ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 29 May 2002 at 9.00am

PRESENT	Mr Angus Nicolson (Chairman)
	Mr Ian M Macleod (Vice-Chairman)	Mr George Lonie
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Alastair G Macrae
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mrs Morag Munro
		Mr Martin Taylor
APOLOGIES	Mr Roderick J Murray
	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Donald Maclean

		MINUTES
Environmental Services Committee	1	The Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2002 was approved.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2001- 31 March 2002 PR110.01	2	With reference to Item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Non Housing Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002, for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. It was agreed to recommend that the final Capital Expenditure to 31 March 2002 be noted and further recommend approval of the slippage and acceleration to/from the 2002/2003 Initial Committed Programme, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Departmental Business Plans PR33.01.12	3	The Chief Executive submitted a Report containing summaries of the Business Plans prepared by each Department. It was agreed to approve the Departmental Business Plans summaries, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Allocation of Landfill Tax Monies 2nd & 3rd Quarters 2002 CH03.08	4	With reference to Item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Allocation of Landfill Tax Monies to environmental bodies enrolled with, the Environmental Trust Scheme Regulatory Body Ltd, (ENTRUST), for the 2nd and 3rd Quarters of 2002. The Report indicated that it was envisaged that the Stornoway Amenity Development Plan could be submitted to the Committee at its meeting in August 2002. The Report further stated that it would be reasonable to divide the available funding for the 2nd and 3rd Quarters between the Marybank Partnership and the Southern Isles Amenity Trust in the proportions laid down in the current Scheme of Administration.
		It was agreed that for the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2002, (the period covering April to September 2002), Landfill Tax funding to registered Environmental bodies be divided as per the current Scheme of Administration, in the proportion of 85% to the Marybank Partnership and 15% to the Southern Isles Amenity Trust, to continue working on existing registered environmental improvement projects.
Contaminated Land: Capital Consent Progress Report CH03.06	5	With reference to Item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 March 2002, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval for the Contaminated Land Additional Capital Expenditure Plan. It was indicated in the Report that the Comhairle's Capital Allocation for 2002/2003 had been set at £72,000 and that this sum would enable the Comhairle to: (1) investigate sites; (2) take enforcement action; (3) carry out remediation at "orphan sites" where it was not possible to identify the appropriate persons, and; (4) meet the remediation cost, where, because of hardship, it was not reasonable to recover such costs It was stated in the Report that the Scottish Executive required the Comhairle to give an indication, in the form of an Outcome Statement, on how the allocations made available to date had been and would be utilised and these were detailed at Appendix 2 of the Report. The Report concluded that the Comhairle had drawn up a Contaminated Land Strategy and that in terms of the Strategy, undertaking the essential task of establishing the systems and computer resources required to identify and prioritise contaminated land and that whilst the number of contaminated sites may be few in number, the remediation work required at these sites could involve considerable expenditure. It was agreed: (1) to approve the Contaminated Land Additional Capital Allocation Expenditure Plan as described in Appendix 2 of the Report; and (2) that once the Comhairle's Contaminated Land Additional Capital Consent Outcome Statement had been completed, a Report be submitted by the Director for Sustainable Communities, on how the proposed achievements and planned commitments had been realised.
		PLANNING APPLICATIONS
External Finishes to Arts Centre, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	6	With reference to Item 21 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002 and Item 2 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 February 2002, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the specifications for the external finishes for the proposed new Arts Centre, Stornoway. The Report gave information on the details of the external finishes submitted by the applicant's agent. It was further stated that "the public square" was likely to be surfaced with block paviors and that the colour and design of the paviors would be clarified at a later date. It was agreed to approve the details of the materials submitted as fulfilling Condition 5 on the Decision Notice issued on 19 February 2002.
Install Replacement Windows at 52 Church Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Application for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent DS21.01	7	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission and Listed Building Consent to replace the existing timber sash and case windows with aluminium faced tilt-and-turn windows at 52 Church Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. It was stated that the building currently occupied by BBC Scotland was located on the corner of Matheson Road and Church Street, Stornoway. The Report commented on the application and indicated that it had been submitted to the Committee as the proposals were contrary to the Local Plan Policy and that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the application for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent to replace the existing timber sash and case windows with aluminium faced tilt-and-turn windows at 52 Church Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis be refused for the following reason:
		The Comhairle is of the opinion that the proposals would adversely affect the architectural/historic character of this listed building to the detriment of the character of the Outstanding Conservation Area and is therefore, contrary to the advice in National Planning Policy Guidance 18 on the Historic Environment, Policy PD4 of the Western Isles Structure Plan and Policies ENV13 and 15 of the Finalised Broadbay Local Plan. It was agreed to defer consideration of the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities concerning the installation of replacement windows at 52 Church Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, to allow further negotiations to take place with the BBC in the hope that Town Scheme assistance may be used to secure wooden sash and case windows instead of ones with an aluminium finish.
Removal of Topsoil and Backfill with Hardcore, 6 Perceval Road, Stornoway DS21.01	8	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission to remove soft ground/topsoil and to backfill land with hardcore at croft 6 Perceval Road, Stornoway. The Report 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 removal of topsoil and backfill with hardcore at 6 Perceval Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report and an additional condition as follows: "within one month of the date of this permission, the piles of material on the site shall be graded, covered with soil, seeded with grass and all non-agricultural materials shall be removed from the site, unless agreed otherwise in writing with the Comhairle as Planning Authority". Reason: to safeguard the visual amenity of the area.
Provision of Two Customer Parking Spaces, Oil Depot, Shell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for Planning Permission for the provision of two customer car parking spaces on Shell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that the matter could not be determined under delegated powers as Mr Norman M Macleod, Member for the Knock and Bayble Ward, was employed by the applicant company. The Report commented on the application and indicated that the proposals were in conformity with Planning Legislation. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the provision of two customer parking spaces, Oil Depot, Shell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report
Erect House at 66 Coll, Back, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for a new house on a croft at 66 Coll, Isle of Lewis. The Report 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 erection of a house at 66 Coll, Back, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report and subject to the submission of an amended plan which shall be to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities.
Erect House and Garage at Aird Tong, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a house and garage at Aird Tong, Isle of Lewis. The Report commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was also indicated in the Report that the proposal was contrary to Local Plan Policy. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a house and garage at Aird Tong, Isle of Lewis, subject to the conditions detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report
Site Observation Tower, Container and remove Condition from Previous Consent at the Lewis Car Club Track, Lochs Road, Isle of Lewis DS21.01	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application to site an observation tower and a container unit and for the removal of a Condition from a previous consent at the Lewis Car Club Track, Lochs Road, Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that as a Development Control Officer was an active Member of the Car Club Committee, the matter could not be determined under delegated powers. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission to site an observation tower and a container unit and for the removal of a Condition from a previous consent at the Lewis Car Club Track, Lochs Road, Isle of Lewis, on the basis of the amended plan submitted by the applicant and subject to there being no outstanding issues arising from consultations, and subject to Conditions to be determined by the Director for Sustainable Communities.
Erect House at Cliasmol, Isle of Harris DS21.01	13	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a house on land east of the village of Cliasmol on the Hushinish Road, Isle of Harris. The Report commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that planning permission for the erection of a house on land east of the village of Cliasmol on the Hushinish Road, Isle of Harris be refused for the following reason: The proposed house would be sited on open moorland and on an undeveloped stretch of coastline, isolated from other dwellings and not in keeping with the existing settlement pattern, which is characterised by development in hollows and bays below the township road. Accordingly, the proposed house would be contrary to National Planning Policy Guidance and advice as set out in NPPG3 and PAN 36; to Policy PD1 of the Western Isles Structure Plan and Policy DM1 of its Consultative Draft Review and to policies EN1, EN3, H2 and H4 of the Finalised Harris Local Plan. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the erection of a house on land east of the village of Cliasmol, on the Hushinish Road, Isle of Harris, subject to conditions to be determined by the Director for Sustainable Communities and that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to determine the terms of any Notice relating to the approval of this application.
Erect Storage Shed, construct Car Park and Use Land for Storage of Scrap Vehicles at 6 Grosebay, Isle of Harris DS21.01	14	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a storage shed, car park with inspection pit and use of land for storage of scrap vehicles at 6 Grosebay, Isle of Harris. The Report 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 erection of a storage shed, construct a car park and use land for storage of scrap vehicles at 6 Grosebay, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report
Access Road, Pier, Feed Storage Area and Staff Facilities, Site at 1 Grosebay, Isle of Harris DS21.01	15	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the construction of an access road, pier, feed storage area and staff facilities at 1 Grosebay, Isle of Harris. The Report commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that the application for planning permission for the construction of an access road, pier, feed storage area and staff facilities at 1 Grosebay, Isle of Harris be approved, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report. It was agreed to defer consideration of this application to allow the Committee to visit the site on the basis that a visit to the site would take place on 13 June 2002, prior to a Report being considered at a Special Meeting of the Committee on 13 June 2002.
Erect House at 13 Strond, Isle of Harris DS21.01	16	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a house on the croft at 13 Strond, 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 for the erection of a house at 13 Strond, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report
Prawn Holding/Packaging Facility near Stockinish Pier, Isle of Harris DS21.01	17	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of a serviced industrial site for the construction of a prawn packaging facility at 2B Kyles Stockinish, 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 for a prawn holding/packaging facility near Stockinish Pier, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report.
		Mr Donald I Nicholson, Mr Norman A Macdonald and Mrs Morag Munro declared an interest in the following item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.
Amendments, Fish Factory at Scalpay, Isle of Harris DS21.01	18	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for amendments to Stolts Fish Processing Factory on a site adjacent to the former ferry slipway in Scalpay, Isle of Harris. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that representations had been received. It was recommended in the Report that planning permission for amendments to the Stolts Fish Processing Factory on a site adjacent to the former ferry slipway in Scalpay, Isle of Harris be approved, subject to the conditions detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report. It was agreed to defer consideration of this application to allow the Committee to visit the site, on the basis that a visit to the site would take place on 13 June 2002, prior to a Report being considered at a Special Meeting of the Committee on 13 June 2002.
Temporary Huts for the BBC on Taransay, Isle of Harris DS21.01	19	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the erection of four small huts on Taransay, Isle of Harris. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that the matter had been referred to Committee as approval would be contrary to Development Plan Policy, with the consequence that the application could not be determined under delegated powers. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for temporary huts for the BBC on Taransay, Isle of Harris, subject to the conditions detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report
Continue Minerals Extraction at Lochcarnan, Isle of South Uist DS21.01	20	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for the continuation and extension of winning and working of minerals at Lochcarnan, Isle of South 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 continuation and extension of winning and working of minerals at Lochcarnan, Isle of South Uist, 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. The Vice-Chairman occupied the Chair.
Extend Smokehouse at Clachan, Isle of North Uist DS21.01	21	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission for an extension to the existing facilities at the Smokehouse, Clachan, Isle of North Uist. The Report gave background information, commented on the application and indicated that as the Agent was Mr Philip Maclean, Member of the Plasterfield Ward, the matter was not being dealt with under delegated powers. The Report indicated that the proposals, as submitted, were in conformity with Planning Legislation.
		It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to grant planning permission for the extension of the smokehouse at Clachan, Isle of North Uist, subject to the conditions detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report and subject to the following additional condition: "details of means of mounding and landscaping around the development hereby permitted, including the car parking area, shall be submitted for approval to the Comhairle as Planning Authority. No part of the development to which this planning permission relates, shall commence until the Comhairle has issued approval of the details in writing. The approved mounding and landscaping shall then be carried out before the extension hereby approved is first used and shall be retained throughout the life of the development, in compliance with the approved details, unless agreed otherwise, in writing, with the Comhairle as Planning Authority" Reason: to safeguard the visual amenity of the area.
Extend Church at Cuithir, Isle of Barra DS21.01	22	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for planning permission and Listed Building consent for an extension to the Church of Scotland at Cuithir, Isle of Barra. 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 and Listed Building consent for an extension to the Church of Scotland at Cuithir, Isle of Barra, subject to the conditions detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report
		The Chairman declared an interest in the following item and left the Meeting during consideration of the matter. The Vice-Chairman occupied the Chair.
		MARINE FISH FARMS
Marine Fish Farm at Loch Erisort Isle of Lewis DS21.01	23	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for a marine fish farm on the north shore of Loch Erisort, 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 give a favourable view to the Crown Estate Commission for a marine fish farm on the north shore of Loch Erisort, Isle of Lewis, subject to the development being in accordance with an amended plan being submitted to the complete satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities and to all equipment (other than navigational buoys), visible in the water being of a dark matt colouration with the longlines orientated parallel to the adjacent coastline.
		CONSERVATION
Devolution of Thatched Building Maintenance Grants and Western Isles Townscheme DS21.07.75	24	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report giving information on the outcome of discussions with Historic Scotland concerning the devolving of responsibility for the awarding of Thatched Building Maintenance Grants and the gaining of "Outstanding" status for the Ruisgarry and Howmore Conservation Areas. It was indicated that Historic Scotland had agreed to devolve the award of grants for thatched building maintenance, for projects not costing more than £5,000 on the basis of payments being made by the Comhairle and immediately reclaimed from Historic Scotland. It was further stated that Historic Scotland had agreed to the modification of the Town Scheme, which was presently limited to Stornoway, to cover the Ruisgarry and Howmore Conservation Areas, with the consequence that grants were available to cover 50% of the cost of eligible conservation works, on the basis of half of any grant being paid by the Comhairle and half by Historic Scotland. It was intimated in the Report that as the uptake of Town Scheme Grants in Stornoway had not met the predicted level for grants, the ability to share grant-aid with other areas should enable the Comhairle to make better use of the Comhairle's programme of Capital Expenditure for this purpose.
		It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to exercise devolved responsibility for awarding Thatched Building Maintenance Grants, on behalf of Historic Scotland and operating a Western Isles Townscheme, on the basis outlined in the Report.
		WASTE MANAGEMENT
Submission of Landfill Site Conditioning Plan CH03.01.33	25	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report intimating that the Comhairle was obliged to submit a Landfill Site Conditioning Plan for all landfill sites that it operated by 16 July 2002. It was stated in the Report that the Conditioning Plan was a statement of intent as to the classification under which a site would operate in the future and an outline of the measures which would be required to be taken to bring operational areas up to the new standards, as laid down in the European Union Landfill Directive, which detailed three classifications of landfill: (a) hazardous - those sites only able to accept hazardous waste; (b) non-hazardous - those sites for municipal waste and other types of non-hazardous waste, and; (c) inert - those sites accepting inert waste only
		In respect of the Bennadrove Landfill Site, the Report concluded that practicable solutions could be found which would enable the site to meet the requirements of the European Union Landfill Directive. The Report concluded that because of engineering problems and costs involved in developing the Rueval Landfill Site, it would be appropriate to classify this site as non-hazardous until 2002 and then close the site and re-classify it as an inert waste site only, after that date. It was agreed to: (1) seek to classify the Bennadrove Landfill Site as a non-hazardous site up to and after 2007; (2) seek to classify the Rueval Landfill Site as a non-hazardous site until 2007 and an inert waste only site after this date; and (3) take the necessary steps to allow the acceptance of stabilised, hazardous waste (bonded asbestos) to the site classifications, in order to allow both sites to accept this waste until 2007.
Adoption of Draft Area Waste Plan CH03.08.07	26	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the adoption of the draft Western Isles Area Waste Plan. It was intimated in the Report that the Plan defined the way in which waste could be managed in the Western Isles in the future and indicated that this would require both a major change in collection and processing systems and a fundamental change in the way in which the public dealt with their waste. It was stated that if the Comhairle formally approved adoption of the draft Western Isles Area Waste Plan, this would allow for the necessary public consultation to proceed and would facilitate with the production of the Comhairle's own Waste Strategy Implementation Plan. It was agreed to formally adopt the draft Western Isles Area Waste Plan.
Landfill Gas Proposals CH03.08.07	27	With reference to Item 20 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2002, the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the selection of a contractor to develop a landfill gas utilisation scheme at the Bennadrove Landfill Site. It was indicated in the Report that four companies had expressed an interest in undertaking the work associated with the preparation of a landfill gas utilisation scheme and that in order to allow pumping trials to start as soon as possible, it was suggested that authority be given to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman, to select the development proposal which offered the greatest benefit to the Comhairle. It was agreed that it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman, to select the Landfill Development proposal which offered the best value to the Comhairle.
Community Recycling Initiative CH03.08.33	28	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the introduction of a financial incentive to community groups, actively involved in the Comhairle's Community Recycling Initiative. The Report gave information on two pilot Community Recycling Schemes which had taken place in Ness and in Bernera and intimated that feedback from residents participating in the pilot projects had been very positive, with a high level of local participation.
		It was further stated that glass collected had been processed to aggregate which had been successfully used in community projects, such as a bedding material for field drains. The Report identified a number of Community Councils and Community Organisations who had all offered to locate and manage "bring sites", on a similar basis to that used in the pilot projects. It was agreed to: (1) note the initial success of the Community Recycling Initiative; (2) approve the introduction of a financial incentive to community groups actively involved in the Community Recycling Initiative; and (3) approve the initial level of grant based on £10 per tonne of material collected with a minimum grant of £10 per full container for "Mac-lift" type banks and £20 per full container for "Hook-lift" type banks.
Proposed Recycling Developments - Uist CH03.08.33	29	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining proposals for developing recycling in Uist and Barra. The Report gave information in relation to: (1) recycling process requirements, and; (2) landfill site requirements together with the costs of undertaking the infrastructural changes identified in the Report. The Report concluded that the establishment of a small recyclates processing unit, based at the Rueval Landfill site would increase the de-centralisation of service provision, as well as creating local employment. It was stated in the Report that provision had not been made within the Revenue Estimates for Environmental Services for 2002/03 for the additional labour, plant and premises associated with the establishment of a recyclates processing unit.
		It was agreed to authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to: (1) take the necessary steps to create a new post to undertake recycling process working and act as holiday and sickness cover, based at the Rueval landfill site; (2) proceed to lease a second-hand excavator, equipped with a metals grab to be based at the Rueval landfill site; and (3) move to secure the first available industrial unit at the Market Stance site as a recycling process base.
		POLLUTION CONTROL
Oil Pollution Priority Clean Up List CH03.06	30	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report appending an oil pollution priority clean-up list, which had been prepared in accordance with a list of priorities suggested by a multi-agency working group and following consultation with Community Councils. It was agreed to adopt the Oil Pollution Priority Clean Up List, as detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities
		ANIMAL WELFARE
The Welfare of Animals during Transport CH03.10t	31	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a Report by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare, on the welfare of animals during transport.
		The main recommendations of the Committee's Report had caused concern in the Highlands and Islands, as it was considered that some of the recommendations could cause particular difficulties with the transport of animals, particularly during Winter time. While the proposals would have less impact on the Western Isles than Orkney and, in particular, Shetland it would be prudent to highlight the difficulties that may be experienced, in relation to the transport of animals, to both the Scottish Executive and the European Commission. It was agreed to: (1) approve the letter to Mr Ross Finnie, MSP, concerning the EC Scientific Committee's Report on animal health and welfare as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report; (2) authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to send to David Byrne, EC Commissioner, responsible for the legislation, a copy of the abovementioned letter; and (3) authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to copy the letter to Mr Ross Finnie, MSP, to the appropriate MEPs, the MP and the appropriate MSPs.
		BURIAL GROUNDS
Designated Muslim Burial Area in Sandwick Cemetery CH03.04.03	32	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request from a group representing the Muslim community in Lewis & Harris to set aside a block of fifteen lairs in the south-west corner of the new cemetery at Sandwick for the exclusive use of the Muslim community. The Report concluded that the proposed number of lairs involved was small and would not affect the space available for other burials.
		It was agreed to: (1) grant the request of the Muslim community for a designated Muslim burial area in Sandwick Cemetery and set aside lairs x611 to x615 inclusive, x616 to x620 inclusive and x797 to x801 inclusive and that exclusive right of burial in these lairs be sold only to Muslims; and (2) permit the rotation of lairs x616 to x620 through 180 degrees so that these lairs face generally southward.
		BEST VALUE
Best Value Review - Development & Building Control PR33.01.13	33	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report appending an Interim Service improvement Plan which had been prepared for the Development and Building Control Service. It was stated in the Report that following further consultation with "stakeholders", the finalised Service Improvement Plan would be submitted to the Committee at its August 2002 meeting. It was agreed to approve the Interim Service Improvement Plan
		TRADING STANDARDS
Trading Standards Service Plan CH02.01.12	34	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the Trading Standards Service Plan for 2002/2003. The Report intimated that, following the publication of a "National Performance Framework for Trading Standards Services" by the Department for Trade & Industry's Consumer Affairs Directorate, there was a requirement on the Comhairle to develop and adopt annually, a Trading Standards Service Plan. It was agreed to approve the Trading Standards Service Plan for 2002/2003.

		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	35	The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the Reports Outstanding from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report. Arising out of consideration of the Report, it was agreed to note the terms of the decision letter from the Scottish Executive Development Department, Planning Division, of 28 May 2002 to Dr Martin Sales, Messrs Burness, Solicitors, entitled "Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, Mineral Planning Permission Appeal: The Lands and Estate of Rodel, including the Rodel Crofts, Common Pasture and Cow Park and the Islands of Gilsay, Lingarabay and Vallry and other Small Islands or Rocks adjoining or pertaining to the Lands and Estate of Rodel, together with the foreshore of these Lands and Others in South Harris, Western Isles. This letter reported the decision of the Scottish Ministers to uphold the appeal to have the 1965 Planning Permission for minerals extraction placed on the list of extant minerals consent as a "dormant" site, but only in respect to "those areas defined as `areas of immediate development' and `area for possible future development', shown on the 25inch plan included with the Submission of Details by Messrs Kneeshaw Lupton, in their letter of 7 June 1965 to the County Clerk of Inverness County Council". It was pointed out that this area of roughly 5 hectares amounted to less than one percent of the 1965 application site area of over 600 hectares.
		The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provision of Section 50(B) 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matter, in order that representations could be made to the Food Standards Agency as soon as possible.
Classification Areas for Shellfish DS40.04.50	36	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report appending the draft text of a letter which it was proposed to send to the Food Standards Agency, making representations concerning difficulties being experienced by the Shellfish Industry, in relation to methods of obtaining classification of shellfish harvesting areas in the Western Isles. It was intimated in the Report that in light of the importance of the Shellfish Industry to the Western Isles' economy, that the Food Standards Agency be urged to provide clear and unambiguous information on the "fast track system" and to the monthly review of classification during the first year of a site, to enable its potential to be maximised. It was agreed to approve the draft letter to the Food Standards Agency included at Appendix 1 to the Report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, on the basis that the letter would be sent by the Director for Sustainable Communities as soon as possible.