BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

SUMMONS TO ATTEND THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

TO: THE LORD MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND THE COUNCILLORS OF THE 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 March, 2016 at 6.00 pm, for the transaction of the following business:

1. Summons

2. Apologies

3. Declarations of Interest

4. Official Announcements

5. Minutes of the Council of 1st February (Pages 1 - 8)

6. Nomination of Members to the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd. Shareholders' Committee (Pages 9 - 10)

7. Minutes of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 19th February (Pages 11 - 66)

8. Minutes of the People and Communities Committee of 9th February (Pages 67-88)

a) To pass a resolution to make a Traffic Regulation Order at sites within West Belfast (alley-gating scheme) (Pages 89 - 90)

9. Minutes of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 3rd and 10th February (Pages 91 - 120)

10. Minutes of the Licensing Committee of 17th February (Pages 121 - 144)

11. Minutes of the Planning Committee of 16th and 23rd February (Pages 145 - 160)

12. Notice of Motion - Register of Members' Interests - Councillor Bradshaw to move

"This Council agrees to publish on its website with immediate effect the Register of Members’ Interests, which is to be maintained as a requirement of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014."

13. Notice of Motion - Living Wage for NHS Staff in Northern Ireland - Councillor Carroll to move

“This Council notes the demand from Unison in the Royal Victoria Hospital for the introduction of a Living Wage of £7.78 per hour for NHS staff in Northern Ireland. The Council endorses the principles behind the Living Wage and believes that the public sector has a crucial role to play in alleviating in-work poverty. “This Council notes the demand from Unison in the Royal Victoria Hospital for the introduction of a Living Wage of £7.78 per hour for NHS staff in Northern Ireland. The Council endorses the principles behind the Living Wage and believes that the public sector has a crucial role to play in alleviating in-work poverty.

The Council welcomes Unison's call for a living wage, and recognises the benefits of bringing the NHS pay in line with Scotland and Wales. The Council agrees to formally support Unison in its campaign for the Living Wage, and will write to the Health Minister, urging him to press for the immediate introduction of a Living Wage of £7.78 for all NHS employees in Northern Ireland.

14. Notice of Motion - Nurses' Pay - Councillor Groves to move

This Council notes with concern that the pay award issued on 8th January by the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety denies many nurses and health and social care staff a cost of living pay rise.

A newly qualified nurse in the North of Ireland earns £21,478. Through incremental pay progression, linked to satisfactory performance over a seven-year period, this nurse earns up to £27,909. The majority of nurses (58%) within the health and social care service in the North of Ireland earn between £21,478 and £27,909.

Accordingly, this Council calls on the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public safety to implement immediately a 1% pay increase for nursing staff.

15. Notice of Motion - Donations to Political Parties - Councillor R. Brown to move

“This Council notes the enhanced powers, including planning, which are now the responsibility of this administration; recognises the importance that the citizens of Belfast place on being able to trust their elected representatives to work for the common good; further recognises the corrupting influence that money can have on political decision-making; considers it unacceptable that donations to political parties remain secret in Northern Ireland; calls on the Secretary of State to immediately lift the exemption to reveal all declared donations to political parties since January 2014 and calls on all political parties to go further than that required by law and voluntarily publish donations over £500 which they have received.”

16. Notice of Motion - European Union Referendum - Councillor Boyle to move

“This Council supports the Prime Minister in his efforts to have the United Kingdom remain in Europe and, in doing so, the Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister indicating its support and also agrees to write to all other Councils in Northern Ireland asking them to do likewise.”

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

Chief Executive Council

MONTHLY MEETING OF BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

Held in the City Hall on Monday, 1st February, 2016 at 6.00 p.m., pursuant to notice.

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

Summons

The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

Apologies

Apologies were reported on behalf of Councillors R. Brown, O’ Hara and Mullan.

Official Announcements

2021 Commonwealth Youth Games

The Lord Mayor and the Deputy Lord Mayor congratulated the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council on the news that Northern Ireland would host the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The Council paid tribute to those individuals and organisations which had been instrumental in ensuring that the Games would take place in Northern Ireland, and Belfast in particular, and expressed best wishes to local competitors.

European Tree of the Year Competition 2016

Alderman Kingston reminded the Council that a public vote had commenced for the European Tree of the Year competition, in respect of which the ‘Peace Tree’ within Woodvale Park, which had been planted after the Great War, had been short-listed.

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He encouraged members of the public to vote for the tree and pointed out that voting would close on 29th February.

Avoniel Leisure Centre

A Member referred to a recent incident at the Avoniel Leisure Centre during which staff had assisted in the rescue of an individual from the swimming pool.

The Council agreed that its gratitude be conveyed to those members of staff who had assisted in the incident.

Mr. Nigel Grimshaw

The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, welcomed Mr. Nigel Grimshaw, the newly appointed Director of City and Neighbourhood Services, to his first meeting of the Council in that capacity.

Minutes of the Council

Moved by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor and

Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly meeting of the Council of 5th January be taken as read and signed as correct.

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee

Moved by Councillor Boyle, Seconded by Councillor Kennedy,

That the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic and Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd January be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Rates Setting 2016/17

Moved by the High Sheriff (Alderman Rodgers), Seconded by Alderman Browne,

The Council agrees to reject the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd January and accordingly agrees not to increase the District Rate for the 2016/2017 financial year.

Councillor Long suggested that the Council might adjourn for a short period to permit the proposer of the amendment to submit details on the budgets which would be

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reduced to make-up the £2.1 million shortfall which would result should the amendment be passed.

The Lord Mayor, having been advised by the High Sheriff that there were no written details for the Council to consider, ruled that there would be no purpose in the Council adjourning.

After a prolonged debate, during which reference was made to the legal requirement for the Council to have due regard to the statements which had been made by the Chief Financial Officer, the Lord Mayor, upon the advice of the Chief Executive, ruled that the amendment in the format proposed by Alderman Rodgers was not competent, since it did not include any proposed amendments to the other related recommendations, which included the cash limits for each of the Committees.

The Lord Mayor put the recommendation within the minutes to endorse an increase in the District Rate for 2016/2017 and, by a recorded vote, 31 Members voted in favour, nine voted against, and 16 Members abstained, and it was therefore declared carried.

For 31 Against 9 ‘No Votes’ 16

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

Belfast Agenda and Corporate Plan - Update

At the request of Councillor Heading, and with the consent of the Council, the Chief Executive undertook to have a report submitted to a future meeting which would consider the feasibility of the Council establishing a committee which would consider health issues in Belfast.

Adoption of Minutes

The minutes of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd January were thereupon approved and adopted.

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People and Communities Committee

Moved by Councillor Corr Johnston, Seconded by Councillor McDonough-Brown,

That the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 12th January be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Holylands CCTV System

Moved by Councillor McDonough Brown Seconded by Councillor Bradshaw,

That the decision of the Committee under the above named heading be amended to provide that the Council agrees to adopt Option B as contained within the Committee report, that is to provide for the maintenance of a reduced CCTV system of five cameras for a 3 year period at an approximate cost of £45,000.

The Lord Mayor rules that the proposed amendment was not competent under the provisions of Standing Order 16 (a), in that it sought to lay a greater financial burden on the meeting than that contained within the Committee minute.

Further Amendment

Moved by Councillor McAllister, Seconded by Councillor McDonough-Brown,

That the decision of the Committee under the above-mentioned heading be referred back for further consideration.

On a recorded vote, 13 Members voted in favour of the amendment, 41 voted against and one abstention was recorded, and it was declared lost.

For 13 Against 41 ‘No Vote’ 1 Alderman Convery and The Lord Mayor, the Deputy Councillor Carroll Councillors Armitage, Lord Mayor, the High Sheriff, Attwood, Boyle, Bradshaw, Aldermen Browne, Kingston, Heading, Howard, Jones, McCoubrey, McGimpsey, Lyons, Mallon, McAllister, McKee, L. Patterson, McDonough-Brown and R. Patterson and Stalford; O’Neill. Councillors Austin, Beattie, Bell, Bunting, Campbell, Clarke, Copeland, Corr, Corr Johnston, Dudgeon, Garrett, Graham, Groves, Haire, Hargey, Hussey, Hutchinson,

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Johnston, Kennedy, Kyle, Magee, Magennis, McAteer, McCabe, McConville, McVeigh, Newton, Ó Donnghaile, Sandford and Walsh.

Adoption of Minutes

The minutes of the People and Communities Committee of 12th January were thereupon 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 13th January be approved and adopted.

Licensing Committee

Moved by Councillor Hussey, Seconded by Councillor Hutchinson and

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

Planning Committee

Moved by Councillor Garrett, Seconded by Councillor Johnston and

Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Planning Committee of 19th January, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Notices of Motion

Climate Change

Councillor Bradshaw advised the Council that she wished to withdraw the notice of motion in her name since the Environment Minister had earlier that day announced that it was his intention to introduce a Climate Change Bill to the Assembly.

The Council agreed that the notice of motion be withdrawn.

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Impact of Bus Lanes

Moved by Councillor Boyle, Seconded by the High Sheriff (Alderman Rodgers),

"This Council requests that the Minister for Regional Development and the senior management team of Transport NI come before the Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee to hear concerns from Councillors about the impact that bus lanes and bus lane cameras are having on motorists, commuters and local businesses, with a view to devising solutions which will make Belfast City Centre an easier place in which to live, relax and work."

The Lord Mayor confirmed that, in accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion would be referred, without discussion, to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee.

Preservation of Moore Street, Dublin

Moved by Councillor Ó Donnghaile, Seconded by Councillor Hargey,

"This Council calls upon the Irish Government Minister for Heritage, Heather Humphreys T.D., to intervene immediately to halt the current works on the historic Moore Street 1916 terrace, which involves the virtual destruction of number 18, the inappropriate encroachment on the National Monument at 14-17 and the potential demolition of the remaining buildings on the terrace (10-25) based on the plan of the previous developer, Chartered Land.

It was on this site that the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, including Belfast native Winifred Carney, who typed up the surrender order while embedded in Moore Street, made their last stand.

As this Council, the Irish and British governments and cities and countries all over the world prepare to formally mark the centenary of the Easter Rising, the retention of Moore Street has drawn much interest and attention from various quarters, including community groups, artists, actors, poets, writers, political parties, historians and many ordinary citizens.

Accordingly, the Council calls on the Minister to work with 1916 relatives and all relevant stakeholders to implement a new plan which would conserve and develop the terrace (10-25) and create a historic 1916 quarter, and not allow such shameful destruction in the centenary of the Easter Rising to continue."

On a vote by show of hands, 24 Members voted for the motion and 18 against and it was accordingly declared carried.

A83 Meeting of Council, Monday, 1st February, 2016

Lord Mayor Chairperson

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Nomination of Members and Selection of Positions of Responsibility for the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd Shareholders’ Committee

Following the changes made to the Council’s Standing Orders on 5th January to provide for the establishment of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd Shareholders’ Committee, the Nominating Officers of the Political Parties have made their nominations for Committee membership under the Quota Greatest Remainder system as follows:

Committee Membership

Sinn Fein 1 Councillor Mary Ellen Campbell Sinn Fein 2 Councillor Deirdre Hargey Sinn Fein 3 Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile Sinn Fein 4 Councillor Seanna Walsh DUP 1 Councillor Aileen Graham DUP 2 Councillor Tom Haire DUP 3 Councillor Brian Kennedy Alliance 1 Councillor David Armitage Alliance 2 Councillor Sian O’Neill SDLP 1 Councillor Tim Attwood SDLP 2 Councillor Kate Mullan UUP 1 Councillor Sonia Copeland UUP 2 Councillor Peter Johnston PUP 1 Councillor John Kyle

The Nominating Officers of the Political Parties have also indicated that the selection of the additional Positions of Responsibility over the 4-year term is as follows:

Positions of Responsibility

Chairperson Year 1 DUP- Councillor Brian Kennedy Deputy Chairperson Year1 SF To be confirmed

Chairperson Year 2 SF Deputy Chairperson Year2 ALL

Chairperson Year 3 SF Deputy Chairperson Year3 UUP

Chairperson Year 4 DUP Deputy Chairperson Year4 SDLP

The Council is recommended to adopt the Committee Membership and Positions of Responsibility for the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd Shareholders’ Committee as set out.

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee

Friday, 19th February, 2016

MEETING OF STRATEGIC POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Boyle (Chairperson); the High Sheriff (Alderman Rodgers); Aldermen Convery, Kingston; Councillors Clarke, S. Corr, Graham, Haire, Hargey, Hutchinson, Jones, Kennedy, Long, McAllister and McVeigh.

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 Aldermen Browne and Stalford and Councillors McCabe and Ó Donnghaile.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 22nd January were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Jones declared an interest in respect of item 2(a) North Foreshore Update in so far that he was a member of the Board of the Harbour Commissioners and left the meeting while the item was under discussion.

Change of Date of Meeting in March

The Committee agreed that the monthly meeting in March be rescheduled and held on Tuesday, 22nd March at 9.30 am.

Restricted Items

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

B603 Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Friday, 19th February, 2016

North Foreshore Update

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 23rd October, 2015, it had been provided with an update on the location for the proposed film studio at the North Foreshore, which was being progressed by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC). The Committee had given approval to the location of the film studio at a site to be agreed, subject to agreement on the nature of the legal and commercial arrangements with BHC; agreement that any additional financial implication arising as a result of the realignment boundary of the ERDF Environmental Park would be reflected in the commercial arrangement with BHC; and subject to INI confirming that the ERDF Environmental Park boundary could be realigned with no adverse impact upon ERDF funding to the Council.

The Members were advised that discussions had subsequently taken place with BHC, INI and others in relation to the detail of the proposals, including the business case for development, the proposed legal and commercial arrangements with BHC, the impact on the ERDF Environmental Park project and site development issues.

After discussion, the Committee:

 noted the updated position in relation to the proposed film studio at the North Foreshore and the opportunity that existed with the simultaneous development of both the film studio and the Environmental Resource Park, both of which would bring significant economic and regeneration benefits to the City, as well as a direct financial return to the Council over a period of time; and  granted approval for the Council to enter into a Development Agreement and land lease with Belfast Harbour Commissioners for the purposes of the development of a film studio on detailed terms to be agreed by the Council’s Town Solicitor and Estates Manager.

City Centre Investment Fund

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 24th April, 2015, it had agreed to establish a City Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) and, at a subsequent meeting of the Committee on 18th September, 2015, details had been provided of potential intervention options that could be used by the CCIF to bring forward development projects in the City. One such intervention proposed was a targeted acquisition of strategic sites for development of investment priorities, which included acquisition for future development areas.

Accordingly, the Chief Executive submitted a report which sought the approval of the Committee to consider a strategic regeneration investment in the Belfast Telegraph Building on Royal Avenue via the City Centre Regeneration Fund. The investment proposed was in line with the strategic sites acquisition as previously outlined to the Committee. The proposed investment was integral to

B604 Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Friday, 19th February, 2016

the delivery of key aspects of the City Centre Investment Framework and would generate a financial return for the Council.

After discussion, the Committee: (1) granted approval for the Council to enter into an agreement with McAleer and Rushe, through which the Council would take a maximum 49% stake in the acquisition of the Belfast Telegraph site and, for that purpose, delegated authority to the Town Solicitor to draw up the necessary legal arrangements as required in line with the due diligence undertaken. It was estimated that would require utilisation of approximately £3.75m of the fund; (2) agreed that the Council work in partnership with McAleer and Rushe to develop proposals which would promote a scheme on the subject site which would deliver around 250,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace with the specific intention of attracting an anchor tenant to the site; (3) noted that on the completion of the process the Council might then decide to either exit the arrangement with its share of the acquisition costs repaid or, subject to due diligence, remain in a partnership arrangement and invest further in the development; and (4) also noted that the finalisation of the purchase would not happen until September 2016 and, whilst a decision was required at this time, further detailed work would happen in the intervening months.

Update on Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Limited

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Limited. The report provided an update on the construction, the business and operations, a showcase event which had been held at the end of January, an event which would be held for funders, the transfer arrangements to the new company, the procurement of the catering contract, the establishment of the company’s Board of Directors, the recruitment update, the next steps and the establishment of the Shareholders’ Committee.

The Committee: (1) noted the progress that had been made across a number of work-streams, and the readiness issues which had been highlighted by the Chief Executive; (2) agreed that the Council would host a lunch for funders on 29th April to celebrate the completion of the extension and former Councillors previously involved in the Belfast Waterfront would be invited to attend; (3) authorised the Town Solicitor to finalise, for the Council, the contractual suite of documents between the Council and the company, for the contract to “go - live” on 1st April, 2016; and

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(4) authorised the Town Solicitor to negotiate the best terms for the Council to enter into the most appropriate legal agreement for the use and occupation of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall.

Matters referred back from the Council/Notices of Motion

Notice of Motion re: School Buses – Response from the Minister

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 5th January, 2016, had passed the following Notice of Motion on School Buses which had been proposed by Councillor Boyle and seconded by Alderman Convery:

“This Council agrees to write to the Minister for Education and to the Minister of the Environment requesting that they introduce legislation to prevent vehicles from over-taking school buses while the vehicle is stationary and children are getting onto or departing from it.”

The Committee was advised that a response had been received from the Environment Minister which outlined the measures/regulations which the Department of the Environment had introduced to improve safety on school buses, the Belfast City/Education campaign to raise awareness and the teaching resources for use in schools in relation to school safety.

The Committee noted receipt of the response from the Minister.

Physical Programme and Asset Management

Programme Update

The Committee was reminded that the Council had, to date, delivered three phases of the alleygating programme across the City which had seen the installation of over 600 gates. The Members would be also be aware that a fourth phase of alleygates had been proposed and it was being recommended that Alleygates Phase IV was now moved to Stage III – Committed of the Capital Programme. The Director of Finance and Resources had confirmed that the project was within the affordability limits of the Council and agreed that a maximum £700,000 be allocated.

The setting of a maximum budget for the project would allow the final number of gates to be determined and it was recommended also that officers now work up a list of proposed gates, which would be brought back into the Area Working Groups for consideration. The scheme would be held at “Stage III – Tier 0 – Schemes at Risk” until the location of the gates was agreed by the Committee. In addition, once the location of the gates had been agreed by the Committee, then necessary procurement processes, including the invitation of tenders and/or use of appropriate “framework” arrangements, would be initiated with contracts to

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be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

The Committee agreed that:

 the Alleygates – Phase IV Scheme be moved to Phase III – Committed;

 officers work up a list of the proposed gates for Phase IV for consideration by the Area Working Groups;

 after consideration by the Area Working Groups, the proposed list be presented to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee; and

 given the above process, the project be held at “Stage III – Tier 0 – Schemes at Risk” pending confirmation by the Committee of the list of gates for Phase IV.

Area Working Update

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 To provide an update on a number of area related issues for Members consideration.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to note

 The Local Investment Fund proposals as detailed in the report (3.1 and 3.2)  The Request for Council to act as Delivery Agent for other projects in relation to the Social Investment Fund , Building Successful Communities and Urban Villages (3.3 – 3.8).  In relation to Resourcing at a local level the Council is now progressing –

 25 projects under LIF1  37 LIF2 projects which have been agreed in principle  Investigating a further 15 projects for their feasibility for funding under LIF2  Up to 15 projects worth approx £800,000 within the 4 BSC areas

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 10 projects under SIF in the Belfast North and Belfast East areas with further letters of offer likely over the coming months  2 capital projects in the Colin area together with a range of feasibility studies

This is in addition to works that are being progressed on 50 projects under the Capital Programme and 22 projects under BIF.

2.2 Members will appreciate that there is a substantial amount of work in bringing forward. Members are asked to note that resources (Property Sponsors, Project Management and Estates) have been assigned to all projects but that resources are stretched to capacity.

3.0 Main report

KEY ISSUES

LIF Updates

Projects recommended to be advanced to due-diligence

3.1 Members are asked to note that 2 LIF2 projects which had previously been agreed for in principle funding (WLIF2 –17 - North Belfast Working Men’s Club and WLIF2-18 – Woodvale Cricket Club) have now been scored by officers and both have successfully met the minimum threshold. It is recommended that these projects now proceed to the Due Diligence stage of the LIF process.

LIF – arrangements for payments where there is main funding stream by another public body

3.2 In many cases LIF funding is part of a wider cocktail of funding for projects where there is a main funding stream by another public body – e.g. there are a range of boxing club projects which are being supported under LIF where the main proportion of funding is coming from SportNI and LIF is a ‘top-up’ to this funding. For these types of projects Committee is asked to note that it has been agreed that LIF funding is paid directly to the lead funder given the administrative benefit to funders and to groups. This has been agreed with both the groups and following internal discussions with Legal Services and Financial Services.

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Although the potential to use this mechanism has recently occurred in relation to a number projects working through Sport NI capital funding programmes this could also apply to other programmes such as the Alpha Fund (Groundwork NI).

REQUEST FOR COUNCIL TO ACT AS DELIVERY AGENT FOR OTHER PROJECTS

3.3 Members will recall that they were previously updated that the Council has been requested to act as the delivery agent for a range of projects funded under a number of external initiatives including Urban Villages, the Social Investment Fund (SIF) and Building Successful Communities (BSC) These requests recognise both the successful track record of the Council as a delivery agent for capital projects and also the uniquely placed role of the Council as a civic leader in the city. This is a sign of confidence in the Council and recognition of the Council’s increasing role in terms of regeneration and emerging community planning role.

Social Investment fund

3.4 Members are asked to note that the Council has received letters of offer from OFMDFM to act as the delivery agent for the Increasing Community Services cluster in North Belfast (3 projects with over £1million of SIF funding – Westland; Arts for All and PIPS) and the Increasing Community Services cluster in East Belfast

3.5 The Council is continuing to work closely with OFMDFM to help progress the other projects where the Council is due to be act as the delivery agent including – St. Comgall’s stand alone capital project in Belfast West and the Lanyon Tunnels and Increasing Community Services cluster in Belfast South.

Building Successful Communities

3.6 The Council has received further requests to act as delivery agent for a range of project under the Building Successful Communities initiative as outlined in Table 1 below. Members are asked to agree in principle that the Council acts as the delivery agent for these projects

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subject to due diligence being undertaken including verification of costs etc 3.7 In total, taking into account the additional projects as above, the Council has been requested to act as the delivery agent for 15 projects under the BSC initiative. An update on the status of these is outlined below. Members will be verbally updated if there is any change from this at Committee (i.e. further contracts received and/or signed)

PROJECT STATUS Alleygates – Lenadoon/Glencolin (26 Contract for funding signed - gates) project being progressed Alleygates – Lenadoon/Glencolin (7 Contract for funding signed - gates) project being progressed Alleygates – Lower Falls (12 gates) Contract for funding signed - project being progressed Belfast Bikes – Lower Shankill Contract for funding signed - project being progressed Belfast Bikes- Lower Falls Contract for funding signed - project being progressed Belfast Bikes – Lower Oldpark Contract for funding signed - project being progressed EI Scheme – Lower Shankill Contract for funding signed - project being progressed EI scheme – Tiger’s Bay Contract for funding awaited Floodlighting Dover Street Contract for funding signed - project being progressed Canoes – Half Moon Lake -Lenadoon Council requested to deliver - Project being confirmed First Steps – Refurbishment – Lenadoon Council requested to deliver - Project being confirmed Kids Together – Refurbishment – Council requested to deliver - Lenadoon Project being confirmed Banner – Raidio Failte site – Lower Falls Council requested to deliver - Project being confirmed St. Mary’s – Refurbishment – Lower Falls Council requested to deliver - Project being confirmed LOCA – Refurbishment – Lower Oldpark Council requested to deliver - Project being confirmed

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3.8 Urban Villages

Members are asked to note that OFMDFM, via SIB, have requested that the Council progress a number of feasibility studies and work is currently underway on these – Cancer Lifeline; Gilpins and Gasworks/Northern Fringe. In addition the Council is also progressing the delivery of two projects within the Colin Urban Village area – Saints Youth Boxing Club and Lagmore Community Association

Members are asked to note that officers are happy to provide them with an update/briefing on the progress of any projects which are being funded under external initiatives.

3.9 Resources

Members are asked to note that at a local level the Council is now progressing –

 25 projects under LIF1  37 LIF2 projects which have been agreed in principle  Investigating a further 15 projects for their feasibility for funding under LIF2  Up to 15 projects worth approx £800,000 within the 4 BSC areas  10 projects under SIF in the Belfast  2 capital projects in the Colin area

This is in addition to works that are being progressed on 50 projects under the Capital Programme and 22 projects under BIF

Members will appreciate that there is a substantial amount of work in bringing forward. Members are asked to note that resources (Property Sponsors, Project Management and Estates) have been assigned to all projects but that resources are stretched to capacity.

3.10 FINANCIAL & RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

 Financial – No direct financial implications  Resource - Officers time to deliver projects

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3.11 Equality or Good Relations Implications

LIF projects are screened as part of the process SIF, BSC and Urban Villages are externally funded initiatives and equality screening is the responsibility of the managing departments.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Asset Management

Proposed Lease to Northern Ireland Electricity, 9-12 Adelaide Street, Belfast

The Committee agreed to grant the required 999 year lease to Northern Ireland Electricity Limited at a nominal/nil rent on the site for the Council’s new offices at 9-12 Adelaide Street, Belfast for the purpose of providing a suitable electricity supply to the completed building currently under construction, subject to detailed terms to be agreed by the Estates Manager and the Town Solicitor.

Queen’s University at Belfast “Remediate” Project – Site Access

The Committee granted authority for the Committee to enter into a legal arrangement with the Queen’s University to permit authorised personnel to accompany Council staff to the Council’s lands at the North Foreshore and Gasworks sites to undertake site investigations and monitoring work over a period of up to three years, ending on 31st December, 2018, subject to suitable terms being agreed between the Queen’s University and the Council and the incorporation of the terms in an appropriate legal agreement to be drawn up by the Town Solicitor.

Clara Street Playground – Phoenix Natural Gas Installation

The Committee agreed to the recommendation of the People and Communities Committee of 9th February to approve the grant of a lease to Phoenix Natural Gas for a gas installation on Council-owned land at Clara Street Playground.

Finance/Procurement and Performance

Financial Reporting – Quarter 3 2015/16

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

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“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 This report presents the quarter 3 financial position for the Council including a forecast of the year end outturn. 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 report.

3.0 Main report

Current and Forecast Financial Position 2015/16

3.1 The financial position for Quarter 3 is a net departmental under-spend of £1,568k (1.6%). The forecast year-end departmental position is an under- spend of £459k (0.4%), 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, as well in year savings in fuel costs arising from reduction in fuel prices and employee costs savings arising mainly from vacant posts.

Rates Finalisation

3.3 The District Rate forecast by Land and Property Services at quarter 3 is a positive settlement of £369k. 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

3.4 Capital expenditure for 2015/16 as part of the capital programme is forecast at £56m with the main change in

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planned capital programme expenditure for 2015/16 being the commencement of the Council’s Accommodation Project.

3.5 The Summary Dashboard, on page 2 of the performance report, a copy of which has been circulated, has been updated to include the forecast expenditure on other capital programme expenditure areas including Non-Recurring Projects (£1,094k), Works funded by the LTP efficiencies (£553k), the Feasibility Fund (£108k) and the leisure projects in the new boundary areas (£1,644k).

3.6 Committed expenditure approved by the Committee on Belfast Investment Fund projects is £4.66m, with a further £5.0m committed on LIF 1 projects and £2.49m committed on LIF 2 projects.

Capital Financing

3.7 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

3.8 The balance of general reserves, based on the departmental forecast and the LPS forecast rates finalisation, is estimated to be £12.4m. Specified reserves are forecast to reduce to £5.69m after allowing for planned expenditure from the specified reserves and the allocation for 2016/17 non recurrent expenditure agreed by the Committee in November 2015.

Forecast Balances

3.9 Departmental Under-spend: The forecast year end departmental position is an under-spend of £459k. As the forecast departmental under-spend of £459k represents only 0.4% of budgeted of net expenditure it is recommended that this balance is not considered for reallocation.

3.10 Rates Finalisation: The quarter 3 forecast year end rates position is a positive settlement of £1.5m. The Committee agreed at its meeting on the 20 November

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2016 that this amount should be allocated to fund additional non-recurrent expenditure.

3.11 The capital financing budget is forecast to be under- spent by £1.38m. The Committee agreed at its meeting on the 20 November 2016 that £1.3m of this amount should be allocated to fund additional non-recurrent expenditure.”

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

Contracts for Work

The Committee approved the public advertisement and delegated authority to the appropriate Director using pre-agreed criteria, to accept the most economically advantageous tenders, or month-by-month extensions for contracts under review and approve the extensions of contracts as set out below. The Committee agreed also to accede to Standing Order 62(a) Exceptions in Relation to Contracts by Direction of the Council acting on the recommendation of the Chief Officer that the exception was justified in special circumstances for the appointment of a consultant to support the alignment of the Belfast Rapid Transit Scheme with the emerging City narrative:

Appendix 1 - Schedule of tenders for consideration

Table 1 - New tenders

Title of tender Senior Responsible Proposed contract Officer duration

Provision of dog kennelling facilities Siobhan Toland 2 years with option to and related services extend for a further 2 Specialist lead with commercial Jill Minne 6 months assistance and negotiations in relation to employment support contracts Provision of a collections options Nigel Grimshaw 1 year report including TEEP assessment Electrical installation at City Hall Gerry Millar 3 months HAVC at City Hall Gerry Millar 3 months MTC for repair and maintenance of Gerry Millar 1 year with option to electrical services extend for a further 2 Minor electrical installations Gerry Millar 1 year MTC for building repair and Gerry Millar 1 year with option to maintenance extend for a further 2 MTC for roller shutter doors Gerry Millar 1 year with option to extend for a further 2

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Supply and delivery of uniforms Gerry Millar 1 year with option to extend for a further 2 Supply and delivery of footwear and Gerry Millar 1 year with option to gloves extend for a further 2 Provision of pest control for Parks Rose Crozier 1 year with option to extend for a further 2 Supply and delivery of play equipment Rose Crozier 1 year with option to extend for a further 2

Table 2 - Tenders justified by special circumstances

Title of tender Senior Responsible Proposed contract Officer duration

Appointment of a consultant to Donal Durkan 3 months support the emerging city narrative with the alignment of the Belfast Rapid Transit scheme

Table 3 - Tenders for extension of contract period on a month by month basis

Title of tender Director Responsible

Tender for provision of toilet hygiene and floor care services Gerry Millar Tender for provision of catering franchise at Belfast Castle Rose Crozier and Malone House Tender for recycling/treatment of various Council waste Nigel Grimshaw streams

Table 4 – Tenders awarded by Arc21 on behalf of the Council

Title of tender Senior Responsible Proposed contract Officer duration

Tender for the provision of a dry Nigel Grimshaw 1 year with the option material recovering facility to renew for a further 12 months

Allocation of Special Responsibility Allowance

The Committee was reminded that the Council had agreed to establish the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Limited Shareholders’ Committee and that would be effective from 1st March, 2016. In addition, the Council had previously

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agreed how the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) should be distributed to take account of those positions within the Council that attracted additional responsibility, such as the Chairpersons and the Deputy Chairpersons of the Standing Committees and Party Officers. With the establishment of the additional Standing Committee, the allocation of the Responsibility Allowance required to be reviewed. The Democratic Services Manager explained that, given that it was expected that the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Limited Shareholders’ Committee would only meet every other month, it was recommended that the SRA payable for the Chairperson of that Committee should be set at the same level as that for a Deputy Chairperson of one of the other Standing Committees, which meet monthly, and that the SRA payable to the Deputy Chairperson of that Committee should be set at 50% of the Chairperson’s allowance.

The Committee agreed to adopt the new Special Responsibility Allowance allocation with effect from 1st March, 2016 as set out below:

Appendix 1

Alternative Suggestion

Allocation of Special Responsibility Allowance – With Additional Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd Shareholders ‘Committee

Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons

Position Allowance Number of Total posts Chairpersons £6,580 5 £32,900 Deputy Chairpersons £3,300 5 £16,500 Chair BW&UH Cttee £3,300 1 £3,300 Dep Chair BW&UH Cttee £1,650 1 £1,650 Total £54,350

Political Party Officers Party Officer Basic Allocation £3,300 Remainder allocated to Political Party Leaders £188.59 per Member of the Party

Position Number Allocation Allocation Basic Total of per party per Party Allocation Members Member Strength

SF Party 19 £188.59 £3,583.21 £3,300 £6,883.21 Leader

SF Deputy £3,300 £3,300 Leader

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SF Secretary £3,300 £3,300

DUP Party 13 £188.59 £2,451.67 £3,300 £5,751.67 Leader

DUP Deputy £3,300 £3,300 Leader

DUP £3,300 £3,300 Secretary

Alliance Party 8 £188.59 £1,508.72 £3,300 £4,808.72 Leader

Alliance £3,300 £3,300 Deputy Leader

UUP Party 7 £188.59 £1,320.13 £3,300 £4,620.13 Leader

UUP Deputy £3,300 £3,300 Leader

SDLP Party 7 £188.59 £1,320.13 £3,300 £4,620.13 Leader

SDLP Deputy £3,300 £3,300 Leader

PUP Party 3 £188.59 £565.77 £3,300 £3,865.77 Leader

57 £42,900 £53,649.63

Total £107,999.63

Strategic Policy Development

Local Development Plan – Statement of Community Involvement

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 The Council is preparing the new Local Development Plan (LDP) for Belfast. The plan will set out development proposals for the period up to 2030.

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The purpose of the Belfast Local Development Plan is to:-

 Set out future land uses and how they will develop the City to 2030  Deliver sustainable development  Reflect local aspirations for the City  Provide a basis for rationale and consistent development  Guide growth and change  Show how and where change will occur

Section 4 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’) places a statutory duty upon the council to produce a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) which is a prerequisite for its commencement of the LDP. A SCI sets out when and how the City Council will engage the local community in both the preparation of planning policy and the determination of planning applications.

The 12 week public consultation exercise on the draft SCI expired on 31st December. The Council received 11 responses from a wide of interests ranging from Local Government, the wider economy, individuals, community/academic and businesses.

The SCI and summary of consultation response was presented to Planning Committee on 16th February 2016.

The purpose of this report is to seek approval of the draft SCI. The Committee is requested to consider and if appropriate approve the amended Statement of Community Involvement, a copy of which has been circulated. Subject to Committee agreement the draft SCI will be submitted to the Department of the Environment for approval before formal adoption.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1  Committee notes the comments received in response to the consultations and the proposed actions.  Committee considers the revised Statement of Community Involvement and approves the document for submission to the Department of the Environment for formal approval.

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3.0 Main report

Key Issues

3.1 The SCI explains how the Council will engage with the public on its principle statutory functions namely the preparation of the LDP and Community Plan, Development Management, Planning Enforcement and community involvement in Conservation Area and Simplified Planning Zone designation. The main issues raised through the consultations are summarised within the sections below.

3.2 Preparation of the LDP and Community Plan

A local development plan is made at different stages, each presenting opportunities for community involvement. Most of the respondents to the draft SCI had views of who should be included as consultees. In response to this Planning Service will set up a database of stakeholders for community involvement.

Respondents raised issues around the process of engagement. The format of community engagement will be established as the LDP plan process evolves and the stakeholders will be made aware of public events through public notices.

The timeline for consultation and engagement was queried in the responses. It should be noted that this is shown within the draft SCI and detailed in legislation. The indicative timeframe commences when it is published by Council and each stage details the actions of the Council in terms of inviting comments and engagement.

A number of respondents thought that the language of the SCI was difficult to understand and positive language would encourage engagement within the LDP process. In response further advice has been taken from Internal Communications team to ensure the content is clearly communicated and accessible.

Consultees also queried how the proposed LDP will fit with the community plan or Belfast Agenda. The draft SCI explains the statutory responsibility of the Council and the involvement that has been undertaken within the Belfast Conservation programme of engagement and

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explains that the community plan will provide the strategic context for the spatial plan.

3.3 Development Management

Some consultees raised issues regarding the advertising within the development management process and suggested alternatives. Current publicity is carried out in accordance with legislation and any future approach will reflect any changes that may be brought forward.

A point was raised regarding conflicts within the scheme of delegation however the scheme of delegation is approved by the Department of the Environment beyond the scope of the SCI.

It was also suggested that neighbours should be invited to attend pre-application discussions. Current legalisation requires applicants to inform and involve the community in discussion before submitting a major application which is stated in the SCI.

A consultee suggested explanation of what are material considerations and links to relevant policies. In the draft SCI it is clear which comments cannot be taken into account in determining a planning application.

3.4 Enforcement

A respondent raised a point that there should be proactive approaches to unauthorised development. The scope of this document regards community involvement in enforcement and the draft SCI encourages the community to report on works. A schedule of enforcement powers will be addressed in forthcoming Enforcement Strategy and therefore no additional information has been included regarding community involvement in enforcement.

3.5 Designation of Conservation Areas and Simplified Planning Zone

Consultees welcomed the inclusion of guidance in the draft SCI to involve the community in Conservation Areas designations.

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3.6 Financial & Resource Implications

This is a new element of work for the Planning Service and the impact of additional workload involved will be kept under review.

3.7 Equality or Good Relations Implications

The SCI has been developed in line with the Council’s equality and good relations frameworks and policies.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations and noted that a full copy of the consultation responses and the revised Statement of Community Involvement were available on the Council’s website.

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 8th February and adopted the recommendations in relation to the following:

Interfaces – Applications to the Department of Justice (DoJ)

The recommendation of the Partnership for the Committee to approve the 2016/2020 outline funding bid to the Department of Justice Committee, noting the caveat within the bid that any emerging Council initiatives would be subject to full political approval through the Council’s Committee structures.

Good Relations Action Plan 2016/17

The decision of the Partnership to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it approves the Good Relations Action Plan 2016/2017 for submission to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Diversity Working Group

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Diversity Working Group of 5th February and adopted the recommendations in relation to the following:

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ABF The Soldiers’ Charity – Centenary of the Battle of the Somme Event

The recommendation of the Working Group to approve the attendance of the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, the Chairperson of the Diversity Working Group and one representative from each of the Party Groupings or their nominees at the ‘Parting Glass’ concert on 7th May.

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Beacon

The recommendation of the Working Group that the Council participate in the tribute to mark the Queen’s 90th Birthday by the lighting of a beacon in the grounds of the City Hall and that an appropriate event would also be organised.

The Committee agreed also that a report be submitted to the People and Communities Committee outlining how the Queen’s 90th Birthday could be celebrated through the Parks Events Programme.

Request from Cumann Chluain Ard

The recommendation of the Working Group to host a series of three public lectures proposed by Cumann Chluain Ard in the City Hall, in March, 2016, subject to availability. The Group also agreed to support the cost of speakers’ fees and light refreshments up to £600 from the Good Relations budget.

Hosting of Poppy Sculptures

The Working Group agreed to submit an expression of interest in hosting the ‘Wave’ and ‘Weeping Window’ sculptures at the City Hall in 2017 and, if unsuccessful, to make a further submission for 2018, subject to a report being submitted to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee detailing the financial costing and options for the exhibition regarding duration, size, location, the potential external funding and possible visitor numbers.

In accordance with the Group’s decision, a further report providing details as outlined above was submitted to the Committee for consideration. In addition to the details which had been requested the additional report set out a number of options for the Committee as follows:

(1) to adopt the decision of the Working Group to submit an expression of interest form for the Council to host in the City Hall either the ‘Weeping Window’ or ‘Wave’ sculptures in 2017; or

(2) to support a request from the Belfast International Arts Festival for the Council to partner their bid to host the sculptures as part of the 2017 festival; or

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(3) to support a request from the Belfast International Arts Festival and for the Council to submit its own expression of interest form.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Kingston, Seconded by Councillor Kennedy,

That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendation of the Working Group, that is, option (1) and agrees also that the Belfast International Arts Festival be advised that the Council would be submitting its own bid and asking that organisation if it would wish to support the bid.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor McVeigh, Seconded by Councillor Hargey,

That the Committee agrees to adopt option (3).

On a vote by show of hands four Members voted for the amendment and ten against and it was declared lost.

The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Kingston and seconded by Councillor Kennedy was put to the meeting, with ten Members voting for and four against and it was declared carried.

The Committee agreed also that the decision in relation to the sculptures should not be subject to the Call-In process as there would not be sufficient time available for the completion of that process before the deadline for the submission.

Operational - Issues

Minutes of Meeting of Budget and Transformation Panel

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 11th February.

Requests for the Use of the City Hall and the Provision of Hospitality

The Committee approved the undernoted requests for the use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality:

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Appendix 1

Organisation/ Event/Date - Request Comments Recommendation Body Number of Delegates/Guests

Centre for Conference The use of the Delegates will be staying in The use of the City Secure Banquet for the City Hall and accommodation in Belfast Hall and the Information International the provision of and the Conference will take provision of Technologies Symposium for ICS hospitality in place within the city. hospitality in the and SCADA Cyber the form of a form of wine and Security Research, drinks This event would contribute soft drinks ICS-CSR2016 reception to the Council’s Key Theme of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Approximate cost 24th August, 2016 Fair, Together’. £400 Approximately 80attending

European Congress Gala The use of the Delegates will be staying in The use of the City Association of Dinner City Hall and accommodation in Belfast Hall and the Hospital the provision of and the Congress will take provision of Managers 29th September, hospitality in place within the city. hospitality in the 2017 the form of a form of wine and This event would contribute Approximately 400 drinks soft drinks reception to the Council’s Key Theme attending of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Approximate cost Fair, Together’. £500

Newstart Presentation and The use of This event will recognise the The use of the City Education Celebration of the City Hall achievements of the Hall and provision Centre Achievement and provision students of all ages from this of hospitality in the Night of hospitality cross-community form of tea/coffee in the form of organisation. It will provide and biscuits 27th April, 2016 tea/coffee the opportunity to celebrate and biscuits the hard work of the Approximate cost Approximately 100 £250 attending students during the past year, many of whom are from areas of great social deprivation and need. This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Theme 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.

NI4Kids Limited Ni4Kids Family The use of This event will recognise the The use of the City Awards 2016 the City Hall individuals and companies Hall and provision and provision who constantly strive to of hospitality in the 27th June, 2016 of hospitality improve the lives of families form of tea/coffee Approximately 250 in the form of with young children. Among and biscuits attending tea/coffee the awards presented will and biscuits be: Family Visitor Attraction Approximate cost of the Year; Primary School £625

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Teacher of the Year; Family Support Organisation of the Year; and Family Event of the Year. The individual family member award categories are an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievements in overcoming adversity and dedication by individuals to their families. This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Theme 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.

Ulster Branch Belfast City ITF The use of the The Ulster Branch of Tennis The use of the City Tennis Ireland Junior Tournament City Hall Ireland recently received a Hall 2016 Celebratory grant from the Council’s Event Development Department to provide hospitality in the City 27th July, 2016 Hall. This event will Approximately 205 celebrate the achievements attending of their junior members throughout the past year and promote Belfast regionally and internationally in terms of sport and tourism. Approximately 130 athletes and their families will be travelling from across Europe and the USA and will be staying in accommodation within the city for up to 6 nights. This event will contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City leadership – Strong, Fair, Together’, Better Care for Belfast’s Environment’, Better Opportunities for Success Across the City’ and ‘Better Support for People and Communities’.

Northern Ireland 125th Anniversary The use of This event will celebrate the The use of the City Football League Dinner the City Hall 125th anniversary of the Hall and the and the Northern Ireland Football provision of 7th May, 2016 provision of League and will hospitality in the Approximately 350 hospitality in acknowledge its contribution form of a drinks attending the form of a to the City. The event will reception drinks highlight the work of the league in promoting football Approximate cost

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reception as an opportunity to build £500 bridges and bring people together. Through its various programmes it encourages healthy eating and is involved in various charitable endeavours. This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Fair, Together’ and ‘Better opportunities for success across the city’.

Ulster Journals Ulster Tatler 50th The use of This event will celebrate the The use of the City Limited Anniversary the City Hall 50th Anniversary of the Hall and the Awards 2016 and the Ulster Tatler and its provision of provision of contribution to highlighting hospitality in the 15th September, hospitality in the City’s civic dignitaries form of wine and 2016 the form of a through extensive coverage soft drinks Approximately 360 drinks of their wok in its pages. reception Approximate cost attending The awards ceremony will £500 recognise those individuals who have excelled in their chosen field and will acknowledge those individuals who have demonstrated significant achievement in categories such as Business Man/ Woman of the Year, Arts Personality of the Year and Hotelier/Publican of the Year. The event will also pay tribute to an individual by way of the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ previous receipients have been Michael Longley, Barry McGuigan, Dame Mary Peters, Sir James Galway, Brian Friel, Phil Coulter, Gloria Hunniford and Terri Hooley. This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Fair, Together’ and ‘Better opportunities for success across the city’.

Arellian Arellian The use of This event will seek to The use of the City Association Association the City Hall celebrate the centenary of Hall and the Centenary Gala and the the Arellian Association and provision of Ball provision of will acknowledge its hospitality in the hospitality in contribution to the City form of a drinks 12th May, 2017 the form of a through its charitable work,

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Approximately 100 drinks its support for the Arellian reception attending reception Nursery School (the first of its kind in Ireland) and Approximate cost funding of bursaries for £500 students in the City. This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City Leadership – Strong, Fair, Together’ and ‘Better opportunities for success across the city’.

Royal British 25th Anniversary The use of This event will celebrate the The use of the City Legion Celebration the City Hall 25th anniversary of the Hall and the and the veterans’ association and provision of 24th June, 2017 provision of recognise the hospitality in the Approximately 350 civic accomplishments of the form of a drinks attending hospitality in organisation and of its reception the form of a membership. drinks Approximate cost reception Approximately 100 members £500 and their families will be staying in accommodation within the city for two nights. This event will contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘Better Support for Belfast’s Environment’ and ‘Better Support for People and Communities’.

Consultation on the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure’s Sub Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer

The Committee considered the undernoted report and approved the draft response as set out in appendix 1:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 The purpose of this report is to make Members aware of the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure’s (DCAL) consultation on the Sub-regional stadia programme for soccer and to seek Members’ approval of the Council’s draft response.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are ask to consider the draft response and approve its submission to the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, subject to any comments or amendment provided, with the proviso that the response is subject to full Council approval at its meeting in March 2016.

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3.0 Key Issues

3.1 Background

In 2011, the Northern Ireland Executive endorsed an investment of circa £36 million for the proposal that the remaining football stadia development at sub-regional level should be taken forward as a priority area of spend in the next comprehensive spending review period. At this time, the Executive agreed to :

‘...meet the strategic needs of football including those outlined in the Irish Football Association’s paper entitled ‘Strategic Facility Need’ (March 2011).

3.2 DCAL are currently undertaking a consultation on their Sub-regional stadia programme for soccer and the consultation closes on the 22 February 2016. A copy of the consultation document has been circulated and the key points are outlined below. The rationale for investment in the Sub Regional Stadia Programme arises from:

 The Executive’s Programme for Government (PFG), building specifically on the PFG commitment to develop sports stadia;  Individual clubs and/or sporting bodies not having the financial resources to make the scale of investment needed;  Achieving the positive externalities of increased participation in sport and physical recreation and improved sporting performances, through the provision of quality, accessible places for sport as set out in Sports Matters the Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation 2009 – 2019; and

A requirement to ensure compliance with safety legislation, and the need to address comfort and amenities of stadia.

3.3 Summary of the consultation document

The proposed programme has a £36m budget over 5 strands as outlined below. There is a 20% partnership funding required for applications within all strands.

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Strand 1: Safe Stadia (£10m)

Development of safe stadia for high level competition

 Earmarked for redevelopment of the Oval with Glentoran FC  Venue must be capable of hosting fixtures of 6,000-8,000 capacity

Strand 2: Significant Sub-Regional Stadia (£17m)

Provide stadia that can offer quality football and community facilities to bring in revenues to club tenants to make football more sustainable

 Designated venues only and must be capable of hosting fixtures of 5,000 capacity  IFA affiliated club or venue in NI hosting IFA, NIFL or UEFA fixtures  Maximum award £3m

Strand 3: IFA Championship Clubs (£3m)

Provide safety provision at soccer venues not designated under the Safety of Sports Grounds (NI) Order

 Maximum award £500,000  IFA affiliated club or venue in NI hosting IFA, NIFL or UEFA fixtures

Strand 4: National Training Centre (£3m)

Creation of a purpose built flagship National Training Centre to nurture local talent

 Maximum award £3m and minimum site requirement is 20 acres

Strand 5: Intermediate and Junior Football (£3m) (single high quality facility)

Funding via targeted programmes in partnership with councils, schools, colleges to deliver key sporting centres in local communities at intermediate and junior level

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 Maximum award £3m  There must be a partnership working agreement between the venue owner and IFA member club(s)

3.4 Draft response

A copy of the draft response to the consultation is attached as Appendix 1 and a summary of the key issues are outlined below. As the closing date for responses is prior to the March Council meeting it is proposed that the response, subject to any comments or amendments from Members, be submitted with the caveat that it is still subject to ratification at the full Council meeting.

3.5 The response states that the Council welcomes the programme and believes that its strategic objectives (as laid out at 5.2 of the consultation document) can help the Council achieve its own objectives as laid out in the Corporate Plan, and in particular, the investment under the Leisure Transformation Programme and the Playing Pitches Strategy.

However several implementation issues have been identified and Council has asked for early dialogue with the Department to discuss how these can be addressed and the impact of the programme maximised.

3.6 Financial & Resource Implications

At this point it is not possible to quantify what, if any, financial implications this programme may have for the Council. Clarification around match funding will be sought from the Department and Committee will be updated as required.

3.7 Asset and Other Implications

At this point it is not possible to quantify what the impact on Council assets will be but it is likely that clubs who currently use Council facilities will make applications to this programme and this will have an impact on Council assets. Committee will be kept updated and appropriate authority sought where required.

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3.8 Equality or Good Relations Implications

There are no relevant equality considerations associated with the delivery of the programme for the Council at this time. DCAL has completed an equality screening exercise.”

“Appendix 1

Belfast City Council’s response to consultation on the sub regional stadia programme for soccer

Belfast City Council welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure’s (DCAL) draft sub regional stadia programme for soccer. There is significant strategic fit between the Department’s objectives for the programme, and the Council’s corporate objectives including our commitment to:

 serve and represent citizens and communities and to ensure the provision of the best possible, value for money services for local people, communities and businesses.  provide and grow strong, fair and trusted leadership for the city to drive growth and provide opportunities for citizens.  work with those who want to improve the competitiveness of the city and to improve life for people and communities.

Through the Belfast Agenda, we want to work with our partners to deliver change in the city and deliver economic, social and environmental benefits.

The Council through its Playing Pitches Strategy (2011-2021) is committed to making sure that future pitch provision meets the needs of the city and is protected for future generations. The aim of the strategy is to improve health and wellbeing in Belfast by providing adequate outdoor sports facilities and, working with partners, seek to maximise the provision and use of safe, accessible and quality outdoor leisure facilities.

Under the Council’s Leisure Transformation Programme, we have committed to a £105m investment in sports and leisure facilities in the city. This includes a new leisure facility at Olympia, connected to the Department’s investment in the Windsor stadium development.

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We would particularly welcome discussion on potential co- investment in the proposed Regional Training Centre. The Council has secured its financing package and there are concrete opportunities to be examined in terms of match funding and optimising the investment on both the part of the Department and the Council.

We also welcome the emphasis on developing safer and more family orientated facilities, increasing participation levels, developing shared sustainable facilities and promoting equality and tackling poverty and social exclusion. There are a number of key principles for the Council’s Leisure Transformation Programme, which chime with the Department’s Programme, namely:

 Focus on health and well-being outcomes: work with others to improve the health of the population by enabling more people to be more active, more often;  More than sport: contribute to wider social, environmental and economic regeneration outcomes, linked to the Council’s emerging community plan; and  Partnership: flexible to maximise strategic opportunities in the city, working collaboratively.

We believe that the Council and the Department should seek to maximise the synergies between their respective implementation programmes where possible, so as to create the maximum benefit for both the city and the region. For example as part of the Windsor stadium investment, the Department, Council and the Irish Football Association to have developed an innovative community benefits partnership to sustain the legacy of the physical investment. This aims to develop and maintain Windsor as a safe and shared space, with a variety of programmes over a ten year period to promote volunteering, good relations and physical activity.

Specific implementation issues

1. In the consultation document, it highlights a number of implementation issues upon which we would welcome early dialogue with the Department to explore how these could be addressed and to maximise the impact of this programme. These issues are outlined below:

2. In relation to Strand 1, the safety at Sports Grounds awards of up to £500K will likely prompt applications from clubs on Council sites to seek relevant tenure and there may also be opportunities that result in clubs seeking land from the Council. The Council will in due

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course develop policy positions on both these issues and it would be useful to have discussions with Department to help us inform these.

Under Strand 4, the consultation document refers to the potential redevelopment of the Oval as being suitable for delivery of the National Training Centre. Whilst we warmly welcome the indication to locate the National Training Centre in Belfast, we would need discussion on incorporating King George V Playing Fields, as there may be potential issues.

One of these is in relation to the delivery of title to a third party on this land as there is a Deed of Dedication with Fields in Trust on this site. Whilst this may not be insurmountable, the options around transfer would have to be investigated and we would welcome a discussion with DCAL around this. The site has also been considered as a potential location for a new Waste Water Pumping Station for East Belfast and there is potential that part of the site would be used for a new road junction as part of the Titanic Quarter development. Again discussions would be required with the relevant bodies to discuss these plans and potential impacts on the redevelopment of this site.

To emphasise, the Council strongly believes that it could be advantageous for the city to be the home of the National Training Centre, given its population density, health inequalities, and better overall connectivity and accessibility for participants and clubs. To enable this investment, we would suggest that joint work between the Department and the Council is required to identify a viable, suitable and available site for approximately 20 acres.

3. In relation to Strand 5, there are several intermediate and junior clubs who currently use Belfast City Council facilities. Clarity is required around who the Department expects the applicant to be for this strand – will it be the club using the facility; or the facility owner? It highlights the need to provide the 20% match funding. The Council does have several funding streams that could potentially link in with the Department’s programme. It would be helpful to discuss with the Department the availability of Council funding within the life of this programme and to ensure that if it is club’s who are expected to be the applicant, that expectations are effectively managed and met.

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4. The consultation document outlines that the projects must be completed by March 2018. Based on our experience of delivering capital build programmes we would have concerns that this is not a sufficiently long time period in which to develop bigger construction projects from a standing start in 2016. We would estimate that design, planning, procurement and construction could take two years and this is on the assumption that the applicant already has security of tenure. Land issues could stretch this out considerably, and the grant application process would also add to the timeframe. We would suggest therefore that March 2018 is optimistic and that the deadline for completion should be extended.

5. The consultation document highlights that applicants will be expected to demonstrate ownership of the venue under a lease with a minimum of 10 or 20 years unexpired (depending on nature of works and amount of grant). Whilst security of tenure is clearly an important issue, Belfast City Council would suggest that funding is granted on the basis that either security of tenure is already in place or there is a firm commitment/evidence that security of tenure will be granted upon the award of any grant money e.g. an Agreement for Lease or similar.

Many organisations and land owners will not wish to enter into any leasing arrangement or acquisition for disposal of assets in advance of grant money being made available. In the absence of funding, the assets may represent a liability to particular groups and it may be inadvisable both on the part of the group and also the land owner to enter into any long term leasing arrangement in the absence of funding which could be key to the sustainability of the asset.

6. We would also suggest that Annex 1: Irish Football Association “Strategic Facility Need” (March 2011) would need to be revisited as there have been developments in relation to some of the sites referenced in it over the intervening period. Notably, the document refers to Giant’s Park in North Belfast. The Council would point out that areas of this site on the North Foreshore are currently being developed including a 30 acre Cleantech Hub.

Discussions are ongoing re the further development of the site. There is still a possibility that part of the site

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may become available for development for leisure use but no position has been agreed at this point. We are also aware that there are ongoing discussions around other potential stadia developments across the city and the document may need to be updated in the future to reflect these.

Conclusion

In summary, the Council broadly supports the objectives of the sub regional stadia programme and look forward to working with the Department to bring forward these investments in the city.”

Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland – Consultation Response

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 To update the Committee on proposals from the Department of the Environment (DoE) contained within the ‘Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland’ consultation and to present a draft response for the Council.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is requested to:

 consider the options for future environmental governance and regulation outlined in this consultation exercise and;  agree the draft response on behalf of the Council which recognises that Option B for the establishment of an independent environment agency is the most promising at this time.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland Discussion Document

The Do E last sought the views of key stakeholders on the issue of environmental governance in August 2011. At this time, although most respondents were in favour of creating an independent environmental protection agency, the political support for such a change was not there. Instead the Northern Ireland Environment

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Agency (NIEA) continued as an executive function of the DoE and a review was undertaken resulting in a programme of initiatives and reforms.

3.2 Late last year, Minister Durkan made it clear that he supports the formation of an independent environment agency and believes that the time is right to reopen this debate particularly in light of central government restructuring which is due to be conducted in 2016. The Consultation opened on 30 November 2015.

The full consultation can be found at:

https://www.doeni.gov.uk/consultations/environmental- governance-discussion-paper

3.3 It is expected that in 2016 most of the DoE functions will transfer to the new Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department of Infrastructure & Communities. The consultation paper highlights four main drivers which could prompt a change in the environmental governance arrangements for NI:

Environmental Justice

3.4 To ensure that the principles of social justice, equality and a healthy environment for all are delivered. The paper cites that health and wellbeing are linked to the environment in which people live and the lifestyles that they lead. It proposes that statutory powers available to an independent environment agency could be used to ensure that no social group should suffer a disproportionate burden of poor environmental conditions and that, where possible, the quality of life of communities is enhanced.

The Economy

3.5 To ensure that the NI economy continues to emerge successfully from the recession, it will be necessary to promote technologies, sectors and industries which can thrive. The paper highlights the need to work more effectively within constrained resources in order to protect and enhance the environment. It suggests that an independent environment agency would be able to deliver an improved environmental regulation regime more attractive to business and, in doing so, positively contribute in delivering a better economy.

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Expectations and Opportunities of Devolution

3.6 The paper recognises that a high quality environment is an important factor in encouraging investment, boosting tourism and improving the quality of life for everyone. It highlights that people expect the Assembly to provide strong leadership on the environment and to provide a high standard of environmental governance and recognises that the proposed reorganisation of the Executive represents an opportunity to review current arrangements and ensure that the most effective governance arrangements are put in place.

Collaborations with Other Jurisdictions

3.7 Most environmental issues are of a trans-boundary nature and many have a global scope that can only be addressed effectively through international co- operation. As one of six priority areas in the United Nations Environment Programme, environmental governance is described as promoting informed decision-making to enhance global and regional environmental cooperation. Environmental protection is now established as a key area of co-operation under the North South Ministerial Council arrangements. The British-Irish Council has also included the environment in its list of priorities to examine and develop policies for co-operation. The paper identifies benefits of a shared approach with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales such as improving local environmental expertise and a consistent approach to environmental regulation and enforcement across the jurisdictions.

Benefits

3.8 The paper suggests that an independent Environment Agency in NI would contribute the following benefits:

 Positive impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, environmental quality, sustainability and economic competitiveness.  Greater flexibility to make the changes necessary to speed up decisions and actions.  An increase in NI’s environmental credentials.  A catalyst for bringing about behavioural change.

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 A degree of protection from future financial constraints.  Opportunities to raise income  Better regulation principles moving environmental regulation away from the political arena.  Management of activities against clear performance metrics and tailored funding to reflect the level of activity.  The potential to recover the full costs of regulatory activity from sources such as charging schemes, costs for licences, permits etc.

3.9 The comments and proposals contributed by officers in various parts of the Council indicate that there is technical merit in the Council supporting the formation of an independent Environment Agency for NI. The appended draft response outlines the preferred option for the Council and includes some additional issues for consideration by the DoE.

Options

3.10 Four options are presented regarding the formation of an independent environment agency for NI.

3.11 Option A : Maintaining the Status Quo

An internal restructuring of the NIEA is underway and will likely become part of the new Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) but there would be no further action. This is expected to be the lowest cost option.

3.12 Option B: NIEA functions to transfer to an independent environment agency.

This would allow powers to be exercised in a transparent and accountable manner but certain functions would be unsuitable for transfer because they are associated with core DoE functions.

3.13 Option C: Full reorganisation of the NIEA’s remit including the transfer of significant responsibilities from other Departments.

This would separate policy-making from regulation and provide more comprehensive protection of the

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environment. Given the potential costs involved, it may prove difficult to achieve in the short to medium term.

3.14 Option D: Create a regulation-oriented independent environmental protection agency with a regulatory/enforcement role, and with policy-making remaining with the government.

This new organisation would be primarily funded by grant-in-aid from the DOE, with any shortfall being raised through the retention of application fees, inspection fees and cost recovery from enforcement.

3.15 Resource Implications

There are no resource implications for the Council arising from this report.

Primary legislation will be required in order to establish a new agency, to set out the powers and functions of the new agency; and to set out general financial arrangement. A transition from employment in the DOE to employment in a new independent agency is likely to have an impact on staff and they may have concerns over pay, job security, pension and terms and conditions. In most cases, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) will apply.

3.16 Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for the Council arising from this report.

All new scenarios (B, C and D) would involve significant set up costs (up to £3.2m) and annual running costs (up to £4m). Option B would have the lowest establishment costs, with Option D (regulation-oriented) costing slightly more and Option C (full reorganisation) slightly more again. In light of the current austerity programme, and concerns about the financial stability of any agency, Option B is the most promising option at this time.

3.17 Equality Implications

There are no equality implications associated with the response to this consultation. However any equality

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issues arising following a decision about the chosen option will be considered in due course.”

“Appendix 1

Draft response on the DOE Discussion Document on ‘Environmental Governance in NI’.

The Council welcomes the opportunity to respond to the discussion document on ‘Environmental Governance in NI’.

The Council is broadly in support of the creation of an independent environment protection agency for NI as it believes that clear and consistent enforced environmental standards and efficient regulatory processes are essential to sustaining and improving quality of life for all people living in, working in and visiting NI.

The Council however would like to take this opportunity to highlight that, in the past, there have been issues in engaging with the NIEA when the Council has been acting as a Developer and it is likely that the Council would caveat its support for an independent environment protection agency if its reconfiguration resulted in further difficulties or restrictions which increased difficulty in delivering development projects.

It is the Council’s considered opinion that the NIEA could contribute more fully by focusing on working with the DOE to ensure that an effective legislation framework is introduced to manage environmental matters.

A particular example which is of relevance for the Council presently is the matter of contaminated land and the current situation which it now finds itself in where significant portions of the Waste & Contaminated Land Order have not yet commenced, but from which the NIEA have tried to manage the current situation ‘through the back door’ as a consultee responding to either the DOE Planning Service or councils on relevant applications.

Returning specifically to the Discussion Document, the Council considers that an independent Agency could rationalise environmental tasks and prioritise their management in order to protect people, wildlife, eco-systems and our environment and this could potentially be achieved more efficiently within an independent Agency when compared with the present system. The Council recognises that while environmental issues are increasing in both intensity and awareness, the economic climate is also changing. This is being demonstrated by Governments which are increasingly

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aware that improving the natural environment and growing the economy are not mutually exclusive and that a healthy and productive environment is essential to future prosperity. A reorganisation of current environmental regulation to create an independent Agency could also enable implementation of ‘Better Regulation’ principles and result in an overall more efficient and effective, streamlined system. In such a circumstance, the Council would request that consideration also be given to ensuring that quicker decision-making and more timely responses were forthcoming. In addition to its responsibilities as a regulator protecting NI’s environment, an independent Agency could play an important educational and improvement role in highlighting the importance of environmental protection and in promoting the economic and social benefits associated with preserving, protecting and improving our environment. Better environmental regulation not only supports jobs and contributes to sustainable development but can also add value to the NI economy particularly, for example, through tourism – locally and beyond.

The core proposal within the discussion document is to establish an independent Agency but only for the natural environment. Notwithstanding the proposals within the current NICS Restructuring Programme, the Council considers that if regulation of the natural and built environments is separated, it could differentially diminish the effectiveness of the protection and management of the built environment, just at a time when economic development is increasing. Good governance could mitigate development risk to NI’s built heritage to maximise long- term social and economic benefit, while also enhancing NI’s historic past. Furthermore, this separation is likely to reduce protection of the natural environment by weakening the Agency’s appreciation of historical context in decision-making.

Similarly, NI’s urban landscape is largely overlooked in the discussion document even though its importance is acknowledged in sections 3.1 and 3.9. The Council would draw attention to the “poor environments particularly in urban areas (where the majority of people live and/or spend their time)” which it believes cannot be seen purely in terms of pollution but should include the built fabric which makes up towns and cities. It is increasingly recognised that a mix of buildings of all periods is part of encouraging and developing the ‘sense of place’ referenced in 3.9. Urban areas contain large areas which are extremely important to the natural ecosystem, primarily private gardens and public parks, plus luminal areas of undeveloped space. All these have to be seen and managed in the context of built structures and could not be regulated as ‘natural environment’ with taking into account built structures and human design and, in this regard, the Council is not

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in favour of the current proposals to reposition regulation of the built environment to the Department for Communities.

Otherwise, the discussion document proposes four options:

Option A: An internal restructuring of the NIEA Option B: All current NIEA functions transfer to an independent Agency Option C: Full reorganisation Option D: A regulation-focused independent Environmental Protection Agency

The Council considers that at this time, with the various pressures facing NI, Option B is the most realistic option and that the creation of an independent Agency would bring NI in line with good practice for environmental governance, along with not only our neighbouring jurisdictions but also with the rest of Europe. Every other jurisdiction in Great Britain, Ireland and Europe has some form of independent environment body involved in governance and/or regulation. Over the years, this approach has demonstrated the advantages of separating the roles and responsibilities of central government departments responsible for environmental matters from those responsible for implementing protection and regulatory responsibilities.

In NI, independence in environmental governance would enable decision-making to be made without undue political influence and that the environment is more consistently regulated. Bringing NI in line with its neighbouring jurisdictions should also make it easier for the environmental agencies to work together in developing and adapting best available practices.

Independence in environmental governance should also create greater trust both from the public and those being regulated. In 2013, the Mills report was commissioned by the DOE to investigate the illegal dumping of almost one million tonnes of waste in Mobuoy, County Londonderry. This highlighted serious problems across the waste sector in NI and, given the scale of these problems, it recommended a series of steps to ensure that a regulatory system was established that both the public and the waste and other industries in NI could have confidence in.

As an example of the types of issues facing some of the regulated sectors, the Mills report highlighted that waste management in NI risks being exposed to criminal infiltration. It emphasised that the punishment for illegal waste activities rarely fits the crime, making the waste industry attractive and vulnerable to criminals who can profit with relative impunity. The report recognised that dealing with the consequences of waste crime is

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costly and unsustainable for NI as well as highlighting that a more efficient and effective regulatory strategy is needed to prevent abuse and criminality in the first place through better inspection and enforcement to deter criminals entering the industry.

A further point worth raising is that the levels of fines being issued in the NI courts for environmental offences are rarely high and neither reflect the seriousness of the offences committed, nor act a sufficient deterrent. This latter point was covered in a recent report (ENDS Report 478, December 2014) which identified that fines for environmental crime in NI are not effective and have fallen as a deterrent in comparison to England and Wales where tough new sentencing guidelines have been introduced.

Since July 2014, new Sentencing Council guidelines have been used by the courts in England and Wales to sentence offending individuals and organisations and the range of fines now in place has increased and proportionality applied to ensure that regulation of the environment increases in importance and profile. In NI, an independent Agency would benefit from adopting the same approach although in-house expertise would be needed to determine between serious intentional non‐compliances and accidental breaches. The paper highlights that a tactical approach to deter and disrupt environmentally damaging activity by organisations and individuals would be recommended. Higher fines for non‐compliance could be used to as an effective deterrent without the need to increase administrative burdens and this approach would create a fairer system, better reflecting the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

Inversely, those complying with environmental standards should face reduced costs. Under 4.6 of the consultation document, there is reference to ‘recover full costs of its regulatory activity from sources such as charging schemes, costs for licences, permits etc’ but, given the number of Council premises inspected by the NIEA presently, we would welcome greater detail on how this proposal may apply in practice.

The Council would consider it unrealistic to simply increase charges for those organisations already complying with environmental regulations and standards and that any changes to the fees/charging mechanism needs to be balanced on the basis of minimising the burden borne by businesses and SMEs. Given the costs that many organisations are currently facing, for example technical competence under the Duty of Care Regulations, budgets for many within the waste industry are under pressure and there would be concerns if compliant organisations were to be the main focus for cost recovery for any Agency budgetary shortfalls. In

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addition, if too high, the costs involved could act as a barrier for start-ups entering the waste industry.

A potential solution could be for the Department of Justice to work with the DOE/DAERA to introduce and apply the new Sentencing Council guidelines mentioned above and ensure that any proceeds of crime were appropriately re-apportioned to the Agency. The costs of an independent Agency could be offset against the full direct and indirect benefits that the environment provides, including products such as food and water, regulation of floods, soil erosion and non material benefits such as recreational activities. Further revenue could be generated for the Agency if the operating model used by the DHSSPS in supporting the Regulatory and Quality Improvement Agency (RQIA) was followed to undertake specific investigations above the regulatory function.

Over the past decade, environmental protection in NI has changed as different approaches were tried. This is again likely to move with the creation of DAERA. As the Mills report highlighted above, the Regulatory Service in the NIEA should change in order to become more integrated and adaptive but, in order to achieve this, sufficient resources need recruited and retained to ensure that regulation can match the scale of the challenge, especially in waste in NI which was identified as ‘underperforming’.

The opportunity now exists to redefine the role of the NIEA as independent from DAERA but whichever governance option is chosen, the new Agency must be properly resourced in terms of finance, staff and expertise. Under the current VES, the Council would recommend that any independent environment protection agency introduces appropriate succession planning to ensure that disruption to service delivery is kept to a minimum. Also, as per the RQIA, an independent Agency could provide independent and scientifically‐based advice to decision makers and the political process on a specific chargeable basis, and such an agency could provide a valuable consultee function. As the DOE currently has responsibility for both policy and regulation, this is not currently possible.

The discussion document covers a range of prospective areas which the NIEA has responsibility for but the Council is aware that there are other aspects of regulation which would benefit from being considered in any review of purpose. For example, although there is reference to Ecosystem Management as one of the priority areas within the United Nations Environment Programme, the present document makes little reference to ecosystem services. The Council would consider that whichever option is ultimately selected, it must focus on managing ecosystems rather than focusing on issues (i.e. the consequences of mis-management of

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our ecosystems) as this will fundamentally lead to resource and time inefficiency with reduced environmental benefits by being reactive as opposed to proactive.

In light of the technical consideration of the options presented, the Council would favour a full re-organisation of the NIEA – Option C but we appreciate that this may prove difficult to deliver within the current economic and political climate. Consequently, a regulatory- oriented independent Agency – Option B, would be the next best option and is likely to prove more feasible at this time.

All the options presented would involve additional set-up costs as well as on-going running costs and, given the comments above, establishing the key functions of this agency would need to be identified and consulted upon as part of the necessary legislative process which should also allow for future transitions to enable further reorganisations as the NI environment changes which may led to Option C in the longer-term.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations and noted that a full copy of the draft Council response was available on the Council’s website.

DHSSPS Health and Social Care: Reform and Transformation – Getting the Structures Right Consultation Response

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of the report is to:

 Update Members on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s (DHSSPS) consultation on the administrative structures for Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland and seek their approval for the attached high level response which has been submitted to the department subject to Committee approval.  The report also makes a proposal in respect of taking forward Cllr Attwood’s previous notice of motion in respect of health scrutiny.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to:

 Consider and approve the response to the consultation.

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 Consider and approve the recommendation that a proposal is put to the People and Communities Committee that it invite the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to a special meeting to discuss issues such as accountability and transparency in the light of proposed structural changes and the council’s role in community planning and improving well- being in the city.

3.0 Key issues

3.1 On 4 November 2015, following the Donaldson Report and DHSSPS’s Review of Commissioning, the Health Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA, announced his intention to reform the administrative structures for Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland to ‘make them more streamlined and reduce complexity’. The consultation on the reform of the HSC structures was launched on 15 December 2015. The consultation document is based mainly upon the findings of Sir Liam Donaldson’s report, ‘The Right Time, the Right Place’ and the Department’s own review of commissioning.

3.2 As part of the reform work, it is proposed that the Health and Social Care Board should cease to exist in its current form and its functions should transfer either to the Department, the Public Health Agency, or to the Health and Social Care Trusts.

3.3 The letter states that the intention is to ‘create a system where the Department has firmer, more strategic control of the Health and Social Care system, where the Public Health Agency continues to focus on early intervention and prevention and where Health and Social Care Trusts are given greater operational freedom and flexibility in terms of the services they provide to their communities.’

3.4 To facilitate the consultation process, DHSSPS developed a response template which included 7 specific questions seeking feedback on the Minister’s recommendations. Officers have provided a high level response which covers the following key points:

 health and social care is a complex system which faces a number of challenges;

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 reducing health inequalities and improving health outcomes for citizens is a key issue for elected Members and an emerging priority within the Belfast Agenda (the city’s community plan);  The council is increasingly taking an outcomes- based approach in the way it plans services, programmes and investment and is supportive of approaches that ensure health planning focuses on patient needs and outcomes rather than structures;  Belfast City Council is committed to work in partnership to address the issue of health inequalities and its complex determinants.

3.5 The eight week consultation closed at 5pm on 12 February 2016, consequently officers have forwarded the attached response to the Department with the caveat that it is subject to ratification by the SP&R Committee and the Council.

3.7 Notice of Motion – Health Scrutiny Committee

At the Shadow Council meeting of 9th September 2014, Cllr Attwood moved a notice of motion that the council...’notes with deep concern the potential cuts facing the health service which will affect the most vulnerable sections of our community and which may put people’s lives at risk. The Shadow Council recognises the dedication of our health service workers in hospitals, in the community and in social care and who provide excellent services to patients in difficult financial circumstances. Accordingly, the Shadow Council agrees to consider the establishment of a Health Scrutiny Committee in Belfast to monitor and scrutinise the impact of health service cuts and to engage with the Belfast Health and Social Services Trust, health unions and health professionals to protect the health service in Belfast’.

This issue was referred to the Shadow Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for consideration and it was agreed that a further report would be brought back to Committee on this issue.

3.8 As Members are aware, tacking health inequalities and improving health outcomes are key elements of the emerging Belfast Agenda. As the Belfast Agenda is finalised it will be important for Members to engage with community planning partners in order to determine

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the best approach to ensuring health outcomes for the city are achieved and the governance around this. This process will gain momentum in the coming months as the Belfast Agenda is finalised and plans for delivery are put in place; however, developments such as the proposed of Health and Social Care Structures provide an important opportunity for focused engagement with health bodies around Members’ desire to improve health and well-being and issues such as ensuring accountability and transparency in future structures. The engagement would also be helpful in building relationships for the multi-agency approach required to tackle the many factors that limit health and well-being for people in Belfast. The complex structures for Community Planning are still being worked through and both the People and Communities Committee and the City Growth and Regeneration Committee are now regularly meeting with other service providers in the city as part of a more joined up approach. It is therefore proposed that as a first step a report is brought to the People and Communities Committee, asking the committee to invite representatives of the Department of HSSPS and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to a special meeting to discuss these issues and consider the most effective approach to future engagement and collaboration.

3.9 Financial Implications

There are no specific financial or resource implications.

3.10 Equality and Good Relations Implications

There are no specific equality or good relations implications.”

ANSWERS TO CONSULTATION QUESTIONS – BCC RESPONSE IN BOLD

I. LESS RED TAPE

‘The administration of Health and Social Care suffers from a common Northern Ireland public sector problem. It is too big. It is too bureaucratic and it doesn’t deliver best value.’

There is a perception that the current administrative structures carry too much complexity and have too many layers of authority. Those working within the system feel that the number of stages in decision making, often involving several bodies, can slow things up and may make the whole system less responsive.

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This has caused some frustrations among staff and managers across the system, many of whom feel the emphasis has been placed more on transactions rather than enabling transformation.

Q. Do you agree that there is too much complexity in the current system and that it is not working to its optimum capacity?

 Belfast City Council recognises the dedication of our health service workers in hospitals, in the community and in social care and who provide excellent services to patients in difficult financial circumstances.  Belfast City Council has identified the need to reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes as one of the key priorities within its emerging community plan – ‘the Belfast Agenda’. Fit for purpose health structures will be vital to delivering better health outcomes, as will a system that works effectively in partnership to address the complex determinants of health and ensure that there is effective early intervention and prevention.  The council is increasingly taking an outcomes-based approach in the way it plans services, programmes and investment and is supportive of approaches and systems that ensure health planning focuses on patient needs and outcomes rather than structures. An effective system should:  be responsive to the needs of patients;  bring clarity to accountability and responsibility across the various organizations;  ensure strong and effective communication across the various part of the system, including effective engagement with stakeholders and  have the well-being of local people and communities as its key focus.

II. MORE RESPONSIVE TO INNOVATION ‘Essentially it has been a model that controls and constrains, rather than one that supports an exceptionally talented and committed group of professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland.’

The Review of Commissioning identified that the complexity of the current structures may have had a negative impact on reform and innovation by making it more difficult to implement meaningful change.

We need to achieve a more sustainable balance between overall strategic direction and operational practice. We believe the proposed reforms would enable the HSC to focus more on care delivery and reform, rather than getting caught up

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with oversight and process. Removing a layer of bureaucracy would also help to speed up decision making and allow the overall system to become more responsive.

Q. Do you share the Minister’s view that the system needs to be better at enabling and supporting innovation?

Q. Would reduced bureaucracy in terms of HSC structures allow the system to respond more quickly to changing demands?

 The challenges facing the health sector and the complexity of the issues to be addressed mean that enabling innovation and improvement should be a key focus of reform. This is particularly true given the pace of change in medical treatments and technologies.  The council welcomes consideration of innovative approaches which empower patients and staff to play an active role in improving health outcomes. This innovation must take place in a way that ensures safe and high quality service provision.  Innovation also has a role to play in respect of early intervention and prevention. Keeping people well for longer is a shared leadership challenge; the determinants of health include a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors. Community planning provides an additional opportunity for innovation in achieving health outcomes, particularly at a partnership level and it is important that the reforms allow the system to take full advantage of this opportunity.

III. ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT ‘Our work must be focused on meaningful improvements, supporting Trusts in achieving their performance targets and taking a lead on transformation and driving innovation. Above everything else, it is about driving delivery. I want to see the Department being much more active in ensuring that reforms are implemented, that issues are addressed when they arise, that services are delivered consistently, and that Trusts are more directly accountable to the Minister.’

Sir Liam Donaldson’s review pointed to a lack of clarity around accountability in health and social care in Northern Ireland. This point was also made in the Review of Commissioning. It was felt that the existing lines of accountability across the various HSC bodies are blurred – for example, while the HSCB is accountable for performance and financial breakeven across the HSC, Trusts are ultimately accountable to the Permanent Secretary of the Department. There was a sense that the HSC needs to clarify roles, responsibilities and lines of accountability.

B651 Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Friday, 19th February, 2016

Q. Will bringing performance management into the Department help to improve lines of accountability?

 The council welcomes attempts to improve accountability and transparency.  As mentioned previously, the council has been moving to an outcomes-based approach to planning and measuring and managing performance. It is important that performance measures are focused on what matters to local people and what will make a difference to improving health outcomes.  The council would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Department further on the role that community planning can play in ensuring a shared approach to the achievement of health outcomes and the role of performance management in this context.

IV. COMMISSIONING & PLANNING

‘The review highlights that our commissioning model isn’t as effective as we need it to be. ‘What I am signaling is an end to the current way we commission healthcare in Northern Ireland.’

The concept of a commissioner/provider split within Health and Social Care is associated with a desire to improve performance by increasing competition between providers. However, the Review of Commissioning found that the experience here in Northern Ireland has been that there is little real competition between healthcare providers, with LCGs tending to commission services primarily from their local Trust.

Furthermore, Donaldson believed that the population of Northern Ireland is too small to justify the complexity of a full healthcare commissioning system. He concluded that we have created a system where we have the complexity of commissioning without the benefits of the most sophisticated commissioning models.

Q. The Donaldson report and the Department’s Review of Commissioning both concluded that a full, competitive commissioning process is too complex and transactional for an area as small as Northern Ireland. Do you agree?

‘I want our Trusts to be responsible for the planning of care in their areas and have the operational independence to deliver it.’

It is proposed that Trusts should take on responsibility for planning the bulk of health and social care services delivered in Northern Ireland. This should strengthen operational independence, simplify and streamline the existing system significantly and allow us to build on our existing strength – integration of health and social care. It should also help create a stronger sense of a single

B652 Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Friday, 19th February, 2016

HSC, working together, and provide more scope for professional engagement, leadership and reform. Importantly, this will mean that Trusts will be responsible for assessing and meeting the health and social care needs of people in their area.

Moving away from a regional structure with a separate commissioning function to Trust-led planning for local services will necessitate changes at a local level, including ending the role of LCGs. But work will need to continue to better integrate services – including ensuring a strong voice for primary and community care, service users and the third sector.

Q. Do you agree that Trusts are best placed to assess local needs and should therefore have a greater level of responsibility and autonomy for planning services in their area?

No response.

V. NEW STRUCTURES

‘I…propose that we close down the Health and Social Care Board. I believe we no longer need a standalone organisation like the Board.’ ‘I want to see the Department take firmer, strategic control of our Health and Social Care system.’ ‘I will retain a Public Health Agency that renews its focus on early intervention and prevention.’ ‘My proposals would mean that many of the Board’s existing functions, and staff, would revert back to the Department. Some would move to the new Public Health Agency, whilst others, especially those in respect of planning for need, will move to our Trusts.’

It is proposed that at a regional level Northern Ireland should move away from a structure with a separate performance management and commissioning function. Instead, the responsibility for performance and financial management should be brought into the Department. This would focus lines of accountability, clarify the currently somewhat confused perception of leadership within the system, and would create the right conditions for a genuinely strategic approach to driving performance, planning and reform.

It is likely that this approach would see the current functions of the HSC Board go either to the Department, the PHA or Trusts. Further detailed work will of course be needed to consider the finer details of how these revised structures would operate. This would include where functions would sit most effectively and how changes should be implemented. Legislation will be necessary for some major structural changes but it may be possible to carry out some smaller reforms more quickly.

This is a substantial set of changes for the HSC to make – which must be accompanied by a shift in culture and practice as we move to a system focussed on greater autonomy and accountability. Nonetheless, we believe the approach

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to be one that is deliverable. We understand that this may initially be unsettling for those currently working in the system, however the Department will make every effort to ensure there is full engagement with HSC bodies and staff throughout this process.

Q. Do you agree that these are the right structural changes to make to streamline and simplify the Health and Social Care system?

No response.”

The Committee approved the foregoing comments as Council’s response to the consultation.

Additional Illuminate Requests

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 To consider a specific request to have a special illuminate to mark Ovarian Cancer Day on the 25th March 2016.

1.2 To also consider whether Members wish to add 2 other charity events, Autism and Childhood Cancer Awareness, to the list of annual illuminate dates.

1.3 To also consider whether a review of the annual dates takes place in 2 years time.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is recommended to:

1. Consider whether it wishes to add Ovarian Cancer Day onto the list of annual illuminate dates.

2. Consider whether it also wishes to add Autism and Childhood Cancer Awareness onto the list of annual illuminate dates.

3. Consider if none, one or all of the above is approved that no further review of the annual illuminate dates is considered again until February 2018 (2 year review period).

3.0 Main report

B654 Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Friday, 19th February, 2016

3.1 Key Issues

3.1.1 Members will be aware the governance arrangements for use of the LED Lighting on the City Hall was first approved by the Committee in February 2013. The criteria was reviewed again in June 2014 allowing a wider range of requests to be considered.

3.1.2 Over the last 18 months a number of high profile charities in Northern Ireland, Ovarian Cancer, Autism and Childhood Cancer Awareness have been lobbying hard to have their specific dates included in the list of special illuminates of the City Hall.

3.1.3 A specific request for a special illuminate has recently been received from the family of Una McCrudden. Members may recall Una McCrudden made a presentation to Council about Ovarian Cancer and how it was important to increase awareness of the deadly disease among women in NI. Following a request in February 2014 Members agreed to a one off illuminate to mark Ovarian Cancer Day on the 1st March 2014.

3.1.4 Una who suffered from Ovarian Cancer has unfortunately passed away and her family have now requested that Ovarian Cancer Day is added to the list of annual illuminate dates.

3.1.5 A number of charities connected to Autism and Childhood Cancer Awareness have been lobbying hard to also have their specific days recognised each year and added to the annual list of special illuminates.

3.1.6 Members when considering all of these specific requests need to be advised requests are received on a regular basis from a wide range of other charities and good causes.

3.1.7 For the majority when individuals or organisations are informed about the criteria they are happy to acknowledge why it is necessary to have criteria in place and accept the decision why their specific illuminate request cannot be facilitated.

3.1.8 Members should also be aware the current criteria allows special illuminates to take place for up to 12 charities supported by the Civic Dignitaries each year. The current criteria also allows for a charity or other

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non profit organisation connected with Belfast to have a special illuminate if they are celebrating a significant anniversary e.g. 25th, 50th etc.

3.2 Financial & Resource Implications

3.2.1 There are some resource implications in terms of staff time programming the Illuminate system although for the majority of requests these can be facilitated during normal working hours. This will be met from within existing Facilities Management budgets.

3.3 Equality or Good Relations Implications

3.3.1 The Equality and Diversity officers have advised that a consistency of approach in terms of access to ILLUMINATE facilities should always be adhered to.”

The Director of Property and Projects reported that, subject to the report having been issued, a further request had been received from the National Downs Syndrome Organisation for the use of the Illuminate system on 21st March for a “one – off” day.

After discussion, the Committee agreed not to accede to the request to add a number of organisations to the list of annual Illuminate dates but agreed that the Autism, Childhood Cancer Awareness, Ovarian Cancer Day and Nation Downs Syndrome be granted of the Illuminate system on their next “Specific” day.

The Committee agreed further that a report on the Illuminate system, the criteria for granting its use, future options and use of delegated authority be submitted to a future meeting.

Attendance at Events

Sustainable Food Cities Conference and Award Event

The Committee was advised that the Annual Sustainable Food Cities conference was a free event hosted by the University of Liverpool on 21st till 22nd March, 2016, with at least 33 cities having representation at the ceremony. The Committee was informed that the Belfast Food Network had been nominated for an award and Belfast City Council had been invited by that organisation to attend and to receive any award that may be presented to the City.

B656 Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Friday, 19th February, 2016

The Committee agreed that the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor or High Sheriff, depending on diary commitments, along with the nominated lead officer, be authorised to attend the award ceremony on 21st March.

Chairperson

B657

People and Communities Committee

Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

MEETING OF PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Corr Johnston (Chairperson); the High Sheriff (Alderman Rodgers); Aldermen McCoubrey and McKee; Councillors Austin, Beattie, Brown, Corr, Garrett, Heading, Jones, McCabe Magennis, Newton, O’Neill and Sandford.

In attendance: Mr. N. Grimshaw, Director of City and Neighbourhood Services; Mrs. R. Crozier, Assistant Director of Parks and Leisure; Mrs. S. Toland, Lead Operations Officer/ Head of Environmental Health; and Mr. B. Flynn, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies were reported on behalf of Councillors Bradshaw, Copeland, Lyons and Mallon. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 12th January were taken as read and signed as correct.

Declaration of Interest

In respect of the item regarding the ‘Everybody Active Programme’, Councillor O’Neill indicated that, in her current employment, she provided capacity training for the Belfast Community Sports Development Network. However, she pointed out that she had no pecuniary interest in this matter.

Christians Against Poverty

In accordance with its decision of 8th December, the Committee received a presentation from Mr. C. Cupples and Ms. E. Jackson, representing Christians Against Poverty (CAP), who provided an overview of the work which that organisation undertook in addressing personal debt through a range of initiatives, such as its job clubs, release groups and the CAP Money Course.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

Sport NI - Northern Ireland Boxing Association

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 8th December, it had considered a report which had provided an update in respect of the Council’s Amateur Boxing Strategy. At the meeting of the Council on 5th January, in considering the

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minute of 8th December, it had been agreed that a letter be forwarded to Sport NI seeking clarification on the status of the Northern Ireland Boxing Association (NIBA), particularly in respect of the progress achieved in affording that body official recognition by Sport NI.

The Committee was advised that a response had been received on 14th January, which had indicated that, whilst Sport NI had advised the NIBA of the processes and conditions which must be adhered to in order to receive official recognition from that body, no application had as yet been submitted by the NIBA, nor any club affiliated to that body. Noted.

Department of Social Development – Fuel Poverty Meeting

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 2nd November, in considering the minutes of the meeting of 13th October, under the heading ‘Fuel Poverty Measures and Cavity Wall Insulation’, had agreed to seek a meeting with the Social Development Minister to discuss issues relating to fuel poverty and affordable warmth schemes in the city.

It was reported that a response had been received on behalf of the Minister, which had indicated that he would be unable to meet with a deputation. However, he had requested that the Department’s Head of Fuel Poverty and Private Sector Grants Team, Mr. M. McDermott, meet with an all-party deputation to discuss the Council’s concerns relating to fuel poverty and affordable warmth schemes.

The Committee agreed to appoint an all-party deputation for this purpose.

Belfast Agenda

Everybody Active Programme

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 To advise committee of the end of the current Active Communities programme and developments around Sport NI’s new investment programme called Everybody Active 2020 (EBA2020).

2.1 Recommendations

2.1 to agree to the Sport NI budget and participation targets set out for the implementation of the Everybody Active 2020 programme in Belfast;  To authorise officers to develop and commission a blend of providers in specific sports and activities through a public

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process to deliver Everybody Active 2020 programme, as set out below; and  To agree to the continuation of the Active Communities Programme beyond 31 March 2016, subject to underspend funding being approved for release from Sport NI and without prejudice to the commissioning and implementation of the new Everybody Active 2020 programme.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Sport NI has given further detail on its new Everybody Active 2020 Programme. The aim of the programme is to increase quality opportunities for targeted groups to develop and sustain participation in sport across key life-course transitions.

The programme targets specifically identify women and girls, people with a disability and people living in areas of high social need as priority for Belfast. Participation evidence highlights disparities and inequalities within those sectors. Sport NI ask for consideration to developing programmes which prioritise participation for women/girls in the 14-25 age group, during which drop off levels are greatest.

This can be linked to the delivery to other investments including workforce development, outdoor recreation infrastructure, small grants and Peace IV can improve the outcomes from EBA2020.

3.2 Sport NI has confirmed indicative budget allocation and participation targets for Belfast City Council to deliver EBA2020.

Indicative Budget Allocation

AREA 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 Total Belfast £650,819 £431,266 £266,601 £219,553 £1,568,239

Indicative Participation Targets

People high Total with a social Sustained AREA participants women/girls disability need participants Belfast 22,512 12,607 3,377 7,204 6,576

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3.3 Sport NI will approve Belfast City Council to re-profile the expenditure to suit its delivery method. It should also be noted that there is a decrease in overall levels of expenditure by Sport NI, while at the same time increasing the participation targets.

Council position

3.4 It is recognised that the EBA2020 programme provides Council with a resource to support the physical activity and health outcomes within the Belfast Agenda framework. There are further ways in which this work could be developed including:

 Opportunities to support long term participation by women/girls could be maximised through Belfast hosting the Rugby World Cup and the under 19 EUFA soccer tournament in 2017;  Programming and development activities in partnership with sports governing bodies to support wider participation alongside stadia re-developments; and  Active Travel, Belfast Bikes Scheme and escalating demand for social walking, jogging and cycling groups provide extendable frameworks to promote long-term behaviour change.

3.5 In this context, it is appropriate that the Council appraises the options available for effective and efficient delivery of the new programme.

Potential Delivery Models

3.6 To move forward and develop detailed action plans to achieve the programme outcomes, Committee is asked to consider the potential delivery models for the new programme:

Option Benefits Risks 1. In house delivery Reduced management May disengage through the costs with in-house community providers Leisure services Development Increases footfall in Unit Council-owned facilities 2. Delivery through Increases footfall in May disengage Council’s Council-owned facilities community providers strategic Contractual arrangement

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operating already in place, with track partner GLL record of delivery 3. Procurement of Transparent process with Will exceed EU limits a single operator single delivery agent to and require long lead- through public manage in time tender Contractual arrangement to May not deliver wider manage performance public value 4. Commission a Provides mix of providers, Will require additional blend of based on assessment of management by providers in ability to deliver Council to ensure specific sports Range of contracts with delivery across all and activities lower financial value with providers through a public shorter procurement lead-in process Spreads the risk of any one group under-achieving its targets

3.7 The existing programme Active Communities is due to conclude at the end of March 2016. The Council has written to its existing delivery partners and notified them of the termination of the existing contract. Officers have met with all the delivery partners and emphasised that the new EBA2020 programme is a distinctly different programme, with much more challenging targets and less funding over its duration.

3.8 However, Sport NI has subsequently indicated to the Council that there may be under-spend that could ask to be used to extend the existing programme for a limited period. Subject to Committee agreement, a proposal could be put to Sport NI for a request to extend its funding period with pro rata targets.

3.9 Therefore, if the Committee was agreeable to extend delivery of the Active Communities Programme for a period, it would be important to stress to existing delivery partners that this does not constitute ‘transitional’ funding; and that the new programme would be commissioned in a discrete process. The Council would not accept any liability in respect of termination costs, as per the terms of the existing arrangements.

Conclusion

3.10 It is recommended that option 4: a blend of providers may present the optimal delivery model, by commissioning the widest pool of providers and partners, while at the same time providing a competitive process in which each

C179 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

provider’s capacity to deliver will be objectively assessed. Committee is also asked to note:

 The EBA2020 programme is an excellent opportunity to widen and sustain participation across the city, linking it to programmes in the city such as Peace IV and the stadia community benefits partnership;  Developing an implementation-ready programme for Council and Sport NI approval, with commissioned delivery contracts in place, means that the EBA2020 programme will not be fully operational until September 2016;  Any delivery model will need to be closely aligned to the Council’s capital investment programme in its indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, maximising sustainability and ensuring continued opportunities for participation;  Any performance framework for the new contractual arrangements will be closely aligned to the Belfast Agenda framework and monitored by Council.

3.11 If Committee is agreeable, officers will commence work immediately to develop transparent open call for providers, reaching out to partners, sports governing bodies and community organisations.

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Community Centre Typology, Management and Sustainability Research

The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an update on the work which had been undertaken by Deloitte in producing a community centre typology, analytical tool and management information system to consider future community centre need.

Age-friendly Belfast

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 On 12th January, the Committee received a presentation from the Age Sector Platform outlining their proposals for a Belfast Pensioners Parliament. Members agreed that a subsequent report be submitted in February to the Committee regarding the current work and the groups/forums that Council had been involved in, in relation to Older People.

C180 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

1.2 Members are asked to consider the reconstitution of the All Party Reference Group on Older People and agree the group should consider and make recommendations as appropriate to Committee on the future work of the Council in this area including support to relevant groups and forums such as the Age Sector Platform.

1.3 Members will be aware that Age Sector Platform have asked the Council for support with the Belfast Pensioners Parliament 2016 and have written to the Council on 25th November 2015 asking the Council for a contribution in the region of £3,000 to cover the cost of the venue, catering on the day, conference materials and transport costs. The Great Hall in the City Hall has been secured for 8th March at no cost. Members are asked to agree any additional support to be provided.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to consider the following:

1. Reconstitution of the All Party Reference Group, agree the Terms of Reference and agree frequency of meeting, suggested quarterly. 2. Agree to contribute £3,000 to support the Belfast Pensioners Parliament 2016 and in addition allow use of the City Hal for the event.

3.0 Main report

Partnership Working.

3.1 The Council has identified older people as a priority for a number of years and continues to work with older people, other statutory partners and the voluntary sector to ensure the city and its services meet the needs of its aging population.

3.2 In 2007, the Healthy Ageing Strategic Partnership (HASP) was established to help coordinate this work. The Council plays a leading role within HASP together with Age NI, The Alzheimer’s Society, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast Healthy Cities, The Department of Regional Development, Engage with Age, Greater Belfast Seniors Forum, Linking Generations Northern Ireland, The Health and Social Care Board/Belfast Local Commissioning Group, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, The Public Health Agency and Volunteer Now.

C181 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

3.3 In 2011 the Belfast Strategic Partnership (BSP) was established to address the life inequalities that impact on Belfast and healthy ageing and Age-friendly Belfast is identified as a cross cutting theme within its ‘Framework for Action to address life inequalities 2011-2015’. HASP therefore forms a key part of BSP.

3.4 BSP, including HASP, is supported by the Belfast Heath Development Unit which is made up of staff from Belfast City Council, the Public Health Agency and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

3.5 In March 2012, following a recommendation from the All Party Reference Group, the Lord Mayor signed a declaration formally committing Belfast to become a World Health Organisation (WHO) Age-friendly City. It was agreed by Council that HASP take the lead role on developing and delivering an Age-friendly (Action) Plan for Belfast under the governance of BSP.

3.6 Since then the Council has been working collaboratively with the BSP and specifically HASP to create an Age friendly Belfast.

3.7 The Council has also had representation on the board of Engage with Age for over 10 years and currently a Council officer is the Chair.

Supporting engagement with Older People

3.8 Recognising the need to ensure older people are effectively engaged and organised to influence the decisions affecting them, in 2010 HASP established The Greater Belfast Senior’s Forum (G6) representing existing older people’s forums in North, South, East and West Belfast, Shankill and Castlereagh. These forums represent over 200 seniors groups and provide the voice of older people from across the City.

3.9 The G6 meets monthly in City Hall and their aim is to improve the lives of older people in Belfast. They are currently working on issues for older people concerning transport, poverty and health.

3.10 The G6 and the older people’s forums are supported on the ground by Age Partnership Belfast (Engage with Age, Volunteer Now and North Belfast Senior Citizens Forum).

C182 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

3.11 As part of the Age-friendly process considerable consultative work was conducted in 2013 and the G6, the Forums and Age Partnership Belfast were vital to this process. This work provided a baseline for Age-friendly Belfast and helped identify the vision, key themes and priorities within the Age-friendly Plan

3.12 Consultation was carried out through an age-friendly survey, workshop events and specific focus groups with over 700 older people.

All Party Reference Group

3.13 In 2007 the Council re-established the All Party Reference Group on Older People to provide political leadership for intersectoral action on older people’s issues both in the short-term and as part of the development of the City’s planning process, to ensure that the Council adjusted and improved its services to meet older people’s needs.

3.14 On 13th February 2015 the Shadow Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed which Groups should be reconstituted at that time within the new Council. As a result the All Party Reference Group on Older People was not reconstituted. It was noted that after March 2015 the new committees would decide which additional working groups they would establish.

3.15 The G6 have written to the Lord Mayor requesting the All Party Reference Group on Older People be reformed as they value the political leadership it provided and recognised its chairs as advocates and champions for older people in Belfast.

3.16 Age-friendly Belfast Plan 2014-2017

An age-friendly city is based upon the principles of active ageing, where key partners work together to make sure the quality of life for people is enhanced as they age. Belfast was the first city in Northern Ireland to join the World Health Organisation's Global Network of Age-friendly Cities.

3.17 After engagement with older people and stakeholders and a baseline assessment of the age-friendliness of the city a 3- year citywide action plan was developed.

3.18 Our vision is that Belfast will be a city where older people live life to the full

C183 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

3.19 There are 3 Key themes;

 Age-friendly Image - creating a positive view of ageing  Age-friendly Lives – reducing life inequalities and isolation  Age-friendly Neighbourhoods - creating friendly places to live in

3.20 For each theme commitment has been secured, from key stakeholders, to deliver specific projects to improve the age- friendliness of Belfast.

3.21 It includes a wide range of projects the Council is delivering targeted at older people to reduce isolation and encourage healthy, active ageing. Examples include, Winter Warmth Clinics (now Be Prepared Events), Older Peoples Arts Festival, tea dances in the Ulster Hall, Age-friendly Belfast Convention in City Hall and a range of active aging events in Community Centres, Leisure centres and Parks across the City.

3.22 Current Age-friendly Belfast work

The December Age-friendly Belfast update gives an overview of current work. Highlights are:

 A very successful Tea Dance was held in Girdwood Hub on 19th January with over 225 people attending.  There is a business breakfast on the Age-friendly Belfast Charter in the City Hall on 16th February.  Living Life to the Full advertising campaign will be on billboards, buses, bus stops radio and newspapers mid February.  The Age-friendly Belfast Convention is in the City Hall on 1st March.  Belfast Pensioners Parliament 2016 is in the City Hall on 8th March  St Patrick’s Day Tea Dances in Ulster Hall  Lord Mayor’s Tea Dances in Ulster Hall on Easter Monday.

3.23 Financial & Resource Implications

 Members’ commitment and officer time to prepare for and participate in All Party Reference Group on Older people meetings; and  £3,000 contribution to Age Sector Platform in support of the 2016 Belfast Pensioners’ Parliament.

C184 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

PCSP: Antisocial Behaviour – Update

The Committee considered a report which provided an overview of an independent review which had been carried out on antisocial behaviour in the city, which had been commissioned by Policing and Community Safety Partnership.

The Members were informed that that review had identified a preferred option, which had proposed that immediate and high priority issues should be addressed through existing partnership arrangements. The key elements of that option would include:

 the potential to address immediate and high priority issues and realise monetary and non-monetary benefits;  the retention of current structures which would entail relatively little disruption; and  the phased implementation of a longer-term approach which would be in keeping with other identified options and would be in accordance with the aspirations of Community Planning.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed that Members would participate in a joint workshop with the Belfast PCSP, which would seek to reach agreement on a range of future measures.

Physical Programme and Asset Management

Proposed Management Arrangements - Sally Gardens

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an update on the 3G pitch currently being constructed at Sally Gardens and the proposed management arrangements for the overall sporting and community assets at Sally Gardens.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Committee is asked to:

(i) Grant approval to the proposed transfer of lands and a community building at Sally Gardens from Poleglass Community Association @ Sally Gardens (PCA) and a subsequent leaseback arrangement for the community centre via the Council’s model for Independently Managed Centres subject to reaching agreement with the

C185 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

PCA in relation to detailed terms and conditions. This is on the basis that lands to be acquired by the Council will safeguard permanent access and car parking to serve the Council’s 3G pitch.

(ii) Note the current position as outlined in the report and note that the 3G pitch is retained in Council ownership; that Council maintain it.

(iii) Pending further discussions with Mitchell’s GAC and PCA regarding future use and management of the facility it is proposed that in the interim the Council will allocate pitch bookings in line with the sports development plan / programme from PCA (including requirements from Mitchell’s GAC re use); Council will retain the income from that use; normal pricing policy will apply; and explore a management arrangement for the day to day operation of the facility on terms to be agreed.

(iv) A management fee will be agreed to cover the whole of the facility.

(v) To note the position in terms of the proposed changing facility as outlined in the report.

(vi) To note that these recommendations will be brought to the SP&R Committee in accordance with standing orders.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Community Centre/land

3.1 As part of Local Government Reform (LGR), lands adjacent to Sally Gardens Community Centre transferred from Lisburn City Council (LCC) to Belfast City Council (BCC). Poleglass Community Association @ Sally Gardens (PCA) own the remaining lands, which includes the community centre, car park and the site of the proposed changing pavilion. Prior to LGR, it had been the intention of LCC to acquire Sally Gardens Community Centre and surrounding lands from the owners PCA @ Sally Gardens and then provide a lease back to that group for the building. These discussions had been ongoing with LCC since 2011 but the arrangements were not formally agreed prior to 1st April 2015. As agreed at Shadow SP&R Committee on the 20th Feb 2015 officers have continued to explore these aims with the group.

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3.2 Key issues

 Under the proposal:

o The Council would retain ownership of its lands o The community centre, car park and adjoining lands would be acquired by the Council from PCA. The car park would serve the new pitch and the remainder of the land would allow for better access to the 3G pitch. o Part of the lands could potentially be used for new changing facilities. o The community centre would be leased back to PCA under the Council’s model for independently managed community centres.

 Whilst there is no historical written agreement for the operational arrangements of the centre between LCC and the community group, it was clearly the intention of both parties to progress with this proposal.

 The group submitted a business plan to BCC in November for management of the centre under the Council’s independently managed centres model.

 There are recorded benefits associated with the local management of BCC owned community assets. For example, the opening up of public services, civil renewal, and securing greater financial sustainability for community based organisations. Research has shown that community management of assets has the potential to contribute to change and improve local capacity including helping to build community identity and cohesion; enhancing community capacity; improving service delivery; contributing to community economic regeneration; improving the environment; and enhancing democratic voice. However, there are associated challenges such as financial management and the need for a broad range of skills and capacity. The current Independent Management model in operation in Council captures the benefits of local management while offering a range of support mechanisms to strengthen compliance and effective business planning.

 Community Services have reviewed the proposal in line with reviews carried out for other independently managed centres. The review included the core elements of governance document/constitution, building usage,

C187 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

programme, budget, bench marking against community facilities revenue assessment, management structures, programme delivery. track record and sustainability. Due diligence on the group has concluded that the group have the required capacity and capability to manage what is the only multi-purpose community facility within this area.

 An initial condition survey was undertaken at the centre before LGR, and PCA have since carried out some further work. A more detailed assessment needs to be done following a more detailed survey by Facilities Management.

3.3 3G pitch

3.4 The Council is currently nearing completion of the construction of a 3G pitch and the construction is being funded by BCC (£715,000), Mitchell’s GAC (£350,000) and FOLD (£75,000). The agreement for funding was contained in a legal document (side agreement) between the various parties including FOLD, Mitchell’s GAC and LCC and this obligation transferred to BCC as part of LGR.

3.5 By way of background in 2011 Fold Housing Association expressed an interest in constructing social housing on a little used GAA grass pitch owned by Mitchell’s GAC at Pembroke Loop, Poleglass. In order to address concerns around the loss of open space it was agreed that land owned by St John’s GAC would be developed as 3G artificial pitch. Following discussions with relevant parties, LCC agreed to the development by Fold on the Mitchell’s GAC pitch at Pembroke Loop on the basis that a new 3G artificial pitch would be constructed on the St John’s GAC pitch site. The premise being that the 3G pitch would allow an intensification of use that would offset the loss of the Mitchell’s GAC natural turf pitch. In obtaining the Planning Permission for social housing on the Mitchell’s GAC pitch, a Negative Planning Restriction was imposed which required the development of the 3G pitch before Fold could let houses on the site.

3.6 Arising from the above discussions, LCC obtained Planning Permission for the construction of the 3G pitch and entered into a Side Agreement with Fold, DSD, Mitchell’s GAC, St John’s GAC and Sally Gardens Community Centre Management Committee in regard to the development of the 3G pitch. As part of the side agreement St John’s GAC transferred the land for the 3G pitch to LCC.

C188 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

3.7 The side agreement set out the purchase price for the Pembroke Loop lands and the monies to be transferred for the construction of the 3G pitch but it did not provide for any preferential treatment for Mitchell’s GAC in relation to the use of the new 3G artificial turf pitch.

FOLD agreed to pay Mitchell’s GAC a purchase price of £750,000 for the land at Pembroke Loop of which a portion (£350,000) was held in escrow by Fold as part of the side agreement in order to fund the development of the 3G pitch and fulfil the negative planning restriction. The £350,000 together with the £75,000 from FOLD has now been transferred to BCC for the construction of the pitch.

3.8 At a recent meeting with Mitchell’s GAC they maintained that there was an understanding that the Club would have preferential use of the artificial pitch and preferential rates in return for their contribution towards the cost of construction of the pitch. This understanding was not written into the Side Agreement so there is no legal obligation on BCC to provide Mitchell’s GAC with preferential use of the pitch. At the request of Council Officers, Mitchell’s GAC has submitted a proposal setting out its involvement and contribution to the development and in return have asked for preferential usage (no limit stated) and free use (no duration stated).

3.9 The discussions between PCA and LCC prior to LGR were on the basis that the overall facility would be managed by PCA and the Council is being asked to honour that understanding and enter into an appropriate legal agreement with PCA. Mitchell’s GAC have not expressed any interest in managing the facility. Consequently discussions around a management model have focused on the PCA in line with the legacy from LCC.

3.10 The shadow SP&R on the 20th Feb 2015 agreed to officers continuing to explore theses aims with the PCA. A business case and Sports Development Plan has been submitted by PCA and these are currently being reviewed. PCA have expressed a preference that they would manage the pitch but the Council’s position is that the Council should take the bookings for the pitch and work closely with PCA using the Sports Development Plan to ensure the pitch is available for the stakeholders and wider community. There is potential to allow PCA to manage the 3G pitch on a day-to-day basis on terms to be agreed; further discussions will be required with PCA to establish a management agreement.

C189 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

As work is scheduled to complete in February 2016 it is anticipated that the facility will be available for use late February/early March 2016, subject to satisfactory completion and sign off. Pending any agreement reached for the day-to-day management of the 3G pitch BCC will manage the asset and it will be maintained as part of Council’s routine pitch management.

3.11 Changing facilities

 A business case for the pitch provided by DSD included an aspiration for changing facilities.  The construction contract for the 3G pitch does not include the construction of changing facilities.  The site earmarked for a changing facility is part of the lands to be acquired by the Council from the group.  Planning consent has been secured for a changing pavilion, however, following discussion with the Association it has been agreed to submit a revised planning application based on an existing council template for a changing pavilion.  There is currently no provision in the capital programme for the changing facilities and any future development will have to be progressed through the capital programme in line with that process

4.0 Key Issues - Financial & Resource Implications

4.1 It will be necessary to agree a fee with PCA to cover the management of the whole facility; further discussion is required on this matter with the PCA.

4.2 In addition, a condition survey will be completed on the existing community building; the financial implications of this report will be considered at a future date.

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Clara Street Playground – Phoenix Natural Gas Installation

The Committee was reminded that, in 2006, Phoenix Natural Gas (PNG) had installed a pressure reduction station on Council-owned land at Clara Street playground. At that time, the Council’s fence surrounding the playground was not located on the actual boundary of the site and PNG had assumed that the land was owned by Transport NI, and had installed the station in accordance with the Gas Order (NI) 1996.

C190 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

In 2014, the Council had erected a new fence at the site, which had incorporated the PNG installation within the playground. This step had created a number of safety issues and it was now deemed necessary to relocate the existing fence in order to protect the installation and to isolate it from the public. Accordingly, it was recommended that the Council would enter into a lease agreement with PNG for a newly created fenced-off area in which the installation would be located.

The Committee agreed to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it would approved the grant of a lease to Phoenix Natural Gas for the area of land.

Falls Park Masterplan – Emerging Update

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the progress which had been achieved in the implementation of the Falls Park Masterplan.

After discussion, the Committee:

 noted that a study visit would be undertaken to Glasnevin Cemetery to consider a range of options to assist in the future management and upkeep arrangements at the City Cemetery;

 noted that the proposed redevelopment the Service Yard at the City Cemetery was currently at ‘Stage 2 – Uncommitted’ within the Council’s Capital Programme;

 noted that a site options appraisal had identified a preferred location for the yard at open space adjacent to the rear of properties at Ardmonagh Gardens and adjoining to the existing Whiterock 3G pitch;

 agreed that the Council would initiate a consultation exercise on the preferred site and that an information session be arranged for park users and local residents;

 agreed, in respect of the development of the Belfast Rapid Transit at the Falls Park and City Cemetery, to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it would enter into appropriate legal agreements with Transport NI for the acquisition and use of land as required.

Roselawn Cemetery - Flooding Update

The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an overview of the steps which had been taken by staff at Roselawn Cemetery to provide a continuity of service in response to the flooding emergency which had occurred over the holiday period.

C191 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

Members expressed their gratitude to the staff and noted that all scheduled cremations and burials had been accommodated during the flooding period.

Facilities Management Agreements/Partner Agreements

The Committee was reminded that the Council had entered into a number of Partner Agreements, which had replaced the former Facilities Management Agreements, as a means of overseeing the management of a range of Council pitches and facilities. It was reported that the current agreements at the Suffolk and Clarendon playing fields and the pitch at Lenadoon had expired and it was proposed that officers would commence initial discussions with those agreement holders with a view to exploring future management arrangements. Regarding the agreement at Willowbank Park, it was recommended that the existing arrangement be reviewed, since a 3G artificial surface had now been installed at the site, whilst the original agreement had related to the management of a multi-use games area.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and authorised officers to engage with current agreement holders, as outlined, with a view to regularising future management arrangements.

Traffic Regulation Orders

Greater West Belfast

The Committee was reminded that the Council acted as the delivery agent for a number of capital projects which were overseen by Building Successful Communities (DSD). One such project would manage the installation of 45 alley-gates within the greater west Belfast area (nine within the Divis area, five in Glencolin, and 31 in Lenadoon). The Lead Operations Officer 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, which prohibited the use by vehicles and pedestrians of specified entries where alley-gates would be erected.

Accordingly, the Committee agreed that the Council, at its meeting on 1st March, be requested to pass a resolution to make a Traffic Regulation Order in respect of the 45 alley-gates in the greater West Belfast area.

Castle Arcade

The Committee was advised that there were a number of ongoing concerns around increasing levels of criminal damage, antisocial behaviour and environmental crime in the Castle Arcade area, primarily at nighttime. The Members were advised that British Home Stores (BHS) had offered, subject to the required legal consultation and advertising, to cover the costs of the manufacture and installation of alley-gates at Castle Arcade in an attempt to manage antisocial activity.

A number of Members expressed concern that such a move, as outlined, could be premature and might set a precedent for the erection of further gates within the city centre. It was suggested that, prior to the Council entering into any formal

C192 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

consultation in respect of the proposal by BHS, it should seek to engage further with statutory and voluntary agencies, together with commercial sector, to explore if the issue of antisocial activity at Castle Arcade could be addressed on a multi-agency basis.

The Committee agreed to defer the commencement of a formal consultation process in respect of the request by British Home Stores to erect alley-gates at Castle Arcade to enable further discussions to take place.

Operational Issues

Request for the use of City of Belfast Playing Fields – Irish Football Association

The Assistant Director reported that the Irish Football Association (IFA) had submitted a request to host a schools’ ‘super festival for girls’ at the City of Belfast Playing Fields on Wednesday, 15th June. It was explained that the event would attract 1200 participants, aged between 11 and 15 years, from 55 schools, and would promote cross-community participation in sport. She indicated that the organisers had requested the free use of both the pitches and ancillary facilities, which, if approved, would result in a loss of revenue to the Council of approximately £540. She recommended that the Committee approve the free use of the pitches and facilities, subject to the completion of an appropriate event management plan.

The Committee adopted the recommendation.

Control of Graffiti in Belfast – Update

(Mr. S. Skimin, Head of Cleansing Services and Councillor Dudgeon attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 13th October, 2015, it had endorsed a number of actions which would be undertaken in an attempt to control graffiti in the city, the principal aims of which sought:

 to establish current graffiti removal practices;  to determine the impact of graffiti on Council services;  to identify opportunities for council services to work on anti-graffiti projects;  to reduce occurrences and visibility of graffiti; and  to encourage community support and participation in graffiti removal and prevention.

The Head of Cleansing Services outlined the progress which had been achieved by the Council’s Internal Graffiti Working Group, which consisted of officers from the Cleansing, Parks and Safer City services, and answered a range of Members’ questions in this regard.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

C193 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

Allocation of Artificial Pitch at the Ormeau Park

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on progress on completion of a number of pitches under the Pitches Strategy and to seek guidance from Members regarding booking arrangements.

2.0 Recommendations

It is recommended that the Committee note the report and agree to the proposed approach as outlined subject to review after 3 months.

3.0 Main report

Members will be aware that the Council has approved a £14.1m investment to improve playing field provision through a programme of artificial pitch constructions and changing pavilions. Members are reminded that GAA has also invested £1m in the developments across 4 sites (Cliftonville Playing Fields; Woodlands; Musgrave Park and Cherryvale Playing Fields). Work has already been completed on a number of sites, Dixon Playing Fields and Waterworks. However, the first pitch completions are scheduled to take place by the end of February 2016, subject to satisfactory handover. The completions will be at Cliftonville; Woodlands and Ormeau Park.

The pitches at Cliftonville and Woodlands will be managed through a Joint Management Board which has been established between the Council and the GAA on foot of the GAA investment. A legal agreement was completed in October 2015 and will run for a period of 10 years and will be subject to review closer to the expiry period. Preliminary discussions have taken place with the Ulster Council and the Joint Management Board will meet in March 2016.

In relation to Ormeau Park, the pitch is scheduled to complete by the end of February and thereafter it will be managed by GLL. In advance of completion of the works, the Council has received a number of unsolicited expressions of interest from sporting clubs seeking to use the new pitch. Whilst unsolicited the expressions of interest have alerted the Council to the high level of demand for the pitch. The interest to date can broadly be categorised as:

C194 People and Communities Committee, Tuesday, 9th February, 2016

 Local Association Football Clubs;  Local Gaelic Athletic Association Clubs; and  Premier League Association football clubs

A cursory review of the interests indicates that even without additional demand it would not be possible to meet the requests of the Clubs. Indeed, in some instances a single club may require significant parts of the prime booking slots.

A number of Irish Premiership teams have made expressions of interest. It is proposed that Members agree that bookings should only be accommodated from these Clubs where there is no demand from local clubs; this is to ensure that local clubs have the opportunity to access council facilities.

Members will be aware that the Pitches Strategy highlighted an under provision for Gaelic Games in the City. That said the pitches have been constructed to meet the requirements of different sporting codes. Within the context of seeking to improve provision for GAA whilst also making provision for training facilities for Association Football, which was also identified as being required.

To seek to optimise cross code use of the facility and to seek to meet the needs of as many clubs as possible it is proposed that an interim arrangement is put in place. This arrangement would run for a period of 3 months during which time an analysis of booking patterns would be undertaken.

The proposed approach would involve an initial engagement with local clubs who have expressed an interest. The intention is to allocate bookings on alternate dates with preference given to GAA bookings in the first instance. The consultation exercise would be completed by the end of February 2016 to allow the early use of the new pitch. It is proposed that the interim arrangements will be reviewed after 3 months and a further report brought back to committee for consideration.

The Committee agreed to the proposed approach as outlined, subject to a review after a three-month period.

Chairperson

C195

Notice of Traffic Regulation Order

Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

Belfast City Council

Notice is hereby given that the Council in the exercise of the powers conferred on it by Articles 69A to 69E of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 as inserted in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 proposes to make an order entitled the Belfast City Council Traffic Regulations (West Belfast) Order 2016

The purpose of the Order is to prohibit the use by vehicles and pedestrians of the following streets in Belfast:

1. To the rear of Nos.58 – 64 Albert Street and to the side of Nos.7 and 13 Lady Street 2. To the rear of Nos.28 - 38 Ross Road and to the side of No.38 Ross Road 3. To the rear of Nos.1- 9 Balkan Street and to the side of Nos.1 Balkan Street 4. To the rear of Nos.1 – 7 Osman Street and to the side of Nos.5 and 7 Osman Street 5. To the rear of Nos.2 – 24 Balkan Street and to the side of Nos.20 and 22 Balkan Street 6. To the rear of Nos.26 – 30 Balkan Street and to the side of Nos.28 and 30 Balkan Street 7. To the rear of Nos.1 – 23 Lisvarna Heights 8. To the rear of Nos.2 – 34 Lisvarna Heights 9. To the rear of Nos.1 – 23 Lisvarna Place and to the side of Nos.7 and 9 Lisvarna Place 10. To the rear of Nos.70 – 92 Leeson Street and to the side of Nos.88 – 90 Leeson Street 11. To the rear of Nos. 234 – 252 Lenadoon Avenue 12. To the rear of Nos.24 -28 Corrib Avenue 13. To the rear of Nos. 1 – 13 Corrib Avenue 14. To the rear of Nos. 1 – 13 Naroon Park 15. To the rear of Nos. 15 – 29 Corrib Avenue and to the side of No. 31 Corrib Avenue 16. To the rear of Nos. 2 – 16 Naroon Park 17. To the rear of Nos. 92 – 100 Corrib Avenue 18. To the rear of Nos.1 – 15 Creeslough Gardens 19. To the rear of Nos.25 – 33 Falcarragh Drive and to the side of No. 33 Falcarragh Drive 20. To the rear of Nos.3 – 37 Creeslough Park and to the side of Nos.13 and 15 Creeslough Park 21. To the rear of Nos.39 – 75 Creeslough Park and to the side of Nos.55 and 57 Creeslough Park 22. To the rear of Nos.90 – 118 Creeslough Park 23. To the rear of Nos.4 – 32 Glenveagh Drive 24. To the rear of Nos.6 – 38 Glencolin Avenue and to the side of Nos. 12 – 14 Glencolin Avenue and to the side of No. 38 Glencolin Avenue 25. To the rear of Nos. 3 – 23 Glencolin Drive and to the side of Nos. 9 – 11 Glencolin Drive 26. To the rear of Nos.8 – 30 Glencolin Heights and to the side of Nos. 18 – 20 Glencolin Heights 27. To the rear of Nos.20 – 28 Doon Road To the rear of Nos.34 – 38 Doon Road and to the side of No. 34 Doon Road 28. To the rear of Nos.1 – 19 Horn Drive and to the side of Nos. 15 – 17 Horn Drive 29. To the rear of Nos. 2 – 6 Lenadoon Walk and to the side of No. 2 Lenadoon Walk 30. To the rear of 28 Horn Drive 31. To the rear of Nos. 39 – 45 Lenadoon Avenue and to the side of 37 Lenadoon Avenue

Vehicles requiring access in specified circumstances are exempted from the provisions of this Order. It is proposed to give effect to this by erecting gates at entrances to the back and side of street specified above. Objections or other representations may be made in writing to Belfast City Council, Legal Services Department, City Hall, Belfast, BT1 5GS within a period of 30 days from the date of publication of this notice. Full details are contained in the draft Order which together with a map showing the roads affected may be inspected free of charge during office hours within the said period at the above address.

City Growth and Regeneration Committee

Wednesday, 3rd February, 2016

SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY GROWTH AND REGENERATION COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Hargey (Chairperson); the Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Spence); Aldermen Kingston and McGimpsey; and Councillors Attwood, Dudgeon, Graham, Howard, Magee, McAteer, McDonough-Brown, Ó Donnghaile, O’Hara and Walsh.

In attendance: Mrs. S. Wylie, Chief Executive; Mr. D. Durkan, Interim Director of Development; and Mrs. L. McLornan, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Alderman Stalford and Councillors Kyle and Craig.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Ó Donnghaile declared an interest in respect of Item 4a, viz. Deputation from Belfast Public Hire Taxi Association, as his father was an employee of the Belfast Public Taxi Hire Service.

AECOM - Request to present to a future meeting

The Committee acceded to a request from AECOM and agreed to invite them to a future meeting to present on the Car Parking Strategy.

Presentation from NI Water

The Committee was advised that Mr. Davy McGrath, Senior Project Manager, and Mr. Stephen McDonald, Networks Water Area Manager, from NI Water were in attendance and they were admitted to the meeting.

Mr. McGrath provided the Members with a summary of NI Water’s key priorities and investments within the city. He updated the Committee on a number of recently completed projects, which included water mains improvements and flood alleviation works, as well as a list of future projects which were currently in development. He provided an overview of the estimated £3million infrastructure investment project which was taking place within the Ormeau Avenue area of the city centre which was estimated to begin in August, 2016. The Chief Executive confirmed that NI Water and the Council would work together given that the Ormeau Avenue area was within the new “Linen Quarter” area and that it would be practical to align public realm works in order that streets were renovated at the same time.

D235 Special City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 3rd February, 2016

The representatives outlined their Winter Contingency Planning and Major Incident Plan to the Members and also advised them that NI Water had developed a Smartphone application which enabled residents to report a leak.

In response to a Member’s question regarding ongoing issues at the Skegoneill Avenue/Shore Road junction, Mr McGrath advised the Members that NI Water was aware of the problems and that investigations were ongoing to solve those issues. The representatives, in response to a further Member’s query regarding the increased level of new buildings creating additional hard surfaces throughout the city, advised that they were keen to promote Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) which were a natural way of managing drainage in and around developments which worked by slowing and holding back water which would run off from a site.

The Members were advised of the details of the Glenmachan Flood Alleviation Strategic Project, Phase 1a, which incorporated the Sicily Park and Marguerite Park area of Finaghy within the city. The representatives pointed out that a SUDS proposal to create landscaped ponds with the Balmoral Golf Club was just one of a number of options for that project.

During discussion, a Member thanked NI Water for the work which had taken place in the Montgomery Road area and a further Member requested that NI Water be invited to attend a future East Belfast Area Working Group (AWG) to present specifically on the various works and flood alleviation measures which had taken place, and which were planned, within the east of the city. It was agreed that this proposal would be brought before the East AWG at its next meeting.

The Chairperson thanked the representatives for their presentation and they left the meeting.

DRD Consultation Exercise - Taxi Ranks in Donegall Square

Deputation from Belfast Public Hire Taxi Association (BPHTA)

The Chairperson reminded the Committee that, at its meeting in September 2015, it had considered a number of proposals by the Department of Regional Development (DRD) to provide additional rank capacity for public hire taxis, in particular, a new feeder rank in Donegall Square West, using part of the area which had been allocated for coach parking (pick up and drop off), which would be in direct line of sight of the Donegall Square North rank. However, at that time the Council had not supported a new feeder rank in Donegall Square West as it would have reduced the space available for coach parking in the city centre by 20 metres and instead requested further assessment for an alternative site.

Subsequently, at its meeting on 13th January, it had agreed to defer consideration of a response to a DRD consultation on increasing the Belfast Public Hire Taxi Rank capacity within the Donegall Square area in order to invite representatives from the Public Hire Taxi Association to present to the Committee. The Committee was

D236 Special City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 3rd February, 2016

advised that Mr. Pat Meighan and Mr. Ciaran Reilly from the Belfast Public Hire Taxi Association were in attendance and they were admitted to address the meeting.

Mr. Meighan advised the Members that they represented 450 licensed public hire taxi drivers and that all of their cabs were wheelchair accessible. He outlined that they were regulated by the Department of the Environment (DoE) but that their ranks were regulated by the DRD and that he felt that both departments were reluctant to bring change or invest in the Public Hire taxi service.

The representatives from the BPHTA outlined that there were just six spaces for taxis to park in their main rank in Donegall Square North and that there were often more than 40 taxis requiring use of the rank and, to avoid parking tickets, the drivers therefore spent a large proportion of their time driving around the city centre. The Members were reminded, while there was an additional rank on Chichester Street, that it was rarely used by drivers due to low footfall. Mr. Reilly highlighted that, in any other major city, public hire taxi ranks were based outside the airports and main tourist attractions and that he felt that this should also apply in Belfast. He invited the Members of the Committee to undertake a site visit with the BPHTA to allow them to illustrate the issues first hand. During discussion, a number of Members asked that comparator information on taxi rank provision in other cities, such as Glasgow, be explored.

Mr. Meighan reminded the Committee that, in May 2010, a DRD consultation had been brought before the Council’s former Development Committee which had proposed a number of new ranks and extensions to eight existing ranks. He also advised that, in 2011, a DOE Consultation had recommended increased provision for public hire taxis, better signage for consumers, ranks to be located at areas with higher footfall, and that existing rank capacity should be increased. However, Mr. Meighan pointed out that, in the past five years, no progress had been made following these recommendations.

In response to Mr. Reilly’s suggestion that they would like to have signs erected to advise tourists of the location of their ranks, a Member suggested that perhaps the Council should seek to incorporate the city’s Public Hire Taxi Service into its City Centre Regeneration and Investment Plan along with details of how public hire taxis operated in other UK cities, particularly given that Belfast was seeking to improve its night-time economy.

After discussion with Members, the Chairperson thanked Mr. Meighan and Mr. Reilly for their presentation and they retired from the meeting.

Deputation from DRD Transport NI

The Chairperson advised the Committee that Mr. Ciaran de Burca, Director of Transport Projects, and Mr. Roy Gordon, Network Traffic Management, from the Department of Regional Development were in attendance and they were admitted to address the meeting.

D237 Special City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 3rd February, 2016

The DRD representatives advised the Committee that there were six additional ranks being proposed throughout the city, including a rank on Botanic Avenue and they reported that the possibility of a double rank in Donegall Square North was currently undergoing a safety audit.

In response to the comments from the representatives from the BPHTA, Mr. Gordon explained that they would be willing to consider an alternative option for additional rank capacity around the City Hall. He advised that they would investigate reallocating part, or all, of the under-used public hire taxi rank at Chichester Street for coaches which would allow them to allocate some space in Donegall Square West to the public hire taxis for a feeder rank, as had previously been proposed by the DRD in September, 2015. It was highlighted to the Members that this proposal would also address the Council’s previous concerns regarding a loss of coach parking in the city centre, which was considered an important tourism asset for the city.

In response to a Member’s question regarding signage for the public hire taxis, the DRD agreed to enter into discussions with the Council to discuss the issue.

Mr. Gordon advised the Committee that the NI Assembly’s DRD Committee had recently received a deputation from the BPHTA on the same issues and that it was convening discussions with both elected Members and key city centre stakeholders with the objective of making Belfast a modern city served by all forms of public transport. The Committee agreed that it should be consulted and that officers should bring information on the discussions to its next meeting.

The Chairperson thanked the representatives from DRD for their attendance and they left the meeting.

Draft Council response to DRD consultation

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of its response to the DRD consultation to its monthly meeting on 10th February in order that officers could compile a comprehensive report on all the issues which had been discussed.

Chairperson

D238 City Growth and Regeneration Committee

Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

MEETING OF CITY GROWTH AND REGENERATION COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Hargey (Chairperson); the Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Spence); Aldermen Kingston, McGimpsey, Patterson and Stalford; and Councillors Attwood, Beattie, Craig, Dudgeon, Graham, Kyle, Lyons, Magee, McAteer, McDonough-Brown, Ó Donnghaile, O’Hara and Walsh.

In attendance: Mrs. S. Wylie, Chief Executive; Mr. R. Cregan, Director of Finance and Resources; Mr. N. Grimshaw, Director of City and Neighbourhood Services; Mrs. L. Toland, Head of Economic Initiatives and International Development; and Mrs. L. McLornan, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors McDonough- Brown and Lyons.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 13th January were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February.

Declarations of Interest

In respect of Item 5a on the agenda, viz., European Social Fund, Councillor Graham declared an interest in that she was employed by a company which was in receipt of funding through that fund.

Request to present to Committee - Visit Belfast

The Committee acceded to a request from Visit Belfast to present at its next meeting.

D239 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

Matters Referred Back from Council

Notice of Motion - Bus Lanes

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st February, had referred the undernoted Notice of Motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Boyle and seconded by the High Sheriff, Alderman Rodgers, to the Committee for consideration in accordance with Standing Orders:

“This Council requests that the Minister for Regional Development and the senior management team of Transport NI come before the Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee to hear concerns from Councillors about the impact that bus lanes and bus lane cameras are having on motorists, commuters and local businesses, with a view to devising solutions which will make Belfast City Centre an easier place in which to live, relax and work.”

After discussion, it was

Moved by Alderman Stalford, Seconded by Alderman McGimpsey and

Resolved - That this Council, as a matter of policy going forward, will regularly meet the senior managers of Transport NI to discuss the impact of government policy on the transport infrastructure of Belfast city centre with a view to making it an easier place to work, shop, visit, live and enjoy leisure.

Presentations

Libraries NI

The Chairperson advised the Committee that Ms. Mandy Bryson, Assistant Director, and Mr. Desi Miskelly, Assets Manager, from Libraries NI were in attendance and they were admitted to the meeting.

Mr. Miskelly presented an overview of current library facilities which were available throughout the city and highlighted those which had undergone refurbishment since 2009. He explained the history of the Belfast Central Library and outlined its many resources, which included a large newspaper archive, public computers and free wifi. The Committee was advised that the Belfast Central Library buildings had had a number of improvement works carried out over the past decade but that much of it remained inaccessible to the public.

Mr. Miskelly advised the Members that Libraries NI wished to establish a central library which balanced the need for archive facilities and the ambition to create an accessible and attractive public library. He therefore advised that Libraries NI had developed proposals to restore the original Victorian library building and address the inefficiencies, creating over 9500m2 of library space where over 80% would be open to

D240 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

the public. Ms. Bryson advised that they wanted to create a public space where people could research, learn, discover and socialise and explained that they had looked at a number of good practice examples in countries from around the world at how to incorporate all of those. She advised the Members that the business case had been submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) in November, 2015, which proposed redevelopment on the current site at a cost of £32.5 million, and on which they were awaiting approval.

During discussion, the representatives from Libraries NI answered a number of Members’ questions regarding future proofing of the library, the impact that modern technology had had on library usage, the impact that the upcoming influx of students would have on the area and the potential to work with the Council to ensure integration with the City Centre Plan and other developments in the area.

The Chairperson thanked the representatives from Libraries NI for their presentation and they left the meeting.

AECOM - Car Parking strategy

The Chairperson reminded the Members that the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy had identified car parking as a major issue for Belfast city centre and that the Council had been working with the Department for Regional Development (DRD) to develop and implement a strategy for car parking for the city. The Council had commissioned consultants, AECOM, in October 2015 to develop a Car Parking Strategy and a project steering group consisting of Council officers and representatives from DRD had been set up to assist AECOM with the development of the Strategy.

The Chairperson advised the Committee that Mr. Peter Morrow and Mr. Tim Robinson from AECOM were in attendance and they were admitted to the meeting. Mr. Robinson outlined the progress of the strategy to the Members, particularly the baseline research, the emerging issues and the outcomes from consultation with key stakeholders.

Mr. Robinson highlighted to the Committee that there were a number of large transport schemes potentially coming forward within the city, including the York Street Interchange and the Belfast Transport Hub, as well as regeneration masterplans such as Ulster University’s Belfast campus, the Linen Quarter and Northside. He advised the Members that those schemes would impact on parking and would therefore be considered within the development of the strategy.

During discussion, the Committee was advised that there were 40,000 car parking spaces within the city and that the Council now controlled just 6% of these. Mr. Robinson also outlined that, in terms of how parking influenced town centre attractiveness, studies noted that location was the number one factor for customers and that parking costs were less important.

A number of Members made the point that people should be encouraged to come into the city centre by any mode of transport that they chose and that the Council should be careful not to actively deter those in cars from the city. A further number of

D241 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

Members expressed their ambition to further explore how Residents’ Parking Schemes might operate in neighbourhoods adjoining the city centre, while a Member asked AECOM to hold a one-off session with those communities which bounded the city centre in relation to issues such as commuter parking.

After discussion, the Committee:

1. noted the findings presented by AECOM on the emerging Car Parking Strategy; 2. noted that officers were aiming to have a draft strategy published for public consultation by May 2016; 3. noted that party briefings would be available for those who wished to avail of them; and 4. agreed that a one-off workshop would be held with AECOM and the inner-city communities which bordered the city centre, in order to discuss the issues which they faced, such as commuter parking. Attendance at Events

Sister Cities Summit Dublin 2016

The Committee was advised that the Council, along with 62 other Irish and Northern Irish local authorities who had US-based linkages, had been invited by the cities of Dublin and San Jose to participate in an international summit which would take place in Dublin, from 21st to 22nd April, 2016. The Members were informed that an event would celebrate Northern Ireland/Ireland – US connections, including the role that those relationships had played in supporting sustainable economic growth on the island of Ireland.

The Chairperson reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 12th August 2015, it had agreed to invite the Mayors of Nashville and Boston to attend the Dublin event and to come to Belfast for a series of meetings on 19th and 20th April, in advance of the Summit. She confirmed that both cities had confirmed their attendance and were in the process of recruiting respective delegations.

The Committee agreed:

1. that the Council would participate in the Sister Cities International Summit in Dublin 21-22 April 2016; and 2. that the Council would be represented by the Lord Mayor, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, or their nominees, and representatives from each of the remaining parties, along with the Chief Executive, the Director of Development and an Officer from the EU and International Relations Unit.

D242 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

Operational

European Social Fund

Councillor Graham declared an interest in Item 5(a), viz., “European Social Fund” in so far as her employer was in receipt of funding from the fund and she left the room while the item was under discussion.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of the report is to update Members on progress of the European Social Fund (ESF) projects that Belfast City Council agreed to match fund in Year One and to propose the continuation of match funding for the projects for Year Two, in line with Year One commitments and subject to approval of expenditure by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL).

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to:

 Agree to match funding provision for Year Two of the projects at the levels provided for Year One activity.  Note and agree the proposals to engage with the ESF projects to identify opportunities for collaboration and added value.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Background to Employability and Skills

Employability and Skills forms an integral part of the Belfast Agenda with key priorities around jobs, skills and addressing educational inequalities. Belfast City Council commissioned an Employability and Skills Framework, which identifies how the education and skills challenges articulated through the Belfast Agenda might be addressed in a way that can support more inclusive economic growth in the City of Belfast.

3.2 The draft Employability and Skills Framework identifies several key challenges including high levels of economic inactivity, significant gaps in qualifications and skills, disparities in educational attainment and low levels of entrepreneurship. The ESF projects form a key contribution

D243 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

to developing the skills levels of those furthest from the labour market.

3.3 The Draft Employability and Skills Framework is being updated to incorporate amendments arising from the consultation process. In tandem with this, officers are preparing an implementation plan linking Employability and Skills with the Council’s ambitions to support social value and address poverty. The plan will be developed with input from Corporate HR and Economic Development, taking into account the existing employability work of the Council. It will also identify how future resources could be best utilised to add value, whilst working in partnership with key stakeholders. An outline of this implementation plan and final Employability and Skills Framework document will be tabled to a future meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for endorsement.

3.4 European Social Fund

As Members will be aware, the European Social Fund (ESF), managed by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), aims to reduce economic inactivity and increase workforce skills primarily targeting those furthest removed from the labour market. Interventions supported through ESF are varied in terms of their target market and mechanisms of support. In practice, however, this includes job clinics, legal and debt advice as well as work placements, into work support and training up to Level One (equivalent to GCSE grades D-G). The outcomes of ESF projects are geared towards progression into employment, self-employment and/or further training.

3.5 At the 19 June 2015 meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Members agreed to provide match funding for six organisations delivering ESF projects and one non-ESF education and training programme (see table in 3.7). At that meeting, members also agreed in principle support for these projects in years 2 and 3, subject to available resources and satisfactory performance.

3.6 In addition to providing match funding for the ESF activity, the Council has included within our funding agreements with relevant projects a condition requiring organisations to provide a referral/brokerage system to help contractors to meet their social clause obligations under our contracts. This has improved communications between contractors and training providers. Corporate HR has also worked closely with the organisations to facilitate work placements

D244 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

and requests to participate in pre-recruitment programmes for business clerks and providing opportunities at the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall. Corporate HR have also worked with Economic Development to provide information sessions, facilitate placement opportunities and provide site visits to Council facilities.

3.7 An overview of Year One costs and targets is set out below:

Organisation Total Project ESF/DEL/Other BCC Target Target into Costs Year One Match Funding Match Participant employment (as per letter of Funding Numbers (Year 1) offer) (Year 1) LEMIS £2,684,736 £2,604,736 £80,000 2,000 400 Partnership Springboard £251,639 £216,639 £35,000 131 30 Shankill £237,570 £212,570 £25,000 150 30 Women’s Centre Women’s £220,572 £185,572 £35,000 140 8 TEC Workforce £185,463 £160,463 £25,000 105 16 Women in £112,500 £97,500 £15,000 200 12 Business Lenadoon £62,510 £37,510 £25,000 250 25 (Non-ESF) (Non-ESF) TOTAL £3,754,990 £3,514,990 £240,000 2,976 521

3.8 A full breakdown of the organisations’ progress and spend can be found on modern.gov.

3.9 By match-funding these projects, the Council is helping to support a projected 521 residents into employment, 54 into self-employment, 235 into Further Education and supporting the achievement of 1476 qualifications.

3.10 Progress on the projects has varied, with some forecast to exceed their targets for participants entering employment and further education. Other projects, however, are unlikely to meet their targets, or may be underspent by the end of Year One, as a result of a number of challenges affecting delivery. Many of these were beyond the control of the project promoters. They include:

 Delays to the commencement of projects due to inability of project promoters to tie down match funding required.  Delays in production of Letters of Offer and operational guidelines by DEL meaning that projects were unable to recruit staff and mobilise for delivery.

D245 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

 Introduction of a new referral system from Jobs and Benefits offices to ESF projects which took some time to resolve, impacting on the volume of clients.

3.11 One of the key outcomes for ESF is progression to Further Education (FE) training, whose traditional intake period for new students is September. Delays to the ESF projects have impacted on delivery of this target, as some participants have missed the intake deadline.

3.12 The projects are also restricted by DEL to providing Level 1 qualifications, which do not always meet client needs and are not sufficient in many cases for gaining employment. Both the Council and the project promoters are continuing to raise this issue with DEL.

3.13 The ESF Projects are currently awaiting confirmation from DEL of their funding for Year Two of their projects. Once DEL provide this detail, the projects also need to confirm if they have the necessary match funding in place. If projects do not secure all of the match funding needed they may have to scale back activity or, in the worst case scenario, they may not proceed at all. This may mean that the council allocation is not fully utilised.

3.14 While the Council is now committed to the ESF projects, it is still endeavouring to look at opportunities to secure added value from our investment, for example, by building upon the current mechanism in place for social clause referrals. If the Council agrees to the match funding amounts for the coming financial year, it is proposed that we should work across the projects to encourage greater collaboration and to share relevant information, for example, on emerging Council opportunities or on other development activity in the planning pipeline. Likewise, the economic intelligence information that we gather as part of the Belfast Agenda development and through our membership of the UU Economic Policy Centre should be shared with partners to identify opportunities for greater forward planning, in line with emerging growth sectors and new developments and opportunities.

3.15 Lenadoon Community Forum

This non-ESF project was awarded £25,000 towards their ‘Training for Employment’ project with additional match funding from Ulster Bank’s Skills and Opportunities Fund for one year only. To continue this project Lenadoon have requested match funding of £25,000 from the Council

D246 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

towards a total project cost of £107,000. This project provides a range of training up to and including Levels 2 and 3.

3.16 Financial and Resource Implications

In agreeing to provide Council match funding for Year Two, the following caveats should be satisfied:

 Performance in Year One should be deemed satisfactory to permit progression to Year Two, as determined by DEL.  Projects will be required to confirm to Council that all match funding has been secured and enter into a funding agreement with Council on this basis.  Council funding should be provided on a pro-rata basis, based on actual expenditure and achievement of targets, capped at the funding levels approved for each project. Variances to project activity may be permissible by prior agreement with the council but the funding available will not exceed the amount set out below.

3.16 The funding allocations recommended are as follows:

Organisation Proposed BCC Match Funding Year 2 LEMIS Partnership £80,000 Springboard £35,000 Shankill Women’s £25,000 Centre Women’s TEC £35,000 Workforce £25,000 Women in Business £15,000 Lenadoon (Non-ESF) £25,000 TOTAL £240,000

3.17 Equality and Good relations implications

None”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

D247 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

Beltech Conference - Request to sponsor

The Committee was reminded that the Council had supported the inaugural Belfast Technology Conference event which had taken place in April 2014 and the second conference which had taken place in April 2015. The sponsorship from the Council for both years had been £15,000. A request had now been received for a funding contribution of £10,000 towards the delivery of the Belfast Technology Conference 2016 (BelTech).

The Members were advised that the 2015 conference had brought together technology and business leaders, as well as politicians from Belfast, USA and Europe. They were advised that the 2016 conference would again be held at Titanic Belfast and would target technology professionals, tech business owners, potential business founders and post primary school children, teachers and university students. The Members were advised that representatives from UC Berkeley, California and Uber had been invited as keynote speakers and that, to date, twelve key speakers had been confirmed.

The finance requested from the Council for the 2016 event was sponsorship of £10,000, a reduction of £5,000 from previous years, and it was outlined that sponsorship of the Belfast Technology Conference would provide the Council with the following:

 a full page advertisement in the conference brochure;  prime time positioning of the Council logo on all materials (including the website, press ads, marketing materials);  inclusion in pre-event publicity and post event publicity;  relevant promotional material in delegate packs;  prime exhibition space and an opportunity for additional displays throughout the venue;  delegate passes (number still to be agreed);  an opportunity for additional exhibition stand for Invest NI to promote innovation space across NI, in particular Forthriver Innovation Centre and North Foreshore;  an opportunity for an additional exhibition stand for Enterprise NI to promote the ‘Go for it’ business start programme;  access to networking events for companies participating on BCC creative and digital industry programmes; and  that 10 post-primary schools were expected to attend, representing 200 pupils from all areas of the city.

The Committee:

1. considered and approved Council sponsorship of £10,000 to support the BelTech conference which would be held in Belfast on 21st and 22nd April 2016; and 2. noted that this would be met from the current Economic Development unit budgets.

D248 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

Stall increase - St. George's Market

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this report is to propose an increase in the stall fee for St George’s Market with effect from 1 April 2016, and to agree to further work to look at an appropriate fee structure, in order to support the future development of the market.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to:

 Note and agree the proposal to increase the stall fee at St George’s Market, from £14, to £15 per stall per day, from 1 April 2016.  Note the proposal to review fees in the coming year and agree to receive a report at the end of 2016 with a proposal for stall fee levels with effect from 1 April 2017.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Key Issues

At the 18 February 2014 meeting of the Development Committee, Members agreed to increase the stall fees at St George’s Market by £1, to £14 per stall, with effect from 1 April 2014. There has not been an increase in stall fees since that date.

3.2 Members will be aware that the success of St George’s Market has grown significantly in recent years. Much of this success is due to ongoing investment by the Council in the venue, working in close partnership with the traders.

3.3 At present, the market attracts between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors on each market day (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). It is now one of the most significant visitor attractions in the city. In the 2015 calendar year, almost 1 million people visited the market.

3.4 In addition to the weekend markets, St George’s hosted the first ever Twilight Market in November 2015. This event was a huge success, attracting 17,000 visitors on the evening. Due to the popularity of the event, and in line with the Year

D249 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

of Food & Drink 2016, a number of Twilight Markets are scheduled to take place in 2016, each over a two night period in order to control pressures on the volume of people accessing the venue.

3.5 However, this success requires ongoing investment at the market in order to maintain standards. A review of the market in 2014 identified a number of infrastructure and staffing recommendations. Already £200,000 has been invested in infrastructure improvements in recent years. A staffing review is also under way at present, with a report due to be presented to the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee in February. This will provide additional front- facing staff at the market to deal with trader and customer queries, and will ensure that senior managers are present at all times.

3.6 The current stall fee of £14 represents very good value for money for traders, as it also includes marketing and promotion of the Market. Members will be aware that there are now a number of markets across the city. All of these markets are charging more than the fee for St George’s. For example, Folktown Markets charges £60 per stall per day, and Fine & Dandy Market charges £25 per stall per day.

3.7 Currently, in St George’s Market, there are on average 180 stalls per day. This generates an average income of approximately £9,000 per weekend, and an annual income of approximately £432,000. This overall figure includes a trader’s contribution to utilities, for example, electricity. An increase of £1 per stall per day will generate an income of approximately £457,000. This income is used purely for the operational running costs of the market.

3.8 It is proposed that the stall fee is increased to £15 per stall per day, with effect from 1 April 2016. It is also proposed that a review of stall fees, and other potential income sources, is undertaken with a view to identifying how the fees can support the investment required to sustain the market into the future. This may require a differentiated approach e.g. for certain events or certain traders such as hot food traders who generate significant grease, steam and smoke which therefore requires ongoing investment in maintenance and equipment. A report will be brought back to the Committee at the end of 2016, to make recommendations for the relevant pricing structure from 1 April 2017.

D250 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

3.9 Resource Implications

This increase of £1 per stall per day, from £14 to £15, will generate a slight annual increase of approximately £25,920. This will be used to offset the running costs of the market. St George’s costs approximately £480,000 to run every year. Council picks up the shortfall, and also the cost of maintaining and repairing the building.

3.10 Equality or Good Relations Implications

No specific equality or good relations implications.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

DRD Consultation exercise – Taxi ranks in Donegall Square

The Chairperson reminded the Committee that it had agreed to defer making a decision on the recent consultation on public hire taxi rank provision within the Donegall Square area in order that representatives from both the Belfast Public Hire Taxi Service (BPHTS) and the Department of Regional Development (DRD) could present to the Committee at a special meeting on 3rd February, 2016. The Members were advised that the Council was required to provide its response to the DRD consultation which proposed an increase in public hire taxi rank provision within the Donegall Square area.

After discussion, the Committee agreed that the Council’s response to the DRD proposal would include:

 that the Council supported the proposed removal of restrictions on taxi access to one lane on Donegall Square West (closest to City Hall);  that the Council supported the amendment to the taxi rank on Donegall Square North to allow increased capacity for ranking;  that the DRD are requested to consider whether it would be appropriate to reallocate part/or all of the public hire taxi rank at Chichester Street for coach parking and allocate some of the coach parking space at Donegall Square West for a public hire taxi feeder rank, even on a trial basis, in consultation with relevant stakeholders such as representatives from coach operators and the PSNI; and  that the DRD are requested to consider proposals to improve signage information to the public hire taxi ranks within the city centre in conjunction with the Council.

D251 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

The Committee also noted:

 that public hire taxi access would be considered as part of the Council’s ongoing implementation of the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Plan, and that experience of how public hire taxis operated in other UK cities would be investigated as part of that process;  that information would be sought from the NI Assembly Committee for Regional Development on the proposed discussions relating to public taxi hire access in the city centre; and  that an invitation had been extended to the Members of the Committee, by the Belfast Public Hire Taxi representatives, to undertake a tour of taxi rank facilities within the city centre if they wished.

Tourism, Events and International Relations

International Relations Framework - Update

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 To provide Members with an update on the delivery of the International Relations Framework (IRFW) 2013 – 2015 and to set out the proposed approach for developing a new framework, as part of a wider programme of City promotion.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to:

 note the content of the report and;  agree to receive a future report setting out the proposed future international relations framework, based on evaluation work undertaken by staff and supported external advice

3.0 Main report

3.1 Key Issues

Members will be aware that one of the key commitments in the Council’s Investment Programme 2012 - 2015 was that the Council would work with City partners to promote Belfast proactively on the international stage to attract trade

D252 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

and investment, increase visitor and student numbers and build the networks necessary to support growth.

3.2 In this context, an International Relations Framework and Action Plan were developed to shape how city stakeholders could work together to maximise the economic impact for Belfast.

3.3 The existing framework includes a number of aims and supporting objectives. These relate to developing meaningful partnerships with key cities in order to support economic growth in Belfast and to improve the perception of the city as a dynamic business location. The role of the city council is one of an enabler and broker, and the framework identifies the importance of involving other partner organisations in order to make the relationships sustainable.

3.4 This framework and a 2 year plan were agreed by Members at the August 2013 Development Committee. Since that time Members have received updates outlining delivery of the action plan and highlighting additional areas of work that have arisen within the broad framework that was agreed.

3.5 The purpose of this report is to identify activities that took place under the International Relations Framework, highlight some of the outputs to date, set out some of the key challenges and issues for the future framework and consider proposed future activity in the context of a changing internal and external environment.

3.6 Throughout the delivery of the International Relations Framework, the Council has sought to add value to, endorse and maximise international connections that already existed within the Council itself or with city stakeholders. We have done this by working closely with partners such as the universities, Invest NI, Belfast Metropolitan College, the British Council and government departments and agencies.

3.7 Overview of activity to date

The following actions have been delivered throughout the lifetime of the International Relations Framework 2013 – 2015:

3.8 USA

 Participated in South by South West in 2013, 2014 and 2015.  Undertook business mission to Nashville in 2013.

D253 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

 Undertook exploration mission to Washington, New York, New Brunswick and Toronto in 2013.  Hosted Nashville during Belfast Music Week in 2013.  Undertook West Coast USA Tech Mission in 2013, 2014 and 2015.  Undertook 5 outward missions to develop the Boston Sister City Agreement.  Facilitated Belfast business mission to New York in 2014.  Hosted Massachusetts State Senate visit in 2014.  Hosted New York State Comptroller in 2014.  Hosted Boston Police / Justice programme in 2014.  Secured first ever NCAA Friendship Four ice hockey tournament in 2015.  Facilitated Boston introductions for Belfast Youth Orchestra and the Outburst theatre company.  Hosted New York Legislators visit in 2015.

3.9 Europe

 Input into European policy and funding programme development for the period 2014 – 2020.  Undertook tourism showcase mission to Bilbao in 2013.  Signed Belfast Dublin Economic Corridor MOU Agreement in 2013.  Showcased Belfast at the Brussels annual Open Days in 2013, 2014 and 2015.  Showcased Belfast at the Eurocities AGM in 2013, 2014 and 2015.  Established and led the NI European Forum 2012 – 2015.

3.10 China

 Supported Chinese New Year 2013, 2014, 2015 with city stakeholders.  Reviewed Belfast Sister City relationship with Hefei, attended Hefei Sister Cities Conference in 2013 and hosted 2 inward Hefei business, civic and arts missions to Belfast.  Hosted 15 civic visits for Chinese students in Belfast over 3 years.  Helped facilitate establishment of new Chinese Consulate Office opening in Belfast 2015 (Planning introductions, partner introductions and regular briefings).

D254 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

 Hosted 5 inward business and political missions from China over 3 years.  Supported local artists in Beijing through the Belfast Wave project exhibition 2013.  Signed Friendly Cooperation agreement with Shenyang in 2013, leading to the interest of OFMDFM to open a satellite office in the Province in 2016.  Undertaking city mission to Beijing and Shenyang in May 2016, in partnership with city stakeholders.

3.11 India

 Council exploratory visit to India in April 2013 in partnership with Invest NI and Tourism Ireland.  Secured and hosted the Global India Business Meeting in June 2013.  Delivered Belfast in India Week with 40 city events in June 2013.  Hosted 2 ministerial visits from India in 2013.  Facilitated Belfast Metropolitan College engagement in a British Council training for export project – UKIERI, supporting Belfast SME’s into the Indian market, 2014 – 2015.  Secure Challenge UK India project providing a platform to promote tourism, education and trade opportunities in India, September 2015 – March 2016.

3.12 Some of the Key outcomes to date include:

 The Global India event, which was attended by 300 delegates, generated 18 investment leads (some of which are still under development) and provided opportunities for 47 local companies to pitch to key partners/targets.  Supported signature of link between NI Chamber of Commerce and Mumbai Chamber of Commerce as platform for future collaboration.  £90,000 secured from UK Challenge Fund (supported by UKTI) to undertake promotional events in India for creative industries and music development sectors.  Hosted the first annual Friendship Four Ice Hockey event, securing £275,000 of spend and significant positive media coverage for the city and event in the USA.  Provided political and civic support to facilitate development of local university and colleges work in China  Secured $20,000 bursary for two Belfast schools through Boston contacts.

D255 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

 Secured EU funding for Waterfront Hall and Innovation Factory development.  Supported expert development opportunities for 60 local businesses to USA markets on West Coast (Tech Mission) and in Austin (through SXSW participation).  Brokered introductions to relevant partner institutions in USA, helping local business to develop new clients and joint ventures.  New clients and joint ventures secured through the Council’s brokerage of introductions of small businesses to US partner institutions.

3.13 Interim Activities (2016/17)

While the details of the new International Relations Framework have not been finalised, there are a number of existing commitments already in place for the coming year. In endorsing these activities, Members have taken account of the fact that, in the absence of the agreed framework, the proposed activities contribute to a range of broader council initiatives. These include the Belfast Agenda, the Integrated Tourism Framework and the City Centre Regeneration & Investment Strategy. Activities will include:

 Council participation in Sister Cities Summit in Dublin in April 2016 (subject to committee approval), as well as hosting Nashville and Boston delegations in Belfast in advance of the Dublin event.  Lord Mayor visit to Boston in February 2016 to develop additional economic linkages, including planning for potential inward business mission at the end of 2016.  Further development work on Youth Transformation Project between Boston and Belfast.  Lord Mayor to undertake civic visit to Nashville in March 2016, including participation in Tourism Ireland promotional event.  Attendance at South by Southwest music business event as part of business delegation with Invest NI.  Continue to explore relevant EU funding opportunities for Belfast City Council, in line with corporate priorities.  Civic visit to Shenyang alongside academic and business partners in May 2016.

D256 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

3.14 Future Framework

Members will acknowledge that, since the development of the International Relations Framework in 2013, there are now a number of strategic discussions with which any future international relations framework should align. These include the Belfast Agenda, City Centre Regeneration, and Investment Strategy and Place Positioning.

3.15 In addition to developments within the council, our key partners have also been working on a number of frameworks of which we should be cognisant. These include:

 NI Executive International Relations Strategy 2014 – 2020  NI Executive China Strategy 2015 – 2020  Invest NI’s Corporate Plan 2016 – 2020  DETI’s Export Matters Strategy 2016 – 2020  Emerging new Programme for Government  Revised Northern Ireland Economic Strategy

3.16 As such, when developing a new International Relations Framework, consideration must be given to the changing context for intervention. Likewise, greater focus will be placed on the added value of investment along with consideration of resources and the ability to secure partner buy-in.

3.17 In order to develop the new framework, it is proposed that officers undertake some early engagement with partner organisations to establish the added value that the Council can bring. This will be supported by independent advisory support to look at how this issue is managed in other areas and to give an objective view of the best way forward for the council and the city, including consideration of how measureable outcomes can be established.

3.18 Financial and Resource Implications

A maximum of £10,000 (from within the agreed budget) will be used to undertake the international relations review work.

3.19 Equality or Good Relations Implications

Officers will work with the Equality Officer to determine how equality and good relations should be considered in the development of the future Framework.”

D257 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Draft City Events Unit - Programme 2016-17 and Strategic Review

The Committee considered the undernoted Draft Programme of Events for 2016/17:

*Members should note that target attendance figures are estimated and are subject to a number of extraneous factors; furthermore that the ‘success’ of an event should not be measured by attendance alone.

Event Venue Proposed Date(s) Target no of Estimated attendees* Budget

Spring into Easter Belfast City Hall Sat 26 - Tues 29 March 15,000 £115,000

Circuit of Ireland City Centre Fri 8 - Sat 9 April 70,000 £25,000 Rally

Belfast City Marathon Citywide Mon 2 May 60,000 £26,000

Queens Quay Belfast Titanic Abercorn Basin Sat 28 - Mon 30 May 50,000 £180,000 Maritime Festival Titanic Slipways Proms (delivered by Titanic Slipways Sat 10 September 11,000 £95,000 the BBC)

Autumn Fair Botanic Gardens Sat 17- Sun 18 September 12,000 £40,000

Halloween Titanic Slipways Sun 30 or Mon 31 October 20,000 £120,000

Christmas Lights City Hall Sat 19 November 10,500 £88,000 Switch-On

City Hall & Custom St Patrick’s Day Fri 17 March 2017 15,000 £140,000 House Sq

Big Screen n/a City Hall TBC £27,250 Animation

Support for Sport n/a n/a 40,000 £97,000 Grants Scheme

n/a Sail Training n/a TBC £20,000

TOTAL COST: £973,250

D258 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

CITY EVENTS UNIT PROGRAMME 16/17 (EVENTS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY COUNCIL)

Event Venue Proposed Date(s) Target no of Estimated attendees* Budget UK National Pipe Stormont Estate Sat 11 June 12,000 £180,000 Band Championships All Ireland Irish Dancing Belfast Waterfront Fri 28 Oct – Sun 6 Nov 2,500 £250,000 Championships TOTAL COST: £430,000

The Committee:

1. agreed the draft City Events Unit Programme of Events for 2016/17; and 2. noted the current strategic review of the City’s events and festivals and the recommended next steps.

China outward Visit - May 2016

The Chief Executive advised the Committee that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 24th April 2015, had agreed support for an outward visit to China in order to identify opportunities for collaborative activity between Belfast and Shenyang, China. This would be the first civic visit to Shenyang since a Memorandum of Understanding between Belfast and Shenyang had been signed in July 2013. At that time, the Council had agreed that the Lord Mayor, the Chair and Deputy Chair of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, or their nominees, and one Officer would participate in the visit.

However, the Members were advised that there had been significant momentum in recent months and with a number of city partners having confirmed their willingness to engage in the visit. It was outlined to the Committee that, in addition to the civic request, Invest NI would lead a multi-sector trade mission to Shenyang for the first time and that there would also be representation from Belfast Metropolitan College, Queen’s University and Northern Ireland Connections. The Members noted that the Confucius Centre at Ulster University had offered in-kind support by covering the costs of providing a translator for the visit. The Committee was also advised that, given the level of commitment from city partners, the Chief Executive would also take part in the council’s delegation. The Members were also requested to consider approving the participation of an additional officer to ensure appropriate support for the delegation, the cost of which would be met from within the International Relations budget

After discussion, the Committee:

1. noted the update on the proposed visit to Shenyang in May 2016; and

D259 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

2. agreed to the inclusion of one additional officer to accompany the delegation to ensure appropriate support for the programming and logistics. Regeneration MIPIM Update

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 To update Committee on the preparations for MIPIM international property showcase, taking place in France from 15 -18 March 2016.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to:

 Note the report and agree the preparations underway and the delegation from Belfast private sector and BCC.  Note the local event on Investment in Belfast will be on 25 February (venue tbc)

3.0 Key Issues

Background

3.1 On 18 Sept SP&R agreed Council should lead a city partnership delegation to MIPIM in March 2016. A budget of £60,000 was approved on the understanding there would be equivalent match funding from the private sector.

3.2 MIPIM attracts 20,000 delegates, including 4,500 investors and 1,500 developers. The purpose of the Belfast delegation is to attract investors in the real estate sector. We will achieve this by positioning the City alongside international counterparts; and by presenting investment and development opportunities in a compelling and deliverable manner.

3.3 In addition, MIPIM provides a platform to learn about our peer cities and understand the new methods currently being progressed to ensure cities are competitive.

3.4 A successful event to promote Belfast at MIPIM was held at Victoria Square on 27 November which was followed up with a number of one to one approaches. We now have 18 private sector partners who have agreed to join the City delegation.

D260 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

3.5 In addition the MIPIM campaign has the support of Ulster University, Queens University, Invest NI, NI Screen and the BBC in helping to promote Belfast as a compelling location for investment and growth.

3.6 The 18 partners include: A&L Goodbody; Belfast Harbour; Bywater Properties; Carillion; CBRE; Deloitte; Kilmona Holdings; Lacuna Developments; Lagans; LSH; McAleer & Rushe; McLaughlin & Harvey; Lotus Group; 16 South; Stelify Media; Titanic Quarter; Todds; Bank of Ireland and Tughans.

3.7 Additional contributions in excess of £125,000 have been secured, which exceeds the minimum match funding target agreed with SP&R. This demonstrates the seed corn investment placed by the City Council in taking the stand has brought together a strong private sector lead showcase for our City.

3.8 The Belfast narrative for the event will be ‘City of Talent’. This includes talent within specific sectors and in our educational achievement, but also includes a wider narrative of tenacity, innovation and creativity. The theme for the event will be Let’s talk Belfast; Talent; Tax; Technology with the aim to ensure the key investment messages for Belfast are socialised and embedded in both the real estate and wider business sectors. In addition a targeted media campaign accompanies the event with coverage secured in the Financial Times (27th January 2016) as well as trade journals and national press.

3.9 The importance of this campaign is to ensure the city is considered alongside its peers for FDI investment and that the unique selling points of Belfast are clearly articulated.

3.10 MC2, a specialist communications management company, are supporting delivery, along with Belfast based Laynon Communications and Ardmore. The event programme is currently being finalised and a working draft available on modern.gov. However, key aspects of the programme include:

 Three themed days to cover: i) Creative industries; to highlight the thriving Creative Sector in Belfast – UU will be presenting on stand on its investment into the city and its international standout of creative industries including digital animation.

D261 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

ii) Waterfront cities; Belfast a global port and waterfront city. Presentations on waterfront developments including Titanic Quarter and the Belfast Waterfront. iii) Financial technology and professional services - Presentations on stand to include Prof M Price from CSIT at QUB, Deloitte Digital and John Healy from Allstate on his Belfast experience of both Citibank and Allstate, as a compelling location for financial business due to talent base and productivity.  Showcasing investment opportunities including strategic projects like NE Quarter, Transport Hub, Titanic Quarter, City Quays, Linen Quarter and the Cultural Hub. We also will major on the intention to reduce corporation tax from 20% to 12.5% in 2018 and what have a comparable corporation tax on the island of Ireland could provide.  Events with other European partner cities including a specific Waterfront Cities event with Liverpool, Rotterdam, Lisburn, Oslo and Hamburg  In addition we are expecting a significant announcement on the success of Belfast at an attractive business location for FDI.

3.11 Bringing together a Belfast business delegation of over 40 professionals across the business and public sector base, with a common aim of ensuring we are creating a legacy for our young and talented population, is a key driver for BCC in ensuring we can all meet the aims and ambitions of the Belfast Agenda.

3.12 Given the size of the Belfast delegation, the intensive programme and number of speaking engagements, the Chair and Deputy Chair of City Growth and Regeneration Committee (or their nominees), BCC Chief Executive, Directors of Development and Property and Projects, will also be required to attend to participate in the majority of the week’s events programme. Two support staff will also be required to attend. Costs will be taken from the overall MIPIM budget, which has been heavily supported by the private sector.

3.13 It is proposed that this will not be a one off event but that 2016 will create a long lasting legacy of true partnership. The private sector’s commitment to come together was demonstrated in the investment raised, amounting to double the Council’s contribution, and in its determination to ensure Belfast stands shoulder to shoulder with its European peers.

D262 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

3.14 An event to promote this new partnership and the investment in Belfast will be held from 12-2pm on 25 February (venue tbc). All members of the committee are invited to attend, with further details to follow.

3.15 Finance and Resource Implications

A £60,000 contribution from the existing City Centre budget was authorised by SP&R in Sept 2015. Due to financial contributions from partners, the initiative has met the minimum threshold required. There are no further resource implications.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Restricted Items

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

East Bank - Sirocco/Queen's Quay

The Chief Executive reminded the Members that the Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (BCCRIS) had identified Special Action Areas (SAA) for areas which were in need of an immediate, detailed and integrated planning approach.

She undertook to provide the Committee with an overview of the proposed way forward for the East Bank area which encompassed the Sirocco site, Queen’s Quay and the linkage with the Titanic Quarter, East Belfast and the City Centre, as part of the ongoing approach to the City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy. She outlined to the Members that the East Bank area contained major development opportunities, planned transport interventions, such as Rapid Transit, and was situated in an important location between the east of the city and the traditional city centre. However, it was highlighted that the area currently suffered from poor accessibility and pedestrian connectivity and as a result, was disconnected from adjacent communities and the city centre.

During discussion, a Member requested that a specific reference to engaging with local communities be included within the strategy and the Committee agreed.

The Chief Executive explained that, in line with the Oxford Street / East Bank SAA, it was proposed that a detailed strategy be procured and undertaken for the area including Sirocco, Queens Quay and the Shatter Zone, to be referred to collectively as the East Bank. It was estimated that up to £60,000 of the City Centre budget be allocated to this specialist work in line with the agreed approach for delivery of the Investment Plan.

D263 City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Wednesday, 10th February, 2016

After discussion, the Committee:

1. noted the proposed way forward for the East Bank area; 2. agreed that a detailed and integrated approach be undertaken for the area and that specialist advice be procured in line with the appended draft Terms of Reference; and 3. that a specific reference to local community engagement be included.

Outstanding Accounts

The Chief Executive outlined that the City Growth and Regeneration Committee received around £7m of external income per year which included grant income, rent of Council property and fees and charges. The Committee was advised that, on occasion, a number of debtors who received services failed to pay. She advised the Members that this was despite the Central Transactions Unit (CTU) having implemented the Council’s procedures for recovering outstanding debt.

The Committee was advised that debt had been caused by a company entering administration and being dissolved, with the company in question ceasing to exist from 21st September, 2012. The management of this particular debt had been through a long and protracted Legal process which had now been exhausted, where the advice from the Legal Services section was that there was no legal avenue left for the Council to successfully pursue the debt that did not expose the Council to unacceptable risk of incurring yet more unrecoverable costs. The Members were advised that the bad debt totalled £17,573.14.

The Committee agreed to authorise that the outstanding accounts, totalling £17,573.14, be written off in accordance with Section M12 of the Council’s Financial Regulations.

Chairperson

D264 Licensing Committee

Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Hussey (Chairperson); the Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Spence); Alderman L. Patterson; and Councillors Armitage, Attwood, Bell, Brown, Bunting, Campbell, Carroll, Clark, Craig, Dudgeon, Groves, Jones, Magennis, McConville and Sandford.

In attendance: Mr. S. Hewitt, Building Control Manager; Ms. N. Largey, Divisional Solicitor; and Mr. H. Downey, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies Apologies were reported on behalf of Councillors Hutchinson and Mullan.

Minutes The minutes of the meeting of 20th January were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee. Declaration of Interest Councillor Carroll declared an interest in respect of item 2 (d) in so far as he was a member of the Casement Social Club and took no part in the discussion or the vote. 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.

Applications for the Renewal of Seven-day Annual Entertainments Licences – Rock Bar, 491 – 493 Falls Road/ El Divino, May’s Meadow

The Committee was advised that applications had been received for the renewal of Seven-day Annual Indoor Entertainments Licences in respect of the above-mentioned premises, based upon the Council’s standard conditions to provide music, singing, dancing or any other entertainment of a like kind.

The Building Control Manager reported that a number of written representations had been received in respect of each application. He confirmed that all of those relating

E135 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

to the Rock Bar had been received outside the twenty-eight day statutory period, whilst two of the four objections for El Divino had been submitted outside that timeframe. He outlined the nature of the objections and confirmed that, under the terms of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, the Committee, when considering an application, must have regard to any representation which had been received within the twenty-eight day statutory period. However, where objections had been lodged outside that period, the Committee could exercise its discretion and agree to receive the objectors, although it did not have a duty to do so.

The Committee agreed, in view of the relevance of the objections, to exercise its discretion and to consider all of the objections for each application at a future meeting, to which the objectors and the applicants would be invited.

Application for the Grant of a Seven-day Annual Entertainments Licence – Casement Social Club, 88-100 Andersonstown 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 the Casement Social Club, based upon the Council’s standard conditions to provide music, singing, dancing or any other entertainment of a like kind.

The Building Control Manager reported that the club’s Entertainments Licence had expired in October, 2008 and that the applicant was seeking to renew it in order to provide entertainment in the games room, lounge and members’ bar, which had a combined occupancy of approximately 200 persons. Since it was a registered club, it could provide entertainment from Monday to Saturday till 11.00 p.m. and on a Sunday till 10.00 p.m. and obtain approval from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to sell alcohol beyond the permitted hours on up to 85 occasions in any twelve month period.

He explained that the Building Control Service had, on a number of occasions, been made aware that entertainment was being held within the premises without a valid Licence and had advised the applicant of the application process and of the possibility of facing legal proceedings for further non-compliance. However, during a subsequent inspection on 4th August, 2015, officers had found that entertainment was taking place and that the front door had been locked. That had resulted in legal action being taken against the club for each offence, with the case being listed for hearing on 1st March. Since the inspection, officers had met with representatives of the club to discuss the application process and technical requirements and the Council was now being urged to consider granting the Entertainments Licence to facilitate the provision of entertainment on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Building Control Manager pointed out that no written representations had been received in relation to the application and the Police Service of Northern Ireland had offered no objection. He added that officers of the Building Control Service had, since August 2015, conducted three inspections of the premises, none of which had found entertainment to be taking place, and the Council’s Environmental Protection Unit had, since that time, received no complaints around noise nuisance or patron dispersal.

E136 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

It was reported that Mr. B. Murray, the Chairman of the club, and Mr. P. Crossan, the Vice Chairman, were in attendance and the Committee agreed that it would be beneficial to obtain from them clarification around the application.

Mr. Murray highlighted a number of issues surrounding the previous management of the Casement Social Club, one of which had been the failure in 2008 to renew the Entertainments Licence. When he had assumed the role of Chairman in 2013, he had been unaware of the need to renew the Licence. He pointed out that the premises were used on a number of nights each week by bands from the local community as a base to practice and that the entertainment which had taken place on the night of 4th August, 2015 had been organised to coincide with a presentation being made by the club to a young handball player who was due to travel to Calgary to compete in the World Handball Championships. He concluded by claiming that almost all of the five complaints which the Council had received since the current management had assumed control of the club had been malicious in nature.

The Chairperson thanked Mr. Murray for his contribution.

After discussion,

It was

Moved by Councillor Magennis, Seconded by Councillor Bell,

That the Committee, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, agrees to grant a Seven-day Annual Indoor Entertainments Licence in respect of the Casement Social Club, 88 – 100 Andersonstown Road.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Dudgeon, Seconded by Councillor Bunting,

That the Committee, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, agrees in view of the pending legal proceedings, to defer consideration of the application for the Casement Social Club, with the proviso that:

(i) should the applicant on 1st March be found not guilty of the offences, the Entertainments Licence be issued under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation; and

(ii) should the applicant on 1st March be found guilty of the offences, or in any other eventuality, the application be placed before the Committee on 16th March for further consideration.

On a vote by show of hands five Members voted for the amendment and eight against and it was declared lost.

E137 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Magennis and seconded by Councillor Bell was thereupon put to the meeting and passed.

Application for Extended Hours – Coláiste Feirste, Falls Road

The Committee noted that the above-mentioned application had been withdrawn at the request of the applicant.

Application for the Grant of a Seven-day Annual Entertainments Licence – Beckett’s Bar, 241 Stewartstown Road

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report/Summary of main Issues

1.1 Members will recall, from your meeting on 20th January, that you considered a request from the applicant to address the Committee regarding your decision of 16th December to defer consideration of the application for Beckett’s Bar until the outcome of pending legal proceedings and the applicant had had the opportunity to fully consider the Council’s response to three subject access requests.

1.2 The Committee was informed that all subject access requests had subsequently been withdrawn. After agreeing to the applicant’s request and hearing from Mr Eugene Hughes, husband of the applicant, you affirmed your decision of 16th December to defer consideration of the application until the outcome of the pending legal proceedings.

1.3 At the time of the January meeting, the summonses had been issued and the matter was due to be heard on 9th February. However, they were unable to be served on the applicant.

1.4 The summonses have since been served on and the case has been listed for hearing on 16th February in Lisburn Magistrates Court.

1.5 The applicant has advised that, due to the amount of trade which they have lost, the cancellation of bookings and loss of potential earnings, it has placed a significant pressure upon the business to remain financially viable and in operation. They further advise that the granting of an Entertainments Licence is crucial to the continued operation of the business and, without one, a significant number of jobs would be put at risk.

1.6 The applicant has respectfully requested that the Committee now consider their application, taking into account the outcome of the Court proceedings of 16th February 2016.

E138 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

1.7 Members are reminded that the application for the grant of a Seven-day Annual Entertainments Licence for Beckett’s Bar was received on 15th July 2015, based on the Council’s standard conditions to provide music, singing, dancing or any other entertainment of a like kind.

Premises and Location Ref. No. Applicant Beckett’s Bar, WK/2015/00780 Carol Hughes, 241 Stewartstown Road, Sharp NI Ltd, Dunmurry, 60 Limehill Road, BT17 0LA. Lisburn, BT27 5LR.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Taking into account the information presented and any representations received you are required to consider the application in light of the legal proceedings. Officers will update you on the outcome of the court hearing listed for the 16th February at your meeting and should the matter be concluded, you are required to make a decision to either:

1. approve the application for the grant of the Seven- day Annual Entertainments Licence, or

2. approve the application for the grant with special conditions, in addition to the standard conditions, or

3. refuse the application for the grant of the Seven- day Annual Entertainments Licence.

2.2 If the application is refused, or special conditions are attached to the licence to which the applicant does not consent, then the applicant may appeal the Council’s decision within 21 days of notification of that decision to the Recorders Court.

3.0 Main report

Key Issues

3.1 As this matter has been placed before the Committee on two previous occasions, the main content and key issues of the report has not altered and is attached at Appendix 1. It is appreciated that the amount of information relating to this application is extremely large and complex however it is important that the Committee is fully advised of all information held by officers. Officers have advised the applicant that this is

E139 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

the basis for the volume of information in the previous reports but that it is for the Committee to determine whether information about the Hughes family and its corporate structures is relevant to its decision, and in particular the issues of fitness and credibility.

3.2 After the December Committee papers were received, additional information was provided by the applicant in form of a number of emails and a second Court Judgement. Officers were not aware of this decision until after the Committee papers were published for December’s Committee.

3.3 A copy of the emails and Judgement was forwarded to the Committee by Democratic Services on 16th December. A further copy, together with a brief summary of their content, has been circulated.

3.4 As appears within those emails, the applicant has challenged the validity and relevance of some of the points documented within the Committee report and has alleged that Council Officers engineered the report and supporting information to castigate the character of her husband Eugene Hughes.

3.5 The applicant also claimed that officers failed to inform the Committee that there was a second Judgement from The Right Honourable Justice Deeny which involved the same bank, KBC Bank Ireland PLC, and the same company, Omara Ltd. Carol Hughes further claimed that the Hughes Family position against the bank was clarified and they were exonerated by the Judgement (Page 4 Paragraph 1). She has further claimed that the Hughes family were already taking legal action against this Bank in 2010 over misrepresentation and mis-selling and that the bank appointed an Administrator to frustrate this. No detail as to the outcome of that legal action has been provided.

3.6 The initial Judgement, which was contained within December’s Committee papers, relates to whether the bank consented to the sub-lease of premises and the transfer of the premises’ liquor licence. The second Judgement relates to setting aside a statutory demand issued on foot of debts allegedly incurred by John and Eugene Hughes in the form of personal guarantees for loans. Members are also advised that the second Judgement was concerned with whether the debt allegedly owed was disputed on substantial grounds and was not an adjudication on the substantive issue of the debt itself.

3.7 Members may also note the difference in format between the initial Judgement and the second one provided by the applicant. Officers believe it may be a transcription of a

E140 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

recording, although Members may wish to seek clarification in that regard.”

APPENDIX 1

“1.0 Purpose of Report/Summary of main Issues

1.1 Members will recall that, at your meeting on 12th November, you agreed, in view of the public safety concerns which had been raised by the Head of Building Control, and by the Divisional Solicitor’s representation in terms of the management of other premises operated by the applicant’s family, to consider this application at your December meeting. It was agreed also, in light of the Head of Building Control’s comments under public safety, that the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the applicant be invited to attend.

1.2 An application for the grant of a Seven-day Annual Entertainments Licence for Beckett’s Bar was received on 15th July 2015, based on the Council’s standard conditions to provide music, singing, dancing or any other entertainment of a like kind.

Premises and Ref. No. Applicant Location Beckett’s Bar, WK/2015/00780 Carol Hughes, 241 Stewartstown Sharp NI Ltd, Road, 60 Limehill Road, Dunmurry, Lisburn, BT27 5LR. BT17 0LA.

1.3 Members will be aware that the premises are located within an area of the former Lisburn City Council which transferred over to Belfast City Council under Local Government Reform (LGR).

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Taking into account the information presented and any representations received you are required to consider the application in light of the pending legal proceedings and to:

1. approve the application for the grant of the Seven- day Annual Entertainments Licence, or

2. approve the application for the grant with special conditions, in addition to the standard conditions, or

E141 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

3. refuse the application for the grant of the Seven- day Annual Entertainments Licence.

2.2 If the application is refused, or special conditions are attached to the licence to which the applicant does not consent, then the applicant may appeal the Council’s decision within 21 days of notification of that decision to the Recorders Court.

3.0 Main report

Key Issues

3.1 Prior to this application being made, it came to our attention that entertainment was being advertised at the premises. This was despite the fact that, when dealing with the transfer of premises into Belfast under Local Government Reform, the Service undertook considerable engagement with all those premises transferring, including Beckett’s Bar.

3.2 As part of our engagement and management of premises coming into Belfast under LGR, on 5th June 2015, an officer of the Service hand delivered a welcome letter and application pack at a meeting with the management of the premises to help explain our application process and procedures.

3.3 During this visit, it was explained that Beckett’s Bar no longer held an Entertainments Licence and we advised that no entertainment was to be held on the premises until such times as a valid Licence was in place, otherwise legal proceedings may be initiated.

3.4 Subsequent meetings and discussions were held between an officer of the Service, Mr. Eugene Hughes and the Bar Manager, Mr. Mark Skillen, on 10th, 18th, 23rd and 29th June 2015. Further discussions were again held on 2nd, 3rd and 6th July 2015.

3.5 On each of these occasions, we advised that we had observed entertainments being advertised on the Beckett’s Bar Facebook page, despite there being no Entertainments Licence in force. They were reminded of our application process and we stressed the importance of not providing entertainment until a valid Entertainments Licence was issued.

3.6 Despite our warnings, it was further observed that outdoor entertainment was being advertised at the premises and was proposed to take place on 10th July 2015.

E142 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

3.7 Accordingly, officers of the Service conducted a monitoring inspection at the premises on 10th July 2015 and witnessed entertainment taking place both outside, within the car park and on the first floor of the main premises, without valid Entertainments Licences being in place.

3.8 In addition to entertainment being provided without a licence, on inspection of the premise the officers noted the following problems:

 fire doors to the First Floor main stairwell/exit were being held open with fire extinguishers allowing fire/smoke potentially to spread within the building;

 items of equipment from the music event held within the car park were stored on the Ground Floor area of the main stairwell/exit route. This would have prevented effective means of escape from the premises;

 the escape stairs to the front of the building were obstructed with disused catering equipment at ground floor level which would have prevented effective means of escape from the premises;

 the final exit door from the front escape stair at Ground Floor level was locked by means of a padlock and chain attached to the doors panic bar and the handrail of the stairs. This would have prevented effective means of escape from the premises;

 the front escape stair had considerable pieces of broken glass and other items discarded throughout the area;

 the front escape stair also had no lighting available to show the changes in level to the exit route. This would also have prevented effective means of escape from the premises;

 the emergency exit signage/lighting was not maintained/illuminated as required in order to facilitate escape from the area and premises;

 an area of the fire resistant ceiling to the Ground Floor Store/Keg area had been removed. Stores should be enclosed in 30 minute fire resisting

E143 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

construction to prevent the fire spreading into other areas of the premises;

 the Fire Alarm Panel was showing a number of faults;

 no Rules of Management (ROM) or other similar and equivalent documentation were available when requested;

 no pre-event checks had been carried out and a checklist was not available for inspection; and

 the fire extinguishers had not been serviced since 2012 and 2013. 3.9 As part of the investigation into the matter and to give the applicant an opportunity to provide an explanation in relation to the offences, we sent the applicant a letter in accordance with the Codes of Practice issued pursuant to the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 (PACE). 3.10 Subsequently, the applicant responded to the letter with an explanation for the breach. In brief, they explained that due to senior members of staff being away on holiday, less experienced staff allowed entertainment to take place in their absence. 3.11 The matter has now been referred to Legal Services with a recommendation to prosecute the applicant for providing entertainment without a valid Entertainment Licence. 3.12 Members are advised that officers of the Service have continued to engage with the applicant’s husband and representative, Eugene Hughes, and can confirm that they have ceased advertising entertainment and continue to operate as a public bar only. The applicant has requested that the Council consider granting the premises an Entertainments Licence prior to the outcome of any legal proceedings in order for them to be able to provide entertainment. 3.13 The applicant also cites that jobs may be at risk as they may not be able to remain open and viably operate without the ability to provide entertainment. 3.14 Members are reminded that the normal process for dealing with Entertainments Licence applications, which are not the subject of objections, is that these will be granted as provided for in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.

E144 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

3.15 Whilst it must be stressed that the applicant has not been convicted of any offence, in light of the fact that a file has been passed to legal services with a recommendation to prosecute and the applicant has requested the application is determined now, officers felt it was appropriate to refer the application to the Committee for consideration.

Premises 3.16 Currently, the premises mainly operate as a Public Bar and Lounge Bar on the Ground Floor. The applicant has advised the Service that the First Floor is not used for entertainment. 3.17 This premises previously held an Entertainments Licence issued by Lisburn City Council, The applicant/licensee was John Hughes and it expired on 31st December 2010. 3.18 The current application is to provide entertainment in the Ground Floor Lounge Bar. The applicant applied for a maximum occupancy of 150 persons, however, this area can accommodate approximately 250 persons. Lisburn City Council also licensed the area for 250 persons. 3.19 The days and hours during which entertainment is proposed to be provided are:

 Monday to Saturday: 12.30 p.m. to 1.00 a.m. the following morning and  Sunday: 12.30 p.m. till midnight

Previous Applications

3.20 Members may be aware that the Licensing Committee has considered previous applications from other members of the applicant’s family, namely Mr. Eugene Hughes, Mr. John Hughes and Mrs. Margaret O'Reilly (formerly Margaret Anne Hughes). Mrs. Carol Hughes is the wife of Eugene Hughes. John Hughes, Eugene Hughes and Margaret O’Reilly are siblings.

3.21 The family have been responsible for other premises within Belfast and the FORMER Lisburn area, such as;

 McEnaney's Bar, Glen Road,  The Fiddlers Inn, Kennedy Way;  The Blackstaff Bar, Springfield Road,  The Sitting Room, Castle Street,  Tony Romas, University Road,  The Brook Lodge Bar, Twinbrook and  Colin Mill Lodge, Poleglass.

E145 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

3.22 Members may recall that Castle Street Inns Ltd, which operated The Sitting Room, The Blackstaff Bar, Beckett’s Bar and The Brook Lodge Bar went into administration in January 2011. Omara Ltd, which operated McEnaney’s Bar and Colin Mill Lodge, also went into administration in February 2011. Both of those companies were operated by members of the Hughes family.

3.23 Both companies were involved in protracted disputes with the administrators, KPMG. Members may recall that, just before going into administration, Omara Ltd allegedly entered into a sub-lease with Fernmount Trading Ltd in respect of both McEnaney’s Bar and Colin Mill Lodge. Fernmount Trading Ltd then entered into a further sub-lease with Kilternan Enterprises Ltd in respect of McEnaney’s Bar and Cedarpark Enterprises Ltd in respect of Colin Mill Lodge.

3.24 Emmanuel Hughes, who is the brother of Eugene and John, was a director of Fernmount Trading Ltd. The company is now dissolved after being struck off for not providing accounts.

3.25 The sole director of Kilternan Ltd was Emmanuel Hughes. That company is also dissolved after being struck off for not providing accounts.

3.26 The director of Cedarpark Enterprises Ltd at that time was Margaret O’Reilly and she is still currently listed as a director of the company. Eugene Hughes was subsequently appointed as a director on 1st February 2014.

3.27 It would appear that the administrators did not accept that the sub-lease entered into with Fernmount Trading Ltd was lawful. This gave rise to the protracted dispute referred to above which ultimately led to the administrator issuing High Court proceedings for forfeiture of the premises.

3.28 As appears from the Judgment, the transfer of the lease to Fernmount allegedly occurred on 1st October 2010. It made no reference to the liquor licence and it was not until the pleadings were being lodged in the forfeiture proceedings that Fernmount produced a letter dated 21st November 2010 which declared that Omara Ltd also agreed to transfer the liquor licence. It was accepted by all parties to those proceedings that the premises were both trading without the benefit of the liquor licence until the PSNI intervened in October 2011. There had been no payment of rent since the administrator was appointed.

E146 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

3.29 The court noted that the purported lease had been entered into only 2 months before the administrator was appointed. The administrator also advised the court that the lease had ‘been drafted apparently from a website and not through any lawyers’. Whilst the court did not expressly comment on whether the leases were genuine, it did conclude that the company had not obtained the consent of the bank in respect of the lease or any sub lease. It also found that the letter purporting to prove the transfer of the liquor licence was not bona fide (paragraph 17). 3.30 When concluding the case, the Judge ruled that he found Eugene Hughes a ‘wholly unconvincing and imponderable witness who attempted to mislead the court on a number of salient issues’. 3.31 Sharp (NI) Ltd currently leases Beckett’s Bar from Fernmount Trading (NI) Ltd. Carol Hughes is currently listed as the sole director of Sharp (NI) Ltd. Margaret O’Reilly was also previously listed as a director of that company but resigned on the 1st April 2014. However, Margaret O’Reilly and Carol Hughes are still currently listed as directors of Fernmount Trading (NI) Ltd. 3.32 In 2012, the Licensing Committee refused an application from Margaret O'Reilly for the grant of an Entertainments Licence for The Fiddlers Inn. The application was refused on the following grounds:

 the granting of the Licence would be likely to give rise to noise, nuisance and disturbance, anti- social and criminal behaviour and littering;  the Committee is not satisfied that the premises would be operated in a safe manner; and  the applicant is not a fit person to hold such a Licence.

3.33 Members may recall that the application had drawn objections from many residents and businesses in the area, including the PSNI.

3.34 Margaret O’Reilly lodged an appeal with the Recorders Court on the 21st May 2012 against the Council’s decision to refuse the application. The appeal was part heard on the 19th December 2012 before being withdrawn.

3.35 The Council also experienced extensive issues regarding McEnaney's Bar throughout the period of its dispute with the administrator and legal proceedings were initiated as a result of noise issues with a generator being used to provide electricity at the premises. There were also food safety and

E147 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

hygiene concerns with food being prepared and served on the premises and allegations of illegal entertainment being held on the premises without a valid Entertainments Licence. The applicant for previous Entertainments Licences at McEnaney’s was John Hughes and there had also been previous prosecution papers issued against John Hughes as a result of providing entertainment without a licence in 2009, although they were never served. He was convicted of erecting a smoking shelter at the premises without planning permission.

3.36 Members will note that in 2010 John Hughes was granted an Entertainments Licence for Beckett’s Bar by Lisburn City Council. This was the last Entertainments Licence issued in respect of the premises as they closed in 2011 due to the parent company, Castle Street Inns Ltd going into administration. KPMG eventually gained control of the premises in July 2012 and it was subsequently sold to Fernmount Trading (NI) Ltd who in turn entered into a lease with Sharp NI Ltd (the applicant).

3.37 An application for the grant of an Entertainments Licence was then received by Lisburn City Council on 17th November 2014 in the name of Eugene Hughes of Sharp (NI) Ltd, although he is not a director of that company. The application was never completed and was subsequently returned due to non-payment of the required fee.

3.38 Members may also be aware that on 26th September 2000, Lisburn City Council served a contravention notice regarding the structural make-up of the ceiling to the nightclub area of the premises. This was following the collapse of the ceiling on 15th September 2000.

3.39 We understand that a prosecution also arose from that incident regarding a Health and Safety matter under the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978 for failure to provide a safe working environment for employees and members of the public. Lisburn City Council was unable to provide further details in relation to same but we have requested the information from Lisburn Court Office and officers are awaiting a response.

3.40 However, records show that additional information was eventually provided to the Lisburn City Council Building Control Department confirming that the proposed new ceiling detail complied with the relevant technical requirements of the Building Regulations. A Completion Certificate was subsequently issued on 19th December 2000.

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Representations

3.41 Public notice of the application has been placed and no written representation has been lodged as a result of the advertisement.

PSNI

3.42 The PSNI has been consulted and has confirmed that it has no objection to the application.

NIFRS

3.43 The NIFRS has been consulted and had initially confirmed that, due to complaints received in relation to fire safety deficiencies of the premises Fire Risk Assessment from Lisburn City Council on 17th December 2014 and the recent deficiencies observed by Belfast City Council on 10th July and on 29th October 2015, it wished to object to the grant of the Entertainments Licence for the premises. 3.44 The NIFRS carried out an audit of the premises on the 10th November 2015 and although 3 contraventions were observed, the NIFRS confirmed that it wished to withdraw their objection. 3.45 As requested at your meeting on 12th November 2015, an Officer from the NIFRS will be available at this meeting to answer any queries which you may have in relation to the application and premises.

Health, Safety and Welfare Inspections

3.46 Whilst inspecting the premises and collating the required paperwork regarding the current application for Beckett’s Bar, Building Control officers have dealt specifically with Eugene Hughes. Previously, Eugene Hughes was the General Manager of Beckett’s Bar. When carrying out the entertainment licensing grant inspection, Council officers were accompanied by the Bar Manager, Mark Skillen. 3.47 Officers of the Service have never met the applicant, Carol Hughes. 3.48 On 29th October 2015 an Officer inspected the area of the premises where entertainment is proposed to be provided and found that it satisfied the technical requirements necessary to enable an Entertainments Licence to be issued. However no fire safety management documentation was available, such as the fire safety log book and evacuation procedure. Also, no evidence was provided confirming that

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the advice provided in the Fire Risk Assessment had been completed.

3.49 The Council officer carrying out the grant inspection met with Mark Skillen in the public bar. Members should note that the applicant has not applied for an Entertainments Licence for this area; however whilst he was in the Bar, the officer noted that one of the means of escape led to an enclosed yard. At the time of the inspection, the officer could not identify an escape route from this enclosed yard and passed his findings on to the NIFRS, as noted above.

3.50 On 10th November 2015, John Hughes contacted the Service by telephone to confirm that the NIFRS was currently on site and had told him that they were now going to withdraw their objection, as the problems we had identified on 29th October 2015 were now addressed. At that time, we had not received any form of contact from the NIFRS to confirm this, either by phone or email. John Hughes also questioned why we would then still have to take their application through Committee.

3.51 On 11th November 2015, a further email was sent by John Hughes to officers of the Service informing us that, from speaking with the fire authorities, it had sent an email withdrawing its objection to their application. He also requested a copy of that email to be forwarded to him and Eugene Hughes.

3.52 The Service received the email in question from the NIFRS withdrawing its objection and duly forwarded it to John Hughes. However, on 12th November 2015, John Hughes replied and stated that he had again spoken to the fire authorities and there was a further email sent confirming the withdrawal of its objection. He then requested us to confirm if this was the case. 3.53 We had not received any such further email from the NIFRS and we thus informed John Hughes of that fact. 3.54 During that time, a member of the Hughes family was also in contact with Democratic Services requesting the same correspondence regarding the NIFRS.

Subject Access Requests (SARs) under the Data Protection Act 1998

3.55 Members should be aware that, following your meeting on 12th November 2015, the Council received Subject Access Requests from Carol Hughes, Eugene Hughes and John Hughes. All three refer to the Committee meeting on

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12th November 2015 and remarks which were made about the Hughes family.

3.56 Carol Hughes has requested any information which the Council holds in relation to her or her business and both Eugene Hughes and John Hughes have requested the Council to disclose any record held on them.

3.57 We are coordinating the responses to these requests across the Council and are liaising with the Council’s Records Manager in the process.

Office Meeting

3.58 An office meeting was arranged and held on 19th November 2015 between Officers of the Service and Eugene Hughes in order to discuss the outstanding technical requirements for the application and premises.

3.59 The applicant, Carol Hughes, was invited but confirmed prior to the meeting that she was unable to attend and that her husband, Eugene Hughes could attend.

Subsequent Inspections

3.60 A follow up inspection was carried out by the Service on 26th November 2015, which revealed that all of the required fire safety management procedures were being implemented effectively.

3.61 All of the required certification in support of the application has also now been received.

6.62 Four monitoring inspections have been carried out since the alleged offence was detected and no entertainment was witnessed taking place on each occasion.

Noise Issues

3.63 The Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) has been consulted in relation to the application and it has confirmed that no complaints have been received since 1st April 2015 relating to noise break out from the premises or due to patron dispersal.

Applicant

3.64 As part of the new Committee Protocol, the applicant has been asked to submit a Representation Form answering a number of questions to provide the Committee with as much

E151 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

information as possible about the application, the premises and how it may relate to other applications the Council has previously considered from the Hughes family.

3.65 The submission also includes representations from clubs and organisations that have used Beckett’s Bar for their respective functions. It also consists of responses to a number of questions we have posed which we consider relates to the application.

3.66 The applicant, or their representative, will be available at your meeting to answer any queries you may have in relation to the application.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.67 Officers regularly carry out inspections on premises but this is catered for within existing budgets.

Equality or Good Relations Implications

3.68 There are no equality or good relations issues associated with this report.”

The Divisional Solicitor informed the Members that the legal case had been heard on 16th February and that the business operator, Sharp N.I., together with Mr. E. Hughes, the manager of the premises, had pleaded guilty to the offence of providing entertainment on 10th July, 2015 without a valid Entertainments Licence. Each had been fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £166 and an offender levy of £15. The defendants’ case had centred upon the fact that the entertainment which had taken place on 10th July had been organised without their knowledge, as they had been away from the premises on that weekend, and it had been highlighted that they had incurred a significant loss due to the absence of an Entertainments Licence. She confirmed that she had made the Court aware that the entertainment had been advertised on the venue’s Facebook page as far back as June, 2015 and that tickets were being sold in the off-licence area of the premises.

The Building Control Manager provided an overview of the application. In response to a question from a Member, he confirmed that officers had, both before and after 10th July, 2015, held a number of meetings around entertainments licensing, which had involved primarily Mr. E. Hughes, and not, as far as he was aware, the applicant, Mrs. C. Hughes. In terms of the fire safety offences which had been identified on the aforementioned night, he stressed that they were of such significance that, should the premises have held an Entertainments Licence, the Building Control Service would have recommended a series of prosecutions under the entertainments licensing legislation and could have gone as far as seeking the Committee’s approval to suspend the Licence. He added that a representative of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was in attendance, should the Committee wish to obtain clarification around those issues.

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The Committee agreed that it would be beneficial to hear from the representative and, accordingly, Group Commander G. Somerville was welcomed by the Chairperson.

Group Commander Somerville informed the Members that, from 2010, fire safety legislation had changed to the extent that employers and people in control of premises were required to manage fire safety by taking all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire and ensure that people could escape safely in the event of an emergency. Premises were required to hold a current fire risk assessment and to address any significant findings arising from that assessment and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service undertook regular audits to confirm compliance with the fire safety legislation. In addition, the Fire and Rescue Service had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with local councils, which allowed the councils to undertake fire safety inspections as part of their routine licensing inspection regime and reduced the burden on licensees, as they now needed to liaise only with council officers. However, should a fire safety issue be identified by a council which necessitated the assistance of the Fire and Rescue Service, a fire safety complaint would be generated by the Service.

Group Commander Somerville then reviewed the five complaints which had, over the past ten years, been received in relation to Beckett’s Bar. He reported that the first two complaints, which had been received in March, 2006 and in July, 2010, had related to the use of fire doors and had resulted in verbal advice being provided to management. On 10th December, 2014, a complaint had been received from Lisburn City Council which had identified possible fire safety concerns. Following an initial visit, a full fire safety audit had been undertaken early in January, 2015, which had found, amongst other things, that the fire risk assessment and the fire safety policy had not been available, fire extinguishers had not been tested and there had been inadequate fire safety training. A Notice of Deficiencies had been issued, although he confirmed that had not been followed up as it was regarded by the Fire and Rescue Service as being one of the lowest levels of non-compliance.

He reported further that, on 28th July, 2015, he had met with Councils officers to discuss the fire safety issues which they had detected on 10th July around blocked fire exits, fire doors being locked shut or propped open and a fault in the fire alarm system, which the Council had been seeking to ensure would be remedied. On 30th October, the Fire and Rescue Service had received a further complaint from the Council regarding the means of escape from a bar, which had been rectified by fitting an easy opening device to a door. Based upon that and the previous history of the premises, he had submitted an objection to the grant of the Entertainments Licence, until such time as the Fire and Rescue Service had had an opportunity to carry out a full fire safety inspection of the premises. That had been undertaken on 10th November, following which a further Notice of Deficiencies had been issued to address issues with fire doors, the electrical cupboard and evacuation drills. However, as those were deemed to be insufficient grounds on which to object to the grant of the Entertainments Licence, he had advised the Council subsequently that the Fire and Rescue Service had withdrawn its objection.

Group Commander Somerville concluded by stating that the recent complaints had demonstrated that the licensee had not taken reasonable steps earlier to comply with legislative requirements and had adopted a poor attitude towards fire safety. It had only been through the intervention of the Fire and Rescue Service and the Council that

E153 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

corrective action had been taken to bring Beckett’s Bar up to the required fire safety standard, which had resulted in the withdrawal of the Service’s objection to the granting of the Entertainments Licence.

In response to several questions from the Members, Group Commander Somerville confirmed that, had the Fire and Rescue Service, on 10th July, 2015, detected the same issues as the Council, it would, in view of the serious risk posed to patrons in the event of a fire, have initiated legal proceedings against the licensee. He stated that a successful prosecution for fire safety offences normally resulted in a summary conviction, including the imposition of a fine, but could, in more serious cases, mean imprisonment, although he would have to check the legislation in that regard. He stressed, however, that the withdrawal of the objection for Beckett’s Bar had been based upon the fire safety arrangements in place currently and that it was operating and being managed effectively.

The Chairperson thanked Group Commander Somerville for his contribution and welcomed to the meeting Mrs. C. Hughes, the applicant, together with Mr. E. Hughes, her husband.

Mr. Hughes informed the Committee that the event which had taken place on 10th July had been organised by the local community with a view to keeping young people away from a local interface area. An igloo structure had been placed in the car park to facilitate the holding of a foam party and a community worker had been informed that no entertainment was to take place inside the premises and had provided an assurance in that regard. However, when Council officers had observed the structure, the organisers had it removed and had sought and been granted permission by a young employee to move to a room inside the premises. He confirmed that neither he nor his wife had authorised the use of that room and had not been available on that weekend to prevent it from being used, which had accounted for the fire exit being locked. He pointed out that the fire safety log stipulated that that door should be open when the room was being used, which would have been the case under normal circumstances. Mr. Hughes added that the both he and his wife realised the seriousness of the fire safety issues which had been detected previously within the bar and pointed out that inspections which had been undertaken recently had indicated that they were complying with all fire safety legislation. He concluded by stating that the events of 10th July had represented an error of judgment on their part, which had now been addressed with the conclusion of the legal proceedings.

Mrs. Hughes pointed out that she and her husband had had invested significant savings in the business and that the absence of an Entertainments Licence would lead to its closure and have a detrimental impact upon not only on them but on the local community generally, including the sports groups which were based there. She confirmed that she was prepared to take all necessary advice from Council officers to improve the operation and management of the premises and requested that the Committee consider granting the Entertainments Licence.

Mr. and Mrs. Hughes then provided clarification around a number of issues which had been raised by the Members. Mr. Hughes explained that the Facebook page which had been used to advertise the event on 10th July belonged to the community worker, who had acted as the organiser, and that it provided details of other events

E154 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

which were not associated with Beckett’s Bar. He explained that Mr. P. Skillen, the bar manager, operated an official Facebook page on behalf of the bar, which was endorsed by the applicant and which had carried details of entertainment taking place within the venue. He confirmed that, upon being advised by the Council, following the event on 10th July, that no entertainment should be taking place without a valid Licence, all advertised events had been cancelled, with the exception of a funfair day and a Hallowe’en party, neither of which required an Entertainments Licence. The only event which had taken place without an Entertainments Licence had been that of 10th July, where the organiser had provided an assurance that no entertainment would be taking place. He pointed out that a significant number of meal bookings had had to be cancelled, particularly over Christmas and St. Valentine’s Day, because accompanying entertainment could not be provided. He added that he was the Chairman of a local football club, which was sponsored by the bar, and which necessitated his presence there on a Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition, two managers with considerable experience were employed on a full-time basis.

Mrs. Hughes informed the Committee that a number of companies operated by the Hughes family had gone into administration, which had led to a group of bars being forfeited. As a consequence, she and her husband had been faced with losing their home and she had had to use her pension from her previous employment and other savings to establish the current business, with a view to preventing that from occurring. She highlighted the fact that Beckett’s Bar was the only licensed business in which she had ever been involved and that it was operated by her and her husband, with no input from either Mr. J. Hughes or Mrs. M. O’Reilly. She explained that the Entertainments Licence was being sought to provide entertainment in the form of, for example, a two-piece band and that it was not the intention to operate as a nightclub.

Mr. Hughes then provided details around the two Court Judgements in which he had been involved and pointed out that Lord Justice Deeny, within the second Judgement, which had come from a higher court, had found in his favour against KBC Bank Ireland PLC and had indicated that the comments made by Lord Justice Gillen within the first Judgement in terms of his character had not impacted upon his credibility. He added that his case had been the only one in Northern Ireland since the economic recession had begun in 2008 which had been brought against a bank by an individual on a personal guarantee which had been won.

The Divisional Solicitor provided clarification on the Court Judgements and advised the Members that both decisions were material to the application, therefore, it was a matter for them to decide if they wished to take them into consideration when determining the application.

Finally, Mr. Hughes confirmed that he would be agreeable to the Entertainments Licence being granted for a period of six months and he and his wife were thanked by the Chairperson.

After discussion, it was

Moved by Councillor Magennis, Seconded by Councillor Bell,

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That the Committee, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, agrees to grant for a period of six months a Seven-day Annual Indoor Entertainments Licence in respect of Beckett’s Bar, 241 Stewartstown Road.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Attwood, Seconded by Councillor Bunting,

That the Committee, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, agrees to refuse an application for the grant of an Entertainments Licence in respect of Beckett’s Bar, 241 Stewartstown Road, on the grounds that:

(i) it was clear that the application involved Mr. Eugene Hughes and that he was operating the premises, which related to his fitness to hold an Entertainments Licence;

(ii) issues had been encountered at other premises operated by the Hughes family in terms of liquor and entertainments licensing; and

(iii) both the applicant and Mr. Eugene Hughes had been convicted of providing entertainment without a valid Entertainments Licence.

On a recorded vote, nine Members voted for the amendment and nine against, with the votes being cast as follows:

For 9 Against 9

Councillor Hussey (Chairperson); Councillors Bell, Campbell, The Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Carroll, Clarke, Dudgeon. Spence); Groves, Jones, Magennis and Alderman L. Patterson; McConville. Councillors Armitage, Attwood, Brown, Bunting, Craig and Sandford.

The Chairperson (Councillor Hussey) exercised his second and casting vote in favour of the amendment and it was accordingly carried.

The amendment was thereupon put to the meeting and passed.

Update on Sightseeing Bus Tours

The Committee was advised that the former Licensing Committee, at its meetings on 16th April, 2014 and 18th March, 2015, had deferred consideration of applications to vary the designation resolutions for sites at Castle Place (opposite Donegall Arcade) and the Castle Junction Kiosk respectively, to provide for the sale of

E156 Licensing Committee, Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

bus tour tickets, pending the outcome of a review which was being undertaken by the Development Department into sightseeing coach provision in the City.

The Building Control Manager reported that the Development Department had undertaken research with a view to determining the operating framework within which the bus companies operated, the current sales policy governing those wishing to purchase tickets and the views of tourists on the services being provided. The outcome of that research had, on 14th October, 2015, been presented to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, which had agreed:

(i) to note the update on issues relating to tourist bus operators in the City;

(ii) to support the development of a code of conduct for operators and work with partners and the operators to explore how this can be managed; and

(iii) that the issues in relation to better enforcement and legislative change be referred to the Licensing Committee and suggested that the DVA could be invited in to a future meeting of that Committee.

The Building Control Manager reviewed the aforementioned decision in the context of the Licensing Committee and explained that neither the Council nor that Committee had any legislative authority or responsibility for the licensing of bus tours within the City. He suggested, in light of the progress being made around the operation of tourist buses, that the Committee might wish to revisit those applications relating to the sites at Castle Place (opposite Donegall Arcade) and the Castle Junction Kiosk which had been deferred previously.

He reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 16th September, 2015, it had renewed a Stationary Street Trading Licence for a designated site in Donegall Quay but had deferred an accompanying application for the variation of the Licence to allow for the sale of Wee Tram tour tickets, pending the outcome of the aforementioned review. He confirmed that the Licence holder had since cancelled his Licence as he no longer wished to trade at that location.

After discussion, the Committee agreed:

(i) to note the decision of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 14th October, 2015;

(ii) that, rather than invite the DVA to a future meeting, it be included on the list of consultees, should the Council propose to pass a designating resolution or a resolution to rescind or vary a designating resolution; and

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(iii) to initiate a new designation process in relation to those applications to vary the designating resolutions at sites in Castle Place (opposite Donegall Arcade) and the Castle Junction Kiosk.

Chairperson

E158 Planning Committee

Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

MEETING OF PLANNING COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Garrett (Chairperson); Aldermen McGimpsey, L. Patterson and Stalford; Councillors Armitage, Bunting, Campbell, Heading, Hutchinson, Johnston, Magee, McAteer and McDonough-Brown.

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.

Apology

An apology was reported on behalf of Councillor Mullan.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 19th January were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

Declaration of Interest

In respect of item LA04/2015/1462/A, that is, an application for replacement shop signs as part of the ‘Renewing the Routes Scheme’ on the Shankill Road and Peter's Hill, Alderman McGimpsey indicated that he was associated with a company which owned one of the properties referred to within the report.

Special Meeting of the Committee

The Committee agreed to hold a special meeting in the Lavery Room on Tuesday, 23rd February at 6:00 pm to consider a number of applications.

Abandonment Public Rights of Way – Gainsborough Drive

The Committee noted the receipt of correspondence from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which related to the extinguishment of a Public Right of Way to the rear of 58-60 Gainsborough Drive.

F118 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

Birds’ Directive: East Coast (NI) Marine Special Protection Area

The Committee noted that an area of land along the east coast of County Antrim, which incorporated Belfast Lough, had been deemed a Marine Specific Protection Area by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. It was explained that that measure had been introduced specifically to protect birds and their habitats in accordance with a European Community Directive which had been introduced in 1979.

Planning Appeals

The Committee noted the receipt of correspondence in respect of a number of planning appeals which had been submitted to the Planning Appeals Commission, together with the outcomes of a range of hearings which had been considered by the Commission.

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 12th January and 4th February.

Departmental Performance Update - Oral Update

The Committee noted the contents of a report which gave an overview of the Department’s performance up to the date of the meeting.

Statement of Community Involvement

The Committee considered the following report, together with the associated Statement of Community Involvement, which was published on the Council’s website:

“1.0 Background Information

1.1 A Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out when and how the City Council will engage the local community in both the preparation of planning policy and the determination of planning applications.

1.2 Section 4 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’) places a statutory duty upon the Council to produce an SCI. The Planning (Statement of Community Involvement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 sets out the process by which this should be done.

1.3 These regulations prescribe the form and content of the SCI to be prepared by the Council and the procedures for its preparation and agreement by the Department.

F119 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

The Regulations also make provision that allow a council to carry out a discretionary public consultation on the SCI if it so wishes.

1.4 The 12-week public consultation exercise on the draft Statement of Community Involvement was facilitated by means of a consultation exercise from which the Development Planning and Policy Team received eleven responses. The public consultation exercise attracted responses from a wide range of interests. Two responses were from Local Government interests; six responses were from the community/academia sectors; one response was from an individual and two responses were from businesses.

1.5 This report is broken into themes of the SCI being the preparation of the LDP and Community Plan, Development Management, Planning Enforcement and community involvement in Conservation Area and Simplified Planning Zone designation.

2.0 Key Issues

2.1 The purpose of community consultation process is to ensure that people:

(i) Have access to information about how their area will develop; (ii) Put forward their own ideas about how their area develops and feel confident that there is a process for those ideas to be considered; (iii) Have an early and informed opportunity to express their views on the development of the area and have it considered before decisions are made;

2.2 In its broadest sense it is intended that we adopt a proactive and timely approach to community involvement through a process of providing clear information and encourage participation during plan preparation and planning application submission, assessment and determination. The process must therefore be informative, user friendly, as inclusive as possible and conducted in an open and transparent way. Every effort is to be made to engage the community, record views and provide feedback.

2.3 Good practice in community involvement embraces a wide range of activities and these depend on the purpose for which consultation is being undertaken and who is being consulted.

F120 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

Preparation of the Local Development Plan and Community Plan

2.4 Community consultation is an important element of preparing a draft Local Development Plan. A local development plan is made at different stages, each presenting opportunities for community involvement.

2.5 The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) will inform the general public and all stakeholders of how, where and when they can become involved in the local development plan preparation process and the timescale for doing so. The indicative timeline for the LDP process as detailed in legislation and will set out the key stages and broad timing of the plan process and will commence when it is published by Belfast City Council. The SCI and timetable for the Plan will be published together.

2.6 Each stage is identified with the actions that are to be taken to involve the community. As most of the respondents to the draft SCI had views of who should be included as consultees the Planning Section will set up a database of stakeholders for community involvement. The format of community engagement will be established as the LDP plan process evolves and the community will be made aware of public events through public notices. The actions will fulfil and in some cases exceed the statutory requirements on public consultation.

2.7 Advice has been taken with internal communications to ensure that the SCI is clearly communicated and accessible in alternative formats and minority languages.

2.8 The SCI outlines how the Council will engage with the community in preparing the Belfast Agenda and the involvement that has been undertaken within the Belfast Conversation programme of engagement. The LDP is a spatial representation of the Community Plan.

2.9 To ensure transparency and accountability the local development plan is subject to a Sustainability Appraisal incorporating a Strategic Environmental Assessment and SA. Independent examinations by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) will determine the soundness of the draft plan strategy and local policies plan and dates, times and venues for this examination will be made known.

F121 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

Development Management

2.10 In the case of determining planning applications, the SCI will encourage pre-application discussions for a range of types of applications, both major such as large housing, industrial or retail and local such as house extensions or advertisements.

2.11 During the application stage the SCI details how the Council will involve the Community in the decision making process, through statutory advertising and neighbour notification and how details may be obtained. It will outline how files can be inspected and advises on how comments may be submitted and how we engage.

2.12 The SCI provides details on community involvement at the Planning Committee stage as well as other councils procedures after the application has been determined.

Planning Enforcement

2.13 The SCI outlines the main areas of community involvement in planning enforcement and the Council encourage individuals to report cases or raise with elected members possible breaches of planning control. A schedule of enforcement powers may be addressed in forthcoming Enforcement Strategy.

Other Designations

2.14 Community involvement in Conservation Area and Simplified Planning Zone designations are also outlined.

2.15 The SCI details with who the Council will undertake consultation and where there is cause to hold an independent examination the dates, times and venues for this examination will be made known.

3.0 Resource Implications

3.1 This is a new element of work for the Planning Service and the impact of additional workload involved will be kept under review.

4.0 Equality or Good Relations Implications

4.1 The SCI has been developed in line with the Council’s equality and good relations frameworks and policies.

F122 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

5.0 Recommendations

5.1 Members are asked to note and approve the Statement of Community Involvement and agreed that it be submitted to the Department of the Environment for its agreement.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations, endorsed the contents of the Statement of Community Involvement, and noted that it would be submitted for further consideration to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 19th February.

Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation – Supplementary Planning Guidance

(Mr. D. O’ Kane, Principal Professional and Technical Officer, attended in connection with this item.)

This Committee considered the above-mentioned document, which provided additional advice regarding the Council’s ‘Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation’ guidance and the ‘Planning and Place Advice Note’, and agreed that it be published online for the purpose of a public consultation exercise.

Planning Agreements - Developer Contributions

The Committee endorsed, in principle, the contents of a guidance document, which would oversee the Council’s management, on an interim basis, of the powers set under Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 for the delivery of developer contributions as part of planning agreements, a copy of which was published on the Council’s website.

It was agreed that briefings in respect of the guidance note and the powers of the Council under Section 76 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 would be offered to the party groups.

Council’s Enforcement Charter

(Ms. L. Walshe, Senior Planning Officer, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee endorsed the contents of a Council Enforcement Charter which would assist the Council to deal effectively with breaches of planning legislation and enable it to react effectively where issues arose. A copy of the Charter was published on the Council’s website.

Planning Applications

THE COMMITTEE DEALT WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN PURSUANCE OF THE POWERS DELEGATED TO IT BY THE COUNCIL UNDER STANDING ORDER 37(e)

F123 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

Application Withdrawn

The Committee noted that the agenda item with related to Y/2014/0015/O, viz., a proposed development of a medical centre with associated development and on lands at 91 Ballygowan Road, had, at the request of the applicant, been withdrawn from the planning process.

LA04/2015/0619/F – 75 apartments on lands at 43-47 Chichester Street

The Committee considered an application for the erection of an apartment complex, which would consist of 75 apartments, a 13-storey frontage to Gloucester Street, and an 11-storey frontage to Chichester Street. It was reported that the development would provide pedestrian access onto Chichester Street, together with a pedestrian and vehicular access onto Gloucester Street. In addition, a basement and ground floor car park, reception area, bicycle stands, first floor swimming pool and gymnasium, for private use by residents, would be included as part of the development.

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 by way of developer contributions.

LA04/2015/1451/F - 63-bedroom hotel at 5 and 9-13 Waring Street

The case officer outlined the principal aspects of an application which sought permission for the demolition of an existing extension to the rear of 5 and 9-13 Warning Street, to permit the development of a hotel which would be adjacent to a listed building. The application sought also permission for the change of use of the existing listed building, together with the proposed new extension, for use as hotel accommodation. It was reported that the statutory consultees, including the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, had offered no objections to the proposal.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/1175/F - Student Accommodation on Lands at 78-86 Dublin Road

The Committee considered an application for the construction of an eight-storey purpose-built managed student accommodation, which would consist of 156 studio rooms, a reception area and management suite, common room space, together with a bike and general storage area.

The Committee received Mr. R. Mailey, representing the Donegall Pass Community Forum, who outlined a range of objections to the proposal. Principally, the objections related to the design, scale and massing of the proposed building, together with its potential impact on the surrounding residential streets and the lack of car parking provision.

F124 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

Alderman R. Patterson and Councillor Craig, who both represented the District Electoral Area in which the application was located, addressed the Committee to outline their objections to the proposal.

Mr. C. Hughes, representing Turley Associates, who acted on behalf of the applicants, Lacuna Developments and Watkin Jones, clarified a number of issues which had been raised by the objectors and answered a range of Members’ questions.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Hutchinson, Seconded by Councillor Bunting and

Resolved - That the Committee, given the issues which had been raised regarding the size and scale of the proposed building, together with its potential impact on surrounding residential areas, particularly Packenham Street and the greater Donegall Pass area, agrees to defer consideration of the application to enable a site visit to be undertaken.

Z/2015/0177/F - Erection of building to contain 407 managed student accommodation rooms at Philip House, 123-137 York Street

The case officer reported that the above-mentioned application sought permission for the demolition of an existing building to enable the erection of a 12-storey mixed-use development with ground floor retail units, 407 managed student accommodation rooms, an associated reception/office facility, a gymnasium and other ancillary accommodation. The development would, if permitted, incorporate a landscaped courtyard, plant and storage areas, car parking and cycle provision.

Proposal

After discussion, it was

Moved by Councillor Campbell, Seconded by Councillor Magee,

That the Committee, given the issues which had been raised regarding the proposed size and scale of the development, together within its potential impact on surrounding residential areas, agrees to defer consideration of the application to enable a site visit to be undertaken.

On a vote by show of hands, 13 Members voted in favour of the proposal and none against and it was declared carried.

F125 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

LA04/2015/0420/F – former BMC Campus for 476 bedroom student residential building at Franklin /Brunswick /McClintock Streets

The Members received an overview of an application for the redevelopment of part of the former Belfast Metropolitan College Campus to enable the erection of a mixed-use development. It was reported that the proposal would create a 476-bedroom managed student residential building, with ground floor retail units to the southern aspect of the site. The student development, it was reported, would incorporate welfare facilities and ancillary accommodation and external areas, which would include landscaped courtyards and an enclosed car park.

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 by way of developer contributions.

LA04/2015/0405/F - pedestrian and cycle bridge, lower Ormeau Embankment to River Terrace

The Committee considered an application for the erection of a pedestrian and cycle bridge, which would incorporate combined cycle ramps, and which would span the River Lagan from the Ormeau Park Playing Fields in the east of the City to the Gasworks.

A number of Members expressed concern that, whilst the Committee could only consider the application on its planning merits, and noted that the Council had met its statutory requirements in full, insofar as they related to public consultation, the erection of the bridge might encourage confrontation between rival groups of youths from both sides of the river.

On a vote by show of hands, seven Members voted in favour of adopting the recommendation to approve the application, with six voting against, and it was declared carried.

Accordingly, the Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/0358/F - changes to house types and modification to plot arrangements on lands south of 25 Harberton Park

The case officer reported that the application sought full planning permission for amendments to a previous planning approval to include changes to house types and modification to plot arrangements, including garages, landscaping and related site, and

F126 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

access works for the first phase of development comprising 19 dwellings. It was reported that, after assessment against prevailing planning policies, the proposal was deemed acceptable

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/0494/F - change of use from an HMO house and four flats at 22-28 University Street

The Committee was informed that the application sought permission for the demolition of two storey returns and part of the interior of 22-28 University Street, to enable the change of use from one HMO house and four flats to eighteen flats, including alterations and new three and a half-storey extension. It was noted that an original proposal for twenty-one units had been reduced to provide an appropriate form and layout. It was reported that proposal was deemed acceptable.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/1098/F - Change of use to ground floor hot food takeaway, 129 Ravenhill Road

The Committee considered an application for a change of use from a vacant hairdressing salon to a hot food bar, in respect of which no objections had been received by the Council.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/1122/F - retention and part change of use to a hot food bar adjacent to 14 Hillview Avenue

The Committee considered an application for a part change of use from a cafe/sandwich bar to a hot food bar, in respect of which no objections had been received by the Council.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/1359/F – 2 x two-bedroom apartments and 4 x two-bedroom dwellings, east of Bell Steel Road and west of 2 Glenwood Green

The case officer reported that the proposal sought permission to develop housing within the settlement limit for Belfast as designated in BMAP. It was explained that the principle of residential development had been established at the site in that the site, which had formerly been occupied by a residential home. It was noted that no objections had been received by the Council.

F127 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report, and subject to the Director of Planning and Place being delegated power to append any further conditions which might be deemed appropriate on the receipt of any outstanding consultation responses.

LA04/2015/1371/F - 12 dwellings on lands west of 9 Glenbryn Park and east of 57 Glenbryn Park

The Committee was advised that the above-mentioned application sought full planning permission for the erection of 12 dwellings with parking, landscaping and associated site works. It was reported that BMAP had designated the site as a ‘committed housing site’.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

Council-linked Applications

LA04/2016/0110/LBC - removal and safe storage of 2 stained glass windows in City Hall to be replaced with 2 newly commissioned windows

The Committee was apprised of an application for the removal and safe storage of two stained glass windows on the ground floor of the City Hall. It was reported that they would be replaced by windows to commemorate the Spanish Civil War and the contribution made by women to the City of Belfast. It was reported that the two windows which would be removed would be re-installed in the ground floor of the building.

It was noted that any work carried out in respect of the application would adhere fully to the decisions which had been taken by the Council’s Diversity Working Group.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/1141/F - Replacement footbridge at Glen River, Dunmurry

The Committee considered an application for a replacement footbridge across the Glen River on lands adjacent to Burnside Close in Dunmurry. It was reported that statutory consultees had offered no objections to the scheme, subject to the imposition of standard conditions regarding illumination.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

‘Renewing the Routes’ Scheme - Shop Sign Replacements

The case officer outlined the principal aspects of four Council-linked applications which sought permission for the erection of replacement shop signs as part of the ‘Renewing the Routes’ Scheme. The applications related to the following:

F128 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 16th February, 2016

1. LA04/2015/1300/A - Woodbourne Crescent/Stewartstown Road 2. LA04/2015/1459/A - Shore Road 3. LA04/2016/0070/A - Oldpark and Cliftonville Roads 4. LA04/2015/1462/A - Shankill Road and Peter's Hill

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

‘Renewing the Routes’ Scheme - Boundary Fence - Dayton Street

The Committee considered a Council-linked application which sought permission for the erection of a boundary fence on a vacant corner site at Dayton Street, Townsend Street and Peter’s Hill, as part of the Renewing the Routes Scheme.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/1072/LBC - repair works at Templemore Swim and Fitness Centre

The Committee considered an application which sought permission to undertake repair work at the Templemore Swim and Fitness Centre, which was a Listed Building. It was noted that the work would entail the replacement of missing and defective slates, lead work, guttering, flashings, and downpipes.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

Chairperson

F129 Planning Committee

Tuesday, 23rd February, 2016

SPECIAL MEETING OF PLANNING COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Garrett (Chairperson); Aldermen McGimpsey, L. Patterson and Stalford; Councillors Bunting, Campbell, Heading, Johnston, Magee, McAteer and McDonough-Brown.

In attendance: Mr. P. Williams, Director of Planning and Place; Mr. C. McIlwaine, Area Planning Manager; Miss N. Largey, Divisional Solicitor; and Miss E. McGoldrick, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies were reported from Councillors Armitage, Hutchinson and Mullan.

Declaration of Interest

No declarations of interest were reported.

Planning Applications

THE COMMITTEE DEALT WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN PURSUANCE OF THE POWERS DELEGATED TO IT BY THE COUNCIL UNDER STANDING ORDER 37(e)

LA04/2015/1605/F - proposed film studio complex, 300 metres north of Dargan Road

The case officer outlined the principal aspects of an application which sought full planning permission for a film studio complex, to comprise a production studio, workshops, service yards, associated car parking and access to service roads which were currently under construction. The development would include landscaping and ancillary works, together with three stand-alone transformer compounds, a security hut and headwall.

The Committee was informed that the site was located within the development limits of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan and was consistent with the existing character of the Harbour Estate. It was explained that no significant impact to the existing landscape would occur as a result of the development. The case officer indicated that, after considering the application against prevailing policy, coupled with the contribution it would make to the local economy, it was deemed to be acceptable.

The case officer and the Divisional Solicitor reported that a late objection had been received and referred to a document, copies of which had been previously circulated, which summarised those objections.

F130 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 23rd February, 2016

The Divisional Solicitor advised the Members that the first objection had related to a roads matter and she confirmed that Transport NI had offered no objection to the proposal. The second objection concerned the neighbour notification process and she reported that the application had first been advertised, neighbour notified, and subject to pre-application Community Consultation in December 2015. Following a site visit on 5th February, it had emerged that a number of neighbouring commercial premises had not received notification. Accordingly, those premises had been notified formally on 10th February, with the deadline for consultation responses to end on 25th February.

The Divisional Solicitor recommended that, should the Committee be minded to approve the application, authority be delegated to the Director of Planning and Place to grant final approval, provided that no material planning matters, in addition to those already addressed within the report, be raised by those consultees who had been notified on 10th February. She indicated that, should any relevant issues be raised by the closing date, the Director of Planning and Place, in conjunction with the Town Solicitor, would, if deemed necessary, refer the application back to the Committee.

The Chairperson put the recommendation to the Committee and, on a vote by show of hands, nine Members voted in favour of adopting the recommendation to approve the application, with one Member voting against, and it was declared carried.

Accordingly, the Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report, and on the basis which had been outlined by the Divisional Solicitor.

LA04/2015/0707/F - residential development of 56 apartments on land at 33-39 Bridge End

The case officer indicated that the proposal sought permission for a residential development, which would comprise of 56 apartments, with basement car parking, communal living space, and associated road works. It was explained that the proposal had complied with relevant planning policies and would constitute an acceptable sustainable development, since it would enable the erection of new homes and promote city centre living in a ‘brownfield’ site.

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 by way of developer contributions.

LA04/2015/0274/F - temporary storage building with parking at Unit 3B Edgewater Road, Harbour Estate

The Committee considered an application for the erection of a temporary storage building, which would be within an established storage and distribution complex. The case officer indicated that the site lay within the development limits for the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, and that that no objections had been received from

F133 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 23rd February, 2016

statutory agencies. Accordingly, it was recommended that the Committee approve the application.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/1274/F - change of use of ground floor bank at 136-142 Great Victoria Street

The Committee was provided with an overview of an application which sought full planning permission for the change of use of the ground floor level of a former bank to offices, the erection of new generator on the roof and external alterations to the Great Victoria Street elevation. It was indicated that the proposal had been assessed against prevailing policy and that no objections had been received during the consultation process.

The Committee noted that the report as presented should have read ‘conditions for approval’, as opposed to ‘reasons for refusal’. The Director pointed out that this had been due to an administrative oversight.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/0075/F - modifications to previous planning approval to dwellings at plots 14-21 at 41-43 Park Avenue

The Committee was informed that the application sought permission to undertake modifications to a previous planning approval (Z/2010/0434/F), which would enable the reduction in the size of a replacement club premises, together with a change of house types at plots 14 to 21. It was reported that no objections to the proposal had been received from statutory consultees.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

LA04/2015/1528/F - alterations to existing dwelling at 536 Crumlin Road

The Committee considered an application which sought permission to convert an existing garage into a study and living room. It was reported that the application had been brought before the Committee since the applicant was related to a member of Council staff.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

F133 Planning Committee, Tuesday, 23rd February, 2016

LA04/2015/0756/F - eight semi-detached houses and one detached bungalow at 24-54 Fortwilliam Parade

The Committee considered an application which sought full planning permission for the construction of eight semi-detached houses and one detached bungalow. The case officer indicated that the proposal lay within a site which had been identified for such development by the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan. It was reported that no objections had been received from third parties.

The Committee granted approval, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report.

Chairperson

F133