BELFAST CITY COUNCIL SUMMONS TO ATTEND THE MONTHLY MEETING …

BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

SUMMONS TO ATTEND THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

TO: THE LORD MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND THE COUNCILLORS OF BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given that the monthly meeting of the Council will be held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Belfast on Tuesday, 1st December, 2015, immediately following the special meeting scheduled to commence at 6.30 pm, for the transaction of the following business:

1. Summons

2. Apologies

3. Meeting of the Council of 2nd November (Pages 1 - 8)

4. Official Announcements

5. Meeting of Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 20th November (Pages 9 - 60)

6. Meeting of People and Communities Committee of 10th November (Pages 61 - 82)

a) Belfast City Council Traffic Regulation (North and East Belfast) Order

To pass a resolution re: ‘the Belfast City Council Traffic Regulation (North and East Belfast) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015’, to come into effect on 1st December, 2015, prohibiting the use by vehicles and pedestrians of those streets in as set out within the minutes of the meeting of the People and Communities Committee of 10th November, 2015.

7. Meeting of City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 11th November (Pages 83 - 114)

8. Meeting of Licensing Committee of 12th November (Pages 115 - 126)

9. Meeting of Planning Committee of 17th November (Pages 127 - 134)

10. Meeting of Adjourned Planning Committee of 19th November (Pages 135 - 146)

11. Notices of Motion

a) Support for the Homeless (Councillor Ó Donnghaile)

"This Council will dedicate itself to tackle the plight of the homeless this winter by scoping out available Council premises to be made available for evening and overnight accommodation for our city's rough sleepers. We will engage all relevant Council departments on this matter, including the Lord Mayor's Office, and act as convener to ensure all relevant Government Departments with legal responsibilities are round the table as a matter of urgency to make the necessary physical and financial resources ready. We will also work with charities, the community/voluntary sectors and private companies to ensure the proper human resources and management is in place for this purpose."

b) Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Football Teams (Councillor Boyle)

“This Council wishes to acknowledge the success of both football teams from this island and wishes them every success in the European Championships in France next year. This unique situation, where both teams have achieved international success, has brought happiness to their supporters throughout the whole of Ireland, regardless of football affiliation or geography. To mark this unique sporting occasion, in what has been a period of wonderful sporting achievements for local sport, the Council agrees to host a joint civic dinner for both teams prior to them heading to France next June.”

c) Deposits for Private Tenants (Councillor Mullan)

“This Council notes that the Department for Social Development introduced legislation from 1st April 2013 in relation to deposits paid in connection with Private Tenancies. From that date, Landlords must protect deposits in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 14 days of receipt and make sure it remains protected in an approved scheme for the length of a tenancy.

During the course of an investigation, a Council solicitor determined that the wording of the legislation does not make the breach of the legislation a continuing offence. This means that a case must be brought in front of the courts within 6 months of the offence occurring. Unfortunately, many tenants do not discover that their landlord didn’t secure their deposit until they are leaving the property, which would normally be 12 months after paying the deposit. This effectively means that the only redress for tenants is through the civil courts.

Accordingly, the Council agrees to write to the Minister for Social Development urging that this flaw in the legislation is redressed as a matter of urgency and that the scheme is brought into line with England, Scotland and Wales in that there is 30 days from the receipt of the deposit for landlords to comply.”

d) Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC) - Investments (Councillor R. Brown)

“This Council notes the warning from the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority of a serious financial risk associated with investments in fossil fuels; recognises that, in order to prevent dangerous global warming over two degrees centigrade, three-quarters of fossil fuel reserves must remain in the ground; believes that by investing in fossil fuels NILGOSC is therefore acting contrary to promoting the success of the company for the benefit of its members and employers and calls on NILGOSC to divest from fossil fuels.

The Members of Belfast City Council are hereby summoned to attend.

Chief Executive

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CouncilMONTHLY MEETING OF BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

Held in the City Hall on Monday, 2nd November, 2015at 6 o’clock p.m., pursuant to notice.

Members present: The Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Spence) (in the Chair); the High Sheriff (Alderman McKee);Aldermen Convery, Kingston, McGimpsey, L. Patterson, Rodgers and Stalford; and Councillors Armitage, Attwood, Austin, Beattie, Bell, Boyle, Bradshaw, R. Brown, Bunting, Campbell, Carroll, Clarke, Copeland, Corr, Corr Johnston, Craig, Dudgeon, Garrett, Graham, Groves, Haire, Hargey, Heading, Howard, Hussey, Hutchinson, Johnston, Jones, Kennedy, Kyle, Long, Lyons, Magee, Magennis, Mallon, McAllister, McAteer, McCabe, McConville, McVeigh, Mullan, Newton, Ó Donnghaile, O’Hara, O’Neill, Sandford and Walsh.

Reading of Scriptures

The Deputy Lord Mayor read a passage from the Scriptures.

Summons

The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

Apologies

Apologies were reported on behalf of The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor (Councillor Carson), Aldermen D. Browne, McCoubrey and R. Patterson and Councillor McDonough-Brown.

Minutes of the Council

Moved by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Spence),Seconded by Alderman Rodgers and

Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly meeting of the Council of 1st October be approved and adopted.

High Sheriff of Belfast

The Chief Executive reported that the High Sheriff (Alderman McKee) had received a letter from the Northern Ireland Office inviting him, in accordance with normal practice, to submit to the Secretary of State the names of three persons who were

Meeting of Council,Monday, 2nd November, 2015

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deemed suitable for appointment to the position of High Sheriff of Belfast for the year 2016.

The Council agreed to submit one name only and, accordingly, the Deputy Lord Mayor invited nominations from the Council.

Moved by Councillor Copeland,Seconded by Councillor Haire and

Resolved - That Alderman Rodgers be nominated to the Northern Ireland Office for appointment to the position of High Sheriff of Belfast for 2016.

Deputation – Unite the Union

The Chief Executive reported that a request to address the Council had been received from representatives of Unite the Union seeking permission to outline their concerns in relation to proposed budgetary cuts by the Queen's University of Belfast and the Ulster University. The Council acceded to the request and the Deputy Lord Mayor welcomed to the meeting Mr. J. Norney, Branch Secretary (Queen’s University) and Mr. C. Tierney, Branch Chair (Ulster University).

Mr. Norney and Mr. Tierney highlighted the significant contribution which both universities made to the economy and life of the City. However, they expressed concern that both bodies would, over the coming three years, implement budgetary cuts which would reduce the number of student places available and impact upon the range of courses available throughout the City.

The Deputy Lord Mayor thanked the members of the deputation for attending and they retired from the meeting.

Moved by Councillor Heading,Seconded by Councillor Carroll and

Resolved – that the Council, aware of the positive impact which students play in the City, expresses its concern at the decisions by the Queen’s University of Belfast and the Ulster University to cut student numbers and close certain departments and agrees to write to both universities requesting that they review those decisions.

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee

Moved by Councillor Boyle,Seconded by Alderman Kingston,

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 23rd October be approved and adopted.


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Format of Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls Limited – Next Steps

Prior to considering the above-mentioned minute, the Deputy Lord Mayor reminded the Council that, in accordance with Section 42(4) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, it could exclude the press and public from the meeting to allow for the consideration of confidential information which might arise during discussion.

The Council chose not to exclude the press and public in this instance.

Amendment

Moved by Alderman Convery,Seconded by Councillor Mullan,

That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 23rd October under the heading ‘Format of Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls Limited – Next Steps’ be referred back to the Committee for further consideration and to enable the Political Parties on the Council to undertake further discussions in the matter.

On a recorded vote, 28 Members voted for the proposal and 25 against, with one no vote, and it was declared carried.

For 28

The Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Spence);the High Sheriff (Alderman McKee);

Aldermen Convery, Kingston, McGimpsey, L. Patterson, Rodgers and Stalford.

Councillors Attwood, Boyle, Bunting, Copeland, Corr Johnston, Craig, Dudgeon, Graham, Haire, Heading, Hussey, Hutchinson, Johnston, Kennedy, Kyle, Lyons, Mallon, Mullan, Newton and Sandford.

Against 25

Councillors Armitage, Austin, Beattie, Bell, Bradshaw, Campbell, Carroll, Clarke, Corr, Garrett, E. Groves, Hargey, Howard, Jones, Long, Magee, Magennis, McAllister, McAteer, McCabe, McConville, McVeigh, Ó Donnghaile, O’ Neill and Walsh.

No Vote 1

Councillor R. Brown

Adoption of Minutes

Subject to the foregoing amendment, the minutes of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 23rd October were approved and adopted.


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People and Communities Committee

Moved by Councillor Corr Johnston, Seconded by Alderman Stalford,

That the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 13th October be approved and adopted.

Fuel Poverty Measures and Cavity Wall Insulation

Moved by Councillor Hutchinson,Seconded by Councillor Heading and

Resolved – That the minute of the meeting of 13th October under the above-mentioned heading be amended to provide that the Council agrees to appoint an all-Party deputation to meet with the Social Development Minister to discuss issues relating to fuel poverty and affordable warmth schemes in the City.

Submission of Further Reports

Arising from discussion on the minutes of the People and Communities Committee, the Council agreed that reports in respect of the following matters would be submitted to the Committee for its consideration:

the eligibility of clubs which were affiliated to the Northern Ireland Boxing Association, as opposed to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, to apply for funding under the Council’s Amateur Boxing Strategy; and

the options available to the Council to reduce off-street car-parking charges in order to attract additional shoppers to the City during the Christmas period.

Adoption of Minutes

Subject to the foregoing amendment and additions, the minutes of the People and Communities Committee of 13th October were approved and adopted.

City Growth and Regeneration Committee

Moved by Councillor Hargey,Seconded by Councillor Ó Donnghaile and

Resolved - That the Minutes of the proceedings of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 14th October be approved and adopted.

Licensing Committee

Moved by Councillor HusseySeconded by Councillor Campbell and


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Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Licensing Committee of 21st October, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Planning Committee

Moved by Councillor Garrett,Seconded by Councillor Hutchinson and

Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Planning Committee of 20th October, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Notices of Motion

Invitation to Pope Francis

Moved by Councillor McAllister, Seconded by Councillor Armitage,

“This Council notes that Dublin will host the 9th World Meeting of Families and recognises the opportunity for the Republic of Ireland to host a Papal visit. The Council further recognises the opportunity to coincide this with a Papal visit to Northern Ireland and therefore the Council extends a formal invitation to Pope Francis to visit Belfast.”

On a vote by show of hands, 38 Members voted for the motion and one against and it was declared carried.

Northern Ireland Football Team

Moved by Councillor Jones, Seconded by Alderman Kingston and

Resolved - This Council congratulates the Northern Ireland Football Team in reaching the finals of the European Championships for the first time, and a major championship for the first time since 1986. Furthermore, the Council sends its best wishes to the Northern Ireland squad for the matches in France next year. In recognition of the achievement of the players and management, the Council has agreed to hold a reception in the City Hall.

Cancer Services

Moved by Councillor Johnston, Seconded by Councillor Copeland,


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This Council notes the absolute importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer as any unnecessary delays can result in a reduced likelihood of a successful outcome; accepts that cancer targets are set within established medical evidence; notes that whilst Northern Ireland has become a world leader in cancer research, local waiting times across a range of specialities have deteriorated to unacceptable levels and calls upon the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety to ensure that cancer services are adequately organised, funded and resourced to ensure that patient safety is not further compromised.

At the request of Alderman Rodgers, Councillor Johnston agreed that the following line be added to the original wording of his motion:

“That the Council agrees to appoint all-Party deputations to meet with both the Health Minister and with the Chief Executive of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to discuss the issues raised within the motion.”

The motion, as amended, was put to the Council and passed unanimously.

Food Waste

Moved by Councillor Corr Johnston,Seconded by Councillor Kyle and

“Resolved – That this Council recognises the steps it has already taken to seek to address levels of food poverty and food waste in the City. Council officers ensure that information on food waste is an essential element to the presentations and workshops which they undertake. They promote ways to reduce avoidable food waste and divert any food waste that is produced into the organics collections. They hold food waste demonstrations at events and fun days and work proactively with WRAP on Love Food, Hate Waste and the Ten Cities project – both of which are aimed at reducing food waste. They also work with the Belfast Food Network who are attempting to make Belfast a ‘Sustainable Food City’. Despite all of this effort, the Council still finds the existing situation with regard to food waste in the City to be unacceptable.

Accordingly, in order to try to alleviate the suffering associated with food waste, the Council agrees to write to the three members of the European Parliament for Northern Ireland urging them to lobby for the introduction of legislation to make it illegal for supermarkets to destroy unsold food, but rather to donate this to charitable organisations in the City; and agrees also to write to the Minister for Social Development requesting him to review Job Seekers Benefit Sanctions which is one of the biggest factors contributing to people needing to use food banks, with 19,388 sanctions having been placed on benefits claimants last year alone.”


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Learning Disability Day Centre

Moved by Councillor Carroll, Seconded by Councillor R. Brown,

“This Council notes with concern the ongoing consultation by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust regarding the merging of Learning Disability Day Centres in Belfast. Contained within the Trust's document, A Consultation on the Delivery of Learning Disability Day Services for People Living in Belfast is the proposal to merge Fallswater Day Centre in West Belfast with two other centres i.e., Mica Day Centre and Suffolk Day Centre.

The Council notes that Fallswater Day Centre provides an invaluable service to the community. A move to merge Fallswater with two separate centres will have an adverse effect on its users, their family members and, indeed, the wider community. Closure of Fallswater would disrupt relationships that have been built over the years between users and staff. It will also disrupt long established routines for users, not least the length of time it would for take them to get from their homes to the new centre, particularly if it is asked to move to Suffolk.

The Council opposes the proposed amalgamation of Fallswater Day Centre with two other centres. As part of the ongoing consultation, the Council will submit its formal opposition to this amalgamation, and will write to the Health Minister reiterating our concerns regarding the closure of Fallswater. We will continue to lobby the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and explore ways to ensure Fallswater's doors remain open.”

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Beattie, Seconded by Councillor Garrett,

“That the Motion be amended to provide that the final sentence be removed and replaced with the following: “That the Council agrees to meet with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to explore a strategy to keep the Fallswater Centre open and to expand the services offered to the wider community and sporting groups.”

On a vote by show of hands, 23 Members voted for the amendment and 14 against and it was declared carried.

Accordingly, the amendment was put to the Council as the substantive motion and passed unanimously.


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Energy Transition

Moved by Councillor R. Brown, Seconded by Councillor Heading,

“This Council:

recognises the serious challenges presented by climate change but also the significant economic benefits which are created through the development of an energy efficient economy;

believes that the council must take a lead in planning for an energy transition and for energy transition to be a central aspect of the Belfast Agenda and all corporate planning documents;

agrees to become fossil fuel free by 2050 and to set an interim target date for the city to become carbon neutral; and

agrees to implement an energy transition action plan which includes a timeline of actions to be taken and policies to be implemented by the council to support renewable energy generation and energy demand reduction in Belfast.”

In accordance with Standing Orders, the motion was referred without discussion to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for consideration.

Lord MayorChairperson

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Strategic Policy and Resources CommitteeFriday, 20th November, 2015

MEETING OF STRATEGIC POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Boyle (Chairperson); Aldermen Convery, Kingston, Rodgers and Stalford;Councillors S. Corr, Graham, Haire, Hargey, Jones, Kennedy, Long, McAllister, McCabe,McVeigh, Ó Donnghaile and Walsh.

In attendance: Mrs. S. Wylie, Chief Executive;Mr. R. Cregan, Director of Finance and Resources;Mr. G. Millar, Director of Property and Projects;Mrs. J. Minne, Director of Organisational Development;Mr. J. Walsh, Town Solicitor;Mr. S. McCrory, Democratic Services Manager; and Mr. J. Hanna, Senior, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Alderman Browne and Councillors Clarke and Hutchinson.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 23rd October were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd November, subject to the omission of the minute under the heading “Format of Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls Limited – Next Steps” which was referred back to the Committee for further consideration and to enable the Political Parties on the Council to undertake further discussions in the matter.

Declarations of Interest

No declarations of interest were reported.

Restricted Items

The information contained in the following five reports is restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

Waterfront Hall – Steps towards Implementation

The Committee considered further the minute in relation to the formation of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls Limited – Next Steps which was referred back by the Council at its meeting on 2nd November. An extract of the minute in this regard is set out hereunder:

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee,Friday, 20th November, 2015

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“Formation of Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Limited – Next Steps

The Committee considered a report which outlined the next steps in implementing its decision in relation to the establishment of a wholly-owned Council company, known as Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Limited (BWUH Ltd), to operate the two venues.

The report provided details on the appointment of the Board of Directors, the emerging requirements for the Board’s composition and the roles and responsibilities. The report outlined also the proposals for the establishment of a Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Shareholder Committee to provide an effective governance mechanism for Councillors to fulfil their shareholder role. Based on previous experiences of the Waterfront Hall Board, it was clear that any arrangement needed to have sufficient authority and influence to give assurance to the Council, remaining strategically focused, rather than immersed in the operational details of the day-to-day management of the venues.

It was therefore proposed that a more effective and powerful means to hold the Board to account was through a dedicated Committee of the Council. It was suggested that the Committee would meet on a quarterly basis (at a minimum) and would have 14 Members, appointed through the Quota Greatest Remainder methodology, as set out in Schedule 2 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014. It would be possible for the Council, under Section 7 of the Act, to delegate its authority to the Committee with the exception of decisions in relation to certain finance and asset decisions which would require the agreement of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and subsequently the full Council.

It was anticipated that the appointment of the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee would be accomplished by establishing a separate pool of 8 Positions of Responsibility, over the four year term. The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee would also need to give consideration to amending its scheme for the allocation of Special Responsibility Allowances if the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee were to be included within that scheme.

In order to establish a new Committee, an amendment to the Council’s Standing Orders would be required, with the following proposed terms of reference:

To hold the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd Chairperson and Managing Director to account on contract and business performance issues;

To scrutinise the quarterly finance and performance reports, ensuring a social and financial return on the Council’s and other funders’ investments;


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To control and make decisions on reserved matters on behalf of the shareholders, as set out in the Shareholders’ Agreement (e.g. authorising the company to take out a loan);

To authorise the annual business plan, ensuring alignment with Council’s economic, social and environmental objectives;

To agree and monitor performance framework targets, including decreasing dependency on Council subsidy;

To agree distributions of available profits in relation to its shareholdings;

To recommend the appointment of the Chairperson and non-executive Directors to the Board of the BWUH Ltd and agree remuneration;

To act in the interests of the shareholders in the removal of non-executive Director/s, where there is evidence of under-performance or failure to comply with legal duties;

To consider business improvement requests for investment in the Council’s assets, for recommendation to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee or agreement under delegated authority; and

To review the annual audited accounts and recommend to Council for its formal approval.

The report also provided details on the transitional support to the BWUH Limited, an Organisational Development strand update, proposals for the relocation of the Ulster Orchestra and an update on the communications and branding.

After discussion, it was

Moved by Alderman Convery,Seconded by Councillor Boyle,

That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the report to enable the Political Parties to undertake further discussions.

Amendment

Moved by Alderman Kingston,Seconded by Councillor Kennedy,

That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendations as set out below in relation to the establishment of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Limited:

1. to note the milestones for the formation of the new Board of Directors;


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2. to agree that the Board consists of four Directors and a Chairperson, with the Chief Executive and the Deputy Chief Executive acting as observers;

3. to note the delination between the roles of shareholders and non-executive directors, and consequently, to hold the new Board accountable through a dedicated shareholders committee;

4. to approve the terms of reference for the proposed BWUH Shareholders Committee and recommend the appropriate amendments to the Council’s Standing Orders on that basis;

5. to agree a review of the governance arrangements after three years of operation;

6. to note the transitional arrangements to give the Council assurance on day one readiness;

7. to recommend the temporary relocation of the Ulster Orchestra into an appropriate Council venue, subject to further advice from the Estates Management Unit and Legal Services;

8. to note the release of 11 employees under the authority granted for the Voluntary Redundancy Scheme; and

9. to note the branding proposition of the new company.

On a vote by show of hands sixteen Members voted for the amendment and two against and it was declared carried.

The amendment was thereupon put to the meeting as a substantive motion and agreed.”

The Chief Executive submitted for the Committee’s consideration a further report which provided supplementary information on the role of the proposed Shareholders’ Committee, the proposed terms of reference, the Shareholders’ Committee responsibilities, the quarterly stranding agenda for the Committee and details on the annual meeting of the Shareholders’ Committee.

The report provided also details on the recruitment of the Board of Directors and remuneration, together with the role profile of the Chair and the Board Members.

In response to a question, the Chief Executive clarified that the new Committee would only have very limited delegated authority and, unless otherwise directed by the Council, this would relate only to the Committee’s role at the Annual General Meeting of the Company. All other decisions of the Shareholders’ Committee would be subject to ratification by the full Council, unless expressly delegated by the Council at some stage.


Moved by Councillor Long,Seconded by Councillor McAllister,


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That the Committee agrees to affirm its decision of 23rd October, that is:

(i) to note the milestones for the formation of the new Board of Directors;

(ii) to agree that the Board consists of four Directors and a Chairperson, with the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive acting as observers;

(iii) to note the delination between the roles of shareholders and non-executive directors, and consequently, agree to hold the new Board accountable through a dedicated shareholders’ committee;

(iv) to agree the terms of reference for the proposed BWUH Shareholders’ Committee and recommend the appropriate amendments to the Council’s Standing Orders on that basis;

(v) to agree a review of the governance arrangements after three years of operation;

(vi) to note the transitional arrangements to give the Council assurance on day one readiness;

(vii) to recommend that temporary relocation of the Ulster Orchestra into an appropriate Council venue, subject to further advice from the Estates Management Unit and Legal Services;

(viii) to note the release of 11 employees under the authority granted for the Voluntary Redundancy Scheme; and

(ix) to note the branding proposition for the new company.

In addition, in order to adhere to the tight guidelines for the formation the new company, the Committee agrees:

(x) to an amendment to Standing Order 37(b) as it relates to the duties of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee to delete responsibility for the oversight of the Waterfront and Ulster Halls, with effect from the date upon which the new Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls Limited Shareholders’ Committee is established;

(xi) to the insertion of a new Standing Order 37(f) which sets out the duties of the new Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls Limited Shareholders’ Committee;


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(xii) to grant authority to the Town Solicitor to update the Council’s Scheme of Delegation, consequent to agreeing the proposed Terms of Reference for the new Committee;

(xiii) to note the key issues in relation to the recruitment and selection process for the Board Members;

(xiv) to the draft role profiles for the independent Chairperson and Board (non-Executive) Directors;

(xv) that the normal term of Board appointment would be for three years but that within the first term there would be flexibility to allow initial appointments to be made on a three-five year term, to enable the new company to establish itself and develop a wider governance succession plan, determining those required to stand down at the end of the first three year cycle based on business needs and performance at that stage;

(xvi) to the remuneration package for the Chairperson as £10,000 per annum and £5,000 per annum for independent Board Directors (plus out-of-pocket expenses), based on an expected commitment of two days per month for the Chairperson and up to one day per month for the Board Directors; and

(xvii) to note the standing agenda format and responsibilities for the new Board of Directors.

On a vote by show of hands fifteen Members voted for the proposal and two against and it was accordingly declared carried.

City Centre Regeneration Investment Fund

The Committee considered a report which sought approval to consider further the targeted acquisition of strategic sites in the City centre as an integral part of the City Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) by entering into the bidding process for the acquisition of a key City centre property which was currently on the market.

The Committee granted the approval sought.

Financial Reporting – Quarter 2 2015/16

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 This report presents the quarter 2 financial position for the Council including a forecast of the year end outturn.


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It includes a reporting pack which contains a summary of the financial indicators and an executive summary. It also provides a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators and the forecast outturn for the year.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to note the non recurrent resources available outlined in Table 1 which will be considered in the separate report on Non Recurrent Funding Requirements at this meeting.

3.0 Main report

Current and Forecast Financial Position 2015/16

3.1 The financial position for Quarter 2 is a net departmental under-spend of £1,628k (2.5%). The forecast year-end departmental position is an under-spend of £308k (0.2%), which is well within the acceptable variance limit of 3%.

3.2 This includes £405k which was allocated to the City Wide Tribunal Service (SP&R, 30 January 2015 - £175k) and Community and Capacity Grants (SP&R, 20 March 2015 - £230k).

3.3 The main reasons for the departmental under-spend relate to the receipt of additional income from planning fees, rent reviews and digital services as well in year savings in employee costs arising mainly from vacant posts.

Rates Finalisation

3.4 The District Rate forecast by Land and Property Services at quarter 2 is a positive settlement of £332k. However as result of the ongoing analysis and review work undertaken with LPS, especially on the areas of income and losses, the forecast has been reassessed to a favourable outturn of £1.5m.

Capital Projects

3.5 Capital expenditure for 2015/16 as part of the capital programme is forecast at £49.7m, with the main change in planned capital programme expenditure for 2015/16 being the commencement of the Council’s Accommodation Project.

3.6 The Summary Dashboard, on page 2 of the attached performance report, has been updated to include the


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forecast expenditure on other capital programme expenditure areas including Non-Recurring Projects (£1,035k), Works funded by the LTP efficiencies (£659k), the Feasibility Fund (£87k) and the leisure projects in the new boundary areas (£1,652k).

3.7 Committed expenditure approved by the Committee on Belfast Investment Fund projects is £4.66m, with a further £4.88m committed on LIF 1 projects and £1.34m committed on LIF 2 projects.

Capital Financing

3.8 The summary dashboard has also been updated to provide analysis of the annual capital financing budget. Actual capital financing expenditure is forecast to £1.38m below budget by the year end due to slippage in the leisure investment programme.

Forecast Reserves Position

3.9 The balance of general reserves, based on the departmental forecast and the LPS forecast rates finalisation, is estimated to be £15.08m. The planned expenditure from specified reserves is forecast to reduce the specified reserve balances to £1.32m, with £192k of this balance, relating to the balance of non recurrent expenditure, being available for allocation to other non-recurring works or for transfer to general reserves.

Forecast Balances Available for Non-Recurrent Purposes

3.10 Departmental Under-spend: The forecast year end departmental position is an under-spend of £308k. As the forecast departmental under-spend of £308k represents only 0.2% of budgeted of net expenditure it is recommended that this balance is not considered for reallocation.

3.11 Rates Finalisation: The quarter 2 forecast year end rates position is a positive settlement of £1.5m. This balance of £1.5m could be considered by the Committee for re-allocation to fund additional non-recurrent expenditure.

3.12 The capital financing budget is forecast to be under-spent by £1.38m. This balance of £1.38m could be considered by the Committee for re-allocation to fund additional non-recurrent expenditure.

3.13 Specified reserve balances are forecast to be reduced to £1.32m at the year end. This includes a balance of £192k of


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non recurrent expenditure. This balance of £192k could be considered by the Committee for re-allocation to fund other non-recurrent expenditure requirements.

3.14 Table 1 summarises the non recurrent resources which will be considered for reallocation in the separate committee paper ‘Non recurrent Funding Requirements 2016/17’.

Table 1Funding Available for Non Recurrent Expenditure

2015/16 Forecast Rates APP £1,500,0002015/16 Forecast Capital Financing Under-Spend

£1,380,000

2015/16 Non Recurring Balance £192,208

Total £3,072,208

3.15 Financial & Resource Implications

Finance implications as detailed in the report

3.16 Equality or Good Relations Implications

None”

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

Non-recurrent Expenditure 2016/17

The Director of Finance and Resources submitted a report which provided details on the non-recurrent expenditure requirements for 2016/17 and provided recommendations as to how those could be financed. He pointed out that, as the expenditure only related to money which was needed in 2016/17, it was not appropriate to be included as part of the revenue estimates and rates setting process.

The Committee agreed to the allocation of £2,838,161 for 2016/17 from the balances outlined in the quarter 2 financial report as funding available for non-recurrent expenditure to fund the non-recurring expenditure summarised below and detailed in paragraphs 3.2 to 3.18 of the report:

Temporary Employees £1,206,161Projects £1,632,000Total £2,838,161


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Setting of the District Rate and Estimates for 2016/17

The Director of Finance and Resources submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update on the development of the revenue estimates and the setting of the district rate to date. He reminded the Committee that the Council had not increased its district rate for the previous three years while over the same period Central Government had increased the regional rate by 2.7% on an annual basis. Despite that freeze in the rate, the Council had been able to deliver/make provision for a fully financed Investment Programme, including £150 million of Capital Investment, £100 million of EU funding, £105 million of investment in leisure facilities, £9 million in the Local Investment Fund and £22 million in the Belfast Investment Fund. This year had also seen the introduction of an £18.7 million City Centre Investment Fund and £4 million City Centre Social Investment Fund. This had been done through the delivery of significant cash savings, the realignment of budgets, maximising the drawdown of EU funds and long-term financial planning.

The Director reported that this year’s financial plan was about the consolidation of the revenue budgets, building financial foundations for the delivery of the priorities in the Belfast Agenda and focusing on the financial sustainability of the Council through the enhancement of the rate base. The report provided an update on the development of the revenue estimates for 2016/17 and the key issues and options which would be considered by Members as part of the rates setting process.

The Committee agreed:

to note the update on the development of the Revenue Estimates and the setting of the District Rate;

to note that Party Group briefings would take place between 30th November and 7th December, 2015, with a further report on the setting of the District Rate being submitted to the Committee at its meeting on 18th December, 2015; and

that £300,000 of voluntary redundancy savings should be included in the Revenue Estimates.

Matters referred back from Council/Notices of Motion

Notice of Motion re: Energy Transition

The Committee was reminded that, in accordance with Standing Orders, the undernoted Motion which had been proposed by Councillor R. Browne and seconded by Councillor Heading, had been referred to the Committee by the Council at its meeting on 2nd November, 2015:

“This Council:

recognises the serious challenges presented by climate change but also the significant economic benefits which are created through the development of an energy efficient economy;


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believes that the council must take a lead in planning for an energy transition and for energy transition to be a central aspect of the Belfast Agenda and all corporate planning documents;

agrees to become fossil fuel free by 2050 and to set an interim target date for the city to become carbon neutral; and

agrees to implement an energy transition action plan which includes a timeline of actions to be taken and policies to be implemented by the council to support renewable energy generation and energy demand reduction in Belfast.”

The Committee agreed that a report on work on energy efficiency which the Council was already undertaking and possible limitations on the actions set out in the Motion be submitted to a future meeting.

Arrangements for Council-operated charged car parks during the Christmas period

The Committee was reminded that, following discussion at the Council meeting on 2nd November, officers had been requested to explore the cost implications of making Council-operated car parks free-of-charge at additional times over the Christmas period. The Committee was reminded also that, as part of Local Government Reform, 30 off-street car parks had been transferred from the Department of Regional Development (DRD) to the Council on 1st April, 2015. Seventeen of those car parks charged for use and provided 1,481 spaces. Parking rates and chargeable hours varied across sites, however, all were free on Sundays and, while the majority were free after 6.00 p.m., a small number charged until 9.00 p.m. on certain nights.

The extended Christmas retail period would run from 27th November, 2015 until 3rd January, 2016, and it had been previously decided by the former Transition Committee on 9th December, 2014 that car parks would be free of charge on 25th and 26th December, 2015 and 1st January, 2016.

The Committee was advised that there were two options, in line with the primary retail period, which had been costed using income figures from the DRD for December, 2014, which the Committee might wish to consider:

Options Estimated cost1. Free parking all day Saturday and after 6pm on Thursdays; Saturday 28th November to Saturday 2nd January inclusive. OR £36000

2. Free parking all day Saturday and after 6pm on Monday-Friday.Friday 27th November to Saturday 2nd January inclusive. £40600

In addition, the Committee was reminded that the Council operated a staff car park on Ormeau Avenue with 105 spaces used for staff parking. It was recommended that, although that car park was for staff use, it could also be made available for public parking at weekends over the above-mentioned period to facilitate this initiative.


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The Committee agreed:

to adopt Option 2, that is, to provide free parking all day Saturday and after 6.00 p.m. on Monday till Friday from 27th November till 2nd January inclusive;

the use of the Ormeau Avenue car park over the same period for public parking, free of charge;

to approve the erection of signage to promote the Christmas parking initiative; and

to note that the Bankmore Street and Smithfield car parks, which were normally closed on Sundays, would be open on Sundays from 1.00 p.m. till 6.00 p.m.

Notice of Motion re: Animal Cruelty – Response from the Minister

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st October, had passed the following Notice of Motion, which had been moved by Councillor R. Brown and seconded by Alderman Kingston:

“That this Council regards cruelty against animals as a despicable crime; believes that more could be done to protect animals from cruelty and prevent reoffending. Therefore, this Council calls on the Minister for Justice to work with the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development and local councils to make it compulsory that those convicted of animal cruelty be prohibited from owning animals for a minimum period of time, establish and place those convicted of animal cruelty on a central register and outlaw the transferring of any animals to anyone on this register.”

The Committee was advised that a response, a copy of which had been circulated for the information of the Members, had been received from the Minister which outlined her views on the proposals which had been raised in the Council’s Motion.

The Committee noted the response from the Minister.Hope Beacon Day Centre – Responses from the Trust and the Minister for Health

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st October, had received a presentation from representatives of the Hope Beacon Support Day Centre who were seeking the Council’s support for a campaign to prevent the closure of the Centre, which provided mental health services within the Colin area.

Following a presentation, the Council had passed the following resolution which had been proposed by Councillor Magennis and seconded by Councillor Kyle:


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“That the Council agrees to support the campaign to retain the services provided by the Hope Beacon Day Support Centre within the Collin area and, to that end, undertakes to write to the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust requesting that the Trust agree to maintain funding for the Centre and to write also to the Health Minister requesting that adequate mental health provision be maintained within the City.”

The Committee was advised that a response had been received from the Chief Executive of the Trust in which he outlined the Trust’s objectives for the Colin community with regard to mental health services and also proposals for the modernisation of Hope House which it would discuss with service users and local representatives when it was in a firm position to consider viable solutions. In addition, correspondence had been received from the Health Minister in which he had outlined the mental health services provision in Belfast. Copies of both responses had been circulated for the information of the Members and were available on the Council’s website.

The Committee noted the receipt of the responses.

Governance

Freedom of the City for the Nursing Service in Belfast


“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 To consider a proposal that the Council award the Freedom of the City to the Nursing Service in Belfast and to the Royal College of Nursing on their behalf.

1.2 To approve a procedure for considering future requests for the award of the Freedom of the City.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is recommended to:

1. approve the process for considering future requests for the award of the Freedom of the City, set out in paragraph 3.1.3

2. agree to award the Freedom of the City to the Nursing Service in Belfast and to the Royal College of Nursing on their behalf and that a Special Meeting of the Council be convened at 6.00pm on Tuesday, 1st December, 2015, immediately prior to the monthly Council meeting for that purpose.


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3.0 Main report

3.1 Key Issues

3.1.1 Until this year, the legislation governing the award of the Freedom of the City was the Local Government (Modification of Borough Charters) Order (Northern Ireland) 1973. This required a special meeting of the Council to be called with a minimum of 10 days notice to consider a motion to award the Freedom and such a motion was required to attract at least 2/3 support of the total number of Members.

3.1.2 The Local Government (Modification of Borough Charters) Order (Northern Ireland) 1973 has been revoked by the Local Government (Transitional, Incidental, Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015. The rules are now much simpler. The award can be agreed by the Council by way of a special resolution by a simple majority vote and there is not any need for 10 days notice of the meeting to be given.

3.1.3 Although the new legislation does not require a 2/3 majority of the Council to support a proposal to award the Freedom of the City. It is recommended that the Council continues with the procedure which is currently in place for dealing with future requests. As the highest award that the Council can bestow upon an individual or organisation the Freedom of the City should not be seen as something which is divisive but rather should seek to unite the Council and, ideally, the Council should be unanimously supportive of the award. Accordingly, the Committee is recommended to approve the following process for future proposals:

When a request is received from a Member of Council or a member of the public for the Freedom of the City to be conferred, the Democratic Services Manager will liaise with the Party Leaders on the Council to ascertain the level of support which the proposal would have.

Once the level of support is known, a report will be submitted in the first instance to the Budget and Transformation Panel so that an informal discussion of the proposal can take place and any minor issues resolved.

If there is at least 2/3 of the whole number of Members (40 Member) supportive of the proposal then the Chief Executive will contact the proposed


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recipient to ask if they would be amenable to accepting the award should the Council offer it. If there is a positive response, a report will be submitted to the next available meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee recommending that the award be made and requesting it to set a date for a meeting of the Council to formally consider the proposal.

3.1.4 Members have also requested that a further review into the overall protocols in relation to awarding the Freedom of the City is undertaken with a view to updating the council’s policy. This should include examples from other councils and possible criteria for recommending the award. A report on this will be brought back to a future meeting.

3.1.5 Councillor McVeigh has submitted to the Chief Executive a request that the Council consider awarding the Freedom of the City to the Nursing Service in Belfast and to the Royal College of Nursing on their behalf.

3.1.6 Councillor McVeigh’s draft motion on the matter reads ‘This council wishes to honour the contribution of our nurses to the lives of the citizens of Belfast. Over many decades our nurses have served the citizens of Belfast without fear or favour. During the most difficult days of our conflict, our nurses cared for every citizen regardless of circumstances, of religious or political belief. Consequently this council wishes to award the Freedom of our City to the nurses of Belfast and to the Royal College of Nursing on their behalf. It is our hope that working with the RCN a single day in the year will be identified when every citizen of Belfast, including this council, will thank our hard working nurses for the care they provide all year round. We hope that this 'Nurses Day' will become a popular opportunity for every citizen to express their thanks to these exceptional individuals, who often go well above and beyond what they are paid to do. On behalf of every single citizen we want to thank each of you, our nurses, for the exceptional care and attention you provide every single day of the year.’

3.1.7 In accordance with existing Council policy on the award of the Freedom of the City, the views of the Party Groups on the Council have been sought as to whether or not they would be supportive of such a suggestion. Parties have responded and there is support for the award to be made, although there may be discussion among parties on the wording of the formal motion.


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3.1.8 Accordingly, the Committee is recommended to agree to award the Freedom of the City to the Nursing Service in Belfast and to the Royal College of Nursing on their behalf and that a Special Meeting of the Council be convened at 6.00pm on Tuesday, 1st December, 2015, immediately prior to the monthly Council meeting for that purpose.

3.2 Financial Implications

3.2.1 The cost of the award of the Freedom of the City can vary depending upon the nature and scale of any civic event which is organised to recognise the award. If the proposed civic event for the Nursing Service in Belfast is similar to previous events then the costs should be in the region of £40,000 - £50,000 and this could be met from within existing budgets in the current financial year.

3.2.2 If the proposed civic event is to be held in the next financial year then the Committee will need to consider making resources available within the Civic Hospitality budget.

3.3 Other implications

3.3.1 Members should also note that consideration must be given to the timing of this event, its nature and the staffing resources needed to deliver it, bearing in mind potential other initiatives that are likely to result in large scale events in the months of April and May and the additional large scale council events programmed for post March up to 1 July.


There are not any equality or good relations considerations associated with this report.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations as set out in paragraph 2.It was agreed also that the words “our conflict” in the third sentence of the draft

motion be replaced with “the troubles”.

Finance, Procurement and Performance

Rockefeller “100 Resilient” Cities Programme




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At the Strategic Policy and Resources meeting in August, Members agreed to prepare a Belfast bid to the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities programme. This offers up to $1 million of support over two years to cities to help them prepare for future shocks and stresses. The programme funds a Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) (and supporting staff) whose role would be to work with city stakeholders to identify and tackle inter-related issues of economic, social and environmental resilience.

Online applications to the programme must be submitted via the programme’s website by 24 November. This paper provides a short background to the programme and the proposed approach to the Belfast application.

2.0 Recommendations

Members are asked to:

Note the objectives of the 100 Resilient Cities programme

To agree to an online application on the basis outlined in this paper.

3.0 Main report

Key Issues

The Rockefeller Foundation’s ‘100 Resilient Cities’ is a worldwide programme that provides up to $1 million of support to cities to help them understand and prepare for future social, economic and environmental shocks and stresses. This could be anything from coastal flooding, to mass unemployment, social unrest, or infrastructure failure. Seventy cities are already part of the programme (including Glasgow, Bristol and London) and applications are now open for the final tranche of thirty.

Rockefeller will work with each successful city to fund a Chief Resilience Officer (and additional support) for two years from autumn 2016. They will also provide expertise for the development of the resilience strategy including access to a global network, practical solutions, service providers, and partners.

In considering each application Rockefeller will seek evidence that the CRO will have the opportunity to inform the city’s long term planning. Members will note that the programme’s objectives and timeline align well with the development of the


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Belfast Agenda and the Local Development Plan. Thus it could prove to be a very useful resource with which to think differently about some of the city’s serious challenges and to begin to develop initiatives to tackle them.

Members should also note that in other cities the concept of ‘smart cities’ and ‘city resilience’ are closely interconnected. It is accepted that much of the diagnostic work on shocks and stresses needs to draw on data analytics and predictive modelling. It is therefore likely that the Rockefeller resource will also contribute the Council’s thinking on a smart city roadmap.

The Belfast application

Each application is built around four shocks and four stresses which each city believes to be most significant to their particular circumstances. (‘Shocks’ are defined as significant unexpected events that can have a long term impact while ‘stresses’ are chronic, ongoing challenges that undermine the city’s long term success.) Rockefeller have provided a long list to choose from and, following a workshop with emergency planning and other stakeholders, officers have identified the following as the most significant shocks: coastal flooding, riot/civil unrest, city infrastructure failure, and cyber-attack. And the four most significant stresses: political instability/sectarian violence; lack of social cohesion; over reliance on the public sector and ageing urban /infrastructure.

The rest of the application process is based around how well-prepared the city is to address these and, based on past experiences, what their likely impact might be. The process encourages a city to think about how the CRO would draw on existing resources, networks and strategies to begin thinking about all of these in a more integrated fashion. Officers are suggesting that the application should be based on a narrative about Belfast emerging from post-conflict arrangements and seeking to transform city leadership and partnership working in order to secure the city’s long term economic and social success.

Financial & Resource Implications

Resources for the application phase were identified within the existing Superconnected Belfast budget.

Equality or Good Relations Implications


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Equality and good relations implications, in relation to this policy, are still under consideration. Further updates will be sent to the Equality and Diversity Officer in due course.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Contracts for Award

The Committee approved the public advertisement and delegated authority to the appropriate Director, using pre-agreed criteria, to accept the most economically advantageous tenders, allow month-by-month extensions for contracts under review and approve the extension of the contracts as set out below:

Title of tender Senior Responsible Officer

Proposed contract duration

Tender for the supply and maintenance of planted containers for Parks

Rose Crozier One year plus two

Tender for Bitumen Macadam including Small Civil Engineering Works

Rose Crozier One year plus three

Tender for procurement expertise to form a framework/call-off contract for City Centre Regeneration

Suzanne Wylie One year with monthly extensions until the completion of the project

Permission for an umbrella approach for a series of tenders to support the new Waterfront Conference and Exhibition Centre and Ulster Hall council owned company **

Donal Durkin Various periods

** Subject to meeting governance and budgetary approval

Tenders for extension of contract period on a month by month basis

Title of tender Director Responsible

Tender for maintenance of hanging baskets Rose CrozierTender for hire of grounds maintenance machinery with operator Rose CrozierTender for control of invasive species Rose CrozierTender for supply and delivery of high quality bedding plants Rose CrozierTender for supply and installation of summer plants and containers Rose CrozierTender for provision of a minibus/coach service (with driver) Gerry Miller

Council’s Approach to Reserving Specified Contracts for Specific Groups

The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration the undernoted report:



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1.1 Following a Notice of Motion in September 2015, the purpose of this report is to seek member’s permission to adopt an interim position with respect to reserving specific contracts for specific groups. This is will be until we can evaluate the outcome of a pilot study and give consideration to the Assembly’s review of Social Clauses in government contracts.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 It is recommended that members

Agree, as an interim position, to screen contracts for an opportunity to reserve specified contracts for specific groups, within the confines of the legislative framework; and

Agree that Corporate Procurement Services, conduct a pilot in respect of the application of this new legislative opportunity and evaluate its impact with a view to incorporate it within the emergent Social Clauses Policy.

3.0 Main report

Background

3.1 On the 26 February 2015 the Public Contracts Regulations (2006) were amended to reflect the latest EU Directive. As a result the provisions within the legislation were broadened to

permit contracts to be reserved for specified groups which have a social value outcome. Previously the legislation only catered for groups whose employees had more than 50% representation with a disability.

3.2 On the 18 September 2015 a notice of motion was put before Council by Councillor Attwood, seconded by Councillor Kyle, regarding the use of Article 20 of the new EU Public Contracts Directives (2014/24/EU). The motion, which is attached, recognises that in line with our draft Corporate Procurement Strategy objectives, contracting authorities are permitted to reserve participation in specific tender competitions;

‘to specified group’s such as mutual’s and social enterprises which operate supported factories, businesses or employments programmes for the disabled and disadvantaged persons’.

3.3 Members should note that the council awaits guidance from the Cabinet Office in respect of all aspects of the new


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legislation including the definition of ‘disadvantaged person’ which at this juncture is still open to interpretation.

3.4 Key Issues

Members will be aware that the council’s emergent Social Clause Policy was presented to SP&R on 24 April 2015 and was referred back at the subsequent council meeting. On the 22 May 2015 the committee agreed to defer consideration of the matter for a period of one month and that the Minister of the Department of Culture Arts & Leisure (DCAL) would be requested to meet with an all-Party deputation from the council to discuss Social Clauses. Democratic Services wrote to DCAL but have not received a response. However, council officers have been engaging with Strategic Investment Board (SIB) who are leading a review of Social Value in government contracts for the Northern Ireland Assembly. The findings and recommendation from this review were presented to the Procurement Board on the 5th November 2015 and an update report will be brought back to members in December.

3.5 The council continues to use the draft policy (Appendix 2) to include social clauses within both Supplies and Service and Works contracts. Currently the council uses Construction Federation Industry (CIFNI) social clauses which have been agreed with the construction industry and are part of the emergent Social Clause Policy. However, the interim adoption of Article 20 would allow Corporate Procurement Services to test an opportunistic contract against the criteria and, if appropriate, reconfigure the emergent Social Clause Policy.

3.6 The use of Article 20 would facilitate a review to the approach that the council undertakes to social value in contracts by broadening the scope of the use of social clauses, this may result in positive social and economic outcomes for Belfast.

3.7 Consideration of the selection of any contract to be reserved will be subject to council approval and incorporated within the SP&R standard contract award report.

3.8 Financial Implications

None


None”

The Committee adopted the recommendation.


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Physical Programme and Asset Management

Area Working Update

The Committee considered the undernoted report which provided an update in relation to the recommendations of the Area Working Groups:


1.1 At its meeting in April 2012, the SP&R Committee agreed to convene Area Working Groups (AWGs) to support effective ‘place-shaping’ and make recommendations on investment decisions for their local area including LIF and BIF. Given the unique role that they played in allowing Members to shape their local areas it was agreed that AWGs would be reconvened as part of the new Council. The latest round of AWGs has taken place and the recommendations emerging are outlined below

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to –

Local Investment Fund proposals –

agree the recommended proposals as set out in 3.1 below from the North AWG in relation to the Local Investment Fund 1. Members are asked to note that the Basement and Brantwood & Loughside FC proposals are subject to these projects going through the LIF process with the project being assessed against the prioritisation matrix – the results of this assessment will be reported back to the next AWG and Committee. All projects will be subject to the full due-diligence process agreed for LIF projects. Members are also asked to note that the Midland Boxing Club (NLIF011) which was previously agreed has been withdrawn with the money being reallocated.

agree the recommended proposals from the North AWG for funding under LIF 2 – Cavehill Bowling club and St. Mary’s Nursery School which have been scored – subject to Committee approval it is recommended these are moved forward to due-diligence

note that a number of other LIF2 projects have also been proposed by the North AWG – the feasibility of these emerging proposals is being examined by officers from the Property & Projects Department and


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their eligibility for assistance will be reported back to future North AWG meeting

agree the recommended project from the South AWG for funding under LIF 2 - Holylands Area Improvement Initiative. Members are asked to note that this proposal is subject to the project being assessed against the prioritisation matrix.

3.0 Main report

KEY ISSUES

AREA WORKING GROUP UPDATES

3.1 NORTH AWG

LIF Recommendations - The North AWG at its meeting on 28th October, while agreeing to the need for a dedicated planning session, made the following recommendations for the consideration of the SP&R Committee in relation to their Local Investment Fund (I & II)

Ref No Project £ Amount

LIF 1

NLIF071 Marrowbone Sacred Heart Parochial Hall

£100,372

NLIF017 Basement Youth Club ** £24,000 – towards a

wider project

NLIF061 Brantwood and Loughside FC ** £100,000 – reallocated

money from NLIF011

**Members are asked to note that these proposals are subject to these projects going through the LIF process with the project being assessed against the prioritisation matrix – the results of this assessment will be reported back to the next AWG and Committee. All projects will be subject to the full due-diligence process agreed for LIF projects

LIF 2

In addition the North AWG discussed a number of proposals in relation to LIF 2 allocations. The projects listed below have


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been scored and are ready, subject to Committee agreement, to be progressed to due-diligence.

LIF 2

NLIF2-01 Cavehill Bowling Club ** £100,000

NLIF2-02 Woodland at St. Mary’s Nursery School ** £33,200

TOTAL £133,200

In addition to the two projects above a number of other LIF2 projects were also proposed by the North AWG – the feasibility of these emerging proposals is being examined by officers from the Property & Projects Department and their eligibility for assistance will be reported back to future North AWG meeting to allow members to make informed recommendations for funding before being brought to the SP&R Committee.

3.2 SOUTH AWG

LIF2 Recommendations- The South AWG at its meeting on 19th October 2015, made the following recommendation for in principle funding for the consideration of the SP&R Committee in relation to their Local Investment Fund 2 monies –

LIF 2

SLIF2-07 Holylands Area Improvement Initiative ** £80,000

3.3 FINANCIAL & RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Financial - £4m has been allocated to LIF 2.

AWG (A) TOTAL LIF2 ALLOCATION

(B) AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO DATE

(C) PROPOSALS IN THIS REPORT

(D) PROJECTED ALLOCATION (B+C)

AMOUNTREMAINING (A-D)

North £800,000 £0 £133,200 £133,200 £666,800

South £800,000 £412,000 £80,000 £492,000 £308,000

East £1,200,000 £245,000 £0 £245,000 £955,000

West £1,200,000 £1,144,000 £0 £1,144,000 £56,000

Resource - Officers will be required to help work up LIF projects.


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LIF has been equality screened.”


Asset Management

Deed of Dedication: Belmont Park

The Committee was advised that the former Parks and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 16th October, 2014, had agreed to enter into a Deed to dedicate a substantial part of Belmont Park as part of the Fields in Trust Centenary initiative. The extent of the land to be included in the Deed totalled approximately 26.64 acres. Through its website, Fields in Trust (FIT) provided information and tool kits and promoted community events to be held on ‘dedicated’ sites around the UK. The Deed in respect of the Belmont Park would also require retention of the land as a public park. It also required FIT’s interest to be registered at the Registry of Deeds.

The Director of Property and Projects reported that the proposed dedication was between the Council and the National Playing Fields Association, operating as Fields in Trust. The Deed did not contain any provision for payments or funding to the Council at any stage. However, the Deed did contain provisions which, if the Council wished to dispose of any of the ‘dedicated’ land, would require the Council to provide a replacement site of equivalent or larger size and with equivalent or better facilities, in the same catchment area and as accessible to the public as the portion of land being disposed of. The Council would also be required to apply whatever proceeds of the disposal price as were necessary to achieve those objectives. In addition, the Council would be required to enter into a similar Deed of Dedication in respect of the replacement site.

The Committee agreed to proceed with the completion of a Deed of Dedication with Fields in Trust in respect of the area of land at Belmont Park, subject to the approval of the Department of the Environment.

Licence Agreement: Renewal of J C Decaux Advertising Hoarding, Boucher Road

The Committee granted approval for the renewal of a Licence Agreement to David Allen Holdings Limited, trading as J C Decaux, for advertising hoarding at Boucher Road for a period of five years at a revised rent of £22,000 per annum in years 1 and 2 with a rent review at year 3.

Advertising Opportunities on Council Land and Property Assets

The Committee was advised that an approach had been made recently to the Council by an advertising company which was seeking to expand its advertising opportunities on Council land and property assets. The Director of Property and


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Projects explained however that, rather than dealing with individual site requests, the opportunity existed to consider a wider range of Council land and property assets with a view to ascertaining their suitability as advertising locations capable of providing a revenue stream for the Council, as well as reducing the current Council advertising budget. The Council currently received an income from car park advertising billboards at four car parks which had transferred under Local Government Reform, and which amounted to £7,000 per annum. In addition, the Council received a rent for an advertising billboard at Boucher Road which had been considered earlier in the meeting.

The Director circulated an initial schedule of Council sites which might have potential as advertising locations, subject to planning. The schedule included sites identified in an initial review undertaken by an advertising company on behalf of the Council in 2011, as well as a number of sites identified by the advertising company who had recently approached the Council and which formed the basis of its recent proposal. A number of potential sites had been identified by the company and their approach in identifying the sites was to consider the proximity to main arterial routes; ascertain if they were commercially viable and whether planning permission would be likely to be granted. Depending on the locations various formats, including 48 sheet, 96 sheet billboards or banner locations might be suitable.

He pointed out that the schedule did not, at this stage, include assets that had transferred as part of the Local Government Reform. However, the intention was to include those sites listed in the schedule as part of a Phase 1 market testing exercise and if it proved successful then the Council could consider further additional sites, including those which had transferred as part of LGR, as well as the Department for Social Development assets that might transfer at a later date. He pointed out also that certain assets on the schedule included leisure assets operated by GLL. The position in relation to any income generation arising from the location of advertising hoardings at those locations would need to be checked in line with the leisure contract. GLL had, however, indicated support for the proposal as the Council might be able to negotiate agreement with the advertising company which would enable the Council/GLL to better promote leisure services. It was proposed that the use of the sites would be regulated by a Licence Agreement, which would provide for rent increase after a specified period. It would also contain terms and conditions in relation to the nature of advertising, termination in the event of non-compliance or if the Council required land.

The Committee approved the proposal to carry out a market testing exercise in relation to the use of Council assets for commercial advertising. This being on the basis that the initial marketing exercise would not bind the Council into accepting any offers received and on completion of the process a further report being submitted to the Committee on the outcome of the market testing exercise and proposed next steps.

Peace IV Update

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of a report in relation to the Peace IV Update to enable the Political Parties to have an opportunity to consider the projects listed therein.


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Equality and Good Relations

Minutes of the Meeting of the Good Relations Partnership

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Good Relations Partnership of 9th November and adopted the recommendations in relation to the following:

Update on Bonfire Management Programme

The decision of the Partnership to impose penalties to those Groups which had breached the Programme’s guidelines.

The Committee noted that the programme was currently being reviewed and that a report would be submitted to the Partnership in January or February, which would incorporate also those areas of the former Caslereagh Borough Council which had been transferred to Belfast City Council in April, 2015.

Christmas ‘Goodwill’ Events – Small Scale Grants

The decision of the Partnership to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that approval be granted for TASCIT to receive a contribution of up to £250 towards its annual cross-community Christmas event and that, should similar requests be received, an amount of £250 be awarded under the Scheme of Delegated Authority up to a maximum of £1,000 in total.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Diversity Working Group

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Diversity Working Group of 12th November and adopted the recommendations in relation to the following:

Requests from Libraries NI

The recommendation of the Group that the Committee accede to a request from Libraries NI for the use of a room in the City Hall for lunch for the participants in the ‘Two Cities, One Group’ Project.

HMS Caroline – Civic Lunch

The decision of the Group to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it accede to a request to host a civic dinner to mark the opening of the HMS Caroline as a tourist attraction, with the associated expenditure to be met within the Council’s civic hospitality budget for 2016/2017.


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Operational Issues

City Hall Management

The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration the undernoted report:


1.1 At its meeting of 20th March 2015 the Shadow Strategic Policy & Resources Committee agreed a number of actions in relation to the management of the City Hall. The following report provides an update on these actions and seeks the necessary approvals or endorsements as appropriate.

1.2 (a) Main doors – pilot week-end opening

The Committee will recall that at its meeting of March 2015 it was agreed that the main doors of the City Hall would be opened at weekends for a trial period of approx. 3 months and the results reported back for a final decision as to whether or not to make this a permanent position. The Civic HQ Unit has monitored attendance both on organised BCC tours and in terms of general visitors to the building, and the results are set out below:-

1.3 The graph opposite relates to Saturday opening. The initial 9 weeks are based on the old approach (i.e. main doors closed & 2 tours per day) which generated an average of 65 participants per day. In late June public tours increased to 4 per day (doors still closed) which increased the average per day to 102 and, finally, the most recent period of the trial opening with 4 tours per day which increased participation to an average of 154 per day. The opening of the main doors has clearly therefore been beneficial on Saturdays.


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1.4 The graph opposite illustrates the position for Sundays. There is no comparative data from earlier in the year or from previous years because tours have not previously been offered on Sundays at all. These figures show an average of 114 participants per day attending tours who previously would not have had the opportunity to do so. Clearly, therefore, the Sunday opening has also increased the number of tour participants.

1.5 It must of course be borne in mind that these are the high-season months and that attendance will fall off proportionately in the winter months, but even so the trial period does demonstrate a beneficial effect in terms of numbers attended.

1.6 In terms of total footfall of all types in the building at the weekends there is unfortunately no comparative information available as these figures have not previously been gathered. However since mid-July 2015 our Security staff have attempted to accurately record footfall using simple manual ‘clickers’ so these figures can provide a general guide only. This analysis shows a total visitor count of 10,745 over a 9-week period on Saturdays and 7,434 visitors on Sundays. This produces an average of 2,019 visitors to the building each weekend, 20% of whom take one of the organised tours. Given the lack of comparative data it is not possible to say with any certainty what impact the opening of the main doors has had on these casual visitor figures but the numbers are certainly encouraging.

1.7 Overall, therefore, it does appear that the opening of the main City Hall doors on Saturdays and Sundays has had a beneficial impact on visitor and tour numbers. In addition, the decision to proceed with the Exhibition Area project now means that weekend opening will be routine once the facility is operational, and so the Committee may be minded to make the current approach permanent in the light of all of the above.


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1.8 (b) Charging for commercial tours

The Committee had previously decided that, while no charges would be levied to members of the public for scheduled tours, a charge would be introduced for tours booked by commercial operators. The Civic HQ Unit has therefore been developing the proposed charging levels and providing the necessary financial infrastructure (credit-card readers etc) in order to give effect to this decision. It is proposed that charges to commercial operators should be introduced w.e.f 1st January 2016 on the following basis:-

such charges NOT to be based on a per-head basis but on a group basis (to minimise the administration involved);

groups of 1-25 persons would be charged £50 per group; groups of 26-50 would be charged £100 per group;

all charges to be payable either in advance or on the day prior to the commencement of the tour (i.e. no invoicing in arrears will be permitted);

charges to be applicable to all commercial groups, including those who may already have placed bookings for 2015/16.

1.10 (c) Donations box

While rejecting the imposition of charges for public tour users, the Committee had previously indicated its approval of the proposal to place a donations box at the conclusion of the tour route. This will be implemented from 1st January 2016, and the proceeds will be used to enhance services to visitors to the new Exhibition Area.

1.11 (d)Ad hoc exhibitions in the East entrance

Members will be aware that the layout of the new Exhibition Area will take in the East entrance area. It should therefore be pointed out that once the new facility is operational it will be very difficult to continue to host individual exhibitions in this area.

1.12 This is for a variety of reasons, most notably (a) this area will be a holding area for people moving around the new Exhibition Area, (b) it may well be the case that a drop-off facility for headsets will be located here, (c) there are health & safety implications in having floor-mounted exhibitions in a location with such high anticipated footfall and (d) these ad


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hoc exhibitions are often not of a professional standard and could detract from the wider exhibition itself.

The Committee’s view on the curtailment or removal of the facility to host independent exhibitions in this area is therefore sought.

2.0 Decisions required & Recommendations

2.1 In terms of the various City Hall-related issues the Committee is requested to:-

a) agree to open the main doors of the City Hall on Saturdays and Sundays on a permanent basis;

b) endorse the commencement of charging for commercial tours on the basis set out herein;

c) endorse the introduction of a donation box approach;d) indicate a position on the use of the East entrance

area for hosting independent exhibitions.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Key Issues

The key issues in respect of this report are:-

1. Permanent changes to the opening & closing arrangements at City Hall at weekends, the introduction of charging for commercial tour groups and the introduction of a donations box.

2. The previous decisions in respect of charging for large-scale commercial-type functions and the introduction of a once-in-three-years rule are being applied where appropriate.


Charging for commercial tours will generate additional income which will assist in defraying the cost of providing free public tours.


There are no direct equality implication in respect of this report.”

After discussion, the Committee:

(a) agreed to open the main doors of the City Hall on Saturdays and Sundays on a permanent basis.


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(b) endorsed the commencement of charging for commercial tours on the basis set out in the report;

(c) endorsed the introduction of a donation box approach; and

(d) approved a review of the standards and conditions for the use of the East entrance area for hosting independent exhibitions to be undertaken.

NILGA – Development Programme for Local Government


“1.0 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT or SUMMARY OF MAIN ISSUES

1.1 The purpose of this report is to update and seek the views of Members on a recent consultation exercise commenced by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) in relation to the creation of a ‘Programme for Local Government’. Feedback from councils has been sought by 31 Dec 2015.

2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

2.1 Members are asked to:

(i) consider the proposals set out within this report including the consultation document;

(ii) consider and comment upon the draft Council response;

(iii) agree that the response, subject to revisions made by Members, be submitted to NILGA;

(iv)agree that the Council proactively seek to engage and influence the development of the next NI Executive Programme of Government and Investment Plans from a Belfast perspective.

(v) note that, in line with previous discussions by Members, expert assistance is being commissioned to create evidence-based proposals that articulate the case for a Belfast city-region approach and help to develop the proposition for a ‘City Deal’ or investment package for Belfast. This support has been planned for within current budgets and forms a vital part of Member’s influencing strategy in respect of the Programme for Government.

3.0 MAIN REPORT


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3.1 Following discussions at a recent meeting of the regional Partnership Panel, NILGA undertook to develop, in liaison with councils, a ‘Programme for Local Government’ for the period 2016-2020. The intention would be that this would complement and help influence the development of the next NI Executive Programme for Government (PfG) and associated investment priorities. It is also intended that this would help strengthen the central and local government relationship and create an environment that supports and enables joint delivery of shared outcomes.

4.0 KEY ISSUES

4.1 In summary, the draft document seeks to present a consensus view of local government in terms of:

(a) Greater devolution and transfer of additional responsibilities (page 3)

(b) Sets out ten specific asks that local government would seek NI Executive to include in the next PfG (pages 3-4) as set out below:-

1. Introducing a power to enable the pooling of budgets by departments, public bodies and councils to facilitate the implementation of community plans and achievement of agreed outcomes by Mar ‘17;

2. To monitor progress of the impending review of the NI Code of Conduct for Councillors

3. A new Civil Contingencies Bill – recognising the co-ordination role of councils in emerging planning activity; and ring-fencing funding for emergency planning & climate adaption measures by Jan ‘17.

4. Commitment from DFP to work with Treasury to return ‘ring fenced’ Landfill Tax revenue directly to NI councils for investment in waste management infrastructure by December 2016.

5. To devolve powers and funding for skills and employment support to councils, by March 2017, albeit regionally policy co-ordinated, in partnership with higher education colleges, to accompany the devolution of local economic development and regeneration, so that investment decisions can be based directly on what local economies and local businesses need in terms of future and present workforces to create jobs.

6. To give councils in Northern Ireland the same traffic management powers similar to Wales and other regions, by December 2016, in order to reduce the costs, emissions and disruption from congestion and


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to assist in covering the costs of air quality monitoring requirements.

7. To include an elected member from each council on the Board of the new Education Authority by November 2016. (To be cross-referenced with ‘specific ask’ 5).

8. To develop an agreed, shared, cross-governmental, outcome-focused performance management and improvement system by September 2017 – so can we can improve together.

9. To develop a new Northern Ireland European Regional Forum, by March 2016, led by OFMDFM on behalf of regional government, and co-ordinated through NILGA within local government, to optimise knowledge and investment of Structural and Non-Structural Funds available through EU.

10. To develop, by December 2016, more effective governance structures at regional, national and Brussels levels to influence EU Policy and Investment Priorities between now and 2020 – in order to develop a locally driven approach in this area of policy.

(c) Seeks to establish a set of Guiding Principles which, it is suggested, should underpin the future central-local government relationship and partnership working (Page 5)

(d) Requests engagement from all NI Executive departments with councils prior to making financial decisions that will have an impact on local government (page 5)

(e) Requests that the next PfG commits government departments to engage fully in the council-led community planning process, including pooling resources, to deliver measured outcomes (pg 6)

Belfast City Council Response

4.2 In reviewing the proposals as set out it would be difficult to argue against the general thrust of the document in terms of Councils seeking to taking on responsibility for additional powers/functions over a period as well as seeking to refocus and rebalance the central and local government relationship.

4.3 In responding it is suggested, however, that the Council outline a number of strategic ‘asks’ from the NI Executive which would enable local government, and Belfast in particular, to explore and build upon the recent successes of other jurisdictions in terms of the focus on localism; with


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greater devolution of powers, resources and decision-making which is evolving at pace.

These include:

(i) Devolution to Cities

Recognition of the role of cities as economic drivers and creating regionally prosperity and growth - devolution to cities agenda progressing rapidly in other city-regions.

Growing trend towards place-based devolution packages which involves the devolution of powers and budgets alongside new innovative policy, legislative and a fiscal regime which is empowering cities and local authorities to develop their area, improve local services, and boost the local economy.

Cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, and Glasgow have been able to unlock the development potential of city-regions, deliver critical city infrastructure and help rebalance the local economy through innovation and job creation. They are also making a significant contribution to enhancing regional and national competitiveness and prosperity.

If cities are to pursue effective local regeneration and economic strategies and further contribute to regional and national growth and prosperity they require greater control and flexibility on how regional policies and programmes are delivered locally. There must be a willingness and ability for local and central government to work together to develop new approaches to delivering outcomes for government and ratepayers and significantly stimulate economic growth and job creation (e.g. localisation of skills and employment programmes).

(ii) New Funding Models and Greater Fiscal Flexibility

Ensuring that the appropriate policy and legislative regime is in place to enable local and/or central government to develop proposals and secure necessary resources to deliver critical city infrastructure projects and support economic growth.

Again, consideration should be given to the developments in other areas in relation to the creation of Regional and Local Growth Funds and City Deals. Such initiatives provide cities and city-regions access to specific funding packages to invest in key growth drivers, provide critical city


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infrastructure, deliver key regeneration and development schemes, and support specific programmes such as e.g. skills, employability and business start-up.

4.4 (iii) Transfer of Regeneration Powers

In responding to NILGA, the Council will also wish to highlight the need for the NI Executive to bring effect to the timely transfer of regeneration powers to local government in the event of non- transfer in April 2016 as intended. This should be a key commitment within the new PfG.

Members will be aware that the Council is actively exploring what contingency arrangements could be put in place, in the event of non-transfer, which would enable it to undertake development powers on behalf of Department for Social Development and access associated funding. As instructed by Committee, a request to meet a cross-party deputation has been submitted to the Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey, MLA.

Belfast City Council Approach

4.5 In addition to responding to NILGA’s consultation, it is essential that the Council seeks to directly influence and shape the forthcoming NI Executive’s Programme for Government as this will set out the investment plans and priorities for the city-region over the next 4years. The intention would be that there is a focused and concerted engagement and lobbying campaign which seeks to create momentum and gather support among city stakeholders, politicians, and the NI Executive around the specific Belfast proposition or ‘ask’.

4.6 In this context, it is important that the role of Belfast as the economic driver and gateway to the region is acknowledged and finds a strong footing in the PfG and any associated investment plans which emerge. It is equally as important that the ambitions and priorities of Members, as set out within the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy, also find expression in the new PfG.

4.7 Furthermore, the reform and restructuring of central government currently underway including the creation of the new Department for Communities, Department for Economy and Department for Infrastructure, presents a real opportunity to redefine the Councils relationship with central government and create an environment that encourages co-


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production and supports joint delivery of shared priorities and outcomes.

4.8 As referred to above, Belfast should advocate for greater placed-based devolution, with additional powers and ability to access funding to deliver key city priorities. It will be important that we establish a clear understanding of the current and evolving devolution deals in other city-regions and identify the additional flexibility, freedoms and powers which are currently missing in Belfast and Northern Ireland and examine how these may be brought forward it deemed appropriate.

4.9 Members have highlighted this issue before and making this argument effectively is key to securing the delivery of the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy, the ‘Making it Happen’ city commitments and driving forward economic growth and improved social outcomes. In June, the committee agreed that evidence-based proposals should be developed that articulate the case and benefits of a Belfast city-region approach and support the proposition for a ‘City Deal’. Expert support is being commissioned to build this evidence and to assist in articulating Belfast’s case, in line with the approach taken by other cities that have been successful in securing additional powers and funding. This support has been planned for within current budgets and will form a vital part of Members’ influencing strategy in respect of the Programme for Government.


5.1 There are no Financial and Human Resource implications attached to this report.


6.1 There are no Equality or Good Relations implications contained within this report.”

The Committee:

(1) approved the Council response to NILGA’s consultation in relation to the creation of a Programme for Local Government;

(2) agreed that the response be submitted to NILGA;

(3) agreed that the Council proactively seek to engage and influence the development of the NI Executive Programme for Government and Investment Plans from a Belfast prospective; and


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(4) noted that, in line with previous discussions by Members, expert assistance was being commissioned to create evidence-based proposals that articulated the case for a Belfast City-Region approach and help to develop the proposition for a ‘City Deal’ or investment package for Belfast. That support had been planned for within current budgets and formed a vital part of Members’ influence strategy in respect of the Programme for Government.

Moved by Councillor McVeigh,Seconded by Councillor McCabe,

That the Committee agrees also that the response indicate that Councils should be given more autonomy in relation to Licensing matters.

On a vote by show of hands ten Members voted for the proposal and six against and it was declared carried.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Budget and Transformation Panel

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 12th November.

Provision of Defibrillators



1.1 At the Council meeting in July 2015 Councillor Garrett moved a notice of motion regarding the Provision of Defibrillators. The details of the motion are attached at Appendix 1. The matter was then referred to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for consideration in September, when the Committee agreed that the Council’s Corporate Health & Safety Unit would undertake an exercise to consider what sites Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) could be provided at and would report back to Committee on the results of this exercise.

1.2 The purpose of this report is therefore to advise Members of the outcome of the above review and to make recommendations for future deployment of AEDs.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to:


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1. Approve the extension of provision of ‘workplace’ based AEDs to three further sites - Belfast Castle, Malone House and the Zoo, with provision of appropriate training to be provided to Council staff at these locations.

2. Regarding community based deployment:

a) Approve the deployment of mobile AEDs to one of the Council’s Safer Neighbourhood Officer (SNO) teams and one of the Council’s Park Warden teams for a trial period of six months

b) Consider whether the Council should deploy Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) to 4 of the Council’s major parks for a trial period of one year – Victoria, Falls, Waterworks and Boucher Playing Fields. Actual deployment would be subject to identification / confirmation of suitable, safe locations for installation of PADs that satisfy legal and health and safety considerations

c) Invite Northern Ireland Ambulance Service officials to address Members at a future date on the NI Resuscitation Strategy and its implications for Belfast.

3.0 Main report

3.1 This section of the report provides information on:

AEDs and their link to the ‘chain of survival’ (3.2) the statutory and legal position regarding AEDs and

the approach taken by other councils (3.3) current workplace based deployment of AEDs and

related proposals (3.4) current community based deployment of AEDs,

recent developments regarding regional strategy and related proposals for piloting / trialling deployment (3.5)

3.2 AEDs

3.2.1 An Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses life-threatening sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in a patient and is able to treat them through defibrillation. Defibrillation is one of the four links in the ‘chain of survival’ - a series of actions that improve person’s chances of surviving cardiac arrest. The four links are:

early recognition

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/portable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_device

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defibrillation


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early cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR – chest compressions / breaths)

early defibrillation post resuscitation care.

There are a number of different providers and types of AED but essentially they all do the same thing:

3.2.2 Analyse the victim’s heart rhythm Determine if a shock is required Provide voice and/or visual prompts to assist the

rescuer.

3.2.3 AEDs are designed to be used by laypersons that have preferably been trained in their use. However, an AED can be used safely and effectively without previous training, although the user is likely to have to administer CPR and therefore would need to be trained / able to do this as well.

3.3 Statutory & Legal Position and Approach of Other Councils

3.3.1 There is currently no statutory duty for Belfast City Council to provide AEDs. However, where the Council does provide these, there are important legal, maintenance and other issues that need to be considered.

3.3.2 Legal Services have advised that provision of the equipment itself does not necessarily infer a duty of care on the Council towards those persons upon whom the device would be used. However, if it did, liability would be in respect of any damage or injury caused as a result of its use and not that it had failed to resuscitate a victim. However, both AEDs and PADs provided in a workplace, whether externally or within a building, are work equipment and are therefore subject to the relevant regulations.

3.3.3 Legal Services have further advised that, if a PAD is vandalised, and the individual involved sustained injury, such an act would be unlikely to recover compensation on the basis that their injury was sustained as a result of a criminal act. However, a member of the public sustaining an injury as a result of accessing a PAD that had been subjected to vandalism may be able to recover compensation in the event that they were able to establish that the Council had no adequate system of inspection or maintenance, or if they were to demonstrate that the Council had not taken adequate steps to protect the device. In the latter case it would be necessary to demonstrate that


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the PAD, in terms of design and construction, is of a specification that meets current market standards and any regulatory requirements.

3.3.4 Legal Services have stated that it is therefore advisable that training is provided for staff and that maintenance and calibration of the device is in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Clearly the circumstances are such that within a park the device may be used by anyone, but the Town Solicitor did not take the view that this will attract any liability for the Council but indicated that, if PADs are to be installed within parks, it would be advisable that they are at locations that are very visible and, where possible, observable through CCTV.

3.3.5 The above advice and related considerations go some way to explain why, historically, both Belfast City Council and most councils have either not installed Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) or have only deployed these on a limited basis. We have undertaken benchmarking with a number of local authorities Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and, locally, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Ards & North Down Borough Council. These councils were selected to give a broad view of how similar sized and neighbouring Councils have dealt with this issue. We found that:

3.4 Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was the only

council that have a PAD; this is located in Wallace Park;

In all the other councils only workplace-based AEDs are provided that are operated by trained staff ;

None of the councils appeared to have a deployment policy and

Most (with the exception of the local councils) seem to have targeted schools and main public buildings for deployment.

3.4.1 Current Workplace based deployment of AEDs

3.4.2 The Council has installed AEDs at a number of workplaces, principally those with high footfall where the risk of out of hospital cardiac arrest is highest. These are listed at Appendix 2 and include leisure centres operated by GLL.

3.5 We have reviewed the provision of workplace based AEDs and recommend extending this provision to three further sites - Belfast Castle, Malone House and the Zoo with


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provision of appropriate training to Council staff at these locations. These AEDs can, of course, be used by / on members of the public in these locations.

3.5.1 Community based deployment of AEDs, Regional Resuscitation Strategy and Related Proposals

3.5.2 The community based deployment of AEDs at locations where there are very few or no Council staff available to operate them (such as sporting pavilions and community centres) and oversee the condition / working order of the devices, presents significant challenges, as set out at 3.3 (above). At present, deployment is restricted to major events. All events run by the City Events Sections, for example, Tall Ships and Monster Mash have Event Management Plans that incorporate First Aid arrangements. These events are attended by St John’s Ambulance who have AEDs.

3.5.3 Similarly, the three major events run by the Parks Department; the Spring & Autumn Fairs & Rose Week, also have Event Management Plans that incorporate First Aid arrangements and have St John’s Ambulance in attendance too.

3.5.4 In 2014 the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety published a community resuscitation strategy for Northern Ireland, which can be accessed on-line at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/community-resuscitation-strategy.pdf. This Strategy recognises the need to take measures improve survival rates for those suffering an out of hospital cardiac arrest, drawing upon learning from countries around the world. The Strategy articulates a number of objectives including ‘improving the availability of, and access to, the AEDs that are in place across Northern Ireland’. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has been tasked with producing public information / guidance on AEDs (provision / accessibility), assessing the feasibility and potential value of establishing a register of AEDs and looking at ways / models of improving public access defibrillation.

3.5.5 The Strategy clearly recognises the importance of a co-ordinated approach to deployment of AEDs and training. In this context it is important that the Council’s approach to this issue of AEDs, particularly Public Access Defibrillators (PADs), is carefully considered and we do not implement changes that do not complement the regional strategy. It is considered that it may be beneficial to invite the Northern

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/community-resuscitation-strategy.pdf

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/community-resuscitation-strategy.pdf


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Ireland Ambulance Service officials to address Members at a future date on the NI Resuscitation Strategy and its implications for Belfast.

3.5.6 Members may be aware of a recently announced fundraising campaign by the Henderson group (SPAR / EUROSPAR / VIVO shops) to raise money for PADs to be installed at their shops across Northern Ireland. The Henderson Group has liaised with the Department of Health / NI Ambulance Service on this initiative and it illustrates the importance of a co-ordinated approach, in that these devices will be installed in community stalls which may be close to Council premises / land.

In considering all of the above issues, in terms of community based deployment of AEDs, it is considered that it would be more appropriate to initially undertake trial exercises of the community-based deployment of AED and the following are proposed

3.5.7 Deployment of a mobile AED to one of the Council’s

Safer Neighbourhood Officer teams for a trial period of six months and

Deployment of a mobile AED to one of the Council’s Park Warden Teams for a trial period of six months.

3.6 (These officers would not act in the capacity of a ‘First Response’ provider but would be able, following appropriate training, to deploy an AED should they come across a case of sudden cardiac arrest).

3.6.1 Further, consideration could also be given to deploying Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) to 4 of the Council’s major parks for a trial period of one year: Victoria, Falls, Waterworks and Boucher Playing Fields. Actual deployment would be subject to identification / confirmation of suitable, safe locations for installation of PADs that satisfy legal and health and safety considerations.


3.7.1 The Council’s Good Relations Unit who have advised that proposals for extending the deployment of AEDs will have a positive effect on the Health & Wellbeing of people who work, live and visit Belfast and that this is a positive equality action.


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3.7.2 Financial Implications

3.7.3 Council officers have sought, without entering into any financial commitment, quotes for the supply of AEDs (of the same specification of those already used within Council); indicative unit cost for an AEDs is £1,200 plus £150 for a wall mounted cabinet. For PADs the cost (including a wall mounted external heated cabinet with key pad access) is £1,495.

3.7.4 Therefore, the cost of purchasing AEDs for Belfast Castle, Malone House and Zoo would be approximately £4,050; and the cost to supply two AEDs (no wall mounted cabinet) to be trialled by mobile teams would be £2,400. The cost to supply four PADs in parks is approximately £5,980, giving a total purchase cost of approximately £12,430. Please note that, at this point in time, we are unable to provide costs for the installation of these PADs until location and site surveys have been undertaken.

3.7.5 In addition to the above, there would be the additional cost of battery changes and pad replacement (roughly every 4 years) which would be approximately £450 (for 9 devices).

3.7.6 Training to operate AEDs using in-house qualified trainers from the Corporate Health and safety Unit would cost approximately £10 per head for the participant’s certification and a time commitment of 6 hours; the in-house training certifies the students for three years. Please note that since September 2015 the Council’s Corporate Health& Safety Unit has training an additional 49 staff as AED operators.

There are no additional staff payments for AED operators. Consultation with the Council’s Insurance provider has not indicated any additional insurance costs.

If approved the costs (approx £15,000) will be met from in year reallocations.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations as set out in paragraph 2.0 of the report and agreed further to the installation of an AED in two additional sites, one in each of the Castlereagh and Colin areas, and that a report be submitted in due course outlining the possibility of a second phase for the installation AEDs at other Council sites.


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Notice of Motion –Volunteering Policy

The Director of Organisational Development submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report in response to a Notice of Motion which had been proposed by Councillor Attwood in relation to a Volunteering Policy. The Motion had requested the development of a Volunteering Policy to enable staff to take part in a wide range of voluntary opportunities in the local community and to support events associated with the Council.

The Committee was advised that the Council did not currently have a formal employer supported volunteering (ESV) Policy in place. The Council did, however, make a commitment to employees volunteering on a case by case basis through the appropriate committee/management approval process. Following Councillor Attwood’s Notice of Motion, benchmarking with a number of other councils and private and public sectors organisations had taken place and that had indicated that many organisations aligned their volunteering policy to their corporate aims and objectives and linked it to their Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.

Research had highlighted also a number of issues and complexities relating to the implementation of a volunteering policy. The main issues included time, cost, criteria, selection and resources.

In addition, the introduction of any employee policy in the Council needed to be considered in the context of the Council’s considerable organisational change programme and within the current and future financial constraints. Notwithstanding that, it was important to note that research also indicated significant business benefits to be derived from employee volunteering, including improved corporate profile, staff recruitment and retention and enhanced customer relations. It should be noted however that any framework and subsequent policy development would need to be compliant with the General Power of Competence.

It was clear that the development of a staff/corporate volunteering policy and associated framework would require significant consideration in relation to a range of issues, including governance arrangements, ensuring that the volunteering opportunities fit the overall aims and objectives of the Council and ensuring volunteer organisations were aligned with the interests and policies of the Council. Robust and stringent procedures would need to be developed to ensure the fair and equitable management of any scheme that was implemented and consideration must be given to the appropriate management of potential financial implications.

While the Council did not have a formal Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, there were a number of ongoing initiatives that supported Corporate Social Responsibility and one of the themes of the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy was ‘Better Relationships’ within which the Council had made a commitment to encouraging good communication and creating opportunities for employees to build stronger social networks at home and at work. It was proposed therefore that the Council’s approach should be to develop an integrated Corporate Social Responsibility strategy which would include volunteering as a key element. That would however take some time to develop, giving the complexities, issues and organisational and financial


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context, and would involve staff from across the Council and each of the Council’s trade unions. The Members would be updated on the progress of the work.

The Committee approved the implementation of a far-reaching structured approach to the development of a Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy which would incorporate the Council’s approach to employee volunteering.

Requests for the use of the City Hall for the Provision of Hospitality

The Committee approved the undernoted requests for the use of the City Hall and the Provision of Hospitality:

Organisation/ Body Event/Date - Number of Delegates/Guests

Request Comments Recommendation

Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland

2016 Belfast Surgical Week Congress – Council Dinner

10th May, 2016

Approximately 80 attending

The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of a drinks reception

Delegates will be staying in accommodation in Belfast and the Congress will take place within the city.

This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Theme of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Fair, Together’.

The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of wine and soft drinks

Approximate cost £400

British Psychological Society Developmental Section

Annual Conference Welcome Reception

14th September, 2016



Delegates will be staying in accommodation in Belfast and the Congress will take place within the city.




Centre of Excellence for Public Health Northern Ireland

Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Conference Dinner

29th September, 2016

Approximately 300

The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of a drinks

Delegates will be staying in accommodation in Belfast and the Congress will take place within the

The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of wine and


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attending reception city.


soft drinks


British Division of the International Academy of Pathology and the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland

Belfast Pathology 2017 – Welcome Reception

20th June, 2017



Delegates will be staying in accommodation in Belfast and the Conference will take place within the city.




International Pragmatics Association

International Pragmatics Association 2017 Conference Welcome Reception

16th July, 2017



Delegates will be staying in accommodation in Belfast and the Conference will take place within the city.




Clubs for Young People (Northern Ireland)

75th Anniversary Celebration

10th February, 2016


The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of tea, coffee and biscuits

This event will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the registration of this youth organisation, the majority of whose membership is based in the Greater Belfast Area. It will feature an awards presentation to the young people recognising their achievements and acknowledge the projects which enable them to gain a sense of success




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and accomplishment.

This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City leadership, strong, fair and together’ and ‘Better support for people and communities’ and in addition would contribute to the Council’s thematic area of Children and Young People.

Queen’s Architecture Society

50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

14th March, 2016


The use of the City Hall

This event will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Society. It will highlight the work undertaken by members of the Society and their continued contribution to the fabric of the City through its landmark buildings.

This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Fair, Together’ and ‘Better Support for People and Communities’.

The use of the City Hall

Northern Ireland Football Writers Association

Northern Ireland Football Writers Association Annual Awards Dinner – 50th Anniversary

9th May, 2016



This event will celebrate the work of the Association through all aspects of the media. Local Journalists have been delivering stories which reflect all that is good about Belfast and their sporting heroes, whether they be a community trophy winning team or the National team qualifying for the European




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Championships.

This year will be the 50th Anniversary of the Awards which reward local footballers, managers, coaches and unsung heroes. It will provide the opportunity to showcase City Hall to a wide range of footballing greats and VIP guests from across the United Kingdom

This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Theme of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Fair, Together’ and of ‘Better support for people and communities’.

Falls Youth Providers

Falls Youth Awards

22nd February, 2016



This event aims to highlight the achievements of young people in the city and to promote the talent which exists among the award recipients.

This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City leadership, strong, fair and together’ and ‘Better support for people and communities’ and in addition would contribute to the Council’s thematic area of Children and Young People.



Action Renewables Association

Awards Luncheon 2016

31st March, 2016



This event seeks to accredit individuals and organisations for their commitment to sustainable energy



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projects while participating in the development and growth of the “green” industry.

This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Fair, Together’ and ‘Better care for Belfast’s environment’.


Castlereagh Glentoran Supporters Club

Footballer of the Year Awards Dinner

19th May, 2017



This cross-community event will provide the opportunity to celebrate the recipients of major awards in football. Awards such as Footballer of the Year and Young Footballer of the Year will be presented together with the Malcolm Brodie Lifetime Achievement trophy which will acknowledge services to the local game.

This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City leadership, strong, fair and together’ and ‘Better support for people and communities’.



Voice of Young People in Care

#Care Day 2016

19th February, 2016



This event will provide the opportunity to tell the positive untold story of and by children in care while raising awareness and celebrating these children across the United Kingdom.

This event would




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contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City leadership, strong, fair and together’ and ‘Better support for people and communities’ and in addition would contribute to the Council’s thematic area of Children and Young People.

Northern Ireland Telugu Association

Celebration of Ugadi (New Year)

9th April, 2016



The Telugu Association represents the community from the southern states of India. This event will promote their cultural diversity while encouraging social inclusion and assist in forging closer relationships between the community and the citizens of Belfast. It will provide support to all age groups and will offer the opportunity for its members to become involved in many programmes with the aim of making Belfast a safer City to live in,

This event would contribute to the Council’s key themes ‘City Leadership - strong, fair, together’ and of ‘Better support for people and communities’.


Approximate cost £1,000

British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland

British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland Supporters’ Event

16th May, 2016


The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of a pre-dinner drinks reception

This event will highlight the invaluable contribution made by the organisation’s volunteers throughout the past


cost £500


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year and will recognise the time, skills, expertise and knowledge given in support. The event will culminate in a dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the invention of the defibrillator by Royal Victoria Hospital Professor Frank Pantridge.

Issues Raised in Advance by Members

Audio Recording of Planning Committee Meetings

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Long raised the issue of the recording of the Planning Committee meetings. He referred to Section one of the Operating Protocol for the Recording of Committee Meetings which indicated that “the audio recording of Committee meetings will only apply to those held in the Lavery Room, City Hall”. He explained that the removal of Section one would allow meetings, such as the Planning Committee, which were not held in the Lavery Room to be recorded.

Moved by Councillor Long,Seconded by Councillor McAllister,

That the Committee agrees to amend the Operating Protocol for the Recording of Committee Meetings by the deletion of Section one, that is, the audio recording of Committee meetings will only apply to those held in the Lavery Room, City Hall.

On a vote by show of hand seven members voted for the proposal and seven against. There being an equality of votes, the Chairperson cast his second and casting vote against the proposal and it was declared lost.

Human Resources

Appointment of Director of City and Neighbourhood Services

The Chief Executive circulated for the information of the Members a report in relation to the recruitment process and the appointment of Mr. Nigel Grimshaw to the post of Director of City and Neighbourhood Services.

Noted.

Chairperson

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People and Communities CommitteeTuesday, 10th November, 2015

MEETING OF PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Corr Johnston (Chairperson);the High Sheriff (Alderman McKee); Alderman McCoubrey; andCouncillors Austin, Beattie, Bradshaw, Brown, Copeland, Corr, Garrett, Jones,Lyons, Newton, O’Neill and Sandford.

Also attended: Councillor Attwood.

In attendance: Mr R. Cregan, Director of Finance and Resources;Mrs. R. Crozier, Assistant Director of Parks and Leisure; Mrs. S. Toland, Lead Operations Officer/ Head of Environmental Health; andMiss. E. McGoldrick, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies were reported on behalf of Alderman Rodgers and Councillors Heading, Magennis, and McCabe.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 12th October were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council, at its meeting on 2nd November, subject to the amendment under the heading “Fuel Poverty Measures and Cavity Wall Insulation” to the effect that the decision had been amended to provide that, the Council agrees to appoint an all-Party deputation to meet with the Social Development Minister to discuss issues relating to fuel poverty and affordable warmth scheme in the City.



Presentations

The Chairperson welcomed to the meeting Mr. J. Kitchen, representing Sustainable NI (Director) and K. Melville (Co-ordinator) representing the Belfast Food Network.

Mr. Kitchen reminded the Committee that they had received the Annual Report from the Belfast Sustainable Food Network at its previous meeting in August and

People and Communities Committee,Tuesday, 10th November, 2015

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provided an update on the key objectives and achievements of the working group. He outlined the importance of the Belfast Food Poverty Scoping Report ‘Enough is Enough’ and advised that the network were due to submit a bid for a bronze award from the Sustainable Food Cities Network in the coming months.

Mr. Kitchen thanked the council for its continued support and recommended that continuity in officer support and facilitation would be advantageous, along with support for their food waste event ‘Feed the City’ next May.

The Chairperson thanked the officials from Sustainable NI and the Belfast Food Network for attending and the Committee noted the information which had been provided.

Committee/Strategic Issues

Homelessness Update

The Committee was provided with an update on the issues around Homelessness in Belfast and an outline of the services which were currently available from the statutory, community and voluntary sectors across the city.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed to invite representatives of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to present at a future Committee meeting on the findings of the recent homelessness audit which had took place in Belfast.

Physical Programme & Asset Management

Slievegallion Drive - Off Street Car Parking

The Committee was reminded that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on the 20th February, had noted the Council’s decision of the 5th January to dispose of the lands at the Slievegallion Drive site to the Department of Education.

The Assistant Director pointed out that that land was to be redeveloped by De La Salle College to provide a school/community facility comprising a 3G sports pitch and associated changing pavilion. She advised that a condition of the Planning Permission was that the development required a public car park to be constructed to replace the on-street car parking being lost at Slievegallion Drive as a consequence of the redevelopment. She outlined that that the Department of Education had sought to have the new public car park, consisting of 17 spaces, adopted by TransportNI, however, following the Review of Public Administration, the responsibility for off street car parking had transferred to local Councils in April, 2015 and the Department of Education had now referred its request to the Council.

The Committee approved the adoption of the off street car parking at Slievegallion Drive.


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Roden Street - FMA 3G Pitch

The Committee was advised that permission was being sought to renew the Facilities Management Agreement (copy available on Modern.gov), for the management of the 3G pitch with Roden Street Community Development Group.

The Community Development Manager advised that the agreement stated that Roden Street Community Development Group must keep the 3G pitch in a clean and tidy condition, and be responsible for minor and/or temporary repairs to the 3G pitch that might cause injury or lead to further damage if not addressed and that all faults and other repairs should be reported to the Council immediately.

She informed the Committee that the Parks Department had undertaken all required regular maintenance of the 3G pitch with associated costs paid from the income generated from pitch hire and that it was envisaged that the cost of this would be no more than £5,500 annually. She confirmed that this service model had proven successful in engaging with and promoting community use of this local asset and that officers would like to explore the possibility of extending the model to include the management of the pitch in Dunville Park.

The Committee adopted the following recommendations, that:

1. the Facilities Management Agreement for the 3G pitch at Grosvenor Recreation Centre be renewed with Roden Street CDA for a period of 10 years, to run concurrently with the lease arrangement for the Grosvenor RC (1st April, 2014 to 31st March, 2024);

2. a review of this arrangement should be completed by April, 2019 and any required or recommended changes be presented to the relevant committee.

3. officers explore the feasibility of extending this service model to include the pitch in Dunville Park.

Environment

Arc 21 - Waste Management Plan

The Lead Operations Officer advised the Committee that arc21 had amended its recent Waste Management Plan (WMP) to take into account the geographical changes which had occurred as a result of local government reform with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council agreeing to join arc21. She outlined that this amended plan had been approved by the Department of the Environment (DOE) on 18th September and in order to complete the process of approval, the constituent councils were required to consider the amended Waste Management Plan and ratify it for issue (copy available on Modern.gov).

The Committee approved the latest version of the arc21 Waste Management Plan as outlined in the report.


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Illegal Dumping of Tyres

The Committee was reminded that, at the Good Relations Partnership meeting on 5th October 2015, it had been highlighted that, while the Bonfire Management programme had proved to be successful in some areas, there were also a number of issues which needed to be addressed. These included the need for appropriate enforcement to be undertaken by the relevant agencies to deal with the illegal dumping of tyres and the general waste at bonfire sites.

The Lead Operations Officer advised that the Good Relations Partnership had agreed that a report be taken to the People and Communities Committee to outline the relevant legislation available to the Council and its partners to address these issues and consider how the council could take forward a plan of work in preparation for 2016.

She explained that, as part of this work with regards to illegal dumping of tyres and waste at bonfire sites, some of the actions delivered included the following;

working with those groups involved with the Bonfire Management Scheme to reduce the burning of tyres, for example: out of the groups involved only two bonfires had evidence of tyres being burnt;

over 150 cleansing operations had been undertaken by the Council and its partners to remove tyres and other materials from bonfire sites;

the setting up of area operational structures across Belfast to tackle issues such as the illegal dumping of tyres;

joint visits (with PSNI) to tyre companies outlining the legalities regarding the storing and disposal of used tyres; and

the reconfiguration of the Strategic Bonfire Interagency Group (including representation from The Northern Ireland Environment Agency) to explore ways of preventing illegal dumping;

She pointed out that, despite this work, the practice of illegal dumping was still widespread and the proactive work outlined had its limitations. She summarised the issues surrounding the relevant legislation, such as significant enforcement challenges, public disorder, the removal of waste materials and fly tipping.

She outlined the details of the main legislation and the powers currently available to the relevant statutory agencies and advised that under its Waste Tyre Action Plan, the Department of the Environment was seeking to implement a number of recommendations aimed at tackling the issue (copy available on modern.gov).

The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed that an action plan would be required to address some of the issues highlighted in the report and this should be taken forward by the Strategic Bonfire Interagency Group, facilitated by the Council.


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Finance, Procurement and Asset Management

Quarter 2 Finance Report

The Director summarised the contents of the report which presented a Quarter 2 financial position for the People and Communities Committee, including a forecast of the year end outturn. He advised that the detail included for the Quarter 2 position for the Committee showed an under-spend of £628k (1.7%), with the forecast year end position being an under-spend of £639k (0.8%) which was well within the acceptable variance limit of 3%.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and the associated financial reporting pack (copy available on Modern.gov).

The Committee also noted that no re-allocations were being considered as the overall corporate position would be discussed at the November Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

Operational Issues

Traffic Regulations Order

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 5th January, the Council had agreed to install, supported by external funding, a further seven alleygates within the Glenbank area and Ligoniel Road through “areas at risk” funding. It had also agreed to adopt alleygates within the Beechfield Street area of the Short Strand being installed by the Department of Justice (DoJ). The Lead Operations Officer advised that the DoJ had also installed an alleygate in Strand Walk to restrict access to the interface and it had now requested that the Council adopt all of these gates as part of the overall alleygating programme.

She reminded the Committee that the Council possessed the power to make Gating Orders under Section 69 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. She reported that the purpose of the Order was to prohibit the use by vehicles and pedestrians of specified entries where alleygates would be erected. She explained that a Notice of Intention to make an Order had been advertised on 10th September in relation to the areas affected.

Accordingly, the Committee agreed that the Council be requested, at its meeting on 1st December, to pass a resolution to make a Traffic Regulation Order in the undernoted streets and areas which would be included in the Order:

1. To the rear of 125 - 135 Ligoniel Road and to the side of 135 and 137 Ligoniel Road;

2. To the rear of 2 - 24 Lavens Drive and to the side of 2 Lavens Drive;

3. To the rear of 1 - 49 Oakley Street and to the side of 1 Oakley Street;

4. To the rear of 856 - 866 Crumlin Road;


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5. To the rear of 2 - 16 Glenbank Parade;6. To the rear of 9 - 15 Legmail Street and to the side of 9 and

15 Legmail Street;7. To the rear of 24 - 30 Leroy Street and to the side of 30 Leroy

Street;8. To the rear of 59 - 77 Beechfield Street;9. To the rear of 2 - 28 Edgar Street and to the side of 2 and 28

Edgar Street;10. To the rear of 39 - 61 Bryson Street;11. To the rear of 122 - 134 Madrid Street; and12. To the side of 33 and 34 Strand Walk.

Training Support to the Community and Voluntary Sector

(Mrs. C. Taggart, Community Development Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

The Community Development Manager provided an update on the training support which was currently being delivered by Community Services as part of the Autumn/Winter Programme for community and voluntary groups across the city. She outlined the various courses available which included: Effective lobbying; Managing conflict; Promoting inclusive communities; and Developing and nurturing community groups. She also informed the Committee on the future training initiatives that were being developed for delivery in 2016 - 2017, many of which would be accredited.

The Committee noted the Autumn/Winter Training programme currently on offer to the community and voluntary sector and the development of further training initiatives that would be provided by the service to support the sector.

Update on Traveller Liaison Programme


With the permission of the Chairperson, Councillor Attwood addressed the Committee. He highlighted that, following the tragic events that occurred on 10th October in Carrickmines where ten people had died in a fire on a Transit Traveller site, a meeting had taken place between key stakeholders and elected members. He advised that concerns had been raised from a wide range of agencies regarding the significant health and safety risks at Traveller sites in Belfast. He explained that there was an urgent need to act with other statutory bodies to examine the health and safety requirements on these sites and to consider such issues on a more regular basis.

The Community Development Manager provided a summary of the report regarding the progress of the Traveller Liaison function in Community Services such as advice provision; advocacy; partnership and policy work; and the future development plans. She informed the Committee of the actions that had been agreed between the Council and key stakeholders at the aforementioned meeting.


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After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report, in particular:

the key successes to date and the outlined future developmental plan; and

the strategic leadership that would be required for the success of the function.

The Committee also noted that an operational meeting had taken place between key stakeholders and elected members on 9th November and that a Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Audit would be facilitated, with key partners, as part of the agreed actions of the meeting.

Active Communities Update

The Committee considered the following report:


1.1 Following a committee report on this subject on 13 October 2015, Committee requested further information on the impact, participation levels and possible alternatives upon completion of the Active Communities programme.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 That committee considers the report and recommends that a bid to continue delivery of similar work is prepared for the forthcoming partnership programme under Sport NI’s Corporate Strategy: Everybody Active 2020.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Overview

Since 2013, the range of activities provided as part of the Active Communities Programme have varied from football training to armchair aerobics, tennis taster sessions for young people to cycling exercise for over 50. Collectively, there were approximately over 6,000 different types of the activities, encompassing different disciplines (whether it be boxing or boccia) available to all ages and gender.

3.2 Finance

Since its inception in 2011, the Council and Sport NI have invested the following amounts in the programme:


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2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16*

Sport NI £159,590

£483,123

£525,754

£638,782

£593,719

£363,897

BCC £50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 72,000

*information to the end of period 6.

3.3 Participation Impact

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

Participants 4,189 20,587 19,754 22,266 19.547 13,406

Female 2,579 13,332 12,337 13,036 11,458 7,604

Disability 849 2,732 3,794 4,172 3,616 2,860

Older 379 2,717 2,851 3,395 3,055 2,115

Hours 1,728 12,935 13,589 16,245 14,498 7,827

Sessions 1,417 11,866 12,896 14,240 12,297 6,437

Participations 23,108 170,974

194,221

198,773

186,351

96,543

These figures show that the programme has achieved its aim in promoting mass participation in physical activity.

In terms of participation of people from areas of deprivation, the following table shows:


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In relation to long-term health issues, over a third of these activities were delivered in the top 10% Electoral Wards in Northern Ireland where long-term health issues were highest.

3.4 Employment Impact

When fully employed 24 full time and 2 part time sport and physical activity coaches are in post:

2010/11 2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

BCSDN 18 18 18 19 19 19

DSNI 2 2 2 3 3 3

BCC/GLL 0 0 0 4 4 4

Coaching positions are in place for Disability, Female Soccer, Rugby, Athletics, Cricket, Cycling, Tennis, Gaelic Games, Multi-sport, Female Specific Multi Sport, Older People Specific Multi-sport and GP Referral. Core funding was provided to delivery partners to support management costs.


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3.5 Area analysis

In terms of delivery across the city, the following tables show the spread of activities and programme participants:

Table 1 Number of activities, by Belfast Quadrants

Figures in brackets denotes a percentage of all occurrences by corresponding coach.

Activity type Total North South East West OtherAthletics 1,609 317 (19.7) 965 (60.0) 222 (13.8) 77 (4.8) 28 (1.7)Basketball 132 18 (13.6) 53 (40.2) 22 (16.7) 30 (22.7) 9 (6.8)Boccia 1,579 699 (44.3) 252 (16.0) 250 (15.8) 337 (21.30 41 (2.6)Boxing 8 4 (50.0) 0 (0.0) 4 (50.0) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0)Camogie 101 46 (45.5) 39 (38.6) 0 (0.0) 16 (15.8) 0 (0.0)Chair Based Exercise 729 405 (55.6) 155 (21.3) 51 (7.0) 104 (14.3) 14 (1.9)Cricket 1,339 569 (42.5) 402 (30.0) 334 (24.9) 25 (1.9) 9 (0.7)Cycling 604 68 (11.3) 326 (54.0) 90 (14.9) 120 (19.9) 0 (0.0)Disability 2,917 1,238

(42.4) 967 (33.2) 363 (12.4) 140 (4.8) 209 (7.2)

Exercise Referral 3,907 1,743 (44.6)

832 (21.3) 949 (24.3) 376 (9.6) 7 (0.2)

Football 2,783 1,418 (51.0)

724 (26.0) 150 (5.4) 353 (12.7) 138 (5.0)

Gaelic Football 3,441 977 (28.4) 735 (21.4) 302 (8.8) 1,412 (41.0)

15 (0.4)

Handball 1 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) 1 (100.0) 0 (0.0)Hurling 233 27 (11.6) 133 (57.1) 33 (14.2) 40 (17.2) 0 (0.0)Multi Skills 1,892 360 (19.0) 757 (40.0) 442 (23.4) 314 (16.6) 19 (1.0)Multi Sports 5,242 1,348

(25.7)1,734 (33.1)

1,090 (20.8)

1,059 (20.2)

11 (0.2)

New Age Kurling 113 30 (26.5) 52 (46.0) 10 (8.8) 17 (15.0) 4 (3.5)Physical Activity 3,507 1,331

(38.0)964 (27.5) 648 (18.5) 509 (14.5) 55 (1.6)

Rounders 76 38 (50.0) 2 (2.6) 4 (5.3) 32 (42.1) 0 (0.0)Rowing 293 70 (23.9) 47 (16.0) 159 (54.3) 17 (5.8) 0 (0.0)Rugby 871 161 (18.5) 342 (39.3) 177 (20.3) 174 (20.0) 17 (2.0)Tennis 1,390 249 (17.9) 518 (37.3) 509 (36.6) 114 (8.2) 0 (0.0)Walking 62 31 (50.0) 15 (24.2) 2 (3.2) 13 (21.0) 1 (1.6)

Total 11,147(34.0)

10,014(30.5)

5,811(17.7)

5,280(16.1)

577(1.8)

As presented in the above table (see Table 1), the quadrant which has had the most activities delivered within its region is in North Belfast (11,146 activities), closely followed by South Belfast (10,014). However, in terms of East and West of the city, their figures are nearly half that of North (5,811 and 5,280 respectively). However, as alluded to previously, the disproportionality of the delivery of activities can largely be attributed to circumstantial factors, most notably the location of suitable or dedicated venues. For example, North Belfast has an inordinately higher level of Exercise Referrals


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when compared to other quadrants, however, on closer inspection the fact that the Grove Wellbeing Centre (the largest contributor to Exercise Referrals) is situated in the North quadrant. Similarly with athletics and South Belfast, which so happens to be where the Mary Peters Track is located. This variation in activity dispersal by quadrant is illustrated in Table 2 below.

Mul

ti Sp

orts

Exer

cise

Ref

erra

l

Phys

ical

Act

ivity

Gae

lic F

ootb

all

Disa

bilit

y

Foot

ball

Mul

ti Sk

ills

Ath

letic

s

Bocc

ia

Tenn

is

Cric

ket

Rugb

y

Cha

ir Ba

sed

Exe

rcise

Cyc

ling

Row

ing

Hurli

ng

Bask

etba

ll

New

Age

Kur

ling

Cam

ogie

Roun

der

s

Wal

king

Boxin

g

Hand

ball

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

North South East West

3.6 Future Delivery

The current programme will come to an end on 31 March 2016. Officers are awaiting full detail from Sport NI on the new programme and this is causing uncertainty amongst delivery partners. The Council’s Chief Executive has written to Sport NI seeking an urgent meeting.

Officers have been called to a meeting on 4 November 2015 and will provide a verbal report at committee. The new programme will be called ‘Everybody Active 2020’. It aims to provide four engagement ‘elements’ to deliver increases in participation among target groups. It is envisaged that the EBA 2020 investment will contribute to increasing quality opportunities for targeted groups to develop and sustain participation in sport across key life-course transition points e.g. from primary to post primary education, and working life to retirement. The proposed four key elements of the EBA 2020 programme are:


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Opportunities – Providing a range of physical activity and multi-sport programmes;

Workforce Development – Developing the technical and tactical skills of coaches, officials and volunteers;

Outdoor Spaces – Establishing more places for self-guided activity, e.g. walking trails; cycle routes and pump tracks; and

Small Grants – Supporting grassroots sports clubs; community; voluntary and charity groups.

It is proposed that EBA 2020 will be funded via a Lottery budget and it is envisaged that up to £14.0m of Lottery funds will be available over the period 2016-20 which will be split across the four elements, across the region.

EveryBody Active 2020 aims to:

‘Increase quality opportunities for targeted groups to develop and sustain participation in sport across key life-course transitions’

It aims to do this through continued prioritisation of women and girls, people with a disability, those living in areas of high social need and older people on the basis of continued under-representation in sport.

It is envisaged that the opportunities element will contribute towards the achievement of the priorities within the Sport NI Corporate Plan 2015-20.

3.7 Financial and Resource Implications

Within the revenue estimate for the incoming year, an allocation of £50,000 has been set aside. This presumes support from Sport NI similar to the scale of recent years. If this is not available, officers will engage with delivery partners, to examine how the programme might be revised and continued, with an income generation model to cover salary and ancillary costs.

Council awaits confirmation from Sport NI on the nature of their participation programme under Everybody Active 2020 and will bring an appropriate delivery model for Belfast based on potential funding, revenue implications and partnerships to Committee for its future consideration.



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4.1 The new programme will be screened for equality and good relations impacts.”

The Committee agreed that a bid, to continue the delivery of similar work, be prepared for the forthcoming partnership programme under Sport NI’s Corporate Strategy: Everybody Active 2020.

Affordable Warmth Update

(Mr. T. Martin, Head of Building Control, and Mrs. L. Summers, Affordable Warmth Co-ordinator, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee was reminded that the Building Control Service had engaged in a partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in the delivery of the affordable warmth scheme over a three year period (2014- 2017) that would seek to address fuel poverty for the most vulnerable householders in the city.

The Head of Building Control provided an update on the Affordable Warmth Scheme and outlined the proposals from the DSD requesting that the Building Control Service carry out an enhanced role on a pilot basis to help improve the scheme.

During Members questions, the Committee was apprised of the measures which had been undertaken to deal with the changes to the delivery of the scheme and the issues which had arisen from the administration of the scheme.

After discussion, the Committee acknowledged the hard work of the Affordable Warmth Team within the Building Control Service in surpassing their targets in the delivery of this scheme and granted approval for officers to adopt the enhanced role in the delivery of the scheme, subject to clearance by Legal Services on the issue of liability.

The Committee also agreed that, as representatives of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) would be invited to present at a future Committee meeting (under item 3.a - Homelessness Update), the Committee would also extend the remit of this invitation to include the issue of cavity wall insulation and the affordable warmth scheme for discussion with NIHE.

Street Naming - Dual language application

The Committee considered the undernoted application to erect an additional street nameplate in a language other than English:

Street Name Second Street Name Language

Violet Street (Sráid na Sailchuaiche) Irish

It was reported that, in accordance with Council policy, a survey of 26 residents had been conducted which had determined that at least two-thirds of the total numbers of residents surveyed in the street had been in favour of the proposal.


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Accordingly, the Committee approved the erection of an additional street nameplate.

Street Naming - New Street Proposals

The Committee approved the undernoted applications for the naming of new streets, in respect of which the Royal Mail had offered no objection:

Proposed Name Location Applicant Glen Road Grove Off Glen Road Heights JNP Architects

Glen Road Rise Off Glen Road Heights JNP Architects

The Committee also approved the continuation of the existing street Glen Road Heights, Off Glen Road.

William McFadzean Memorial Stone Request

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the report for one month to allow further consultation to take place.

Woodvale and Falls Park Peace Trees

The Assistant Director advised that a request had been received to plant a memorial tree in the Falls Park to replace one planted almost one hundred years ago to mark the ending of the First World War. She pointed out that a sister tree had also been planted in Woodvale Park at the same time which had recently won the UK wide “Woodland Trust Tree Of The Year Competition”.

The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated the Parks and Leisure Department on being the winners of this competition.

The Assistant Director explained that it had been proposed that a new oak tree be planted in Falls Park to replace the original tree in order to maintain the link between the two parks created almost one hundred years ago as part of the celebrations to mark the declaration of peace at the end of the Great War. She informed the Committee that the estimated cost of £3,000 could be accommodated within the Parks budget, and would include the tree, rails, and associated plaque.

The Committee approved the planting of a new tree in Falls Park to replace the original memorial tree which had been planted in 1919 as part of the “Declaration of Peace” celebrations.

Brown Square Proposals




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1.1 The purpose of this report is:

to update on proposals for the removal and replacement of the existing peace fence in Brown Square which was considered by the former Parks and Leisure committee on the 12 June 2014; and

to seek consent to replace the existing fencing surrounding the open space and playground at Brown Square as part of the Department for Social Development’s (DSD) Building Successful Communities programme.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to:

note the intention of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to remove the existing peace fence in the near future;

recommend that the Council replaces it with a more aesthetically pleasing fence;

approve the installation of a new perimeter fence around the boundary of the Brown Square open space subject to the following conditions:

1. Funding from DSD is in place as part of the Building Successful Communities initiative;

2. Planning permission is secured; and 3. An appropriate key holding agreement with

community representatives is drafted and signed.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Currently, the layout of the Brown Square site contains a play area and an open green space. The boundary between the park and the Belfast Met estate is marked with two fences, a metal panelled ‘tin’ fence owned by the Council, shows a solid face into the park. It is approximately 210cm high. That fence is topped with a paladin style of fence panel, measuring approximately a further 210cm in height. The paladin section on that fence line is controlled by the Department of Justice.

Officers from the Department of Justice have indicated verbally that they are satisfied that the existing fence can be safely removed, due to the low number of recorded incidents at the fence location.

3.2 In line with the previous decision, a less intrusive fence will be erected by Council. This will provide a more appropriate and


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aesthetically pleasing fence along the boundary between the park and Belfast Met College campus. Defensive planting to improve security and horticultural quality will also be carried out.

These proposals have emerged from discussions with Brown Square Development Association (BSDA). This association includes local residents and business owners. Statutory representatives also attend meetings. Belfast Met has previously been consulted and is content with the proposal.

3.3 In addition, there have been discussions as part of the Building Successful Communities programme regarding the replacement of the existing fence surrounding the playground and open space with a higher and lockable fence to combat antisocial behaviour.

A door to door survey conducted by BSDA showed that the community are strongly in favour of the installation of a perimeter fence around the entire open space at Brown Square. This includes the children’s playground and the green space at the back of the site. They have requested that the fence be 2.4m in height to reduce the risk of youths being able to climb the fence and gain access to the area when it is locked.

In the past Brown Square open space has been subjected to bouts of anti social behaviour and more recently an attack on a young girl was reported to have taken place on the site. It is with this in mind that the community have requested to have the area fenced with lockable gates.

The DSD Building Successful Communities Programme is prepared to fund the installation of the perimeter fence. The installation of a 2.4m fence will require planning permission which DSD will need to apply for.

Community representatives have shown an interest in directly managing the opening/locking of the site to ensure maximum and controlled use of the site.

Is such an arrangement is agreed with the local community, it would require the drafting and signing of a legal key holding agreement and for the community representatives to fully understand the importance of what they are agreeing to. Further discussions on ongoing regarding this matter, in order that local representatives are aware of the full implications of such an arrangement.



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As before the cost of the removal of the existing barrier will be borne by the DOJ. The estimated cost of the enhancement of the open space including the cost of the new fence is estimated in the region of £10,000 which will be accommodated from the grounds maintenance budget for the area.

The cost of the installation of the new perimeter fence is estimated at £7,500.00 and will be funded through the DSD Building Successful Communities programme.

Human Resources

No implications

Asset and Other Implications

The project will enhance Brown’s Square open space and playground and improve the amenity for the local community.


The local community and key stakeholders will be included in the development and delivery of the scheme.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations contained within the report under paragraph 2.0.

Animal Welfare information - Wheeled Bin Stickers

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 13th September, it had agreed, in principle, that the Council could, subject to a report being submitted for approval regarding the detailed financial implications of such a scheme, provide stickers for black wheelie bins in a future edition of City Matters, with details of who to contact if residents suspected cruelty or neglect to animals.

The Committee agreed to the implementation of the Animal Welfare Information - Wheeled Bin Stickers and noted that the financial cost of £12,000 would be budgeted for within the Cleansing Services revenue estimates for 2015/16.

Request for use of BCC Premises

Requests for use of the Ormeau Park for Belfast Carnival Village Event and use of Cathedral Gardens for a Lidl Christmas Market

The Assistant Director informed the Committee that two requests had been received regarding the use of Council premises.


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She advised that the first proposal had been received from Catapult to operate a Lidl Christmas Market from Thursday, 10th December to Sunday, 13th December, which would consist of approximately 18 stalls selling Lidl’s products, a barbeque area, a fully licensed bar, two children’s fair rides, Santa’s grotto, Santa’s workshop, and possible cookery demonstrations. She confirmed that Catapult would be required to obtain a licence for the sale of alcohol and the Council’s Building Control had been consulted about this aspect. She pointed out that Catapult had also contacted local businesses and residents who were generally supportive of the proposed Market.

She advised that the second proposal had been received from Beat Carnival to hold a Belfast Carnival Village event at Ormeau Park on Saturday, 25th June, 2016 from 12 noon – 23.00 with an estimated audience of 8,000 people. She informed the Committee that the event would require the closure of all or a substantial proportion of the facility, including a section of the Ozone‘s car park, and would require use of the toilet block at Ormeau Park. She outlined that it would consist of different themed areas which would be delineated like theatrical sets such as a mobile arts and carnival village set, Kidztown, circus city, music area, village green, post office, a market place, samba school and possibly a big top tent and a golf course.

She advised that Beat Carnival was also requesting permission to sell alcohol which would be sold in a secure area and would be managed by stewards, in agreement with the appropriate authority. The Assistant Director outlined that Beat Carnival, due to the outdoor nature of the event, had also requested permission to postpone and reschedule the event if there was inclement weather and an alternative date would be agreed with the Council.

The Committee granted approval for the following two requests to use Council premises:

the Lidl Christmas Market at Cathedral Gardens from 10th – 13th December, 2015; and

the Belfast Carnival Village event at Ormeau Park on Saturday, 25th June, 2016

subject to the completion of the appropriate Event Management Plans and satisfactory terms being agreed by the Assistant Director of Parks and Leisure and on the condition that:

the event organisers resolve all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

an appropriate legal agreement is prepared by the Town Solicitor;

the event organisers meet all statutory requirements including public liability insurance cover, health and safety, food safety and licensing responsibilities;

The event organisers obtain licences for the sale of alcohol, in a timely manner through the appropriate channels;


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The timely payment of the agreed charges and bonds as required in the legal agreements; and

The event organisers shall consult with adjoining public bodies and local communities as necessary.

The Committee also agreed that the Parks Department liaise with Lidl on the potential to extend the Christmas market to different parks across Belfast.

Consultation ResponsesPublic Health Act

The Lead Operations officer outlined the contents of a report regarding the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) consultation on the proposed review of the Public Health Act (NI) 1967. She advised that responses were due by 18th December and summarised the detail of the draft response that had been developed with input from Health and Environmental Services and Legal Services.

The Committee noted the contents of the Consultation response (copy available on Modern.gov) and approved its submission to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Issues Raised in Advance by Members

Request from Braniel Community Group - Cllr Jones to raise


Councillor Jones advised the Committee that the initial request which had been proposed at the Committee in June, regarding a deputation from the Braniel Community Group presenting to the Committee, was still outstanding.

With the permission of the Chairperson, the Community Development Manager tabled the following report:


1.1 At the People and Communities committee meeting on 9th June 2015, Councillor Jones advised that Braniel Community Group had requested that a deputation be received by the committee regarding their Community Centre provision. The Committee agreed that the group should present proposals in this regard to the East Area Working Group, in the first instance.

1.2 In considering this request, the EAWG agreed that a maintenance report on the Community Centre would be drawn


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up and would be sent to the People and Communities Committee with an explanation within the report that the East AWG were unable to assist them via LIF funding, as Braniel Community Centre is now a Belfast City Council facility.

1.3 In response to this recommendation from EAWG, this report outlines the agreed planned maintenance programme for the centre.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 To note the contents of the report.

3.0 Main report

Key Issues

3.1 Braniel Community Centre transferred to Belfast City Council from Castlereagh as a result of the RPA boundary changes in April 2015. The centre is situated on Warren Grove in the Braniel Estate and was constructed over 40 years ago.

3.2 As part of our service convergence planning to support RPA, a condition survey was completed for all transferring community centre assets. The condition survey for the Braniel Community Centre highlighted a number of required improvements and these recommendations have informed the planned maintenance programme for the centre under the management of our Facilities Management Unit in Property and Projects Department.

3.3 The related work is scheduled to take place between the 1st February and the 31st March.

3.4 In order to ensure business continuity, officers have proactively engaged with centre users and a range of meetings have taken place in order to outline the need for the planned closure of the centre in order to support the improvements and to agree any support measures which community services can put in place to ensure user groups can continue to operate during this period. These include trying to locate suitable alternative venues and support for programming.


Related costs are within agreed revenue estimates.Equality or Good Relations Implications


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There are no Equality or Good Relations issues.”

After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed to receive a deputation from the Braniel Community Group regarding their objectives for the Braniel Community Centre at a future meeting.

Chairperson

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City Growth and Regeneration CommitteeWednesday, 11th November, 2015

MEETING OF CITY GROWTH AND REGENERATION COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Howard (Deputy Chairperson in the Chair); Aldermen Kingston and McGimpsey; andCouncillors Attwood, Beattie, Craig, Dudgeon, Graham, Kyle, Lyons, McAteer, McDonough-Brown, Ó Donnghaile, O’Hara and Walsh.

In attendance: Mrs. S. Wylie, Chief Executive;Mr. P. Williams, Director of Planning and Place; Mrs. L. McLornan, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies were reported from the Chairperson, Councillor Hargey, and Alderman Stalford.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 14th October were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd November.



Presentation

Titanic Foundation

The Committee was advised that Mrs. K. Sweeney, CEO of Titanic Foundation Ltd., Mr. T. Husbands, CEO of Titanic Belfast Ltd., and Mr. J. Eyre, Commercial Director of Titanic Quarter Ltd. were in attendance and they were admitted to the meeting.

The Chief Executive of the Titanic Foundation provided the Committee with an overview of the success which Titanic Belfast had achieved since it opened in March 2012, at a cost of £76million. She outlined to the Committee that it had exceeded its target of selling 400,000 ticket sales per year and had sold, on average, over 700,000 each year. Members were also advised that it had exceeded its goal of receiving over 150,000 out of state visitors each year and that the ticket sales from the Republic of Ireland had exceeded this target each year alone. She highlighted that 71% of tickets sold had been to visitors from outside of Northern Ireland and that, as a result, there

City Growth and Regeneration Committee,Wednesday, 11th November, 2015

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had been a sustained uplift of 28% in the number of out of state visitors to Belfast since Titanic Belfast had opened. The Committee was also advised that, in addition to the main galleries within Titanic Belfast, the building had also hosted a number of exhibitions, banquets and conferences and that 2.7million visitors had been through the building since it had opened.

During discussion, a number of Members congratulated the deputation on exceeding almost all of their targets. A Member asked the representatives from Titanic Belfast whether they felt there would be adequate scope for another major tourist attraction in Belfast. The Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast stated that they would welcome at least one other major attraction in Belfast, particularly in the city centre, in order to encourage visitors to move around the city.

In response to a Members question regarding marking the First World War, Mrs. Sweeney explained that, as the Titanic Quarter had played a significant role in the war, they were engaging with the National Museum of the Royal Navy with regards to commemorating the battle of Jutland but that this was in the early stages. She also stated that they were working with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) on a programme, potentially linking it with a maritime festival.

A Member sought clarification on whether the Council had a role in the Board of Directors for Titanic Belfast as one of the original funders. The Chief Executive of the Titanic Foundation explained that they reported back to funders through quarterly stakeholder meetings, and that the Council’s former Director of Development had sat as a director on the board. The Committee was advised that there were vacancies on the board and agreed that the Council should be seeking to have Members appointed to the board.

In response to a further Member’s question, the Chief Executive of the Titanic Foundation explained the operating model for Titanic Belfast to the Committee and indicated that, since the building had opened, it had received no public subsidy. She outlined that, in addition to being a profitable business, it also funded the charity which owned it, thereby preserving the city’s wider maritime heritage.

During discussion, a Member questioned whether the iconic building could be illuminated at night, similar to the City Hall. Mr. T. Husbands explained that they had investigated night-time lighting a few years prior but that the costs quoted had been extremely high. The Chief Executive confirmed to the Members that the City Hall had received European funding for its LED floodlighting system through the ILLUMINATE pilot project, and that they might consider exploring a similar option.

A number of Members expressed their support that Titanic Belfast would continue to engage with schools throughout the city. In response to a Member’s question, regarding the 3,000 children who attended Irish language schools in Belfast, the representatives from Titanic Belfast outlined that they had employed an Irish speaker as a guide and also had audio guides available in Irish. The Members also suggested that perhaps the Committee could hold a future Committee meeting in Titanic Belfast.


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The deputation left the meeting and Members noted the information which had been provided.

Regeneration

City Centre Regeneration

The information contained in the following report is restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

(Mr. S. Bedford, Deloitte, attended in connection with this item)

The Chief Executive reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 12th August, it had considered the Belfast City Centre Retail Positioning Study which had been carried out by Javelin. The Study had outlined that there was significant room for retail growth in Belfast over the next number of years and that Belfast should focus on attracting more aspirational retailers into the City Centre, such as John Lewis Partnership or an equivalent.

The Chief Executive pointed out that the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (CCRIS) had been endorsed by the Council at its meeting on 1st September, 2015, and that a small City Centre Development Team was being established within her department to progress the recommendations and actions within the framework. She advised that, while the team was currently resourced in a temporary capacity, it was intended that this team would be populated with Council employees by early 2016. She advised that a great deal of work had taken place in the background and that, over the next few weeks and months, officers would bring updates on this work to the Committee for its approval.

The Members were advised that, over the last nine months, the Programme had evolved from a handful of projects to around forty separate projects which were now underway within the city centre. The Chief Executive advised that these projects could be broken down into a number of categories, namely, Flagship Projects, Early Wins Programme, Key Sites/Development Areas, Policy Development, Funding and Finance, Infrastructure and Go to Market. She advised that, while the CCRIS had only just come into force, much progress had been made in developing a coherent programme of work which was designed to deliver both in the near future and long term in line with the City’s aspirations. She advised Members that the priorities in the coming months would be:

1. To commit some of the City Centre Investment Fund on an appropriate basis to support the strategy, with the first tranche of funding being committed before March 2016;

2. To put in place new more detailed plans and strategies for Linen Quarter, Western Quarter, North East Quarter etc. In regard to both Linen and Western also commit funds to delivery. It was expected that this would be achieved by Spring 2016;


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3. Establish clear investment plans for a new cultural/creative centre including a new visitor attraction in Belfast City Centre, the plans for which were expected to be completed by Summer 2016;

4. Work with the Transport Hub Programme Board to deliver a full business case for the Hub project. This should be achieved by Spring 2016.

5. Secure a new scheme for the North East Quarter project and also secure a new anchor department store for Belfast. It was hoped to achieve this by the end of 2016.

6. Deliver a highly successful MIPIM for Belfast in March 2016. 7. Continue to work with the private sector to encourage more

investment in Belfast. We already have a number of new ‘entrants’ to the Belfast market and we would like to encourage more.

After discussion, the Committee noted achievements to date which included:

1. 1,800 new hotel beds were in the planning pipeline, all of which have an operator attached. The hotels would support the Waterfront Hall and increased demand from both visitors and businesses. Hotel occupancy in Belfast was at 80% in 2015, the highest of any UK provincial city.

2. there were 7 planning applications submitted for new office space, two of which would deliver around 200,000 sq ft of new Grade A floor space. There was demand for new space across the market.

3. new retailers were coming to Belfast and, through the work undertaken on behalf of the City Council by Javelin, there was more unsatisfied demand to be accommodated. The Council was working with investors to bring forward schemes to meet this demand; and

4. Student Housing – the Council was working closely with developers and other stakeholders to manage the supply of student housing to try to ensure that the city would have enough to meet demand but not too much. The aim would be to deliver 3-3,500 new student beds in the City Centre by 2018.

Linen Quarter and Inner West Public Realm Analysis and Vision

(Mrs. L. Toland, Head of Economic and International Development, attended in connection with this item)

The Committee considered the undernoted report, in conjunction with associated maps:


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1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Members on work commenced to create additional focus on, and a more integrated planning approach to, the Transport Hub and South Centre and Inner West Special Action Areas (SAA) identified in the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy approved by Council on 1st September.

2.0 Recommendations


1. Note the initial findings of the public realm analysis and visioning exercise undertaken for the Linen and Western Quarters within the Transport Hub and South Centre and Inner West SAA;

2. Agree to recommend to Council that a public consultation exercise on the draft Linen Quarter document be undertaken;

3. Agree to recommend to Council that a more detailed economic intervention is developed for Western Quarter prior to public consultation being undertaken for that area;

4. Note that any potential public realm/environmental improvement projects which may emerge and which have potential implications for the City Centre Investment Fund will be reported to a future Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

3.0 Main Report

3.1 Background

On 1st September 2015, the Council approved the Belfast City Centre Regeneration & Investment Strategy (BCCRIS). Whilst not a formal planning document, it is a clear direction of travel – setting out the Council’s intention to ensure that Belfast’s City Centre drives growth and social, economic, and environmental well-being for the people of the city and the region.

3.2 The Strategy is based on the following core principles:

Increase the employment population Increase the residential population Manage the retail offer Maximise the tourism opportunity Create a regional learning and innovation centre


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Create a green, walkable, cyclable centre Connect to the city around A shared space and social impact

3.3 The Strategy identified five Special Action Areas (SAAs) as being in need of a detailed and integrated planning approach. It was recognised that in these parts of the centre, a phased approach could be taken to preparing more intensive local plans to forward their regeneration in line with the larger ambitions of the Strategy.

3.4 The draft Public Realm Analysis and Vision for Linen Quarter and Western Quarter was commissioned by the Council in June 2015. It concentrates on two of the SAAs, the Transport Hub/South Centre and Inner West. Each area has its own characteristics and opportunities as well as different challenges and demands and, although part of the same commission, two separate documents have been produced in recognition of this. The work has been undertaken by Planit Intelligent Environments, a design practice comprising Landscape Architects, Urban Designers, Visualisers, Animators and Graphic Designers based in Manchester and London.

Linen Quarter

3.5 The Linen Quarter is a grid of streets that lies immediately to the south of Belfast City Hall, occupying a strategic position within Belfast City Centre. The boundary encompasses much of the Linen Conservation Area, though not its entirety. The strategic network of main roads as well as the architecture, street pattern and uses have been considered in denoting the boundary shown as a logical edge to the Quarter.

3.6 In recent years, it has become the destination for office development within the city centre and a significant number of local government departments, together with private businesses have chosen this part of the city as their Belfast address. The BBC also has its HQ in the southern part of Linen Quarter. Other complimentary uses have emerged alongside offices including hotels and residential flats and cafes, bars and restaurants which are helping to extend the hours of activity and life across the Quarter and provide a more attractive, convivial environment.

3.7 Change is set to continue with the proposals to introduce a new Transport Hub at Great Victoria Street Station, which will become the destination (and arrival point) for trains from


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Dublin as well as a projected increase in public transport use. The position of the Hub, at the edge of the Linen Quarter, represents a significant opportunity to reinforce the role of this area within the city centre.

Western Quarter

3.8 The Western Quarter sits immediately to the north west of Belfast City Hall with a significant portion being within the City Centre Conservation Area. It is suggested that for the purposes of this analysis, its boundary should include Castle Court shopping centre. Millfield represents a logical boundary to the west, while Donegall Place and Royal Avenue create a natural boundary on the eastern edge.

3.9 The Quarter occupies an important position within the city centre and is dominated by retail uses. For the purposes of the study, it is described as a single entity but it contains a number of distinct sub areas: the area around Fountain Street and College Street to the south; the area around Castle Street and Bank Square; and Castle Court and the area to the north. The Linen Quarter lies immediately to the south and the new retail area around the Victoria Square shopping centre; the North East and Cathedral Quarters, are all to the east. The recent development of Victoria Square has shifted the focus for retail across to the east with an impact on the retail offer in Western Quarter.

Key Issues

3.10 The key objective of the analysis and visioning exercise is to make the Linen Quarter and Western Quarter better, more attractive places, stronger in their own right and recognising their respective characteristics. It is presented as two, draft documents which make proposals which can complement existing development activity to increase the commercial and financial viability of each area. This includes the means by which existing quality buildings can be re-used/re-furbished as well as well as providing a framework for how new development might be evaluated. The documents propose a blueprint that can bring about uplift in quality, in terms of public realm, streetscape and architecture which will realise the standards expected of a leading European city. This includes proposals which contribute to a greener, more walkable, cyclable centre which is a shared space, better connected to the city around.

3.11 The draft documents contain an analysis for each Quarter, examining their current form and operation, use and


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character. This analysis has led to the development of a series of objectives, intended to set out future potential. It provides a framework to improve the public realm, streetscape and built heritage and overall quality of environment which in turn will influence investment in new business. The documents are defined within the parameters of existing policies and are intended to complement rather than replace them. Should any guidance conflict with statutory guidance then the latter will prevail. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) screening will be conducted in parallel with the proposed consultation process.

3.12 It is proposed that, when approved by the Council, these documents would compliment planning policy that applies to the city and together help to shape its future direction. These include the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (BMAP 2015) which is the statutory development plan for the city; Planning Policy Statement 6 Planning, Archaeology and Built Heritage which sets out planning policies for the protection and conservation of the built heritage and BCCRIS which builds upon some of the key objectives of existing policies and sets out a broad vision to regenerate and influence investment in the City Centre

Issues specific to Western Quarter

3.13 In considering Inner West, the draft Public Realm Analysis and Vision document recognises the role of Castle Street as an important gateway from the west and a direct route into the retail core of the city centre. Although well-used by the community, the retail offer in Castle Street is disappointing and characterised by high levels of vacancy. The document focuses on suggested physical improvements in the area. However BCCRIS recognised that a more comprehensive retail management intervention will be required to rejuvenate the area around Castle Street. An initial approach to how the council might develop such an intervention is suggested in paragraphs 4.5 – 4.8.

3.14 Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM) is involved in a range of activities to make the city a safe, welcoming and vibrant space. The organisation enters into a funding agreement with Belfast City Council and DSD (and its private sector partners through Belfast Chamber) on an annual basis to carry out these activities. One of the key issues identified in the BCCM plan has been the growing challenge of dealing with vacant properties. BCCM currently undertakes a quarterly vacancy survey of the ground floor


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properties in the city centre area. The organisation recently applied to take part in a national campaign called ‘Healthy High Streets’. This campaign is coordinated by Business in the Community and is backed by a number of key corporate partners including M&S, Boots, Santander and EE. It aims to support 100 high streets to realise their potential over a three year period by increasing footfall, addressing vacancy issues and restoring pride in town and city centres.

3.15 One of the priority projects identified as part of the Belfast action plan is an initiative to address vacancy levels and to increase the volume of independent traders doing business in the city centre. An initial project concept is being developed, through which new craft and design businesses will undertake an intensive support programme that will include a 10 week workshop programme, one to one mentoring to help refine their product and a set time for test trading in a shared retail unit. This will build on a successful model that has already been operating for over a year and that has had some significant success.

3.16 While this initial support will help the businesses understand both their product and their customers, there will be a need for them to move on to their own business units and there could be an opportunity to encourage them to establish these businesses in the Castle Street area. Given the challenges in this part of the city, there would be a need for a range of incentives to encourage the businesses to move to those units, as well as investment in issues such as street animation and security issues. Wrap-around business support services could be provided through the council’s economic development services and this would enhance business sustainability. This approach would address the vacancy issues in Castle Street, whilst also creating an affordable city centre location for new start up businesses whilst also creating diversity within the local retail offer.

3.17 The feasibility of this project will be dependent upon securing funding to purchase and refurbish retail units, as well as the provision of business development support to nurture new start ups and to support the businesses as they grow. In addition, interventions will be required to address anti-social behaviour, deliver public realm improvements and to animate the area. There may also be a need to make a contribution to the ‘incubation’ activity (which may not necessarily take place in Castle Street) which could provide a significant ‘feeder’ to the Castle Street/Western Quarter project. Details of this proposed intervention project will be


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the subject of a future report to CMT. Accordingly, it is proposed that public consultation on the Western Quarter document be initiated when the intervention project has been developed further.

Consultation and Engagement

3.18 Subject to the Draft Public Realm Analysis and Vision for Linen Quarter being endorsed by Committee and ratified by Council, it is intended that we will undertake a public consultation exercise at the end 2015/early 2016 which will facilitate further opportunities to shape the document before it is finalised. We will also undertake additional Equality Impact and Strategic Environmental Assessment screenings in parallel with the consultation process. It is on this basis that Members are asked to endorse the draft proposals set out in the document and approve it for public consultation in parallel with any other impact assessments as necessary.

3.19 In addition to providing a framework to improve the public realm, streetscape and built heritage and overall quality of environment in Western Quarter, it is recognised that a more comprehensive economic/retail management intervention will be required to rejuvenate the area around Castle Street. It is therefore proposed that public consultation on the Western Quarter document be initiated when the intervention project has been developed further.

Equality and Good Relations Implications

3.20 Equality and good relations screening will be conducted in parallel with the proposed consultation processes.

Resource Implications

3.21 The cost of potential public realm/environmental improvement projects or economic intervention projects which may emerge, and which have potential implications for the City Centre Investment Fund, will be reported to a future Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.”

During discussion, a Member expressed concern that there were many ‘quarters’ appearing within the city and the Chief Executive emphasised that this was merely for descriptive purposes and that the Western and Linen ‘quarters’ were two of a number of areas which the Council was seeking to regenerate and link to the city centre. It was agreed that the street names would be added to the maps for future presentations to the Committee. A number of other changes were suggested in respect of the Linen Quarter document which would be taken on board.


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Belfast One Bid – Update



1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Members on the outcome of the ballot for the Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID) and identify the implications of the decision in the context of existing funding commitments and priority actions arising from the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy.

2.0 Recommendation

2.1 It is recommended that Members:

- Note the outcome of the Belfast One BID ballot, announced on 30 October 2015

- Note the potential implications of the BID decision on the Council’s wider ambitions to support the development of the city centre

- Agree to receive a report on the potential implications for BCCM at the next meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, in the context of the issues raised in section 3.4 of this report.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Members may be aware that the Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID) Ballot declared a yes vote on 30th October 2015. The turnout for the vote was around 29% (a 25% turnout was required) and around 84% of those voting in the ballot voted in favour of the BID (at least 50% of voters required to vote yes).

3.2 The BID estimates that it will have around £1.1million available for spending on a range of city centre activities each year. At present, the draft business plan indicates that the expenditure breakdown will be as follows:

- Marketing and promotion – 45% of budget (around £500,000 per annum)

- Enhancing service delivery – 35% of budget (just under £400,000 per annum)

- Business support activity – 20% of budget (over £200,000 per annum)


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3.3 Legally, the BID team was not in a position to finalise its business plan until the yes vote was secured. Now that this has happened, the team will be working towards the development of an agreed business plan for the year. The BID will become operational from 1st April 2016.

3.4 This now presents the Council with a range of operational and strategic decisions that it needs to consider. These include:

- Dealing with existing funding arrangements with a number of organisations (particularly Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM) and Visit Belfast) and the impact of the additional resources available through the BID on the activities previously undertaken by these organisations

- Operational commitments of the council with regard to the BID, particularly around the issue of levy collection (which is the responsibility of the council, according to the legislation)

- Potential for the Council to be represented on the BID Board

- Engagement mechanisms with city centre businesses – given that the BID area represents a significant proportion of the city centre core

- How the council can deal with businesses currently located outside of the BIDs area but still within the city centre core

- How the council should prepare for the possible introduction of another BID in the Cathedral Quarter area – with further BIDs likely to follow in coming years (e.g. in Linen Quarter and in Dublin Road/University Road area)

- How the work of the BID can sit alongside the work on City Positioning, focusing on how to ensure consistency of message while avoiding duplication of activity.

Key Issues

3.5 Members should note that the BID exists to fund additional activity, i.e. those activities which are beyond the statutory services, and basic level of resourcing required to ensure that the city centre functions and that core services are delivered. While some work has been undertaken to look at the baselines for frontline services (e.g. cleansing, waste management), there is much more work required to look at


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the current baseline for services such as city promotion, festival and events.

3.6 The Belfast One area covers many but not all of the businesses currently located within the Belfast City Centre Management boundary. The council currently provides core funding to that organisation for delivery of a range of services, as set out in its annual business plan. Consideration will need to be given to the implications for BCCM, given that the BID will now be responsible for many of the services that it currently provides to a significant proportion of city centre businesses. Currently, BCCM receives £190,000 from the council (and around £170,000 from DSD). The organisation has indicated that it will need funding from the council, DSD and other partners in order to secure its future. The funding will be used to maintain BCCM and to undertake additional work such as BID development activity outside the Belfast One boundary and support for business liaison services outside the Belfast One area. A report on the implications for BCCM – along with details of the funding request and an outline of proposed services – will be presented to the next meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for decision.

3.7 Likewise, the council supports Visit Belfast to attract visitors to the city. A significant amount of the annual budget provided by the council to Visit Belfast is used on marketing and promotional activity. Given the potential for overlap with the work of the BID – as well as the significant opportunity for collaboration – it will be important to look at roles and resources, identify areas of synergy and avoid duplication. This work will also need to take account of the emerging City Positioning work. It will be critical to get buy-in from the BID to the work that is underway and to support its implementation – particularly given the focus on the investment and tourism markets, where there should be significant alignment between the City Positioning work and the activity of the BID.

3.8 Although the BID is led by the private sector, it is likely that the council will be asked to have representation – at both officer and elected member level. Consideration will need to be given to whether this is appropriate and, if so, who the relevant representatives should be from the council, taking account of the wide range of council activities impacting on the work of the BID.

3.9 Members will also be aware that, following the success of this BID, there is another BID application that is at an


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advanced stage, namely the BID for Cathedral Quarter (‘Destination CQ’). The planned date for the CQ ballot is April 2015 and, if successful, the BID will become operational from late 2016. Although the business plan development work is under way at present, it is anticipated that there will be a number of similar themes to those identified in the Belfast One area. The Destination CQ BID is expected to raise around £300,000 annually. In addition, BCCM have identified that they plan to progress a number of new BIDs in the coming year, namely in Linen Quarter and in Dublin Road/University Road area. At present, indications suggest that BCCM is likely to undertake the back office support services for the Belfast One BID and it considers that it could provide a similar support service to future BIDs.

Resource Implications

3.10 It is estimated that the Belfast One BID may raise £1.1 million per year while the Destination CQ BID is likely to raise £300,000 each year.

Equality and Good Relations Implications

3.11 No specific equality or good relations implications.”

After discussion, the Committee adopted the recommendations.

Economic Impact of City Centre Projects



1.1 The Committee has highlighted the importance of ensuring that the city centre connects to surrounding communities and that the entire city benefits from investment in the city centre.

1.2 Council officers have been working with officials from the Department for Employment and Learning, Department for Social Development and Ulster University to articulate the benefits arising from the expansion of the Ulster University campus in the city and to help establish a credible baseline from which action plans can be developed.

1.3 To assist with this process, the UU Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) has mapped the opportunities arising from the University’s campus development in the city centre. The mapping exercise considers not only the campus itself


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but also the ‘catalyst’ role that it plays in attracting in other investment from the public and private sectors. It articulates the scale and scope of the opportunity and sets the starting point for the development of an action plan to look at how local communities can benefit from the developments.

1.4 The purpose of this report is to:

- Outline the methodology used and look at some of the key findings arising

- Consider whether it may be appropriate to replicate this methodology to other parts of the city centre, in order to identify the regeneration potential and identify the actions required to help communities capitalise on this growth.

Recommendations


- Note the draft report, including the key findings around the implications of the investment

- Consider whether the methodology used in the report development should be extended to identify the economic opportunities arising from key physical projects across the wider city centre area, with a view to developing a coherent action plan as to how communities can benefit from the opportunities arising.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Members will be aware of the significant level of development planned for the city centre and the north of the city. As a key project in the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy, the Ulster University city centre campus represents a capital £250 million investment. The development is due to open in 2018 with 15,000 students and staff attending. As well as the physical development of the campus, this will bring social, economic and cultural benefits to this part of the city and beyond.

3.2 The university is not the only development that will take place in this part of the city. Other developments are also planned for the surrounding area, including Queen’s Quay, Northside, North Foreshore, Girdwood etc. Collectively, these developments represent a significant opportunity for the city in terms of employment creation, city animation and opportunities to grow the residential population in the city


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centre. For those communities that live closest to the development, while the scale of the opportunity may be apparent to some, for others, there is a view that they will never be able to access any of the opportunities arising or that the development will have a detrimental impact on their neighbourhood. In the area of north Belfast adjacent to the university, 60% of residents live in the 30% most deprived areas of Northern Ireland.

3.3 The Ulster University Economic Policy Centre have worked with representatives from DEL, DSD, Belfast City Council, Ulster University and the North Belfast Economic Forum (representatives from the Neighbourhood Renewal Forums in north Belfast) to map the direct and indirect opportunities arising from the University and other developments including City Quays, Northside, Streets Ahead Phase 3, North Foreshore, Crumlin Road Gaol and Courthouse and Girdwood.

3.4 It is important to note that, already, around 15% of jobs in Belfast are located within half a mile radius of the University campus and 4 out of 10 existing jobs in Belfast are within a mile of the campus. The vast majority of these jobs are professional services, retail and finance and this is also the case in the surrounding north Belfast area.

3.5 While the physical capital build is expected to have a total GVA impact of £160 million there will also be a more sustainable economic and employment impact through the university’s purchase of goods and services. This expenditure will be recurring annually. The challenge identified is how to ensure that the impact of this expenditure is maximised in the local area – while ensuring that there is a focus on social cohesion, given the significant influx of the student population and other employees. Details of key economic impacts are set out below:

Construction Impact

Total capital expenditure £254mGVA impactDirectIndirect

£80m£80m

Total GVA impact £160mEmployment Impact (job years)DirectIndirect

1,8921,892

Total employment impact 3,784Source: EPC


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Annual Purchase of goods and services

£’000Purchases 54,352GVA impact 16,920Jobs impact 497

Source: UU Financial statements EPC

3.6 Opportunities will also be created through student purchasing power. UUEPC economists estimate that student expenditure based at the campus could total £94m per annum which in turn could support over 500 jobs in local businesses – particularly in groceries, leisure and clothing. The report also identifies the cluster of planning applications around the campus which could result in an estimated 5,002 jobs principally jobs in the hotel, office, retail, hospitality sectors. The key will be to ensure that the local community is skilled up and in a position to avail of the opportunities emerging in the area. This information will therefore be important in shaping future support for the area.

3.7 These developments will significantly transform the city and the opportunities available to local communities. This report demonstrates the scale of opportunity, not just in terms of the direct opportunities through the physical development but the importance of the indirect and perhaps more sustainable opportunities that such physical projects can catalyse.

3.8 This mapping exercise is currently being considered by the North Belfast Economic Forum and the Ulster University Greater Belfast Development Strategic Advisory Forum (SAF). Actions will be developed to maximise the benefits of the developments for the local community. However, there is potential for this methodology to be rolled out for other key city centre projects to ensure that the benefits are captured and used to plan future programmes and support for communities, given the synergies that will apply.


Members will be aware that the Council is represented on the Board of the UU Economic Policy Centre and agreed to contribute £25,000 per annum for a 2 year period which would enable Council to access support for pieces of work such as this. There is the opportunity for Council to take forward this work as part of this relationship.


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Equality and good relations issues will be considered as part of any action planning process to take forward this research.”


DSD Funding Offer – Streetscape works to Rosemary/Lombard Street area

(Mr. T. Martin, Head of Building Control, attended in connection with this item)

The Head of Building Control reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 22nd April, it had given permission for the Service to engage with the Department of Social Development (DSD) to investigate working together, as it had done previously, in two areas within the city centre, namely Castle Street and the Rosemary Street/Lombard Street area.

The Head of Building Control advised members that the DSD had now offered the Council £320,000 to resurface and clean the general area in Rosemary Street/Lombard Street. The Committee was advised that the contract was planned to commence at the end of January 2016 with a contract period of 4-5, months with the intention that the money would be spent by the end of March 2016 but that the DSD had confirmed that an overrun of 3 months would be acceptable due to delays in commencing the work. The Head of Building Control also advised that the DSD had allocated an additional £15,000 to cover the costs for Council officers involved in the project and, as such, there would be no cost to the Council.

The Members were advised that initial discussions had taken place with Planning Officers regarding the design and finishes of the project and that these had been positive. He also advised that the Council’s Cleansing Service, Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM) and local traders had also been consulted and they had also been positive about the scheme.

The Committee was also advised that officers would take the opportunity to engage with the DSD and DoE in relation to potentially moving the Air Quality Monitoring Station in the area.

The Committee agreed that the Building Control Service should engage in the contract as outlined in the report, subject to the issues of liability and management fees and any other amendments arising from the discussion being successfully addressed.

Belfast Agenda

Committee Plan

The Chief Executive reminded the Committee that, at its workshop on 26th August, Members had identified a number of priorities and proposals in the context of


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the Belfast Conversation and the development of the Belfast Agenda. The key priorities raised at the workshop included:

The City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (CCRIS); Job creation and the employability and skills framework; Place positioning and an agreed city brand to maximise the

opportunities for investment, tourism, study and regeneration; Delivering the integrated Tourism Strategy 2015-2020; Investigating the feasibility of a City Deal for Belfast; Development of a car parking strategy; and Ensuring that strategies give consideration to connecting

neighbourhoods to the city centre and that the whole city can enjoy the benefits.

Following the workshop, officers had been requested to develop a work plan based on these discussions, focusing on the central aim of the Committee which was to build and influence external partnerships with key city stakeholders and transform the city to secure future success.

The Members considered the draft plan and were advised that it had been based on the emerging ‘plan on a page’ representation of the Belfast Agenda and that it should be viewed as an evolving document to take account of developing and new opportunities for the city as they emerged.

The Committee agreed the draft City Growth and Regeneration Committee Plan for 2015/16, which was available to view on modern.gov, and that it would hold regular strategic meetings of the Committee.

Tourism, Events & International Relations

Sports Personality of The Year

The City Events Manager provided the Committee with an update on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event, which would take place on 20th December at the SSE Arena (formerly known as the Odyssey). He advised the Members that 6,000 tickets had been issued to members of the public within 35 minutes and that this had been the fastest take up of tickets since the event had been taken on the road to regions across the UK. He pointed out that, in total, the iconic awards ceremony would attract an audience of around 7,000 people and would be broadcast to an estimated audience of over ten million viewers, via the BBC’s various broadcasting channels.

He advised the Members that the Council’s Sports Development Unit and the BBC’s ‘Get Inspired Active Academy’ team had developed an extensive outreach programme to coincide with the event and that, to date, this initiative had attracted 1,227 participants, with the schedule culminating in ‘Get Inspired Active Academy’ events which would take place on 17th and 18th December at the Andersonstown and Shankill Leisure Centres. In total, it was anticipated that the entire programme would


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involve over 5,000 participants, with individuals attending from schools, community groups and clubs across the city.

The outreach initiative would also include the Council’s Sports Conference at the Clayton Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn on Ormeau Ave) on 14th December. He explained that the conference, branded ‘Get Inspired Sports Development Conference’, would have a key note speaker from the BBC and would focus on coaching and volunteering, mental health and nutrition for sport, funding and club development plans.

The City Events Manager highlighted that the Council had agreed to commit £140,000 towards the Sports Personality of the Year production at the SSE Arena and that an economic and media analysis had estimated that the event would be worth around £5million to Belfast.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

Finance, Procurement & Performance

Quarter 2 Finance Report

The Chief Executive advised Members that the Quarter 2 position showed an overspend of £8,000, while the year end position was forecasting an overspend of £144,000.

She highlighted to the Committee that the overspend was largely due to a loss of income at the Zoo, a loss of income at the Waterfront Hall, due to the ongoing build programme, and a small overspend at some of the Parks Estate, including Malone House and the Belfast Castle. She reminded the committee that they had received reports on how the overspends were to be reduced.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and the associated financial reporting pack; and noted that no re-allocations had been considered as the overall corporate position would be discussed at the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on 20th November.

NI Science Festival 2016



1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Members on a request for sponsorship received by the Northern Ireland Science Festival and to outline the proposed programme for the event in early 2016, as well as some of the potential benefits to the city in supporting this festival.


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2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to

- Note the contents of this report and - Agree to sponsorship of £35,000 from existing

budgets for the Northern Ireland Science Festival 2016.

3.0 Main report

3.1 The Northern Ireland Science Festival delivered its inaugural event in February to March 2015. The Festival took place over 11 days offering more than 100 events in 27 venues presenting local and international work that focused on a wide range of themes including science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The daytime programme targeted children and young people with workshops, talks and interactive activities while in the evening the Festival presented an eclectic mix of scientific debates, talks, theatre, comedy, music and film.

3.2 The event was organised by Science Festivals NI, a unique collaboration of major STEM outreach organisations in Northern Ireland. Funding for the event was provided by a number of organisations including the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), Belfast City Council, Queen’s University, Ulster University, Invest NI and the British Council.

3.3 Science Festivals are a relatively new type of event that is growing in popularity worldwide, with cities such as New York, Edinburgh, San Francisco and Dubai hosting large scale events as part of their wider cultural framework. In 2015, the NI Science Festival joined this international group by becoming the largest festival of its kind on the island of Ireland and one of the largest in Western Europe.

3.4 The 2015 festival was considered to be a major success, exceeding agreed targets and competing with other established science festivals. This included:

- Audience numbers significantly exceeding the initial target of 10,000 set out in funding agreement with a total of 28,708 for ticketed events and workshops and a further 22,606 visits to interactive exhibitions

- Given the level of interest from venues, performers, academics and partners, the festival greatly exceeded


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its target of 50 events with over 100 events taking place across 27 venues

- Satisfaction rates from attendees was very positive with 85% of attendees stating that they would come to similar events in the future whilst 74% stated that the festival had increased their interest in STEM

- Schools and young people formed the majority of the audience (68%). However the festival’s programme for adults, teachers and parents also proved popular, with the majority of shows sold out.

3.5 In addition to this engagement with local audiences, the Festival also exceeded targets in respect to international profile. This included:

- The Festival’s media impact included 60 articles appearing in local and national newspapers; 14 broadcast pieces and 107 articles were published online

- The Festival also gained international online coverage from sources such as Huffington Post, Yahoo News, Sky News, UK Wired Magazine and BBC Focus Magazine

- According to the media monitoring metrics employed by Nimms, the Festival’s broadcast and print coverage had a value of £354,863

- The Festival also teamed up with the Department for Employment and Learning to publish a STEM careers supplement for both the Newsletter and Irish News which reached a circulation of 80,332 and 39,935 respectively

- The Festival also attracted out of state visitors making a significant contribution to Belfast’s economy with postcodes from the audiences indicating that 8% of audiences stayed overnight in the city (around 4000 bed nights).

Proposed Programme 2016

3.6 The 2016 event will take place at the end of February/early March 2016. The core objective of the Festival continues to be a commitment to reaching a broad and diverse audience to increase the accessibility of science and to promote learning. This is in line with the ambitions set out within the Belfast Agenda to improve skills and employability, make the city an attractive location for investors and improve vibrancy and city animation. This will once again be achieved through a series of events and partnerships that


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link science into different areas of interest. The Programme themes are currently emerging and will include:

- Food Science - attracting a new audience through events in venues such as St George’s Market

- Sports Science – the festival will work with Sport NI, W5, Ulster University and Queen’s University on a series of activities

- A number of events will focus on the crossover between art and science. This theme is centred around an exhibition and workshops by the festival’s ‘artist in residence’ as well as a photography exhibition in Titanic Belfast

- The Festival will also host events on photography, invention, history and wildlife in addition to the core themes of science, sport, food, engineering, technology, art and mathematics.

3.7 There are opportunities for a number of the Council’s services to engage with the Science Festival to promote their work in innovative ways, particularly to young audiences, and to engage more residents around key issues for the city. These may include managing waste and food waste in particular; supporting active communities and promoting mobility and encouraging access to arts and culture for all residents. In addition, the innovative nature of many of the events – alongside the flagship events already lined up – will act as an attraction for people coming from outside of the city into Belfast, for the purpose of attending some of these specific events or associated activities.

3.8 The success of the 2015 event has helped to secure international events with a high calibre of speakers. This includes:

- Talks by international experts including Robert Winston, the psychologist Richard Wiseman and New York-based, world renowned physicist Brian Greene

- A partnership with the BBC to develop a three day digital technology event in Belfast city centre

- Given the success of hosting the largest ever Turing Lecture in Belfast City Hall in 2015, the festival will host this internationally renowned lecture series for Belfast for an unprecedented second year. Belfast secured the event again this year, overcoming competition from many other cities

- In partnership with the British Council, the Festival has developed a new ‘artist in residence’ programme


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and will also host the international science communication competition Famelab

- The Festival will partner with the World Science Festival in New York to host an ambitious theatre show on Albert Einstein in the Grand Opera House

- Working with local schools, the Festival is building on its Guinness World Record in 2015 by developing the ‘Big Global Experiment’ with the Royal Society of Chemistry. Schools and community groups from across Belfast will be invited to take part in a collaborative experiment with schools across Europe.

3.9 In addition to these public events, the Festival is also helping to secure other investment in Belfast as a conference destination with a number of organisations using it as a platform for their own events. This includes:

- The Institute of Physics hosting its spring UK wide conference in Belfast to coincide with the festival

- The British Science Association hosting a meeting of the network of the UK Science Festivals during the event.

3.10 The Festival has strong alignment with the city’s investment, education and tourism priorities as outlined in the Belfast Agenda; the Integrated Tourism Strategy 2015-2020 and the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy. In particular this is achieved through an emphasis on skills and educational attainment, international profiling, city events and programming. The message is consistent with the emerging city positioning work which is attempting to create a new narrative for Belfast that is based on the quality of its talent, reflecting its rich industrial heritage and its emerging specialisms in new technologies.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.11 The total budget for the festival is estimated at £142,500. Funding of £50,000 has been secured from the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) for the next four years. For the 2016 festival, funding of £7,500 has also been secured from the Department of Social Development. A further £40,000 is being sought from the universities and the Festival expects to generate £10,000 from ticket sales. The amount of sponsorship requested from Belfast City Council is £35,000, in line with the award made in 2015. This funding is available within existing Departmental budget estimates.


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3.12 There are no specific equality or good relations considerations attached to this report.”


Operational Issues

Family Friendly City Centre



1.1 The purpose of the report is to provide Members with an update on the ‘Family Friendly’ approach in the city. The paper provides the wider external context in which Council is working with its partners to further the family friendly agenda and includes an update on the Council’s current programmes for families in the 2015/16 financial year and (budget dependent) further plans for the 2016/17 financial year.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to note the content of the paper which sets out the programmed activity by Council and our partners primarily through the ‘Family Friendly Initiative’ to promote the needs of families in a world class city.

3.0 Main report

3.1 The initial notice of motion on supporting a ‘Family Friendly’ city centre agenda was discussed at Shadow Council (March 2015) followed by the City Growth and Regeneration Committee (August 2015) where the following actions were agreed:

- Send a recognition letter to Belfast Healthy Cities (BHC);

- Prepare a list of current council programmes and investments with key partners such as the Belfast Strategic Partnership (BSP) which will support the benefits outlined in the motion and;

- For Council to incorporate the benefits from specific initiatives like child, family and age friendly into Council’s future approach for city regeneration and


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investment and the associated policies, projects and places.

- Members also sought ‘proposals for immediate improvements of family friendly spaces and programmes’.

Wider external Context

3.2 As part of the Belfast Strategic Partnership, the Belfast Health Development Unit (BHDU) has developed a Family Friendly Initiative and established a sub-group to agree a supporting programme of activities sponsored through the Public Health Agency. The sub-group includes Council officers and other appropriate agencies. The Family Friendly Initiative traditionally had a programme of activity including ‘Kids’ space’; ‘Acoustic picnics’ and ‘Movie Mornings’ etc. The programmes will need reviewed to align to the new Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy, to focus on outcomes for families and their needs to be a connected part of the city.

3.3 In preparation for future programme design, the sub-group has agreed a pilot to evidence the needs of families across the city. This will consider what factors would influence a family in our neighbourhoods to connect to the city to ensure future programmes and spaces are aligned to identified family needs. It will focus firstly on Neighbourhood Renewal Areas and an update will be brought to Members in due course.

3.4 In preparation for future programme design, the sub-groups have also scheduled a ‘PLACE & SPACE’ outcomes based workshop to support this ongoing area of partnership work. This is to ensure any vision for family and child friendly city sits comfortably within our developing action plan in support of Council’s ambitious City Centre Regeneration and Investment vision to be recognised as a world-class city centre.

Current programme of activity

3.5 The Council has a range of family focused projects, programmes, funding, events and activities year round within agreed revenue estimates and these are outlined on Modern.gov, alongside some activity sponsored by our partners. Activity which is planned for next year is also included. However this is budget dependent. This programme includes events for families at civic and community level.


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3.6 The Civic events programme includes the Christmas Lights switch on at City Hall, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Outreach Programme, St Patrick Celebrations and Spring into Easter programme in March 2016. It is hoped the annual programme of civic events will include the Circuit of Ireland Rally along with favourites like the Belfast City Marathon; Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival and the Proms. Rounding off with the All Ireland Irish Dancing Championships.

3.7 At a community level our Tourism, Culture and Arts grant funding supports a range of family initiatives ranging from the Beat Initiative family friendly carnival, Belfast Community Circus school programme of family circus workshops, Cahoots NI for the children’s theatre company and Cinemagic’s screenings festival to engage young people. Wheelworks engages marginalised young people through a mobile creative hub and Young at Art provide the popular Belfast Children’s Festival at the Waterfront and other city venues which are supported by the Council’s Play team.

3.8 A range of family friendly activities are supported via our Council grant schemes. The small grant programme focus on sports, parks and general activities for children, young people and families throughout the city while our larger grant aid streams support the community and voluntary sector to deliver services, programmes and activities for families. Council’s Ur city 2 youth funding provides direct support to Neighbourhood Renewal areas to develop an outcomes based children and young people programme which supports a range of Halloween and other seasonal events. These activities are developed by young people for their families to enjoy.

3.9 Two key partners in providing a family friendly focus are BHDU through its Family Friendly Initiative and Belfast Healthy Cities. As already noted, activities in the pipeline for them include upcoming movie mornings, acoustic picnics and Kid’s Space events some of which are supported financially through BHDU and Council.

3.10 The Council also runs year-round programmes for the community either in our community centres or through outreach programmes. For example the Play Service operates a play session from Donegall Pass for the residential population in the city centre. Some of our community centres are placed right on the periphery of the


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city centre and provide an annual programme of activity open to everyone.

3.11 The Family Friendly City vision is supported by the strategic development work underway in partnership through the Family Friendly Initiative of BHDU and Belfast Healthy Cities. It includes our own ambitions whether though the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy and the People and Communities committee Action Plan. We hope this will be supplemented by a range of individual proposals, for example, the ‘Play, Space and Shared Space’ which has been included in the draft PEACE IV Local Action Plan proposal. The vision is further supported through our various physical and public realm initiatives e.g. Investment Programme, Playground Improvement programme, Renewing the Routes, etc.

Outcomes focused programmes and services

3.12 Since the Children and Young People (CYP) outcomes framework was agreed by Members last year, officers have developed bespoke training workshops in order to increase awareness and support service delivery across Council. This is to ensure positive outcomes for children and young people and their families are planned for and delivered as daily business. Community Services, Corporate HR and the Good Relations team have already completed the training and a workshop is planned for Property and Projects. The aim is to support council services to better understand how to design-in CYP (also family) outcomes into everyday business.

3.13 The new City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy sets out a road map of policies to guide city centre decision making. This provides an immediate opportunity to integrate the needs of families as related to the eight key policy areas and the identified projects and places. As the strategy develops and the social investment fund comes to fruition, there may be scope to look at some physical projects. The ongoing work of the Family Friendly Initiative can support and influence how best to engage families, identify and prioritise their needs. This might be particularly relevant for the priorities: increasing the residential population, creating a green, walkable and cyclable centre, shared space and social impact and connecting ‘to the city around’.


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Finance and Resource Implications

Financial3.12 Costs associated with outcomes workshop will be resourced

from within existing revenue budgets. Members should note that Council currently support both the BSP and the Belfast Health Development Unit and the Chief Executive co-chairs the BSP as the key strategic partnership on health and life inequalities in the city. Council also supports BHC as part of the WHO Phase 6 action plan to align with key priority areas within BCC corporate plan.

Human Resources3.13 None

Equality or Good Relations Implications3.14 There are no equality or good relations implications.”


Special City Growth Committee

The Chief Executive reminded the Committee that, at its meeting in September, it had acceded to a request from Transport NI to present its Autumn report and that all Members of the Council would be invited to attend this meeting. It had also been agreed that the presentation would be widened to include other transport issues. She outlined that additional requests to address the Committee had since been received from Translink, regarding the Belfast Hub, and the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) Ltd., regarding grid planning and investment decisions across the City. She therefore suggested that a special meeting of the Committee be held, with a theme of City Infrastructure, and that both Translink and SONI would also be invited.

After discussion, the Committee agreed to invite Transport NI, Translink and SONI Ltd to attend a special meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, to which all Members of the Council would be invited, on Thursday 3rd December, 2015 at 5.00p.m.

Licence between BCC and Transport NI to permit Transport NI to carry out works at Corporation Square off street car park


“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1 Transport NI (TNI) are requesting permission from BCC to enter into a licence agreement to carry out works at Corporation Square car park owned by BCC as part of its Advanced Works for the proposed York Street Interchange


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Road Scheme. Approval is sought from Members to enter into a licence agreement to commence on 1 December 2015.

1.2 During the period of the Advanced Works a total of 48 car parking spaces will not be capable of being used by the public at this car park. TNI will be responsible for compensating BCC for loss of revenue during the period of the Advanced Works, and also for all other costs associated with any damages and losses which may be incurred by BCC as a result of the temporary closure of the 48 car parking spaces.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to agree to entering into a temporary licence between BCC and TNI to facilitate the construction of a reception shaft as part of the Advanced Works for the proposed York Street Interchange Scheme. The licence agreement will be subject to detailed terms to be agreed between the Estates Manager, BCC Legal Services and TNI. Members are also asked to note that there will be a temporary loss of 48 car parking spaces.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Key Issues

The off street car park that is located at Corporation Square was transferred to BCC from DRD as part of the Transfer Scheme of Off Street car parking on 1 April 2015. It currently provides a total of 193 car parking spaces.

3.2 The Westlink, M2 and M3 Motorways are currently connected through a complex arrangement of traffic signals at York Street. This bottleneck causes significant congestion and delays for traffic travelling at peak times. TNI has developed proposals to provide a grade separated junction at York Street that will greatly improve access between these roads and these proposals are known as the York Street Interchange Road Scheme.

3.3 The York Street Interchange Scheme is highlighted in BCC’s City Centre Regeneration Strategy & Investment Plan as a significant project for the city. It was agreed at BCC’s Shadow Strategic Policy & Resources Committee Meeting on 20 March 2015 that BCC would continue to work with DRD and other partners through the Strategic Advisory Forum to assess the regeneration opportunities of surplus land


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parcels resulting from the proposed development at an early stage to maximise the potential benefit for the city.

As part of the proposed York Street Interchange Road Scheme TNI has identified the need to construct a reception shaft underneath BCC lands at Corporation Square. TNI engineers have undertaken extensive feasibility and site option assessment works in respect of the proposed shaft location and have confirmed that this is the only suitable location for the reception shaft.

3.4 In order to complete the construction works it will be necessary to close off 48 car parking spaces at this off street car park for a period of 12 weeks. TNI has sought BCC’s co operation around a licence start date of 01 December 2015, and members will note that this is during the peak Christmas shopping period. However, the timeframe for TNI’s proposed construction works is being driven by the proposed development of a multi storey car park by Belfast Harbour Commissioners on an adjacent site next to its newly constructed City Quays office development. The multi storey car park site if developed before the reception shaft is in place will make it impossible to locate the shaft at this location. If the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ development was not occurring these Advanced Works would not be commencing at this stage but would form part of TNI’s main works contract.

TNI engineers have advised that this is the only 12 week period during which the construction works can be carried out without significantly delaying the commencement of the multi storey car park by Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

3.5 Under the terms of the licence agreement TNI will be responsible for compensating BCC for the loss of revenue during the 12 week period and also for all other costs associated with any damages and losses which may be incurred by BCC as a result of the temporary closure of the 48 car parking spaces. TNI will also be responsible for ensuring that all relevant insurances are in place prior to the commencement of the construction works and these insurances will be provided subject to the satisfaction of BCC’s Insurance Officer. The cover to the reception shaft will be designed to accept traffic loadings which will ensure continued use of the car park spaces after completion of the works. TNI have accepted responsibility for the future integrity, management and maintenance of the reception shaft.


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3.6 Members are asked to note that the Vesting Schedule for the York Street Interchange Scheme identifies that four off street car parks currently operated by BCC and located at Corporation Street , Corporation Square, York Street and Whitla Street are to be vested by TNI, which may result in the loss of 420 spaces. A further report will be brought back to members in due course when further details around this are known, including any compensation payments that will be payable to BCC.


TNI will be responsible for the payment of compensation for the loss of revenue during the 12 week construction period, and also for all other costs associated with any damages and losses which may be incurred by BCC as a result of the temporary closure of the 48 car parking spaces.

3.8 Human Resources

Resources in BCC Estates Management Unit, Legal Services and Environmental Health Services will be involved with the completion of this licence agreement.

3.9 Asset & Other Implications

There will be a temporary loss of 48 car parking spaces for a 12 week period.


There are no equality or good relations issues associated with this report.”


Chairperson

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Licensing CommitteeThursday, 12th November, 2015

MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Hussey (Chairperson);Alderman L. Patterson; andCouncillors Attwood, Bell, Brown, Bunting, Campbell, Carroll, Craig, Dudgeon, Groves, Hutchinson, Jones, Magennis, McConville, Mullan and Sandford.

In attendance: Mr. T. Martin, Head of Building Control;Ms. N. Largey, Divisional Solicitor; andMr. H. Downey, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies were reported on behalf of the Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Spence) and Councillor Clarke.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 21st October were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd November, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.



Non-Delegated Matters

PSNI Policy on Charging for Police Services

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 16th September, it had agreed that Superintendent N. Goddard be invited to attend a future meeting in order to discuss a number of concerns arising from a policy which had, on 1st April, been implemented by the Police Service of Northern Ireland which permitted it to charge for special police services.

Superintendent Goddard informed the Committee that the policy, which would apply across Northern Ireland, had been formulated in response to a review which had been commissioned by the Chief Constable around the consistent and equitable application of charges for the provision of special police services for events and was in line with the existing Association of Chief Police Officers’ Guidelines. The policy set out a number of categories of events for which charges would be applied, together with a

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matrix to assist organisers in assessing the potential cost, if any, associated with the policing of their events. It provided also a process for assisting the Police Service and event organisers in resolving disputes around policing costs and made provision for the abatement of charges.

In response to a number of questions from the Members, Superintendent Goddard confirmed that:

the policy applied primarily to large-scale private commercial events where either an organiser had requested policing or, in the opinion of the Police Service, policing was required due to public safety concerns. The Assistant Chief Constable would act as an arbiter in any dispute arising from the application of the policy.

events, including those facilitated by the Council, such as the Christmas lights switch-on, which took place within the public realm, were part of the Service’s normal policing responsibilities, therefore, no costs would be attributable to the organisers;

the Police Service could lodge with the relevant council an objection to the grant of an Entertainments Licence or request its suspension if it was of the view that an event would, without an appropriate level of policing, pose a safety threat for those attending. It was his understanding that, should a council either refuse or suspend a Licence on the basis of evidence provided by the Police Service, it would be liable for damages and costs arising from any legal action taken by the organiser against that decision. However, in such circumstances, discussions would take place between that council and the Police Service around the proportion of liability;

the majority of sporting events, including local and international soccer matches, were regarded as being non-contentious and, since there was no requirement for policing within a ground, no costs would be incurred by the club or governing body. However, those fixtures which, by prior agreement, were regarded as having the potential to create public order issues and which necessitated policing within the stadium would, under the policy, incur a charge; and

the policy was being reviewed currently in light of issues which had been raised by, for example, the Council around the dispute resolution element.

Superintendent Goddard thanked the Committee for receiving him and he retired from the meeting.



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Entertainments Licensing - Public and Private Land


“1.0 Summary of Main Issues

1.1 The Committee will recall that, at its meeting on 16th September, it considered an application from Mr. Brian McGeown of Aether and Echo, Lower Garfield Street, for the grant of a Temporary Street Trading Licence to enable him to apply to the Petty Sessions Court for an Occasional Liquor Licence. The licence facilitated the operation of a bar facility outside the premises for an outdoor musical event, on land owned by the Department of Regional Development (‘DRD’) and thus regarded as being public land.

1.2 DRD had given its consent, under Article 72 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, for the use of the land by Aether and Echo. This consent was given to accommodate the erection of scaffolding, hoardings, etc on a road which allowed the applicant possession of a portion of that road for a short period of time to provide an outdoor musical event.

1.3 At the September meeting, the Committee requested that a

report be submitted to a future meeting outlining the criteria for determining if an Entertainments Licence was required for an event taking place on public land.

2.0 Recommendation

2.1 The Committee is requested to consider the report and agree that:

with effect from 1st January 2016, where an outdoor musical event is proposed on land in respect of which the DRD has, pursuant to Article 72 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, issued a Consent, the organiser must apply for an Outdoor Entertainments Licence.

3.0 Main report

Key Issues3.1 Consent to erect scaffolding, hoardings etc on a road is

granted by virtue of Article 72 of The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.


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3.2 When making application for consent, the applicant is required to provide the following information to undertake the above operations on a public road:

a description of the works the location of the works the name and permanent address of the applicant a drawing showing the nature of the work (where

appropriate), and details of the appropriate planning approval including

drawings if relevant.

3.3 The applicant shall also undertake to do the following:

indemnify the Department against any claims in respect of injury, loss or damage arising from the works.

make such monetary deposit as the Department shall assess against the proper undertaking and satisfactory completion of the works. An estimate of the deposit likely to be required can be obtained by applying the rates contained on the attached leaflet.

a Consent and a receipt for the deposit will be issued by the Section Office together with a Permanent Restoration Notice. Where necessary, a specification showing the standard for the work will be included.

the deposit is returned to the applicant when the Restoration Notice has been received by the Department and no damage has been done to the road or if this damage is covered under an Article 78 consent.

if the road has been damaged the deposit will be withheld until the damage has been repaired to the satisfaction of the Department

if a reinstatement has been made, the deposit will not be returned until six months has elapsed from receipt of the Restoration Notice and the work is completed to the satisfaction of the Department and in accordance with the current specification for reinstatement.

the applicant shall be responsible for traffic safety and control in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual during the execution of the works.


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any person aggrieved by the refusal of the Department to give its consent under Article 72 (2) of the Roads (NI) Order 1993 or any condition subject to which any such consent is given, may, within 21 days of receiving notice thereof, appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission by notice in writing under Article 84 of the Roads (NI) Order 1993.

in the instant case, the applicant must ensure that the public have access to walk through Lower Garfield Street and that there is a 2 metre pedestrian access provided.

3.4 Licensing of Places of Entertainment is governed by Schedule 1, Article 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1985.

3.5 Paragraph 2 of Schedule 1, Article 3 states:

‘Licensing of Outdoor Musical Entertainments’

(1) An entertainment to which this paragraph applies shall not be provided at any place except under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted under paragraph 3, by the council for the district in which the place is situated.

(2) This paragraph applies to any public musical entertainment which is held-

(a) wholly or mainly in the open air; and

(b) at a place on private land.

(3) For the purposes of this paragraph-

(a) an entertainment is musical if music or singing is a substantial ingredient; and

(b) land is private if the public has access to it (whether on payment or otherwise) only by permission of the owner, occupier or lessee.

(4) This paragraph does not apply-

(a) to a garden fete, bazaar, sale of work, sporting or athletic event, exhibition, display or other function


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or event of a similar character, whether limited to one day or extending over two or more days; or

(b) to a religious meeting or service, merely because music or singing is incidental to it.’

3.6 The 1985 Order does not define ‘private land’ over and above the definition provided at paragraph 3(b).

Legal Opinion

3.7 Paragraph 2(3)(b) of Schedule 1, Article 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1985 provides that ‘land is private if the public has access to it (whether on payment or otherwise) only by permission of the owner, occupier or lessee.’

3.8 It could be construed that if a business owns land, or has obtained permission from the owner, (in this case the Transport NI who owns the land) to effectively occupy the land, then it may fall under the definition of ‘private land.’

3.9 Conversely, if the land is considered public land, and the applicant did not obtain the consent from the owner of the land (in this case the Transport NI) , it would be considered public land in respect of which the Council would have no control under the 1985 Order.

3.10 Roads are maintained by Transport NI by virtue of The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.Under Article 2 of said Order, the reference to ‘a road’ means a public road, which is maintainable by the Department and includes:

a road which the public have a right of way on foot only, not being a footway;

any part of a road; and

any bridge or tunnel over or through which a road passes.

3.11 Article 71 of the Order prohibits the erection of any building, wall or fence on a road otherwise than in the exercise of a statutory power; in pursuance of a consent given by the Department under the 1993 Order; or in pursuance of a Street Trading Licence.

3.12 We have also examined the circumstances in which the Department could issue a Consent under the 1993 Order.


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These appear to be primarily in relation to carrying out works on or under the road such as excavation, works to drains or the erection of shelters by a district council by way of a request under Article 72 of the said Order.

3.13 Whilst it is clear that the provision of entertainment at such a location is not pursuant to a statutory power, the Department has consented to such requests by the applicant, to use the land, by virtue of the grant of an Article 72 Consent. The Department is thereby giving its permission to the applicant to occupy the land for a specified period of time subject to certain conditions. In addition to this, the applicant erected barriers around that land, thereby controlling the entry of patrons onto it. The land, for that period of time, therefore falls under the definition of ‘private land’ for the purposes of Paragraph 2 (3)(b) of Schedule 1, Article 3 of the 1985 Order .

3.14 As set out above, granting a Consent does not transfer ownership. It is permission to occupy land for a specified period of time. The Department would have to pass legislation in order to change the classification of a road from public to private. Therefore, the grant of a Consent does not make the land private for the purposes of all legislation, nor does it make it private land on a permanent basis.

3.15 Furthermore, a Temporary Street Trading Licence does not appear to be the long term solution as the legislation only permits a maximum of five Temporary Licences per year.

3.16 In respect of Aether and Echo, the Department has confirmed that the public must have access across the land at Lower Garfield Street and stipulates that a 2 metre pedestrian access be provided in this area. Further, the Department advised that this permission is given to Aether and Echo, as Lower Garfield Street is considered to be a dead end street and advised that an Article 72 consent would not be granted for a street which is considered to be a ‘live’ street. It was also noted that no other publicans have lodged an Article 72 application to the Department.

3.17 We consider that, after discussing the matter further with Transport NI, the matter is better addressed under Article 2, Schedule 1 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1985 and the definition provided at paragraph 3(b), regarding the land becoming private if the public has access to it (whether on payment or otherwise) only by permission of the owner, occupier or lessee.


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3.18 An Entertainments Licence can, therefore, be issued by the Council as the land falls within the definition of 'outdoor musical events.'

Consulting Agencies

Transport NI

3.19 The Department has stated that it has no objection or concerns with an Entertainments Licence being granted to permit events to be held on public land. However, it has requested to be involved in the development of the administrative process and procedure, if Members are of the mind to grant approval for the Service to pursue and administer Entertainments Licences for such events being held on public land.

PSNI

3.20 The PSNI has been consulted and has confirmed that it has no issues with an Entertainments Licence being granted for events on public land and would welcome such a decision as it would ensure consistency of approach regarding public safety, etc in the same way as the Council does for other events, such as Belsonic and Tennents Vital.

NIFRS

3.21 As a statutory consultee for all Entertainment Licence applications, the NIFRS has also been consulted and it too has no concerns with an Entertainments Licence being granted for such occasions

Financial and Resource Implications

3.22 The requirement to apply for an Entertainments Licence on public land is likely to increase revenue for the Council.

3.23 However, we consider that there is also added value in that these events will be administered, managed, coordinated and regulated with all parties in the same vein as the regular events which take place currently under the auspice of an Entertainments Licence; thereby creating consistency of approach and ensuring public safety.

3.24 Officers carry out during performance inspections on premises providing entertainment but this is catered for within existing budgets.


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3.25 There are no equality or good relations issues associated with this report.”

After discussion, the Committee adopted the recommendation and noted that the Building Control Service would be writing to all licensees across the City to advise them of the new requirement.

Provision of Legal Training for the Licensing Committee

The Divisional Solicitor reminded the Committee that it had delegated authority for determining applications for Amusement Permits, Entertainments Licences, sex establishments and street trading and for commenting on those relating to Liquor Licences and the registration of clubs. It was responsible also for the consideration of all policies and legislation governing licensing issues.

She explained that the Planning Committee, which fulfilled a similar function to the Licensing Committee, had received from a member of the legal profession tailored training around specific topics, which it had found it to be beneficial in terms of discharging its responsibilities. She pointed out that the Chairperson of the Licensing Committee had recently invited Members to identify any topics which they would wish to be incorporated into a similar training programme, which would again be delivered by members of the legal profession, in conjunction with the Legal Services Section.

During discussion, it was suggested that the programme should include training around the Judicial Review process, the various licensing policies and protocols, the Nolan Principles governing standards in public life, ownership of premises and the role of the Licensing Committee in relation to the broader licensing regime in Northern Ireland.

The Committee noted that a report would be submitted to a future meeting providing details on a proposed training programme based around those topics and any others which Members might identify in the meantime.

THE COMMITTEE DEALT WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN PURSUANCE OF THE POWERS DELEGATED TO IT UNDER STANDING ORDER 37(d)

Licences issued under Delegated Authority

The Committee noted a list of licensing applications which had been granted under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.


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Application for the Grant/Renewal of EntertainmentsLicences with Previous Convictions

Ardoyne Working Men’s Club, 9b Kerrera StreetThe Cuckoo, 149 Lisburn Road

The Head of Building Control reminded the Committee that, under the terms of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, it was required, when considering any application for the grant, renewal or transfer of an Entertainments Licence, to have regard to any convictions of the applicant relating to an offence under the Order which had occurred within a five-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application had been made.

He drew the Members’ attention to applications which had been received for the grant and for the renewal of Seven-day Annual Indoor Entertainments Licences in respect of the Ardoyne Working Men’s Club and The Cuckoo respectively. He confirmed that a representative of the Ardoyne Working Men’s Club had, on 28th July, been convicted at the Belfast Magistrates Court of providing entertainment prior to having obtained an Entertainments Licence and been fined £200 and ordered to pay £66 in costs.

In terms of The Cuckoo, he explained that the licensee had, on 26th March, 2013, been fined £400 and instructed to pay costs of £69 as a result of an inspection of the venue by officers of the Building Control Service whilst entertainment had been taking place. That had revealed that one of the exits had been blocked and that the log book, which was used to record the necessary safety checks, had not been completed. The Committee, at its meetings on 18th September, 2013 and 15th April, 2015, having been informed of the conviction, had agreed to renew the Entertainments Licence.

The Head of Building Control explained that, following those offences, officers had met with the person responsible for each premises in order to review their management procedures and were now satisfied that they were being operated in accordance with the Entertainments Licensing legislation. He added that no written representations had been received in relation to the applications and the Police Service of Northern Ireland had offered no objection.

The Committee agreed, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, to:

(i) grant a Seven-day Annual Indoor Entertainments Licence in respect of the Ardoyne Working Men’s Club, 9b Kerrera Street; and

(ii) renew a Seven-day Annual Indoor Entertainments Licence in respect of The Cuckoo, 149 Lisburn Road.

Application for the Grant of a Seven-day Annual Entertainments Licence –Beckett’s Bar, 241 Stewartstown Road

The Committee was advised that an application had been received for the grant of a Seven-day Annual Indoor Entertainments Licence in respect of Beckett’s Bar,


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based upon the Council’s standard condition to provide music, singing, dancing or any other entertainment of a like kind. The Head of Building Control reported that, whilst no public representation had been received in relation to the application, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, one of the statutory consultees, had submitted an objection, on the basis of fire safety concerns which had been identified in December, 2014 by the former Lisburn City Council and in July and October, 2015 by the Council and which were deemed to pose a serious risk to public safety. The Council’s Legal Services Section was currently giving consideration to initiating legal proceedings against the applicant.

He reported further that, on 10th November, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service had undertaken an inspection of Beckett’s Bar which had confirmed that the licensee was not complying fully with the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. The Service had, subsequently, issued a Notification of Deficiencies requiring the licensee to undertake urgent action to ensure that fire safety issues were managed effectively and kept under constant review and had advised the Council that, since the contraventions detected did not provide sufficient grounds upon which to sustain its objection to the application, it wished to withdraw that objection.

After discussion, the Committee agreed, in view of the concerns which had been raised by the Head of Building Control around public safety and by the Divisional Solicitor in terms of the management of other premises operated by the applicant’s family, to consider the application at its next monthly meeting and that the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the applicant be invited to attend.

Competing Applications for the Grant of a Stationary Street Trading Licence - Boucher Crescent

The Head of Building Control reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 16th September, it had considered two separate applications for the grant of a Stationary Street Trading Licence for a vacant designated site in Boucher Crescent. The Committee had agreed that it was minded to grant the Licence to Mr. C. Hamill, who had availed of the opportunity to address the meeting, thereby permitting him to sell hot food and non-alcoholic beverages from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., at the site in Boucher Crescent which had been designated previously for the sale of those commodities. That decision had been taken on the basis that Mr. Hamill’s business was registered currently by the Council and held a 5* food hygiene rating and that it could continue to operate only through the acquisition of an alternative site, subject to:

(i) the applicant providing all necessary documentation; and

(ii) the receipt of the appropriate licensing fees.

As a consequence of that decision, the Committee had agreed that it was minded to refuse the application which had been submitted by the other applicant, namely, Ms. K. Finn, on the grounds set out in Sections 9(1)(a)(i) and (iv) of the Street Trading Act (Northern Ireland) 2001, that the location at which she wished to operate was unsuitable and that there were sufficient traders trading at that location in the articles, things or services in which she wished to trade.


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The Head of Building Control reported that Ms. Finn had been advised that, as required under Section 12(2)(b) of the Street Trading Act (Northern Ireland) 2001, she would be permitted to make written representation to the Council within twenty-one days of being notified of the Committee’s decision. However, no representation had been received from her during that time.

Accordingly, the Committee agreed, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, to affirm its decision of 16th September to grant the Stationary Street Trading Licence to Mr. C. Hamill, subject to his compliance with the conditions relating to the provision of the required documentation and the payment of the Licence fee, and agreed also to refuse the application which had been submitted by Ms. Finn.

Application for the Renewal of a Mobile Street Trading Licence

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th February, 2014, it had considered an application from Mr. K. McShane to vary his Mobile Street Trading Licence to include the Falls area of the City. The Head of Building Control explained that the application had given rise to objections from a number of other vendors who had stated that there were sufficient traders within that area offering the goods which Mr. McShane was proposing to sell. However, on the basis of work which had been undertaken by Council officers to address both that assertion and the submission from the applicant’s legal representative, the Committee had agreed to grant the variation and to review the arrangement upon the expiry of the Licence in November, 2015.

The Head of Building Control reported that Mr. McShane had now submitted an application for the renewal of his Mobile Street Trading Licence and had stated that he no longer wished to trade on a Sunday. He pointed out that, since the variation had been granted, the applicant had not contravened the Street Trading legislation and that Council officers had received no comments from either the original objectors or local residents regarding the impact of his trade within the Falls or adjoining areas.

Accordingly, the Committee agreed, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, to renew the Mobile Street Trading Licence held by Mr. K. McShane, permitting him to sell confectionery, ice cream and non-alcoholic beverages from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 2.00 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. in the Andersonstown, Falls, Finaghy, Ladybrook, Suffolk and Turf Lodge areas of the City.

Chairperson

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Planning CommitteeTuesday, 17th November 2015

MEETING OF PLANNING COMMITTEEGROUP SPACE, ULSTER HALL

Members present: Councillor Garrett (Chairperson); Aldermen McGimpsey, L. Patterson and Stalford; Councillors Armitage,

Campbell, Heading, Hutchinson, Johnston, Magee, McAteer, McDonough-Brown and Mullan.

In attendance: Mr. P. Williams, Director of Planning and Place; Mr. J. Walsh, Town Solicitor; Mr. C. McIlwaine, Area Planning Manager; Miss N. Largey, Divisional Solicitor; and

Mr. B. Flynn, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

An apology was reported on behalf of Councillor Bunting.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 20th October were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd November, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.


The Chairperson (Councillor Garrett) declared an interest in application Z/2013/1434/F – the former Visteon Site at Finaghy Road North/Blacks Road, in that he had been contacted by constituents regarding the proposal. However, he pointed out that he had sought clarification from the Town Solicitor in this regard and indicated that his interest was non-pecuniary and that he remained impartial in respect of the proposal.

Councillor Heading declared interests in three applications, in that he had been contacted by constituents regarding the proposals. However, he pointed out that the interests were non-pecuniary and he remained impartial in respect of the following proposals:

Z/2013/1434/F – the former Visteon Site at Finaghy Road North/Blacks Road; Z/2012/1417/F - Blackmountain Landfill at Upper Springfield Road; and LA04/2015/0669/F - land at Kingsway and Dunmurry Lane.

Alderman Stalford indicated that a constituent had requested that he defer application LA04/2015/0585/O - 89 Ashley Avenue, Lisburn Road, to enable the applicant to discuss the proposal with planning officials. It was noted that such a request

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could not be facilitated under the revised planning arrangements and that Alderman Stalford remained impartial in respect of the proposal.

Councillor McAteer declared an interest in application Z/2012/1417/F - Blackmountain Landfill at Upper Springfield Road, in that her employers, that is, the West Belfast Partnership Board, had made representations to the Department of the Environment in respect of the proposal. It was noted, however, that the views of her employers did not impinge upon Councillor McAteer’s ability to consider the proposal objectively in her capacity as a Member of the Committee.

Councillor Mullan indicated that she had requested that the Blackmountain Landfill application be deferred when it had been presented to the Council’s former Town Planning Committee.

Noted.

Routine Correspondence

The Committee noted the receipt of correspondence from Transport NI, which related to the introduction of a Stopping-Up Order at College Street.

Appeal Decisions Notified

The Committee noted the outcome of a planning appeal, which related to the proposed installation of a wind turbine and tubular tower at 43 Flush Road, Ballysillan.

Planning Decisions Issued Under Delegated Authority

The Committee noted a list of decisions which had been taken under delegated authority by the Director of Planning and Place and the Town Solicitor between 13th October and 11th November.

THE COMMITTEE DEALT WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN PURSUANCE OF THE POWERS DELEGATED TO IT BY THE COUNCIL UNDER STANDING ORDER 37(e)

Z/2013/1434/F - Former Visteon Site at Finaghy Road/Blacks Road

The Committee considered an application which sought permission for a comprehensive mixed-use development, which would comprise 244 social and private/affordable residential units, with public open space/linear park. The non-residential element of the application would include a community centre and business units, with associated parking.

The Chairperson advised the Committee that the Department of the Environment (DoE) had, that previous evening, issued a Planning Advice Note entitled: ‘Implementation of Planning Policy for the Retention of Zoned Land and Economic Development Uses’. He indicated that the Council had not been afforded sufficient time to assess the implications of the Advice Note and, accordingly, suggested that the application be deferred to the Committee’s meeting in December to enable further


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clarification to be obtained. Such a deferral, he pointed out, would permit the Committee to undertake a site visit to acquaint itself with the location and the proposal at first hand.

Accordingly, it was

Moved by the Chairperson (Councillor Garrett),Seconded by Councillor Heading and

Resolved – That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the application for the reasons outlined and agrees further that a site visit be undertaken during the interim period.

Z/2011/0726/O - 1-8 Springfield Heights and north of Moyard Crescent

The Committee considered an application which sought permission for a residential development which would include access and ancillary site works on lands northwest of 1 to 8 Springfield Heights and north of Moyard Crescent.

The Chairperson referred again to the Planning Advice Note which had been issued by the DoE entitled: ‘Implementation of Planning Policy for the Retention of Zoned Land and Economic Development Uses’. He indicated that, since the Council had not been afforded sufficient time to assess the Advice Note, the Committee might defer consideration of the application to enable clarification to be obtained. In addition, he suggested that a site visit be arranged to acquaint Members with the location.

The Committee agreed to defer the application and to undertake a site visit for the purpose outlined.

Y/2014/0375/O - Lands at Quarry Hill, South of Woodcroft Heights

The Committee considered an application for outline permission for a residential development on lands at Quarry Hill, south of Woodcroft Heights and east of Glenview Avenue and Castlegrange.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the report.

Z/2012/1417/F - Blackmountain Landfill at Upper Springfield Road

(Councillor Mullan left the Committee table at this point.)

The Committee considered an application which sought permission for the change of use of aggregate storage buildings to a waste transfer station, incorporating a facility for the importation, storage and treatment of hazardous waste, at Blackmountain Landfill site, 117 Upper Springfield Road, Hannahstown.

The Committee received a deputation consisting of Mr. T. Holland and Mr. G. Daye, on behalf of the Upper Springfield Development Trust, who outlined a


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range of objections to the proposal. They referred particularly to the growth of tourism within the region of the Black and Divis Mountains and suggested that the development, if permitted, could impact adversely on tourism potential in the area.

During discussion, a number of Members referred to the maps or photographs displayed which had accompanied the application and pointed out that additional housing had been built adjacent to the site since they had been prepared. It was suggested that the Committee might consider undertaking a site visit in order to acquaint Members with the site and to assess the proximity of the housing within the location.

After discussion, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application to enable a site visit to be undertaken.

(Councillor Mullan returned to the Committee table at this point.)

LA04/2015/0669/F - Land at Kingsway and Dunmurry Lane

The Committee considered an application for the erection of four apartment blocks, which would contain 60 apartments in total, at vacant land located at Kingsway and Dunmurry Lane, in respect of which an opinion to refuse had been presented to the Committee.

The Committee received a deputation from Mr. P. Beacom and Mr. P. McGirr, on behalf of the applicants, who requested that the Committee agree to defer consideration of the application to enable further discussions to be undertaken with the Council in respect of the proposals.


Moved by Alderman McGimpsey, Seconded by Alderman L. Patterson

That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendation to refuse the application for the reasons outlined within the Planning Officer’s report.

On a vote by a show of hands, nine Members voted for the proposal and none against and it was declared carried.

(The Committee adjourned for 10 minutes at this point).

Z/2014/1248/O - 89 Ashley Avenue

The Committee considered an application for the erection of a two-storey dwelling on a site to the rear of 89 Ashley Avenue, off the Lisburn Road, in respect of which a recommendation to refuse had been presented to the Committee.


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The Committee received representations from Mr. R. Pepper, on behalf of the applicant, who outlined objections to the recommendation to refuse the application.

Proposal

Moved by Alderman Stalford, Seconded by Alderman L. Patterson,

That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the application to enable a site visit to be undertaken in order to permit Members to acquaint themselves with the site.

On a vote by a show of hands, two Members voted for the proposal and six against and it was declared lost.

Further Proposal

Moved by the Chairman (Councillor Garrett), Seconded by the Deputy Chair (Councillor Hutchinson),

That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendation within the report and refuse the application for the reasons outlined.

On a vote by a show of hands, nine Members voted for the proposal and two against and it was declared carried.

LA04/2015/0184/F - Belfast Streets Ahead Project - Phase 3 The Committee considered an application for Phase 3 of the ‘Belfast Streets

Ahead’ public realm, environmental improvement project. The Members were provided with an overview of the scheme, which sought to enhance the streetscape and to create flexible public spaces through the provision of high quality natural stone paving, street furniture, trees, street-lighting and soft landscaping.

The Committee approved the application, subject to an informative being added to the planning conditions instructing the applicant to take steps to protect the character of the area. That informative, it was noted, should seek specifically to ensure that any maintenance work undertaken after the completion of the project, particularly work which would necessitate the excavation of footpaths and roadways, would be reinstated in accordance with the style and character of the original proposals.

Z/2012/1511/F - Northern Ireland Science Park, Queen's Road

The Planning Case Officer outlined the principal aspects of an application which sought to extend an existing building to create an additional 2,330 square metres of work space and 98 car parking spaces, located 300 metres north east of the Northern Ireland Science Park building, Queen's Road.



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Z/2014/0085/F - Holywood Exchange Retail Park

The Committee considered an application for the variation of condition 8 of outline permission Z/1995/1088, which restricted retail to the sale of bulky goods at a site located within the Holywood Exchange Retail Park.


Z/2010/0642/DCA and Z/2010/0691/F - 83-87 Castle Street

The Committee considered an application for a six-storey retail and office use building on vacant land at 83-87 Castle Street.


LA04/2015/0481/F - 29-31 Dublin Road

The Committee considered an application for the change of use from an existing commercial/retail unit to hot food restaurant and take away at 29-31 Dublin Road

The Committee granted approval to the application, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the report.

Z/2015/0418/F - Hotel at former BMC Site, Brunswick/Franklin Street

The Committee considered an application for the redevelopment of a former Belfast Metropolitan College campus, at land south of Franklin Street, east of Brunswick Street and west of McClintock Street, into a mixed-use development, which would include a 206-bedroom hotel.

During discussion, a number of Members expressed concern regarding the style, character and types of materials to be used in the building proposed for the site. It was suggested that it would not be in keeping with the existing Victorian architecture within the Blackstaff Square and Linen Quarter areas and that the Council might seek to defer consideration of the application to enable further discussions to be held with the applicant in this regard.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Heading, Seconded by Councillor McDonagh-Brown,

That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the application to enable further discussions enable to take place with the applicant be held with the applicant in respect of the style, character and types of materials to be used in the building proposed for the site.


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On a vote by a show of hands, six Members voted for the proposal and six against. There being a parity of votes, the Chairman exercised his second and casting vote against the proposal and it was, accordingly, declared lost by seven votes to six.

The recommendation to approve the application was then put to the Committee when seven Members voted in favour and four against.

Accordingly, the Committee approved the application and, in accordance with Section 76 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2015, delegated power to the Director of Planning and Place, in conjunction with the Town Solicitor, to enter into discussions with the applicant to explore the scope of any planning agreements which might be realised at the site.

LA04/2015/0632/F - 179 and 181 Lisburn Road

The Committee considered an application which sought permission for a change of use to enable the erection of five apartments with ground floor extension and alterations at 179 and 181 Lisburn Road.


LA04/2015/0514/F - Shane Retail Park, Boucher Road

The Committee considered an application which sought permission for the construction of internal mezzanine floor for retail purposes at unit 9, Shane Retail Park, Boucher Road.


14. LA04/2015/0715/F - Woodlands Playing Fields, Finaghy

The Committee considered an application for the construction of a NIE Meter Room at Woodlands Park, 151 Finaghy Road North. It was noted that the application had been presented to the Committee since the building would be located on Council property.


Adjournment

The Committee agreed, given the number of agenda items which had yet to be considered, to adjourn at this point and agreed further that the remaining items be considered on Thursday, 19th November at 5:00 p.m.

Chairperson

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Planning CommitteeThursday, 19th November, 2015

ADJOURNED MEETING OF PLANNING COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Garrett (Chairperson); Aldermen McGimpsey and L. Patterson; Councillors Armitage, Campbell, Heading,

Hutchinson, Johnston, Magee, McAteerand Mullan.

In attendance: Mr. P. Williams, Director of Planning and Place; Mr. C. McIlwaine, Area Planning Manager; Mr. K. Sutherland, Development Planning and Policy Manager; Miss N. Largey, Divisional Solicitor; and

Mr. B. Flynn, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies were reported on behalf of Councillors Bunting and Hutchinson.



Linen Quarter and Western Quarter – Public Realm Analysis and Vision

The Committee considered a report which provided an overview of the work which had been commenced in developing an integrated planning approach to focus on the Linen Quarter, the Transport Hub and the Inner West Special Action Areas, which had been identified as key developments within the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy. It was pointed out that the report had been considered by the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, at its meeting on 11th December.

The Committee noted the findings of the public realm analysis and visioning exercises which had been undertaken, together with the scope of the public consultation which would be undertaken, the results of which would be submitted for consideration in due course.

Departmental Update and Six Month Review of Activity


“1.0 Summary of main Issues

1.1 To outline of the main areas of work and some of the changes within the service arising from the ongoing reviewing of activity during the first six months since transfer of the statutory planning functions from the DoE. The report also provides information in relation to the

Adjourned Meeting of Planning Committee,Thursday, 19th November, 2015

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numbers of applications and how they have been dealt with by the service.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is requested to note the:

update on work carried out by the service during the first six months;

the initial statistical and specific application information available; and

proposals for further reports and updates, including statistics to be presented to future meetings.

3.0 Main Report

3.1 During this period of transition planning has continued to deliver the core services to customers and successfully carry out statutory responsibility to process and determine applications and initiate preparatory policy work. This work has been delivered in the context of major legislative change; staff transfer / integration; restructuring within Council and changing processes.

3.2 The six months post transfer were always recognised as being likely to be the most challenging in respect of maintaining service continuity and responding to the new legislative requirements. The continuing work to successfully integrate the new function within Council has focussed on changes to improve our operations, processes and the delivery of the statutory responsibility.

Organisational Change

3.3 A number of changes have been introduced to respond to the requirements of the new legislation and to make our decision making processes more accessible whilst the Development Management functions have been restructured to provide greater flexibility to respond proportionately to the development pressures across the city.

3.4 The main aspect of this ongoing change process have been:

Establishment of the new processes and introduction of a new approach to the presentation and consideration of planning applications by Committee.

Agreement and implementation of the Scheme of Delegation.


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Introduction of a process for the review of the Legacy applications that were inherited by the Council.

Protocols and processes developed to facilitate representations at Committee.

Restructuring of the Development Management to establish a City Centre, Harbour and Major Applications Team alongside a Citywide and Local Applications Teams with a dedicated Enforcement resource.

Guidance and Documents

3.5 There have been a number of formal and informal documents produced to support the our work and enhance the effectiveness of our processes including:

Guidance for applicants on the operation of the Pre-Application Community Consultation processes;

Advice in relation to the consideration of proposals for Purpose Built Student Accommodation; and

A draft Statement of Community Involvement that sets out our approach to engagement across all our functions.

Planning Applications

3.6 There have been a number of changes introduced as part of the transfer of the planning function which have changed how Councils manage and determine applications under the new legislation and processes. As part of the response to this new context over the last six months we have seen the introduction of new processes for Committee consideration of applications and changes in the structure of the Development Management Teams.

3.7 As noted above the Council inherited a substantial legacy of planning applications(780), including those from the parts of Lisburn, Castlereagh and North Down, with the transfer of planning functions in April 2015. The presence of these legacy applications will in the short term influence both our capacity to deal with current applications and our performance statistics in relation to the Key Performance Indicators. The implementation of the process for the review of these legacy applications is the first stage of the strategy to address this legacy and shift the focus to the management and consideration of new applications or proposals.

3.8 As noted above during this period of transition planning has continued to deliver the core services to customers and


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process both new and legacy planning applications. The tables below provide the Committee with some statistics to outline the extent and nature of the work that Planning has been engaged in during the first six months.

Applications Determined

3.9 We have issued 542 decisions which related to 18 Major and 524 local applications. Of the 542 there were 514 approved and 28 refused. The 542 were related to the following types of applications:

Application Type Total Approved Refused

Full 442 428 14

Outline 6 4 2

Advertisement 72 61 11

Demolition Conservation Area

12 12

Listed Building Consent 9 9

Reserved Matters 1 1

3.10 It should be noted that these figures are based on those used for DoE monitoring purposes and do not include 54 other applications that we were required to determine including: Certificates of Lawful Development (41), Non Material Changes (6) and Discharge of Conditions (7).

3.11 Among the 89 applications considered by the Committee in the first 6 months have been a number of Major applications including Titanic Exhibition Centre, the Boutique Hotel in the Harland and Wolf Headquarters Building and a proposal for an extended Lidl Store in west Belfast. It should be noted that the work in this period up to 30 September 2015 ensured the further Major applications for Windsor House (Grand Hotel), Allstate and Belvoir Hospital were all able to be brought before the Committee in October 2015.

3.12 These six applications alone represent a significant investment in the city with £30m proposed for the Belfast Grand Hotel alone. In addition the proposed AllState capital investment of over £30m will deliver 200 short term construction opportunities whilst safeguarding 1,500 existing operational positions and providing for 200 new posts. In addition to this investment the approved proposals are creating significant employment opportunities and will


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contribute to the continued regeneration of the parts of Belfast in which they are located.

3.13 Alongside this work to support the continued growth and regeneration of the city we are through changes in the Development Management seeking to ensure that the processing times for local and householder applications are reduced. The median processing times for the 200 Local applications validated from the first of April and on which we have issued decisions is less than the statutory target of 15 weeks.

Applications Received

3.14 We have received 744 applications in the six months from April to September. Of these 27 were Major and 717 were Local applications. The 744 were related to the following types of applications:

Application Type TotalFull 576 24 Major

Outline 12 3 Major

Advertisement 85Demolition In Conservation Area 33Listed Building Consent 34Reserved Matters 4

3.15 It should again be noted that these figures are based on those used for DoE monitoring purposes and do not include the range of other applications that we were required to determine including: Certificates of Lawful Development, Non Material Changes and Discharge of Conditions.

Pre-Application Work

3.16 The Committee may also wish to note that there are new pre-application processes that have to be managed alongside the existing pre submission discussions and engagement. In addition to existing Pre Applications Discussions (PAD) processes the 2011 Act placed a statutory duty upon applicants to consult the community in advance of submitting major applications (PAN) from July 2015.

3.17 There have been 55 PADs received between April and September covering a range of potential applications. There were also 5 PANs which were the subject of Pre-Application


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Community Consultation (PAN) processes resulting in two major applications being submitted (see Appendix 1).

Enforcement Work

3.18 The Committee may wish to note that at the end of September there were 423 lives cases and between April and September 2015 the Council opened 208 new Enforcement cases (see below) and resolved 149 cases between. These covered a range of issues including unauthorised changes of use, unauthorised listed building works, unauthorised sheds, unauthorised advertisements, breach of condition and unauthorised works to protected trees to name but a few.

Case Type No.Breach of Planning Condition 16Change of Use 22Demolition in an Area of Townscape Character 5Operational Development 114Trees in Conservation Area 4Tree Protection Order 4Unauthorised advertisements 39Works to Listed Building 4

208

The Committee may also wish to note that work is continuing on the new Enforcement Strategy which will be brought to a meeting this quarter for consideration by Members.

4.0 Future Updates and Reviews

4.1 As part of the ongoing performance and service management the intention is to provide Committee with regular quarterly reports in respect of the most up to date available statistics and progress in relation to the key milestones in respect of the business plan, local development plan, policy and other initiatives.

4.2 These proposed updates will provide early indications of the position in respect of key statutory performance indicators / standards, set out in the Local Government Order 2015, and keep Members informed of business plan related performance alongside an outline of the cumulative benefit arising from the work of the Committee.


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4.3 Within the next quarter the resolution of the resourcing for the local development plan and broader policy work should provide the opportunity to set out the draft timetable for the plan and the key milestones to be agreed with the DoE. This activity will be set alongside the timelines for current commitments to policy related work such as the Statement of Community Involvement, Purpose Built & Managed Student Accommodation, Developer Contributions, Linen Quarter etc.”

After discussion, during which the Director clarified a range of Members’ queries, the Committee noted the information which had been provided.

Financial Reporting – Quarter 2

The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an overview of the Department’s financial position as at the end of Quarter Two, that is, 30th September, 2015.


Northern Ireland Environment Agency – Consultation Exercise

(Mr. D. O’ Kane, Principal Professional and Technical Officer, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee agreed, in response to a consultation exercise which had been undertaken by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, to support the listing of the landmarks and buildings at the following locations:

parliamentary boundary posts at 109 King’s Road; beside 14 Gilnahirk Road; between 44 and 50 Gilnahirk Road; two posts at McArt’s Fort within the Cavehill Country Park;

pillar boxes to the front of 82 North Road; to the front of 63 Wandsworth Road; and to the front of 159 Connsbrook Avenue; and

two dwellings at 585 and 587 Antrim Road.

Planning Agreements



1.1 To provide Members with an initial indication of the nature and scope of planning agreements appropriate for use in Belfast.


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2.0 Recommendations

2.1 To note this report and agree a further detailed report be brought to Committee setting out the proposed approach to the implementation of planning agreements through the development management process.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Belfast City Council (‘the Council’) has the ambition to lead and deliver effective planning outcomes and considers that Planning Agreements are a key tool in delivering future sustainable development for the City. They are widely used elsewhere as effective and valuable tools but were sparingly used by the previous single, region-wide planning authority.

3.2 The authority to make use of planning agreements is found in current legislation1 and policy. The Council will shortly commence making its own Local Development Plan (‘LDP’) to replace the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (‘BMAP’). The LDP will shape and refine the planning agreement regime further but with the pace of change and challenges quickening, the Council can make greater and more widespread use of planning agreements with immediate effect through the development management process.

The Nature of Agreements

3.3 Planning Agreements are agreements between local authorities and applicants/developers and are attached to planning permissions to make acceptable development which would otherwise be unacceptable in planning terms.

3.4 Broadly they can be used to:

prescribe the nature of development (e.g. requiring a proportion of housing is affordable);

compensate for loss such as open space or employment land/buildings;

mitigate the impact of a proposal (eg through increased public transport provision).

3.5 Agreements must be directly relevant to the proposed development and should be used where a conditional approval could not deliver the necessary planning results.

1 Section 76 The Planning Act 2011; Article 122 The Roads Order (NI) 1993


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Failure to reach a satisfactory agreement will normally lead to a refusal of planning permission.

The Strategic Planning Policy Statement for NI (SPPS)

3.6 The SPPS provides the policy basis for planning agreements as set out in paragraphs 5.66 to 5.71 / pages 34-36 of SPPS. A planning agreement may be considered appropriate where what is required cannot be adequately addressed by the imposition of conditions and:

is needed to enable the development to go ahead; will contribute to meeting the costs of providing

necessary facilities in the near future; is otherwise so directly related to the proposed

development and to the use of the land after its completion, that the development ought not to be permitted without it;

is designed to secure an acceptable balance of uses; is designed to secure the implementation of

development plan policies in respect of a particular area or type of development; or

is intended to offset the loss of, or impact on, any amenity or resource present on the site prior to development. (para 5.67)

3.7 A developer will be expected to pay for, or contribute to, the cost of infrastructure that would not have been necessary but for the development or which needs to be rescheduled to facilitate the development. (para 5.68)

3.8 Mechanisms to use in the delivery of developer contributions include planning agreements under Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and under Article 122 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 in terms of infrastructure works. (para 5.70)

3.9 In some circumstances, community benefits may be offered voluntarily by developers to communities likely to be affected by a development. Community benefits can take a variety of forms including payments to the community; in-kind benefits; and shared ownership arrangements.

Local Development Plan (LDP)

3.10 While the LDP - Plan Strategy is being adopted the SPPS and the retained suite of Planning Policy Statements provide the policy basis for using a wide range of agreement types.


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3.11 The use of planning agreements is referred to in the existing statutory development plans (BMAP and the HMO subject plan) familiar to developers. The Council has recently brought forward advice on Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation and published the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy and both will inform discussions on planning agreements.

The Scope of Agreements

3.12 All planning applications are determined on their merits and all development proposals may carry the potential for a development agreement which if applicable must then fairly and reasonably relate to the proposal.

3.13 Where possible planning agreements should deliver on-site (often provided in-kind), but where this is neither practicable nor appropriate off-site delivery by financial contribution will be required.

3.14 Early engagement on development proposals at pre-application stage together with transparency in decision taking can promote high quality sustainable development. ‘Front-loading’ of the development management system offers opportunities to advance agreements without unduly holding back processing of applications, particularly with regard to major applications where the time set aside for the pre-application community consultation provides a 3 month pre-submission period. This route also offers scope for early consideration of community benefits.

3.15 The Belfast Planning Service will offer advice on these matters at early stages in engagement with landowners and developers and will justify the need and basis for an agreement.

Types of Agreement

3.16 Agreements may be expected to deliver planning outcomes on a wide range of topics such as:

Housing/Social and affordable housing Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation Transportation and travel Open Space and Landscape Public realm/city centre improvements Loss of employment land and buildings Shared space and heritage


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FURTHER REPORT

3.17 A detailed report will be brought to a future Committee with proposals on the types of agreement; priorities; the level and scale of contributions; and the arrangements for decision making.”

The Committee expressed its broad support for the introduction of Planning Agreements and a number of Members pointed out that any community benefits accrued would need to be meaningful and tangible. It was suggested that the Council might identify specific physical requirements within each electoral area which might form the basis of discussions with developers as part of the application process.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided and noted further that a more detailed report would be submitted for consideration in due course.

Chairperson