20 Nov 2002

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 20 November 2002 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Angus Nicolson (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr George Lonie

Mr Martin C Taylor

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Donald Manford

Mr Donald I Nicholson

APOLOGIES

Mr Ian M Macleod (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Roderick J Murray

MINUTES

Environmental Services Committee

1

The Minute of Meeting of 2 October 2002 was approved.

FINANCE

Repairs & Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report: 1 April - 7 October 2002

PR110.08

2

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report informing Members of the situation in respect of expenditure on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services Account for the period 1 April - 7 October 2002.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the Report, and;

(2) note that further Reports on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services Account would continue to be placed before the Committee at quarterly intervals.

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provision of Section 50(B) 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the following two items be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matters.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2002 - 30 September 2002

PR110.03

3

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress with the Non-Housing Capital Account as at 30 September 2002. It was stated that the total forecast gross consent expenditure was £15,771,000, some £48,000 above the total available funding.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Acting Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2002-30 September 2002, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

Second Quarter Revenue Forecast Out-turn

2002/2003

PR110.08

4

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast out-turn for 2002/2003 following the Second Quarter Monitoring.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Acting Director of Finance concerning the Second Quarter Revrnue Forecast Out-turn 2002-2003, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Presentation on Waste Strategy Implementation Plan

CH03.08.07

5

The Chairman invited Mr Gary Robertson, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Mr Diarmid Jamieson, Enviros Aspinwall and Mr Uisdean Fraser, Principal Cleansing Officer, to give a presentation on the Waste Strategy Implementation Plan.

Messrs Robertson, Jamieson and Fraser addressed the Committee.

An opportunity was afforded to Members to ask questions of Messrs Robertson, Jamieson and Fraser.

The Chairman thanked Mr Robertson, Mr Jamieson and Mr Fraser for their presentations.

Adoption of Waste Strategy Implementation Plan

CH03.08.07

6

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report appending the Executive Summary for the Waste Strategy Implementation Plan which set out how the Comhairle would actually accomplish the Western Isles Area Waste Plan, which had been prepared by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Comhairle, Western Isles Enterprise and other business and community representatives.

It was stated that the key objectives of the Implementation Plan were to :

(1) set out in detail how the Comhairle would meet its statutory applications to divert waste away from landfill disposal and achieve the recycling and recovery targets published in the Western Isles Area Waste Plan, this would require the development of completely new waste collection, transportation, recycling, processing and disposal arrangements and infrastructure across the Islands;

(2) calculate the cost to the Comhairle of the implementation of the Western Isles Area Waste Plan between now and 2020 and identify potential external sources for funding; this should include estimation of the likely funding requirements from the Scottish Executive's Strategic Waste Fund, and;

(3) identify the possibly procurement routes for implementation and provide the basis for a future application to the Strategic Waste Fund by the Comhairle.

It was further intimated that whilst funding bids would be made to the Strategic Waste Fund for individual projects which formed part of the Waste Strategy Implementation Plan, there were a number of other possible sources of funding including:

(1) the Highland & Islands Special Transitional Programme;

(2) the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme;

(3) the Waste Resources Action Programme;

(4) the New Opportunities Fund;

(5) the Renewables Obligation 2002 (Scotland), and;

(6) the Scottish Clean Energy Demonstration Scheme

The Report stated that preparation of funding applications would be made, as soon as possible, to try and ensure as early a start as was feasible to the commencement of the required works, as detailed in the Plan.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) formally adopt the Waste Strategy Implementation Plan as presented to the Committee, subject to further Reports being submitted on projects identified within the Plan, and;

(2) request that the Director for Sustainable Communities proceeds to prepare funding bids to the Scottish Executive Strategic Waste Fund and other potential funding sources, based on the Waste Strategy implementation Plan, with a view to submission of these bids at the earliest opportunity.

Reply to Further Consultation on the EC Landfill Directive

CH03.08.07

7

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the issues raised by the Consultation Paper on the EC Landfill Directive. It was stated in the Report that the Comhairle's response to the EC Landfill Directive had been prepared in conjunction with Officers in the Highland Council and Argyll & Bute Council, in order to try and present a unified view from rural and island areas to the proposals contained in the Consultation Paper.

It was agreed to approve the draft response to the Scottish Executive's second consultation paper on the implementation of Council Directive 1993/31/EC on the Landfill of Waste.

PUBLIC CONVENIENCES

Public Convenience Provision in the Vicinity of Clachan, North Uist

CH03.07.24

8

With reference to Item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 October 2002, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report giving information on the steps which had been taken to provide public convenience facilities, in the vicinity of Clachan, following the removal of a temporary facility previously located just south of the Clachan Road junction. It was intimated in the Report that alterations had been undertaken to Carinish Hall, which was located 900m south of Clachan, in the direction of Carinish village, in order to make toilet facilities available to the public.

The Report referred to representations which had been received including a letter from the North Uist Community Council, expressing the view that the provision made in Carinish Hall in relation to public toilet provision was not suitable, in light of the fact that Clachan junction was a change-over and connecting point for local bus services and that this location was therefore the most appropriate location for a public convenience.

The Report stated that it was estimated that the cost of replacing the former temporary toilet facility just to the south of Clachan junction was £18,000 with Annual Revenue costs of £6,000, if operated by the Council on an all year basis and that no budgetary provision existed at present to replace public convenience facilities at Clachan, other than by the way of a community led initiative which was in accordance with the Comhairle's Key Aims.

The Report concluded that to overcome some of the concerns highlighted by the North Uist Community Council, it would be appropriate to investigate the possibility of relocating the bus point to Carinish Hall.

It was agreed to note the Report.

It was further agreed to request the Director for Sustainable Communities to include the costs associated with relocating the facility currently located at Ceann a Gharraidh, Eriskay, or an equivalent facility to Clachan, North Uist, in the Report which he would prepare concerning the Comhairle's public conveniences.

CONSERVATION

Potential Townscape Heritage Initiative, Stornoway Conservation Area - Lottery Funding

DS61.01

9

The Director for Sustainable Communites submitted a Report concerning the work associated with an application for funding for a Townscape Heritage Initiative. It was stated in the Report that a Townscape Heritage Initiative was a part Lottery funded scheme which enabled local, regional and national interests to work together, to not only preserve and enhance the character of historic areas, but also to promote schemes for the reuse of historic areas to assist in the economic regeneration of that area.

The Report concluded that Stornoway was likely to be a good candidate for a Townscape Heritage Initiative and that a formal submission would require a substantial amount of detailed work, together with an assessment of the full implications of any scheme. It was emphasised that it was proposed to undertake preparatory work in relation to the application for funding for a Townscape Heritage Initiative, as part of the ongoing work of Officers within the Department for Sustainable Development.

It was agreed that a Townscape Audit of Stornoway Conservation Area be undertaken which could potentially form an integral part of Part 1 application for a Townscape Heritage 1nitiative and to carry out further investigation, on an ongoing basis, of the feasibility and implications of applying for a Townscape Heritage 1nitiative.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Minor Revisions to Proposed Arts Centre, An Lanntair, South Beach Street, Stornoway

DS21.01

10

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning minor revisions to the proposed Arts Centre, An Lanntair, South Beach, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.

It was stated in the Report that the changes were fairly minor in nature and should not significantly alter the external appearance of the proposed Arts Centre. Details of the proposed amendments were given in the Report.

It was agreed to approve the amendments as detailed in the Report, to the proposed Arts Centre, An Lanntair, South Beach Street, Stornoway, by the Director for Sustainable Communities.

New Community Hall at Sandwick, Stornoway

DS21.01

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to erect a new Community Hall with meeting rooms, kitchen and dining area at East Street (Sandwickhill) Sandwick, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for a new community hall with meeting rooms, kitchen and dining area at East Street (Sandwickhill), Sandwick, subject to the submission of plans which were deemed to be acceptable by the Director for Sustainable Communities and withdrawal of the representations submitted in respect of this application.

The Chairman and Mr Norman A Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.

Mr Donald I Nicholson chaired the Meeting.

Marine Fish Farm, Mol Mor, West Loch Roag

DS21.01

12

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for a modification to a shellfish farm development at Mol Mor, West Loch Roag, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.

It was agreed that a qualified favourable view be given to the Crown Estate commission, subject to a navigational buoy being placed in the western perimeter of the site at the point adjacent to Eilean Na Feannag where the channel was most restricted and to all other equipment visible on the water being of a dark matt colouration.

Locate Ensiler Tank at Scaladale Jetty, Isle of Harris

DS21.01

13

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to locate an ensiler tank at Scaladale Jetty, Isle of Harris. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission to locate ensiler tank at Scaladale Jetty, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.

Erect Telecommunication Mast at Market Stance, Benbecula

DS21.01

14

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to erect a telecommunication mast at Market Stance, Benbecula. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission to erect a telecommunication mast at Market Stance, Benbecula, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.

The Chairman declared an interest in the following item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.

Mr Donald I Nicholson chaired the Meeting.

Extract Minerals, Druim Reallasger, North Uist

DS21.01

15

With reference to Item 1 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 November 2002, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the extraction of minerals at Druim Reallasger, North Uist. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the extraction of minerats at Druim Reallasger, North Uist, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.

LICENSING

Late Hours Catering Licence - Festive Period

CH04.13

16

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report inviting the Committee to determine whether caterimg premises should be permitted extended hours of opening during the Festive period. It was stated in the Report that late hour catering licences were required for restaurants, chip shops and similar premises during the of 11.00pm - 5.00am and that currently such premises were permitted to open until 11.30pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 2.00am, Thursday and Friday and 11.30pm, Saturday. It was intimated that several premises had expressed an interest in opening later during the Festive period than allowed under the Licence conditions.

The Report referred to consultations which had taken place with the Northern Constabulary .

It was agreed:

(1) that it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Northern Constabulary, to determine applications to exempt premises requiring late hours catering licences from the requirement to have such a licence in terms of Section 42(5) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, and;

(2) to note that for the period Friday, 20 December 2002 to Saturday, 4 January 2003, any such application for exemption, if granted, would be restricted to have the effect of extending the hours of opening to one hour beyond the opening hours of premises licensed for the sale of alcohol from Monday to Friday only.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding - Progress

PR33.01.12

17

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

It was further agreed:

(1) that the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman, be authorised to lobby, on terms determined by him, MSPs, MPs, MEPs and any other appropriate institution of the European Union concerning the sea transport of animals, and;

(2) to request the Director of Technical Services to submit a Report on the implications of the sinking of the oil tanker "Prestige" off Northern Spain, for the Western Isles and that Officers of the Comhairle be requested to liaise with Highland Council, in connection with a meeting of the Joint Working Party on tanker traffic in the Minch.

PRESENT	Mr Angus Nicolson (Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mrs Morag Munro
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr George Lonie	Mr Martin C Taylor
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Mr Donald Manford
	Mr Donald I Nicholson

APOLOGIES	Mr Ian M Macleod (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Roderick J Murray

		MINUTES
Environmental Services Committee	1	The Minute of Meeting of 2 October 2002 was approved.
		FINANCE
Repairs & Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report: 1 April - 7 October 2002 PR110.08	2	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report informing Members of the situation in respect of expenditure on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services Account for the period 1 April - 7 October 2002. It was agreed to: (1) note the Report, and;
		(2) note that further Reports on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services Account would continue to be placed before the Committee at quarterly intervals.
		The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provision of Section 50(B) 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the following two items be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matters.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2002 - 30 September 2002 PR110.03	3	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress with the Non-Housing Capital Account as at 30 September 2002. It was stated that the total forecast gross consent expenditure was £15,771,000, some £48,000 above the total available funding.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Acting Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2002-30 September 2002, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
Second Quarter Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2002/2003 PR110.08	4	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast out-turn for 2002/2003 following the Second Quarter Monitoring. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Acting Director of Finance concerning the Second Quarter Revrnue Forecast Out-turn 2002-2003, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
		WASTE MANAGEMENT
Presentation on Waste Strategy Implementation Plan CH03.08.07	5	The Chairman invited Mr Gary Robertson, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Mr Diarmid Jamieson, Enviros Aspinwall and Mr Uisdean Fraser, Principal Cleansing Officer, to give a presentation on the Waste Strategy Implementation Plan. Messrs Robertson, Jamieson and Fraser addressed the Committee. An opportunity was afforded to Members to ask questions of Messrs Robertson, Jamieson and Fraser. The Chairman thanked Mr Robertson, Mr Jamieson and Mr Fraser for their presentations.
Adoption of Waste Strategy Implementation Plan CH03.08.07	6	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report appending the Executive Summary for the Waste Strategy Implementation Plan which set out how the Comhairle would actually accomplish the Western Isles Area Waste Plan, which had been prepared by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Comhairle, Western Isles Enterprise and other business and community representatives. It was stated that the key objectives of the Implementation Plan were to : (1) set out in detail how the Comhairle would meet its statutory applications to divert waste away from landfill disposal and achieve the recycling and recovery targets published in the Western Isles Area Waste Plan, this would require the development of completely new waste collection, transportation, recycling, processing and disposal arrangements and infrastructure across the Islands; (2) calculate the cost to the Comhairle of the implementation of the Western Isles Area Waste Plan between now and 2020 and identify potential external sources for funding; this should include estimation of the likely funding requirements from the Scottish Executive's Strategic Waste Fund, and; (3) identify the possibly procurement routes for implementation and provide the basis for a future application to the Strategic Waste Fund by the Comhairle.
		It was further intimated that whilst funding bids would be made to the Strategic Waste Fund for individual projects which formed part of the Waste Strategy Implementation Plan, there were a number of other possible sources of funding including: (1) the Highland & Islands Special Transitional Programme; (2) the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme; (3) the Waste Resources Action Programme; (4) the New Opportunities Fund; (5) the Renewables Obligation 2002 (Scotland), and; (6) the Scottish Clean Energy Demonstration Scheme
		The Report stated that preparation of funding applications would be made, as soon as possible, to try and ensure as early a start as was feasible to the commencement of the required works, as detailed in the Plan.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) formally adopt the Waste Strategy Implementation Plan as presented to the Committee, subject to further Reports being submitted on projects identified within the Plan, and; (2) request that the Director for Sustainable Communities proceeds to prepare funding bids to the Scottish Executive Strategic Waste Fund and other potential funding sources, based on the Waste Strategy implementation Plan, with a view to submission of these bids at the earliest opportunity.
Reply to Further Consultation on the EC Landfill Directive CH03.08.07	7	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the issues raised by the Consultation Paper on the EC Landfill Directive. It was stated in the Report that the Comhairle's response to the EC Landfill Directive had been prepared in conjunction with Officers in the Highland Council and Argyll & Bute Council, in order to try and present a unified view from rural and island areas to the proposals contained in the Consultation Paper.
		It was agreed to approve the draft response to the Scottish Executive's second consultation paper on the implementation of Council Directive 1993/31/EC on the Landfill of Waste.
		PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
Public Convenience Provision in the Vicinity of Clachan, North Uist CH03.07.24	8	With reference to Item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 October 2002, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report giving information on the steps which had been taken to provide public convenience facilities, in the vicinity of Clachan, following the removal of a temporary facility previously located just south of the Clachan Road junction. It was intimated in the Report that alterations had been undertaken to Carinish Hall, which was located 900m south of Clachan, in the direction of Carinish village, in order to make toilet facilities available to the public. The Report referred to representations which had been received including a letter from the North Uist Community Council, expressing the view that the provision made in Carinish Hall in relation to public toilet provision was not suitable, in light of the fact that Clachan junction was a change-over and connecting point for local bus services and that this location was therefore the most appropriate location for a public convenience. The Report stated that it was estimated that the cost of replacing the former temporary toilet facility just to the south of Clachan junction was £18,000 with Annual Revenue costs of £6,000, if operated by the Council on an all year basis and that no budgetary provision existed at present to replace public convenience facilities at Clachan, other than by the way of a community led initiative which was in accordance with the Comhairle's Key Aims. The Report concluded that to overcome some of the concerns highlighted by the North Uist Community Council, it would be appropriate to investigate the possibility of relocating the bus point to Carinish Hall.
		It was agreed to note the Report. It was further agreed to request the Director for Sustainable Communities to include the costs associated with relocating the facility currently located at Ceann a Gharraidh, Eriskay, or an equivalent facility to Clachan, North Uist, in the Report which he would prepare concerning the Comhairle's public conveniences.
		CONSERVATION
Potential Townscape Heritage Initiative, Stornoway Conservation Area - Lottery Funding DS61.01	9	The Director for Sustainable Communites submitted a Report concerning the work associated with an application for funding for a Townscape Heritage Initiative. It was stated in the Report that a Townscape Heritage Initiative was a part Lottery funded scheme which enabled local, regional and national interests to work together, to not only preserve and enhance the character of historic areas, but also to promote schemes for the reuse of historic areas to assist in the economic regeneration of that area.
		The Report concluded that Stornoway was likely to be a good candidate for a Townscape Heritage Initiative and that a formal submission would require a substantial amount of detailed work, together with an assessment of the full implications of any scheme. It was emphasised that it was proposed to undertake preparatory work in relation to the application for funding for a Townscape Heritage Initiative, as part of the ongoing work of Officers within the Department for Sustainable Development.
		It was agreed that a Townscape Audit of Stornoway Conservation Area be undertaken which could potentially form an integral part of Part 1 application for a Townscape Heritage 1nitiative and to carry out further investigation, on an ongoing basis, of the feasibility and implications of applying for a Townscape Heritage 1nitiative.
		PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Minor Revisions to Proposed Arts Centre, An Lanntair, South Beach Street, Stornoway DS21.01	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning minor revisions to the proposed Arts Centre, An Lanntair, South Beach, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. It was stated in the Report that the changes were fairly minor in nature and should not significantly alter the external appearance of the proposed Arts Centre. Details of the proposed amendments were given in the Report.
		It was agreed to approve the amendments as detailed in the Report, to the proposed Arts Centre, An Lanntair, South Beach Street, Stornoway, by the Director for Sustainable Communities.
New Community Hall at Sandwick, Stornoway DS21.01	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to erect a new Community Hall with meeting rooms, kitchen and dining area at East Street (Sandwickhill) Sandwick, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
		It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for a new community hall with meeting rooms, kitchen and dining area at East Street (Sandwickhill), Sandwick, subject to the submission of plans which were deemed to be acceptable by the Director for Sustainable Communities and withdrawal of the representations submitted in respect of this application.
		The Chairman and Mr Norman A Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter. Mr Donald I Nicholson chaired the Meeting.
Marine Fish Farm, Mol Mor, West Loch Roag DS21.01	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for a modification to a shellfish farm development at Mol Mor, West Loch Roag, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
		It was agreed that a qualified favourable view be given to the Crown Estate commission, subject to a navigational buoy being placed in the western perimeter of the site at the point adjacent to Eilean Na Feannag where the channel was most restricted and to all other equipment visible on the water being of a dark matt colouration.
Locate Ensiler Tank at Scaladale Jetty, Isle of Harris DS21.01	13	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to locate an ensiler tank at Scaladale Jetty, Isle of Harris. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
		It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission to locate ensiler tank at Scaladale Jetty, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
Erect Telecommunication Mast at Market Stance, Benbecula DS21.01	14	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission to erect a telecommunication mast at Market Stance, Benbecula. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
		It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission to erect a telecommunication mast at Market Stance, Benbecula, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		The Chairman declared an interest in the following item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter. Mr Donald I Nicholson chaired the Meeting.
Extract Minerals, Druim Reallasger, North Uist DS21.01	15	With reference to Item 1 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 November 2002, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the extraction of minerals at Druim Reallasger, North Uist. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received.
		It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the extraction of minerats at Druim Reallasger, North Uist, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		LICENSING
Late Hours Catering Licence - Festive Period CH04.13	16	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report inviting the Committee to determine whether caterimg premises should be permitted extended hours of opening during the Festive period. It was stated in the Report that late hour catering licences were required for restaurants, chip shops and similar premises during the of 11.00pm - 5.00am and that currently such premises were permitted to open until 11.30pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 2.00am, Thursday and Friday and 11.30pm, Saturday. It was intimated that several premises had expressed an interest in opening later during the Festive period than allowed under the Licence conditions. The Report referred to consultations which had taken place with the Northern Constabulary .
		It was agreed: (1) that it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Northern Constabulary, to determine applications to exempt premises requiring late hours catering licences from the requirement to have such a licence in terms of Section 42(5) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, and; (2) to note that for the period Friday, 20 December 2002 to Saturday, 4 January 2003, any such application for exemption, if granted, would be restricted to have the effect of extending the hours of opening to one hour beyond the opening hours of premises licensed for the sale of alcohol from Monday to Friday only.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding - Progress PR33.01.12	17	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report. It was further agreed: (1) that the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman, be authorised to lobby, on terms determined by him, MSPs, MPs, MEPs and any other appropriate institution of the European Union concerning the sea transport of animals, and; (2) to request the Director of Technical Services to submit a Report on the implications of the sinking of the oil tanker "Prestige" off Northern Spain, for the Western Isles and that Officers of the Comhairle be requested to liaise with Highland Council, in connection with a meeting of the Joint Working Party on tanker traffic in the Minch.