issues at Kallin Harbour.
Outstanding Reports: Strategy for Economic Development and Details of Number of Jobs Created and Safeguarded PR33.01.12	214*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving details of the position with regard to Reports on the undernoted issues: strategy for economic development; and details of the number of jobs created and safeguarded. It was indicated in the Report that a Development Plan for European and Development Services was currently in preparation and that this would include a strategy for economic development. It was further intimated that information on the number of jobs created and safeguarded would be included in the Information Bulletin on a tri-annual basis. It was agreed to recommend that the Report by the Acting Chief Executive concerning Outstanding Reports - Strategy for Economic Development and Details of the Number of Jobs Created and Safeguarded, be noted and that details of the number of jobs created and safeguarded, be included by the Acting Chief Executive, in the Information Bulletin on a tri-annual basis.
		The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8(a), that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Sub-Committee to take a view on the matter prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle.
Seaweed Industry DS40.04.22	215*	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a Report giving information on the current position of the seaweed industry in the Western Isles. It was indicated in the Report that Kelco, including the manufacturing facility at Girvin, had been sold to International Speciality Products of New Jersey ISA and that it was anticipated that the new owners would continue to operate the business. The Report stated that the new owners' plans for the Girvin facility were not yet known to the Comhairle and that no firm indication had been given of the expected demand for Western Isles seaweed.
		It was recommended in the Report that the Comhairle continue to keep in close touch with the management at the Girvin factory and seek to meet the new owners of Kelco to discuss future plans, as soon as that was appropriate and in consultation with the Girvin management.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendation detailed in the Report and that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman and/or their nominees, would represent the Comhairle at any meeting with the new owners of Kelco.
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