Ards and North Down Borough Council 21

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

21 November 2019

Dear Sir/Madam

You are hereby invited to attend a meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council which will be held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor on Wednesday, 27 November 2019 commencing at 7.00pm.

Yours faithfully

Stephen Reid Chief Executive Ards and North Down Borough Council

A G E N D A

1. Prayer

2. Apologies

3. Declarations of Interest

4. Mayor’s Business

5. Mayor and Deputy Mayor Engagements for the Month (To be tabled)

6. Minutes of Meeting of Council dated 23 October 2019 (Copy attached)

7. Minutes of Committees (Copies attached)

7.1.Planning Committee dated 5 November 2019 7.2.Environment Committee dated 6 November 2019 7.3.Regeneration and Development Committee dated 7 November 2019 7.4.Corporate Services Committee dated 12 November 2019

7.4.1.Arising from Item 5 – Appointment of 4 elected Members for a second Participatory Budgeting Experiment

7.4.2. Arising from Item 7 – Appointment of Parenting Champion

7.5.Community and Wellbeing Committee dated 13 November 2019

8. Request for Deputation

8.1 Land & Property Services – LPS Revaluation (Report attached)

9. Consultation Documents

9.1. Department for Infrastructure – Social and Environmental Guidance for Water and Sewerage Services (2021 – 2027) (Correspondence attached) 9.2. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council – Draft Culture, Arts & Heritage Strategy 2020-25 (Correspondence attached) 9.3. Department for Communities – Liquor Licensing Laws in Northern Ireland (Report to follow) 9.4. Department for Transport – Consultation on the Introduction of Green Number Plates for Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (Correspondence attached)

10. Conferences and Invitations

10.1 Northern Ireland Brexit Summit – 27th February 2020, Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast (Report attached) 10.2 Invitation to NILGA Conference 2020 (Report attached)

11. Resolutions

11.1. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council – Early Diagnosis of Bowel and Breast Cancer (Correspondence attached) 11.2. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council – Location of Welfare Appeals (Correspondence attached)

12. Sealing Documents

13. Transfer of Rights of Burial

14. Request by NSPCC to light up Council buildings in support of their “Get Your Sparkle On” Christmas Campaign (Report attached)

15. Loo of the Year Awards 2019 (Report attached)

16. Development Opportunities for Whiterock Amenity Site, Killinchy (Report attached)

17. Notice of Motion Status Report (Report attached)

18. Notices of Motion

18.1. Notice of Motion submitted by Alderman Muir

‘That this Council asks officers to bring back a report on current range of services offered enabling reuse of items which otherwise would end up treated

as waste and considers opportunities to support repair cafes, upcycling of clothes and furniture and provision of incentives for zero waste shops’.

18.2 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Martin

‘That Council asks for a report as soon as practically possible, to consider the following issues: • Providing access to Ulster Wildlife on Council properties to control invasive grey squirrels. • That we include red squirrels and Pine Martens in the new local biodiversity action plan. • That our management plans for wooded areas that Council owns includes measures to control grey squirrels and provide for the protection of Red Squirrels and Pine Marten boxes. • That we consider erecting Red squirrel and Pine Marten boxes to promote these indigenous species. • That we wherever possible promote native woodland trees in our parks’

18.3 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Greer

‘This Council recognises the over reliance on single use plastic water bottles. It notes innovative solutions to tackle this issue and support sustainable living, for example, the water refill stations recently installed by other Councils.

The Council agrees to bring back a report on the feasibility of installing water bottle refill stations across the Council Estate. This aims to help encourage a growing culture of using personal, resuable bottles to tackle single-use plastic and further enhances the refilluation scheme.

18.4. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Chambers

That this Council receives a report on what work would be required, with costings, to repair and fully restore the historic stone wall and turret observation platform situated on the first beach in Groomsport.

18.5. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Chambers

That this Council receives a report on the potential for Council to assume responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the popular laneway from The Brae to The Hill, in Groomsport. This laneway provides an invaluable shortcut for residents living in parts of the village to the Main Street. facilities and services.

18.6. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillors Egan and Mathison

That this Council agrees to show its support for the Donate4Dáithí campaign which promotes organ donation. Acknowledging the recent NHS call for more children to become organ donors. Noting that around 133

people are currently on the transplant waiting list in Northern Ireland . Sadly around 15 people die each year waiting for an organ transplant. This Council agrees to write a letter to the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Health and the Secretary of State to highlight its support for Northern Ireland to come into line with the rest of the United Kingdom, with soft opt out organ donation for adults, and ask them to launch an awareness campaign for parents to register their children as organ donors.

Circulated for Information

a) Public Health Agency – Director of Public Health Annual Report 2018 (Copy attached) b) Gransha Road Post Office – Update (Correspondence attached) c) Northern Ireland Ambulance Service – Clinical Response Model (Correspondence attached) d) Integrated Education Fund – Religion and Education (Correspondence attached) e) Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement – Communities and Cross-Border Authorities: Challenges and Opportunities (Correspondence attached) f) November Housing Council Bulletin (Correspondence attached)

MEMBERSHIP OF ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

Alderman Carson Councillor S Dunlop Alderman Gibson Councillor Dunne Alderman Girvan Councillor Edmund Alderman Irvine Councillor Egan Alderman Keery (MAYOR) Councillor Gilmour Alderman McDowell Councillor Greer Alderman McIlveen Councillor Kennedy Alderman Menagh Councillor Mathison Alderman Muir Councillor Martin Alderman Smith Councillor McAlpine Councillor Adair Councillor McClean Councillor Armstrong-Cotter Councillor McKee Councillor Blaney Councillor McKimm Councillor Boyle Councillor McNickle Councillor Brooks Councillor Smart Councillor Cathcart Councillor P Smith Councillor Chambers Councillor T Smith Councillor Cooper Councillor Thompson Councillor Cummings Councillor Walker Councillor Douglas (DEPUTY MAYOR) Councillor Wilson

ITEM 6

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council was held in the Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor on Wednesday, 23 October 2019 commencing at 7.00pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: The Mayor (Alderman Keery)

Aldermen: Carson McIlveen Gibson Menagh Girvan Muir Irvine Smith McDowell

Councillors: Adair Greer Blaney Kennedy Boyle Mathison Brooks Martin (7.22 pm) Cathcart McAlpine Chambers McClean Cooper McKee Cummings McNickle Douglas (7.20 pm) Smart Dunlop P Smith Dunne T Smith Edmund Thompson Egan Walker Gilmour Wilson

Officers: Chief Executive (S Reid), Director of Organisational Development and Administration (W Swanston), Director of Finance and Performance (S Christie), Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning (S McCullough), Director of Environment (D Lindsay), Director of Community and Wellbeing (G Bannister), Democratic Services Manager (J Wilson) and Democratic Services Officer (H Loebnau)

1. PRAYER

The Mayor (Alderman Keery) welcomed everyone to the meeting and commenced the meeting by inviting the Chief Executive to read the Council prayer.

NOTED.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Councillor Armstrong-Cotter and Councillor McKimm.

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Apologies for lateness had been given from Councillor Douglas and Councillor Martin.

NOTED.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Mayor asked for any Declarations of Interest and the following Declarations were made.

Councillor Greer declared an interest in Item 15.3 – Notice of Motion Councillor McNickle declared an interest in Item 15.3 – Notice of Motion

NOTED.

4&5. MAYOR’S BUSINESS & MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE MONTH (Appendix I)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Engagements for the month of October 2019.

The Mayor began by welcoming the Council’s new member from the Green Party, Councillor Kathryn McNickle who had replaced Councillor Woods. He wished her well in the role.

He also offered congratulations to two sporting stars from the Borough and their coaches on their recent achievements; Rhys McClenaghan from Newtownards on winning a bronze medal at the World Gymnastics Championships on the Pommel Horse and Ciara McGeehan from Portaferry who had reached the 1500m final at the World Athletics Championships.

Referring to his own engagements for the month he made special mention of the successful staging of the Bangor Business Awards congratulating all the winners and gave thanks to the Bangor Chamber of Commerce for organising the event.

He also mentioned a charity fundraiser he was organising at Thunder Park, Bangor to be held the following Monday in support of the Mayor’s Charities. He had sent information about that event to every primary and secondary school in the Borough. He also referred to a bag pack for his charities which would take place on Wednesday 30th October at Springhill Shopping Centre and remarked that he would welcome assistance from Members if they were available at that time.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Gibson, seconded by Alderman McIlveen, that the information be noted.

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6. DEPUTATION – DR STEPHEN BLOCKWELL, HEAD OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND MR DAVID MCCULLOUGH, HEAD OF WASTE WATER – NORTHERN IRELAND WATER – INFRASTRUCTURE (Appendix II)

Dr Stephen Blockwell, Head of Investment Management, NI Water, was introduced to the meeting and he was accompanied by his colleague David McCullough, Head of Wastewater, NI Water. The Mayor invited them to make their presentation and a copy had been circulated.

Dr Blockwell outlined the ambition of NI Water and explained the strategic issues for water provision and wastewater infrastructure across the Ards and North Down area and Northern Ireland as a whole. The critical nature of the funding of that was also described.

He explained that demand for a water supply had increased in recent years due to a growth in population, growth in the business and industrial sectors and the growth of tourism locally. All of those areas were expected to grow further in the coming years and each of the eleven Council areas had ambitions for growth in the local development plans; for example Ards and North Down had ambitions for 2030 to have 8,190 new homes and 7,500 new jobs.

NI Water’s funding was limited and came from the Department for Infrastructure. The organisation could only spend within its annual public expenditure budget and had experienced cuts since 2015.

The priority of NI Water was to protect, safeguard and supply clean drinking water to homes and businesses. Dealing with wastewater was a secondary priority and recently there had been a number of sewerage systems which would soon be reaching capacity and development constraints had been identified in many areas. As a consequence of economic growth, the natural environment and the population’s health could be placed at risk since funding was not keeping pace with need.

(Councillor Douglas entered the meeting at 7.14 pm)

Significant investment was needed for wastewater and water infrastructure. NI Water’s current governance model was broken and to date it had not been able to deliver the investment that Northern Ireland needed. NI Water was aware of Northern Ireland’s growth ambitions, it was aware of what needed to be done and it had a plan and the skills to deliver it with adequate funding.

(Councillor Douglas left the meeting at 7.20 pm)

Referring to the huge funding gap Councillor P Smith asked if it was foreseeable that water charges would be introduced at a later point. Dr Blockwell stated that this was not being discussed in relation to water charges introduction and explained that as a government funded organisation it was not able to make a profit and could therefore not source private funding for itself.

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(Councillor Martin entered the meeting at 7.22 pm)

Alderman M Smith asked which areas specifically were affected and she was informed that on the NI Water website there were areas named under Council boundaries. There were issues in the main towns and hubs particularly but at present connections could still be made.

Alderman Menagh referred to the new sewer being built close to West Winds in Newtownards which was now seven weeks behind schedule. Dr Blockwell referred the Member to the Elected Representative Hotline but he would report back on that matter.

(Councillor Douglas entered the meeting at 7.27 pm)

Alderman Menagh discussed the land zoned for development and the position if the water infrastructure was not available. NI Water stated that going forward it would be wise for developers to contact them to seek guidance on the infrastructure that was available to support their development plans.

Councillor Cathcart warned that at Ballyholme there had been spillages of pollution and asked what level of intervention took place for those incidences. NI Water prioritised such spillages and suggested that Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) were adopted going forward.

Alderman Girvan agreed that the situation appeared gloomy and hoped that further funding could be made available.

(Councillor Brooks left the meeting at 7.40 pm)

Councillor McClean referred to the crisis in all government Departments and a backlog of funding constraints which were building up. Organisations such as NI Water were constrained in that they could not borrow funding since they had no visible income.

(Councillor Cathcart left the meeting at 7.42 pm)

Alderman Gibson explained that in Ballygowan there was no further capacity to join the network and he was keen that something could be done for that area. He stated that new building in other areas such as in Moneyrea was linked to the Ballygowan system and so preventing development at Ballygowan itself.

Alderman Keery asked about the cruise ships coming in to Belfast Lough. He wondered if they were charged for disposing of their waste in Northern Ireland. Dr Blockwell did not have an answer to that interesting question but said that he would report back to Council with an answer.

There were no further questions and Dr Blockwell and Mr McCullough left the meeting at 7.47 pm.

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NOTED.

7. REQUEST FOR DEPUTATION

7.1 IMPLEMENTATION 5G

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Chief Executive detailing that a request to make a deputation regarding the introduction of 5g had been received by email from Mr Arthur Davis. He wished to present evidence to a Committee “that the implementation of 5g has raised grave concerns among independent scientific research” and “that 5g has very harmful effects to the human population and other biological life forms.” He had advised:

“My preference would be to present evidence to a committee regarding the introduction of 5g. 5g technology will require many more cell towers closely spaced as it does not have the same penetration as microwave frequencies as used from 1g to 4g. The mobile phone companies have carried out no research into effects to humans on the millimeter wavelengths that 5g will use. Evidence from a large body of independent scientists show that 5g radiation will have very harmful effects to people. As such cities of Brussels and Geneva to date have banned 5g until further studies have been carried out. I will wish to leave a report from scientific studies to be further scrutinised by relevant council consultants.”

RECOMMENDED that the Council considers the request from Mr Arthur Davis to make a deputation to a Committee in relation to the introduction of 5g.

Proposed by Councillor Edmund, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the Council accedes to the request.

Councillor Edmund began by agreeing that there had been no health checks in connection with the implementation of 5g and was aware that it had been banned in other parts of the world. Alderman Gibson agreed and thought that the Council needed to be informed of any potential problems that 5g presented.

Proposed by Alderman Muir, seconded by Councillor Greer, that this Council does not accede to the deputation request but offers to circulate report from Arthur Davis to elected Members.

Alderman Muir stated that rather that the Council hearing a deputation that instead Mr Davis should provide a written report and have it circulated to Members.

Councillor Greer agreed and thought that hearing the deputation would set a precedent.

Councillor Adair disagreed with that thinking and thought that it was the role of elected representatives to listen to people whether they agreed with them or not. Alderman McIlveen thought a precedent for hearing deputations had already been set. He explained that he had very little knowledge of 5g and did not mind hearing more about it.

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(Councillor Boyle entered the meeting at 7.51 pm)

Councillor Walker accepted what Alderman McIlveen had said but warned that the Council should not become a place for people to air ‘hobbies’ if they were not in a position to speak as experts on the matter.

Councillor T Smith thought the amendment was not well thought out and it would be disrespectful if people were not given an opportunity to speak. Councillor Martin agreed recognising that Mr Arthur felt passionate enough to want to present to the Council and that that should be welcomed.

Councillor Edmund believed that Mr Davis was aware of the dangers of 5g and was aware that it was totally different to having 4g.

On the amendment being put to the meeting with 23 voting FOR, 14 voting AGAINST, the amendment was CARRIED.

RESOLVED, that the Council does not accede to the deputation request but offers to circulate a report from Mr Arthur Davis to elected members.

7.2 BANGOR WEST CONSERVATION GROUP

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Chief Executive detailing that a request to make a deputation to the Community and Wellbeing Committee had been received from Mr Perry McDonnell on behalf of the Bangor West Conservation Group. The Group wished to express views on the proposed Greenway Development on the coastal path.

By way of background for Members’ information, Mr McDonnell was referring to Council’s intention to submit a planning application for a proposed Greenway between Kinnegar and Donaghadee, that would follow the North Down Coastal Path from Kinnegar to Bangor and then the A2 to Donaghadee. The proposed scheme was displayed in Bangor Aurora and Holywood Library from 4 July 2019 – 9 August 2019, and a Pre-Application Community Consultation was held in Aurora in July 2019.

RECOMMENDED that the Council considers the request from the Bangor West Conservation Group to make a deputation to the Community and Wellbeing Committee in relation to the proposed Greenway between Kinnegar and Donaghadee.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman M Smith, seconded by Councillor Egan, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Dunne left the meeting at 8.00 pm)

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8. MINUTES OF MEETING OF SPECIAL COUNCIL DATED 17 SEPTEMBER 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Copy of the above minutes.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor Adair, that the minutes be adopted.

9. MINUTES OF MEETING OF COUNCIL DATED 25 SEPTEMBER 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the minutes be adopted.

10. MINUTES OF COMMITTEES

10.1. Audit Committee dated 23 September 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman M Smith, seconded by Councillor Greer, that the minutes be adopted.

10.2. Planning Committee dated 1 October 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Councillor Walker, that the minutes be adopted.

(Councillor Dunne entered the meeting at 8.01 pm)

10.3. Environment Committee dated 2 October 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor McAlpine, seconded by Councillor Greer, that the minutes be adopted.

10.4. Regeneration and Development Committee dated 3 October 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

Councillor Thompson thanked the Director for facilitating the Village Signage Scheme and was grateful for the positive outcome.

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RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Dunlop, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the minutes be adopted.

10.5. Corporate Services Committee dated 8 October 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

In respect of Item 7 – Council Preparation for a No Deal Brexit.

Proposed by Councillor P Smith, seconded by Councillor McClean, as an amendment, that the Council notes the report on the preparations for a No Deal Brexit and writes to the Secretary of State detailing our opposition to the Government’s proposed Brexit Deal as it will increase costs to both businesses and consumers within our Borough with the creation of a border down the Irish Sea. This Boris Deal will also endanger Northern Ireland’s status as an integral part of the United Kingdom and we totally oppose any diminution of our place as an equal partner in the Union without our consent which is contrary to the Belfast Agreement.

Councillor P Smith acknowledged that the Chamber had discussed Brexit at length previously and specifically a No Deal Brexit. However, since the debate the previous month the country was now faced with a revised Brexit Deal made between the Boris Johnston government and the European Union. He stated that the proposed deal was very different in its impact on the Borough and Northern Ireland as a whole and that the Council should make its voice heard on that.

He agreed that No Deal would be a disaster for the local economy of Ards and North Down and create a hard border on the island of Ireland. The May Deal with its Backstop held Northern Ireland in a wider UK customs union but with the potential of an Irish Sea border. The Boris deal had a proposed deal with two borders, one in the Irish Sea and another along the border with the Republic of Ireland.

He considered that the Boris Deal won the prize as being the worst of the lot and was potentially the most damaging to the Ards and North Down Borough and the region of Northern Ireland as a whole. It was for that reason that he believed the Council needed to send a clear message to the Government in opposition to the Boris Deal.

He proposed that the Council writes to the Northern Ireland Secretary of State clearly stating why it opposed the Deal under 3 clear headings:

Firstly, the Deal would increase costs to business and constituents. 85% of Northern Ireland’s out of area trade was with Great Britain. The Boris deal would create administrative and cost barriers to that trade. According to the Government’s own Impact Assessment there would need to be information provided electronically on all goods moving West-East which they stated they could not monetise at the current time.

Goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland would be required to complete both import declarations and Entry Summary (ENS) Declarations resulting in extra administrative costs to businesses. The Government had stated that it was not

C.23.10.19 PM possible to estimate the full costs to business at this stage but HMRC estimated the cost per declaration to range between £15 to £56. However, the Brexit Secretary, Steve Barclay, had denied that was the case to a House of Lords Committee the previous day only to subsequently admit that it indeed was correct.

There seemed to be further confusion from the Prime Minister himself who, at Prime Ministers Questions, stated that ‘there will be no checks between Northern Ireland and Great Britain’ yet under his deal there most evidently would be. It seemed that Boris Johnston had not read his deal and neither did he understand the implications of it.

Councillor P Smith pointed out that every time goods moved from a supermarket depot in England to stores in Northern Ireland there would be an administrative cost. He questioned how would that not increase the cost to consumers. Furthermore, he warned that consumers in Northern Ireland could expect to see much more of the dreaded ‘not available in NI’ when shopping online. He remarked that that was only one element of the barrier to trade and that was without even touching on how the region would remain in the EU VAT regime, single EU electricity market and that all the EU single market and customs union rules would apply to Northern Ireland to which the region would have no say and all the while it would be the ultimate rule taker under ECJ jurisdiction.

Secondly, he considered that the deal did nothing for local political and economic stability. It would be a Brexit ‘groundhog day’ for Northern Ireland with the debate coming round every four years. Great Britain would leave under Brexit but Northern Ireland would be stuck in a revolving door of the same debates probably evolving into a surrogate border poll. As a result politics in Northern Ireland would become even more dysfunctional if that could be possible with businesses unable to plan and invest in normal cycles.

Thirdly and in conclusion it was his opinion that the Boris Deal went back on the Prime Minister’s promises and rhetoric about his ‘precious Union’. Johnson had offered up Northern Ireland as the price for his little Englander Brexit. People had been warned not to trust him but they had not listened and he had indeed betrayed them as had been predicted.

As Jonathan Powell, Financial Times stated;

‘If you introduce a hard border in the Irish Sea – a border that will grow wider over time as GB diverges from the EU in terms of regulations and tariffs – then it will be harder for the Unionists to maintain their Britishness.’

The Prime Minister’s proposals changed the Belfast Agreement. They opened up Strand One issues to the Irish Government via the European Union. They had the potential to change how Northern Ireland participated in the wider United Kingdom as regulations diverged Northern Ireland would become a place apart and it would all be done without the consent of the people of the Borough and Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Johnson had been accused this very day under Prime Minister’s Questions of ‘throwing Northern Ireland under a bus’ and told that ‘this deal clearly

C.23.10.19 PM does damage the fabric of the Union.’ Those words were not spoken by a Unionist but rather by Jeremy Corbyn which spoke volumes in itself. What Johnston and the Conservative Party had delivered was motivated by their own political self-interest and that was shameful. The Council must oppose the Deal and demand that MPs continue to vote against it and a lesson should be learnt about trusting the Prime Minister. He stressed that the deal must be re-negotiated, and Northern Ireland treated like the rest of the United Kingdom and so hoped that the Council could support his proposal.

As seconder to the amendment Councillor McClean endorsed the comments of his Council colleague stating that the Johnston agreement had been disgraceful and was a travesty to the people of Northern Ireland. The proposal would divide Northern Ireland further than it was already.

On being put to the meeting with 24 voting FOR, 12 voting AGAINST, the amendment was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Gilmour, seconded by Alderman Irvine, that the minutes of the Corporate Services Committee, as amended, be adopted.

10.6. Community and Wellbeing Committee dated 9 October 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the minutes be adopted.

(Councillor Egan left the meeting at 8.15 pm)

11. CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS

11.1 THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE – SECTION 75 EQUALITY ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (Appendix III)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Correspondence dated 3 October 2019 from the Executive Officer detailing The Executive Office Section 75 Equality Annual Progress Report.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Alderman McIlveen, that the information be noted.

11.2 DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES – LIQUOR LICENSING LAWS IN NORTHERN IRELAND (Appendix IV)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Correspondence dated 14 October 2019 from the Department for Communities detailing consultation on Liquor Licensing Laws in Northern Ireland.

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RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Alderman McIlveen, that the information be noted.

11.3 BUSINESS RATES CONSULTATION (Appendix V)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Finance and Performance detailing that in May 2019, the Department of Finance announced plans to undertake a full and comprehensive review of business rates in Northern Ireland. The Business Rates Public Consultation was launched on the 16 September and aimed to gather views on the future direction of the business rating system within Northern Ireland. The consultation would close on the 11th November 2019.

The Consultation was initially considered by Council in September 2019 where Council agreed to canvas views of individual parties and Chambers of Trade to inform a response. Responses were received from some parties and the collective Chambers of Trade – those had been used to inform officers in preparing a draft response.

Some key themes arising included:

• Simplification of systems where possible and review of the system and level of rates against other jurisdictions • Consider greater separation of district and regional rates to encourage greater clarity, local decision making and accountability around rates • Reviewing policies to encourage business creation and growth, including providing relief to support new and small businesses in particular • A revision of rates relief to fairly share the rates burden including through reviewing current exemptions • Provide for greater local freedom by removing the statutory link between domestic and non-domestic rates • Consider a degree of shift away from property-based rates towards turnover/profit taxation • Consider the impact on changing consumer behavior to ensure competition and taxation rates to business is fair.

RECOMMENDED that the draft response is agreed.

Councillor P Smith welcomed the comprehensive report which he thought covered the key issues and he was pleased with it.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor P Smith, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the recommendation be adopted.

12. SEALING DOCUMENTS

RESOLVED: - (On the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Alderman Gibson)

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THAT the Seal of the Council be affixed to the following documents:-

a) Agreement with the Department for Infrastructure in Relation to Off Street Parking Enforcement b) Discontinuance Order on existing Lidl Store in Newtownards c) Rights of Burial Nos 1322113249

13. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS OF BURIAL

There were no transfers of rights of burial.

14. NOTICE OF MOTION STATUS REPORT (Appendix VI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- From the Director of Organisational Development and Administration the Notice of Motion Status Report.

RECOMMENDED, that the information be noted.

Councillor Greer queried the progress of her Notice of Motion relating to the appointment of a Council ‘Parenting Champion’ and noticed that it was not on the report. Officers agreed to look at why that had been omitted.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor Greer, that the recommendation be adopted.

15. NOTICES OF MOTION

15.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Martin

Council asks Officers to bring back a report on the feasibility of holding an annual remembrance event for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Corporate Committee.

15.2 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Mathison

That this Council recognises the benefit of the Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) to residents of the Borough and supports the aims of the scheme to improve levels of physical activity, particularly among those on low incomes for whom the cost of gym membership may be prohibitive.

C.23.10.19 PM with a mental health condition but with a healthier BMI, lower than the scheme’s permitted range. This Council further notes the benefit of increased levels of physical activity for those living with mental health conditions in terms of improving wellbeing and believes that access to the scheme for this currently excluded group should be provided. As a key delivery partner in the manager of the scheme, this Council will write to the Public Health Agency to request that the criteria in relation to BMI be removed for those being referred based on their mental health conditions.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Mathison, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Community and Wellbeing Committee.

(Councillor McKee entered the meeting at 8.19 pm) (Councillor Greer left the meeting at 8.19 pm) (Councillor McNickle left the meeting at 8.19 pm)

15.3 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Mathison, seconded by Councillor Douglas

This Council recognises the importance of the Welfare Mitigation Package in protecting benefit claimants in this borough and across Northern Ireland from some of the potentially damaging aspects of welfare reform. In particular, Council welcomes the protection it has afforded many claimants from changes to housing payments in the form of the social sector size criteria, or ‘bedroom tax’.

However, Council notes with concern that these mitigations are due to come to an end in March 2020, and believes this represents a crisis in our welfare policy in Northern Ireland. This Council considers that addressing this issue is a matter of utmost priority and supports the recommendations of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Report ‘Welfare Policy in Norther Ireland’ published in September 2019. This includes (among others) a recommendation that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland confirms the government’s support to bring forward legislation in Parliament to extend the mitigation package beyond March 2020.

This Council will therefore write to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and affirm our support for the recommendations in the ‘Welfare Policy in Northern Ireland’ report, and request that he take forward these recommendations without further delay.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Mathison, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Corporate Committee.

(Councillor Greer entered the meeting at 8.20 pm) (Councillor McNickle entered the meeting at 8.20 pm)

15.4 Notice of Motion submitted by Alderman Girvan and Alderman Muir

Ards and North Down Borough Council, in seeking to encourage and support reconciliation in Northern Ireland, congratulates the Integrated Education Fund and

C.23.10.19 PM the Northern Ireland Council on Integrated Education, on being nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Girvan, seconded by Alderman Muir, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Corporate Committee.

15.5 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Boyle

That this Council agrees to write to Katrina Godfrey, Permanent Secretary, Department for Infrastructure (DfI), requesting an urgent meeting involving representation of elected members and stakeholders, reference to replacing the first morning crossing time of the Strangford Ferry Service from Portaferry, currently 7.45 am to that of 7.15 am, further to also discuss general operational improvements to the Strangford Ferry Service.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Alderman Carson, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Regeneration and Development Committee.

15.6 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor P Smith

That Council facilitates a public meeting at Comber Leisure Centre in response to concerns raised by residents about the over development to the town and the impact on infrastructure especially roads, primary health care and education provision. That representatives from the Departments for Infrastructure, Health and Education be invited to attend along with relevant Council officers.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor P Smith, seconded by Alderman M Smith, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Regeneration and Development Committee.

15.7 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Greer and Councillor Douglas

This Council notes that the Prime Minister has recently announced a £25 million cash injection to protect hospices and palliative care services in England, Scotland and Wales, in addition to the £25M of support for Children’s Hospices in England announced earlier this year. None of this cash injection will be allocated to those providing local services, such as Northern Ireland Hospice. It is proposed that the Council write to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland requesting they immediately increase and release statutory funding for Hospice and Palliative Care services in Northern Ireland. Thereby promoting equality and parity for infants, children and adults who need access to specialist hospice and palliative care across our local communities.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Greer, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Corporate Committee.

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15.8 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Martin

Council asks for a report as soon as possible on the feasibility of a commemorative and informational plaque to be placed at the Air Raid shelter in Ward Park and at the memorial on Harbour Road, Ballyhalbert to commemorate the USAAF and Polish Airmen who served at RAF Ballyhalbert during World War Two.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the Community and Wellbeing Committee.

15.9 Notice of Motion – Freedom of the Borough appended report associated with Notice of Motion

Submitted by Councillor Blaney, Councillor Douglas, Councillor Dunlop, Councillor Egan, Councillor McKee, Alderman Irvine, Councillor P Smith, Councillor Cathcart and Councillor McKimm

Proposed by Councillor Blaney, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that this Council recognises the outstanding contribution made to the Borough by Gary Lightbody. He has achieved international renown for his inspirational song writing and music for over 25 years and he continues to receive deserved acclaim. He is also acknowledged for his significant charitable work and in particular his promotion of mental health awareness. He has nurtured local music talent with the Snow Patrol brought great pride and important economic benefit to the Borough through thee showcase concerts in Ward Park, Bangor

Accordingly, and in recognition of his achievements, the Council agrees to confer the Freedom of the Borough of Ards and North Down upon Gary Lightbody.

(Councillor Boyle left the meeting at 8.23 pm) (Councillor Kennedy left the meeting at 8.23 pm) (Councillor T Smith left the meeting at 8.23 pm)

Councillor Blaney declared that he was delighted to propose the Notice of Motion to the Council. If the Motion was successful Gary Lightbody would be the first individual recipient of the Freedom of Borough from Ards and North Down Borough Council.

He reported that he had been elected to the Council for the first time in May and it had been one of the greatest privileges of his life to date. During his first five months in the Council he had heard many issues debated, sometimes Members voiced similar opinions and at other times Members spoke from completely opposite perspectives. He said that never had he heard the Council speak with more unity and goodwill than when it had discussed the most recent Snow Patrol concert and the feedback from the event known as Ward Park 3.

Since that discussion and the goodwill he had felt in the Council Chamber at that time he undertook to find out how best the Council could honour Gary who was a native of Bangor. He remembered that Belfast City Council had remembered Van

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Morrison with the award of Freedom of the Borough and the subsequent pride felt across the city at that news. He decided at that time to investigate how and whether it would be possible to put Gary Lightbody forward for a similar honour by the Ards and North Down Borough.

He reported that following discussion with Council colleagues and officers he was delighted with the positive feedback and believed that Gary Lightbody was truly deserving as a recipient of the highest Council award.

Councillor Blaney informed Members that Gary Lightbody had been born on 15th June 1976 in Bangor, County Down. He had grown up in Bangor, attending Rathmore Primary School before heading to Campbell College in East Belfast.

Passionate about poetry Gary left Northern Ireland and headed to Scotland to study English Literature at the University of Dundee. In the same year he formed the band Shrug with Mark McClelland. Later drummer Jonny Quinn joined the group and after a brief period as Polarbear the band became Snow Patrol and released two albums.

In 2002 Nathan Connolly joined the band and it signed to major label Polydor Records and the following year Snow Patrol released its first major label Album – Final Straw when the group achieved national fame.

‘Eyes Open’ in 2006 won the band international success with the bestselling single ‘Chasing Cars.’ The band had released ‘A Hundred Million Suns’ in 2008, compilation album ‘Up To Now’ in 2009 and their sixth studio album, ‘Fallen Empires’ in 2011. Snow Patrol was made up of Gary Lightbody, Jonny Quinn, Nathan Connolly, Johnny McDaid and Paul Wilson, and they were currently touring their 2018 album, ‘Wildness’. To date, the band had 15 million global album sales, 1+ billion global track streams, 5 UK Platinum Albums, and were Grammy, BRIT Award and Mercury Music Prize nominated. In 2005, ‘Final Straw’ was awarded the Ivor Novello Album Award.

Beyond the success of his music, Gary cameoed in a third season episode of Game of Thrones and was Executive Producer of the 2013 film ‘Made in Belfast’ where he also had a cameo role. His support for the creative industries in Northern Ireland led him to the role of Executive Producer of ‘Good Vibrations’, a movie about Belfast punk impresario Terri Hooley’s legendary record label.

He stated that Gary gave relentless support to the Northern Irish music scene. In 2007, he co-founded the Oh Yeah Music Centre, a dedicated music hub in Belfast which nurtured all aspects of music making and the wider business of music. At its inception in 2007, Lightbody said, ‘what is needed is a nexus to focus musical energy into, and to unite, the Belfast music scene in a way that has been elusive until now.’

Gary Lightbody had consistently encouraged the music industry in Northern Ireland, lending support to local music businesses, record labels and recording studios. Support acts for Snow Patrol tours were handpicked by Lightbody and Snow Patrol, and in that way, he also nurtured the careers of Northern Irish artists and bands.

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Recent support acts included Roe, Brand New Friend and Ryan McMullan, and at Ward Park 3 recently Snow Patrol had an entire lineup of Northern Irish acts.

In 2018, Lightbody was awarded the Northern Ireland Music Prize - Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, recognising not only his contribution to music as an artist, but his continued support of the Northern Ireland music scene.

Together with Davy Matchett, Lightbody started artist development business Third Bar in Belfast in September 2010. Since then, it had helped numerous local artists with the recording and releasing of their music, achieving their first radio plays and playing in venues all over Europe and the USA.

On Lightbody’s ongoing commitment to Northern Irish music, Matchett said, Gary’s involvement in the development of a number of local artists and his support for music businesses in Northern Ireland over the years had been unflinching and unrivalled.’ Gary was viewed as an inspiration to musicians around the world and one who had never forgotten where he came from and many of his songs featured, or were inspired by, Northern Ireland and indeed Bangor. A brief glance through Gary’s Facebook and Twitter feeds showed someone who was truly passionate about the Borough of Ards and North Down. As recently as the previous Monday Gary had been in St Columbanus School sitting with a GCSE Music class singing and joking. Acts of kindness and gestures like that gave an insight into the type of person Gary was – it was said that time was precious and Gary gave his generously.

Councillor Blaney went on to say that not only did Gary make those unannounced appearances he had also been instrumental in bringing not 1 but 3 world class concerts back to his hometown of Bangor.

The 3rd concert in 2019 had a £2.5M impact on the Borough and had attracted over 35,000 people. 43% of tickets to the last concert were sold to people living outside Northern Ireland and there were stories of people traveling from as far away as Australia to be in Bangor for the performances. Events such as those had been transformational on the local area which went far beyond the mere feel good which the population experienced at the time. Those concerts had literally put the Borough on the map for some people who might otherwise have never visited the Borough. Not only did the concerts offer a great spectacle to those who attended but their PR value for the Borough should also not be underestimated. Ward Park 3 was one of the largest outside broadcasts ever delivered in Northern Ireland with hundreds of thousands of views both on TV and online.

Away from Music, Gary announced the launch of The Lightbody Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. The newly established Foundation would make funding available to charitable organisations and community groups across Northern Ireland over the next twelve months in areas that included special educational needs, mental health issues and mentoring for young people all of which were matters very close to the musician’s heart.

He concluded his comments by repeating that in Gary Lightbody the Borough could be proud of someone; who was world renowned for his musical talent, was philanthropic and generous with his time, had reached the highest level of fame and

C.23.10.19 PM celebrity but had never forgotten where he came from, was helping to change the lives of and inspire young people through his work with musicians and his work with mental health charities. In Gary Lightbody we could look up to someone and show admiration to them. He was exactly the type of person who deserved to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough and Councillor Blaney was honoured to put him forward for that honour.

Seconding the Motion Councillor Douglas announced that she was delighted to rise to support it alongside Councillor Blaney. She pointed out that it was the highest honour that the Council could grant to an individual and was an expression of the very high esteem in which Gary Lightbody was held by the Council and people of the Borough.

She went on to say that that fellow Members would be aware that Gary Lightbody was a multi-platinum selling and award-winning songwriter from the hometown of Bangor. It was reported that he first started out in 1994 in the band ‘Shrug’, later known as ‘Polar Bear’, before transforming into Snow Patrol. As an original member of the group, Gary and his band mates in Snow Patrol had for the past 25 years entertained us with songs such as: Run, Take back the City, Shut Your Eyes, You Could be Happy and Chasing Cars which was recognised to be the most widely played song of the 21st century on UK radio.

(Councillor Boyle entered the meeting at 8.26 pm)

She remarked that it seemed perfect timing that Gary should be recognised for his contribution to music in what was Snow Patrol’s 25th anniversary. Gary’s role as lead vocalist, musician and frontman of Snow Patrol was only one of a number of strands to his nomination and Gary had put Bangor on the International map for music and brought significant economic rewards to the Borough through three huge and successful outdoor concerts at Ward Park namely, in 2007, 2010 and May 2019.

(Councillor Adair left the meeting at 8.28 pm)

While Gary had made an exceptional contribution to music as an artist he was also active in a role supporting grassroots and emerging acts from Northern Ireland through various projects and initiatives in recent years. He had played a pivotal role in supporting artists from Northern Ireland and was instrumental with a number of his peers in conceptualising and establishing the ‘Oh Yeah Music Centre’ in Belfast. He also established ‘Third Bar’, a Belfast based Artist Development business set up to support Northern Irish artists to advance their careers.

(Councillor Adair entered the meeting at 8.30 pm)

She understood that Gary consistently used his platform to showcase local bands with Snow Patrol having engaged local bands and artists on their stadium tours which had been evident at Ward Park 3 most recently. It had been noted that every time Gary mentioned any of the NI Music Award nominees last year, people in the industry observed significant spikes in streaming figures, which again was testimony to his stature within the industry and him being considered an influencer. She

C.23.10.19 PM considered that, in all his endeavours, Gary had invested emotionally, financially and artistically to support the growth, promotion and development of local talent.

In more recent times Gary had also spoken candidly of his own experience of living with depression and in speaking out was helping to promote positive mental health awareness. It was an issue which silenced many men, so to have such a high- profile role model speak out, tackle stigma, and encourage others to seek support, would no doubt have helped many people. His support and profiling of the potential for mental ill-health particularly amongst musicians could not be underestimated. She considered that it would not be dramatic to say he may have saved lives by using that platform he had to highlight the dangers of not addressing mental ill-health in the creative sector. It took great courage to have gone public and for that we should be proud of him and grateful.

She agreed with Councillor Blaney noticing that this very week she had caught glimpses of images where Gary had joined various GCSE music classes across local schools. He was always found to be giving of his time, talent and self.

(Councillor McClean left the meeting at 8.34 pm)

Finally, she made Members aware that Gary had set up ‘The Lightbody Foundation’ alongside his family and closest friends to give Northern Ireland charities access to unrestricted funds.

In concluding she stressed to Members that it was for all of those reasons that the Notice of Motion needed to be brought forward to recognise the significant contribution Gary Lightbody had made across public life and to thank him for all he had done for Bangor, the Borough, residents, Northern Ireland, and beyond, and to honour him in a way that the Council could. Gary was an inspiration, a huge talent, a positive role model, a mental health champion, and a humanitarian. She asked Members to join her in supporting the Motion.

Councillor Cathcart agreed with his Council colleagues in recognition of the contribution Gary had made to Bangor and the wider Borough, creating a strong identity for the area. He was clearly devoted to Bangor and had not forgotten the town.

(Councillor Cooper left the meeting at 8.36 pm)

The PR from the concerts had been immense and his charity work and contribution to mental health awareness was significant. Councillor Cathcart was grateful and welcomed the proposed honour by the Council.

Alderman M Smith was also delighted and congratulated Councillor Blaney for bringing the Motion forward. He was a first-class ambassador for the area and should be recognised by the Council.

Alderman McIlveen was also happy to support the Motion. He had attended many of the Snow Patrol concerts and thought the music was incredible and the man himself was inspiring.

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Councillor Blaney thanked Councillor Douglas and Members for their support and was pleased to have the support of the whole Council.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Blaney, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the Notice of Motion be adopted.

(Councillor McClean entered the meeting at 8.41 pm) (Councillor Cooper entered the meeting at 8.41 pm) (Councillor T Smith entered the meeting at 8.41 pm)

16. CONSULTATION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OFFICIAL CONTROLS REGULATIONS (EU) (FILE CW130) (Appendix VII and VIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that the rules relating to the official controls undertaken by food enforcement authorities were being reviewed to bring all the requirements under one piece of legislation. The Official Controls Regulation (OCR) took effect on 14 December 2019 and addressed official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products.

The consultation focused on the implementation of legislation in Northern Ireland to provide for the execution of powers and enforcement of the OCR only in relation to the Food Standards Agency’s areas of responsibility for food and feed law and animal health and welfare.

The consultation pack could be found at the following link. The closing date for responses was 11th October 2019, however, the Food Standards Agency had been notified that a late response would be submitted by Ards and North Down Borough Council to allow the consultation response to be reported to Council for consideration and agreement or amendment prior to submission. https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/consultation-pack-official- controls-regulations-northern-ireland_1.pdf

RECOMMENDED that the Council approve the response to the consultation.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Irvine, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the recommendation be adopted.

17. ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO CLOUGHEY (FILE 160135) (Appendices IX and X)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that as Members were aware, the Rural Development Programme provided funding support for village renewal projects identified within integrated village plans. Officers had submitted a successful

C.23.10.19 PM application to the Programme for environmental improvement works to be carried out in Cloughey.

At the Council meeting held on 25 September 2019, it was agreed to award a tender for environmental improvement works to Cloughey. The scheme involved the following improvements to the Warren Car Park, Cloughey:

• New signage to the beach; • Relocation of existing picnic benches; • Reinstatement of grass areas; • Speed ramps; • Marking of parking spaces not currently in place; • New disabled car parking spaces; • 2 No. electrical charging points; • Reduction of footpath to 2 metres wide and addition of grass verge and Marron Grass; • Remedial treatment to existing wall; • Bitmacing; • NIE Network undergrounding services which run the length of the car park and associated works.

In addition, a new lighting scheme would be installed along the car park.

Attached for approval were the scheme drawing and the business case.

The total project cost was circa £281,482.52. The funding application to the Rural Development Programme, Village Renewal Scheme was successful and an award of £235,880.38 had been approved by its Board. That meant that the Council’s match funding requirement would be circa £46,438.57, which was the amount included within the existing capital budget.

Subject to Council approval, a Letter of Offer would be accepted for the scheme.

RECOMMENDED:

1. It is recommended that the Business Case be approved for Cloughey Warren Carpark and that works are commenced.

2. It is recommended that the Letter of Offer from the RDP Village Renewal Scheme worth circa £235,880 be accepted and the Council contribution of circa £46,438 be met from the existing Council capital budget provision.

(Councillor Blaney left the meeting at 8.45 pm)

Councillor Boyle had been pleased to see the item tabled and the information had been excellent. He was encouraged to see that councillors and constituents had been listened to and residents would welcome the plan.

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Councillor Adair agreed recognising that it had been a long journey to get to the present and he was delighted to see that the wall and car park had been retained and the lack of footpaths had been a concern. However, it had been regrettable that the community had not be able to view the plans before they had come to Council.

Councillor Thompson recognised that officers had put in a great deal of work and most of the concerns had been addressed. It would enhance tourism for visitors to the peninsula visitors. Councillor Edmund agreed and thanked officers and the rural partners for pursuing it.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

18. RURAL BUSINESS GRANT PILOT SCHEME – 7 OCTOBER 2019 TO 31 MARCH 2020 (FILE RDP19) (Appendix XI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that as previously reported to the Council, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) made an approach, through the NI Business Start Up Programme Joint Management Team, to consider the roll-out of a Rural Business Capital Grant Programme 2019/2020.

In December 2018 it was agreed by the Council to administer the Rural Business Capital Grant Programme proposal as finally presented by DAERA. It was also agreed that the scheme would be taken forward within the current Rural Development structures and additional staff resources sourced, on a temporary basis, if required.

The scheme was funded under DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme (TRPSI), which aimed to assist in tackling poverty and social isolation within deprived rural areas.

A copy of the Contract for Funding was attached for delivery of the following specific objectives for the Council:

1. To provide at least 9 micro businesses in rural areas with a capital grant capped at £4,999 (£45K), at a match funding rate of 50% from DAERA and 50% from participating businesses to enhance their sustainability and growth prospects by March 2020; 2. To increase the sustainability of 100% of rural businesses funded by October 2020; 3. To enhance the growth prospects of 10% of rural businesses funded by October 2020; 4. To increase innovative activity in 10% of rural businesses funded by October 2020; 5. To increase the efficiency of 20% of rural businesses by October 2020; 6. Contribute to the submission of an overall Pilot Scheme Evaluation by December 2020.

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The Contract for Funding made available a maximum grant of £7,124 to Ards and North Down Borough Council for the period 7 October 2019 to 31 March 2020 to administer the Rural Business Development Grant Pilot Scheme. That included all local monthly costs, staff resources and general administration costs. The payment of that financial assistance would be made in two instalments, the first payment of 75% would be made once all payment claims had been received by the Department. The final payment of 25% would be made once DAERA had received the Rural Business Development Grant Pilot Scheme Evaluation by the end December 2020. Payment was subject to Ards and North Down Borough Council not being in breach of any of its obligations under the Contract and the Council would be initially working up the Scheme at risk.

All 10 Councils would need to have agreed forms and processes approved by the Department. The following documents were required for the Department’s approval:

1. Application Form; 2. Notes for Guidance; 3. Procedures; 4. Pro-forma letters; 5. Letter of Offer and associated claim forms.

The following indicative timeline was proposed for the delivery of the scheme:

1. Call for applications opened on 25th November 2019; 2. Call for applications closed on 20th December 2019; 3. Applications checked for Eligibility and Scored by 17th January 2020; 4. Letters of Offer issued and Letter of Offer Workshop concluded by 14th February 2020; 5. Project delivery 17th February 2020 (or earlier) onwards; 6. Project completed and payment shown to have been extracted from promoter’s account by 31 March 2020.

That could potentially mean at least 9 micro rural business capital grants of between £500 to £4,999 could be awarded. However, the businesses would have to match fund expenditure on a 50% basis. The actual business grant would be funded directly from DAERA to the applicant once Council officers had vouched and authorised the payment.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to accept the attached Contract for Funding and proceeds to deliver the programme in line with the indicative timeline.

In order to meet the proposed deadline, Officers wished to seek delegated authority to issue Letters of Offer to successful applicants based on the scheme criteria. An update on the scheme and its successful applicants would be provided in due course.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Alderman McIlveen, that the recommendation be adopted.

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19. UPDATE ON PORTAFERRY PUBLIC REALM (FILE REG 66) (Appendix XII & XIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that Members would be aware that the Council was currently developing a public realm scheme for Portaferry, in conjunction with the Department for Communities (DfC). We were at the design stage of the project and Aecom had been appointed as designers and would take the concept through to a planning application and economic appraisal.

The Portaferry Steering Group had met on a number of occasions to progress the design of the scheme with a view to having it ready for construction (subject to funding and planning) in the next financial year, (2020/21).

Update

The Steering Group met on 30th September to review the design and discuss the results of the public consultation which was held during the week beginning 5th September 2019.

As part of the proposed design the Square was to be partially pedestrianised, to develop a space that would be the heart of the Town and could be used for events and activities. To achieve that the parking spaces in the Square had been reduced from 19 to 7, however, additional spaces had been created with a net loss of 8 spaces. Three of those were because of the new Spar development and therefore 5 spaces were lost as a direct result of the proposed Public Realm Scheme.

At the Town Steering Group meeting a detailed discussion took place regarding the consultation and the feedback received, which was 106 response forms and a standardised letter signed by circa 280 people. A summary of the consultation responses were attached to the report. A number of consultees had raised a variety of issues, such as the reduction in trees, the area covered by the public realm and the use of materials. Those, and the outcomes, were detailed in a further appendix. However the main issue of concern was about parking arrangements.

The Steering Group also discussed the letters, signed by circa 280 Individuals, and submitted by a local businessman and supported by Jim Shannon MP, which objected to the loss of car parking spaces. Discussion centred around the content of the letter and how the signatures had been received and members gave their own views on the validity of that. The Head of Regeneration summarised the content of a recent meeting with the MP and the business representative and their concerns. At the meeting the business representative suggested a new parking layout, which he felt might reduce the number of spaces being lost and an undertaking was given to have that considered.

The proposed alternative parking layout was examined by Aecom. The proposed echelon design not only reduced the usable space in The Square but also impacted on street parking resulting in a loss of 10 spaces. The design was therefore rejected by the Steering Group.

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A further discussion took place around the loss of parking spaces and the following were submitted to the Steering Group as mitigations:

• The Henderson Group had confirmed that the existing Spar employees (5), would have dedicated parking in the new development thus they would not be parking in The Square. • The Henderson Group had also agreed to permit an additional 3 spaces to be made available in their new car park for elderly and infirmed while they attended the Oratory on a Monday evening, which had the greatest requirement for parking. • Father McGrady, from the Portaferry Oratory, had also confirmed that the Church was willing to free up 5 spaces for the elderly and disabled at the back of its premises. • Henderson’s recognised that 3 spaces were lost to enable their scheme to proceed and added that it expected the 30 spaces created by its new development to more than off-set that loss.

The Steering Group agreed that the current scheme, along with the additional arrangements outlined above and also taking into account the extension plans to the car park at the Ropewalk which would have circa 70 additional spaces, would more than compensate for the loss of 5 spaces due to redevelopment of The Square and the members unanimously agreed to proceed with the proposed scheme.

A further discussion was held around the funding and timing of the programme. Niall McVitty from Department for Communities emphasised that at present funding had not been secured for that project from the Department but stressed that once planning permission had been obtained and the economic appraisal completed that that would strengthen his case to seek funding for the scheme.

It was also agreed by the Steering Group that the details around lighting, benches and other design elements would be brought back in November to the Steering Group for consideration and any tweaks could be made at that meeting. The designers were reminded that The Square was part of a conservation area and any detailed design needed to be mindful of the built environment and suitable for a conservation area.

Next Steps

Following the November Steering Group meeting in November, which would focus on the design elements, it was anticipated that a planning application would be submitted at the end of November/early December. The economic appraisal would also be completed and sent to the Department for Communities for consideration.

RECOMMENDED that the Council adopts the minutes of the Portaferry Town Steering Group and the recommended design layout.

Members welcomed and commended the hard work and dedication of the Portaferry Steering Group and it was pleasing to note the long awaited revitalisation and

C.23.10.19 PM regeneration taking place. Tribute was paid to the Director of Regeneration and Development and Planning, Head of Regeneration and Mr John Dumigan in particular. The improvements would act as a catalyst for further development and the parking issue had been addressed successfully by the Council.

Speaking as Chair of the Portaferry Steering Group Councillor Boyle reported that the members of the group were delighted with the outcome. There had been no net loss of car parking and all the objections had been addressed.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

20. REMEMBRANCE ARRANGEMENTS 2019 (FILE CEV29)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that the Council had received invitations to attend a range of Remembrance Day Services across the Borough. Details of arrangements for Remembrance Day Services on Sunday, 3 November 2019 (Groomsport) and Sunday, 10 November 2019 were laid out below. Members were asked to confirm which Service, if any, they planned to attend.

Bangor Members were asked to meet at the Bowling Pavilion, Ward Park, Bangor at 10am for robing. They would then process to the War Memorial for 10.40am for the Remembrance Day Service. It was noted that there would be no church service on the occasion, due to falling numbers. After the service, the parade would march through the town to the Royal British Legion Social Club for some light refreshments.

Holywood Members were asked to assemble for robing at Queen’s Leisure Complex (Studio Room) at 10.00am. Refreshments would be available on arrival. The Parade would form up in the car park at 10.15am and march to the Cenotaph for the Service at 10.30am. After the 2 minute’s silence at 11.00am the Parade would proceed to St Phillip and St James Parish Church, Church Road, Holywood for the 11.30am Service. Members should make their own way to the church. Refreshments would be served at Queen’s Leisure Complex after the Service.

Newtownards Robing would take place at the Royal British Legion, Court Square, at 9.30am after which members were asked to form up at Old Cross Street car park at 10.00am to parade to the Cenotaph, Court Square, Newtownards. Following a wreath laying ceremony at 10.10am, the Royal British Legion would parade to 1st Newtownards Presbyterian Church, Frances Street, Newtownards for the Remembrance Service which commenced at 11.30am. After the Church Service the parade would march back to the Royal British Legion. Refreshments would be available.

Donaghadee Members were asked to meet at the car park in Shore Street at 10.30am. The Parade would leave at 10.40am and process to the War Memorial where a wreath laying ceremony would take place. The parade would then proceed to 1st 26

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Presbyterian Church, High Street, Donaghadee. Members were invited to join other dignitaries to take the salute en-route to the Church. Members were then invited to enjoy refreshments in Carrowdore Shooting Club at 12.30pm.

Comber Members were asked to meet at St Mary’s Church Hall, The Square, Comber, at 9.00am for robing. Refreshments would be available. They would form up at 9.35am to march to the War Memorial in The Square at 10.00am, for a wreath laying ceremony. That would be followed by a Service in 2nd Comber Presbyterian Church, Killinchy Street at 11.30am. Refreshments would be provided at the Church Hall after the service.

Millisle Members were asked to meet at the Royal British Legion, Churchill Avenue at 10.30am to parade to the War Memorial for a short Act of Remembrance at 11.00am. The parade would then proceed to the Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church, for the Service at 11.30am. Light refreshments would be served in the Legion after the service.

Ballywalter Members were asked to meet at 10.30am at the Beach Car Park, Main Street, Ballywalter. The parade would march off at 10.45am for an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 10.50am. That would be followed by a Church Service at Ballywalter 1st Presbyterian at 11.15am. The Parade and march past would take place at approximately 12.05pm, Lord Dunleath, Deputy Lieutenant would be taking the salute. Refreshments would be served at 12.30pm in Ballywalter Village Hall.

Craigavad Helen’s Bay A service of remembrance would be held at Holy Trinity Church, Seahill, Craigavad at 11.00am.

Portavogie A service of remembrance would be held at Portavogie War Memorial, Harbour Road, Portavogie at 9am.

Groomsport The Groomsport Remembrance Day Service would be held on Sunday, 3 November 2019 at 2.45pm. The Walter Nelson Hall, Main Street, would be available from 2.00pm for robing and Councillors would parade from there to the War Memorial at approximately 2.30pm. There was no Church Service. Light refreshments would be served after the service at the Church of Ireland Parish Hall.

Members’ Robes Members’ robes would be taken to the services at Bangor, Holywood and Newtownards. Members attending other services were asked to collect their robes from the Town Hall, Bangor, no later than 3pm on Friday, 8 November 2019.

Robes would be available at The Walter Nelson Hall, Groomsport, for those Members who indicated their intention to attend the Groomsport Service on 3 November 2019.

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Those Members requiring wreaths were asked to contact the Democratic Services Manager a week in advance. Members were asked to note the arrangements as set out above; indicate on a list, which would be circulated at the Council meeting, which service they planned to attend and note the arrangements for robing and collection of robes in advance, where appropriate.

RECOMMENDED that the update is noted.

The Mayor advised that Members should indicated which act of remembrance they would attend to ensure that arrangements for robing could be made.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Alderman Girvan, that the recommendation be adopted.

21. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS 2020 (FILE DS30) (Appendix XIV)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that attached was a schedule of meetings for 2020.

RECOMMENDED that the Council approves the attached timetable.

Alderman Girvan noticed that the date for the next Annual Meeting had not been included and officers informed everyone that that would take place on Wednesday 3rd June 2020.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Alderman Girvan, that the recommendation be adopted.

22. NOMINATIONS TO WORKING GROUPS

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Chief Executive detailing that following the resignation as a Councillor of Rachel Woods on 4 October 2019, there was now a place on each of the following groups to be reallocated by the Council:

1. Elected Member Development Steering Group (4 yr appointment) 2. Car Parking Strategy Working Group (1 yr appointment) 3. Holywood Town Steering Group (4 yr appointment) 4. Community Development Grants Working Group (1 yr appointment) 5. All Party Group on Sustainable Development (1 yr appointment)

For ease of reference, the below tables set out the Members nominated to sit on the groups at the Annual Meeting on 22 May 2019.

Elected Member Development Steering Group (2019/23) Councillor McAlpine Councillor P Smith

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Councillor Woods Alderman Gibson Councillor Thompson

Car Parking Strategy Working Group (2019/20) Alderman Carson Councillor Smart Alderman Gibson Councillor Thompson Councillor Edmund Councillor Dunne Alderman Girvan Councillor Douglas Councillor Wilson Alderman Menagh Councillor Woods

Holywood Town Steering Group (2019/23) Councillor Dunne Councillor Greer Councillor McClean Alderman Muir Councillor Woods

Community Development Grants Working Group (2019/20) Councillor Thompson Councillor Cathcart Councillor Smart Councillor Douglas Councillor Woods

All Party Group on Sustainable Development (2019/20) Councillor Thompson Councillor Woods

Nominations were sought from Council to fill each of the above places for the remainder of the year or four year term as the case may be.

RECOMMENDED 1. It is recommended that the Council nominates a Member to the Elected Member Development Steering Group for the remainder of the four year term.

2. It is recommended that the Council nominates a Member to the Car Parking Strategy Working Group for the remainder of the one year term.

3. It is recommended that the Council nominates a Member to the Holywood Town Steering Group for the remainder of the four year term.

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4. It is recommended that the Council nominates a Member to the Community Development Grants Working Group for the remainder of the one year term.

5. It is recommended that the Council nominates a Member to the All Party Group on Sustainable Development for the remainder of the one year term.

Proposed by Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Councillor Martin, that Councillor McNickle, be given first opportunity to sit on the bodies.

Speaking for the Green party Councillor McKee informed the meeting that Councillor McNickle was unable to take up all of the positions which Councillor Woods had formerly held. Councillor McNickle stated that she would wish to sit on 3) Holywood Town Steering Group and 4) Community Development Grants Working Group.

(Councillor T Smith left the meeting at 9.00 pm)

Nominations were therefore sought for the remaining bodies.

Proposed by Councillor McNickle, seconded by Councillor McKee that Councillor Dunlop be nominated to 2) Car Parking Strategy Working Group and 5) All Party Group on Sustainable Development.

(Councillor T Smith entered the meeting at 9.01 pm)

Proposed by Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor Adair, that Alderman Keery be nominated to 1) Elected Member Development Steering Group.

Councillor Cooper expressed that Alderman Menagh would have an interest in being represented on the Elected Member Development Steering Group but the Alderman withdrew his interest to permit Alderman Keery to take that place.

RESOLVED, that the undernoted appointments be made:-

Elected Member Development Steering Group – Alderman Keery

Car Parking Strategy Working Group – Councillor Dunlop

Holywood Town Steering Group – Councillor McNickle

Community Development Grants Working Group – Councillor McNickle

All Party Group on Sustainable Development – Councillor Dunlop.

23. REQUEST TO LIGHT UP COUNCIL BUILDINGS_INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY (LP37) (Appendix XV and XVI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that the Council had received a request to

C.23.10.19 PM light up Council buildings blue from The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) to mark International Children’s Day on 20 November 2019 as the year would be the 30th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The NICCY had several initiatives planned for 20 November 2019 including inviting 2,000 children and young people from across Northern Ireland to meet in W5 to learn more about their rights. They would also be hosting a Children’s Rights Summit and would be calling for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to be incorporated into local legislation. Many other children’s organisations across Northern Ireland would also be celebrating the anniversary.

RECOMMENDED that, as this fits with the Council’s Lighting Up of Buildings Policy, the Council accedes to the request and lights up Council buildings for International Children’s Day on 20 November 2019.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor Martin, that the recommendation be adopted.

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Alderman M Smith, that the public/press be excluded from the undernoted items of confidential business.

24. BREXIT RISK REGISTER- MATTER ARISING

***IN CONFIDENCE***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

25. TENDER FOR THE PROVISION OF CORPORATE UNIFORM, CASUAL UNIFORM, LEISURE UNIFORM AND PROTECTIVE WORKWEAR (FILE PRO 105) (Appendix XVII)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

26. BREACHES OF CONFIDENCE

***IN CONFIDENCE***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

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READMITANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Councillor Wilson, that the public/press be readmitted to the meeting.

Circulated for Information

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Undernoted items of correspondence.

a) Changes to Ballywalter Post Office, Post Office Correspondence b) Opening new Post Office in Hendersons Retail Limited, 121 Donaghadee Road, Newtownards c) Responding to Climate Change, NILGOSC d) Royal College of Nursing Northern Ireland

RESOLVED, that the correspondence be noted.

TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 9.10 pm.

ITEM 7.1

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Planning Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Tuesday, 5 November 2019 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Alderman McIlveen

Aldermen: Gibson Girvan

Councillors: Adair McClean Brooks McKee Cathcart P Smith Cooper Thompson McAlpine Walker

Officers: Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning (S McCullough), Head of Planning (A McCullough), Principal Professional and Technical Officer (G Kerr) and Senior Professional and Technical Officer (P Kerr) and Democratic Services Officers (M McElveen & J Glasgow)

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Alderman Keery, Alderman McDowell and Councillor Kennedy.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman sought declarations of interest at this stage. The undernoted interests were declared:

Councillor Adair: Item 4.3 – LA/06/2018/0906/F – Land to the rear of 10 Ganaway Road, Ballywalter. Item 4.4 – LA/06/2019/0623/F – Lands east of and immediately adjacent to Exploris Aquarium, The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry. Item 4.5 – LA06/2019/0493/F - Approximately 30m South of 27 Springfield Road, Portavogie. Item 4.7 – LA06/2019/0570/F – Walking trail within Nugent’s Wood adjacent to the Lough Shore Road, Portaferry. Item 4.8 – LA07/2019/0866/F – Ballygowan Village Hall, Belfast Road, Ballygowan. Alderman Gibson and Alderman Girvan: Item 4.8 – LA07/2019/0866/F – Ballygowan Village Hall, Belfast Road, Ballygowan. Councillor McAlpine: Item 4.5 – LA16/2018/0738/F – Diary Hall Playing Fields, John Street, Newtownards.

NOTED. PC.5.11.19 PM

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING OF 1 OCTOBER 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above.

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Cathcart, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the minutes be noted.

4. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

4.1 LA06/2019/0460/F- Land to the East of 1-11 Old Forge Avenue and 2-8, 17,19 Old Forge Drive and 110b,110c, 110d Movilla Road; South of 110a Movilla Road; West of 112 Movilla Road, Wright Waste Management Ltd and 124a Movilla Road; North of First Street, Rivenwood and First Avenue, Rivenwood, Newtownards (Appendix I)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Case Officer’s Report.

DEA: Ards Peninsula Committee Interest: A local development application where an associated application has been determined by the Planning Committee Proposal: Full planning permission for a residential development of 8 no. dwellings - 4 no. dwellings at sites formerly numbered as 235 and 238 to become sites nos. 233, 234, 235 and 236; and change of house types to 3 no. dwellings at site nos. 174, 175 and 233 and retrospective permission for a change of house type to site 155. Amendment to previously approved application LA06/2017/0533/F Site Location: Land to the East of 1-11 Old Forge Avenue and 2-8, 17,19 Old Forge Drive and 110b,110c, 110d Movilla Road; South of 110a Movilla Road; West of 112 Movilla Road, Wright Waste Management Ltd and 124a Movilla Road; North of First Street, Rivenwood and First Avenue, Rivenwood, Newtownards Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission

The Principal Professional and Technical Officer (G Kerr) outlined that the application was part of the Rivenwood development which lay at the eastern edge of Newtownards. The application site was part of a much larger site allocated for housing known as zoning NS 20. The proposal was located within Phase 2.

The application was for a Change of house type application to the previously approved major housing application reference number LA06/2017/0533/F. The major proposal was for 185 mixed townhouses, semi-detached and detached houses, with garages, housing roads and extension to Rivenwood Boulevard, with associated open spaces including an equipped play park, and including 12 apartments in a three-storey building.

Members would recall that the major application for the Phase 2 housing was presented at Planning Committee meeting recommended for approval on 02 October 2018.

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That approval under LA06/2017/0533/F for the same part of the application site before Members consisted of 6no.dwellings comprising of 4no.detached and 2no.semi-detached. The application was for an additional 2 units and change of house types.

In summary the proposed development comprised of 8 dwellings in total consisting of 2 two-storey detached and 6 two storey townhouses with private gardens to the rear and in-curtilage parking to the side and front.

4 no. dwellings were to be located at sites formerly numbered as 235 and 238 and those would become sites nos. 233, 234, 235 and 236

There would be a change of house type to 3 dwellings at site nos. 174, 175 and 233 and retrospective permission had been applied for change of house type to site 155

All consultees were content with the proposal, there were no objections and the proposal complied with policy.

The layout, scale and massing of the proposed dwellings would respect the topography of the site and the character of the area. The overall layout, density, scale, height and massing of the proposed dwellings were in keeping with the residential units previously approved within Rivenwood and respect the character of the wider residential area

The grant of planning permission was recommended.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor P Smith, that the recommendation be adopted and planning permission be granted.

4.2 LA06/2019/0100/F – Lands approximately 90m north of 3 Lord Wardens Mews and immediately to the rear of 2-14 Helen’s Wood Lane. Former Juvenile Justice Centre (169 Rathgael Road) (Appendix II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Case Officer’s Report.

DEA: Bangor West Committee Interest: A local development application where an associated application has been determined by the Planning Committee Proposal: Erection of 16 no. dwellings comprising of 2 detached and 14 semi- detached dwellings, along with associated car parking and landscaping and associated site works (Proposed amendment to site nos. 157 & 165-175 of residential development previously approved under reference LA06/2016/0593/F Site Location: Lands situated approximately 90m north of 3 Lord Wardens Mews and immediately to the rear of 2-14 Helen’s Wood Lane. Former Juvenile Justice Centre Site (169 Rathgael Road) Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission

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The Principal Professional and Technical Officer (G Kerr) outlined that the site was located on the northern side of the Rathgael Road in Bangor and was currently part of a larger housing development. The site previously housed the Juvenile Justice Centre.

The surrounding area was predominantly residential, characterised primarily by medium density detached, semi-detached and town house properties.

The site was located within the settlement limit and was zoned for housing. Members granted planning permission for a major housing application for 351 units at the former Juvenile Justice Centre site at Rathgael Road, Bangor at the Planning Committee meeting on 5 September 2017 under reference LA06/2016/0596/F.

The application had been submitted following a request by NIE due to the introduction of a sub-station to supply the houses on the overall housing development that had required several houses to be moved and as a result smaller house types were introduced- 16 in total - 2 detached and 14 semi-detached dwellings proposed which was an amendment to site nos. 157 & 165-175. There was also associated carparking and landscaping proposed.

The scale, height and massing of the proposed dwellings were largely in-keeping with the previous phases of Helen’s Wood and respects the character of the wider residential area. The proposed materials and finishes were in keeping with the existing dwellings in the surrounding area.

The landscaping plan indicated new planting of trees along the roadside and garden space when available. There was to be a 2.1m high screen wall to protect the private amenity of the dwelling closest to the Rathgael Road.

There were no objections to the proposal and all consultees were content. The proposal was policy compliant and grant of planning permission was recommended.

Councillor Cathcart noted that the application had been submitted following a request by the NIE due to the introduction of a sub station for supply to the houses and he wondered why that had not been included during the submission of the original application. In response the Officer explained at the time of the original application all consultees had been consulted and were content. However recently the developer had got in touch with Planning explaining that the NIE had wished to make amendments.

Councillor Cathcart highlighted that there had been some debate on the original application in terms of impact on roads and he expressed concern there would be creeping increase of houses. The Officer explained that there was a previous approval on the site for 600 houses and that number had substantiality been reduced. The benefit of the previous scheme was that required an additional lane to be put in place on the Rathgael Road and that had been implemented.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor P Smith, that the recommendation be adopted and planning permission be granted.

PC.5.11.19 PM

4.3 LA06/2018/0906/F – Land to the rear of 10 Ganaway Road, Ballywalter (Appendix III)

(Having previously declared an interest in the Item, Councillor Adair withdrew from the meeting – 7.11 pm)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Case Officer’s Report.

DEA: Ards Peninsula Committee Interest: A local development application attracting six or more separate individual objections which are contrary to the officer’s recommendation Proposal: Proposed wastewater treatment works (WWTW) with tanks, pipework, metalwork access walkways, paladin perimeter fencing, perimeter earth bund, landscaping and solar PV array Site Location: Land to the rear of 10 Ganaway Road, Ballywalter Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission

The Principal Professional and Technical Officer (G Kerr) detailed that the site was located at 10 Ganaway Road, Ballywalter. The site was a grass field that sloped slightly downwards from north-west to south-east. There was hedging with some trees along the boundary of the site. The site was adjacent to a caravan park. The site was accessed off an existing laneway at the north-east corner of the field. The laneway also serves the caravan park.

The area was within the countryside as set out in the local area plan. The general area was rural in character with agricultural land and dispersed dwellings and farm buildings. There are also several caravan parks in the area.

The application marked a significant and much needed investment by NIW and represents a programme of vital infrastructure works required to upgrade sewage system throughout the Borough. The proposal would replace a series of septic tanks in the area and would treat wastewater for the Ballyfrenis area.

All consultees were content and Environmental Health, Natural Environmental Division and Shared Environmental Service had recommended conditions to be added to any decision notice to ensure the protection of designated sites as the site was hydrologically linked to protected sites.

A Habitats Regulations Assessment was prepared and agreed with consultees concluding that there would be no adverse effect on the site integrity of any European Site. NED was content with the proposal and stated that the proposal was not likely to harm a protected species or habitat, species or features of natural heritage importance.

The proposal would not cause harm to human health or result in an unacceptable adverse impact on the environment. In relation to human health the Council’s Environmental Health Department was consulted and Noise and Odour assessments were submitted. Following consideration of the details within those reports, Environmental Health offers no objections as there would be no adverse impacts

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from noise or odours and appropriate conditions had been added.

A 2-metre-high landscaped bund would be added along the boundaries of the site to screen the tanks and pumps from public views and allow the development to integrate with the surrounding rural landscape. The surrounding area was not designated for its landscape quality and the proposed development would not have an unacceptable visual impact on the rural area.

All objections had been fully considered in the Case Officer’s report, consultees had no objections and the proposal complied fully with relevant planning policy and grant of planning permission was recommended.

Councillor P Smith referred to the water study that was undertaken and noted that there was no perceived impact on the caravan site. The Officer explained that the application would bring benefit to the area. The tanks that contained odour material would be covered. There would be no driving in by lorries of any material, piped in and fed through into the covered tanks then through to an aeration filtration system following which the clean material would be piped off the site. Environmental Health had studied the odour assessments thoroughly and was content.

Proposed by Councillor P Smith, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the recommendation be adopted and that planning permission be granted.

Councillor Cathcart referred to the issue of odour and he noted that it was not included as a condition that the tanks would be covered. The Officer advised that it was detailed in the drawings that the tanks would be covered and the application was expected to be in compliance with the drawings.

Alderman Gibson referred to the caravans close to the boundary and asked if those caravans would be re-sited. The Officer stated that she was unaware of any plans to move those caravans. The owner of the caravan had expressed concerns however that was in respect of land ownership and the installation of the pipes.

In response to further questions from Alderman Gibson, the Officer stated that there were 6 objections and those had all been addressed. NI Water was upgrading its existing sewage water treatment works. The Officer highlighted the large treatment works in Donaghadee which the Hadlow housing development was located beside.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor P Smith, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the recommendation be adopted and planning permission be granted.

4.4 LA06/2019/0623/F - Lands east of and immediately adjacent to Exploris Aquarium, The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry (Appendix IV)

(Councillor Adair previously declared an interest in the item and remained out of the Chamber during the consideration of the application)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Case Officer’s Report.

PC.5.11.19 PM

DEA: Ards Peninsula Committee Interest: Application related to land in which the Council has an estate Proposal: Timber fencing around existing pond to create new external otter enclosure. Enclosure of grass area to create new external penguin house enclosure, including outdoor pool, penguin house/pumping house and associated perimeter security fencing Site Location: Lands east of and immediately adjacent to Exploris Aquarium, The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission

The Principal Professional and Technical Officer (G Kerr) advised that the application was before members as part of overall strategy for the ongoing development of Exploris as a major tourism destination within the Borough.

The site was located north-west of Castle Street, within the settlement limit of Portaferry. The site consisted of an area of formal garden/ park adjacent to Exploris Aquarium complex. The site contained a small pond and was bounded by mature vegetation. The public car park serving the Aquarium was located to the east. The disused bowling green was located to the north. The lifeboat station and residential properties were located to the south of the site. There was a mature forest to the west.

The site was within the settlement of Portaferry located in the Conservation Area, the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Local Landscape Policy Area and an Historic Park, Garden and Demesne.

The proposal included the development of two areas, one for otters and the other for penguins. There was to be timber fencing around the existing pond to create new external otter enclosure. A bridge walkway was proposed over the pond and an otter house south of the pond. The otter house had a floorspace of 9 sq. metres, raised on stilts of 0.85 metres giving a total height of 2.8 metres. The otter house would be finished in timber cladding with a timber board roof. The other part of the proposal for the penguins involved the enclosure of the grass area to create new external penguin enclosure, including an outdoor pool, penguin house and associated perimeter security fencing. The penguin enclosure would also have elements of glazing for viewing. The penguin building would have a floorspace of 24 sq. metres and ridge height of 3.7 metres high. The building would be finished in Siberian Larch timber cladding with a slate/ re-constituted slate roof. For security reasons the existing boundary wall would have a secondary metal fence fixed behind on the enclosure side. The proposal was considered to comply with relevant policy, there were no objections and all consultees were content and grant of planning permission was recommended. The Officer also sought delegated powers to amend the conditions.

Proposed by Councillor McClean, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the recommendation be adopted and that planning permission be granted.

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Alderman Gibson asked what the amendment was to the conditions. The Head of Planning referred to condition 3 and stated that there was a minor typographical error in the wording.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor McClean, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the recommendation be adopted and planning permission be granted.

4.5 LA06/2019/0493/F - Approximately 30m South of 27 Springfield Road (Anchor Car Park), Portavogie (Appendix V)

(Having previously declared an interest in the item, Councillor McAlpine withdrew from the meeting – 7.24 pm; Councillor Adair also previously declared an interest in the item and remained out of the Chamber during the consideration of the application.)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Case Officer’s Report.

DEA: Ards Peninsula Committee Interest: Application relating to land in which the Council has an estate Proposal: The application seeks full planning permission for One 32 x 10 (9.7m x 3 m) customised container to provide storage and meeting place/workshop for Portavogie Coastal Rowing Club Site Location: Land Approximately 30m south of 27 Springfield Road (Anchor Car Park), Portavogie Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission

The Senior Professional and Technical Officer (P Kerr) outlined that the proposal was for a customised container to provide storage and meeting place/workshop for the Portavogie Coastal Rowing Club.

The site was approximately 30m south of 27 Springfield Road, Portavogie. The site lay within a public car park. There were a number of recycling banks and also a toilet block and an existing container owned by the Council within the car park. The application was being presented at Committee as it was an application relating to land in which the Council had an estate.

There were 7 letters of objection received from 3 no. separate addresses. The main issues raised were concerns about anti-social behaviour, traffic increase, reduction in the amount of car parking and incompatible land use. It was unlikely that a storage shed for a rowing club would create anti-social behaviour nor was it likely that it would exacerbate any existing anti-social behaviour in the area. The shed was unlikely to cause a traffic increase due to the nature and size of the structure. The proposal takes up very little space in a car park that was rarely at capacity apart from when community events take place. In this instance very little parking space would be used by the proposal therefore a refusal on that basis could not be sustained. Lastly a store/meeting place for a rowing club, close to the shore and adjacent to a playground was not considered to be an incompatible land use with the existing uses.

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NED and DAERA Marine and Fisheries Division were consulted and were content that the proposal would not have an adverse effect of the integrity of any European Site. With regard to the development plan the site lay adjacent to but outside the development limit for Portavogie and was not within any specific designation or zoning. The proposal was not contrary to the plan.

With regard to planning policy the SPPS, PPS2, PPS3, PPS8 and PPS21 apply. The main policy consideration being PPS8 Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation Policy OS3 and OS6. As that proposal was to facilitate an outdoor recreational use for the development of facilities ancillary to water sports the proposal was required to comply with the criteria laid out in those policies. There would be no adverse impact on features of importance to nature conservation, archaeology or built heritage. As the store would be positioned on existing hardstanding in an existing car park there would no loss of agricultural land. There would be no adverse impact on visual amenity or character. There would be no impact on nearby residents due to nature of proposal. The proposal was compatible with existing use of water and would not result in water pollution, noise or disturbance. The scale and design in appropriate to surrounding area. Public safety was not prejudiced, and the store was compatible with the other uses in terms of scale nature and frequency or timing of the recreational use. The proposal would generate little or no extra traffic and DFI Roads were consulted and had no concerns. CTY13 and CTY14 were complied with given nature and scale of proposal and the site it was located on. The Officer also sought delegated powers to amend the conditioning of the application if approved.

Councillor P Smith noted that the container was to be used as a meeting place and sought clarity in that regard. In response the Officer stated that was not meant as a social meeting place rather a location where the Club could meet to remove the boat and carry out boat maintenance.

Alderman Girvan sought clarity on the exact location of the container and noted it was quite a long way to move the boat to the sea.

Councillor Cathcart asked if the container had electricity and water. The Officer advised that was not stated on the plans and she would doubt that was the case.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor P Smith, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the recommendation be adopted and planning permission be granted.

(Councillor Adair and Councillor McAlpine re-entered the meeting – 7.30 pm)

4.6 LA06/2019/0738/F – Diary Hall Playing Fields, John Street, Newtownards (Appendix VI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Case Officer’s Report.

DEA: Newtownards Committee Interest: Application relating to land in which the Council has an estate

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Proposal: Retrospective permission for the development of the sensory garden, wheel park, bike track and play park at the Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex Site Location: Diary Hall Playing Fields, John Street, Newtownards Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission

The Senior Professional and Technical Officer (P Kerr) explained that the proposal was for the retrospective approval for the sensory garden, wheel park, bike track and play park at the new Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Centre in John Street Newtownards. With regard to the Ards and Down Area Plan 2015 the site was located within the development limit of Newtownards and an area zoned as Existing Amenity Open Space and recreation. The proposal was compatible with the plan.

Turning to the policy requirement for this proposal PPS2 Natural Heritage, PPS8 Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation and PPS15 for planning and flood risk were the main policy considerations.

With regard to PPS 15, the application took some time to process as there were some issues with regard to flood risk which have been resolved after a Flood Risk Assessment was carried out and DFI Rivers carried out an assessment based on the Defra/Environment Agency’s Hazard to people classification using the hazard rating for an uncontrolled release of water from surrounding reservoirs. It was concluded that the majority of the site was a very low hazard and the remainder lay within the second lowest hazard rating.

The principle of the application was established under X/2010/0330/O however due to the expiration of time a full application was required as opposed to a reserved matters application. The application was essential providing details for that which was approved at outline stage.

The proposal complied with PPS2 and PPS8 policy OS4 with regard to intensive sport facilities. There were no public objections to this proposal. Approval of the application was recommended.

Councillor P Smith queried with the output of the assessment being low why there was a need to go through the process. The Officer explained that was to rule out the risk of human health in particular with children using the facilities.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor P Smith, seconded by Councillor Adair, that the recommendation be adopted and that planning permission be granted.

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4.7 LA06/2019/0570/F – Walking trail within Nugent’s Wood adjacent to the Lough Shore Road Portaferry (from 16 The Strand to 1 Lough Shore Road, Portaferry (Appendix VII)

(Having previously declared an interest in the item, Councillor Adair withdrew from the meeting – 7.34 pm)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Case Officer’s Report.

DEA: Ards Peninsula Committee Interest: Application where the application is made by the Council Proposal: Upgrading to the existing path and loop walk, installation of a 1.5m weld- mesh fence, step construction. Upgrading and installation of a waterbound gravel pat, new drainage underneath path, installation of 1.2m estate fencing and seating. Repairs to existing stone wall, removal of low-level vegetation and all associated site works. Site Location: Walking trail within Nugent’s Wood adjacent to the Lough Shore Road, Portaferry (from The Strand to 1 Lough Shore Road, Portaferry) Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission

The Senior Professional and Technical Officer (P Kerr) outlined that the proposal was for a Walking trail within Nugent's Wood, adjacent to the Lough Shore Road Portaferry (from 16 The Strand to 1 Lough Shore Road Portaferry).

The works involve upgrading the existing and path and loop walk, installation of 1.5M high weld mesh fence, construction of steps, upgrading and installation of waterbound gravel path, new drainage underneath path, installation of 2m high estate fencing and seating. Repairs to existing stone wall, removal of some low vegetation and all associated siteworks. There were no public objections to this proposal.

The site was owned by the National Trust and was open to the public for walking and other informal recreational uses. The application was being presented at Committee as it was an application that had been made by the Council.

Turning to the Ards and Down Area Plan 2015, the site lay within an AONB, Historic Park Garden and Domain, Area of Archaeological potential, Conservation Area, Local Landscape Policy Area and it was largely outside the settlement limit. The proposal did not conflict with any of those designations. Marine and Fisheries Division, DAERA’s Natural Environment Division, HED Historic Buildings and HED Historic Monuments were consulted on this proposal and were content. There would be no impact on biodiversity or protected species.

With regard to planning policy the SPPS, PPS2 Natural heritage, PPS6 Planning Archaeology and the built heritage, PPS8 Open space sport and outdoor recreation and PPS21 Sustainable Development all apply. The proposal involved minimal building works and was in compliance with planning policies. Approval was recommended.

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Alderman Girvan asked why the Council were meeting the costs if the land was owned by the National Trust. The Officer advised that the works were a Council project and grant funding had been awarded. The Director added that the application was a Council project and that the application came through Community Services and funding had been received.

In response from a further question from Alderman Girvan, the Director advised that there was a full agreement with National Trust for the proposal.

Councillor Cathcart wondered why the upgrading of a path required planning permission. The Officer stated that permitted development rights would not allow the work to be undertaken as there were many special designations on the site. Furthermore, the Council did not own the land.

Proposed by Alderman Girvan, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted and planning permission be granted.

Councillor Thompson advised that the project was a Peace IV project and funding was coming from the Peace IV fund.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Girvan, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted and planning permission be granted.

4.8 LA06/2019/0866/F – Ballygowan Village Hall, Belfast Road, Ballygowan (Appendix VIII)

(Alderman Gibson and Alderman Girvan declared an interest and withdrew from the meeting – 7.39 pm)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Case Officer’s Report.

DEA: Comber Committee Interest: Application where the application is made by the Council Proposal: The application seeks full planning permission for demolition of existing enclosed yard/boiler house and construction of single storey side extension. Removal of storage container to rear and construction of single store to rear. Single storey extension to front to provide new entrance and additional internal space. Site Location: Ballygowan Village Hall, Belfast Road, Ballygowan Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission The Senior Professional and Technical Officer (P Kerr) outlined that the proposal was for the demolition of existing enclosed yard / boiler house and construction of single storey side extension. It included the removal of storage container to rear and the construction of a single storey store to rear. There was to be a single storey extension to front to provide new entrance and additional internal space. There would also be a CCTV column to front of site.

The site was located at Ballygowan Village Hall, Belfast Road, Ballygowan, Newtownards. The application was being presented at committee as it was an application that had been made by the Council.

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With regard to the Ards and Down Area Plan the site lay within the settlement limits and within an area of existing amenity open space and recreation.

With regard to planning policy the SPPS, PPS2, and PPS8 apply. Policy OS1 of PPS8 related to the protection of open space and the policy was complied with as the proposal would bring substantial community benefits through the upgrading of this building and the development proposed was largely on land unusable for public recreation. The SPPS and PPS2 were complied with. There would be no impact on residential amenity and there would be no detrimental visual impact. The design of the proposal was appropriate for the host building and for the character of the area and actually results in the betterment of the appearance of the building.

There were no public objections to the proposal and approval was recommended.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor P Smith, that the recommendation be adopted and planning permission be granted.

(Alderman Gibson, Alderman Girvan and Councillor Adair re-entered the meeting – 7.43 pm)

4.9 Update on Legal Agreement associated with LA06/2018/0388/F – determined at Planning Committee of 1 October 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that Members would recall approval of the following major planning application at the Planning Committee meeting of 1 October 2019:

LA06/2018/1388/F Construction of discount food store, provision of car parking, landscaping and associated site works (relocation of existing supermarket at No. 1 Jubilee Road - supermarket building to be retained but food store use to be extinguished and transferred to the application site)- Additional information/plans received

Undeveloped land bounded by Castlebawn Drive to the East immediately opposite and West of Castlebawn Retail Park, and approximately 120m North of Messines Road (otherwise known as the A20 Southern Relief Road) Newtownards

Following the Planning Committee meeting on 01 October 2019, the Council sought advice in relation to the proposed use of a Discontinuance Order as intended and in particular the issues of compensation as detailed in the Case Officer’s Report. To that end, the statutory right to apply for compensation extends for a 6-month period from the date the Order becomes effective. Given that period and inability to fetter the statutory right to seek compensation the Council considered that the prospect of waiting 6 months would be unpalatable to the planning applicants in this matter.

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Further, an issue had arisen for the Council as the planning authority in that while the Council treats in good faith the submissions of the applicants with regard to commercial arrangements arising, it was considered that a planning agreement was the appropriate mechanism to bind both the existing Lidl site and the proposed Lidl site the subject of the application to ensure that the obligations of closure / requirement to close were enforceable against both the interests held in the existing site and the proposed site. Ultimately the Council had to ensure that the existing site would close and remain closed in perpetuity when the proposed site opens to avoid any harm arising in planning terms.

A legal planning agreement was being drafted and would be finalised with the planning applicants upon approval by Planning Committee.

RECOMMENDED that Committee grants delegated authority to the Head of Planning to proceed with the legal agreement as discussed within the report.

The Head of Planning reminded Members of the Lidl application, Officers had previously decided to proceed with a discontinuance notice however following legal advice it was now proposed to go through a Section 76 legal agreement.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor P Smith, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the recommendation be adopted.

5. UPDATE ON PLANNING APPEALS (Appendix IX)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning attaching Costs Award application and Rebuttal to Costs Award application. The report detailed the undernoted:-

Decisions

1. At the date of writing no appeal decisions had been received.

New Appeals Lodged

2. At the date of writing the appeal below had been lodged but was subsequently withdrawn the following day.

Appeal reference: 2019/E0042 Application Reference: LA06/2016/0023/CA Appeal by: Halftown Limited Subject of Appeal: The alleged removal of two trees protected by a Tree preservation Order (TPO) in contravention of Section 122 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 Location: Land at 143 Groomsport Road, Ballyholme, Bangor

Costs Award Application

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3. In relation to the appeal below in relation to refusal by the Council made at Planning Committee on 5 February 2019, an application had been submitted alongside the appellant’s Statement of Case for an award of costs for unreasonable behaviour by the Council. The appeal was listed for hearing on 24 October 2019.

Appeal reference: 2019/A0024 Application Reference: LA06/2018/0004/O Appeal by: Mr John Burgess Subject of Appeal: Site for dwelling Location: Approximately 25m south of 31a Ballygowan Road, Comber

Details of appeal decisions, new appeals and scheduled hearings could be viewed at www.pacni.gov.uk.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report.

The Head of Planning spoke to the report outlining the details contained within the report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the recommendation be adopted.

6. PLANNING BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2019

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning covering the 6-month period 1 April to 30 September 2019 and was set out. The net cost of the service was showing an overspend of £24,510 (4.7%) – box A.

A key assumption of the 2019/20 rates setting process was that payroll budgets would be £600k under spent so that was built into the Council’s 2019/20 budget. That budget was shown separately from Services so was not included in the variance above. The Planning Service’s year to date share of that salary rebasing budget on a pro-rata basis was £18,531 so, if that was included, the adverse variance would increase to £43,041.

Explanation of Variance

The Planning budget performance was further analysed on page 2 into 3 key areas:

Report Type Variance Box Report 2 Payroll Expenditure £3,126 adverse B Report 3 Non-Payroll Expenditure £22,394 favourable C Report 4 Income £43,778 adverse D

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Boxes B, C and D add up to the overall adverse variance (Box A - £24,510). That variance could be summarised in the following table: -

Type Variance Comment £’000 Payroll Expenditure 3.1 Non-payroll Expenditure (22.4) A number of small underspends to date.

Planning application income was £74.8k behind budget. Property Planning Income 43.8 Certificate income was £31.0k better than budget. Total 24.5 Box A

REPORT 1 BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT Period 6 - September 2019 Year to Date Year to Date Variance Annual Variance E Actual Budget Budget O Y £ £ £ £ % £ Planning 330 Planning 551,510 527,000 24,510 1,207,400 4.7 Total 551,510 527,000 A 24,510 1,207,400 4.7

REPORT 2 PAYROLL EXPENDITURE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Planning - Payroll Expenditure

330 Planning 949,926 946,800 3,126 1,895,600 0.3

Total 949,926 946,800 B 3,126 1,895,600 0.3

REPORT 3 NON-PAYROLL EXPENDITURE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Planning - Non-Payroll Expenditure

330 Planning 69,606 92,000 (22,394) 310,300 24.3

Total 69,606 92,000 C (22,394) 310,300 24.3

REPORT 4 INCOME BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Planning - Income

330 Planning (468,022) (511,800) 43,778 (998,500) (8.6)

Totals (468,022) (511,800) D 43,778 (998,500) (8.6) RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor P Smith, that the recommendation be adopted.

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7. UPDATE ON NIW’S CAPITAL PLAN AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning attaching Economic Bloom or Gloom article and Capacity Table – Council areas. The report detailed that at the time of reading of the report Dr Stephen Blockwell, Head of Investment Management, and Mr Barry Nay, Head of Strategic Clients, of Northern Ireland Water (NIW) would have attended full council on 23 October 2019 and presented the Infrastructure Investment Proposals – PC21 (for the period 2021-2027) and set out the funding challenges being faced.

Officials would highlight the underinvestment in the sewerage network and capacity issues with waste water treatments works throughout Northern Ireland, and more specifically in relation to Ards and North Down Borough. The Head of Planning attended, alongside Alderman McDowell and Councillor Stephen Dunne, the Local Government Political Partnership Forum, at NILGA offices on Friday 27th September 2019, as representative of the Heads of Planning. Sara Venning, CEO of NIW, in referring to NIW’s recently published draft Strategy, delivered a presentation which set out financial pressures facing NIW and the potential economic impact in terms of significant restrictions for new housing/apartments, new hotels, new factories, new office blocks, new schools, new nursing homes etc.

She set out that around 70 Wastewater Treatment Works with capacity issues were identified in NIW’s investment requirements for the 2015-2021 Price Control Programme. However, as a result of constrained level of funding made available, coupled with further annual funding cuts, NIW was no longer able to accept any new connections to the sewers in over 70 areas across Northern Ireland. Additionally, it was expected that the aforementioned figure of 70 would increase further by the time the next round of funding becomes available in 2021.

Northern Ireland was served by 271 larger WwTWs which serve c90% of the population, of which 99 were at full capacity/nearing capacity, and by 2027 an additional 33 would be in the same situation.

The attached table (Item 7.2) set out the location of those Wastewater systems at or near their capacity as at August 2019. The extract relevant for Ards and North Down was set out below:

Ballygowan* Ballywalter (Retention Tank)* Carrowdore* Killinchy Loughries *WwTW Upgrades / New Works Scheduled for PC15 Delivery within NI Water’s current Business Plan period (2015/16 to 2020/21). In addition to the wastewater treatment works (WwTW), sewer network modelling was identifying wastewater network capacity issues in Bangor, Newtownards,

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Killinchy, Cotton, Kinnegar, Kircubbin, Donaghadee, Millisle. As a result, new connections were being declined in parts of the catchment.

Obviously, that had fundamental implications for the Council in terms of achieving the ITRDS, Belfast Region City Deal aspirations and any growth strategies set out in the Local Development Plan.

As members would be aware, the Council published it Preferred Options Paper in March 2019 which set out a proposed Growth Strategy which would seek to, inter alia:

‘Guide the majority of development, including local housing and employment opportunities, to locations within those large towns that have the capacity to accommodate new development that can be well integrated with existing infrastructure, and which serve as accessible centres within the larger rural hinterland.’

The issue facing the Borough at present was that current housing zonings/approved developments may be unable to achieve connections to the existing sewer infrastructure. That was before any future growth was further examined through the current Local Development Plan process.

It was also notable that NIW submitted a representation to Belfast City Council in response to publication of its Draft Plan Strategy. That set out NIW’s position that the Plan was fundamentally unsound and that it was essential that growth was agreed with DfI to enable NI Water (via LWWP) to correctly assess the capacity requirements of new assets to support Belfast City’s growth and protect the receiving aquatic environment from further deterioration. NIW also criticised the draft Plan Strategy for not demonstrating how developers would be required to provide necessary water and sewerage infrastructure through Section 76 agreements or other mechanisms.

NI Water set out that it already had Developer Contributions within its Scheme of Charges. However, it asserts that it was unreasonable to assume developer contributions could be used to address large infrastructure upgrades such as those needed to underpin Belfast City Council’s current growth projection.

NIW was calling on Council support to lobby DFI (its sponsoring body) and Department for Finance to work together to find a solution to the current funding model and to find a solution by examining how other jurisdictions address such issues.

It was considered that the Permanent Secretary in the Department for Infrastructure, who maintains oversight of the planning system in Northern Ireland, should be approached in terms of looking at a regional policy solution to these issues which should investigate potential developer contributions or some form of community infrastructure levy to enable continued investment across the Borough. In addition due to the lack of Ministers that the Secretary of State should also be written to at the same time.

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RECOMMENDED that Council notes the content of this report and approves the Chief Executive writing to the Permanent Secretary and the Secretary of State to seek urgent action in relation to this situation.

The Head of Planning spoke to the report and highlighted the implications at the current time with the possibility that the current housing zonings may be unable to achieve connections to the existing sewer infrastructure. When reviewing other responses to Draft Plan Strategies in particular Belfast City Council, NIW had advised it was not possible for Belfast to meet its growth aspiration with a reliance placed on developers to put mechanisms in place to support developments. The Head of Planning stated the matter was considered a critical issue and therefore felt it appropriate that a letter be sent from the Chief Executive to the Permanent Secretary in DfI and the Secretary of State to seek a regional policy solution.

Alderman Gibson recognised the importance of the issue, there was demand in the area for more houses to be built and the water infrastructure was at capacity with limited monies being invested in infrastructure to address the issue.

Proposed by Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor Adair, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor Cathcart stated that the matter was a major regional issue for across Northern Ireland. In terms of developer contributions he asked could smaller scale additions to the infrastructure be explored as a potential avenue. The Head of Planning stated that was being explored at present with a number of developers proposing private package plants. That brought its own issues where consent to discharge from Rivers Agency was required which could have implication on European designated sites. It was a difficult issue in particular in the absence of a regional policy and with no service legal agreement with NI Water.

Councillor Cathcart stated that the developers were willing to install Sustainable Drainage systems however NI Water were opposing such requests. He felt developer contributions were a way forward to assist NI Water.

Alderman Girvan referred to the waste water capacity issues at Killinchy, Newtownards, Comber, Donaghadee, Kinnegar and Millisle and asked if there would be a freeze of development in those areas. She stated that it was important for residents to have good clean water that was safe to drink and adequate sewage works. The Head of Planning referred to the table within the report, Ballygowan was at capacity although an upgrade was proposed. It was not the responsibility of Council to address the issues and NI Water was a statutory consultee for planning applications. She noted that at times applications could be approved however when it came to the implementation of the development approval the capacity was not there. There were applications in the system for private pumping stations to supplement developments. If no progress was made soon by NI Water, the Head of Planning opined there could be a moratorium placed on future development.

Councillor P Smith questioned if there was a current capacity for the developments earmarked referring to 900 houses proposed for Comber. The Head of Planning stated that could not be answered at present as it was at the time when building

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commenced whether the requisite connection to the sewers could be achieved. She referred to the Rivenwood development (Phase 2) which may encounter difficulties connecting to the water network. Councillor Adair supported the need for the matter to be addressed there were areas at capacity and flooding issues. As towns and villages developed across the Borough it was important that there was the adequate infrastructure in place with investment made.

Alderman Gibson referred to the developer contributions were a massive area although supportive he expressed concerns that developers would pass the costs onto the homeowners and he would not want the matter to deter the development of social housing.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor Adair, that the recommendation be adopted.

8. HOUSING GROWTH INDICATORS FOR ARDS AND NORTH DOWN (Appendix XI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning attaching DfI Letter to Council Heads of Planning, Housing Growth Indicators (HGIs) Report released September 2019 and 2012 based HGI methodology and figures paper released 2016 (now superseded). The report detailed the undernoted:-

1.0 Background

The Department for Infrastructure (DFI) had undertaken a review of the existing Housing Growth Indicators (HGIs) which were published in the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035 for the period 2008-2025. These revised figures provide an estimate of the new dwelling requirement for the region from 2016-2030.

2.0 Detail

The Chief Planner within DFI wrote to the Council Heads of Planning on 25 September 2019 attaching the HGI Report with updated figures.

HGIs provide an estimate of future housing need in Northern Ireland, broken down by Council area. The indicators were produced for those preparing development plans as a guide to where development should happen to meet central government’s objective of developing Belfast as the economic driver of the region and balance sub-regional growth, as specified in the Regional Development Strategy (RDS 2035).

HGIs were first produced in January 2005 in the Regional Development Strategy 2025 to cover the period 1998-2015 and used 2002 based household projections produced by NISRA. A central government review was then undertaken (to update to 2012 based figures) to take account of the new local Council boundaries

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implemented during 2015 and the availability of updated household projection data (NISRA) to cover the period 2008-2025 as part of the revised RDS 2035.

DFI statisticians had advised that ‘for the most recent update, the time series 2016- 2030 was used and taken to be 15 inclusive years (1 January 2016 to 31 December 2030). The recently published figures supersede the previous HGI data and as such no direct comparisons should be made between the two sets of figures.’

The figures had been calculated using the following data sources: NISRA Household projections (based on the population projections); data on vacant housing stock, second homes and net conversions/closures/demolitions (net stock loss).

Estimate of total housing need in Northern Ireland by Council 2016-2030 (Table 3 from DFI HGI paper) against previous estimate based on 2012 figures

(2012-2025 Council Area Revised HGI 2012 – 2025 estimates) Difference 2030 HGI Extrapolate Between estimated estimated d to 2030 new HGI dwelling dwelling for Ards and requirement requirement and North previous Down extrapolati on Antrim & 4,200 7,200 Newtownabbey Ards & North Down 5,500 7,100 8190 -2,690 Armagh City, Banbridge 17,200 14,400 & Craigavon Belfast 7,400 13,700 Causeway Coast & 5,600 6,700 Glens Derry City & Strabane 4,100 5,000 Fermanagh & Omagh 4,300 4,500 Lisburn & Castlereagh 10,700 9,600 Mid & East Antrim 5,400 5,400 Mid Ulster 10,300 9,500 Newry, Mourne & Down 10,000 10,900

Using the Housing Growth Indicators

The report specified that those estimates were purely for guidance and should not be considered as a cap or a target on development, rather they present a robust starting point which can subsequently be adjusted taking account of the full range of factors that may influence housing requirements over the Plan period. Various other factors would also have an influence on housing requirements over longer time periods. They were designed to support the development process by giving an indication of where development was mostly likely to be needed given the current trends.

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The Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS)

The SPPS sets out that the policy approach in LDPs in relation to housing must be to:

• facilitate an adequate and available supply of quality housing to meet the needs of everyone; • promote more sustainable housing development within existing urban areas; and • facilitate the provision of mixed housing development with homes in a range of sizes and tenures.

This approach to housing would support the need to maximise the use of existing infrastructure and services, and the creation of more balanced sustainable communities.

The Local Development Plan process was the main vehicle for assessing future housing land requirements and managing housing growth to achieve sustainable patterns of residential development, as well as fulfilling other SPPS objectives. The SPPS sets out strategic guidance for LDP preparation, and in relation to the process for allocating housing land, directs that it would be informed by and include the HGIs among others as follows:

• RDS Housing Growth Indicators (HGIs)

• Use of the RDS housing evaluation framework

• Allowance for existing housing commitments

• Urban capacity studies

• Allowance for Windfall housing

• Application of a sequential approach and identification of suitable sites for settlements of over 5,000 population

RECOMMENDED that Council notes the publication of the 2016 based Housing Growth Indicators (HGI) Paper and the figure in relation to Ards and North Down.

The Head of Planning explained that Housing Growth Indicators were provided by Central Government giving an estimate of the new dwelling requirement for the region. Those had recently been updated to coincide with the timeframe of Council Plans. For Ards and North Down 8,190 new homes had been previously been estimated as the requirement up to 2030, when in fact there was remaining capacity and commitments equating to an oversupply of around 27%. The Department revised the indicator to 5,500 homes which was a reduction of 2,690 therefore the Borough would be considerably over the housing growth indicator. The indicator was not a target or cap for development however a robust evidence base was needed to show that the Council had taken account of the indicator. Also it would be policy neutral not taking into account the RDS requirements. SPPS set out the strategic

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guidance in terms of allocating land and the Head of Planning was content that the Council would be able to display that evidence base.

Councillor McClean was encouraged by the update and asked if that meant in future would the Committee be able to make decisions other than on the basis of the presumption in favour of development. Under the SPPS, it stated that the policy approach needed to promote more sustainability development and he expressed concern that would only occur within existing urban areas and he hoped sustainability would become more of a driver in the future.

(Councillor Adair withdrew from the meeting – 8.04 pm)

Continuing, Councillor McClean hoped the Borough would revert back to high density housing in squares of development which would be amenable to being built beside proper public transport to stop the reliance on cars.

The Head of Planning explained as a result of the adoption of the Ards and Down Area Plan a lot of zonings had come online recently and she could not envisage the de-zoning of land occurring in the future as applications would flood in and a prematurity argument would occur which was difficult to uphold. There was a still an expanse of land to the east of Newtownards that did not have planning approvals on it yet. The current regional policy set out if a proposal was sustainable, located in the right place there was a presumption in favour of development. Sustainability been in planning system since 2006. The development plan would stretch to 2032 and she felt it would require review which would be dealt with through the Members workshops.

Councillor Cathcart asked if the LDP would look at reducing housing zonings and would that not lead to objections and delay with the plan.

The Head of Planning stated the regional policy direction took account of the RDS indicators and Council also needed to take account of the housing evaluation framework. A number of other factors would be taken account of, including existing housing commitments, urban capacity studies which looks at sites that had propensity for change as result of regeneration, windfall housing and houses in the countryside. All those factors went towards justifying housing growth in relation to the housing indicator.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the recommendation be adopted.

9. UPDATE ON NI PLANNING PORTAL REPLACEMENT PROJECT (Appendices XII, XIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning attaching DFI letter to SOLACE February 2019 and Chief Executive letter to DfI 29 March 2019. The report detailed that the Northern Ireland Planning Portal (NIPP) provided the public website interface which citizens used to

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find out information and comment on planning applications. It also provided back- office software that the Council’s Planning Department uses to process planning applications as well as supporting the administration of regional property certificates.

The NIPP was implemented by the former Department of Environment in 2010 as a central IT solution and was inherited by the 11 councils as a shared system in 2015 on the transfer of planning powers to local government. The NIPP was coming to the end of its natural life and was due to be replaced. Alongside the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and other 10 councils, Ards and North Down Borough Council was participating in a regional project to replace the NIPP.

The Council agreed to support the project in March 2019 following consideration by the Planning Committee at its meeting of 5 March 2019. The need to replace the Planning Portal was identified as a risk within the Planning Service Unit Plan.

Regional Project

The Department issued an Outline Business Case for the project in January 2019, which was accepted by all 11 councils, agreeing to proceed with the procurement stage. Belfast City Council identified its commitment to the project subject to a number of qualifications which included the requirement that it must take a lead role in the project to ensure that the new IT system met its requirements, being the best possible solution for Belfast District and wider Northern Ireland.

Ards and North Down’s Head of Planning (alongside Belfast and Derry and Strabane) had since taken a lead role, being one of three Heads of Planning that agreed the specification for the new IT system on behalf of local government; committing 1 staff to the core project team on an initial 3 month fulltime basis (April – June 2019) and since on a part-time basis.

The procurement commenced in August 2019 and the recommended supplier was expected to be selected by February 2020. The Department would then issue a Final Business Case to all councils setting out: • the preferred supplier • the IT solution that they propose to provide • the timescales for implementation and • detailed implementation costs

All 11 councils would then be asked to commit to the award of the contract. In theory, any council may at that time choose not to proceed with the contract and would be free to procure their own IT system. Whilst the possibility of that happening was not out of the question, it was considered unlikely because of the uncertain costs of a council going alone, particularly around data migration which could be extremely complex and costly. The intention would be to bring the Full Business Case to the Planning Committee next Spring for notation with the final decision on whether to proceed with the contract for a regional IT system being made by the Council.

Outline Business Case

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The Outline Business Case (OBC) agreed by local government recommended:

• that the NIPP was replaced with a single regional IT system shared between the 11 councils and DfI • that the IT system would be a “Commercial Off the Shelf” (COTS) product to meet the requirements of the regionally agreed Minimum Viable Product • the new system would allow some local configuration to meet individual council needs (e.g. reports, templates, searching etc) and • that procurement would follow the Competitive Procedure with Negotiation

The OBC was based on an 11 year contract. However, the procurement had since proceeded on the basis of a potential 20 year contract (10 + 5 + 5) with breaks.

Funding Model

As previously reported, the OBC stated that the estimated cost of the project was £26.7m over 11 years of i.e. from 2019/20. That would include £15.1m capital and £11.6m resources. Those costs remained estimates at this stage and actual costs would be determined through the competitive procurement process. The change to a 20 year contract was expected to increase the project costs on a pro rata basis.

SOLACE agreed to a funding model where 45% of the costs would be funded by DfI, with the remainder to be funded by Local Government, which if divided equally would be £1.34m per council over 11 years (or average of £122k pa). SOLACE agreed to an even split of capital costs between the 11 councils with operating costs to be determined in the context of the contract awarded.

At the Planning Portal Governance Board in September 2019, the Department confirmed that the project costs for the mobilisation phase had been significantly reduced because of changes to project staff, consultancy and CPD costs. The current estimated cost was £820k compared to the OBC estimate of £1.635m. That equated to £55k per council (minus any costs associated with providing staff resources to the project team) for 2019/20. The project costs for 2020/21 were still based on the OBC and would be updated after the procurement.

Proposed timetable

The current estimated timeline for delivery of the project was set out below. The procurement required the new IT system be implemented by April 2023 at the very latest. However, implementation was expected to be sooner.

Phase Start no later than (beginning of) Mobilisation January 2019 Procurement August 2019 Design April 2020 Build October 2020 Implement March 2022

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Benefits of the New IT system

The new IT system that would replace the NIPP was expected to have the following benefits: • ability to receive and process online planning applications for the first time in NI (that functionality had been available in England since 2002) • improved scope for customers to find planning information and self-serve • ability for individual councils to customise standard letter and report templates (currently this is controlled centrally) • significantly improved GIS for both the public and officers • improved case management • support for more flexible, streamlined and efficient internal processes • significantly enhanced reporting on data and performance • much greater scope for integration with other council systems

Technical Support for the Existing NI Planning Portal

The current contract for the NIPP was funded exclusively by DfI and ran until December 2020. The replacement IT system was not expected to go live until 2022, which meant there would be a gap of at least a year when the NIPP could be unsupported. That represented a serious service risk for each Council. The Department was currently exploring “contingency” options and had committed to giving local government an update on these at the Planning Portal Governance Board meeting in November. The Department had confirmed that it would fund any contingency and there would be no cost to local government.

Financial & Resource Implications

The Council would need to make financial provision for replacing the NIPP. According to the OBC, the cost of the regional project was £1.34m over 11 years (average of £122k pa), starting 2019/20. The cost for 2019/20 was currently estimated to be £55k.

To date the resource implications for those councils closest to Belfast (where the Project Team is based) had been significant, with staff being contributed by Ards and North Down, Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh, and Antrim and Newtownabbey. It had so far been difficult to backfill and thus there was significant pressure within the Development Management senior planner roles in this Council. However, it was acknowledged that continuity in respect of the Project Board was critical and it was to our advantage to contribute from our service provision perspective, thus increasing the likelihood that the new IT system best meets our needs. As aforementioned, the Council’s staff contribution would be deducted from project costs.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report and makes provision based on the OBC, for our contribution to the NIPP in 2020/21 estimates.

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The Head of Planning referred to previous reports presented to the Committee regarding the ongoing project to replace the current NI Planning Portal. She commented that it was well past its sell by date as unfortunately it now presented a number of inadequacies. Officers were working closely with the DfI in taking this project forward and Heads of Planning sat on the project board alongside representatives of DfI and the Deputy Permanent Secretary of DfI. The board had now reached the stage of going out to tender for the replacement IT system and she highlighted on page 3 that the previous costs for that new system through the outline business case had been estimated at £1.6m. However, she was pleased to report that the current estimate was almost half that amount and now stood at £820k equating to £55,000 per Council for the period 2019/20. Therefore, this Council would receive a bill from DfI at the end of March 2020 minus any staffing costs. Costs would include a senior member of staff’s secondment to the DfI to sit on its project team. That was on a full time basis from April to June but she had been part- time since then.

Following on, the Head of Planning underlined potential finance and resource implications pertaining to whether or not all 11 Councils would buy into the new scheme once the outcome of the tender process was known. In terms of capital expenditure, she stated that that would undoubtedly place additional onus onto the other participating Councils. Furthermore, Officers had raised the issue that it had been found to be resource heavy for those Councils closest to Belfast because the project team was based in Clarence Court. The consequence of that was that it had been extremely difficult to backfill roles within this Council.

Concluding, she asked the Committee to note the report and the provisions within the outline business case for this Council’s contribution of the £55,000 minus the staffing costs to date.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor McKee, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the recommendation be adopted.

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC/PRESS AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor McClean, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the public/press be excluded during the discussion of the undernoted items of confidential business.

10. UPDATE ON PLANNING ENFORCEMENT MATTERS (Appendix XIV)

***IN CONFIDENCE*** ***NOT FOR PUBLICATION*** SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

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RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC/PRESS

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor McKee, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the public/press be re-admitted to the meeting.

11. ISSUE OF PROLIFERATION OF ESTATE AGENT SIGNAGE IN BOROUGH

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that the purpose was to make Ards and North Down the best place to live, work, visit and invest. Our vision was that our Borough would be a place to be proud of, however, on occasion that vision could be impacted by signage in inappropriate locations. Planning played a key role in ensuring that those advertisements that required consent did not prejudice amenity or public safety.

The Council had been dealing with a sharp rise in relation to the reporting of unauthorised estate agent signage which failed to comply with the Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (‘the Ad Regs’).

The display of an unauthorised advertisement was an offence under Section 175 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and therefore anyone who displayed an advertisement in contravention of the Ad Regs could be prosecuted by the Council.

The proliferation of those unauthorised estate agent signs could have a significant detrimental impact on the character of an area and a number of residents’ associations and groups had complained to the Council in that regard.

The Planning Department had been attempting to proactively manage the issue of unauthorised estate agent signage through the progressing of enforcement cases.

In January 2017 a letter was issued from the Planning Department to all estate agents operating in the Borough advising of the correct legislation and how estate agent signage could benefit from deemed consent and therefore would not represent a breach of the Ad Regs. That communication highlighted that this issue would continue to be monitored by the Council with a view to expediting enforcement action as appropriate.

A number of warning letters had been issued advising offending estate agents of particular breaches and seeking immediate remedial action. In the last twelve months the Council had brought to a close 102 cases relating to that issue and in most instances the signage had been removed but that may take several months, or even longer, to achieve. The Council currently had a total of 62 cases open and being actively pursued which was a total of 164 cases in the last twelve months alone.

That was a massive resource in terms of officer time and the desired effect was not being achieved as estate agents continued to flout the Ad Regs.

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The Planning Department was now going to rewrite to all estate agents in the Borough to advise that any unauthorised sale or letting boards bearing the company name should be removed within one month of the date of the letter, and that any remaining unauthorised boards would be the subject of a direct summons without further warning.

That would subsequently result in a short-term financial cost to the Council whilst progressing those cases through the Judiciary; however, other local planning authorities in Northern Ireland that had taken that action had recovered all court costs in connection with the prosecution.

Once the letter was issued and the message communicated to all estate agents it was hoped to see a significant decrease in the proliferation of unauthorised estate agent signage in the Borough. That would assist with reducing numbers of enforcement cases dealt with by the Planning enforcement section and ultimately increase efficiencies in other areas.

Whilst enforcement was delegated to the Planning Department, the report was to highlight the issue and provide information to Members in the event of any publicity arising out of this course of action.

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes this report.

In making reference to the content of the report, the Head of Planning informed Members that the Principal Planning Enforcement Officer had been dealing with a number of breaches through the enforcement section. During the past 12 months, a total of 102 cases had been closed in relation to estate agents’ signage. On a point of clarity, she further advised that under deemed consent in the Advertising Regulations, estate agents were permitted to put up one ’for sale’ or ‘to let’ board on a property. However, in recent times there had been a proliferation of boards positioned at the end of streets or other roads. To that end, a number of complaints from individuals and Residents’ Associations had been received due to the clutter of those boards and the detrimental visual impact on the amenity of their neighbourhoods. Presently, another 62 such cases were being actively pursued.

The Head of Planning was mindful that in 2017, letters were forwarded to estate agents to draw their attention to the Advertising Regulations, the benefits to be derived and what actions went beyond those. Officers had since consulted with other Councils and their enforcement teams who had taken the approach that they were advocating. It would be the intention of Officers to submit one more letter but instead of continuing to send warning letters or attempting negotiations, Officers would proceed straight to prosecution as they held the powers to do so. Although the matter had delegated powers and there was no requirement to bring it to Committee, she did so due to the potential for adverse press. She acknowledged that taking someone to Court incurred a short term financial cost to the Council but the other planning authorities had been able to recover all Court costs in connection with those prosecutions. It was therefore proposed to issue one reminder letter in respect of those 62 pending cases and if no improvement was noticed within one month, summons action would be implemented.

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Proposed by Councillor McClean, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor McClean expressed his satisfaction with this action.

Councillor Cathcart also welcomed this update and noted that one sign was allowed on each property. He questioned the size and scale of those boards, particularly within town centres as they appeared to be larger and it did engender a somewhat derelict appearance.

In response, the Head of Planning clarified that within the Advertising Regulations there was deemed consent for larger public boards in relation to commercial buildings. Councils could withdraw consent if necessary and Belfast City Council had held a draft consultation process on withdrawing deemed consent in problematic areas such as the Holy Lands with regard to the ‘to let’ boards for student accommodation. It was certainly a point that the Council could consider in the future through the Development Plan.

Alderman Gibson appreciated that one ‘for sale’ sign would be positioned at a property but sometimes he had witnessed a second board from a different estate agent sited at dwellings that were taking longer to sell.

The Head of Planning agreed that that was definitely contributing to the problem especially at the end of roads and in certain areas up to 20 separate signs had been witnessed on one post.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor McClean, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the recommendation be adopted.

TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 8.23 pm.

ITEM 7.2.

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Environment Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Wednesday, 6 November 2019 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Councillor McAlpine

Aldermen: Carson (7.38 pm) ` M Smith

Councillors: Boyle Greer Cathcart Martin (7.12 pm) Cummings McKee Dunne McNickle Edmund Smart Egan Wilson

Officers: Director of Environmental Services (D Lindsay), Head of Assets and Property Services (P Caldwell), Head of Waste and Cleansing Services (N Martin), Head of Regulatory Services (S Addy), Licensing and Regulatory Services Manager (D Brown), Corporate Communications Manager (C Jackson) and Democratic Services Officer (H Loebnau)

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Councillor Armstrong-Cotter and apologies for lateness were received from Alderman Carson and Councillor Martin.

NOTED.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman, Councillor McAlpine, sought Declarations of Interest at this stage and none were noted.

NOTED.

3. ENVIRONMENT DIRECTORATE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2019 (FIN45/40012)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 24 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that the Environment Budgetary Control Report covered the 6-month period 1 April to 30 September 2019 and was set out. The net cost of the service was showing an overspend of £207,256 (2.0%).

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A key assumption of the 2019/20 rates setting process was that payroll budgets would be £600k underspent so that was built into the Council’s 2019/20 budget. The budget was shown separately from Services so was not included in the variance above. The Environment Directorate’s year to date share of that salary rebasing budget on a pro-rata basis was £104,767 so, if that was included, the adverse variance would increase to £312,023.

Explanation of Variance

The Environment budget performance was further analysed into 3 key areas:

Report Type Variance Box Report 2 Payroll Expenditure £58,709 favourable B Report 3 Non-Payroll Expenditure £100,988 adverse C Report 4 Income £164,977 adverse D

Boxes B, C and D added up to the overall adverse variance (Box A - £207,256).

That variance could be summarised in the following table: -

Type Variance Comment £’000 Payroll Expenditure (58.7) The overall variance is summarised by: - Volume variance £155.7k favourable Landfill Costs (177.3) (1,536 tonnes less than budget).

Price variance £21.6k favourable (gate fee is £1.25 per tonne lower than budget). The overall variance is summarised by: - Brown/Green Bin Volume variance £9.2k adverse (154 Waste 9.2 tonnes more than budget). Price variance £0.0k (actual gate fee is the same as budget). The overall variance is summarised by: - Volume variance £28.0k adverse (596 Blue Bin Waste 45.9 tonnes more than budget). Price variance £17.9k adverse (gate fee is £3.76 per tonne higher than budget). Mainly due to Glass Collection £51.6k, HRC & Other Waste 149.9 Garden Waste £40.1k, Paint Disposal Streams £60.7k. Mainly water charges £37.6k. Delay in Utility Costs 42.6 borehole being operational at ABMW&LC. Repairs & 55.0 Maintenance

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Other Expenditure (24.3)

Mainly trade waste income for Q1 & Q2 - £162.8k. Change in service model has resulted in fewer customers but this has Waste Services helped reduce landfill costs. Cost of 147.1 Income disposal/recycling of trade waste is also higher than accounted for in charges set for new service, and this will be reviewed as part of estimates process for next year. Building Control income £31.6k behind Other Income 17.9 target. Neighbourhood Environment Team income £15.0k better than target. Total 207.3 Box A

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REPORT 1 BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT Period 6 - September 2019 Year to Date Year to Date Variance Annual Variance E Actual Budget Budget O Y £ £ £ £ % £ Environment 200 Environment HQ 82,154 86,700 (4,546) 173,200 5.2 210 Waste and Cleansing Services 7,201,091 6,988,500 212,591 13,248,600 3.0 220 Assets and Property Services 3,275,848 3,276,400 (552) 7,211,000 0.0 230 Regulatory Services 211,263 211,500 (237) 538,600 0.1

Total 10,770,356 10,563,100 A 207,256 21,171,400 2.0

REPORT 2 PAYROLL EXPENDITURE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Environment - Payroll Expenditure

200 Environment HQ 70,520 73,700 (3,180) 147,000 4.3 210 Waste and Cleansing Services 3,396,736 3,375,700 21,036 6,724,500 0.6 220 Assets and Property Services 894,510 952,000 (57,490) 1,907,400 6.0 230 Regulatory Services 946,324 965,400 (19,076) 1,938,100 2.0

Total 5,308,091 5,366,800 B (58,709) 10,717,000 1.1

REPORT 3 NON-PAYROLL EXPENDITURE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Environment - Non-Payroll Expenditure

200 Environment HQ 11,634 13,000 (1,366) 26,200 10.5 210 Waste and Cleansing Services 4,289,029 4,244,600 44,429 7,811,300 1.0 220 Assets and Property Services 2,482,304 2,424,600 57,704 5,476,900 2.4 230 Regulatory Services 417,820 417,600 220 852,300 0.1

Total 7,200,788 7,099,800 C 100,988 14,166,700 1.4

REPORT 4 INCOME BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Environment - Income

200 Environment HQ - - 0 - 100.0 210 Waste and Cleansing Services (484,674) (631,800) 147,126 (1,287,200) 23.3 220 Assets and Property Services (100,967) (100,200) (767) (173,300) (0.8) 230 Regulatory Services (1,152,882) (1,171,500) 18,618 (2,251,800) 1.6

Totals (1,738,523) (1,903,500) D 164,977 (3,712,300) 8.7

Director’s Summary Assessment of Budgetary Position

The principle pressures being placed upon the Environment budget were summarised in the tables above. Unfortunately, whilst some efficiencies and savings had been accrued in different areas of the Directorate, those had been more than cancelled out by largely uncontrollable, service demand led additional cost pressures. A corporate wide approach had been discussed and agreed in a bid to mitigate against the corporate overspend position, including measures within

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Environment Directorate services – including the key area of staff costs incurred through overtime and agency staff deployment.

An ongoing focus would be maintained upon eliminating non-essential expenditure and efficiency measures, in a bid to minimise adverse budget variance across the Directorate.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee notes the report.

The Director was asked to explain the utility cost of Water Charges and he confirmed that this was a centralised budget for all water charges across the Council. The Head of Assets and Property Services went on to state that while it was generally positive to have them centralised in terms of keeping a strategic overview of cost trends and pressures, and identifying potential efficiency measures – the scale of water consumption was in large part down to individual facility and service unit managers. The overspend was in large part related to the delay in the borehole coming online at the new leisure centre.

Relating to the income from trade waste customers, the Director highlighted that on average trade waste customers had benefitted from significantly reduced bills this year under the new recycling service model; but the cost of processing recyclates had risen and a further report would be brought back to the committee regarding the new scheme and proposed adjustments to trade waste charges for next year.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Smart that the recommendation be adopted.

4. NORTHERN IRELAND LOCAL AUTHORITY MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STATISTICS – APRIL TO JUNE 2019 (FILE 53042)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 7 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that the official waste management statistics for the first quarter of 2019/20 (April to June 2019) had been released by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

The significant headlines contained within the report showed that:

i. The Council’s household waste recycling rate increased by a further 2.2% compared to Q1 last year, from 54.8% to 57%. Our Q1 household recycling rate was 13.8% higher than the rate achieved in Q1 of our 2015/16 strategy baseline year, compared to a NI wide rise of 10.1% over the same period.

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ii. The Council’s household waste recycling rate of 57%, was 2.2% higher than the NI average of 54.8%.

iii. The Council was ranked 5th out of the 11 NI Councils for our household waste recycling rate, up from 6th ranking last year.

iv. The Council’s waste composting rate rose by 1.9% - from 35.6% to 37.5%. Our household waste dry recycling rate rose more marginally by 0.4% - from 19% to 19.4%.

v. The Council’s household waste composting rate of 37.5% was 5.5% higher than the NI average of 32%.

vi. The Council’s household waste dry recycling rate (i.e. recycling of items other than organic food and garden waste) of 19.4% was 3.3% lower than the NI average of 22.7%.

vii. The Council’s kerbside recycling capture rate of 81.1% for household compostable waste materials was still well in excess of the NI Council average of 73.4%. viii. The Council was at the bottom end of the performance table for ‘dry’ recycling rate, ranking 9th out of 11 Councils.

ix. The Council received 15% more waste per capita at its HRCs compared to the average for other NI Councils. That sustained drop in HRC waste was a reflection of the continuing impact of the new access permit system for vans and trailers entering HRCs.

x. The recycling rate at the Council’s HRC sites remained lower than the average for other Councils – 67%, compared to an average rate of 72.9% for 6

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other Councils – although that differential was falling and reflected further positive impact of sustained examination and review of the HRC service to secure optimised recycling outcomes. xi. The Council recorded a 7% drop in the amount of total household waste generated per capita in the Borough, compared to the same period in the strategy baseline year of 2015/16. Across other NI Councils a 2.4% increase was recorded over the same period. That was very encouraging as it appeared to point to signs of ongoing success in the Council’s overarching campaign to create a more sustainable Borough that not only achieved greater recycling but also a reduction in the amount of waste that was actually generated in the first instance.

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The latest official Municipal Waste Management Statistics report provided continuing encouragement and further firm evidence of significant sustained success in the implementation of the Council’s Sustainable Waste Resource Management Strategy. A separate report to the November Environment Committee meeting set out the findings of a recent review of our Strategy progress and made a number of recommendations for further service developments/improvements aimed at taking the Council closer to achieving its key Strategy targets.

RECOMMENDED that the above report be noted.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Greer, seconded by Councillor McKee, that the recommendation be adopted. 8

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5. SUSTAINABLE WASTE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY REVIEW (FILE 72010) (Appendix I)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 9 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that Members may be aware that the Council’s Sustainable Waste Resource Strategy, adopted in November 2015, included a commitment to review progress against agreed recycling and landfill cost reduction targets with a view to considering what further steps should be taken over and above those service developments already taken during phase one of the strategy implementation process. A workshop for all Elected Members was held on Monday 7th October, 2019, at which the following agenda was covered:

i. The key elements of the Council’s agreed Sustainable Waste Resource Management Strategy ii. Progress achieved to date iii. Key areas of significant potential for further gains iv. The potential for future service development

A comprehensive summary of the issues covered was included in the slide presentation used at the workshop.

Strategy Implementation Phase 1

The first phase of the Council’s strategy implementation (November 2015 – October 2019) had propelled the Borough from the bottom to the top end of the Council recycling performance league in Northern Ireland, with its household recycling rate now routinely featuring amongst the top 3 Councils. In summary:

i. The Council’s household recycling rate had risen from 40.2% (2014/15) to 53.2% (2018/19), against a 2020/2021 strategy target rate of 60% (and a 65% target for 2030) ii. 38.4% increased yield of green/brown bin recycled organic material iii. 19.8% increased yield of blue bin mixed dry recyclable materials iv. 28% fall in landfill cost - £1.45M annually, against a 2020/2021 strategy target of £1.5M annually (and a £2M annual target for 2030) v. Annual avoided CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions of 120,000 tons (equivalent of emissions from 25,000 cars) vi. We have ‘paid back’ around £400k of the total savings accrued through improved recycling performance over the past two years, directly to local communities through the Recycling Community Investment Fund (RCIF). That had helped fund around 84 different projects, making a significant contribution to a more sustainable future both locally and globally. vii. Transformation of our commercial/trade ‘waste’ service to a fully comprehensive, non-discretionary ‘recycling’ service – leading to substantially reduced waste management costs for local businesses and significantly reduced adverse impact of local business waste on the environment.

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viii. Introduction of a completely free recycling service for all schools in the Borough, and provision of free classroom recycling infrastructure and support to promote routine recycling behaviours amongst all local schoolchildren (who were our future adult citizens/householders/consumers/employees/civic leaders).

Ards and North Down Council had pioneered new approaches to promoting and securing much more sustainable waste management outcomes, and its transformed service models had served as an exemplar to others including many Councils that had now adopted some of the systems that the Council first developed and implemented. Those included:

i. Establishment of new clear and unequivocal terms and conditions for users of waste management services that were required to achieve the necessary outcomes of those services and promote the Council’s overarching Sustainable Development agenda, principally reduced environmental impact from landfill and reduced waste management disposal costs. • Prohibition of grey bin disposal, firstly of food waste and then expanded to all blue recyclable waste and glass bottles/jars. • Requirement by site users to separate and recycle waste brought to Household Recycling Centres. • Access restrictions to Household Recycling Centres by commercial type vehicles (vans and large trailers).

ii. Establishment of a clear and tangible mechanism for linking good recycling practice by householders with social, environmental and financial gain – through the new Recycling Community Investment Fund (RCIF). That initiative had delivered multiple and diverse community based projects across the whole Borough and had been successful in attracting notoriety for the Council’s approach to promoting sustainable development. RCIF campaigns had maintained at their core the principle of highlighting the social/community, environmental and economic benefits of improved recycling behaviours by citizens. iii. Step change elevation of education and awareness, not least amongst school communities, on the issues around sustainable waste resource management and the related wider environmental imperatives that the Council faced. iv. Expansion of the ‘reach’ and ‘scope’ of enhanced sustainable waste management norms to encompass local business community, local schools, local community organisations and internal Council business operations.

Remaining Challenges

Whilst the pace of progress had outstripped virtually every other NI Council, there were a number of remaining key challenges:

i. The Council was still around 6% short of the 2020/21 target household recycling rate of 60%, and the 2030 target rate was 65%. ii. The pace of improvement in the recycling rate had reduced, as the initial more significant impact of ‘structural’ changes to the Council’s waste

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collection systems, had stabilised. There was a 12% rise in the first 3 years of the strategy, but just a 1.1% rise last year. iii. 60% of grey bins still comprised readily recyclable waste items, including 33% blue bin waste items, 19% food (green/brown bin) waste and 8% glass bottles and jars. Recyclable waste still in grey bins was costing £1.2M annually to landfill and generating an extra 31,000 Tons of CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions. iv. There were still some significant tonnages of recyclable waste streams that were not accepted in the kerbside recycling bins and were ending up in the grey bins – most notably soft plastics and rag/textiles. v. Recyclable waste received at the Council’s HRCs but still being landfilled was estimated at around 6000 tons, with a landfill cost of £600K and generating an extra 15,000 tons of CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions.

Outstanding Issues Identified as Barriers to Further Progress

Several key factors had been identified as posing the most significant barriers to a potential further ‘step change’ in recycling progress:

i. The structure of the kerbside bin collection service had not kept pace with the new terms and conditions of use of that service, and the consequent shifting volumes of waste that were now required to be placed in each bin type. • Although the requirements for use of the kerbside bin collection system by householders meant that a very small minority of waste on average should now be placed in the grey bin, the current collection system involved continuing the historic (pre recycling imperative) of emptying a 240L grey bin every two weeks. • Whilst some larger blue bins had been provided to a small number of households upon request, the bin capacity for disposal of the significantly expanded range of dry recyclable waste items had remained largely static with one 240L bin being emptied every two weeks. • The new glass recycling collection boxes had largely been provided on the basis of one box per home emptied every 4 weeks, with a relatively small number of homes being provided upon request with an additional box.

ii. Certain key categories of recyclable waste were not accepted in the kerbside recycling collection service, most significantly soft (more difficult to process) plastics and textiles. This was considered to be an important contributory factor in such materials being discarded in the grey bins for landfill.

iii. The Council had a relatively large network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) which presented logistical, practical and resource implications for ensuring that recycling of waste was maximised at all sites in a focussed and consistent manner.

iv. Ongoing challenge to win ‘hearts and minds’ of all citizens, so that they understood and valued the benefits of maximising their recycling efforts, and 11

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that they understood how different elements of the recycling service available to them could and should be used to make recycling ‘easy’.

Proposed Improvements to Waste and Recycling Service Models

Taking into account the various areas of progress to date, the challenges that remained and the most significant barriers to a further step change in recycling engagement progress, officers proposed several key service improvement initiatives for implementation as ‘Phase 2’ of the Council’s Sustainable Waste Resource Management Strategy. Those were deemed by officers to represent the best opportunities for further realising the Council’s vision of transforming the Council’s municipal waste into a resource, thereby maximising the contribution of that key area of Council service delivery to a sustainable future – both locally and globally.

Improvement of Kerbside Waste Collection Service

It was proposed that a newly configured bin collection system should be trialled to assess the impact on kerbside household waste recycling rates, as well as the functionality and practicability for both householders and Council. The key principle of that collection model was the identified need to redress the imbalance between the capacity of bin space provided for the different waste streams. Comments were now often received from many householders that their grey bin was routinely still substantially empty on the current (two weekly) collection day, whilst many found that they struggled with adequate capacity in their existing 240L blue bin for all of the dry recyclable materials that they were told must not go into the grey bin. Furthermore, comments had also been received about inadequate capacity for glass in a single collection box for some homes.

Key Requirements of Trial Improved Household Bin Collection Service

• Better reflected the changed balance between recyclable and non-recyclable household waste items. • Addressed extra blue bin capacity needs for expanded range of dry recyclables. • Addressed over capacity of grey bin space (availability of this space deemed to be a major contributor to continued improper disposal of recyclable waste items). • Maintained grey bin capacity support for homes that had disposal requirements for (a) children’s disposable nappy waste or (b) clinical waste. • Not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Key Features of Trial Improved Household Bin Collection Service

• Homes with children’s nappy disposal needs – register for continued 2 weekly collections if desired. • Homes registered for medical waste disposal support – continue with 2 weekly grey bin disposal.

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• Increase the blue bin capacity for all larger households and others that needed it, by offering upgrade to from 240L bin to 360L bin (DAERA grant funding support will be sought for this). • Offer extra glass recycling box where needed (DAERA grant funding support would be sought for thsy). • Change from 2 to 1 grey bin collection during each 4-week collection cycle, for non-exempt homes (i.e. homes not registered for children’s nappy disposal or for routine disposal of medical/clinical waste). • A household would be allowed to opt out of the trial where Council officers were satisfied that they were fulfilling all the terms and conditions of use of the kerbside bin service, but despite that the trial service model was not working/could not be made to work for them.

Example of Existing Bin Collection Configuration

Example of Trial Bin Collection Configuration

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Key Advantages of Trial Improved Household Bin Collection Service

• Addressed over provision of grey bin capacity that was generally not needed for non-recyclable waste. • Maintained fortnightly green/brown collection of putrescible food waste. • Addressed need for extra blue bin and glass box recycling capacity for larger households. • Maintained flexibility, avoiding ‘one size fits all’ approach – maintaining grey bin capacity for nappy and clinical waste. • Further encouraged householders to place recyclable waste items in the correct bins, as not enough grey bin capacity would be available to accommodate them. • Freed up excess manpower resource to help further improve other essential Waste and Cleansing Services.

Trial Project Management

It was proposed that the trial would operate for a minimum of 6 months, with any proposal to amend the duration reported to committee for consideration. That period was deemed essential in order to provide enough time for all variables that were liable to impact upon the trial outcomes to be properly evaluated. The following were proposed key benefits running a trial programme:

• Allowed for manageable workload to allow development, refinement and optimization of appropriate logistical arrangements. • Allowed development and testing of optimized model for communication with affected householders in relation to recycling advice support, but also collection schedule information for different bins/box. • Enabled staff to deal with specific householder issues, service support requests. • Allowed Council to test the viability and impact/effectiveness of new bin collection service. • Created a firm evidence base upon which to base decisions on the future of the trial model.

It was recognized that the communications programme around the trial would be fundamentally important, ensuring that the relevant key messages were effectively and efficiently received and understood by stakeholders – not least householders directly involved in the trial as well as the wider residents of the Borough who were not directly affected at that stage. In that context it was proposed that a particular dedicated focus would be placed upon optimizing the Council’s communications campaign for the trial, with the key aspect of the project being led by the Council’s Corporate Communications Manager.

Post Trial Evaluation

It was proposed that the trial outcomes would be reviewed and evaluated to determine:

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• Impact upon amount of grey bin waste generated. • Impact on kerbside recycling rate. • Impact upon contamination of different bin colours with the wrong materials. • Impact upon cost of processing kerbside collected waste. • Impact on the logistics and practicalities of our kerbside waste collection service, resource requirements etc. • Any wider associated impacts on our waste management services. • Customer experience and attitudes to the trial service model. In that regard, it was proposed that a professional social research company would be engaged to undertake a robust independent survey of householders (DAERA grant funding support would be sought for that).

A project evaluation report would be brought back to Committee (timing dependent upon progress with trial implementation etc.), with recommendations on any future application of the trial service model.

Improvement to Household Recycling Centre (HRC) Services

Members would be aware that a programme of improvements to the Council’s HRCs had already commenced, aimed at controlling the type and volume of waste coming into sites, the enhancement of recycling options, separation of recyclable from non- recyclable waste and better customer advice and support.

The overall amount of waste being received and handled at HRCs had been very successfully brought under control primarily through the Permit system for vans and large trailers, and was now on a par with the average for other NI Councils. The focus going forward would be on raising the HRC recycling rates towards the estimated 80% that should be achievable.

The following ongoing improvements were scheduled and proposed as the Council moved forward in the implementation of its strategy:

• Further communication and monitoring of conformity to new terms and conditions for using the HRCs, including the separation and recycling of waste types by users of sites. • Reorganization of layout/plant design at sites to expand and maximize recycling options. • Review of permitted waste types where necessary at different sites depending upon space/capacity for recycling options. • Site upgrade focus for DAERA’s new Recycling Capital Funding Programme. • Investigate potential for DAERA Capital Funding to provide new HRC facilities where physical site constraints (size and location) of an existing site were deemed a major barrier to achievement of sustainable waste resource management outcomes.

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Range of Kerbside Recyclable Materials

Officers had identified that two key waste streams that were being presented in significant volumes in grey bins were textiles (estimated at around 1100 tons annually) ‘soft’ plastics (estimated at around 2,100 Tons). Neither of those two potentially recyclable categories of materials were accepted in the blue bin recycling service for various legitimate reasons.

The Council had had some success over recent months in lobbying supermarket retailers in regard to measures they should be taking to support the Council’s strategy on sustainable waste resource management – specifically around the subject of in-store arrangements for deposit of soft plastics for recycling by the supermarkets.

It was proposed under phase 2 of our Strategy implementation programme, the following measures would be taken:

• Actively explore the potential for uplifting segregated textiles at the kerbside, and including the waste stream amongst materials that were prohibited from grey bin disposal. • Where necessary, investigate alternative means of extracting textiles from the grey bin waste stream. • Promote householder use of supermarket in-store drop-off arrangements for designated range of soft plastics, integrating with Council’s recycling communications mix. • Galvanize/develop support of supermarkets already committed, to encourage more vigorous/active promotion of their in-store soft plastics recycling service. • Work to develop more comprehensive supermarket buy-in to maximize in- store drop off opportunities for soft plastics by householders.

It was also proposed that Council would investigate further engagement with ‘TerraCycle’, a recycling company that offered free community based recycling programmes funded by brands, manufacturers, and retailers around the world to facilitate the collection and recycling of hard-to-recycle waste types – many of which were not accepted in the blue bin kerbside recycling service or at in-store retailer drop off points. Opportunities would be sought to promote and facilitate wide scale school and community group involvement in promoting the collection of those packaging products for recycling, which also had the potential for them to generate income through the TerraCycle scheme.

Recycling ‘On The Go’

Recycling in Town Centre/High Footfall Outdoor Areas

It had historically proven very difficult to achieve effective engagement in recycling by citizens whilst they were ‘on the go’, through provision and proper use of separate

EC.06.11.19 bins for recyclable litter items. Routinely, the litter placed into such recycling litter bins was contaminated to such an extent with non-recyclable waste, that the material collected often could not be sent for recycling.

Notwithstanding the challenges, it was considered a very valid and important goal to provide citizens who were increasingly engaged with and bought into the recycling imperative, with the opportunity to recycle appropriate waste items whilst out and about shopping, commuting, enjoying leisure time, doing business etc. The concept of joining up citizens’ home and away recycling behaviours, was an important aspect of successfully achieving wholesale societal shift towards sustainable waste disposal attitudes/practices.

Officers considered that further normalization of household recycling across communities, through implementation of the Phase 2 elements of the Council’s Sustainable Waste Resource Management Strategy, would increase the likely success of a campaign to promote recycling of litter ‘on the go’. It was therefore proposed that the Council would review further progress with the household recycling agenda, and assess opportunities to complement that with an initiative to develop street recycling litter bin infrastructure. The nature and timing of a ‘recycling on the go’ campaign would be investigated and proposals for further work on that would be brought back to Council.

Recycling at Events

The challenges of achieving effective recycling outcomes at events, had historically been the same as those associated with ‘on the go’ street litter bin recycling. Initiatives had been developed with Council’s Events Team over the past couple of years to start to address that issue, again by virtue of the fact that it was important to promote consistency of message to those attending events – that what they did with their recyclable waste items in this setting should be no different to what they did with them at home. There had been varying degrees of success to date, but contamination of recycling waste bins had continued to be a significant challenge.

It was proposed that work on promoting and further refining the Council’s approach to events recycling would continue, with an increased focus as and when the level of household recycling engagement rose to become more the ‘norm’ - and citizens increasingly looked for and expected to be able to recycle when they attended events just as they did at home. Further reports on progress with that aspect of the strategy would be brought back to Council in due course.

Summary

Our recycling progress during Phase 1 implementation of our Sustainable Waste Resource Management Strategy had yielded significant gains over the past 4 years, including:

• Our household recycling rate has risen by one third, compared to a NI average rise of one fifth. 17

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• Total annual avoided landfill tax of £4.64M, an increase of £1.45m annually compared to the annual savings achieved in the strategy baseline year of 2014/15. • Total annual avoided greenhouse gas emissions of 120,000 Tons of CO2eq (equivalent to emissions from 25,000 cars), an increase of 35,000 Tons of CO2eq annually (equivalent to emissions from an extra 5,200 cars).

Notwithstanding those very encouraging gains, analysis showed that there was still considerable scope to enhance the sustainability of our waste management services:

• Potential to avoid up to a further £1.2M annually in landfill cost by recovery of recyclable waste still going into our grey bins. • Potential to avoid up to a further £600K annually in landfill cost by recovering of the recyclable waste still being placed in landfill containers at HRCs. • Potential to avoid up to a further £320K annually in landfill cost by recovery of the recyclable textiles and soft plastics that are going into our grey bins. • Potential to avoid further greenhouse gas emissions up to a further 61,500 Tons of CO2eq annually (equivalent to emissions from an extra 12,800 cars). • Potential to make further additional community investment through the Recycling Community Investment Fund.

In the context of:

• The above potential additional financial, environmental and social additional gains; • Council’s commitment to pursuit of a sustainable future for the Borough and to contribute to national and global sustainability; and - Achievement of the specific targets set out under Council’s agreed Sustainable Waste Resource Management Strategy,

it was proposed that a range of service improvements, as set out in the report would be progressed as soon as practicable. It was further proposed that an interim review and assessment of outcomes would be undertaken by March 2021 (the first key target date established in the Strategy).

RECOMMENDED that approval be granted for the proposals set out in the report.

The Director outlined the report and explained that subject to approval the trial period for the Sustainable Waste Resource Management Strategy would most probably not commence until the beginning of May 2020 to allow time for all necessary preparations to be put in place.

Councillor Dunne rose to propose an amendment to the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Cummings.

“It is recommended that approval is granted for the proposals set out in this report, whilst retaining the fortnightly grey bin domestic kerbside collection service.” 18

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(Councillor Martin entered the meeting at 7.12 pm)

Councillor Dunne thanked the committee for the opportunity to speak and thought that the reduction to a monthly grey bin collection was inappropriate. He believed that many residents considered that their household bin collection was the only service they received from the Council. To reduce the current arrangements would therefore be a step too far. He pointed to reduced services on Bank Holidays and lack of provision of the free lift of bulky waste for pensioners. He had the impression that Ards and North Down Borough was longing to be the Council driving forward environmental improvements but that the model that was being suggested had already been trialled in Banbridge and had faced considerable anger from residents.

Referring to the rest of the report and the initiatives suggested within it he thought those were good but urged the Council to reconsider the four weekly grey bin collection.

Councillor Cummings shared that view and re-emphasised that bins were viewed as the Council’s priority front line service. He recognised that the officers in the Environment section of Council had done excellent work in the area of recycling and waste management such as at the Household Recycling Centres, brown bin food waste recycling, but the balance needed to be struck correctly and the public had been co-operative to date with all the changes introduced over the last number of years.

Councillor Boyle insisted that he could not support Councillor Dunne’s amendment. He thought that there should be an opportunity to have a trial since that would offer information to the Council for future planning. He stressed that the public had moved forward with recycling and as a Committee there were huge opportunities for it to save or lose ratepayers money by making correct decisions. Householders had more opportunities than ever to recycle and many were finding that they were no longer filling the grey bin. The Council also needed to be mindful of making decisions which would affect Rates. Often Members asked for reports to inform them to make decisions and this was a trial with the intention of informing and could potentially save a large amount of money.

Alderman M Smith agreed to a large extent with Councillor Dunne but she also welcomed the saving of £400k from the recycling fund which was going to community groups. She warned that bins were a core service and that residents could get angry if they felt they were being pushed too far too quickly. She thought it would be interesting to note how many residents had requested larger blue bins since she did not consider that that had been actively promoted as a Council service.

Councillor Edmund shared concerns about reducing the grey bin collection. He spoke on behalf of the rural communities who saw Council services as mainly bin collection. They often did not have the same access to other

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services such as leisure centres. The rural community would certainly view it as the Council’s way of reducing its services.

Councillor Wilson shared some of the same concerns as Councillors Dunne and Cummings while also agreeing with some of Councillor Boyle’s comments and thought that any new system introduced needed to be right for all residents. He thought there were good things in the report but he would not be supportive of the recommendation at this point.

Councillor Martin praised much of the positive news within the report and it was pleasing to see the Council take a lead on many of the waste issues. He thought that Councillor Boyle was correct to be considering the Rates but noted that recycling rates were so good that the recycling targets could probably be met by doing nothing at this point. He thought that what was being proposed was a bridge to far in what was considered a mission critical service. He paid tribute to officers for the gains made to date.

Councillor Cathcart recognised that the Council had recently provided glass boxes for recycling purposes along with bin caddy liners and he distanced himself from the comments which had been made regarding a reduction in the Council’s service to residents. He felt that the current arrangements should be bedded in more fully before they were changed further. Blue bin recycling was still going in the right direction and the Council had ambitious plans to save the ratepayers millions of pounds along with supporting fantastic environmental schemes. He stated that he would support the amendment since he did not believe that the time was right for such a trial.

Councillor Dunne asked for a recorded vote on his amendment.

(Alderman Carson entered the meeting at 7.38 pm)

On being put to a vote, 6 voted FOR the amendment, 7 voted AGAINST, 2 ABSTAINED and 1 was ABSENT, the amendment FELL.

FOR (6) AGAINST (7) ABSTAINING (2) ABSENT (1) Alderman Councillors Aldermen Councillor M Smith Boyle Carson Armstrong-Cotter Councillors Egan McAlpine Cathcart Greer Dunne McKee Cummings McNickle Edmund Smart Martin Wilson

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Councillor Greer proposed a further amendment and was seconded by Councillor Wilson that the decision is deferred to allow officers to bring back a report providing further details of the preparations for the trial, the proposed areas where the trial will take place and what the post-trial evaluation will entail.

Councillor Boyle stated that he would have no problem supporting that amendment since it would provide an informative process and perhaps convince those who were as yet unsure.

Councillor Cathcart remarked that he would appreciate the additional information and Members were mainly in agreement.

On being put to the meeting, 12 voted FOR, 2 voted AGAINST, 1 ABSTAINED and 1 was ABSENT, the motion was CARRIED.

FOR (12) AGAINST (2) ABSTAINING (1) ABSENT (1) Aldermen Councillors Councillor Councillor M Smith Dunne McAlpine Armstrong-Cotter Carson Cummings Councillors Boyle Cathcart Edmund Egan Greer Martin McKee McNickle Smart Wilson

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Greer, seconded by Councillor Wilson, that the decision be deferred to allow officers to bring back a report providing further details of the preparations for the trial, the proposed areas where the trial will take place and what the post-trial evaluation will entail.

6. BOROUGH CLEANSING SERVICES TRANSFORMATION – TOWN CENTRE WARDEN SCHEME (FILE43002)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 14 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that Members would recall that a plan for the strategic transformation of the Borough Cleansing Services was agreed by Council last June. That established a direction of travel and identified keys areas for improvement in relation to the various elements of the Borough Cleansing Services. Those represented very significant front line areas of work for the Council, the impacts of which were experienced by every

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resident and businesses as well as those visiting and travelling through the Borough. The level of resources and manpower dedicated to Borough Cleansing Services was significant, and officers had been working with key stakeholders, not least Trade Unions, over past months in a bid to implement changes that would fulfil the improved outcomes agreed by Council.

Whilst a range of service improvement initiatives were currently being finalised, this report provided an update on one of the most significant elements of the Borough Cleansing Services transformation project – the new Town Centre Warden service.

Town centre environments were strategically important to the life and prosperity of the Borough; it was vital to the local economy, to the quality of life for residents and to the attractiveness of the Borough as a place to visit and invest in, that town centres were presented and maintained to the highest possible aesthetic standards.

Members may be aware that town centre cleansing maintenance was currently undertaken on a scheduled basis by mobile teams that moved around the Borough – and was confined to street sweeping, litter picking, street washing and litter bin emptying on a periodic basis. Whilst that provided acceptable outcomes to a degree, the key weakness was often lack of a timely response to town centre cleansing maintenance issues that arose throughout the day/week. The delay in picking up upon/reporting and responding to such issues between the periodic scheduled maintenance routines, often led to prolonged adverse impact upon the aesthetic quality of the town centre environments.

It was agreed that a new Town Centre Warden service would be established to complement the existing period Borough Cleansing rotas. They would provide a 7 day per week continuous cleansing maintenance presence around each of the 5 larger town centres – Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Donaghadee and Comber.

Town Centre Warden Role/Key Target Outcomes

It was now planned that the recruitment of staff into the new Town Centre Wardens would be completed in time for the service to commence from 1 December, 2019.

The Wardens would have a key remit for ‘guardianship’ of the standard of cleansing maintenance around the defined town centre environment and would be deployed to fulfil a range of essential duties on a continuous, ongoing basis around a designated town centre route:

• Litter picking • Lifting dog waste • Maintenance of litter bins to avoid overflowing • Removal of chewing gum at problem locations • Cleaning up spillages • Removal of unsightly weeds growing on footpaths • Removal of any graffiti or fly posters that appear • Washing of street furniture – bins, seating benches, Council signage

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• Checking toilet cleanliness • Picking up on and reporting any maintenance issues that need attended to by our Assets and Property Services Department

The Wardens would be permanently based at a central location within the town centres themselves (in the existing public toilet premises) and would be tasked with ensuring timely, proactive identification and remediation of the above wide range of cleansing maintenance issues – thereby optimising ongoing standards at any point in time and helping to reduce the length of time that cleansing defects were left to detract from town centre amenity or give rise to complaints from town centre users. The Wardens would wear branded jackets/vests, clearly identifying their role – and would be encouraged to respond positively, helpfully and promptly to town centre visitors and traders where they reported a cleansing maintenance issue that required attention.

The work of the Town Centre Wardens would be supplemented by the existing schedule of periodic cleansing maintenance activities (street sweeping, litter picking, public realm washing, litter bin emptying) – thereby overall, ensuring a much more comprehensive approach to optimising the aesthetic presentation of the town centres.

It was planned that the commencement of the new aspect of Council’s Borough Cleansing Service would be publicised and promoted to the public through the Communications team, in advance of the planned go live date on 1 December 2019.

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted.

Councillor Cathcart began by paying tribute to the Head of Waste and Cleansing Services for the outcomes to date and recognised that it had taken time to progress the initiative which was a very positive one. He went on to thank the Director and the other staff involved. He noted that the washing of street furniture did not seem to be taking place regularly but that the maintenance of the towns was moving in the right direction and he hoped that that would continue.

Councillor Dunne was pleased to note that the Town Centre Wardens would be supplemented by the existing schedule of periodic cleansing maintenance activities which already existed. He added that there were still areas of the town centres where chewing gum needed to be removed. The Director agreed that the current street sweeping/washing schedules would be continued on the usual rotational basis. The Town Centre Warden would be a constant daily presence to deal with cleansing issues as and when they arose throughout the day, on a timely basis.

Councillor McKee welcomed the role explained that the wardens could provide quick solutions to many small problems freeing the Council to concentrate on bigger issues.

Councillor Boyle enquired about the range of Borough Cleansing Services improvements being finalised. The Director explained that a full Borough Cleansing Services Transformation report had been brought to the Committee a number of

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months ago and a range of improvements other than the Town Centre Warden initiative were planned – opening times of toilets at peak demand times, scheduling of cleansing staff and litter bin maintenance to coincide better with peak footfall periods in popular outdoor locations.

Councillor Smart thanked the officers for the work which was ongoing in keeping the Borough’s towns clean and tidy. The system when introduced would further permit residents and staff to keep pride in the care of the local area. He enquired which areas were defined as town centres and the Director explained that designated town centre route maps had been drafted and that the wardens would traverse the route continually throughout the day, resolving issues as they came across them. The Head of Waste and Cleansing Services advised that areas designated for focus by the new Town Centre Warden service broadly coincided with the public realm areas.

In respect of weeds on footways, whilst this was strictly a TNI maintenance issue, in recognition of the adverse impact they could have on the visual amenity of town centres, timely removal of unsightly weeds growing out of the middle of town centre footpaths would form one of the Wardens’ tasks. Members agreed that it was small details such as that which impacted the image of Council services.

Councillor Greer welcomed the report and thanked the Director and officers noting that it would be a huge benefit in large centres. She wondered if it could be used in Helen’s Bay and Cultra at busy times such as warm summer days. The Director explained that the wardens would operate on foot but it was possible that an extra resource in such areas could perhaps be deployed as needed – but that was an example of an extra service that would inevitably involve an extra cost that would have to be financed from somewhere.

(Councillor McNickle left the meeting at 8.00 pm)

Alderman Carson concurred with all that had been said paying tribute to the Head of Waste and Cleansing Services for bringing forward the report. He asked about staffing the positions and it was noted that the positions arose from reorganisation of existing established posts within the Service to deliver better outcomes.

(Councillor McNickle entered the meeting at 8.02 pm)

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cummings, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the recommendation be adopted.

7. TECHNICAL BUDGET 20/21 (FILE 71004) (Appendix II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 16 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that the Council’s agreed Property Maintenance Strategy incorporated a “condition-based” budgeting model, rather than the traditional fixed amount set for the Council’s refurbishment programme.

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Properties were condition scored (as a percentage) and a threshold for action was to be agreed by Council in advance of budget setting and subject to budget considerations.

Next year, the works would focus on Tourism Buildings, Public Toilets & Household Recycling Centres.

The report highlighted the refurbishments to be completed and their associated costs based on a threshold condition score of 70%, with costed options for revising the threshold up or down.

Cognisance of wider strategies and plans for those assets were essential so as to meet the expectations of the Council’s internal customers and reduce the likelihood of spending significant sums of money on assets that may be disposed of or replaced in the foreseeable future. Therefore, discussions with relevant officers had taken place and the proposed works reflected any known plans for the affected assets.

For the past 2 years there had been a trend of rising condition scores, demonstrating that the planned refurbishments were actively improving the condition of the Council’s estate. Indeed, last year the Council was able to increase its condition threshold to 75% yet still achieve a reduction in budget over the previous year (as shown in the 2nd table below). Whilst it would be desirable to continue raising the threshold, or at least, maintain a threshold of 75%, it may prove difficult due to other prevailing financial pressures.

In addition to the condition-based works, there were a number of larger scale works required to maintain the safe and effective operation of the buildings. Those works therefore needed to be completed irrespective of the overall condition of the building and were quantified in a separate column in the table below. Unfortunately, those operational requests were significant this year, not least due to the need for an asbestos removal project in Bangor Castle at an estimated cost of £80k and approximately £20k for a replacement thatched roof at Cockle Row, Groomsport.

The condition scores and corresponding scores were shown on the table overleaf.

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Type of Building Building name Score Works cost Operational Operational Works detail Works Public convenience Ballyhalbert 100% N/A Public convenience Groomsport 100% N/A Waste Recycling Holywood Depot 100% N/A Waste Recycling Ballygowan Road, Comber 98% £ 550 Public convenience Walled Garden, Bangor 96% £ 11,100 Public convenience Islandhill, Comber 95% £ 2,000 Public convenience Anchor Car Park, Portavogie 94% £ 4,475 Tourism Tourist Information Centre, N'ards 94% £ 4,800 Public convenience Ballywalter Road, Millisle 93% £ 300 Tourism Cockle Row, Groomsport 92% £ 620 £20k to Rethatch roof in capital. Public convenience Springvale Road, Ballywalter 91% £ 1,900 Tourism Tourist Information Centre, P'ferry 91% £ 2,570 £ 1,500 Automate front doors Public convenience Castle park, Comber 91% £ 26,550 Tourism Townhall, Ards 90% £ 13,670 £ 8,000 Automate front doors and acc. toilet Tourism Tower House, Bangor 90% £ 3,010 Waste Recycling Balloo HRC 89% £ 2,250 Work to be done to weighbridge Public convenience Hibernia St, Holywood 88% £ 42,720 Waste Recycling Quarry Heights, Newtownards 88% £ 1,800 Public convenience Castle Park, Bangor 87% £ 1,860 Tourism North Down Museum, Bangor 87% £ 4,810 £ 13,000 Car park resurface Waste Recycling Kircubbin 87% £ 2,020 Public convenience Mill St, Newtownards 87% £ 21,400 Public convenience The Parade, Donaghadee 86% £ 12,790 Public convenience Seapark, Holywood 86% £ 18,635 Public convenience Whiterock, Killinchy 85% £ 9,670 Public convenience Bank's Lane, Bangor 85% £ 43,000 Waste Recycling Waste Transfer Station 85% £ 20,510 £ 25,000 car park roof cladding Waste Recycling Railway St, Donaghadee 84% £ 2,560 Public convenience The commons, Donaghadee 83% £ 6,150 Waste Recycling Moss Road, Millisle 83% £ 3,170 Waste Recycling Moss Road, Ballygowan 80% £ 3,450 Public convenience Ballyholme, Bangor 79% £ 43,000 Public convenience South Pier, Bangor 77% N/A To be renovated with seafront Public convenience Abbey St, Bangor 73% £ - £65k in capital Public convenience Main St, Greyabbey 73% N/A Potential funded project Waste Recycling Portaferry 72% £ 4,640 Public convenience Ward Park, Bangor 68% £ 40,000 Public convenience Main Road car park, Cloughey 67% £ 45,000 Pavilion Spafield Pavilion n/a £ 4,975 replacement vinyl flooring Office Building Town Hall, The castle n/a £ 80,000 Basement Asbestos removal Leased Building Bregenz House n/a £ 21,000 New windows and Automate doors

Subtotal £ - Contingency (10%) £ - Total for 65% threshold £ - £ 153,475 £ 153,475.00

Subtotal £ 85,000 Contingency (10%) £ 8,500 Total for 70% threshold £ 93,500 £ 153,475 £ 246,975.00 Subtotal £ 89,640 Contingency (10%) £ 8,964 Total for 75% threshold £ 98,604 £ 153,475 £ 252,079.00

2020/21 Options 18/19 (70%) 19/20 (75%) 65% 70% 75% Condition based £291,200 £168,894 £ - £ 93,500 £ 98,604 User requests £20,000 £84,140 £ 153,475 £ 153,475 £ 153,475 Totals £311,200 £253,034 £ 153,475 £ 246,975 £ 252,079 Variance over previous year - -19% -39% -2.4% -0.4%

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By adopting the threshold condition score of 70%, £246,975 would be included in the 2020/21 estimates for refurbishments. That represents a 2.4% reduction from the 2019/20 revenue allocation which was £253,034; however, Members would have a further opportunity to review that as part of the general Rates setting process and the affordability assessment.

Members however may wish to maintain the threshold condition score for determining which properties received attention next year, at last year’s level of 75%. That would result in additional refurbishments being carried out at the public toilets in Abbey Street, Bangor (which could be capitalised) and the HRC in Portaferry. By consequence, £252,079* would be included in the 2020/21 estimates for refurbishments, resulting in a 0.4% reduction from the 2019/20 revenue allocation which was £253,034. Again, Members would have a further opportunity to review that as part of the general Rates setting process and the affordability assessment.

*This minor change in the revenue budget was due to the works at Abbey Street toilets being sufficiently substantial that they would be classed as capital and therefore not affect revenue budgets. The Assets & Property Department normally had an annual budget of £50k per year for that type of capital works but an initial affordability assessment had suggested that that capital budget could be increased to £85k next year to cover both the Abbey Street toilets Refurbishment (£65k) and the replacement thatched roof at Cockle Row (£20k), if Council desired to maintain a threshold condition score of 75%.

Points to note:

• None of the properties surveyed had a condition score of less than 67%. • The average condition scores were: 86% for public toilets, 87% for HRCs and 91% for Tourism Properties. • The cost of condition-related works continues to fall since the implementation of the Property Maintenance Strategy in 2017; showing the condition of our estate is improving. • Operational requests, representing pressing health and safety or other essential works are pushing the total cost of works up for next year’s maintenance cycle, although this is not expected to be the case every year.

It should be noted that a decision to lower the condition threshold to 65% would result in:

• No refurbishment works taking place to our public toilets, Tourism properties or HRCs. • Increased pressure put on already stretched reactive maintenance budgets. • A poorer standard of facility generally, leading to user expectations not being met and potential health and safety issues. • A considerable increase in refurbishment costs on the next cycle (in 3 years time).

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RECOMMENDED that the condition score threshold of 75% is maintained this year with £252,079 being included for refurbishments in the 2020/21 revenue budget, and that £85k is included in the capital budget subject to funding being available during the estimates process.

AGREED TO RECOMMNED, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

8. ATTENDANCE AT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW 2020 (FILE 40001)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 15 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that Members may be aware that the Council’s current budget for maintaining the fleet operation was in excess of £2 Million.

In order to continually keep ahead of changing legislation and avail of efficiency savings wherever possible, it was essential to keep updated with recent advances within the sector.

The Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham NEC (28-30 April 2020) was the best attended, largest and the most comprehensive road transport and logistics event held in Britain. It would provide the Transport Manager and his assistant with information on new products in relation to fuel efficiency, telematics, tracking and communications.

Information obtained would help ensure the specifications within the Council’s tender documents were up to date and contained all relevant technological advances.

The cost for two staff members to attend the event would be in the region of £500, although early booking may result in that figure being reduced. The cost could be covered by existing budgets.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the expenditure associated with sending two members of staff to the Commercial Vehicle Show 2020.

Councillor Cummings remarked that he hoped that the Council would be considering electric or hybrid vehicles and the Head of Assets and Property Services agreed that it would very strongly considering that and would look at the pros and cons of the vehicles available.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Cummings, that the recommendation be adopted.

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9. HARBOUR PONTOONS (FILE 65373)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 17 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that Members may be aware that there was an ongoing programme of improvements to the Council’s harbours. More recently, the opportunity had arisen for potential development works at harbours in the form of floating pontoons. Council officers from Newry, Mourne & Down Council had recently approached officers with regard to the sale of concrete pontoons originating from Annalong harbour.

The concrete pontoons were: 2no. 8m long and 2no. 12m long, together with a 30m aluminium walkway. That infrastructure had cost around £100k when purchased new 10 years ago.

Due to a change in circumstances at Annalong, the pontoons were no longer required and the officer’s wished to sell the pontoons to Ards and North Down for a price of just £3,500, on the understanding the pontoons would be removed by mid- October.

Officers viewed that as an excellent opportunity to avail of those valuable assets as the Council was aware of a number of potential uses across its harbours, and therefore proceeded with the purchase in line with routine operational procedures.

The primary intended use was to utilise the walkway and 2 pontoons to provide an accessible berth within Groomsport harbour. Council recently availed of funding to enable the refurbishment of the public toilet at the harbour to include a “Changing Places” compliant facility, for use by persons with disabilities. That formed part of the works associated with gaining Groomsport beach the accolade of being the Borough’s first wheelchair accessible beach.

An accessible pontoon would complement that facility very well and provide an excellent berthing facility for persons of reduced mobility.

In addition, the calm, protected waters of Groomsport made for an excellent location to provide an accessible pontoon.

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A typical wheelchair accessible pontoon

Disabled people, especially those with a physical disability were often put off from sailing, due to poor access. It was hoped that by providing the facility it would enable those with reduced mobility to avail of access to the water, whether it be to crew a small yacht or simply as a passenger.

Furthermore, a considerable number of berth holders at Groomsport were of retirement age so it was hoped that the facility would enable existing users to continue to enjoy their passion for longer. Indeed, the facility had been requested by berth holders in the past and was something that officers were seeking funding opportunities for, so it was very welcome news to be offered suitable pontoons for such a low cost.

Officers were currently in discussion with DAERA and the Planning Service to ensure all relevant statutory permissions were obtained in advance of installing the pontoons however initial conversations had been positive.

A use for the remaining 2 pontoons was yet to be determined but officers were confident a suitable use could be found in some of the Council’s other harbours.

In the event of the pontoons being unsuitable for use for whatever reason, they would be sent to auction and officers were confident that they would achieve their cost price as a minimum.

RECOMMENDED that the purchase of the pontoons is noted and agreement is given to the proposal to create an accessible berth in Groomsport harbour.

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Councillor Edmund praised officers and he suggested placing one of the pontoons in Ballywalter. Councillor Cathcart referred to the pontoons in Bangor which were at the end of their lifespan but was informed that this was a matter for consideration via the Regeneration and Development Committee.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Edmund, seconded by Councillor Wilson, that the recommendation be adopted.

10. DISMANTLING OF OCEAN VENTURE ABANDONED FISHING VESSEL (FILE 65373)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 22 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that Members would be aware that officers were arranging the tow and subsequent dismantling of the abandoned vessel MV Ocean Venture to Ballyhalbert, under the conditions and controls stipulated by DAERA.

The vessel had now been dismantled and a majority of the costs were finalised. Regrettably, the process was not straightforward, with several complications occurring at DAERA’s designated dismantling site that added to the initial cost estimate.

Officers had been in contact with DAERA, raising the issues encountered and making recommendations to avoid a reoccurrence.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report.

Councillor Edmund regretted that DAERA had cost the Ards and North Down ratepayer an extra £14,000 to eventually dispose of the vessel and it had annoyed him greatly that the Council could have done without this extra expense. He insisted that the Council should never be placed in that position again. He stressed that the Council had been greatly inconvenienced in its dealings with that Department.

Councillor Martin shared his frustration and was aghast at what had happened and gave credit to the Head of Assets and Property Services. He questioned if the Council could receive any recourse for the cost but the officer stated that he was not confident about that being available.

Councillor Boyle agreed and was particularly frustrated that the Council had had to pay. He lay the full responsibility for that position on the people who had abandoned the vessel to begin with. The visit from the Department had been fruitless since it had been clear that it had not been interested and stuck to the line that it was not its problem.

Alderman Carson considered that the situation had been a big learning curve for the Head of Assets and Property Services and his team and he offered the congratulations of the Committee on the work which had been undertaken to resolve the problem with the contractor Matthew Marshall.

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AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Edmund, seconded by Councillor Martin, that the recommendation be adopted.

11. MAINTENANCE STRATEGY UPDATE (FILE 65374)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 15 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that the Council’s Maintenance Strategy (latest version agreed in October 2017) sought to improve the condition of the Council’s estate by increasing the amount of planned maintenance, thereby reducing the need for reactive maintenance.

The estate was split across a 3-year planned maintenance cycle, with a third of the estate being surveyed each year. The surveys took place one year before the planned works were scheduled to take place, allowing for better budget forecasting.

This year the Maintenance Strategy focussed on planned, proactive maintenance of Community Centres, Cemeteries and Car Parks.

Improvement works had taken place at Community Centres at:

• Conlig • Groomsport • Green Road • Kilcooley • Parkway • Portavogie • Redburn

And at the following Cemeteries:

• Bangor • Comber • Kircubbin • Redburn

The following Car Parks were completely resurfaced/redesigned:

• Banks Lane, Bangor • Castle Street, Bangor

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Photos illustrating the impact of those planned maintenance works were provided.

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes the report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cummings, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the recommendation be adopted.

12. BUILDING CONTROL Q1 ACTIVITY UPDATE (FILE BC01/90100)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 23 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that the information provided in the report covered, unless otherwise stated, the period 1st April 2019 to 30th June 2019. The aim of the report was to provide Members with details of some of the key activities of Building Control, the range of services it provided along with details of level of performance. The report format had been introduced across Regulatory Services

Full Plan applications were made to Building Control for building works to any commercial building, or for larger schemes in relation to residential dwellings.

Building Notice applications were submitted for minor alternations such as internal wall removal, installation of heating boilers or systems, installation of all types of insulation and must be made before work commenced. These applications were for residential properties only.

Regularisation applications considered all works carried out illegally without a previous Building Control application in both commercial and residential properties. A regularisation application considered all types of work retrospectively and under the Building Regulations in force at the time the works where carried out.

Property Certificate applications were essential to the conveyancing process in the sale of any property, residential or commercial, and provided information on Building Control history and Council held data.

Period of Report Same quarter 01/04/2019 – Comparison 30/06/2019 last year Full Plan Applications 193 216 Building Notice 517 457 Applications Regularisation 178 213 Applications Property Certificate 948 984 Applications

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Building Control Applications Received

948 Property Certificates 984

178 Regularisation 213

517 Building Notice 457 Application Type

193 Full Plans 216

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 No of Applications

Apr - June 2019/20 Apr - June 2018/ 19

The number of Full Plan applications received were very much determined by the economic climate, any changes in bank lending or uncertainly in the marketplace may cause a reduction in Full Plan applications. There was no internal means to directly control the number of applications received.

Regulatory Approvals and Completions

The issuing of Building Control Completion Certificates indicated that works were carried out to a satisfactory level and met the current Building Regulations.

Building Control Full Plan Approval indicated that the information and drawings submitted as part of an application meet current Building Regulations and works could commence on site.

Period of Report Same quarter last Comparison 01/04/2019 – 30/06/2019 year Full Plan 64 184 Approvals Full Plan 270 379 Completions Building Notice 335 305 Completions Regularisation 159 134 Completions

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Building Control Completions and Approvals

400 379 350 335 305 300 270 250 200 184 159 150 134

100 64 50 No of Completions/Approvals 0 Full Plan Approvals Full Plan Completions Building Notice Regularisation Completions Completions

Apr - June 2018/ 19 Apr - June 2019/20

Inspections

Under the Building Regulations, applicants were required to give notice at specific points in the building process to allow inspections. The inspections were used to determine compliance and to all for improvement or enforcement.

Period of Report Same quarter last Comparison 01/04/2019 – 30/06/2019 year Full Plan 2131 3752 Inspections Building Notice 814 799 Inspections Regularisation 320 290 Inspections Dangerous structures initial 11 5 inspection Dangerous structure re- 5 5 inspections

Total inspections 3281 4851

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Building Control Inspections 4000 3752

3500

3000

2500 2131 2000

1500 No of Inspections

1000 799 814

500 290 320 5 11 5 5 0 Full Plan Inspections Building Notice Regularisation Dangerous Dangerous Inspections Inspections Structures Initial Structures re- Inspection inspections

Apr - June 2018/ 19 Apr - June 2019/20

Non-Compliance

Where it was not possible to Approve Full Plan applications they were required to be rejected. Building Control Full Plan Rejection Notices indicated that after assessment there were aspects of the drawings provided that did not meet current Building Regulations. A Building Control Rejection Notice set out the changes or aspects of the drawings provided that need to be amended. After those amendments were completed the amended drawings should be submitted to Building Control for further assessment and approval.

Period of Report Same Quarter Comparison 01/04/2019 – 30/06/2019 last year Full Plan 134 178 Rejection Notice

Dangerous Structure 0 0 Recommended for legal action

Court Cases 0 0

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Other 0 0

Building Control Rejections

June

May

April

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 No of Rejections

2019/20 2018/19

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes the report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

13. GRANT OF ENTERTAINMENT LICENCE (FILE LR100/EL2154/90101)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that the following application for the grant of licence had been received:

Premises: H. Gilmore & Sons, 44 – 46 Main Street, Kircubbin

Applicant: John Gilmore

Applicant address: Tubber Road, Kircubbin

Days and Hours: Monday to Sunday during the permitted hours when alcohol may be served on the premises under the Licensing (NI) Order 1996

Type of Entertainment to be provided:

• Indoor dancing, singing and music; • machines for entertainment and amusement; and • equipment for playing snooker or similar games

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No objections had been received in respect of the application.

RECOMMENDED that the Council grants the Entertainment Licence for the premises at H. Gilmore & Sons, 44 – 46 Main Street, Kircubbin

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

14. GRANT OF PAVEMENT CAFÉ LICENCE (LR PCL/90101)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 9 October 2019 detailing that an application had been received for the grant of Pavement Café Licence as followed:

Maxemoo Farmyard Cafe

Applicant: Heather Jenkins, 12 Garret Rocks, Donaghadee

Venue: Maxemoo Farmyard Cafe, 33 Main Street, Millisle

Day and hours of use:

Sunday - Wednesday 9.30 am – 4.30pm Thursday - Saturday 9.30 am – 9.00pm

The applications had been publicly displayed on the relevant premises for 28 days as required in the legislation. No objections had been received.

DFI Roads and the Planning Service had been consulted and where necessary the PSNI. No objections had been raised to the application.

Under the agreed conditions of licence, the pavement cafes would be required to:

• only use the agreed area to be outlined in the licence; • provide only the approved furniture; • completely remove any furniture from the pavement at the end of each day’s trading; and • keep the area used for the café to be kept clean of litter and liquid spills.

RECOMMENDED that the Council grants the above Pavement Café Licence to Maxemoo Farmyard Cafe, 33 Main Street, Millisle.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

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15. PROPOSED STREET NAMING – THE HALT, DONAGHADEE (FILE 91200)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that a development comprising of 20 dwellings was currently under construction on lands adjacent to 219a Killaughey Road, Donaghadee. The developer wished to propose “The Halt” as the development name in reference to the old railway line that once ran alongside the site and was in keeping with the general neighbourhood.

RECOMMENDED that the name ‘The Halt’ be adopted. That Council accept the general name and delegate acceptance of suffixes to the Building Control department.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

16. RCIF 2018/19 PROJECT OUTCOMES (FILE 92017)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that Members would recall the RCIF overarching aim was about enabling systemic change in the attitudes and behaviours of residents right across the Ards and North Down Borough and beyond, to instinctively protect and enhance the environment. There were three broad aims of the Recycling Community Investment Fund:

a. To incentivise positive recycling behaviours by communities across the Borough, through reinvestment of consequent landfill tax savings and put directly back into supporting those communities. b. To maximise the diversity of positive community impacts achieved by the fund, both in terms of geographic spread across the Borough and types of community support. c. To contribute to delivery of the target outcomes set out in the Borough’s Community Plan.

A report in 2018 outlined the approach to achieving the overarching RCIF aims, and the following methodology was agreed:

• Funded projects/initiatives should be as ‘tangible’ as possible and lend themselves to being readily and effectively communicated as significant benefits of the community’s recycling efforts. • Deployment of the RCIF should seek to ‘add value’ in terms of the Council’s ability to address issues of key community concern. • Benefits should be spread as widely as possible across the Borough. • Balance should be struck between ‘breadth’ and ‘depth’ of community benefit, accruing from the RCIF. • Any project or initiative should be clearly branded and marketed as being a direct benefit of the community’s recycling efforts, to promote and incentivise sustained improvement in recycling engagement.

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After consultation across all Council departments at all levels, the projects in the report were proposed, agreed and delivered throughout 2018/19. The report would outline the progress and success of each individual project and how they had collectively achieved the RCIF aims.

Project Budget Actual Education Focus 1. Clear £24,075.00 £24,012.06 2. Eco Warriors £3,200.00 £3,109.47 3. Summer Scheme £3,825.00 £3,825.00 4. School Recycling £15,000.00 £14,281.04 Community Focus 5. Live Here Love Here Small £75,000.00 £75,000.00 Grants Scheme 6. Sea Bins £13,300.00 £13,295.10 7. Community Litter Pick Packs £7,000.00 £6,675.55 8. Beach Boards £4,000.00 £3,074.40 9. Solar Compacting Litter Bins £15,000.00 £15,000.00 10. Village Facelift £17,800.00 £17,706.00 11. Amy Carmichael Garden £2,000.00 £2,000.00 12. Recycling Banks £4,600.00 £4,515.50 Business Focus 13. Compostable Packaging £3,000.00 £2,826.77 14. Cigarette Ballot Bins £7,600.00 £7,550.64

Total £195,400.00 £192,871.53

1. C.L.E.A.R

Background: Education was undoubtedly a fundamental key aspect to improving the environmental behaviours of the community; by starting with children and young people whose attitudes and behaviours in later life would be shaped by what they would learn during their journey through primary and secondary school.

Aim: The true key to success in protecting the planet from environmental damage and global warming was to shift the mindset of the next generation, so that recycling and re-using became the norm.

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How did we get on? Building on the success of the pilot year, all year 8 pupils from 14 post primary schools were invited to participate in the highly interactive and memorable education programme. 9 schools and 700 pupils took part in CLEAR in 2018. Of those there was an increased learning evidenced as 87%. The participation numbers were a considerable drop from the pilot year. That could be directly contributed to the RADAR facility which announced its closure, leading to many schools removing the initiative from their school calendar plans. However, by the time RADAR had decided to remain open the damage was done, and some schools could no longer re-commit. Thankfully through working with the Council’s partners in the Eco Schools programme, all schools which missed participating directly in the CLEAR initiative in the current year, received mop up sessions within the school. Due to the issues arising in 2018, a project team was re-developing CLEAR to be re-launched and delivered within the Borough in a new interactive setting in May 2020.

2. ECO Warriors

Background: The Council’s Community Development Team ran numerous clubs for a range of age groups across the Borough, throughout the school year. The project was aimed at allowing every club to engage in environmental projects designed to change their actions to support the environment.

Aim: To encourage people attending clubs to make a difference in their local environment through increased knowledge and awareness of what they could do to protect and enhance it.

How did we get on? Clubs with 5-11 years: 120 children participated in numerous environmental activities such as vegan cookery, bat interactive talks, Forestry Workshops (building bug

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Clubs with 11- 16 years: 24 young people also participated in a range of environmental activities.

Adult Clubs: 40 older people involved in a range of activities such as, vegan cookery and awareness about what went into each recycling bin.

Intergeneration Environmental Project: Involving Holywood Men’s Shed mentoring the children through the building of a plastic bottle greenhouse.

A survey across the clubs demonstrated an 82% increase in environmental learning.

3. Summer Scheme Fun Day

Background: Play was an intrinsic and important part of children’s learning experience and helped to shape their future development. It involved many elements including: physical, creative, environmental, intellectual, imaginative – all informal educational functions. The project involved approximately 500 young people participating in a range of environmental programmes, designed to increase their understanding of how their daily actions impacted on the environment.

Aim: Raise awareness around sustainability of the natural and built environment; to introduce and reinforce, in a creative and innovative way, ideas around waste reduction, reuse/recycling and maximizing resources available.

How did we get on? Building on from last year it was decided to incorporate more environmental activities throughout each of the 10 Summer Scheme locations. 500 young people participated in numerous workshops covering a range of related topics such as, reduced food waste, raising awareness of sustainable food production as well as providing a healthy daily food offering to reduce holiday hunger and provide families with sustainable, cheap and nutritious meal ideas/recipes.

Surveys demonstrated an increased learning of over 80%.

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4. Schools Recycling and Education Scheme

Background: Whilst educating people on the importance of recycling it was essential the infrastructure was in place to enable them to recycle actively within their daily lives.

Aim: All schools across the Borough would avail of a free recycling service which would substantially improve their recycling achievements and decrease waste going to landfill.

How did we get on? After communicating to the schools the multiple benefits of the project, twelve 1100 litre blue bins, forty-three 360 litre blue bins, forty-seven 240 litre blue bins, 574 classroom recycling bins, 110 brown bins, 469 food waste caddies, and 60 large trade waste food caddies were purchased and provided to the schools. As a result of the overall campaign there were now:

• 44 participating schools. In Jan-March 2019, tonnage of blue bin material collected through commercial collections had increased to 116 tonnes, up from 86 tonnes in Jan-March 2018. That was strongly linked to the increase in schools recycling as a direct result of the project. • 10,000 + pupils engaged • 1,303 more Bin-ovation downloads in April (just after schools received education pack with Bin-ovation flyers included), roughly double the monthly average increase in downloads. • The Schools Recycling Programme was deliberately linked to the Eco- Schools programme, which was managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. Schools were encouraged to use the evidence from their recycling improvements to advance their Eco-schools applications.

5. Live Here Love Here Small Grants

Background: The Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme funds community led environmental improvement projects. Projects could now receive between £500 and £5,000. The Council has contributed to the scheme since 2014, however, funding from RCIF resulted in a significant increase to the finances available for projects, increasing to £75,000. In 2018/19, 23 applicants were successful and delivered projects across the Borough.

Aim: To empower communities to take ownership of their own local area and to plan and deliver environmental improvement projects.

How did we get on? The full results were previously presented to Committee by a representative from Live Here Love Here. In short:

• 23 Projects funded • 5096 Volunteer Hours

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• £41,838.16 in Volunteering Value (Based on National Minimum Wage 25+ (£8.21)) • £23,338.55 Match Funding from Projects themselves

6. Sea Bins

Background: By 2050 it was anticipated that there would be more plastic in our seas than fish. That plastic was killing wildlife and entering the food chain. The project piloted Northern Ireland’s first 3 unique Sea Bins, located in 3 key suitable locations in the Borough. The bins moved up and down with the range of tide, with water and floating waste being sucked in from the surface and passing through a catch bag inside the Sea Bin. The water was then pumped back into the marina leaving litter and debris trapped in the catch bag to be disposed of properly. The Sea Bin could catch an estimated 1.5 kgs of floating debris per day including micro-plastics as small as 2 mm.

Aim: To reduce waste in our coastal water, whilst raising awareness to the residents of Ards and North Down Borough on the consequences of Marine pollution and how their everyday actions impact on this.

How did we get on? Since deployment of the Seabins in October 2018, the total weight of marine debris collected had been approximately 1.3 tons (1300kg). As well as removing large marine contaminant items, the Sea Bins were specifically designed to capture micro plastics.

The most commonly caught large items were plastic dog poo bags, disposable drinks container lids eg coffee cup lids, and cigarette ends.

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The educational value of the Sea Bins,had been highly successful. The story of the Council’s Sea Bins had reached schools as far away as North Belfast, with said schools travelling to the Borough for educational talks and site visits to the Sea Bins. So far 18 educational talks and visits had been completed with schools, community associations and youth groups. The large signs located on the shore adjacent to each Sea Bin location were also very successful in educating people as they passed by. A survey conducted at Bangor Marina evidenced 70 people reading the sign out of 100 people that passed it. The Council’s Sea Bin initiative also received national attention when it featured on BBC’s The One Show, as well as numerous news and radio channels, and regional newspapers – placing Ards and North Down Borough firmly on the map as an exemplar for action on Sustainable Development.

7. Community Group Litter Packs

Background: Community Groups and schools relied on the Council lending the equipment to help with general tidy up initiatives/cleaning up after events. In recent years the demand for that was increasing, as more and more environmentally ‘switched on’ groups now considered how their contribution could help to improve the environment across the Borough. Aim: To enable Community groups, schools, sports groups and businesses etc. to be proactive in cleaning up and taking pride in their own areas.

How did we get on? This project was a huge success. Since April 2019, 65 community litter picks had utilised the project which equated to approximately 650 bags of waste collected by approximately 1800 volunteers.

8. Beach Clean Boards

Background: For every 100m walked on a Northern Ireland beach, there was an average of 700 pieces of plastic. That plastic harmed wild-life, ruined our natural environment and could enter the food chain. The Beach Boards were a mechanism to enable walkers to ‘lend a hand’ and pick up small amounts of litter on their walk, thereby enabling the adage “many hands make light work!”

Aim: It would create a quick, easy and fun way in which multiple volunteers could contribute to removing litter from the local coastal environment.

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How did we get on? The following 8 locations were identified as the areas best suited to location of the Beach Clean Boards:

1. Seapark 2. Ballyholme Promenade 3. Bank’s Lane 4. Groomsport 5. The Commons, Donaghadee 6. Ballywalter 7. Cloghey 8. Portavogie

The Boards had proven to be very successful, as each board would be replenished daily, with an average of 3-4 bags. Therefore, over the full period that the Boards were in situ (April-September), it was estimated that potentially 504-670 bags of rubbish were being removed from the Borough’s Coastline. That figure did not include those bags that people may bring themselves, so potentially the sum was likely to be even higher.

9. Solar Powered Compacting Litter Bins (pilot)

Background: There were over 600 Litter Bins across the Borough and at peak times, in certain areas, some of those litter bins could overflow and create environmental blight. There were also some litter bins in remote locations which were difficult to maintain efficiently. 3 ‘smart’ bins were bought and located in key locations to trial their impact on a more sustainable litter bin management system.

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Aim: To reduce the number of complaints about overflowing litter bins and to reduce time and vehicle fuel on servicing litter bins.

How did we get on? Ballyholme, Seapark and Kiltonga Duck Pond were identified as the first pilot locations. The bins had been highly successful at eliminating problems with overflowing; they held more than 6 times the amount of litter compared to conventional street litter bins and the technology associated with them allowed a message to be communicated to staff in the Borough cleansing depot to advise when the bin was nearly full – that allowing emptying to be appropriately scheduled at the correct time. The pilot continued with numerous alternative locations in mind, to establish where they were liable to be most effective. Unfortunately, within weeks of installation the Ballyholme bin was destroyed by fire and the potential for a relatively high cost asset such as that to be lost in such a manner would have to be considered carefully in the context of any decisions on further roll out across the Borough.

10. Village Facelift

Background: Civic Pride was essential in motivating and inspiring people to look after their natural and built environment. Derelict properties in cities, towns and villages were an eye-sore, could attract anti-social behaviour and dissuade potential investment. With recent projects launched to address dereliction of commercial properties in our major towns, ‘Village Facelift’ provided similar support for the villages in tackling their dereliction problem and improve civic pride.

Aim: Restore and improve civic pride by improving the aesthetic appearance of the heart of our villages, through tackling dereliction.

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How did we get on? The Community Development Team partnered with County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN) to identify derelict locations across 16 villages. After numerous attempts by Council and CDRCN to engage with community groups, only 6 properties were identified as suitable. The following 5 properties were deemed eligible, an owner for the 6th could not be identified.

1. Ballyhalbert, 78 Shore Road, BT22 1BJ 2. Cloughey, 1a Main Street, BT22 1HR 3. Kircubbin, 1 Main Street, BT22 2SP 4. Portaferry, 33 The Square, BT22 1LR 5. Portavogie, 33 Harbour Road, BT22 1EA

A survey conducted with the communities involved showed that the project improved the image of the village and should contribute to improving civic pride.

11. Amy Carmichael Garden

Background: As a result of a Notice of Motion a small underspend was identified in the year to help the Community Project. Millisle Presbyterian Church proposed to develop a portion of the church’s front lawn, so that it would be open to the whole community to utilise and enjoy.

Aim: Provide an additional green place for the whole community to use.

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How did we get on? The garden was completed and was being extensively used and enjoyed by the local community and visitors to the area.

12. Bottle Banks

Background: Ards and North Down Borough Council had a large network of stand- alone ‘bring sites’ to promote glass recycling in the community. Many of those sites dated back more than 15 years and the banks were starting to show wear and tear. Many of them would need to be replaced in the short to medium term.

Aim: The purchase of new bottle banks which would enable the Council to maintain an ongoing programme of recycling infrastructure within the Borough.

How did we get on? 10 Banks were bought with RCIF branding and were replacing old stock as and when required.

13. Compostable Packaging Products

Background: It was largely recognised that food/drink utensils and packaging such as plastic straws, were some of the biggest pollutants of our marine environment, with mounting, shocking evidence of the damage it did to wildlife. The project would encourage businesses to reduce the usage of traditional consumable materials and replace them with compostable items.

Aim: Create awareness of the problem of food/drink utensils and packaging pollution and ultimately reduce or eliminate their use.

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How did we get on? A range of the following compostable items were sourced: food cartons, straws, knives, forks, spoons and grease proof paper. Food takeaway businesses were approached across the borough to take part. 52 businesses agreed to sign up. 19 of the 52 stated they were now exploring adopting compostable items in the future. The main barrier for businesses preventing a permanent transition was the current increased cost.

14. Cigarette Ballot Bins

Background: Cigarette butts were one of the most polluting plastics on the streets and in the oceans. Ballot Bins displayed a question on a topical/controversial subject, with two alternative answers. Smokers voted by putting their cigarette butt in the slots underneath their preferred answer. The litter stacked up behind the clear glass front, in two columns, showing which answer was most popular.

Aim: Distribution of Cigarette Ballot Bins to businesses in high footfall areas, to reduce the number of butts discarded as litter in the towns and encourage the businesses with Ballot Bins to take ownership of the issue, including recycling of collected butts.

How did we get on? Smokers found those ashtrays much more engaging than the traditional butt bins and they were more likely to use them as a consequence.

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Working with businesses and other public sector organisations, 25 out of the 32 bins had now been strategically placed outside smoking hotspots across the Borough. On average each bin was being emptied once a month, which was an increase on cigarette bins previously used - backing up the independent evaluation which showed the Ballot Bin reduced cigarette butt litter by 46%.

Public Relations Campaign

The RCIF had secured significant media attention over the past year – comprising local, regional and national coverage. The mix of projects – some very unique but all with clear local outcomes – had facilitated regular and sustained coverage since the beginning of the year. Below were the key statistics in relation to the reach and impact of RCIF publicity; all of which stressed the vital link recycling and added valued services.

TV - BBC One: The One Show | Sea bin Installation | Broadcast to an average of 5M viewers

Radio - Good Morning Ulster – 11.09.18, 7.45am (Sea bins) - Q102 – 11.09.18, 7.18am (Sea bins) - U105 – 20.11.18, 12.02pm (Sea bins)

Printed press - County Down Spectator: 360,800 reach - Newtownards Chronicle: 295,500 reach - Irish News: reach 217,800 reach - Belfast Telegraph: 139,700 reach - Daily Mirror: reach 98,700 reach

Online press - Belfast Telegraph: 73,900 reach - Belfast Live: reach 68,200 reach - Irish News: reach 59,400 reach

Social media - Council: reach 22,012 reach - Bangor Times: reach 3,500 reach - Belfast Live: reach 269,515 reach - Live Here Love Here: 2,792 reach

(Reach: that was the estimated total number of people who had been exposed to RCIF related articles that had been published in the publications listed. That was not an exhaustive list – only the publications with the highest circulation figures were included above. RCIF articles had also been carried by other media outlets).

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Measuring Success

2018/19 saw the successful delivery of 13 internally developed and managed projects detailed above and 23 community projects through Live Here Love Here. That equated to 36 RCIF funded projects in 2018/19. The aim of RCIF was ambitious and whilst all 36 projects had their own specific but related goals, they contributed to achieving the overarching RCIF aims. RCIF projects were categorized into 3 focus areas, Education, Community and Business Support and whilst all the projects contributed to each of those in some way, the area in which they mainly focused was measured:

Project People % increased Approx. External Involved Learning Bags Litter organisations: collected Business/Schools (20 Kg = 1 Involved etc Bag) Education Focus Clear 700 87% - 9 Schools Eco Warriors 250 82% - 2 Groups 5 Businesses Summer Scheme 500 80% - 10 Schemes 6 businesses School Recycling 10000 - 5800 bags 44 Schools Community Focus Live Here Love Here 400 - - 23 Groups Seabins 200 100% 65 bags 18 Groups Community Litter Pick 650 - 650 bags 30 Groups Packs 2 Businesses Beach Boards 600 - 600 bags - Big Belly Bins - - Ongoing - Facelift 40 - - 10 groups Amy Carmichael 20 - - 1 group Bottle Banks - - Ongoing - Business Focus Compostable 100 - - 52 Businesses Packaging Cigarette Ballot Bins 40 - 12 bags 28 Businesses

Total 13500 87.3% 6627 bags 240

As the table above outlined, 2018/19 had seen 36 projects delivered involving 240 groups/businesses/organisations. The projects had impacted on 13,500 people directly. From those projects measured, 6627 bags of waste were collected and through the education value of projects, people’s knowledge of environmental impact had risen by 87.3%. 52

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In terms of the overarching aim of RCIF to increase recycling rates and decrease landfill, the following outcomes had been achieved from 2017:

- Annual % increase in household recycling: 4% - Annual % reduction in municipal waste landfill costs: 13%.

Conclusion

2018/19 was a transitional year for RCIF; to achieve the RCIF key aims the approach to delivery was amended. The new strategy saw a total of 36 projects being delivered throughout the Borough. Each of those projects was unique and added value in its own way to the quality of lives for local communities. 2019/20 built on that successful year which a separate report to Committee would explain. It was also important to highlight that whilst new projects were introduced, projects outlined in the report will continue to accrue benefits into the future - contributing in a cost effective way to protection of the Council’s two greatest assets, its people and its natural environment.

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted.

The Head of Regulatory Services made a presentation on the Recycling Community Investment Fund which outlined the huge potential of the programme and the achievements it had made to date.

He explained that environmental protection would be a huge and ongoing issue, bigger than Brexit, and interest in what the Council had been doing, particularly following the coverage on the One Show, had come from many Councils across the United Kingdom and from academics in universities who were looking at environmental issues.

Members stood in turn to congratulate the Council on the success to date and were excited about how that work would progress going forward.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Smart, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the recommendation be adopted.

17. RCIF 2019/20 PROGRESS UPDATE

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that the success of RCIF continued in 2019- 20. The report was a progress report on the following agreed RCIF funded project:

Project Budget Live Here Love Here £100000 Continued/Annually Recurring Scheme 53

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Eco Warriors Continued/Annually £5000 Recurring Scheme Local Business Sustainability £11000 Support New Refill Scheme New £5000 Island Rescue New £2000 Road Closure New £8000 Forest School New £10000 Participatory Budget Project New £10000 Eco-Campus New £9000 Home Safety New £5000 Citizen Sea New £22000 Payback rolled over from 18/19 £28,875

Total £215875

Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme

The LHLH Small Grants Scheme continued to go from strength to strength. Currently 31 groups across the Borough were delivering on a diverse range of projects aimed at protecting and enhancing their local areas and strengthening communities. The scheme this year had allowed greater access to grant support, as insurance for volunteers from non-constituted bodies was no longer a barrier; the enhanced level of investment through the RCIF now allowed for provision of public liability insurance cover for more informal groupings of volunteers who wished to ‘make a difference’ through the LHLH Small Grants Scheme.

Eco Warriors

Building on the success from last year, Eco Warriors continued during the 19/20 school term. Many activities such as Forestry Workshops, Bat interactive talks and Vegan cookery are being rolled out by the Community Development Team in community centres across the Borough to raise the awareness of the importance of the environment and how the Council could support it in the public’s everyday actions.

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Local Business Sustainability Support

Tourism Development was working towards creating a greener local tourism industry. Working alongside the Environment team the plan was to approach tourism businesses to get them involved in a green tourism scheme. Twenty-five businesses would receive a green health check and receive a green marketing plan – the businesses would then be encouraged to become members of the Green Destination scheme. The aim was to use the marketing plans to encourage growth in the area year on year. The Council would also be encouraging local accommodation providers to get involved in Green Key Awards (a voluntary eco label award scheme available to hotels, B&Bs, hostels, holiday parks and campsites etc.)

Refill Scheme

Working with NI Water and using funds from the Council’s Recycling Community Investment Fund (RCIF) the Council was supporting over 200 local businesses (including all Council buildings) to become refill locations where anyone could call in and ask for their reusable water bottle to be refilled from the tap thereby reducing reliance upon single use plastic bottled water. The aim was to encourage the public – both those who lived in the area and those visiting or considering a visit to the

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Borough – to look out for designated Refill locations which could be identified by a sticker on business windows or by using the interactive map at ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/refill. The Borough was being promoted as Northern Ireland’s first ‘Refill Borough’, making a bold statement on our position with regards to protecting and enhancing the local and global environment and helping to encourage visitors and tourists who were similarly concerned about such issues.

Island Rescue

Unfortunately, the planned island Rescue project was not proceeding for the following reasons:

• Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful already carried out a clean-up of the Copeland Islands and had limited media coverage. The Copeland Islands were privately owned, but had recently been leased out for breeding game birds such as Pheasants, Guinea Foul, Grouse etc. That would mean that the Council could effectively be seen to ‘clean up a game reserve’ and negative attention may be attracted. • Looking further afield, the islands that occupied Strangford Lough, were mostly owned/contracted out to the National Trust. Although the Council had an excellent working relationship with the Trust, they were apprehensive due to the fact most of the islands were going through the nesting season. The islands had no land based predators such as rats, weasels, stouts etc. so the birds nested on the ground; the Trust was worried that we would disturb/trample upon nest, birds, chicks and eggs. • The ferrying of volunteers to the islands also posed a factor. Not only was the cost for the boats significant, but also landing the volunteers onto the islands posed a risk. That was because a floating walkway had to be installed for each island. Although that was an easy process, the process was time consuming and weather dependent.

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Road Closure

It was identified that the funds needed for community groups to cover responsibilities introduced under the new Road Closure legislation would have a detrimental effect upon many community organised events. Through the availability of RCIF funding, the following 5 events were able to go ahead as a result of the Road Closure expense being covered:

• Holywood Community Council for May Day • Donaghadee Festival • Ards Community Network – Fair in the Square • Peninsula Triathlon • Donaghadee Soap Box racing

Forest School

Forest Schools had agreed to enlist the following 6 Forest Schools funded by the Council’s RCIF. Between them they represented a good geographical and age spread. Training for the schools was being agreed with the Forest School Association.

• Bangor Abbey Preschool • Portavogie Primary School • Kirkistown Primary School • Sullivan Prep • Newtownards Nursery School • Bangor Central Nursery School

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Participatory Budget Project

A report presented at Council explained that the £14,000 available through the RCIF for the initiative would be distributed equally across the Borough, with each DEA having a specific pot of money to bid for (approximately £1250 per DEA - £8,750 collectively between 7 DEAs). In addition to that the 3rd Sector Community Planning Forum would also have a designated pot of money to bid for (£5,250).

In mid-August #myvoicemyAND was promoted and the public was asked to develop ideas for projects that benefited the community. A low-cost marketing campaign was developed using existing networks and social media channels to promote the initiative and encourage groups to submit projects. The Community Planning Service held drop-in sessions in the Borough’s six libraries, ran workshops with the community planning partners and visited organisations who asked to talk through the proposed project and whether it helped contribute to the outcomes of the Big Plan. Community planning partners including Education Authority, NIHE and PSNI promoted via their own social media channels, and colleges were asked to promote it via their networks. Colleagues within Community Services also promoted the initiative on the Council’s behalf. Posters were sent out to libraries, community centres and constituency offices. The online submission of project ideas opened on 1 September 2019 and closed on 30 September 2019, with 10 project bids subsequently being received – which was unfortunately below the threshold that would be needed to procced with the proposed public vote element of the initiative.

Summary of Project Bids Received In line with the requirements of the original guidance each project bid received was assessed against the following criteria: - Project was Section 75 compliant - Project was not party political, lobbying or involved the promotion of religion - Project was not routine maintenance or repairs or ongoing running costs - Funding was not for ongoing salary costs - Funding was not to service an existing debt or for a completed project - Project was not about fundraising - Beneficiaries of the project must live in the borough and the focus of the project should be within the borough - Funding was not for an individual or sole trader

All ten project bids received met the requirements and would all have proceeded to the public vote.

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The table below contains a synopsis of each bid received.

Project Bids Received Synopsis DEA £ Up-skilling of 31 young football players to deliver sports Bangor £625 programmes through achievement of a coaching award Central Wildflower garden at a day centre for people with Bangor £500 learning disabilities Central Pop up play and get active sessions for families who Borough £625 have a member with a complex disability. wide Five yoga and wellbeing workshops and 5 3rd Sector £2625 communication and listening workshops to address CP Forum issues such as social isolation as well as health and wellbeing Creation of an outdoor classroom (with wheelchair 3rd Sector £1,700 access), bug hotel, bee palace and wildflower garden for CP Forum people with complex emotional needs Intergenerational work to maintain and grow a variety of Ards £625 plants and root vegetables while helping a school Peninsula integrate with its local community A lunch club to reduce social isolation while Comber £625 demonstrating how low cost, healthy produce can be used Creative based community activities to include three 3rd Sector £1,850 film-based activities, development of a choreographed CP Forum dance piece to feature in the 2020 Belfast Children’s Festival, and healthy eating initiative linked to musical performance. A club to reduce social isolation by running activities Comber £625 such as knitting sessions, board games, armchair exercises, talks and support services Creation of an outdoor learning space to include Bangor £625 opportunities for roleplay, development of fine motor Central skills through weaving, areas to enhance sensory skills, and opportunities to learn about science and nature.

All bids received were able to demonstrate how the project would contribute to at least one outcome of the Big Plan. A report was being presented by Community Planning, recommending the best way forward.

Eco-Campus

A representative from SERC had reviewed their ‘eco’ operations across the 3 campuses within the Borough and had identified the areas that needed investment to get them closer to Eco-Campus Status. The Project Team was currently procuring items which would promote and facilitate recycling across all classrooms, reinforcing the recycling message.

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Home Safety

In view of the nature of the equipment being fitted as part of the scheme being operated through our Environmental Health, Protection and Development Department, to protect both the Council and the contractor, legal opinion had been sought to approve the wording on the indemnity statement to be provided to the householder.

That had taken longer to secure than anticipated but provided it was received in the next two weeks, it should still allow sufficient time to deliver 50 household support initiatives before end March 2020.

Agreements had already been secured with partner organisations to request referrals from vulnerable households meeting the selection criteria, and it was anticipated that that would ensure that those most in need of the service were reached.

The fitting contractor had been made aware of arrangements and would be ready to start fitting once provided with a suitable indemnity statement.

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Citizen Sea

Citizen Sea had gone from strength to strength with the kind and generous support of the RCIF fund, local businesses and volunteers had helped the Citizen Sea Project move from strength to strength. The beautiful traditional wooden vessel ‘Seabird’ continued to inspire attention from local people and the Citizen Sea family of volunteers and supporters was growing every day. Below was a quick rundown of the project’s achievements so far.

July 2019 • Citizen Sea was successful in receiving a Live Here Love Here Grant to purchase a Rib and engine and scientific equipment including microscopes etc. to deliver a Science Club for local children.

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• Seabird was provided with a free berth at Bangor & Quay Marinas – Bangor could now be the home port for that ground breaking and innovative project.

August 2019 • 3 Open Nights were held to recruit local volunteers as crew and educators. The Citizen Sea family was now made up of 7 fully qualified volunteer crew, 1 press officer, 1 photographer and numerous others from the local area who have given up their time to help support the project.

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• Website - Blue Monkee Media - a local Internet Marketing Service from Newtownards launched a brand-new project website as an in-kind donation.

September 2019 • Seabird was awarded her Passenger License - a big step that resulted from a lot of support from local tradesmen, business and the RCIF funding. As a result of that license Citizen Sea was now fully insured to carry passengers and undertake practical activities in environmental education and research. October 2019 • Science Club and Boat Tours

On Saturday 12 October Citizen Sea hosted its first Science Club session with 10 local children coming to Bangor Marina to learn and interact with the marine environment. That was the first of 30 sessions to take place between now and March which would raise awareness of marine life and how the public could have positive and/or negative impacts on the environment. The children would begin the session with a tour of the Sea Bin for collection of samples of micro-plastics, followed by a tour of the Seabird and an overview of its fishing heritage as well as a

EC.06.11.19 survey of the local marine life living in and around the pontoon. Samples would be examined under the microscope and children would learn about the human relationship with plastic and how it could impact local biodiversity. The vessel would also provide local community groups and schools with education tours. Throughout November Citizen Sea would host (weather permitting) at least 4 seagoing trips for local people to showcase the local marine environment and natural heritage. November to February • Winter Talks Programme Citizen Sea would provide a winter talks programme to the area to highlight marine natural heritage, culture and history. Speakers confirmed include local divers from Seasearch, representatives from local government within the Marine Division and the Council’s Head of Regulatory Services would talk about the RCIF fund and the success of recycling in the Borough. • Vessel Refit Over the winter Citizen Sea intended to continue to re-fit Seabird to make her more comfortable for longer voyages and activities and to reduce her carbon output. Additional funding would be sourced to convert Seabird’s engine to hybrid electric as an example to other vessels. International Clean Up Day 21st September 2019 All hands were on deck to prepare Seabird for the first major community event on International Clean-up Day in collaboration with local beach cleaning groups, Ocean Conservancy and the Live Here Love Here Campaign. To raise the profile of that day of action, Sea Bird became a ‘mothership’ and carried 3300 cubic litres of waste collected by 7 community groups from both sides of Belfast Lough into Belfast Harbour. The intention was to highlight the amount of plastic waste that entered local waters and to encourage awareness of marine litter amongst local citizens. The initiative was overwhelmed by the media attention and social media reach that the action produced. As well as featuring in many of the local papers, the main Facebook post for the action had reached 27.2k users with 3.4k people engaging with the post. Preparations were ongoing to repeat the event around the coastline with more local groups and help to remove as much litter as possible from local waters.

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Town Steering Group Payback

Members may recall project ‘Payback’ was agreed in January, with a proposal that £33,000 would be allocated to the Town Steering Groups and County Down Rural Community Network (representing the Borough’s villages). Discretion would be devolved to utilise the allocated in different ways according to local community priorities/preferences, with the overarching provisos that all funded projects/initiatives promote the RCIF objectives whilst complying with Council financial regulations and audit requirements. It was also a condition that local communities were made aware of the fact that all projects/initiatives funded by the initiative were only made possible as a consequence of sustained improvements to recycling engagement across the Borough. Whilst it was agreed that allocated funds could be rolled over from last year to the current year to allow more time for Town Steering groups and villages to consider how best to utilise the money, as part of the estimates process all budgets carried over to 19/20 were reduced by 12.5%. The table below outlined the new allocated amounts for each area:

Town/Village 18/19 budget rolled over New 12.5% reduced budget Bangor £5,000 £4375 Newtownards £5,000 £4375 Holywood £3,000 £2625 Comber £2,000 £1750 Donaghadee £2,000 £1750 Portaferry £2,000 £1750 All 14 Villages (each) £1,000 (Total £14,000) £12250 Grand Total £33,000 £28875

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CDRCN was in discussions with representatives from each of the villages and it was hoped that a project would be agreed upon soon. Each of the Town Steering Groups had been reminded of the funding availability and further progress update in relation to any initiatives agreed upon would be reported in due course.

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted.

In response to a query from Councillor Martin, it was clarified that whilst the portion of the RCIF fund allocated to be disbursed to local communities through the Live Here Small Grants programme had increased by 25%, the total value of the RCIF fund had not increased at all from last year.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

18. BANGOR WEDNESDAY MARKET (FILE 90404) (Appendices III – VI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that Members would be aware of a report brought to committee in May regarding the future of Bangor Market. The purpose for that report was to outline the research results exploring the challenges Bangor Market currently faced and potential ways forward based on a range of surveys.

The Challenge The current model was unsustainable purely from a financial operating perspective. That financial burden upon the ratepayer illustrated below was arguably all the more unjustifiable, given that the existing Bangor Market was not realising the range of potential positive outcomes that a successful market could provide (detailed in the previous report).

2018/19 2017/1 2016/1 2015/1 2014/1 2013/1 2012/1 2011/1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Direct 11,370 12,840 14,392 16,895 17,014 15,888 19,383 21,256 Income

Direct 14,122 16,138 15,133 15,170 25,763 26,140 23,748 27,654 Expenditure

Net -2,752 -3,298 -742 1,725 -8,750 - -4,365 -6,398 Expenditure / 10,252 (Income)

The direct expenditure included market staff, tools, advertising and electric however it did not include cleansing, which was an additional yearly figure of £9,500. Therefore,

EC.06.11.19 in the last 8 financial years the operation of Bangor Market had generated a net cost to ratepayers of £110,832.

Further Consultation

Whilst previous research outlined the views of the general public and local Bangor town centre businesses, consultation began with current market traders within Bangor Wednesday Market, external organisers of artisan ‘pop-up’ markets such as ‘Market Fresh’, and internal departments.

That further consultation as well as previous research unanimously showed a desire for a well-run sustainable market that generated high footfall and attracted traders in sufficient numbers, which in turn would generate income for the successful ongoing management of the market at a potential profit to ratepayers - rather than the current net cost situation. It was agreed that any future market should offer a good atmosphere, consistency and local produce.

It was felt that Bangor Wednesday Market offered local produce, however the consistency and atmosphere needed to be addressed as well as the costs. Survey results clearly showed there was appetite to have an atmospheric, consistent market in Bangor - but selling Artisan food and produce on a Saturday and situated within the Queens Parade area.

It was agreed in order to meet the appetite of the public expectations in Bangor of what a market or markets could offer and to ensure sustainable success, there needed to be a short term and long term solution running in tandem.

Short Term

The current traders in Bangor Market had agreed to amended market regulations. The amended regulations ensured the market would create a more consistent offering as follows:

• The traders had agreed to be set up by 8am and pack up at 2pm. • They have agreed to recycle their waste onsite and leave their pitch clean and tidy as they received it. • The traders had agreed a new, more compact, layout which helped create a much enhanced market atmosphere. • A new pricing structure had been introduced which incentivised block bookings by offering 18% discount if a trader books and pays for a monthly pitch. • A promotional introductory offer had been introduced for new traders. The first week they traded was free. • A gazebo hiring service had been introduced to aid and encourage first timers, at a cost of £5 / day.

The traders understood that a newly recruited market superintendent would enforce those rules to ensure everyone was treated fairly and the new arrangements 67

EC.06.11.19 survived the test of time. Repeated breaches of the rules could lead to suspension from the market and for example the issuing of litter fixed penalty notices.

The traders were aware that if they stuck to those rules, the Council costs to operate the market could be drastically reduced. By traders clearing and recycling their own waste correctly, much of the estimated yearly £9,500 cleansing net cost to Council could be eliminated. Also, by sticking to the new layout arrangements and operating times, Council could commit more confidently to advertising the Bangor Market - thus attracting more customers and traders which ultimately increased income.

Traders were aware that the responsibility for sustained success and longevity of Bangor Wednesday Market lay jointly with Council and themselves. The new short- term arrangements would be reviewed throughout the year and would run in tandem with the Long-Term Solution.

Long Term

Recognising the research outlined in the May Market Report, there was a strong appetite for a consistent Artisan market to be operated in the Queens Parade area on a Saturday. Further consultation had revealed several barriers to overcome, in order to deliver upon that. It was considered that initially it would be achievable to offer a monthly Saturday Artisan Market in the Town Centre operating throughout the year. Work was ongoing to establish a location and an operating model. A further report would outline the recommended location and operating model commencing early in 2020. When the monthly market commenced it would be reviewed along with the Wednesday weekly market, and that would better inform a more sustainable direction of travel for markets in Bangor.

RECOMMENDED that the Council approves this report.

Councillor Cathcart thanked the Head of Regulatory Services for his work in trying to revive Bangor Market and believed that the report outlined a number of positive moves forward. He noted that Saturday seemed to be the most favoured option and he hoped to see a new Saturday market for Bangor in the coming months.

Councillors Dunne and Wilson shared that view welcoming the short and medium term plans.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cathcart, seconded by Alderman Carson, that the recommendation be adopted.

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19. FURTHER REPORT – NOM ON IMPACT OF ROADS CLOSURE LEGISLATION UPON COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY EVENTS (LROSP) (Appendices VII & VIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 15 October 2019 from the Director of Environment detailing that a Notice of Motion was agreed by Council last year as followed:

“That this Council requests that officers bring back a report on how the new legislation and arrangements concerning Special Events on Roads – Road (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (NI) 2010 has been operating one year after enactment ton 4 September 2017 including costs charged compared to other Councils and with a specific focus concerning impact upon charitable / not for profit organisations and sporting events.”

Subsequent to that, officers brought a report on the subject to Committee in November 2018.

At the November meeting, it was agreed that:

1. Officers should bring back a further report looking at potential for Council financial assistance towards the costs incurred by community/voluntary groups in meeting the requirements of the road closures legislation.

2. DfI should be requested to send a representative to address the Committee and discuss the implications of the legislation.

A further report was brought to the Committee on the 13 February 2019 in relation to the Council providing financial assistance towards the costs incurred by community/voluntary groups in meeting the requirements of the road closures legislation. Financing through the RCIF was agreed and had been implemented.

The Director also wrote to the Department for Infrastructure inviting a senior representative to attend a meeting of the Environment Committee. DfI replied on the 8 April 2019 indicating that the issues raised by the Council were to be discussed at a meeting between representatives from NILGA, SOLACE, PSNI and the Department on the 12 March 2019. Council had now received a copy of the minutes attached to the report.

At the meeting it was agreed that:

• The legislation needed to be reviewed to deal with disparities between the legislation for Councils and that for the DFI, PSNI and the Parades Commission. That was unlikely to be progressed in the near future due to the Assembly not currently sitting.

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• The Department would conduct a review of its Guidance in late 2019.

• The additional costs incurred by Councils in administering the Road Closure legislation was discussed but no agreement was reached.

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Alderman Carson left the meeting at 8.55 pm)

RECESS 8.55 pm RECOMMENCED 9.12 pm

20. DRAFT OFF STREET CAR PARKING STRATEGY (FILE 90303) (Appendices IX – XVI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 15 October 2019 from the Director of Environmental Services detailing that the Council had commissioned consultants AECOM, in October 2017 to prepare an Off Street Car Parking Strategy for the Borough.

AECOM presented its Draft Car Parking Strategy in April 2018, but following consideration of the matter it was agreed an Elected Member Working Group should be established to reconsider the Draft Strategy and seek a way forward. The group was established in September 2018 and had reviewed proposals for amendments to some of the key aspects of the draft strategy proposals around which initial concerns had been expressed by Members.

Following the deliberations of the Elected Member Working Group and further consultations with Town Steering Groups, amendments had been made to original Draft Strategy document.

Officers considered that the process of further review had facilitated the development of a more comprehensive and balanced set of proposals, which addressed the key concerns raised by Members in regard to the first draft document without unduly compromising the Council’s ability to deliver upon the core strategic objectives of the Strategy. The key changes/additions to the revised Draft Strategy were summarised in an appendix.

Background

The Draft Strategy was formulated through a four stage process and most of the information supporting the recommendations set out in the Stage 4 document of the Draft Car Parking Strategy was contained in the following stage documents which were attached for information. They were:

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• Stage 1 Baseline Review • Stage 2 Current Issues, Challenges and Trends • Stage 3 Study of Future Developments

Strategy Objectives

The following objectives for car parking were proposed:

1. Provide an appropriate level of parking to support economic investment and vitality in urban and rural locations; 2. Ensure parking took place at appropriate locations; 3. Ensure parking was provided for all types of users; 4. Provide high quality parking and information, through the use of technology where possible; 5. Ensure that parking provision supported tourism; and 6. Ensure that parking provision encouraged sustainable forms of transport.

General Proposals

The following measures to promote development and transformation of the Council’s off street car park service were contained in the Draft Strategy.

Disabled Parking

It was proposed that to ensure the Council was providing high quality, adequate and suitable car parking for disabled drivers and parents with children (family bays), accreditation should be sought from the Disabled Parking Accreditation (DPA) and ‘Park Mark’.

It was also proposed that the Council reviewed the number of disabled parking bays to include bay size and location within each car park when sites were being upgraded.

Investment in Car Park Estate

The Council car parks were considered an important asset to the Borough and in many instances were the first point of contact with the Council for visitors to the Borough. It was important that they were well maintained, provided good signage and information and lighting.

Many of the Council’s car parks were in a poor condition and would need considerable investment to bring them up to an acceptable state of repair, or indeed realise an aspiration to significantly enhance the quality of car park environments to create aesthetically attractive, welcoming locations that promoted and encouraged their use. Currently funding to achieve that outcome was very limited within established budgets.

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The provision of high quality signage (both at the car park and on street) was considered important to help visitors locate and access suitable parking, advise them of charges, how to make contact if there was a problem etc.

It was proposed that the Council:

• Undertakes a review of existing off street car park signage; • Agrees a plan to upgrade the existing car parks; • Identifies and addresses gaps in existing signage, and • Investigates provision of ‘active smart’ signage to help drivers identify available parking spaces.

Car Parking Technology

The development of a dedicated online parking application (app) could provide car park users with information concerning the location of parking facilities (including Park and Ride sites), their occupancies at certain times of the day and their tariffs. That would provide parking users with accurate information, enabling them to decide where they could park prior to the commencement of their journey.

That would build upon the popularity of existing parking apps such as Parkmobile, which was already available and in use at Council car parks throughout the Borough.

It was proposed that the Council sought to develop SMART parking options for its car parks including improved app, sign posting of available parking spaces and car park location.

Season Tickets

Season tickets were available in fifteen of the Council charged sites. Those allowed a person to purchase a monthly ticket at a reduced cost to park in a specific car park. It did not guarantee a holder the right to a parking place.

Those were helpful to business owners who needed to access parking on a regular basis but they went against the policy to limit long stay parking in the main town centre car parks.

It was proposed that the Council reviewed the current number of season tickets available at each charged car park and the cost of purchase.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points

There had been a considerable increase in the number of EVs on roads and that trend was likely to increase at a growing pace. In line with the Council’s aspiration to play a leading role in the promotion of a sustainable future, there was clearly a need to facilitate and encourage EV uptake as well as ensure that Ards and North Down was a welcome location for EV drivers. Currently there was only one charging point within a Council car park - at the Rope Walk, Portaferry. Other charging points were available at:

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• Quay Street, Bangor • Aurora car park • ASDA car park, Bangor • Ulster Transport Museum, Cultra

Charging points were currently reasonably expensive to install. Previously grants were available to cover the installation, and although that was not the current position the Council was a participant in an application to a EU funded EV project that officers understood was still under consideration.

It was proposed that Council worked toward providing a network of additional EV charging points at the following locations, subject to sourcing/availability of resources and a suitable operating model:

• Bingham Lane, Bangor; • Luke’s Point, Bangor • South Street / Court Street, Newtownards; • Mill Street Gas Works, Newtownards; • Killinchy Street, Comber; • Church Road, Holywood; • Railway Street, Donaghadee • Ballywalter Amenity Site, Ballywalter; • Main Road, Cloughey; • The Green, Kircubbin; • Moss Road, Millisle; • Meetinghouse Street, Portaferry; • Portavogie Amenity Site, Portavogie

Coach Parking

The Federation for Passenger NI was consulted on the needs of its members regarding coach parking and it advised that access to drop off / pick up points was important as well as information on where buses could be parked up, away from the town centres. Coach parking within town centres was not necessary.

The provision of coach drop off points would need the support of the DfI.

It was proposed that the Council sought to provide coach services at the following locations:

• Coach parking at Luke’s Point, Bangor; • On street drop off/ pick up points in Bangor town centre; • Newtownards – on street drop off/ pick up points • Holywood - drop off/ pick up points; and • Coach parking in Donaghadee.

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Motorhome Parking

It was considered that providing additional motorhome provision across the Borough would contribute to tourism and the associated economic prosperity of the area.

Issues had arisen around establishing such sites as they would need to comply with the Caravans Act (NI) 1963. There were potentially considerable costs in complying, and those needed to be further considered/addressed.

It was proposed that the Council sought to develop spaces for motorhomes at the following sites, subject to sourcing/availability of funds and suitable operating models in conformity with relevant statutory requirements:

• Luke’s Point, Bangor • Millisle Beach Park • The Rope Walk, Portaferry • Main Road, Cloughey • Groomsport Harbour, Groomsport • Shore Road, Kircubbin • Ballywalter Amenity, Ballywalter • The Commons East, Donaghadee

Motorcycle Parking

Currently two car parks had specific provision for motorcycle parking; Queens Parade, Bangor and Mill Street Gas Works, Newtownards. Motorcycles parked free in all Council car parks.

It was proposed that at least 2 motorcycle spaces be provided in Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Comber and Donaghadee town centre car parks.

It was further proposed that at least 4 motorcycle spaces were provided at Holborn Avenue, Bangor and Old Cross Lane West, Newtownards.

Adjustment of Parking Tariff Concession

Currently a £1 for 5 hours tariff applied in all 22 charged car parks across the Borough. That charge was introduced by DFI before the car parks were transferred and the Council had continued with that policy by default. The tariff effectively meant that users were only being charged 20p per hour to park whilst in many of the car parks the normal charge was up to 60p per hour. With many of the town centre car parks effectively ‘full’ during peak demand periods, the current tariff structure encouraged inappropriate use of town centre car parks for long stay parking by commuters and others who were not necessarily customers of town centre businesses or bringing economic contribution/advantage to our towns.

There was also a need to invest in the car parking stock to bring it up to a suitable safe standard by providing well maintained sites with better signage and lighting.

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The original draft of the Strategy simply advocated removal of the £1 for 5 hours tariff, moving straight to recommended hourly charging tariffs for all periods of parking. However, by adjusting rather than removing altogether the short stay parking tariff concession, it was considered that the Council could achieve an increase in space turnover and better reflected the value of the town centre car parks as key contributors to town centre economies and vitality – whilst at the same time retaining a reduced cost parking incentive for town centre visits to shop and conduct business.

It was proposed that the £1 for 5 hours charge be removed from all charged car parks but that the following revised concessionary fees were introduced depending on the location/use of each car park:

Tariff A

• 50p for the first two hours then £1.00 per hour thereafter.

• This tariff would apply in all the town centre car parks in Bangor, Newtownards and Holywood.

Tariff B

• 50p for the first 2 hours then 50p per hour thereafter.

• The tariff would apply in specified car parks that were located at the periphery of town centres and in the two smaller town centres of Comber and Donaghadee.

It was also proposed to introduce alpha numeric key pads on all ticket machines so that the vehicle owner would need to enter their vehicle registration number when they paid. That would ensure that a driver could only take advantage of the 2-hour parking fee concession once per day.

Concerns and Mitigation

The Members Working Group expressed a number of concerns about other deficiencies in the original draft of the Strategy, and a number of mitigating proposals had now been included in the revised version.

Displacement

Concern was expressed that if tariffs were increased or introduced in certain car parks, long stay parkers would be displaced into the adjoining streets and hence add to the problems for residents.

It was important to state that as a general principle the Council needed to reduce long stay parking in their car parks to ensure that shoppers and those who did

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business in towns could access parking when they needed it. However, in a bid to address problems that may potentially arise in the adjoining streets it was proposed that the Council would establish new and more focussed ways of working with DfI staff to identify site specific problems, exploring and promoting the full utilisation of appropriate on street parking restrictions. Council officers would undertake surveys in identified streets to understand the problems as they arose, and engage directly with DfI personnel to seek solutions.

Business Parking

Unfortunately, it was simply not possible for Council to provide sufficient town centre parking to cater for shoppers/visitors and staff employed by local businesses as there were simply insufficient car park spaces available. As mentioned above, the preference in town centres should be towards short stay parking.

However, in recognition that that was a key area of concern and to provide assistance to town centre businesses and their staff, it was proposed to:

• Carry out surveys to identify car parking in private ownership e.g. churches, community halls etc. which were not normally being used during the routine working week. Council would then act as intermediaries between the property owner and businesses so they could reach agreement to rent car parking spaces to the mutual benefit of both parties. • Encourage the use of outlying/peripheral car parks where the lower tariff applied e.g. Newtownards Road, Bangor and Ann Street, Newtownards. • Work with Translink to explore ways of better promoting and incentivising better utilisation of their local bus services.

Park and Ride

Whilst Park and Ride provision was the direct responsibility of Translink and DFI, there was concern expressed that it had not been appropriately addressed in the first version of the Draft Strategy - given that it was inextricably linked to the management of the Council’s off street car park estate. It was the aspiration of Elected members and officers that Council needed to be more involved in decisions and planning around Park and Ride, working more proactively and directly to influence and shape the future park and ride provision in the Borough.

To address the concerns, the following measures were proposed as part of the revised Draft Strategy:

• Establish a working group with Council officers, DFI and Transllnk to explore optimised solutions to the growing Park and Ride challenge. • Council officers to work with Translink to promote their local bus services that linked commuters from their homes to the main train/bus centres. The Park and Ride car parks were currently full every working day. The aim would be to explore more effective ways of encouraging commuters to use the ‘linking’

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bus services and thereby reduce the number of cars needed to be parked especially in Bangor and Holywood.

Members may be aware that new Park and Ride facilities were in the planning for Comber and Newtownards and the proposed new approach to engagement by Council with DfI and Translink would be used to explore and deliver other measures to address Park and Ride challenges that would inevitably arise as the shift from commuting by car to use of public transport continued to gather pace.

Support for Local Businesses

The evening economy in all the Council’s towns was important and needed to be supported. It was proposed that the Council would:

• Introduce and promote free car parking after 5pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; and • Work with local businesses to encourage the introduction of a parking charge refund scheme whereby if a person purchased more than a specified amount the shop would refund part or all their parking charge. Council would promote and administer such a scheme but the business would be responsible for the tariff refund.

Town/Village Specific Proposals

Bangor

There were currently 25 public car parks in Bangor; 18 were provided by the Council, of which nine were charged. AECOM had advised that those car parks were between 40% and 60% full at any given time which indicated there was sufficient car parking capacity in the town centre at present.

However, in seven car parks had occupancies of between 85% and 99% during the weekday morning, occupancies above the 85% threshold revealed users were struggling to locate an available space. During the weekday afternoon period a total of four car parks were operating above the 85% threshold ie. occupancies between 85% and 99%. Also, in a number of the car parks at least 40% of users were long stay; a phenomenon that was not working for the economy of the town, which needed a good turnover of parking places to encourage visitors, shoppers and business users.

There was clear recognition in the Strategy that removal of the Marine Gardens car parking provision as planned under the Queens Parade redevelopment project, would require identification of alternative off street parking provision in the vicinity the town centre. That was something that was currently actively being considered and reviewed and Council would be working, where necessary with other stakeholders, to identify options for addressing the need; further reports would be brought back through Council on the subject in due course.

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The actions proposed in respect of Bangor Town Centre were detailed below:

Table 1. Bangor Car Park Actions

Current Proposed Car Park Rationale Arrangement Arrangement The car park is located in a desirable location close to the Abbey Street £0.50 per centre of town and Bangor bus / Tariff A East hour tariff rail station, and desirability should be reflected by premium tariffs. Tariff A This key car park is located in a desirable central location. Bingham £0.60 per Provide EV Lane hour tariff charging points The site is located in a central (x2) location and this will increase the features provided onsite. £0.40 per Tariff A This car park is located in a Castle Street hour tariff desirable town location. The site’s reasonably peripheral location makes it an appropriate £0.40 per Clifton Road Tariff B location for longer stay parkers; hour tariff therefore, the tariff is reflective of that. The site’s central location makes Tariff A it a desirable location to park.

Holborn £0.50 per Avenue hour tariff Provide The car park is in a busy central motorcycle location; providing a safe provision environment for motorcycles close to local amenities. £0.40 per Tariff A The site’s central location makes Mills Road hour tariff it a desirable location to park. £0.60 per Tariff A The site is located in a desirable The Vennel hour tariff central location. The site has spare capacity and Abbey Street £0.30 per its peripheral location makes it Tariff B West hour tariff appropriate for longer stay parkers.

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The site is considered to be surplus to requirements. It provides a small number of Central £0.30 per Closure of site spaces, has low usage and does Avenue hour tariff not appear to be well known. It could be repurposed for other uses. The site may come forward as a development site. Parking should be retained going Newtownards forward Road / Free parking Tariff B in order to accommodate Church Street existing demand and to provide some free parking for longer stay users. The site experiences high occupancies and is located in a Eisenhower Free parking Tariff B desirable location. Introducing Pier tariffs will allow the Council to better manage this car park. Maintain current The car park has ample spare arrangement capacity and is located in a peripheral location. It is less than 20 mins walk to the town Luke's Point Free parking centre, so is suitable for long stay parking for those would wish to avail of it.

Provide See section 3.7 for further motorhome information. parking provision and aire de The car park’s peripheral service facilities. location makes it an ideal Provide coach location for coach parking. parking.

Provide EV x2 fast charging See 3.5 for further information. points. Tariff A The site’s central location makes it a desirable location to park Queen's Free parking and contains a high proportion Parade of all-day parkers. The site is scheduled to be unavailable as

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Maintain part of the Queens Parade motorcycle Redevelopment Scheme, but parking depending upon timing/ progress of this scheme, if there was an opportunity this recommendation would apply.

The car park provides parking for users of Bangor Maintain current Bangor Castle and the North Castle Free parking arrangement Down Museum; the current Grounds arrangement should be maintained. The site is used by staff and visitors to Ards and North Down Bangor Maintain current Free parking Borough Council; the current Castle Staff arrangement arrangement should be maintained. Ward Arras Maintain current The site is for users of Ward Park Free parking arrangement Park; the current arrangement is reflective of this. Maintain current The site is for users of arrangement Ballymacormick Point; the Banks Lane Free parking current arrangement is reflective of this. Maintain current The car park is for users of the Connor Park Free parking arrangement park; the current arrangement is reflective of this.

Newtownards

Newtownards currently has 13 public car parks in the town centre; twelve were owned by the Council and of those ten were charged.

Currently the car parks were between 50% and 80% full at any given time which showed there was reasonable spare parking capacity in the town.

However, when usage was considered at individual car parks there were ten of the car parks which were operating at full capacity and that led to driver frustration finding parking space. The concern also arose in the consultation process.

To improve parking space available and increase the turnover of spaces the actions detailed in Table 2 below were proposed:

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Table 2. Newtownards Car Park Actions

Current Proposed Car Park Rationale Arrangement Arrangement The site’s peripheral location makes it an appropriate location £0.40 per Ann Street Tariff B for long stay parkers; therefore hour tariff the proposed tariff is reflective of that. This is a key car park located in £0.40 per a desirable central location and Kennel Lane Tariff A hour tariff desirability should be reflected by premium tariffs. This is a key car park located in £0.40 per a desirable central location and Mill Street Tariff A hour tariff desirability should be reflected by premium tariffs. This is a key car park located in Mill Street £0.40 per Tariff A a desirable central location and Gas Works hour tariff tariff should reflect desirability. This is a key car park located in a desirable central location. Mill Street Free parking Tariff A Tariffs should be introduced Gas Works once alternative Park and Ride facilities are provided. This is a key car park located in Old Cross £0.40 per a desirable central location and Tariff A Street East hour tariff desirability should be reflected by premium tariffs. This is a key car park located in a desirable central location and Tariff A desirability should be reflected

Old Cross £0.40 per by premium tariffs. Provide Street West hour tariff motorcycle The site’s busy central location provision makes it a desirable and secure location for motorcycles. Tariff A This is a key car park located in South a desirable central location and £0.60 per Street/Court desirability should be reflected hour tariff Street by premium tariffs.

4 South £0.40 per The site’s central location makes Tariff A Street (7 hour tariff it a desirable place to park; this

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Court should be reflected by higher Street) tariffs. The car park experiences high occupancies, a high proportion of all-day parkers and is located £0.40 per in a desirable central location West Street Tariff A hour tariff The introduction of higher parking charges should address these issues. Upper Court £0.40 per Tariff B The site has adequate spare Street hour tariff capacity and can accommodate longer stay parking. This site is used for school drop off / pickups and the site’s peripheral location makes it an appropriate location for long stay parkers. Tariff to be introduced Talbot Free parking Tariff B following the provision of formal Street Park and Ride facilities in the town. Agree arrangement with Londonderry Primary School to accommodate school drop offs etc.

Holywood

There were 6 public car parks in Holywood operated by the Council, of which 3 were currently charged.

Overall Holywood car parks were 60% to 90% full at any given time which showed that there was reasonable spare parking capacity in the town but that it needed to be more actively managed.

Some individual car parks were operating at capacity most of the time and there was evidence that car owners found it difficult to find a space.

Also, around 55% to 60% of all parkers were long stay i.e. parking for more than 4 hours. That had an impact on the availability of parking spaces for business users and shoppers and impacted on the town’s economy.

To improve parking space available and increase the turnover of spaces the actions detailed in Table 3 below were proposed:

Table 3. Holywood Car Park Actions

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Current Proposed Car Park Rationale Arrangement Arrangement This is a key site in a desirable central location; the current Introduce Tariff A arrangement is reflective of that. Church Road Provide EV The site’s central location charging points makes it an appropriate and £0.60 per secure location for EV hour tariff provision The car park is located in a Hibernia £0.40 per Introduce Tariff A desirable central location; Street North hour tariff tariff desirability should be reflected by premium tariffs. This is a key site in a desirable Introduce Tariff A central location; desirability should be reflected by premium Hibernia £0.50 per tariffs. Street South hour tariff Provide motorcycle The site’s desirable central provision location makes it an appropriate site for motorcycle provision. Site contains a very high proportion of all-day parkers. It is also within 400m of the town.

Spafield Free parking Introduce Tariff B The introduction of tariffs reflects the car park’s close proximity to the centre of the town and also aims to improve space turnover and control at the site. The site is for users of Ballymenoch Maintain current Ballymenoch Park; therefore, Free parking Park arrangement the current arrangement reflects this. The site is for users of Seapark; the current arrangement is reflective of this. Maintain current Seapark Free parking arrangement It is also recommended to monitor usage at this site to ascertain if increased parking

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capacity is required, in particular during increased peaks in demand.

Comber

There were five Council operated car parks in the town, three of which were within the town centre; none of the car parks were currently charged. The car parks were between 50% - 75% full at all times with around 50% of users being long stay which was having an adverse impact on the town.

It was considered that the Castle/ Bridge Street and Killinchy Street car parks were key assets to the town centre and there was a need to influence usage so that there was greater turnover and availability of spaces. Those car parks were currently operating at full capacity on weekday morning periods.

The proposed changes in respect of Comber are outlined in table 4 below:

Table 4. Comber Car Park Actions

Current Proposed Car Park Rationale Arrangement Arrangement Introduction of Tariff B. Implement a scheme to This is a key car park located in permit a desirable centre location; Comber Leisure desirability should be reflected Centre by premium tariffs. This will increase space turnover and members control. access the car Castle / Free parking park for no Bridge Street Reconfigure current design to charge. make better use of current

space. Reconfigure car

park design. Site’s central and busy location

makes it an appropriate place Provide for motorcycle parking. motorcycle parking provision

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Maintain current The site’s peripheral location Glen Link Free parking arrangement makes it an appropriate location for long stay parkers. This is a key car park located in a desirable centre location; Introduce Tariff desirability should be reflected B Killinchy by premium tariffs. Free parking Street Provide EV The site’s desirable and central charging points location makes it an appropriate location for EV provision. Newtownards The site has ample spare Road Maintain current capacity. It is mainly for access Free parking (Comber arrangement to the cemetery and is not Road) suitable for long stay parkers. Maintain current The site is for users of Island Island Hill Free parking arrangement Hill; the current arrangement is reflective of this.

Donaghadee

Donaghadee had five free Council operated car parks most of which were slightly away from the main shopping centre and all had considerable capacity. There was also evidence that the on-street parking was operating at capacity.

There was considered to be a need for additional parking in better proximity to the shopping centre of the Town.

An assessment was conducted to identify and review potential new off-street parking provision in the town, with the following findings to date:

- A site at New Street was identified behind the old Market House. However, there were issues with local planning designations, obtaining site’s owner(s) permission and access into and out of the site. Therefore, this site was not considered viable and should not be progressed.

- A potential site at the old community centre to the rear of Pier 36 (currently in poor condition and being used on an ad hoc basis for car parking). The site was currently being investigated for redevelopment as a small charged car park.

- The car park of Donaghadee Methodist Church, Moat Street had been identified as a potential site for public car park usage. Officers were currently investigating the potential for entering into an agreement with the Church to utilise the site as a pay and display car park.

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- The existing car park at Railway Street which was within 300m walking distance to the centre of the town should be retained and signage improved to enhance accessibility/usage.

It was proposed that further be given regarding suitable parking provision in Donaghadee in the context of the above and any other options that could be identified going forward.

Ballygowan

It had been identified that there was a need to provide additional car parking in the village, which currently had no off street provision and most of the on street parking space on the Moneyreagh Road and Saintfield Road was typically full during the weekday - impacting upon the economic growth of the village.

It was proposed that the Council sought to develop an off street car park within the village with potential for charging to enable the site to be properly managed.

Greyabbey

Council did not currently provide off street car parking in Greyabbey although there was free public parking at the site owned by the National Trust on the Portaferry Road and a small private car park adjacent to the primary school.

It had identified that there was demand for additional car parking in the village to help support the local economy. Whist two sites had been investigated it had not been possible to progress potential for public parking on either site.

It was proposed that the Council continued its efforts to find a suitable site within the village to develop a public car park.

It was also proposed that DfI was encouraged to monitor on street car parking and discourage parking on pavements.

Portaferry

Portaferry had 3 free Council operated car parks (The Square, The Rope Walk and Meeting House Street).

There was spare capacity at Meeting House Street and The Rope Walk sites during the weekday. The Square car park was typically operating at capacity. That was leading to driver frustration in being unable to locate a space in the centre of the village.

By comparison Meeting House Street was underutilised and that was raised as an issue during initial community discussions.

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The Rope Walk car park at the rear of Exploris Aquarium experienced seasonal surges in demand causing the site to operate at capacity at those times.

On street parking was typically full within the main retail core of Portaferry and it was noted there were issues with informal on street parking along the extent of The Square, Castle Street, Cloughey Road and The Strand. In addition, vehicles were observed parking in contravention of yellow line markings along Church Street and Cloughey Road.

A qualitative future assessment in Portaferry was undertaken to consider how development proposals may affect parking provision in the village. The assessment showed that several residential developments, a supermarket extension and retail units were proposed, and it was likely that the residential developments would increase demand for services and therefore increase parking demand in Portaferry.

The proposed upgrade of the Rope Walk car park and provision of coach parking to provide increased parking capacity would help to cope with seasonal fluctuations in demand. Following implementation of the new Public Realm scheme with proposed changes to the Square and redevelopment of the Rope Walk car park it was proposed that car parking patterns be monitored further, with the option to review any potential need for a charging scheme to manage parking space availability/turnover.

On street parking was a responsibility of DfI in addition to other highway responsibilities. It was proposed that the Council sought to address on street concerns through discussions with DfI, to include a revision of the on street parking bays provided along the Strand to address limited on street parking in the vicinity. It was also recommended that informal on street parking was monitored and kept under regular review by DfI.

Action Plan, Monitoring and Review

An action plan identifying actions that would be delivered within the lifespan of the Strategy, up to 2028 had also been prepared.

It was proposed that implementation of the Strategy Action Plan would be accompanied by ongoing review and that the first review report would be brought back to Council no later than 13 months after commencement (and sooner if required), with annual review reports thereafter. That would allow for timely identification of the impacts and outcomes of the Strategy and inform any need for adjustments that may be required to further promote delivery of the Strategy objectives outlined in section 2 of the report.

Consultation

It was proposed that following agreement of the Draft Strategy the Council undertook a 10-week public consultation on the draft proposals. As well as general publication

EC.06.11.19 and call for feedback, various consultation engagement activities would be undertaken with key stakeholder groups.

A further consultation report would then be brought back to Council before adoption and implementation of the final Strategy. A draft project timetable was attached.

RECOMMENDED that the Council adopts the report and agrees to issue the Draft Strategy and Action Plan for a 10-week public consultation exercise, with consideration of a final Draft Strategy and Action Plan thereafter.

Councillor McKee proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor McNickle,that a decision be deferred to allow a report to be brought back on how the displacement issue with cars can be addressed.

Councillor McKee did not believe that the issue of displacement was being adequately addressed by the Department for Infrastructure who was not working in tandem with the Council. There was not much information in the report relating to that and he did not feel that Members were in a position to make an informed decision.

As seconder to the Motion Councillor McNickle explained that she had only been a member of Council for less than a month and she was already aware of how strongly the public felt about car parking. She felt that it would be useful to have more information before the Council made any decision on such a significant matter.

Councillor Wilson recognised that the strategy was only in consultation form but feared that it would push traffic further out of central areas. He thought that the Council should continue to work with Translink and Transport NI but he was happy to support deferment and was keen to make changes as soon as possible.

The Director explained that the Council faced a dilemma since part of car parking responsibility had been transferred to Councils but Transport NI also held responsibility. The Council was seeking new ways of collaborative working but there and the draft strategy outlines ways in which that would be taken forward. Ultimately, there was no absolute certainty what the outcomes would be in relation to on street car parking – but the draft Strategy sets out an unequivocal commitment to monitor and review the situation following implementation of measures – if need be allowing for further changes and even reverting back to original arrangements if that was deemed most appropriate. The Strategy would be a living, dynamic process.

Alderman M Smith had a number of concerns about the report. She stated that when the Council took over the car parks it was aware of the conditions of each one so it should not be surprising that some of them needed to be upgraded. She had been surprised to note that season tickets were available in some of the car parks and she wondered how many of them the Council provided and the location of those car parks and how much they cost.

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She went on to refer to the issue of displacement of cars and referred to the Strategy which stated, ‘in a bid to address problems that may potentially arise in adjoining streets it is proposed that the Council will establish new and more focussed ways of working with DfI staff to identify site specific problems, exploring and promoting the full utilisation of appropriate on street parking restrictions.’

Alderman M Smith sought confirmation on what that meant before she would agree to anything. She also noticed that the Newtownards Road Car Park in Bangor had been mentioned but yet later it had stated that ‘the site may come forward as a development site’. She had been amused to read about the stated occupancy rates in the Bangor town centre car parks which seemed rather low and inaccurate to her. The Strategy continued that there was a clear recognition in the Strategy that removal of the Queens Parade car park parking provision would require identification of alternative off street car parking provision in the vicinity of the town centre, but she wondered where that would be since there were not many free spaces around the streets of the town.

Referring to the car parking on the streets around train stations Alderman Smith stated that she had sent Translink and the Department for Infrastructure letters last October explaining the frustrations and complaints of local people who lived close to those stations to receive the following response, “Translink do not have parking facilities at these stations and there is no realistic scope to offer relief through the provision of park and ride facilities in such dense residential areas.” She reported that the Department for Infrastructure had replied using exactly the same phrase. She did not believe that the Council’s off street car parking strategy would be able to provide an answer which was unfortunate since the residents would be left to suffer. The people of Bangor West now used traffic cones outside their houses and at corners to enable themselves to drive out of their driveways with some safety and to give a clearer view. The report had been brought forward but there were questions which still needed to be clarified and she did not think charging for parking to be the answer so she agreed that it should be deferred until further answers could be provided.

Councillor Egan referred to the displaced cars and residents who had begun to take that matter into their own hands. She hoped that a more sustainable network could be set up to link people with public transportation and other more environmentally conscious methods of transport. She urged the Council to tie down the commitment of other statutory bodies and work through the formal structures in place as soon as possible.

Councillor Dunne echoed most of the previous comments and while he recognised the work which had been carried out to date the workshops had raised major concerns. Displacement of vehicles would only serve to move the problem along. Current planning policy encouraged town centre living and most professional services were located in town centres where people often drove. He was happy to support Councillor McKee’s amendment.

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Councillor Cathcart also supported the amendment and hoped that a holistic approach could be taken.

The Director thanked Members for their comments and explained that that was why a consultation would take place. Planning policy discouraged the provision of extra car parks in town centres in the interests of promoting more sustainable transport options, and it was vital that the existing facilities were managed to maximise their benefit to town centre economies. The preliminary consultation undertaken whilst preparing the draft Strategy showed that there was strong demand for changes to car park tariff structure among other things in order to better realise the benefits of car park assets. Put simply there was not currently enough town centre off street car park space to accommodate both all day/employee parking as well as ensuring convenient parking availability for those wishing to visit, shop and do business in town centres - and it was unlikely that that situation would change.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor McKee, seconded by Councillor McNickle, that the recommendation be adopted.

21. ITEM WITHDRAWN

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC PRESS

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cathcart, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the public/press be excluded during the discussion of the undernoted items of confidential business.

22. FUTURE OPTIONS FOR DONAGHADEE AND MILLISLE HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING CENTRES (FILE 61000) (Appendices XVII & XVIII)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

READMITTANCE OF PUBLIC / PRESS

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Smart, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the public and press be readmitted to the meeting.

Circulated for Information a) DfI - Consultation on Liquor Licensing Laws in Northern Ireland (Correspondence attached)

Members were asked to note that a draft response would be brought to the November meeting of the full Council. 90

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NOTED. b) DfI - Footpath on the Shore Road, Ballyhalbert

AGREED TO RECOMMEND on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the Council should take up the offer of a site meeting.

TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 10.05 pm.

ITEM 7.3.

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Regeneration and Development Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Thursday 7 November 2019 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Alderman M Smith

Alderman: Menagh

Councillors: Adair Kennedy Blaney (7.05pm) McKimm Brooks Walker (7.18pm) Cummings Wilson Gilmour

In Attendance: Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning (S McCullough), Head of Regeneration (B Dorrian), Head of Economic Development (C McGill), Heads of Tourism (S Mahaffy & R Richardson) and Democratic Services Officer (P Foster)

Also in Attendance: Councillors Boyle and P Smith

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Alderman McDowell and Councillor Douglas (both on Council business). Apologies were also received from Councillors Armstrong-Cotter, Dunlop and McClean.

An apology for lateness was received from Councillors Blaney and Walker.

NOTED.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman (Alderman M Smith) sought Declarations of Interest at this stage from members and none were noted.

NOTED.

RDC.07.11.19

3. PRESENTATION BY BEN CARTER, ERNST & YOUNG – OPTIONS APPRAISAL FOR INNOVATION HUB AS PART OF BELFAST REGION CITY DEAL (Appendix I)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that as part of the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) the Council had an opportunity to receive funding from Treasury, under the Digital Pillar, to assist in the development of an Innovation Hub as part of the Regional Innovators’ Network.

In order to assist with the identification of target sectors that align with the BRCD and the Integrated Tourism Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy 2018-30, Ernst and Young was commissioned to carry out an Options Appraisal for an Innovation Hub. The appraisal evaluated which sectors may be a best fit for the Borough, for the creation of jobs and improved productivity within Ards and North Down within BRCD context.

Attached was the appraisal which Ben Carter, Ernst & Young would present to the Committee.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to proceed with the procurement of an Outline Business Case for the Innovation Hub, based on the Digital Creative Sectors as outlined in the report, with costs being met from existing budgets.

The Chairman invited Mr Ben Carter, Innovation and Delivery Centre Manager UK Forensics and Integrity/Digital Strategy, Ernst & Young, to the meeting and invited him to make his presentation.

Mr Carter thanked members for the opportunity to attend the meeting and continuing he proceeded to guide members through a PowerPoint presentation which outlined the Sector Options Appraisal for Innovation Hub. It made reference to the Belfast Region City Deal, provided a Sector Overview, considered what the data said and the future feasible markets.

Mr Carter referred to the time constraints associated with the OBC adding that it was vital the HUB became a catalyst. He also noted that the Borough had in recent times become a hub for the film and music post-production industry and that he suggested was something which could be further built upon.

(Councillor Blaney entered the meeting at this stage – 7.05pm)

The Chairman thanked Mr Carter for his informative presentation and invited questions from members at this stage. The following questions and comments were made by members:

• Councillor Kennedy thanked Mr Carter for his presentation and sought confirmation on the perceived capacity of the Council in respect of the project. Mr Carter confirmed that if the Outline Business Case was submitted in the very near future it should make the deadlines associated with the City Deal. 2

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Councillor Kennedy suggested that the Council could give attention to those individuals who may have private investments. Mr Carter confirmed that type of public/private sector working was in his opinion vital. • Councillor McKimm agreed that it all fitted well with the Council’s Strategy and he sought confirmation on how optimistic he felt about this. In response Mr Carter commented that it was better than what it had been, and he would encourage the Council to make its submission sooner rather than later. • The Chairman, Alderman Smith noted that the Borough was on the doorstep of the production set at the Titanic Quarter and asked how the Council could feed into the growing film industry throughout Northern Ireland. In response Mr Carter noted that a firm based in Holywood, Co Down was already assisting those film production company’s based in Belfast. He also noted that SERC in Bangor had its own small film studio and he suggested that greater use could be made of that given the recent upsurge in the film industry in Northern Ireland.

(Councillor Walker entered the meeting at this stage – 7.18pm)

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Walker, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Mr Carter left the meeting at this stage – 7.19pm)

4. UPDATE ON NIW’S CAPITAL PLAN AND IMPLICATIONS (Appendix II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that at the time of reading this report, Dr Stephen Blockwell, Head of Investment Management, and Mr Barry Nay, Head of Strategic Clients, of Northern Ireland Water (NIW) would have attended the full Council meeting of 23 October 2019, to present the Infrastructure Investment Proposals – PC21 (for the period 2021-2027) and set out the funding challenges being faced.

Officials would highlight the under investment in the sewerage network and capacity issues with wastewater treatment works throughout Northern Ireland, and more specifically in relation to Ards and North Down Borough.

The Head of Planning attended, alongside Alderman McDowell and Councillor Stephen Dunne, the Local Government Political Partnership Forum, at NILGA offices on Friday 27 September 2019, as representative of the Heads of Planning. Sara Venning, CEO of NIW, in referring to NIW’s recently published draft Strategy, delivered a presentation which set out financial pressures facing NIW and the potential economic impact in terms of significant restrictions for new housing/apartments, new hotels, new factories, new office blocks, new schools and new nursing homes.

She set out that around 70 Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTWs) with capacity issues were identified in NIW’s investment requirements for the 2015-2021 Price Control Programme. However, as a result of constrained level of funding made

RDC.07.11.19 available, coupled with further annual funding cuts, NIW was no longer able to accept any new connections to the sewers in over 70 areas across Northern Ireland. Additionally, it was expected that the aforementioned figure of 70 would increase further by the time the next round of funding becomes available in 2021.

Northern Ireland was served by 271 larger WwTWs which served c90% of the population, of which 99 were at full capacity/nearing capacity, and by 2027 an additional 33 would be in the same situation.

The attached table (Item 7.2) set out the location of those Wastewater systems at or near their capacity as at August 2019. The extract relevant for Ards and North Down was set out below: Ballygowan*

Ballywalter (Retention Tank)*

Carrowdore*

Killinchy

Loughries

*WwTW Upgrades / New Works Scheduled for PC15 Delivery within NI Water’s current Business Plan period (2015/16 to 2020/21).

In addition to the wastewater treatment works (WwTW), sewer network modelling was identifying wastewater network capacity issues in Bangor, Newtownards, Killinchy, Cotton, Kinnegar, Kircubbin, Donaghadee, Millisle. As a result new connections were being declined in parts of the catchment.

This had fundamental implications for the Council in terms of achieving the ITRDS, Belfast Region City Deal aspirations and any growth strategies set out in the Local Development Plan.

As members would be aware, the Council published its Preferred Options Paper in March 2019. This set out a proposed Growth Strategy which would seek to, inter alia:

The issue facing the Borough at present was that current housing zonings/approved developments may be unable to achieve connections to the existing sewer infrastructure. This was before any future growth was further examined through the current Local Development Plan process.

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It was also notable that NIW submitted a representation to Belfast City Council in response to publication of its Draft Plan Strategy. This set out NIW’s position that the Plan was fundamentally unsound and that it was essential that growth was agreed with DfI to enable NI Water (via LWWP) to correctly assess the capacity requirements of new assets to support Belfast City’s growth and protect the receiving aquatic environment from further deterioration. NIW also criticised the draft Plan Strategy for not demonstrating how developers would be required to provide necessary water and sewerage infrastructure through Section 76 agreements or other mechanisms.

NI Water set out that it already had Developer Contributions within its Scheme of Charges. However, it asserted that it was unreasonable to assume developer contributions could be used to address large infrastructure upgrades such as those needed to underpin Belfast City Council’s current growth projection.

NIW was calling on Council’s support to lobby DFI (its sponsoring body) and the Department for Finance to work together on finding a solution to the current funding model by examining how other jurisdictions addressed such issues.

It was considered that the Permanent Secretary in the Department for Infrastructure, who maintained oversight of the planning system in Northern Ireland, should be approached in terms of looking at a regional policy solution to those issues which should investigate potential developer contributions or some form of community infrastructure levy to enable continued investment across the Borough. In addition, a letter should be sent to the Secretary of State in the absence of a functioning Executive.

This report had also been considered by the Planning Committee, to which the following was recommended:

“It is recommended that Council notes the content of this report and approves the Chief Executive writing to the Permanent Secretary and the Secretary of State to seek urgent action in relation to this situation.”

RECOMMENDED that the Council considers the report content and the view of the Planning Committee with regard to the recommendation to the Council.

The Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning noted that a similar report had also recently been considered by the Council’s Planning Committee given the serious nature of the matter.

Welcoming the report Councillor Adair agreed that it was a very serious matter particularly as developments were granted planning permission without the correct infrastructure in place.

Alderman Menagh concurred with those comments and expressed concern that so many developments were underway throughout the Borough without the necessary infrastructure in place such as roads, schools and health centres. He suggested that greater collaborative working was necessary amongst key stakeholders.

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Supporting the recommendation Councillor Gilmour noted the maps showed very clearly the potential seriousness of the situation. However, she added that she was aware of a number of incidents of leaking sewerage in recent times and that had not been a pleasant matter for local residents to have to deal with.

Also welcoming the report Councillor Brooks commented that it made interesting reading particularly as his home town of Donaghadee would soon have a further 1,000 new homes for which the appropriate infrastructure was not in place. He agreed that it was imperative that education and health provision was taken into consideration for all new developments.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor McKimm, seconded by Councillor Brooks, that the recommendation be adopted.

5. 5G COMMUNICATIONS (FILE ED46)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that the next generation of mobile communications, 5G, was beginning to gather momentum, although many elements of its delivery and use were still in development.

5G was expected to deliver faster and better mobile broadband services to consumers and businesses, and to enable innovative new services for all industry sectors, including manufacturing, transport, tourism, immersive technologies and healthcare.

It would address the growing requirements for mobile data:

• More Data Driven by better customer experience, more connected devices, higher bandwidth requirements and virtual and augmented reality. • More Devices Driven by smart agriculture, e-health, transport and logistics, environmental monitoring, smart tourism etc.

• Instant Response Driven by vehicle to vehicle communications, remote control applications, drone delivery, smart manufacturing etc.

Citizens were likely to demand 5G deployment, along with the extension of the 4G network where it was not already available.

5G was likely to be delivered as a patchwork of technologies, using a range of radio frequencies. Some of those frequencies are widely used today, for example for TV and mobile phones. Other, higher frequencies were also planned. The new technology and its benefits were likely to be deployed first to urban communities. Without intervention, they were likely to come much more slowly, if at all, to rural communities because of the challenging investment case.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) had already made

RDC.07.11.19 funding available for a variety of initiatives aimed at removing the barriers to the deployment of 5G, with the objective of ensuring that the UK should be a world leader in 5G communications. It was reasonable to assume that substantial further funding would be made available in future.

Some people had expressed concerns about the health risks of 5G, particularly in respect of the extremely high frequencies (so-called mmWave – (mm = millimetre)). The Government’s documented position was that there was no convincing evidence of health effects within the regulatory limits.

DCMS may open further funding calls as part of the UK Government’s 5G Testbeds and Trials programme. This fund aimed to identify the means to address both supply side and demand side barriers to the deployment of 5G.

The FFNI programme (Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium of 10 Councils) was ideally suited to coordinate the role of local government in the delivery of 5G, and to lead bids for future Government funding. It had built strong relationships with other key stakeholders including universities, SMEs and mobile network operators and other suppliers. Those stakeholders had expressed an interest in working with FFNI to address the issues of 5G deployment in Northern Ireland.

Key issues

The key issues in regard to 5G were noted below:

• Citizens, especially in rural areas, could benefit significantly from 5G in the future. However, without intervention, 5G would come slowly, if at all, to our region, mirroring the experience of broadband and 4G deployment.

• DCMS’ future funding provided an opportunity to reduce the digital divide and lead on rural 5G rollout, to create 5G communities and ensure investment in mobile connectivity.

• The timelines for completing a bid for the recent Rural Connected Communities Fund were too short (8 weeks) to allow effective preparation and development of a collaborative bid. Since future funding calls may follow a similar pattern and Northern Ireland able to better optimise funding approaches, FFNI needed to be ready to quickly react and respond to such calls.

• There were also perceived health concerns about a small part of the 5G spectrum.

• Due to the complex nature of the topic, external expertise was likely to be required to assist in funding bid preparation. External expertise was also likely to be necessary in respect of some elements of co-ordinating 5G activity more generally.

• FFNI had the capacity to co-ordinate a joined-up approach to 5G in the region - to work with key stakeholders to create a 5G forum to agree a common

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approach to 5G in Northern Ireland and ensure alignment with Department for the Economy and their current and future 5G policy framework.

Next Steps

In order to be best placed to avail of future enabling funds, it was considered that the FFNI Consortium carried out comprehensive and detailed work which:

• analysed the risks (including health and wellbeing) and benefits of 5G roll out, considered all available evidence and information on behalf of all Consortium Members.

• engaged with key stakeholders to develop materials for a bid working with Consortium members in preparation for future 5G funding.

Resource Requirements

To assist an initial scoping exercise for bid development, a budget of £2,000 would be required per Consortium Member. A further budget of £6,000 would be required for 5G co-ordination, stakeholder engagement and specific bid development.

Officer time to assist with coordination and with the co-ordination of 5G activity in general would also be required.

RECOMMENDED that the Council approve participation, as part of FFNI, in the scoping exercise and potential future funding bid, at a cost of £8,000, which can be met from existing budgets.

Councillor McKimm proposed, seconded by Councillor Brooks, that the recommendation be adopted.

The proposer, Councillor McKimm noted the report made no reference to the great public concern in respect of the effect 5G could potentially have on health.

(Councillor Wilson entered the meeting at this stage – 7.28pm)

The Head of Economic Development acknowledged there were perceived health concerns associated with 5G communications and she stated the appropriate investigations would be undertaken in due course as part of the scoping exercise.

Also sharing some of those concerns, Councillor Adair noted that a request had been made by an individual to present to Council on this very matter, however that request had unfortunately not been acceded to. He expressed the view that this had been a regrettable situation.

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Councillor Wilson commented that the request referred to by Councillor Adair had been made by an individual who had no authority on the matter and instead merely wished to air his own opinion. Continuing he recalled similar hysteria around the deployment of 4G communications.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor McKimm, seconded by Councillor Brooks, that the recommendation be adopted.

6. EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND: DIGITAL GROWTH PROGRAMME UPDATE (FILE ED60)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that as previously reported in June 2019, a collaborative bid for ERDF funding, under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme (2014-2020) to support a digital development programme was successful. Invest Northern Ireland had now issued the letter of offer for the Digital Growth programme.

The successful collaborative bid between Ards and North Down Borough and Newry Mourne and Down District Council was now in the position to announce a delivery agent. The aim of the programme was ultimately to provide Digital training and support to small and medium sized businesses within the two Council areas, who, with the right support, advice and assistance, were capable of increased productivity and employment growth.

Project Programme The programme would offer businesses digital based mentoring and relevant digital based business growth workshops, providing knowledge transfer and skills development. The topics to be addressed would be identified following a baseline needs analysis with client businesses upon initial contact. Those workshops would be available to businesses in receipt of mentoring support, and wold offer additional support to boost business growth and employment creation potential.

Aims of the Programme • To advance the digital growth potential and employment creation potential of the businesses located within the two Council areas. • To support the creation of new and sustainable jobs within the Council areas. • To provide accessible and need driven business support that would advance the economic performance in the Council area. • To develop the Councils linkages with the Business Community. • To develop collaborative working relationships with other Business Support Agencies.

Targets and Outputs Key outputs of the overall programme were as follows: • To recruit at least 260 businesses onto the Digital Growth Programme by 30 September 2022.

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• To deliver a minimum of 630 days (4,410 hours) 1:1 mentoring to at least 260 participating businesses by 31 December 2022. • To deliver at least 18 one-to-many half day Digital Growth workshops (with a minimum of 15 participants) by 31 December 2022. • To deliver at least 4 Master Class Events by 31 December 2022 (with a minimum of 25 participants). • To produce a mid-term evaluation after 18 months of programme delivery. • To produce a final programme evaluation by 30 June 2023 measuring job creation and referrals to Invest NI. • To support and capture baseline jobs and new jobs created within each participating business.

Delivery Agent Appointment Following the procurement process delivered in conjunction with the Central Procurement Department (CPD) the successful delivery agent had now been announced as “Alchemy Digital Training”. Project initiation was already getting underway and the initial programme work was commencing.

Programme Budget

Total Project budget £250,500

ERDF (60%) £150,300

Invest Northern Ireland (20%) £50,100

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (12%) £30,060

Ards and North Down Borough Council (8%) £20,040

Project Costs The net cost to Ards and North Down Borough Council would be £20,040 (£6,680 per year for 3 years), which was based on pro-rata targets, and would be met from existing and planned budgets.

Further update reports on programme outputs would be made to Council as the project develops.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report. AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cummings, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, that the recommendation be adopted.

7. NI BUSINESS START UP PROGRAMME – FOLLOW UP APPLICATION AND PROGRAMME (FILE 500516) (Appendix III)

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PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning advising in September 2018 Council agreed to:

• submit a second NIBSUP funding application to Invest NI in 2019, as part of the 11 Council Consortium; • avail of the second phase of the ERDF NIBSUP funding (2020-2022); • contribute an estimated amount of £49,000 per year for the extra two years of the programme up to 2022.

The purpose of this report was to update members on future costs for participation in the collaborative 11 Council Business Start/Go for It Programme and to confirm recommitment from Ards and North Down Borough Council to proceed. This was required by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (as Lead Council) by November 2019.

Context

There was a need for Councils to work at all stages of business start – convincing people to start in business, encouraging them to grow their business and promoting the regional economy via collaborative working. The current Northern Ireland Business Start Up Programme (NIBSUP), which had been operational since September 2017 was a collaborative initiative between the 11 Councils and contributes directly to the job creation objectives identified for Councils in the Programme for Government. The current iteration of the programme was scheduled to end in December 2020.

The overarching aim of the Business Start Programme was to ensure the most effective and efficient model for the delivery of business start-up support services in Northern Ireland, under the ERDF programme criteria, that was best able to:

• support new business starts in order to achieve economic growth and assist local councils in delivering on their responsibility for supporting enterprise awareness and activity; • provide an accessible and cost effective service that could seamlessly align with other Council and partner services; • identify high growth potential starts for referral to Invest NI’s client management services; • Improve rates of start-up survival.

NIBSUP was recognised as the primary support programme to locally focussed business-starts in Northern Ireland. It was expected by stakeholders that Councils would provide a similar programme going forward.

At present, it must be noted that the NIBSUP received 80% of funding through ERDF and Invest NI. This level of funding allowed the Council to deliver a Business Start Support Programme at a very low cost to the Council. As ERDF funding was still available until the end of the Structural Funds period in 2022, the Council could benefit from that level of support for another two years after the completion of current NIBSUP due to end in December 2020.

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There were no directly competing Northern Ireland programmes offering a similar range of advice, guidance, business plan, aftercare and web-based information to that proposed, and there was also a clear strategic case for the proposed initiative based on:

• A high degree of consistency with the aims of Economic Development policy at a NI level; • Compelling evidence of market failures currently affecting enterprise development in NI; • Strong support for a universal, high volume start-up support programme amongst relevant stakeholders which have been widely consulted; • Clear guidance from the NI Executive that responsibility for delivering enterprise awareness and business start-up support now rested with Councils.

Programme Outputs

The primary objective of the NIBSUP was job creation and the programme would also contribute to the NI Executive’s Programme for Government (PfG) targeted; the minimum target for PfG job creation was 1,625 across Northern Ireland per annum and this initiative was the single largest Council Programme contributing to the achievement of this target. Outputs were:

• NI-wide business start-up service tendered and delivered throughout 11 Council areas; • Improvement in rates of start-up survival and sustainability; • Referrals to Invest NI and other support agencies; • Skills development and up-skilling.

Ards and North Down Key Annual Outputs for the new programme (2020- 2022):

Statutory Job Target 85 Planned Programme Job Target 135 Planned Programme Business Plan 202 Target Total Delivery Cost for Council Area £126,223 Cost to Council £44,932 Cost per Job to Council £933 Referrals to Invest NI 2

The key outcome measures for the proposed business start programme (BSP) were:

• number of new businesses established; • number of business surviving after one year; 12

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• number of jobs created; • cost per job.

Delivery Model

The Councils would commission the regional delivery of the service through a public tender process, achieving maximum economies of scale and ensuring consistency of delivery across the region.

The contract would articulate the full range of services to be delivered and Councils would retain responsibility for delivery of the necessary central services i.e. Programme/Contract Management, Finance and Administration functions.

The Business Start programme would deliver practical support to individuals seeking to establish a new business in NI and would include the following elements:

• Initial Enquiry; • One to One Mentoring; • An online business support tool; • Development of a viable bespoke business plan; • Aftercare Support; • Regional marketing campaign using a mix of media channels including local promotional activity at Council level.

This would be supported by a centralised enquiry handling system (contract managed) and a shared CRM/Management Information System.

At this stage, the 11 Council consortium recognised that the NIBSUP had some limitations, however, as the mid-term evaluation had not been carried out, it was not currently possible to directly identify the weaknesses of this programme and recommend a potential new structure. It was anticipated that discussion could take place thereafter (post EU funding) to suggest a new way of delivering business-start that will meet respective local level needs

Indicative Programme Cost

Total Programme Costs (2 years) £3,692,500

Annual Programme Cost to Ards £44,932.00 (Year 1) and North Down Borough Council £44,931.53 (Year 2)

* Match Funding sought via application to NI ERDF Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme and Invest NI.

Indicative Timeline

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Nov/Dec 19 Submission of the application for the new programme to INI; Jul/Aug 20 Publication of Tenders and Delivery Documents; Aug-Oct 20 Delivery Awards; Jan 21 Enquiry Handling and Marketing Commences; Feb 21 Programme delivery to clients.

RECOMMENDED Council confirms its participation in a further 2-year, 11-Council collaborative Northern Ireland Business Start-Up Programme as outlined above, commencing January 2021 to December 2022 at an estimated cost to Council of £45,000 annually, to be included in future budgets.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Cummings, that the recommendation be adopted.

8. A TASTE OF SUCCESS FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (FILE ED56)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning advising that the Economic Development Section developed the business support programme “A Taste of Success” in partnership with two delivery agents, Rosemary Morrison from Directus Training and Ashleigh Watson from Copper Square Communications.

The programme objectives were as follows:

• To deliver 6 workshops in areas of strategic planning, marketing, digital marketing, branding, packaging and showcasing products; • To engage up to 16 food and drink businesses in the programme; • To provide one hour 1-1 mentoring session for each participant who attended the workshops; • To create a closed Facebook group to develop peer to peer relations and mentor support and to encourage future collaboration.

The programme commenced on Wednesday 22 August 2018 with an introductory workshop followed by weekly workshops until Wednesday 26 September. All participants also had the opportunity to book a 1-hour one-to-one mentoring session with the delivery agents depending on their needs for further support.

Each workshop included a guest speaker from the food and drink industry who provided a talk on how they developed their businesses to grow and succeed.

Outcomes:

• 12 companies participated in the programme. The number of participants attending each workshop varied depending on the subject; • 6 workshops were delivered as per terms of reference; • 9 participants received one-to-one mentoring; • A closed Facebook Group was created and was still active.

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Officers reported to Council in September 2018 with the recommendation to monitor the outcomes of the programme up to 6-8 months after completion. A survey was circulated to the participants in September 2019 in order to gather feedback on the impact of the programme on their business.

The table below provides responses from the survey and comments:

Survey question Responses Comments from participants % increase • Workshops extremely motivating and encouraging Increased turnover 33% • Focus and direction to obtain end goal of 300% increase • Insight into marketing and improved profitability through branding, strategies Improve Profitability 33% and visual merchandising • Helped to win contract with Aldi Ireland 25% increase in profitability Staffing Levels 17% • 2 new employees recruited • Company moved into a larger factory unit Increase productivity and • The marketing template developed during 50% improve processes the workshop helped with the structure and helped to put into practice new processes • Aldi Ireland business contract Assist to expand 50% • Marketing on social media increased profile business and sales • Business started to market itself on New Business Instagram 50% opportunity • Plans to export in RoI • Exporting to Ireland

• Positive customer feedback on social Improve employee and media contents 50% customer relations • Built confidence and knowledge of marketing business on social media • Company was able to plan and identify new opportunities Increase marketing skills 83% • Excellent idea for marketing provided

• Lessons learnt from guest speakers with positive examples Digital Marketing Strategy • Focused on putting in place a digital 67% marketing plan for new markets • Allowed to keep in contact, good platform to Group Facebook page 50% share information and useful links, help

build relationships

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• One company did not get much out of the participation but on a positive note, did make a few business contacts • Networking was seen as being beneficial • Would be extremely interested if a similar programme was to run again • Networking aspect was a great strength of Other benefits 67% the programme

• Hearing other stories and successes and failures was useful • Networks and support groups

Since the Taste of Success Programme was delivered last year, a Food and Drink Development Officer had been appointed and The Tourism Development Section had created the Ards and North Down Food and Drink Network Forum, taking forward a business support programme for 2019-2020 to replace the ‘Taste of Success’ Food and Drink Business Support Programme. The ED section was working with the Food and Drink Development Officer when appropriate to offer support in areas of skills and employability.

Conclusion

It should be noted that the programme was heavily geared towards marketing and how to make a business more visible in a crowded market. It was felt that the programme was beneficial on several levels. As demonstrated by the comments contained in the survey, it was clear that some participants used the learnings of the programme to implement new marketing strategies to showcase and promote their products. This had led to some very impressive results such as the signing of a contract to supply Aldi, increased turnover and export to the Republic of Ireland, the employment of two new staff, the physical expansion of one of the businesses and the establishment of a communication forum in the form of a Facebook closed group which remained active today.

At a cost of £6,000, it was felt that the programme represented value for money and that, one year on, it was continuing to produce positive results for the companies involved in the Taste of Success.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report. . AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Alderman Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

9. BUSINESS ACCOMMODATION NEEDS ANALYSIS

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that as part of the transformation of the Regeneration, Development and Planning Directorate as agreed by Council in June 2018, the post of Business Facilities Officer was created. Part of this new role was to assist businesses to identify available premises, facilities and sites within the borough and it had become increasingly clear from the ongoing enquiries received

RDC.07.11.19 that there was an increasing demand for premises to meet the needs of local growing businesses.

The enquiries had all been for premises rather than land/sites for development. In many instances finding suitable available space had presented challenges due to a lack of existing buildings which met the specifications required. Anecdotal evidence was indicating that the Council was losing businesses to surrounding areas as they sought space to expand but could not find commercial solutions to meet their needs within Ards and North Down.

In order to better understand and gather a more robust evidence base, the Strategic Investment Board had been commissioned to undertake an analysis and recommendation to Council on what was required to meet the needs of the business base. The Executive Summary and brief were outlined below.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction The Strategic Investment Board for Northern Ireland (SIB) had been commissioned by Ards and North Down Borough Council to undertake research to determine business accommodation needs within the Borough, with a view to informing a decision as to whether it would be beneficial or otherwise for the Council to invest in, partner in a shared arrangement, or support business accommodation provision being proposed for the Borough. The intention at this stage was purely to establish if there were sufficient potential benefits for the Council and the community in general, to justify further investigations or to establish that there was not such merit and therefore to cease any further interest in this particular proposition at this point.

Background & Introduction: In terms of the existing research and publications on the business base within ANDBC, its employability and skills, and the evidence in respect of the business demand/needs for workspace/premises and/or office requirements including Grade A accommodation, the research would indicate that the area had a fairly stagnant population with a good skill base but lower levels of productivity, with the key towns in the Borough acting as commuter towns to Belfast. There was a low level of FDI attracted to the area and business start-ups were also lower than the NI average. That withstanding, there were a number of growth companies in the Borough, including those being supported by Invest NI, for example Denroy, Simply NUC, Forth Communication and Eye Killer.

This, including the proximity of the key towns to the Greater Belfast area and the existing higher educational pool that exists, provided a platform for attracting higher value jobs to the Borough.

The Terms of Reference noted that the workplan was to comprise a robust evidence base to demonstrate:

1. (a) Understanding of current provision of land zoned for employment/industry use (b) Premise availability

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2. - Understanding of business demand/needs for workspace/premises and/or office requirements referencing Grade A or other etc. – both from local business perspective and potential inward investment needs/trends or particular sector requirements 3. Assessment of what is stopping business grow, or new business locate in the borough, and what is causing businesses to leave the borough, and what interventions would help 4. Evidence base and the case – including what should the Council’s role in this be; what, if any, partnership models or financial models would be required to support? 5. Based on evidence base what recommendations for Council/does Council need to step in if there was market failure? 6. The above may also need to reference economic inactivity/employability and skills and how this may impact needs going forward, as relevant.

A list of key stakeholders, relevant to each of those aspects, was drawn up and each of those was engaged in turn, in order to inform this report and any recommendations contained within it.

Findings to date: Further to this initial analysis, including a round of engagement with the key, identified stakeholders, the following summarised the key findings that could be used for the purposes of moving forward. Those had been summarised in terms of (a) the current identified accommodation requirements from stakeholders (b) the wider accommodation requirements and (c) the potential role of the Council in supporting such business accommodation needs.

This was summarised in the table below: Stakeholder Current Identified Requirements Feedback Bangor Large indigenous company in aerospace sector– Council support sought on Site 1 in accessing adjacent land plus land sought to accommodate minimum 60,000 sq ft industrial space subject to existing land at Site 2 rezoned for housing FDI in IT sector – Requirement for up to 25,000 sq ft office and warehousing subject to delivery on growth plans FDI in Data driven Communications sector – Requirement for 10/15,000 sq ft. of office and warehouse accommodation Indigenous company in advanced manufacturing sector – Half an acre for 3,000 sq ft of industrial space1 Various office based indigenous companies – flexible, shared office space including in town centre Cultural/arts sector – office space for 15 staff and events space plus various affordable artist showcase space

1INI has not provided details but as at Sept 2019 is in negotiation in Balloo for ½ acre 18

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Stakeholder Current Identified Requirements Feedback Consideration being given to the future of Project 24, as an "Academy" style project to support creative entrepreneurship while utilising the units or placing start- up businesses in locations like the Flagship, or smaller units in the town centre

Total – 40,000 sq ft office and warehousing, 60,000 sq ft industrial space, plus office based Holywood Indigenous technology-based company – 1,000 sq ft of office space in Holywood or Ards Indigenous animation company - 1,000 sq ft of creative technologies office space and capacity to grow to 5,000 sq ft Indigenous film production company - 20,000 sq ft of creative technologies office space

Total – Up to 26,000 sq ft office Newtownards Indigenous technology-based company – Business accommodation to increase from 1,000 sq ft to 2,500- 3,000 sq ft net usable space by 2020 of office space in Holywood or Ards The Warehouse community project - opportunity to expand this facility Indigenous drinks company – land or premises for 500 sq ft and grow on space

Total – Small industrial space plus up to 3,000 sq ft Office Other Space to expand craft/creative offering in Comber Indigenous Manufacturing company close to Kircubbin – 20,000 sq ft of industrial space

Total – 20,000 sq ft Industrial space in Kircubbin Small creative space in Comber, Newtownards, Portavogie, Portaferry Stakeholder Wider Accommodation Requirements Feedback Innovative Potential to provide bespoke, tech-based workspace to workplace compliment / build upon, the demand already seen in the accommodation in towns town centres – Estate Agents - acknowledge that there is a shortage of technology based – high-quality office accommodation in town centres, supporting local particularly in Bangor entrepreneurs and tech-based Invest NI - Opportunity to cluster the creative companies technologies sector in Holywood Demand for a multi-functional ‘café-culture’ based business park in the Holywood / Bangor area, with the

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Stakeholder Current Identified Requirements Feedback perceived proximity of Holywood to Belfast making the latter more attractive to businesses (as they consider availability of labour)- This is relevant to the potential acquisition of the Kinnegar site Start-up businesses Support from the Council in bids to the Invest NI Flexible / grow-on Workspace Loan Scheme2. Expressions of Interest businesses (ie (initially due in the three months to end Aug 2019). The meeting additional Scheme is open to any Applicant (excluding public sector demand from organisations) who can Enterprise Agencies demonstrate an ability to deliver flexible early-stage or as well as the “move-on” workspace to the NI market be that through a private sector) new build project or a refurbishment of existing buildings through maximising private sector funding opportunities.

NDDO – Interested in partnership with the Council– this was in relation to a model which had been presented to Enterprise NI and discussed also with Council about the way forward if land was released– with LEAs providing the smaller units (up to 2,500 sq ft) but the Council providing larger units (over 2,500 sq ft) so businesses could move and be retained in the Borough. This partnership approach would not be so much a Joint Venture but a joint approach to the supply of the relevant Accommodation , with (potentially) the Council providing capital to the build stages and the LEA taking over the operation of the facility and leasing the space from the Council. This was an approach used by BCC in the Innovation Factory in Belfast. Ards Business Centre - Partnership sought with the Council to develop 8,000 sq ft on land purchased. ABC note that they are not yet in a position to progress with any plans on the site which they have recently purchased as they need to ensure that adequate market research and a feasibility study is carried out and completed. They will discuss opportunities directly with the Council. Warehousing Estate Agents – ongoing interest in warehousing, with space/Manufacturing evidence of under supply space Estate Agents – interest in manufacturing at a large scale and also demand for 1,000/2,000sqft workspace units (as confirmed by NDDO, ABC and private sector). Grade A for FDI NI continues to attract FDI with proximity to the City (Foreign Direct Centre important for companies making location Investment) decisions. Based on all of the above, and the evidence available / gathered, it is deemed ‘unlikely’ that major

2 Projects will provide a maximum of 35,000 sq. ft. net of flexible early-stage or “move-on” workspace capable of sub-division 20

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Stakeholder Current Identified Requirements Feedback inward investment is on the horizon for ANDBC in its locations in Bangor and Ards.

Potential to provide modern fit for purpose office accommodation in Holywood, i.e. within Greater Belfast area, and the Council may wish to consider this in the planning for the Kinnegar site (52 acres in Holywood).

Notwithstanding the potential for full scale Grade A accommodation in Holywood, there would be a case for high quality regional generic workplace hubs in all three towns with close proximity to transport infrastructure. Relevant retail use Potential to complement the tech & creative based (e.g. Artisan / industries through the provision of retail outlets within the Creative industries) centre for example Project NI Screen - Opportunity for vendor park to support the 24 / Boom Studios film sector.

Various – opportunity for the Council to provide increased access to car parking space, retail and storage space

Conclusions:

Gaps had been identified in the provision of business accommodation within the Borough, which the market was not fulfilling.

The ability to provide cost effective solutions was key, for example in some instances, businesses had been seeking low cost solutions (for example warehousing at £3 square feet) which may only be cost effective for established premises. In such cases, Council should seek to support the private sector as the latter increases its offering for warehousing on a cost-effective basis.

There was definite potential for Council to play a role in increasing the supply of quality office and manufacturing business accommodation within the Borough.

Some of this would be through working with Planning Service to ensure that accommodation was available where permissible, for example office accommodation in town centres, workspace industrial units from sub 1,000 to 2,500 sq ft plus including some adjacent to the existing LEA developments, with both LEAs indicating a willingness to work with the Council on a partnership basis. Indeed, the Invest NI Flexible Workspace Loan Scheme required evidence of Council support for such schemes (open to all non-public sector applicants).

There was an opportunity for the Borough, particularly in Bangor and Holywood, to become the ‘go to’ destination in Northern Ireland, for the creative technology sector, with Bangor emulating other seaside towns in the UK such as Brighton (building upon lifestyle, affluence, within the seaside town), and Holywood building upon NI’s

RDC.07.11.19 increasing reputation in the film and screen sector, with its proximity to the film studios within Titanic and North Foreshore.

There was also an opportunity to build upon Holywood’s positioning within the Greater Belfast area and attractiveness to FDI Grade A office accommodation, while reversing the direction of travel of commuters from all three major towns into Belfast and facilitating the growth of Borough’s export focused indigenous base.

Recommendations:

There were a number of recommendations arising from the analysis, including that Council:

1. Engage with the LEAs and private sector to determine how it could best support the increased provision of business accommodation in the Borough, for example partnership arrangement or further financial support etc., especially as the Invest NI Flexible Workspace Loan scheme was being considered to be transferred to the Council (beyond the timing of the initial Pilot).

2. Carried out a review of the industrial zoning and compare the current zoning to business accommodation needs as identified.

3. Considered how best to work with the private sector to bring vacant property within town centres back into use for office accommodation

4. Considered the opportunities specifically identified for Holywood in terms of FDI Grade A and the creative technologies sector. (It should be noted that Council had entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the MOD to develop a Masterplan for the Kinnegar site.)

5. Carried out further engagement with all stakeholders and potential users highlighted to date, to firm up their timescales and technical / spatial requirements.

RECOMMENDED that Council:

1) Adopts the conclusions and recommendations of the Business Accommodation Needs Analysis as outlined above;

2) approves further work to develop appropriate partnership and financial models and business cases, as appropriate, in line with budget approvals, to meet the needs of the growing business base for suitable accommodation in light of market failure. Future details of which will be brought back to Council as the work progresses.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Cummings, that the recommendation be adopted.

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10. NOM UPDATE: NORTH CHANNEL SWIM COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL (FILE 180614) (Appendix IV)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that following a Notice of Motion regarding the recognition and promotion of the North Channel Swim between Donaghadee and Portpatrick, Council officers had been requested to install an interpretive panel and produce a commemorative medal for swimmers successfully completing the Swim. September Committee received an update that the panel would be installed on the promenade in Donaghadee. Officers were asked to return with further detail regarding production of the medal and the award process.

Update

During further investigations of the protocol for the validation of the swim, it has transpired that the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association (ILDSA) already awarded a medal for the North Channel Swim. Officers had attempted to contact the ILDSA at the outset of the planning for acknowledging the swim in 2016, with no response received at that time. Furthermore, those completing the swim as part of a relay team received an A3 certificate, made of a canvas material, produced by a Donaghadee resident. Both the medal and certificate were shown in the attached Appendix.

The medals and certificates were presented at a gala event each year held in conjunction with the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. In 2019 this was held at Belfast Castle, with the 2020 event scheduled to be held in Kinsale. Medals and certificates were posted to swimmers not able to attend. It should be noted that approximately only three successful swimmers attended those events, as the majority were of international nationalities.

The ILDSA had indicated that, should the Council wish, it would be happy to forward a formal letter of congratulations/acknowledgement from the Mayor of Ards and North Down to successful swimmers along with their medal/certificate. The Tourism Section would draft this letter for the Mayor’s approval and signature when notified of successful swims by the ILDSA. On the basis of recent success rates, no more than 5-10 such letters would issue each year.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes the above and agrees not to produce a medal but proceeds with the interpretive panel to mark the North Channel Swim’s connection to Donaghadee.

It is further recommended that Council approves that a letter from the Mayor be sent to all successful swimmers notified to the Council by the ILDSA, as an acknowledgement of their achievement.

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Councillor Brooks proposed, seconded by Councillor McKimm, that the recommendation be adopted.

The proposer, Councillor Brooks expressed his thanks to officers for their work in respect of this project and noted that all relevant contacts had been made to enable a successful outcome.

Councillor Adair welcomed the recommendation adding that it would be very important to have the interpretative panel in place and raise funds for what he considered a very worthy charity.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Brooks, seconded by Councillor McKimm, that the recommendation be adopted.

11. TOURISM EVENTS PROGRAMME EVALUATION 2019/20 (FILE TO/EV65) (Appendix V)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning outlining an overall evaluation of the 2019/20 Tourism Events Programme which highlighted key areas of activity and outputs as well as challenges with delivery in its current form, particularly around the low levels of actual visitor numbers and spend at the events. The report was attached for members consideration.

To date the Unit has delivered 9 events this season with Seapark Fireworks Display and the Christmas Switch On events in Bangor and Newtownards to take place in October and November. Figures for these will be reported to Council in the New Year. This year’s programme has delivered a total of 119,000 attendees against a target of 113,000 and a positive PR total of £470,580 against a target of £535,000.

During this season there has been record attendance at two events: Groomsport reached capacity with 9,500 attendees and Donaghadee Lights Up with 15,000. This means careful management of these will be required in future to ensure that the health and safety of all on site is prioritised.

As the events grow in popularity, this has presented new challenges, particularly in relation to traffic management and transport options at events. This has had an impact on both officer time and event budgets, which will be reflected in the 2020/21 budgets presented to Council for approval.

Satisfaction rates for the year have remained consistently high at 96%.

The events are primarily attracting a local audience with only 17% from outside the Borough. Of this modest proportion only 0.87% stayed overnight, although generating a valuable average spend per night of £107.

It is a serious challenge for the Tourism section, however, that the events are attracting, ironically, so little tourism. This has been acknowledged in the work on the Borough Events Strategy, which is proactively seeking to develop a new approach

RDC.07.11.19 and structures to rectify this, while not undervaluing the contribution of events to local wellbeing and satisfaction with the Council’s services for residents.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes the evaluation of tourism events in 2019.

Councillor Adair proposed, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, that the recommendation be adopted.

The proposer, Councillor Adair, commented on the number of great events which had taken place during the year throughout the Borough. He expressed his thanks to officers for their hard work in the organisation of those events which he noted had all been a success. Continuing he made particular mention of the Portavogie Sea Food Festival which had attracted a variety of national and international attendees, adding that such events assisted to market the Borough as a great place to live, visit and work.

Rising as seconder, Councillor Kennedy also expressed his thanks to officers for all of their work throughout the year and noted those events which had attracted the most attendees had incurred the least expenditure, those being the Donaghadee Lights Up Festival and the Pipe Band Championship. He suggested that officers considered expanding events such as those, given their success.

Alderman Menagh commented that all of the events held had been outstanding and in particular the Pipe Band Championship which had been held in Newtownards.

Councillor Walker expressed disappointment that not all events had received the same level of reporting such as those held at Donaghadee and Groomsport as there were no attendee numbers recorded for this. Continuing he referred to the figures outlined in the report in relation to visitor numbers and spend, outlining that the actual level of visitor spend and economic return from most of the events was very minimal.

The Head of Tourism commented that as outlined in the report it had been challenging to get a good sample size across a number of the events, particularly in relation to attendee spend. Welcoming the feedback she confirmed that officers would be keen to get a true picture on what the events do bring in, in relation to economic benefit.

At this stage the Chairman, acknowledged the amazing job carried out by the Council’s Tourism department and she suggested that perhaps what was most important was the joy of providing events rather than the amount of money they generated.

Summing up Councillor Adair expressed disappointment with some of the negative comments made by members and suggested that the economic benefits needed to be referred to in the report, as towns and villages all had enjoyed those economic benefits.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, that the recommendation be adopted.

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12. TOURISM EVENTS PROGRAME 2020/21 (FILE TO/EV66) (Appendix VI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning advising that The Integrated Strategy for Tourism, Regeneration and Development (ITDRS) had identified the delivery of a Borough Events Strategy as one of the actions within the thematic priority ‘Promote to invest’. The Borough Events Strategy and Action Plan Report, presented to Regeneration and Development Committee in November 2018, outlined how a strategic and outcomes based approach to planning and delivering events across the Borough would help the Council and others to fulfil their objectives, while ensuring quality and value for money.

In March 2019 FEI (Festivals and Events International) was appointed by Council to assist with the development of a Borough Events Strategy. To date, FEI had conducted two stakeholder engagement sessions, engaged with an Event Engagement Group ( a number of key internal officers and external agencies/partners) on four occasions, had one to one interviews with key event agency partners and delivered a draft Strategic Direction presentation to a Member session in August 2019. The work on the Borough Event Strategy was continuing with an internal working group working through key areas of further research.

Due to the requirement to complete this work prior to bringing a report to Council on the proposed Borough Event Strategy, it was proposed that the Tourism Events Programme 2020/21 would remain similar in content to the 2019/20 programme, acting as an interim programme.

Research undertaken by FEI indicated that the current tourism direct delivered events were defined as ‘Local’. This industry definition meant that the events delivered a high quality experience for their audiences and participants, contributed to local place/need but did not attract out of state/out of Borough visitors at the suggested levels required. The industry categorisation standard was 20% over the business plan lifetime but FEI had indicated that this could be localised for example it could be changed to be more reflective of the Ards and North Down visitor market and potential growth. Further there was no defined plan for growth and therefore the events did not directly address ITDRS targets.

Proposed 2020/21 Tourism Event Programme

Easter Weekend, Bangor – Sat 11 – Mon 13 April It was proposed to continue with a similar model to 2019, with an entertainment programme across the three days of the weekend, with the main focus on Easter Saturday. The agreed target market would be families and programming would concentrate mainly on the seafront, with a suitable music programme in Ward Park on Easter Sunday.

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May Day, Holywood - Fri 8 May This traditional event would have a similar theme to 2019, with the intention to expand the use of Hibernia Street car park area with additional stalls, seating and entertainment. This would leave Church Road free for further entertainment and family activities.

As the date of next year’s event ties in with planned national commemoration activity for VE75, and the government have moved the 2020 Bank Holiday to Friday 8 May, Holywood and District Community Council had agreed to move the event to this date and work with the Council to produce a suitably themed event to mark this significant anniversary.

Pipe Bands, Bangor - Sat 9 May It had been agreed by Council previously that the Pipeband Championships would be held in Bangor in 2020. Officers would place a bid on behalf of the Council to host the event at Bangor Castle, with a possible link to VE75 commemorations. A separate report on VE75 would be presented to Corporate Committee in November.

Comber Earlies Food Festival, Comber - Sat 20 June (date to be confirmed) Officers would work with Food NI to secure a high profile celebrity chef for this event. The event would continue to showcase the best quality artisan food the Borough had to offer and celebrate the PGI status of the Comber Early potato.

Sea Bangor, Bangor Sat 27 and Sun 28 June (date to be confirmed) A celebration of the sea at Bangor seafront. Officers continued to work with partners to develop this programme.

Summer Entertainment, Ward Park, Bangor, July and August A musical programme over the eight Sundays in July and August to run from 3–5 pm.

Portavogie Seafood Festival, Portavogie - Sat 8 August Officers would continue to attract seafood and artisan traders to this expanded market. The model using a mixture of celebrity chef and cookery demonstrations with SERC would be continued. Further work to improve traffic management/parking will be undertaken.

Groomsport Music and Fireworks, Groomsport - Sat 15 August This event would be programmed on a similar basis to 2019, with a high-quality music performance and fireworks finale. Park and Ride and bus service would continue.

Donaghadee Lights Up, Donaghadee - 12 September The date for Donaghadee Lights Up had been pushed back by one week to allow the use of the Commons for a private operator’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of VJ Day the previous Saturday. Officers continued to explore programming options around the popular music and fireworks format.

Seapark Fireworks, Holywood – Sat 24 October

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This annual event would revert to an earlier October date to avoid clashing with Halloween events in Belfast and Londonderry.

Bangor Christmas Switch On - Sat 21 November Annual fireworks, parade and market, held in conjunction with Bangor Chamber of Trade and My Street, Main Street.

Ards Christmas Switch On - Saturday 28 November (date to be confirmed) It would be determined whether the event should be held on Saturday, and what should be its content, based on the post-event debrief in 2019.

Summary

New opportunities to enhance the 2020/21 programme arose from commemorations of VE75 – mirroring the national themes and programme and working in tandem with the civic programme.

Officers were investigating the possibilities and opportunities regarding expansion of Sea Bangor. This would require officers to seek additional funding streams/financial assistance.

Sustainability continued to be a high priority for the Unit with continuing emphasis on use of compostable materials only at food events. An exercise had also been undertaken to make all signage non-date specific so that banners and all large signs could be reused.

The requested budget of £510,200 included the costs of Property and Assets staff whose support was invaluable to the events. The total budget was a more accurate cost of delivering events including set up, road closure (where required) and traffic management. The Unit was also continuing to work with the Waste Service to align the relevant costs to each event. This work would continue this incoming year.

The programme would be subject to the normal Screening process.

The full proposed programme for 1920/21 with budget and target attendance was detailed in the attached appendix.

During the incoming year officers would continue work on the Borough Events Strategy, to set the strategic direction for Borough Events and specify the required Action Plan. This document would be brought to Council for approval.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the proposed Tourism Events Programme 2020/21, as outlined in this report, at a total budget of £510,200 subject the Rate setting process.

Councillor Adair proposed, seconded by Councillor Cummings, that the recommendation be adopted.

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The Head of Tourism guided members through the report and highlighted that the Portavogie Sea Food Festival would now take place on 1 August 2020 rather than 8 August 2020 due to a date clash with the Rosemount Vintage Festival.

Referring to next years celebrations for VE Day, Councillor Cummings asked if any associated events would fall to the Council’s Tourism section.

In response the Head of Tourism advised that both the May Day celebrations in Holywood and the Sea Bangor event would incorporate VE day celebrations.

At this stage Councillor Walker sought an update from officers on where the Council was in respect of its Event Strategy.

The Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning informed members that a workshop had already taken place a number of months ago and currently a working group was meeting to take the work forward. Continuing she advised that it was anticipated the Strategic Direction would be completed by early 2020 following which a further workshop would be held for members.

Councillor McKimm suggested that the Council should build upon some of the comments made in respect of the value of events and their impact on overall wellbeing.

The Head of Tourism confirmed that the proposed new Event Impact Monitor would take areas such as social into consideration.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Cummings, that the recommendation be adopted.

13. DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES FUNDING – REGENERATION

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that since 2013, the five town centres within the Borough (Bangor, Comber, Donaghadee, Holywood and Newtownards) had collectively received an investment of £21.8M via environmental improvement schemes and revitalisation schemes, funded by the Council and the Department for Communities.

Environmental improvements in the form of Public Realm Schemes had been delivered throughout the five town centres. Those schemes introduced stone pavements, architecturally sculptured planting, bespoke lighting, LED street lighting, feature lighting, public art and more; creating distinct, bespoke, high quality town centres.

Following the completion of the Public Realm Schemes, Revitalisation Schemes had been introduced. Those were implemented to support local traders to develop their businesses; helping to promote the town centres as a destination for visitors and residents. Both schemes had resulted in significant and visible improvements.

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Funding Opportunities

The Department for Communities (DfC) had notified the Council that there was an opportunity to apply for funding for the following projects to further enhance the regeneration of those urban areas. The proposed projects were as follows:

ANDBC DfC Funding Project Contribution Allocation (10%) 1. Town Centre Marketing, Promotion & Activity Campaign £120,000 £12,000 2. Town Centre Lamp-post Banners £10,000 £1,000 3. Public Realm Cleaning Machine & To be confirmed – Minimum 10% of Trailer £100,000 total amount 4. Project 24 Christmas Animation £20,000 £2,000

1. Town Centre Marketing, Promotion and Activity Campaign – this was a significant opportunity to give the town centres a further boost. The campaign was primarily aimed at increasing footfall to each of the town centres, which in turn should increase economic activity and encourage investment. The campaign would increase awareness of the town centres and their offerings, promote the town centres as visitor destinations and assist in enhancing civic pride in the area for both businesses and residents.

The campaign would be delivered by an external company to be appointed via public tender. It was anticipated that the campaign would be supported by the town centre Chambers of Commerce and discussion with those were ongoing. The campaign would have at its core a ‘Shop and Eat’ message and would include a range of marketing and promotions which would be complimented by animation/activities.

2. Town Centre Lamp-post Banners – this was an opportunity to continue the installation of colourful eye-catching banners across the town centres. The banners would be installed to the bracket systems provided through the environmental improvement schemes. The banners aimed to create welcoming town centres and increase brand awareness whilst making each town centre an even more attractive place to live, work and visit. The banners would display the town centre branding, include a range of images reflecting each town centre and promote the free Wi-Fi within each town centre.

3. Public Realm Cleaning Machine and Trailer – The Council was required to undertake regular cleaning of the public realm across the Borough as a condition of funding for the public realm schemes. The Council also undertook this as part

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of its normal duties. The proposed machine would be state of the art for street cleansing and gum removal.

The machine would be used as part of the scheduled maintenance programme to deep clean the areas of public realm across the Borough. The purchase of such a machine would allow the in-house cleansing team to carry out the work, presenting a cost saving to the Council as the deep clean of the public realm was currently conducted by an external contractor. The machine was low emission and more environmentally friendly.

The addition of a trailer would enable the machine to be transported more efficiently and sustainably throughout the Borough.

4. Project 24 Christmas Animation – Project 24 was an innovative and impressive regeneration project located in Bangor town centre. The project commenced in April 2013 for an initial period of 2 years. This had been extended pending the Queen’s Parade development.

Project 24 hosted a variety of events such as art and craft workshops, music events and performance. Events at Project 24 had a positive effect on the environment, it drew the community together, attracts visitors and brings financial, social and environmental benefits. This opportunity would deliver a range of Christmas events that would attract additional footfall to the area and the town centre and provide free family experiences.

All of the above projects would be managed by the Council and the financial control would be under the guidance of Central Procurement Directorate.

If DfC agreed the above projects, the Council’s contributions could be met from existing budgets.

RECOMMENDED that the Council approves the actions as set out in this report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Kennedy, seconded by Councillor McKimm, that the recommendation be adopted.

14. RURAL VILLAGE STAKEHOLDER FORUM

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning advising that in September 2018 the Council agreed to appoint County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN) to undertake the process of establishing Village Stakeholder Forums in each of the main rural settlements. Since then the Network had only been able to form two such Forums in Portaferry and Millisle.

At a recent meeting, a representative of CDRCN reported facing opposition to the Council’s proposal in many villages. A number of existing groups believed that they were representative and there was no need to form a further group. The officer explained the Council’s purpose for the Forums was to extend the wider community reach in each village, targeting those who may not attend or be represented by

RDC.07.11.19 existing groups for example traders, youth, faith, sporting etc. It was emphasised that the Council was not trying to compete with the established groups, but to work with them to obtain a wide, inclusive range of views from villages.

The progress report from CDRCN suggested that a more simplified approach was required to reassure existing groups whilst capturing the views of unrepresented areas of the community.

It was, therefore, proposed to form a Community Consultation Group in each rural settlement, meeting twice annually and made up of representatives from existing group/s plus local traders, churches, youth etc. It was proposed that the Group consisted of no more than ten social partners.

Those groups would be more informal and would be used to take a sounding from the area on relevant issues with the output presented to the Council and its partners. This method would give Council and its partners a flavour of the views of the wider community on a range of issues that impact their needs.

CDRCN also reported that many groups wanted local councillors to be invited. In light of this it was proposed that the local councillors, representing the DEA in the village, be invited to attend Group meetings.

CDRCN felt this new consultative approach would be more beneficial and if agreed by the Council this could be undertaken in following villages by March 2020:

Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Cloughey, Portavogie, Kircubbin, Greyabbey, Carrowdore, Lisbarnett & Lisbane, Killinchy, Ballygowan, Crawfordsburn, Helen’s Bay and Groomsport (already formed in Millisle and Portaferry).

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to County Down Rural Community Network proceeding to set up Community Consultation Groups as outlined above.

Councillor Adair proposed, seconded by Alderman Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor Walker sought clarification on why a maximum of ten partners had been decided upon.

In response the Head of Regeneration confirmed that recommendation had been made by the County Down Rural Community Network.

Councillor Walker sought clarification on what would happen if 11 people applied for the position.

The Head of Regeneration advised that if such a situation were to arise it would be brought back to Committee for further consideration.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Alderman Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

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15. VILLAGE RENEWAL UPDATE – MILLISLE (Appendix VII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that as previously reported, a number of village renewal projects had been identified in consultation over Village Action Plans across the Borough; the Rural Development Programme (RDP) provides funding support for village renewal projects identified within village plans. AECOM was commissioned to develop projects requiring concept designs, community consultation and taken to RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design Stage), including full planning permission and, where required, a public tender process.

Millisle - Lagoon and Beach Park Area

AECOM and Council officers had been working closely to define the concept design for Millisle’s Lagoon Area, which was identified as a priority action within the Village Plan and at a Village meeting. As agreed, a Masterplan for the entire site to include the Beach Park had been completed. The cost of developing the Lagoon and Beach Park concept designs, identified within Millisle’s Village Plan, were £20,278, of which £9,905.00 grant aid was contributed from the Rural Development Programme’s Village Renewal Scheme. Concept designs were attached as appendices.

The consultation process for the Lagoon Scheme, which was by way of a well- attended public meeting, generated a high expectation within the local community.

The cost to implement the entire Lagoon Scheme (per the concept design) was estimated at approximately £1.5 million. This substantial cost meant that it was not feasible to consider the entire scheme, so a phased approach was used to identify individual projects. It had emerged through previous consultation that the regeneration of the disused paddling pool was a priority project for the community. It was estimated that the capital works required for this were approximately £184,222. However, the proposed works to the paddling pool required planning permission and, due to the village’s coastal location, officers submitted a pre planning application to determine the level of surveys required to progress this application.

This determined that ground investigation works, at an estimated cost of £23,000, would initially be required and may lead to additional studies. A Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and a Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA) would also be required at a cost of £4,400.

Should the Promenade be considered as an alternative phase of the Scheme, the HRA and PEA surveys and full planning permission would still be required. Costs for phased works to the Promenade are estimated at £471,219.

No grant aid could be sourced under the Rural Development Programme’s Village Renewal Scheme for those surveys or the full planning permission, and procurement

RDC.07.11.19 must be in place before an application can be submitted to the Fund. Officers had liaised with other departments within Council and there was no budget available to undertake those surveys within the current financial year.

It was not possible, therefore, to progress this project under Rural Development Programme funding which required that all projects were approved, and a Letter of Offer issued by December 2019, and that timeframe was unattainable.

A recent meeting was held with the Millisle Consultative Forum to discuss the Lagoon and provide an update on the project. Attached was a copy of those meeting notes. At the meeting officers advised of the issues and there was an understanding of the Rural Funding position. However, those present expressed their disappointment that this project could not proceed.

Council officers from Regeneration, Environment and Leisure were meeting to review what could be undertaken outwith the RDP.

RECOMMENDED that Council does not proceed with the Millisle Lagoon and Beach Park projects at this time under the Rural Development Programme’s Village Renewal Scheme.

Councillor Adair proposed, seconded by Councillor Blaney, that the recommendation be adopted.

The proposer, Councillor Adair commented that the situation was regrettable however he acknowledged that it was a very ambitious scheme at £1.5m and continuing he welcomed the officer’s undertaking to consider further funding streams which may be available elsewhere.

Alderman Menagh agreed that the lagoon was very important and was always busy throughout the summer and therefore he hoped funding for the project could be secured from other sources.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Blaney, that the recommendation be adopted.

16. VILLAGE RENEWAL UPDATE – CONLIG AND BALLYGOWAN

Conlig – Community Centre

Conlig’s Integrated Village Plan was completed in 2016. In recent years officers have been working closely with village representatives to bring forward a suitable project to meet the requirements of the Village Renewal Fund.

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Following consultation with officers in Leisure Services, an opportunity was identified to further enhance Conlig’s Community Centre, to complement remedial works recently undertaken by the Council.

The vision of Conlig’s Village plan was, ‘building on its strong spirit and active community, Conlig’s revived village core would offer both residents and visitors a central cluster of community services and usable green space’. The plan referred to the enhanced setting at the Orange Hall and Community Centre, which outlined the opportunity to carry out public realm work to the front of these buildings. While the Community Centre was not identified in the main action plan, it was referred to in the consultation section and the analysis summary which stated there was “no usable community space” in the village. In order to address this a meeting would be held with the local community committee to discuss and review this action within the Village Plan.

In order to further enhance the Community Centre, the following needs had been identified:

• increased accessibility at the rear of the building; • conversion of existing toilets to accommodate two unisex toilets (one of which would be a disabled toilet); • provision of additional storage and the relocation of existing storage to maximise the space in the main hall; • reorganisation of the upstairs rooms, to include a new meeting space separate from the main hall to accommodate smaller group meetings.

Ballygowan – Moss Road

As agreed previously, officers had considered the suitability of bringing forward a project identified by Ballygowan Regeneration Group to enhance the facilities and grounds at Moss Road.

Officers were currently progressing a Drainage Assessment and Habitat Regulation Assessment to determine if work on the site could be progressed under Council’s Permitted Development Rights. Those assessments were due to be completed shortly.

In addition, a cross Departmental officers meeting had already taken place to consider the scope of the works, which may include the development of pathways, outdoor gym equipment, reconfiguration of the existing parking, the addition of lighting to the car park, a pump track and the drainage of the pitch, as identified in the feasibility study commissioned by Ballygowan Regeneration Group.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the following:

1. That officers progress the remaining pre-requisites required to submit an application to the Rural Development Programme’s Village Renewal Scheme for Conlig. Existing budgets would be reviewed to identify the required Council contribution, and a further report would be presented in due course.

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2. That officers continue to work on the Moss Road scheme to determine whether it can be carried out under the Council’s Permitted Development rights. Officers would work towards submitting an application to the Rural Development Programme’s Village Renewal Scheme for Moss Road. However, it is important to note at this stage that all Village Renewal Scheme applications must include the funding pre-requisites (planning and procurement completed) and must be approved by Ards and North Down Rural Partnership by December 2019. This being the case, there may not be sufficient time to meet the funding requirements. A further report would be presented in due course.

Councillor Cummings proposed, seconded by Councillor Adair, that the recommendations be adopted.

Councillor Cummings noted the deadline in relation to the Rural Development Village Renewal Scheme and suggested that if possible, a report was brought to Council for approval to ensure that deadline was met.

The Head of Regeneration confirmed that officers would endeavour to ensure that took place.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cummings, seconded by Councillor Adair, that the recommendation be adopted.

17. FORMER BANGOR COURT HOUSE RESTORATION REQUEST FOR SUPPORT (FILE RDP168) (Appendix VIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that Council had received a letter from Open House Festival requesting Council support towards the restoration of former Bangor Court House, as outlined in the appendix.

Built in 1866 originally as a branch of the Belfast Banking Company, Bangor Court House was a Victorian B2 listed building located in an area of Townscape Character. It served as the town bank until 1952, when the Northern Ireland Court Service took over occupation and held court sessions until 2013, before those were relocated to Newtownards. The property had since fallen into a significant state of disrepair and although it was still held by NI Courts and Tribunal Service, it was now being transferred through the Department for Communities (DfC) under a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) to Open House Festival. This would be the first CAT on a publicly owned heritage building.

Open House plan to restore the building, turning it into a year-round venue for creative and cultural activity. The regeneration of the old Court House would result in: • A multipurpose event, business and performance space (c120 seated) • Pop-up café / bistro / bar to support creative activities

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• Offices and meeting rooms for Open House Festival plus subletting and hotdesking for the wider creative industries • Rehearsal space and meeting space for creative groups.

The total project cost was estimated at £1.3m, the majority of which would be funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as outlined below. The application required partnership support funding with a request to both DfC and Council. DfC had confirmed its support, subject to approval of the business case.

National Lottery Heritage Fund 853,350 Dept for Communities 250,000 Garfield Weston (Foundation) 100,000 Ards and North Down Borough Council 50,000 Open House Festival crowdfunding 49,372 Ulster Garden Villages 5,000 Total 1,307,722

Assuming the application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund was successful, restoration of the building would begin in September 2020 with the aim of opening the building in Autumn 2021. It was anticipated that the new facility would host in the region of 10,000 attendees a year, resulting in an economic value of over £400,000 per year and a net social return on investment of £4.96 per £1 invested.

The Council had been asked for a £50,000 contribution via a proposed £25k capital grant and £25k revenue support to be included in the 2020/21 estimates. Council officers would also work with Open House Festival to assist them in the governance delivery of the project.

As outlined in the enclosed Business Case, this was a unique opportunity to support the redevelopment of a key historic building within the Borough. The project helped to deliver the outcomes within the Integrated Tourism Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy (ITDRS), as well as supporting the ambitious plans within the Belfast Region City Deal Bangor Waterfront Project and the re-development of Queen’s Parade. The Council’s small contribution also helped secure Northern Ireland’s first CAT project, as well as bringing in over £1.25m from other sources.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the Business Case and a £25k capital grant and £25k of revenue support to Open House Festival for the re-development of the Bangor Court House; this to be included in the 2020/21 estimates.

Councillor Wilson proposed, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, that the recommendation be adopted.

The proposer Councillor Wilson stated that the report was fantastic adding that he looked forward to seeing the completed all-purpose events space.

Rising as seconder Councillor Gilmour stated that she was happy to second the proposal. She recalled that previously a feasibility study had been carried out by the legacy North Down Borough Council and a decision had not been taken at that time. She agreed that a small investment would result in an excellent entertainment space.

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Councillor McKimm acknowledged that both culture and creativity were both top priorities for the Borough and the volunteering opportunities which would arise from that would be invaluable.

Councillor Walker while supportive of the proposals, expressed some concern about the age of the building and the possibility of the need for remedial works to be carried out. Therefore, in light of that he sought reassurance that £50,000 would be the maximum contribution provided by the Council.

In response the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning confirmed that as alluded to in the Outline Business Case, the £50,000 referred to would be the full contribution from the Council. It was noted the Department of Communities had now confirmed the position and a bid to HLF had been placed.

The Chairman acknowledged the fantastic team behind Open House Festival.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, that the recommendation be adopted.

18. BELFAST REGION CITY DEAL UPDATE (FILE RDP22) (Appendix IX)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that the Council had entered Phase 2, Delivery Development, of the Belfast Region City Deal. The key requirement of this stage was the development of Outline Business Cases for all the projects, which if approved, would ultimately secure the funding before moving into Phase 3, the Implementation and Financial Plan.

Structures for Phase 2 were now all in place, with the Joint Council Forum meeting on the 23 October. Council membership of the Forum included Alderman McDowell, Councillor Adair, Councillor Dunlop and Councillor Smart. The purpose of the Forum was to: provide political leadership and build political consensus, build the partnership and identifying opportunities for further collaboration, focus on delivery of the vision for inclusive growth and champion the opportunity created by the BRCD, building support from key stakeholders. Minutes of the meeting would be brought to Council when available. The Forum was meeting again on 29 January 2020.

The Project Board, Finance Directors Group, Communications Group and Pillar Boards continued to meet.

2 Project Update

2.1 Digital Update As members were aware the Babel organisation, (along with the Fraunhofer Society) were developing the Digital Strand. A new Digital Advisory Board had been established, which would further work up the Digital OBC, with a focus on four key areas as outlined below, (details and budget subject to successful OBC approval):

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An Infrastructure Enabling Fund A £42.3 million fund to provide world-class future-proofed connectivity that would link centres of excellence, testbeds, the smart district, regional innovation spaces, etc. The fund would mainly support investment in wireless connectivity particularly 5G networks but would also include fibre projects.

Regional Innovators Network £30 million for a network of up to five equipped spaces for technologists, local SMEs and communities to pursue innovation projects at small and medium scale. Those spaces would be easy-to-access ‘front doors’ connecting each part of the region to the other regional-level resources (including the Enabling Fund, the Digital Platform and Partnership, the Innovation Centres, the Testbeds, Smart District and ‘Challenge’ funding).

Smart District and Regional Testbeds £68.2 million for (i) a large-scale multi-sector ‘smart district’ and (ii) up to ten sector-specific ‘testbeds’. Those investments were mainly for connectivity equipment, particularly in 5G and other wireless networks. Initial 5G testbed opportunities had been identified as ‘tourism’, ‘health’, ‘logistics’ and ‘manufacturing’.

A Digital Innovation Platform Partnership A central resource for both the Digital and Innovation projects The DIPP’s purpose was to maximise the impact and reach of the universities’ research into the wider economy. It would focus initially on maximising the economic and social impact of GII, AMIC, SMIL and i-REACH and ensure a strong integration with the Regional Innovation Network spaces. £5 million would be invested in an operational platform while a £10 million ‘Challenge Fund’ would make £1 million available each year to stimulate collaborative innovation across the region.

Belfast City Council had funded the costs to develop the Babel work to date, (£192,000), with the costs for Phase 2 (£134,000) being split between the other five councils on the agreed EPP split. Cost to Ards and North Down being c£30k (Council has already approved this in June 2019)

As reported under Item 4, Council commissioned EY to undertake a pre-feasibility study to support the BRCD Innovation Pillar. The next step was to commission an Outline Business Case which, subject to approval, would then form part of the Regional Innovators Network as outlined above.

Council was also working with Babel to further develop opportunities under the other three connecting strands, particularly looking at possible testbeds supporting the work being undertaken as part of the Bangor Waterfront and Whitespots Country Park projects.

2.2 Innovation Update Queen’s University and Ulster University continue to develop the OBC’s for the projects being supported under the Innovation Pillar. Council officers were working with them to ensure integration and links with the businesses in the Borough.

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2.3 Tourism & Regeneration Update Council had two key projects under this workstream, the Bangor Waterfront Regeneration project and Whitespots Country Park.

Bangor Waterfront Regeneration The Leadership Group and four working groups had met regularly over the last few months. Working with Aecom and Hemmingway Design, a series of ideas have been generated which were discussed at a large engagement workshop on 8 October which saw c100 stakeholders from a range of different businesses and organisations collectively discuss Masterplan Options. A public survey had also been undertaken, with 1,800 responses. The Design Team were currently evaluating the public and stakeholder feedback with a further workshop planned for 26 November.

Whitespots Country Park The Mining and World War/Somme working groups had met on a number of occasions. A detailed benchmarking study on Mining and World War visitor attractions in the UK and Ireland has been undertaken. There were 43 Mining attractions, seven of which attract greater than 50,000 visitors a year and 56 World War attractions, 20 of which attract greater than 50,000 visitors a year, thus showing the possible potential. However, it was noted that the more successful attractions had a range of additional activities and experiences on site.

BRCD had confirmed that the OBC for Whitespots was to be undertaken on Phase 1, currently estimated at £6m. The working groups agreed the focus should be on opening the landscape, linking in with the Greenways, providing additional facilities such as car parking, and interpretation of both the Mining and the World War story through trails, etc. It was noted that to secure City Deal funding, jobs, out of state visitors and GVA was key, and thus Phase 1 was likely to require a ‘wow’ concept to ensure it hit those markers.

A Terms of Reference for the Business Case had been agreed and Aecom had been appointed through SCAPE at a cost of c£47,000, which could be met from existing budgets.

2.4 Employability and Skills Update The AND Employability and Skills Forum had been established with a series of meetings agreed. The Forum was currently undertaking an audit of what previous employment schemes worked well and any challenges / opportunities with current schemes. This would be fed into work being undertaken by both DfC and DfE, as well as the wider BRCD.

The BRCD Employability and Skills Group continues to meet. They were currently developing further guidance around OBC development and how this needed to capture potential direct and indirect jobs, with a workshop being planned to discuss

RDC.07.11.19 and agree this. The Group was also working with SIB to look at best practice in social clauses.

BRCD Programme Office was currently recruiting a Programme Officer to support and develop the work of the Employability and Skills Group.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes the report.

Councillor Cummings proposed, seconded by Councillor McKimm that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor McKimm commented that it was wonderful to see the momentum of this concept adding that he had noted excitement was beginning to build about living in Bangor and the Borough. Indeed, he had noted that people had commenced engagement through consultation processes to have their say on issues which affected them and their life in the Borough. He added that it was an exciting time for all living in Bangor.

At this stage Alderman Menagh stated that while it was great news for Bangor, he was concerned that the project at Whitespots only appeared to be receiving a small amount of funding in comparison.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cummings, seconded by Councillor McKimm, that the recommendation be adopted.

19. REGENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2019 (FILE FIN45/RDP152)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning that this Regeneration & Development Budgetary Control Report covered the six-month period 1 April to 30 September 2019 and was set out in Report 1 on page three. The net cost of the service was showing an under spend of £95,782 (4.5%) – box A.

A key assumption of the 2019/20 rates setting process was that payroll budgets would be £600k under spent so this was built into the Council’s 2019/20 budget. This budget was shown separately from Services so was not included in the variance above. The Regeneration and Development Services’ year to date share of this salary rebasing budget on a pro-rata basis was £23,699 so, if this was included, the favourable variance would reduce to £72,083.

Explanation of Variance

The Regeneration & Development budget performance was further analysed on page three into three key areas: -

Report Type Variance Box Report 2 Payroll Expenditure £49,419 favourable B Report 3 Non-Payroll Expenditure £7,040 favourable C

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Report 4 Income £39,323 favourable D

Boxes B, C and D add up to the overall favourable variance (Box A - £95,782).

This variance could be summarised in the following table: -

Type Variance Comment £’000 Mainly due to range of small payroll Payroll Expenditure (49.4) variances in Tourism due to vacant posts throughout the year (£36.4k). Non-Payroll Expenditure (7.0)

Small favourable income variances for Income (39.3) Events (£14.7k) and Tourism (£13.2k) Total (95.8) Box A

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REPORT 1 BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT Period 6 - September 2019 Year to Date Year to Date Variance Annual Variance E Actual Budget Budget O Y £ £ £ £ % £ Regeneration & Development 300 Regen, Dev & Planning HQ 117,309 111,700 5,609 487,400 5.0 310 Regeneration 387,872 406,300 (18,428) 1,130,300 4.5 320 Economic Development 481,524 502,000 (20,476) 1,218,100 4.1 340 Tourism 1,045,652 1,108,140 (62,488) 2,129,600 5.6

Total 2,032,358 2,128,140 A (95,782) 4,965,400 4.5

REPORT 2 PAYROLL EXPENDITURE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Regeneration & Development - Payroll Expenditure

300 Regen, Dev & Planning HQ 72,396 71,900 496 142,800 0.7 310 Regeneration 291,713 313,100 (21,387) 619,700 6.8 320 Economic Development 322,752 314,900 7,852 630,000 2.5 340 Tourism 522,720 559,100 (36,380) 1,031,800 6.5

Total 1,209,581 1,259,000 B (49,419) 2,424,300 3.9

REPORT 3 NON-PAYROLL EXPENDITURE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Regeneration & Development - Non-Payroll Expenditure

300 Regen, Dev & Planning HQ 44,913 39,800 5,113 344,600 12.8 310 Regeneration 239,334 232,600 6,734 1,021,400 2.9 320 Economic Development 389,786 410,400 (20,614) 1,069,100 5.0 340 Tourism 606,267 604,540 1,727 1,164,800 0.3

Total 1,280,300 1,287,340 C (7,040) 3,599,900 0.5

REPORT 4 INCOME BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Regeneration & Development - Income

300 Regen, Dev & Planning HQ - - 0 - 100.0 310 Regeneration (143,174) (139,400) (3,774) (510,800) (2.7) 320 Economic Development (231,013) (223,300) (7,713) (481,000) (3.5) 340 Tourism (83,335) (55,500) (27,835) (67,000) (50.2)

Totals (457,523) (418,200) D (39,323) (1,058,800) (9.4)

RECOMMENDED that the Committee notes this report.

Councillor Kennedy proposed, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, that the recommendation be adopted.

Thanking officers for their work, Councillor Kennedy acknowledged the ambitious targets which had been set and in light of recent financial issues he suggested that the Council took no further decisions in respect of future capital plans.

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The Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning advised the member that capital projects and their associated expenditure were matters considered by the Corporate Services Committee and the Strategic Policy and Finance Group.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Kennedy, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Gilmour left the meeting at this stage – 8.06pm)

20. NOTICES OF MOTION

20.1.NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR BOYLE

Councillor Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor Adair, that this Council agrees to write to Katrina Godfrey, Permanent Secretary, Department for Infrastructure (DfI), requesting an urgent meeting involving representation of elected members and stakeholders, reference to replacing the first morning crossing time of the Strangford Ferry Service from Portaferry, currently 7.45 am to that of 7.15 am, further to also discuss general operational improvements to the Strangford Ferry Service.

The proposer Councillor Boyle referred to previous Notices of Motion on this very matter, the most recent being in November 2018, in an attempt to achieve the all-important adjustment to the commencement time of the Strangford Ferry Service from Portaferry at 7.15am as opposed to the current starting time of 7.45am.

He sated there were many positives reasons that this should be put into operation without any further delay as the matter had been ongoing since 2011. At that time, he recalled that he had initially raised the matter with the then DRD Minister Conor Murphy following which he had led a cross party delegation from the Ards legacy Council to Stormont. That had resulted in Conor Murphy enacting the first crossing at 7.15am whilst the ‘MV Portaferry II’ was being serviced and the smaller ‘MV Strangford’ was in operation. This service lasted as long as the servicing of the ‘MV Portaferry’ vessel and was in place for an 8- 10 week period from October- Early December. He recalled that the service had been well received in particular by the regular users of the service and had greatly assisted with those getting to work earlier and thereby freeing up the congested Strangford to Downpatrick Road. Those employed in the construction and farming sectors had warmly embraced this change in service which had made certain locations much easier to access by availing of the Strangford Ferry Service.

At this stage Councillor Boyle referred to the widespread consultation which had been undertaken in respect of this issue, adding that he had personally been involved in those for the past 8 years. He referred to numerous reports and correspondence which had been published adding that everything pointed towards an earlier crossing commencement time from Portaferry at 7.15am.

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Concerns raised locally had included tourism which he stated would in turn become a key driver to building a stronger economy and crucial to that was the Strangford Ferry Service. He added that he was aware a number of organisations depended upon service involving education, construction, farming, commercial activity serving both sides of the Lough, sporting organisations, Exploris, Portico and the Portaferry Hotel. Continuing he noted that in the past Chief Executives from both legacy Councils had met with DFI officials however his reasoning for seeking a meeting with the Permanent Secretary was that the conversations which needed to take place were over and above the pay grade of decision making from current officials. The most recent correspondence from the Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey was almost six months ago and the two main issues for discussion remained the same. Those being staffing issues and additional costings.

Councillor Boyle informed members that he was aware staff were willing to co- operate with the request and he noted the costings involved related to the fuel for the vessel along with paying five to six crew members the equivalent of two and a half hours extra wages weekly for that service. Councillor Boyle stated that the reality was that the service benefit was much greater and far outweighed the proposed mentioned costings. He further suggested that those managing the service needed to visit their operational structures which had been in place for many years and which now needed to be changed to suit the demands of the needs within society.

By way of summing up Councillor Boyle asked members to support his motion as it had the potential to assist and improve the lives of many living within and visiting the Ards and North Down Borough.

Rising as seconder, Councillor Adair also expressed concern particularly as he too was aware the Strangford Ferry Service was vital to the economy and tourism of the Borough. He reminded members that Michelle McIlveen MLA had assisted in securing the new ferry vessel which was now in place. Continuing he stated that while he was supportive of the motion, he did have some concerns about staffing and the potential impact any changes could have in respect of the working time directive. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the work Councillor Boyle had done to date in respect of this issue.

Councillor McKimm rose in support of the motion and also commended Councillor Boyle for his efforts to date. Continuing he stated that he had lived in Portaferry for many years and was therefore acutely aware of the issues with the ferry service and expressed disbelief that the matter had been under discussion for some eight years.

Rising in support also, Councillor Walker acknowledged that the Strangford Ferry provided a vital service for those living in the area and was also vital for the local economy.

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In summing up Councillor Boyle thanked members for their comments and in response to the query why it had taken eight years, he stated that had been due to the processes which were in place. He did however make the comment that throughout that eight year period he had noted that a change in personnel could make a difference. He reiterated that the main issue with the service was the current inability to introduce a 7.15am crossing from Portaferry.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Adair, that this Council agrees to write to Katrina Godfrey, Permanent Secretary, Department for Infrastructure (DfI), requesting an urgent meeting involving representation of elected members and stakeholders, reference to replacing the first morning crossing time of the Strangford Ferry Service from Portaferry, currently 7.45 am to that of 7.15 am, further to also discuss general operational improvements to the Strangford Ferry Service.

20.2. NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR P SMITH

Councillor P Smith proposed, seconded by Councillor Cummings that Council facilitates a public meeting at Comber Leisure Centre in response to concerns raised by residents about the over development to the town and the impact on infrastructure especially roads, primary healthcare and education provision. That representatives from the Departments for Infrastructure, Health and Education be invited to attend along with relevant Council officers.

The proposer, Councillor Smith informed members of a number of new developments which would see upwards of 1,300 new homes in Comber town which in effect would increase the population by over a third. As far as he was aware, they were family homes which would likely have multiple vehicles and therefore, in his opinion, the appropriate infrastructure needed to be in place. Continuing he also noted plans for the third stage of the bypass were currently in place with funding yet to be secured to enable the project to proceed.

Another issue of concern with the proposed new developments coming to the town was the current capacity of doctor surgeries which could see an increase of almost 3,000 new patients. Education provision was also a concern with the three Primary Schools nearing capacity and the secondary school already at capacity. He suggested there could be an increase of upwards of 1,000 additional pupils.

In light of those concerns he had brought forward his motion for the Council to facilitate a meeting to discuss the issues given their strategic nature and the potential impact on the town. He suggested that such a meeting would also enable the Council to make a positive contribution to address the issues of concern.

Rising as seconder and thanking the proposer, Councillor Cummings acknowledged that while large developments were a good news story and great to see they did undoubtedly raise a number of concerns. Those concerns were primarily with education provision and sewerage infrastructure. Councillor

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Cummings suggested that the provision of a Park and Ride system could possibly help to alleviate some of the issues.

Councillor Walker while sympathetic to the issues which had been raised, stated that there were similar issues in other towns such as Donaghadee and Newtownards. He suggested that the concerns were fed into the Local Development Plan rather than asking Council officers to facilitate such a meeting. Continuing he added that in his opinion it was not the Council’s responsibility and therefore he would be voting against the motion.

Alderman Menagh voiced his support for the motion as the current situation on the roads in and around Comber and Newtownards was frequently gridlock. He stated that people needed to work together and noted that Comber in recent times had become a very vibrant town.

At this stage Councillor Kennedy asked what, if any, engagement had taken place to date with other statutory agencies.

Rising in support Councillor Blaney acknowledged the comments and concerns raised by Councillor Walker adding however that he would be supportive of the motion.

In summing up Councillor P Smith expressed his thanks to members for their comments and acknowledged the points made by Councillor Walker adding that they were all valid. He reiterated that the required infrastructure currently was not in place in Comber whereas Bangor had significantly greater infrastructure already in place. In respect of what engagement had been carried out to date, Councillor P Smith confirmed that no engagement had taken place and he acknowledged that the Department may not take up the invitation being extended to them. Continuing he informed members that it had been the Department which had taken the decision on the Enler Village development without consideration of the required infrastructure. Councillor Smith noted that there had been a lot of interest on social media in respect of this issue and again reiterated that he appreciated the points which had been raised by members.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor P Smith, seconded by Councillor Cummings, with 8 voting For and 2 voting Against that Council facilitates a public meeting at Comber Leisure Centre in response to concerns raised by residents about the over development to the town and the impact on infrastructure especially roads, primary healthcare and education provision. That representatives from the Departments for Infrastructure, Health and Education be invited to attend along with relevant Council officers.

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EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC/PRESS

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Brooks, seconded by Councillor Wilson, that the public/press be excluded during the discussion of the undernoted items of confidential business.

21. QUEENS PARADE – VERBAL UPDATE

***IN CONFIDENCE***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC/PRESS

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cummings, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, that the public/press be re-admitted to the meeting.

TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 8.50pm.

ITEM 7.4

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Corporate Services Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Tuesday, 12 November 2019 at 7.00 pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Councillor Gilmour

Aldermen: Keery Gibson Girvan McIlveen (7.02 pm) Muir

Councillors: Blaney Mathison Chambers Smith, T Cooper Smith, P Greer

Also in attendance: Councillor Douglas

Officers: Director of Organisational Development and Administration (W Swanston), Director of Finance and Performance (S Christie), Head of Administration (A Martin), Community Planning Manager (P Mackey), Compliance Officer (G Brown) and Democratic Services Officer (H Loebnau)

1. APOLOGIES

An apology for inability to attend was received from Alderman Irvine and Councillor Dunlop. Apologies for lateness were received from Alderman Keery and Alderman Gibson.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman sought any declarations of interest and the following were declared.

Councillor P Smith Item 8 – VE Day 75

Alderman Girvan Item 5 - #myvoicemyAND Participatory Budgeting Item 8 – VE Day 75

Alderman McIlveen Item 27.2 – Notice of Motion

Councillor Greer Item 6 – Correspondence form Advice NI – Welfare Mitigation CS.12.11.19 PM

Item 18 - Rectification of Title Crawfordsburn Glen Park Item 27.4 – Notice of Motion

NOTED.

3. BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT (FIN45)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 24 October 2019 from the Director of Finance and Performance covering the 6-month period 1 April to 30 September 2019 and the Revenue Budgetary Control Report. The Council had a deficit of £626,070 (box A) compared with a budgeted deficit of £150,000 (box B) resulting in an adverse variance of £476,070 (box C).

A high level end of year forecast was included on page 3 of the attached report. This indicated that the Council’s financial outturn would be £849,000 (box A1) compared with a budget of £300,000 resulting in a forecast adverse variance of £549,000.

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted.

The Director of Finance and Performance outlined the improved position from the previous month and explained that there were still pressures being experienced in the areas described previously but that the improved overspend £476k had been due to underspend in a range of other areas elsewhere. It was expected that whilst the financial pressures would continue, it was hoped that the second half of the year would remain close to budget, but that the current overspend would not be able to be recovered.

Councillor T Smith queried if the overspend continued to be attributed to ongoing issues at Ards and Comber leisure centres and payroll costs there and if there were steps being taken to reduce them. The Director explained that a concerted effort was being made by officers to examine the costs and bring them in line with the budget set but that that work was ongoing and that he expected that the Community and Wellbeing Committee would be updated on a regular basis.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Chambers, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the recommendation be adopted.

4. UPDATE ON INTEGRATED HR PAYROLL AND EXPENSES AND TIME ATTENDANCE PROJECT

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 31 October 2019 from the Director of Finance and Performance stating that in December 2017, Council agreed to award a contract for an Integrated HR, Employee Payments and Time and Attendance solution to CoreHR.

This system would, when fully implemented, replace 5 systems, covering:

• Time and Attendance (Core HR and North Time and Data);

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• HR (PAMS); • Mileage and Expenses (Transfare); and • Payroll (TotalMobile).

As a Core HR legacy system was currently used for Time and Attendance, this project was often referred to as ‘Core2’. The project was anticipated to lead to the following benefits: • Increased efficiency through reduced data input (including manual timesheets) and processing time • Provide a mobile solution for a modern workforce (ability to use on mobile phones etc) • Reduction in data duplication throughout the employee life-cycle • Reduction in the reliance on manual records • Increased data and information quality • Enhanced management information • Ensuring compliance with working time regulations • No hardware infrastructure requirements as it is a hosted solution • Reduced risk of failure as responsibility for disaster recovery, business continuity and failover are carried by CoreHR • Future proofing, through a regularly updated system • Improved data integrity and compliance with GDPR • Reduced administrative burden • Empowering employees through having access to their own information with the ability to update when required

This project had been progressing through a cross-council project team including the HR&OD and Finance teams, supported by the Performance Improvement Unit (PIU), as part of the Strategic Transformation and Performance Service. The project was overseen by a Project Board including the Director of Finance and Performance and the Director of Organisational Development and Administration. Phase 1 of the project which included Employee Payments (Payroll), Mileage and Expenses, Time and Attendance and some elements of HR was now approaching implementation.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) was underway and was due to conclude during November 2019. Subject to satisfactory progression this would be followed by ‘parallel running’ the new system alongside the current systems to further test with live data, with ‘go live’ again subject to satisfactory progression. ‘Go live’ was currently scheduled to take place during December 2019 although dates remained subject to change depending on the outcomes from UAT and ‘parallel runs’. Current systems would also run in parallel even after ‘go live’ for contingency purposes. User training and other communications would also take place over the coming weeks and support would be provided during the ‘go live’ stage. It was expected that phase 2 of the project which would include other HR&OD modules for Recruitment, Workforce Rostering and Training would commence early in 2020.

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Members were asked to note that the system would, in due course, also be used for Members’ payments including expenses. More information and support would be provided on this in due course.

RECOMMENDED that the information be noted.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Chambers, seconded by Alderman Girvan, that the recommendation be adopted.

5. #MYVOICEMYAND PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING (FILE CPL14)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 8 October 2019 from the Director of Finance and Performance detailing that in June 2019 a report to the Environment Committee on how the remaining funds from the 2019/20 Recycling Community Investment Fund (RCIF) should be distributed was adopted.

One of the proposals contained within the report was to run a Participatory Budgeting Pilot/Experiment. The aim of this project was to empower people to take pride in Ards and North Down, encouraging them to make decisions on how public money was used and to see first-hand the impact their spending decisions had on themselves and their communities. Participatory budgeting was first discussed by Ards and North Down Borough Council in April 2015 via a Notice of Motion asking officers to bring back a report on the potential for participatory budgeting within the context of the new community planning powers.

#myvoicemyAND A Participatory Budgeting trial was developed and Elected Members were updated on the proposed methodology at 18 July 2019 meeting of the Council. A report presented at this meeting explained that the £14,000 available would be distributed equally across the borough with each DEA having a specific pot of money to bid for (approximately £1250 per DEA - £8,750 collectively between 7 DEAs). In addition to this the 3rd Sector Community Planning Forum would also have a designated pot of money to bid for (£5,250).

In mid-August the public were told about #myvoicemyAND and asked to develop ideas for projects that benefit the community. A low-cost marketing campaign was developed to use existing networks and social media channels to promote the initiative and encourage groups to submit projects. The Community Planning Service held drop-in sessions in the borough’s six libraries, ran workshops with our community planning partners and visited organisations who asked to talk through their proposed project and whether it helped contribute to the outcomes of the Big Plan. Community planning partners including Education Authority, NIHE and PSNI promoted via their own social media channels. Internal colleges were asked to promote it via their networks. Colleagues within Community Services also promoted the experiment on our behalf. Posters were sent out to libraries, community centres and constituency offices. The online submission of project ideas opened on 1 September 2019 and closed on 30 September 2019.

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Unfortunately, despite the Community Planning Services best efforts at encouraging participation only 10 Project Bids were received. This was below the threshold needed to hold a public vote.

Summary of Project Bids Received In line with the requirements of the original guidance each project bid received was assessed against the following criteria: - Project was Section 75 compliant - Project was not party political, lobbying or involve the promotion of religion - Project not routine maintenance or repairs or ongoing running costs - Funding was not for ongoing salary costs - Funding was not to service an existing debt or for a completed project - Project was not about fundraising - Beneficiaries of the project must live in the borough and the focus of the project should be within the borough - Funding was not for an individual or sole trader All ten project bids received met the requirements and would all have proceeded to the public vote.

The table below contains a synopsis of each bids received.

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A club to reduce social isolation by running activities Comber £625 such as knitting sessions, board games, armchair exercises, talks and support services Creation of an outdoor learning space to include Bangor £625 opportunities for roleplay, development of fine motor Central skills through weaving, areas to enhance sensory skills, and opportunities to learn about science and nature.

All bids received were able to demonstrate how their project would contribute to at least one outcome of the Big Plan.

The primary purpose of this participatory budgeting experiment was not as a grants scheme. Rather it was to encourage civic involvement and empower communities to participate in the decision-making process. As not enough project bids were received to undertake this part of the process it might not had been appropriate to distribute the funding. An alternative view was that the organisations submitting funding did so in good grace and if enough other projects had been submitted their projects could have been successful.

During the promotion and marketing of #myvoicemyAND feedback was informally recorded from groups and individuals. Prior to the official launch of the scheme a meeting was held with members of the 3rd Sector Forum who expressed support for the initiative and made a commitment to promote it to the networks that they represent.

However, feedback suggested that: - People didn’t think that others would vote for them. The borough wide aspect of this experiment may have put some organisations off. - Some people felt the money was disproportionately small compared to the effort required to submit an online project bid - The timescale for coming up with the project, having it agreed by a governance committee, and then submitting a project bid was too tight - There were other pots of money around and people don’t have the capacity to deliver lots of projects - There was not enough time to properly explain what participatory budgeting is. - Larger organisations felt this funding should be ringfenced for local groups.

Lots of lessons could be learnt from the first iteration of this Participatory Budgeting experiment. While it did not work as was anticipated there was potential to re- evaluate how the Council and its Community Planning Partnership could integrate participatory decision making into how we award grants or delivery projects.

On the launch of #myvoicemyAND, two Community Planning Partners expressed an interest in contributing funding to any further participatory budgeting initiatives. Other community planning partners could be approached to also contribute. Consideration was needed for how a budget for a second Participatory Budgeting experiment could be allocated for 2020/19.

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Rather than using Participatory budgeting to award grants, an alternative method could be a public vote on a previously shortlisted list of projects or alternatively a vote on projects that Council directorates would then take forward to completion. An initial meeting between Council Officers, Elected Members and community planning partners would be useful to explore alternative methods of delivering a second participatory budgeting experiment.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agree that the 10 Project Bids do not receive the funding as the scheme was not able to be completed.

It is further recommended that a cross council officer group meets along with 4 nominated Elected Members to reflect on a second participatory budgeting experiment that considers the learning from this first experiment and a further report is brought back outlining options for a second participatory budgeting experiment. Council should nominate four members to this group.

It is further recommended that the RCIF money be ringfenced so that monies are allocated within the 2020/21 Council budget to deliver this.

Councillor Mathison had a question for officers relating to the remit of the schemes and the consideration given to take those forward and was informed that the point of the scheme was to get the community involved in projects more than the grants themselves. Councillor Mathison asked if there was anything to prevent the funding being handed out and asked if there were other grant schemes the projects would be eligible for.

Councillor T Smith stated that he would be happy to proceed to handing out the funding.

The Community Planning Manager explained that some of the projects fell between differing grants available but that there were no stringent boundaries.

Councillor P Smith was also happy to progress to funding and was aware that the public had submitted applications in good faith and that the Council should honour the process and he hoped that there would be a good spread within the different DEAs.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor T Smith, seconded by Councillor Mathison, that the money be awarded to the 10 project bids.

(Having declared an interest Councillor Greer left the meeting at 7.10 pm)

6. CORRESPONDENCE FORM ADVICE NI – WELFARE MITIGATION (Appendix I)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 28 October 2019 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that Advice NI had written

CS.12.11.19 PM to the Chief Executive to request that the Council consider passing a Motion to demonstrate support for an extension to the Welfare Mitigations Package.

By way of background, when the UK Parliament passed the Welfare Reform and Work Act in 2012, the Northern Ireland Executive agreed to fund a package of measures, worth up to £585 million over four years (to the end of March 2020), to lessen the impact of some of the welfare changes on claimants. The mitigation package was mainly made up of Welfare Supplementary Payments, which were paid automatically to all eligible claimants. The legislation which provided the legal basis for the payments made clear that they could only be made until 31 March 2020. The Department for Communities could not change the legislation to extend the payments as it would need to be approved by the Assembly.

As referred to in the letter from Advice NI, this had been the subject of a recent report by the NI Affairs Committee and the Work and Pensions Committee (available through: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmniaf/2100/2100.pdf). The report estimated that the ending of the mitigation payments in March 2020 would mean that over 35,000 households in Northern Ireland would see their incomes fall suddenly, some by hundreds of pounds per month. The report recommended that the mitigation package should be extended after March 2020 for a further four years.

Members should note that a Notice of Motion was also on the agenda for this meeting and was in relation to this subject matter.

RECOMMENDED that Council considers the correspondence from Advice NI regarding the Welfare Mitigation Package and supporting the Welfare Mitigations Package.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Councillor Mathison, that the report is noted.

(Councillor Greer entered the meeting at 7.11 pm)

7. APPOINTMENT OF A PARENTING CHAMPION

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 28 October 2019 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that at its meeting on 10 September 2019, the Corporate Services Committee passed the following motion which was subsequently ratified by the Council:-

“That this Council appoints an elected member as a ‘Parenting Champion’ for the Council term, confirming its commitment to supporting all parents in the Borough and ensuring that their voices are heard when decisions are made that affect them.”

Members were reminded that the Council had a number of “Champions” supporting work in the areas of Mental Health, Diversity, Age and Veterans. It had been agreed to extend this to include Parenting. The view was expressed during the meeting that appointing a Parenting Champion would show an obvious commitment by the 8

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Council to support parents; it would help to ensure that the Council understood the concerns of parents; it would allow it to deliver more effective services; address the social imbalances in parenting; save money by reducing the need for emergency interventions, lower levels of anti-social behaviour and improve outcomes for children including health, educational attainment and employment.

It was noted that four other Councils in Northern Ireland had recently appointed Parenting Champions.

RECOMMENDED that the Council nominates a Parenting Champion for the Council term (in this case December 2019 – June 2023).

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Muir, seconded by Councillor Chambers, that the item be deferred to the full meeting of Council at the end of November.

(Having declared an interest in Item 8 Alderman Girvan and Councillor P Smith left the meeting at 7.12 pm)

8. VE DAY 75 (FILE CEV60) (Appendix II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 31 October 2019 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that at its meeting on 13 September 2019, the Committee considered a report which (a) gave background details about how VE Day 75 was to be commemorated nationally across the United Kingdom (See Appendix 1) and (b) contained proposals for a cost neutral, cross- departmental programme of Council events to mark the VE 75 weekend from 8-10 May 2020.

At that meeting, it was agreed to defer this matter to enable a further report to be brought back to the Committee addressing some of the issues which had been raised by members in the course of the debate on the proposed programme. Some members had expressed the view that additional events should be included in the Programme, particularly to supplement the Pipe Band Championships in Bangor; others mentioned the inclusion of tasteful VE banners and other possible events, referring to past events to mark other significant historical moments. The view was further expressed that the Council should not be seen to be “skimping” on VE Day commemorations.

With the above comments in mind, the cross-departmental group reconvened to consider additional events. A broad range of suggestions were made about possible additional activities and venues, all of which attracted varying degrees of cost. In order to inform this further report, those suggestions and costings were discussed at a meeting of the Chief Executive and Party Leaders to enable preferred options to be identified which could then be included in a revised report. Since the original report was written, officers had met with Senior representatives from the Armed Forces, RFCA, RBL and local Clergy groups on 15 October 2019 to discuss what resources may be available to the Council on VE 75 weekend. The 9

CS.12.11.19 PM revised programme reflected the availability of military bands and the aspiration of all parties to encourage “local” celebrations and commemorations. Officers also met with representatives of Comber Regeneration Partnership and Comber Royal British Legion on 16 October 2019 to discuss their ambitions to hold a community based VE 75 celebration event on 8 May 2020. Proposed REVISED Programme of Events and Activities for VE Day 75 Weekend:-

Friday, 8 May Event/Activity Notes 2020 2.00pm Talk at North Down Professional speaker and Piper Museum 3.00pm Piper to pipe in Courtyard at North Down Museum

3.00pm Civic events, linked to To be agreed (in response to future requests local RBL activity, held at for assistance from RBL). War Memorials

3.00pm Churches in the Borough The Council to write to Churches in the ringing their bells Borough to ask them to do so, where possible 10am-4pm VE Day 75 themed May Tourism event Day Street Party in Band of the Royal Marines to participate Holywood, working with the RIR at Palace Barracks, Holywood and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

6.30pm Community led event. Comber Regeneration Community Including a Parade from Partnership and Comber Royal British Legion St Mary’s to 2nd Comber delivering event in partnership with the Presbyterian Church led Council – Council to contribute £1,000 by the Band of the Royal towards the costs of Bands and catering Irish Regiment – Beating (subject to receiving suitable invoices). Retreat Saturday, 9 May 2020 Daytime Pipe Band Championships Tourism event, and a Parade of Youth Castle Park, with ancillary activities at Groups through Bangor Bangor the Castle Sunday, 10 May 2020 3pm VE Day Parade of May involve application to DfI for Closure of Conway Veterans and Armed Roads Square, Service Personnel (4 x Newtownards Local Units) led by Band (The later time allows the Clergy and their of Royal Irish Regiment, congregations to hold/attend their own morning church services as normal) 10

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Friday, 8 May Event/Activity Notes 2020 followed by outdoor Church Service Full Day VE Day 75 Experience 32 bookable spaces available at £20-25 per Bus Tour with Guide and ticket Commentary. Tour will include visits to North Down Museum, Grey Point Fort, Eisenhower Pier, Ballyholme Beach, Newtownards Air Field and Mount Stewart

Other proposed events which would span over or beyond VE Day 75 weekend were as follows and the costs of these would be met within normal, respective programming budgets.

• VE Day Exhibition in Gallery and Coffee Cure, North Down Museum – May 2020 • Art Competition - VE Day/WW2 Theme – top 8 to be displayed in Sunburst Gallery, Ards Arts Centre, and made into Postcards for sale (April/May 2020) • The Council in partnership with the Rural Community Network to arrange Tea Dances, with suitable entertainment, over the weekend at locations in the Borough. • Good Relations initiative to recreate the news of the day in a Borough Newsletter format, with schools being invited to contribute to the newsletter. • VE Day themed floral display beds to be provided at Post Office, Bangor and Court Square, Newtownards for the month of May 2020 • A Community Grant Aid scheme to fund community Street Parties – Cost £12,500 • A commemorative Tree Planting project. Climate Change had been cited as the biggest global disaster since WW2 – It was proposed to work with the Woodland Trust to further the Council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by planting trees over a five-year period for every member of the Borough, the first tranche of which would be branded as a VE 75 commemorative copse. While the trees would have to be planted in advance, the scheme would be suitably launched/publicised during VE Day 75 Weekend (location TBC). Costs would be met from within existing budgets and through applications for external funding.

The pre-allocated budget for the Pipebands and May Day events was £40,100. The revised VE programme included a Community Grant Aid Scheme for Street Parties (£12,500), ancillary events around the Pipe Band Championship (to be designed with a budget of no more than £10,000) and a contribution towards the event in Comber (£1,000). That amounted to an additional £23,500 across Directorates. This gave a total value to the VE programme of £63,600

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This revised proposal did not include the display of VE Day 75 banners in the Borough. Costs for banners to be displayed in Bangor and Newtownards (80 lampposts in each town) would be approximately £6,000 + labour costs.

RECOMMENDED that the Council approves the above revised programme at a total value of £63,600.

Councillor Chambers welcomed the enhanced project recognising that good progress had been made however he thought that it might fall short of public expectation. He referred to the event which had taken place in the Borough 50 years before and it had been very memorable and he hoped that that could be replicated.

Alderman Muir suggested that previously the celebration event had been funded by central government funding and he asked officers if that was correct. The Head of Administration confirmed that that information was correct, funding had been provided by central government to all Council areas in Northern Ireland.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor T Smith, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Alderman Girvan and Councillor P Smith entered the meeting at 7.15 pm)

9. MINUTES OF THE BLAIR MAYNE BURSARY SUB-COMMITTEE (FILE ADM24) (Appendix III)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULTAED:- Minutes of the Meeting of the Blair Mayne Bursary Sub-Committee held on 10 October 2019 were attached.

RECOMMENDED that the Minutes and the recommendations contained therein be adopted.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Councillor Blaney, that the recommendation be adopted.

10. MINUTES OF THE FAIR-TRADE STEERING GROUP (Appendix IV) PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Minutes of the Meeting of the Fair Trade Steering Group held on 14 October 2019 were attached.

RECOMMENDED that the Minutes be adopted.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the minutes be adopted.

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11. LIGHTING UP, TOWN HALL ARTS CENTRE, NEWTOWNARDS – HOMECOMING PARADE (FILE PL37 AND CEV 62)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 31 October 2019 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that the Council had agreed to host a Homecoming Parade, church service and civic reception for 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment returning from Operation TORAL in Afghanistan.

The event would take place on Saturday, 14 December 2019.

The Council’s policy on the Lighting Up of Buildings stated that “events directly organised by or financially supported by the Council” fit the eligibility criteria for lighting up.

RECOMMENDED that the Council lights up the Town Hall Arts Centre, Newtownards, in vertical stripes of the Regimental colours of red, royal blue and racing green on Friday, 13 December and Saturday, 14 December 2019 to mark the above event.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the recommendation be adopted.

12. LIGHTING UP, TOWN HALL ARTS CENTRE, NEWTOWNARDS AND MCKEE CLOCK, BANGOR – WORLD AIDS DAY (FILE LP37)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 29 October 2019 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that the Council had received a request on behalf of the Chief Executive of Positive Life to light up Council buildings red in support of World AIDS Day on 1st December 2019.

Positive Life was a charity dedicated to supporting and promoting positive living for people with and affected by HIV in Northern Ireland. It offered a range of services and support across Northern Ireland and was working to create more awareness around HIV, especially the stigma that surrounded the condition. World AIDS Day was a recognised day by the UN and commemorated throughout the globe.

RECOMMENDED that, as it fits with the Council’s policy, the Council accedes to the request and lights up Town Hall Arts Centre, Newtownards and McKee Clock, Bangor buildings red on 1st December 2019.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the recommendation be adopted.

13. HERSTORY LIGHTING UP REQUEST (FILE LP37)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 31 October 2019 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that the Council had 13

CS.12.11.19 PM received correspondence from the Project Manager of “Herstory” inviting the Council to participate in the 2020 Herstory Light Festival over the weekend of Brigid’s Day from 31st January to 3rd February 2020. The Festival featured a celebration of Northern Ireland’s Women’s Movement and the Peace Heroines.

Herstory 20/20 would commence in September 2019 and run for 6 months across RTÉ TV and Digital, with interactive projects for adults and school children across the island of Ireland and internationally. This all-island project featured a TV documentary series and podcast series produced by award-winning production company Underground Films, the International Herstory Light Festival, children’s TV series, schools workshops, an interactive online hub, and a few surprises. Herstory 20/20 was a legacy project and a permanent digital educational resource that would give the public awe-inspiring female role models for generations to come.

Herstory 20/20 launched this September when school children across Northern Ireland and the Republic were invited to participate in a treasure hunt workshop to discover lost women’s stories in their families and local communities and create portrait art of their heroines.

The initial request was to project images of portraits created by children from local schools. However, the Council did not have the facility to do this and Herstory has now asked if Council buildings could be illuminated in pink and orange over the weekend of 31st January to 3rd February 2020.

Under the Council’s Policy, requests for lighting up buildings were currently deemed as eligible if, inter alia, they related to:-

• Events not directly organised by the Council but which might be held wholly or in part in the Borough and be regarded as of significant benefit to the Borough from a tourism or promotional perspective (e.g. Giro d’Italia). • Charitable, community or other non-profit making organisations based in or with a significant connection to the Borough and which were celebrating a significant anniversary or occasion.

RECOMMENDED that the Council accedes to the request and lights up Council buildings pink and orange on 31st January to mark the start of the Herstory Light Festival.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Chambers, seconded by Councillor Greer, that the recommendation be adopted.

14. ITEM WITHDRAWN

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15. RESPONSE TO NOTICES OF MOTION

15(a) Re-Deployment Speed Management Signs (Appendix VI)

“That Council writes to the Department for Infrastructure seeking support and partnership for the use of re-deployable Speed Management Signs at entrance points to villages that straddle A class roads to encourage adherence to the 30mph speed limits in built up areas.”

A letter was sent from the Chief Executive to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Infrastructure and the attached reply had been received.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee notes the attached letter.

Councillor P Smith thought that the response had been inadequate and that in his view that the Department viewed itself as an innocent bystander to the issue. There had been no objection to SIDS and so a funding application should be made by PCSP.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Muir, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the recommendation be adopted.

15(b) 40 mph speed limit on the Movilla Road (Appendix VII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 23 October 2019 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that the Notice of Motion debated at Corporate Committee and subsequently ratified by Council in September 2019 stated ‘That in light of the tragic, fatal collision on the Movilla Road on 13 December 2018, and noting the increased development at Rivenwood along with substantial planned housing development in the area, this Council considers the current 40mph speed limit on the Movilla Road to be inappropriate and dangerous. This Council therefore commits to write to the Permanent Secretary for the Department for Infrastructure to request an urgent review of the current DfI policy to maintain the 40mph speed limit. The correspondence should highlight the current and planned level of development in the area and the presence of a large primary school on the road, and request that fresh consideration be given to the introduction of a 30mph speed limit.”

The Chief Executive wrote to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Infrastructure, and the attached reply was received on 23 October 2019.

RECOMMENDED that the letter from the Department for Infrastructure is noted. 15

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Councillor Mathison referred to the similar disappointing and yet not surprising response which appeared to be in the Department’s standard style.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Muir, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the recommendation be adopted.

15(c) Redburn Square, Holywood (Appendix VIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 24 October 2019 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration detailing that a Notice of Motion debated at Corporate Committee in September and subsequently ratified by Council stated “That this Council agrees to write to Transport NI outlining our concerns in relation to the dilapidated state of Redburn Square A2 Subway, road safety concerns arising as a result and, in light of such, the need for full upgrade with a site meeting to be requested involving Transport NI representatives plus Councillors for the DEA..” A letter was sent from the Chief Executive to the Divisional Roads Manager, Southern Division and the attached reply had been received.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee notes the attached letter.

Alderman Muir requested that the Council should go back to the Department for Infrastructure taking up the offer of a site meeting with the maintenance team.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Muir, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the recommendation be adopted.

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC/PRESS

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman McIlveen, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the public/press be excluded during the discussion of the undernoted items of confidential business.

16. TENDER FOR THE PROVISION OF OFFICE FURNITURE (FILE PRO104)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

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17. LEASE TO BRYANSBURN FOOBALL CLUB (FILE LP) (Appendix IX)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

18. RECTIFICATION OF TITLE CRAWFORDSBURN GLEN PARK (FILE LP517) (Appendix X)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

19. REQUEST TO LEASE LAND AT CHURCH ROAD CARPARK, HOLYWOOD (FILE LP 493) (Appendices XI & XII)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

20. REQUEST FROM A CARINDUFF AND SONS TO PURCHASE LAND AT ANN STREET CAR PARK (FILE LP499) (Appendices XIII - XV)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

21. REQUEST FROM BEANBOX FOR A LICENCE TO SELL REFRESHMENTS AT KILTONGA (FILE LP473) (Appendix XVI and XVII)

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***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

22. REQUEST FROM DONAGHADEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION TO CONSTRUCT A MOSAIC ON THE WALL AT DONAGHADEE COMMUNITY CENTRE (FILE LP434) (Appendices XVIII & IXX)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

23. REQUEST FROM DONAGHADEE FC TO LEASE LAND TO THE REAR OF 5-6 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE (FILE LP468) (Appendix XX)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

24. REQUEST FORM NI WATER TO PURCHASE LAND AT SANDYCOVE (FILE LP 508) (Appendix XXI)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

25. REQUEST FROM OPEN HOUSE TO USE LAND AT THE SAFRONT FOR THE SEASIDE REVIVAL FESTIVAL 2020 (FILE LP509) (Appendices XXII and XXIII)

CS.12.11.19 PM

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

25 A REQUEST FROM THE PANAORAMOIC WHEEL COMPNAY TO USE THE MCKEE CLOCK ARENA MAY TO JULY 2020 (FILE LP311) (Appendix V)

***IN CONFIDENCE****

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

26. REQUEST TO USE THE COMMONS FOR VJ DAY CELEBRATIONS (FILE LP 474) (Appendices XXIV – XXVII)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

***NOT FOR PUBLICATION***

SCHEDULE 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)

RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC/PRESS

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Keery, seconded by Councillor Chambers, that the public/press be re-admitted to the meeting.

27. NOTICES OF MOTION

27.1 ITEM WITHDRAWN

27.2 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Cooper

Councillor Cooper began by stating that he wished to make an amendment to the original Motion and hoped that it would meet with Council’s approval.

Proposed by Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor T Smith, that this Council strongly objects to the current statutory definition of a “victim”, which equates perpetrators of terrorist acts with those they made victims. Council, being supportive

CS.12.11.19 PM of a pension scheme for innocent victims of terrorism, welcomes the Secretary of State's most recent position to exclude perpetrators of terrorism from inclusion in any pension or other monetary compensation scheme arising for injuries sustained during the terrorist campaign, and will write to the Secretary of State to urge him to intervene through legislation to expressly exclude perpetrators of terrorism from inclusion in the definition of a victim.

Councillor Cooper thought the Motion spoke for itself and came down to the morals and standards that a society set for itself. He considered that someone who had deliberately set out and planned to cause harm could not be compared to someone who might have been the innocent victim of that intent. He strongly believed that anyone who set out to harm or terrorise should not be rewarded or appeased and he hoped the committee would take the moral and right stance by agreeing with the Motion. He stressed that the issue was neither an orange nor green one but could be applied to a terrorist from any background.

Councillor Chambers rose to fully support the Motion and explained that the Ulster Unionist Party had pushed to have the definition of a “victim” changed. He felt that the agenda being set by the government was shameful and was an attempt to rewrite history. It was appalling to see victims placed in the same category as perpetrators and would be unthinkable when compared to the Manchester arena bombing or those who had made attacks at London Bridge.

Alderman Muir rose to speak announcing that the legal definition of what constituted a victim had Proposed by Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor T Smith. been a long-running issue since legislation had been passed in 2006. The Alliance Party did not accept that all victims were the same, as there were different contexts to how victims were created. It did not wish to create barriers to accessing services and so the debate on the definition of the victim as the gateway to the consideration of other issues was thought to be counterproductive.

He noted that on Monday 22 July 2019 NIO Minister John Penrose detailed "It remains the Government's position that while it is right and proper to provide a pension for victims of Troubles related terrorist incidents, this should not become a pension for terrorists."

The NIO Consultation on the Troubles-related incident Victims Payment Scheme would close on 26 November 2019 and stated clearly “Individuals who were injured as a result of their involvement in the orchestration of the relevant incident, as evidenced by a relevant criminal conviction, will not be eligible for payments”

In summary, he stated that the Alliance Party did not feel able to support the Motion tabled but recognised the concerns, had sympathy with the view that those who carried out terrorist acts should not receive payments but noted assurances already given by the Government and thus would be abstaining.

Councillor T Smith stressed that the real victims of The Troubles were the innocent people who were injured and not the perpetrators of that violence and terrorists of all shades should not be rewarded for that damage. 20

CS.12.11.19 PM

In summing up Councillor Cooper remarked that he was appalled by the Alliance Party’s stand which he considered to be disgraceful and he hoped that where the party stood on the matter would be reported in the media.

On being put to the meeting with 8 voting FOR, 0 AGAINST, 4 ABSTAINING, 4 ABSENT, the motion was declared carried.

FOR (8) AGAINST (0) ABSTAINING (4) ABSENT (4) Aldermen Aldermen Aldermen Gibson Girvan Irvine Keery Muir McIlveen Councillors Councillors Councillors Blaney Greer Dunlop Chambers Mathison McKimm Cooper Gilmour P Smith T Smith

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor T Smith, that the Notice of Motion be adopted.

27.3 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Martin

Proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Alderman McIlveen, that Council asks Officers to bring back a report on the feasibility of holding an annual remembrance event for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Councillor Martin thanked the Committee for the opportunity to present his Motion. The issue had been brought to his attention as Mayor in the legacy North Down Borough Council. He suggested an annual service delivered in the Walled Garden, Bangor which was simple and could include parents who had lost children to suicide and their families. The suicide statistics within the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in particular were terrifying. Men were more likely to take their own lives and the legacy of The Troubles was thought to be a contributor to the higher regional incidences of mental ill health. The event was proposed to be memorable and comforting and he stated that it should be cross community and respecting of both traditions. He was aware that the churches would support such and event and could possibly provide a contact to families who had faced loss.

Alderman McIlveen thanked Councillor Martin for bringing the Motion. Most people were aware of suicide and many would be aware of people who had taken their own lives and he had no difficulty in supporting the Motion. Suicide left families with unanswered questions and a service would reach out to the community and link those who had lost to others who had suffered similarly to suicide.

Councillor Cooper offered his support and was proud to have been the Council’s mental health champion previously. He viewed suicide as a tragic issue and noted 21

CS.12.11.19 PM that since the Belfast Agreement more people had lost their lives to suicide than had died during The Troubles themselves. He hoped the service would provide comfort to those who had been left hurting following the suicides of their loved ones.

Councillor Chambers agreed and rose to support adding that the high rates of suicide made for grim reading and a service would be an opportunity for friends and family to come together to show solidarity.

Councillor Greer stood to support Councillor Martin’s Motion. Suicide was a major public health issue, which devastated families and local communities. She herself was aware of the devastation felt by families since her own father-in-law had died as a result of it. She stated that over the past 10 years the number of deaths from suicide in Northern Ireland was approximately 300 per year. She went on to say that the grief process was always difficult, but a loss through suicide was like no other, and the grieving could be especially complex and traumatic. People coping with that type of loss often needed more support than others, but often received less.

Alderman Girvan also gave support to the Motion and was aware of the Samaritans and the work they did counselling families in bereavement.

In summing up Councillor Martin had nothing to add but he thanked everyone present for their support.

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Alderman McIlveen that the Notice of Motion be adopted.

27.4 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Mathison, seconded by Councillor Douglas

Proposed by Councillor Mathison, seconded by Alderman Muir, that this Council recognises the importance of the Welfare Mitigation Package in protecting benefit claimants in this borough and across Northern Ireland from some of the potentially damaging aspects of welfare reform. In particular, Council welcomes the protection it has afforded many claimants from changes to housing payments in the form of the social sector size criteria, or ‘bedroom tax’.

However, Council notes with concern that these mitigations are due to come to an end in March 2020, and believes this represents a crisis in our welfare policy in Northern Ireland. This Council considers that addressing this issue is a matter of utmost priority and supports the recommendations of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Report ‘Welfare Policy in Northern Ireland’ published in September 2019. This includes (among others) a recommendation that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland confirms the government’s support to bring forward legislation in Parliament to extend the mitigation package beyond March 2020.

Councillor Mathison thanked Members for the opportunity to present his Notice of Motion. The purpose and intent behind it were relatively simple, it was to recognise the broad success of the current welfare mitigation package in Northern Ireland and 22

CS.12.11.19 PM to urge the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to bring forward legislation to extend the package beyond March 2020. It was entirely regrettable that Northern Ireland had no Assembly or Executive to make those decisions for the region and to provide direction on the issue for the Department of Communities However, the cliff edge facing the claimants due to lose those protections was fast approaching, and they did not have the luxury to wait for local politicians to work together and form a government to deal with the issue. On that basis, he believed it was important that the Council represented and spoke on behalf of the benefit claimants of the borough facing that cliff edge, and urged the Secretary of State to legislate urgently.

It was important to be clear about what the current mitigations did: • They protected claimants in Northern Ireland from the social sector size criteria – or bedroom tax. • The provided claimants denied Personal Independence Payments when transferring from DLA with ongoing payments while they awaited the outcome of an appeal. • They protected people in Northern Ireland from loss of income due to the ‘benefit cap’ • They set up an emergency fund to assist claimants in financial crisis.

There were other measures, but those were the most significant. The Committee report referred to in the Motion concluded that the package had been largely effective in shielding people in Northern Ireland from negative financial impacts arising from welfare reform. There was consensus on that point across the advice sector, from the Department for Communities, NIHE and from the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland. In short, the policy of introducing a mitigation package to address the negative financial outcomes of welfare reform in Northern Ireland had broadly been a success for most benefit claimants.

Thousands of people from across the Province, often the most vulnerable residents, were facing loss of income overnight at the end of March. In terms of the bedroom tax, many of those would be penalised for having an extra bedroom they were deemed not to require. To illustrate, 18% of the total social housing stock in Northern Ireland was 1 bedroom. But 45% of the current housing waiting list was made up of single applicants who required a 1 bedroom property. The Welfare Policy report acknowledged that was a feature of the social housing market in Northern Ireland, as was the prevalence of segregated, single identity housing areas, which further made it more challenging for many people to find viable options for rehousing to avoid the bedroom tax.

The report acknowledged that Northern Ireland was affected by a particular set of circumstances which justified the mitigation package at the time and which justified its extension. Failure to extend it would undoubtedly place large numbers of people in financial hardship, facing rent arrears and impossible choices between eating, heating their homes or paying rent.

His Motion called for support for the recommendations in the ‘Welfare Policy in NI Report.’ Councillor Mathison stated that he could not stand aside and be silent on

CS.12.11.19 PM the issue and that the Council could play a small part in giving a voice to encourage the Secretary of State to bring clarity and legislate as a matter of priority.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Mathison, seconded by Alderman Muir, that the Notice of Motion be adopted.

(Councillor Greer entered the meeting at 8.01 pm)

27.5 Notice of Motion submitted by Alderman Girvan and Alderman Muir

Proposed by Alderman Girvan, seconded by Alderman Muir, that Ards and North Down Borough Council, in seeking to encourage and support reconciliation in Northern Ireland, congratulates the Integrated Education Fund and the Northern Ireland Council on Integrated Education, on being nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.

Alderman Girvan outlined the history of the Noble Peace Prize and informed the committee that this year the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education and the Integrated Education Fund were jointly nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize along with 301 other candidates.

Although they had not won, the fact that the nomination for NICIE and the IEF was accepted had brought them international recognition and acclaim. It also acknowledged all the parents who had campaigned tirelessly for an integrated education for their children.

The contribution that Integrated Education had made to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland should not be underestimated. Northern Ireland still had a segregated education system. It was a sad demise, that many children never had the chance to meet and mix with the ‘other side’ until they left school, go to higher or further education, enter employment or emigrate to another country.

She explained that at the height of the Troubles, the first integrated school, Lagan College was opened in 1981 by a group of parents from each side of the community and religious divide who wanted their children to be educated together. Today, there were 45 primary schools and 30 Post-primary schools educating 23,624 pupils representing 8% of the total school population. Despite the slow progress, there was a lot of support for integrated education in Northern Ireland.

There were 50,000 empty places in schools in Northern Ireland. Running a segregated education system was a very costly and expensive education model. Duplication of resources included teachers, support staff, caretakers, educational supplies and equipment, schools buses, school meals, and the maintenance of buildings and sports grounds. It made economic sense that if there was a cross- community education system, there would be more money to spend on providing a much higher standard of education system for all children.

Concluding Alderman Girvan explained that the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nomination honoured and acknowledged the dedication and great effort of so many incredible 24

CS.12.11.19 PM people over the past 38 years who had contributed to the development of Integrated Education in Northern Ireland. She hoped that the committee would support her Motion to write a letter to both the Northern Ireland Council of Integrated Education and the Integrated Education Fund to congratulate them on being jointly nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.

Seconding the Motion Alderman Muir declared that he was a member of the Board of Governors of Priory Integrated College, Holywood. He had been delighted to learn that both the Integrated Education Fund and the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education had been jointly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. The nomination had come from eminent politicians and academics and was historic showing an appreciation of the work of parents, campaigners and schools to develop integrated education in Northern Ireland and daily work within integrated schools to celebrate religious and cultural integration in our divided society and he hoped Members would be supportive.

Alderman McIlveen stated that he was happy to support the Motion and saw the benefits of a system of education which included everyone. However, he had not been a fan of how the Integrated sector had developed and in many places it had led to what it had hoped to ignore, being a form of sectarian headcount itself. He applauded the concept of children being educated together irrespective of their background.

Alderman Gibson urged Members not to forget that many state schools were already mixed in terms of both staff and children and that made for a natural integration. He stressed that no child was ever turned away from the state sector.

Alderman Girvan took on board the comments from Members and thanked them for their support.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Girvan, seconded by Alderman Muir, that the Notice of Motion be adopted.

27.6 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Greer and Councillor Douglas

Proposed by Councillor Greer, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that this Council notes that the Prime Minister has recently announced a £25 million cash injection to protect hospices and palliative care services in England, Scotland and Wales, in addition to the £25m of support for Children's Hospices in England announced earlier this year. None of this cash injection will be allocated to those providing local services, such as Northern Ireland Hospice. It is proposed that the Council write to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland requesting they immediately increase and release statutory funding for Hospice and Palliative Care services in Northern Ireland. Thereby promoting equality and parity for infants, children and adults who need access to specialist hospice and palliative care across our local communities.

Councillor Greer explained that the Northern Ireland Hospice had been delivering palliative care to local people across Northern Ireland for over 39 years. They 25

CS.12.11.19 PM provided high quality, person-centred, holistic palliative care in the community and in specialist patient units.

The hospice supported and cared for infants, children and adults who were adjusting to life living with a life-limiting and life-threatening condition, up to their death and into family bereavement support.

It cost £15.5 million annually for the Northern Ireland Hospice to provide high quality, person-centred, specialist palliative care to infants, children and adults, with only 30% of that received through statutory funding. Therefore, more than £11 million must be raised annually through fundraising and commercial activities.

In order to retain and attract specialist clinical staff the Hospice was having to increase wages and pensions in line with that of the NHS, but without further funding to cover those additional outgoings. Additional government funding had been allocated to cover such uplift for Hospices in England, Scotland and Wales.

The Northern Ireland Hospice provided exceptional services to local communities across Northern Ireland and raised as much money as possible to allow those services to continue. However, the charity was finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile the rising costs with growing demand for its services which were used by approximately 4,000 people each year.

The services provided by Northern Ireland Hospice were entirely unique, with the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice being the only facility of its kind in Northern Ireland. Care extended beyond the walls of Hospice units at their Adult facility on Somerton Road and in their Children’s facility at Horizon House, to the homes of those who wished to remain there for as long as possible up until the end of their lives.

The Prime Minister recently announced a £25 million cash injection to protect hospices and palliative care services in England, Scotland and Wales, in addition to the £25 million of support for Children's Hospices in England announced earlier this year. None of the £25 million would be allocated to those providing such services locally, such as Northern Ireland Hospice.

Councillor Greer, called on members to support the Motion asking for Council to write to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland requesting they immediately increase and release statutory funding for Hospice and Palliative Care services in Northern Ireland. Thereby promoting equality and parity for infants, children and adults who needed access to specialist hospice and palliative care across local communities.

Councillor Douglas questioned the differences made in Northern Ireland. Members would be aware that the Northern Ireland Hospice had been delivering palliative care to local people across Northern Ireland for over 39 years. Hospice care services had been delivered care both in the community and in specialist inpatient units; providing high quality, person-centred, and holistic palliative care for infants, children and adults who were adjusting to life, whilst living with life-limiting and life-threatening 26

CS.12.11.19 PM conditions, up to their death and providing support for family members following bereavement.

Extra funds were needed to pay additional employment costs, eg. Agenda for Change costs which the Hospice had not been able to implement for last year thus creating potential issues around recruitment and retention of specialist staff, coupled with the uplift in pensions. Those external cost pressures were beyond the control of the charity.

The increasing variance on the funding partnership with Health and Social Care Board including the Agenda for Change and Pension increase had been estimated to cost approximately an additional £1.1million per annum.

Looking to the future, whilst the Northern Ireland Hospice had welcomed the transformational funds that were used to develop responsive children’s palliative care services; those services and the advancement of the NI Palliative Care Strategy were considered to be at risk from 1 April next year.

To continue to deliver the current services, the requirement for recurring statutory funding for the NI Children’s Hospice was £380k per annum alone.

Those financial pressures were proving to be a significant challenge for the charity to reconcile at a time when there was a continued increase in referrals and demand for their specialist services. The lack of government funding and decision making meant an even heavier reliance on contributions from the Northern Ireland public. As people lived longer, often with chronic conditions, hospices would have to treat more patients. However, the funding did not reflect nor match the need. Collectively, Hospices across the United Kingdom had to fundraise over £1billion each year to provide services to meet the needs of citizens. That equates to £3million per day. Only 34% of funding for Hospice services came from the Government, meaning 66% of core funding to run the services came from the generosity of the public and others. The current financial model was not sustainable.

Concluding Councillor Douglas urged Members to back the Motion so that the Council could speak out on behalf of those children and adults who resided in the Borough and whom the Council represented to ensure it advocated for enhanced funding to ensure high quality specialist services were delivered safely and effectively when citizens needed them most.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Greer, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the Notice of Motion be adopted.

TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 8.25 pm.

ITEM 7.5.

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Community and Wellbeing Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Wednesday, 13 November 2019 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Alderman Carson

Aldermen: Menagh Muir

Councillors: Boyle Martin (7.55pm) Chambers Mathison Douglas McNickle Edmund Smart Egan Thompson

Officers: Director of Community and Wellbeing (G Bannister), Head of Leisure and Amenities (I O’Neill), Head of Environmental Health, Protection and Development (M Potts), Head of Community & Culture (J Nixey) and Democratic Services Officer (R King)

WELCOME

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He advised that Item 8 had been withdrawn.

NOTED.

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Alderman Irvine and Councillor Dunne, and apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Martin.

NOTED.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman asked for any Declarations of Interest. Councillor Chambers declared an interest in Items 18 and 23 and would leave the meeting while those items were dealt with.

NOTED.

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3. DEPUTATION

3.1 BANGOR WEST CONSERVATION GROUP

The Chairman welcomed Perry McDonnell, Pat Carvill and Stephanie Bell to the meeting and told the delegation that it had ten minutes to make its presentation and then questions would be invited from Members.

Mr McDonnell thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak at the meeting regarding the Greenways proposal and that while his colleagues had not found the consultation ‘ideal’ he had found that an earlier meeting with the Director of Community and Wellbeing to be useful to discuss many of their views in relation to the Greenways plans.

He provided members with an overview of Bangor West Conservation Group. The organisation had been active for 15 years and its aim was to recognise, maintain and in some cases improve the local character and attractive features of Bangor West.

Mr McDonell wished to stress that his organisation was not against change and not against cycling, but he wished to express concerns about the plans to widen pathways to accommodate cyclists.

The North Down coastal path was currently shared with pedestrians and cyclists and it was felt by his organisation, that the plans would encourage more cyclists to use the route. Mr McDonnell felt that this would impact on the safety of walkers and also be detrimental to the natural beauty of the coastline.

Mr Carvill told members that he felt that the terrain was unsuitable for shared use by cyclists and pedestrians and was not aware of any similar paths where they could co-exist.

He outlined the group’s vision for a way forward, urging the Council to recognise what the group felt were the real issues of need and that this path could not meet the needs of all users (both cyclists and pedestrians). He felt that dialogue should be allowed to continue and he commented that his organisation had not yet seen the detail of the plans which was of particular concern.

Mr Carvill added that the group would like to see the needs of cyclists met but felt they would be better accommodated on a separate route that was not mixed with walkers.

The Chair invited questions from members.

Councillor Egan agreed that the coastal path was one of the most scenic parts of the Borough but also felt it was important to encourage people to use more sustainable forms of transport. She asked the group what their alternative vision would look like for the Greenways plan.

CW 13.11.19

Mr Carvill felt that the North Down coastal path element of the Greenways plan should be sited elsewhere and therefore not deter walkers from using the coastal path. He felt that it could lead to an imbalance between user types of the path.

Councillor Douglas commented that in her experience of using the coastal path, cyclists had been courteous, but she was interested to know more details about the group’s environmental concerns of the plans.

Mr Carvill felt that a much broader path would alter the appearance of the coastal route, but said he was unable to comment further as he had not yet seen the specific designs. He suggested that their preferred way forward was to have a segregated new route for cyclists and not to change the path at all.

The Chair thanked the members of the deputation for attending.

NOTED.

(Perry McDonnell, Pat Carvill and Stephanie Bell left the meeting – 7.20pm)

4. COMMUNITY AND WELLBEING BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2019 (FILE FIN45) (APPENDIX I)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 30 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing, detailing that this Community & Wellbeing Budgetary Control Report covered the 6-month period 1 April to 30 September 2019 and was set out in Report 1 on page 3. The net cost of the service was showing an over spend of £101,605 (2.1%) – box A.

A key assumption of the 2019/20 rates setting process was that payroll budgets would be £600k under spent so this was built in to the Council’s 2019/20 budget. This budget was shown separately from Services so was not included in the variance above. The Community & Wellbeing Directorate’s year to date share of this salary rebasing budget on a pro-rata basis is £98,771 so, if this was included, the adverse variance would increase to £200,376.

Explanation of Variance

The Community & Wellbeing budget performance was further analysed on page 3 into 3 key areas: -

Report Type Variance Box Report 2 Payroll Expenditure £278,110 adverse B Report 3 Non-Payroll Expenditure £138,822 favourable C Report 4 Income £37,683 favourable D

Boxes B, C and D added up to the overall adverse variance (Box A - £101,605).

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A summary of the August financial performance of Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing & Leisure Centre was shown on the attached appendix. An action plan was under development which would help address the Centre’s overspend.

Explanation of Variance The Community and Wellbeing variance (£101,605 adverse) could be summarised in the following table: -

Type Variance Comment £’000 Mainly Leisure & Amenities – ABMW&LC (£193.5k adverse). Range of issues – see report on page 4. CLC (£30.9k adverse) – cover for staff Payroll Expenditure 278.1 absences. Parks & Cemeteries (£73.5k adverse) – overtime is £97.6k over budget. Community Centres (£19.9k favourable). Range of other overspends and underspends. Community Development Other Non-Payroll (£30.8k favourable), Community Centres (138.8) Expenditure (£34.8k favourable), ABMW&LC (£20.5k adverse), CLC (£13.5k favourable), other Leisure (£58.3k favourable). Mainly ABMW&LC – Overall £16.1k better than budget. Fitness/Health Suite/Spa Leisure Centre (8.8) income £89.5k and Swimming pool income Income £49.0k ahead of target. Blacklight Adventure Zone £105.6k below target.

Other Income (28.9) Mainly Community Centres (£19.7k).

Total 101.6 Box A

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REPORT 1 BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT Period 6 - September 2019 Year to Date Year to Date Variance Annual Variance E Actual Budget Budget O Y £ £ £ £ % £ Community & Wellbeing 100 Community & Wellbeing HQ 118,805 121,200 (2,395) 228,500 2.0 110 Environmental Health 907,747 876,800 30,947 1,803,500 3.5 120 Community and Culture 1,119,682 1,169,200 (49,518) 2,075,000 4.2 130 Leisure and Amenities 2,756,386 2,633,815 122,571 5,134,500 4.7

Total 4,902,620 4,801,015 A 101,605 9,241,500 2.1

REPORT 2 PAYROLL EXPENDITURE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Community & Wellbeing - Payroll Expenditure

100 Community & Wellbeing HQ 73,690 73,300 390 146,000 0.5 110 Environmental Health 1,041,204 1,001,000 40,204 2,013,300 4.0 120 Community and Culture 693,669 719,700 (26,031) 1,388,000 3.6 130 Leisure and Amenities 3,616,447 3,352,900 263,547 6,556,300 7.9

Total 5,425,010 5,146,900 B 278,110 10,103,600 5.4

REPORT 3 NON-PAYROLL EXPENDITURE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Community & Wellbeing - Non-Payroll Expenditure

100 Community & Wellbeing HQ 45,115 47,900 (2,785) 83,900 5.8 110 Environmental Health 126,504 133,700 (7,196) 303,700 5.4 120 Community and Culture 1,119,454 1,161,200 (41,746) 3,385,700 3.6 130 Leisure and Amenities 838,506 925,600 (87,094) 2,077,500 9.4

Total 2,129,578 2,268,400 C (138,822) 5,850,800 6.1

REPORT 4 INCOME BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT

£ £ £ £ % £ Community & Wellbeing - Income

100 Community & Wellbeing HQ - - 0 (1,400) 100.0 110 Environmental Health (259,961) (257,900) (2,061) (513,500) (0.8) 120 Community and Culture (693,440) (711,700) 18,260 (2,698,700) (2.6) 130 Leisure and Amenities (1,698,567) (1,644,685) (53,882) (3,499,300) (3.3)

Totals (2,651,968) (2,614,285) D (37,683) (6,712,900) (1.4)

RECOMMENDED that the Committee notes this report.

Councillor Douglas proposed, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

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Councillor Boyle welcomed that income for Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing & Leisure Complex had been £16,100 higher than the estimated budget but queried the £101,605 adverse under the report’s ‘Explanation of Variance’ section. He asked what plans were in place to address this.

The Head of Leisure and Amenities advised that the leisure centre’s income was above the high targets already set.

Fitness/Health was £90,000 above targets and it was estimated that the end of year total for this figure would be around £1million.

In terms of the adverse, the officer advised that he was working hard to offset the staffing costs of the leisure centre and he was trying to address a heavy reliance on agency staff. It was expected that this issue would be resolved in the coming months and there would be a reduced impact on the rate payer.

Despite an earlier year end prediction of a £150,000 overspend, the officer told the Committee that he expected the final figure to be under £100,000. He reminded members that this figure was in the scope of a £5million budget.

Councillor Boyle asked for an update in relation to the reported problems with tiles at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex.

The Director advised that, as SRO on the project board, meetings had already taken place asking for proposed solutions to the tile problem, and a further meeting was due the following week when solutions for the tiles would be expected to be made clear and, in his view, that they would need to be replaced.

Councillor Boyle asked for an update on the reported antisocial behaviour including the vandalism to the play park at the Leisure Centre.

The Officer advised that four sections of the slide had been burnt and those responsible (two children) were captured on CCTV and the PSNI were investigating the footage but had been unable to identify the two individuals as the footage had been unclear. The officer explained that depending on the location it was often difficult for the cameras to pick up clear detailed footage due to the vast expanse of land covered by the cameras.

It was expected that the slide would be repaired by mid-January due to the parts only being available in the USA. The remainder of the play park was open to the public however.

The Officer commented that the antisocial behaviour had escalated and was now occurring inside the centre as a result of the darker nights. There had been incidents of large gatherings of young people who would not leave the centre until they were removed. This was now occurring on a day to day basis. The Officer confirmed reports of bottles being thrown between groups of young people inside the centre.

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Those incidents were having a detrimental impact on staff who had asked for advice and guidance on how they should handle this ongoing problem.

Councillor Mathison wished to voice his support for staff at the centre and asked what action could be taken to help address the ASB issues.

The Officer felt that it was important for the Council to show staff that it cared. All staff were to get personal safety training, but it would be up to the Council how it handled the ASB problems. The Officer acknowledged it would be difficult to find a solution as this was a wider societal issue but in the meantime anything that Council could do to show staff that it cared would be helpful.

Alderman Menagh felt it would take time to address the high use of agency staff. He said it was important to have a workforce that was employed directly by Council so they could be entitled to the same benefits and terms and conditions as Council employees. He found the ASB issues deeply concerning and felt that the PSNI had a bigger role to play in addressing the issue. He felt that the Policing and Community Safety Partnership was the most appropriate committee to address this issue.

Councillor Edmund suggested that senior officers from the PSNI could be invited to a future Committee meeting to discuss the ASB issues. Councillor Egan advised that a Policing and Community Safety Partnership meeting was due to take place before the next Committee and could provide an opportunity for this to be raised at that meeting.

Councillor Chambers wondered if deploying a private security firm could be an option.

The Officer was extremely reluctant to have the presence of security officers in a leisure centre but admitted that might be what was necessary to protect staff.

(Alderman Muir left the meeting – 7.45pm)

The Chair asked the Officer to let the staff know that they had the support of the Council.

(Alderman Muir returned to the meeting – 7.46pm)

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Douglas, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

5. PEACE PLUS (FILE PEAC V-I) (APPENDIX II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 28 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating that the Council’s PEACE IV team had received the attached correspondence from the Managing Authority, the Special European Programmes Body (SEUPB) advising of the status of the PEACE IV and PEACE PLUS programme in light of a “no-deal” Brexit. 7

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SEUPB had confirmed that arrangements were in place, supported by the EU, UK and Irish Governments, providing for the continuation of the PEACE IV Programme. Furthermore, the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, published in May 2018, provided for a PEACE PLUS Programme, which was again supported by the respective Governments.

Planning for the PEACE PLUS programme had already commenced and public consultation events in each county in Northern Ireland and the Border Region were due to commence in at the end of this year.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report.

Councillor Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor Boyle said the report was comforting and welcomed that there was still commitment from Irish and UK Governments and the European Union to the PEACE programme.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

6. ADOPT A PHONE BOX (FILE CW126)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 03 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating that correspondence had been received from Kircubbin District Community Association requesting that the Council adopt the phone box on ‘The Green’ in Kircubbin. The group planned to use the phone box as a book swap hub and have a small floral display within. The box would require a source of electric to power the light, to allow people to use the phone box at night- time.

The scheme was run by BT whereby a Registered Charity or Local Authority plus others could make an application to adopt the old Red Phone Boxes for the cost of £1.00 and in doing so help preserve the heritage of the iconic kiosk.

As the Community Association was not a registered charity, they were unable to make the application to BT to adopt the phone box, therefore they were asking for the Council to make the application on their behalf. The Association had agreed to look after the phone box on a day to day basis if the Council would support them with any maintenance. For this to happen there would be a licence or a Service Level Agreement.

The phone box was currently on Council land, therefore did not need to be moved. The electricity charges would also need to be transferred to the Council.

An application to BT to adopt the phone box had yet to be made. 8

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RECOMMENDED that the Council approves the request from Kircubbin District Community Association, applies to BT to adopt the phone box at ‘The Green’, Kircubbin and, assuming the application is successful, enters in to a licence arrangement or service level agreement with the Association for the usage and maintenance of the phone box.

Councillor Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor Edmund that the recommendation be adopted.

In response to queries from Councillor Boyle, the Head of Community and Culture confirmed that the phone box was disused and that the scheme allowed community groups to apply independently if they wished. It was confirmed that part if the agreement was to have Council look after any necessary maintenance.

Councillor Egan, Councillor Edmund, Councillor Thompson and Alderman Menagh all voiced their support for the initiative.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the recommendation be adopted.

7. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUMMER SCHEMES 2019 (FILE CDV34B) (APPENDIX III)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 28 November 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating the Community Development Section had prepared a 2019 Summer Schemes report to give an overview of activities carried out on the schemes and the number of participants who benefitted from the schemes.

2019 proved to be a successful year, with increased partnership working, and the provision of four Community led summer schemes and five Council led schemes.

The 2019 Summer Schemes Report offered an overview of all the schemes that took place and highlighted the key successes and challenges faced during the year.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes the Community Development Summer Scheme Report 2019.

Alderman Menagh proposed, seconded by Councillor Boyle that the recommendation be adopted.

Alderman Menagh said that the Council’s Summer Scheme programme was outstanding, and Councillor Chambers praised staff and volunteers for their efforts. Councillor Chambers asked if it would be possible for a report to be brought back providing a full evaluation of the Summer Scheme feedback process. The Officer advised that this would be provided.

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Councillor Thompson praised the volunteer element of the report including the voucher credits scheme and the plans to host a volunteer recognition event, adding that Council had been trying for a while to organise such an event and he would like to see something similar.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Menagh, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

8. COMMUNITIES IN TRANSITION CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME (FILE CD131)

The item was withdrawn.

(Councillor Martin entered the meeting – 7.55pm).

NOTED.

9. CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS UPDATE 2019 (FILE GREL415)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 30 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating the Council’s Cultural Expression programme supported inclusive local events and festivals that enabled communities and groups to celebrate their culture and identity through grant aid. 75% of this financial support was provided through the Executive Office and 25% was provided by Council. When bonfires were associated with these local events and festivals, financial support was available where communities agree to core conditions which aim to lessen the negative social and environmental impact of community bonfires.

Further to the detailed report brought to committee in September, the following report was brought in relation to the costs of the programme for this year.

Cost of the Programme

Over the last few years officers had attempted to collate the actual cost of the 11th July night celebrations to include set up costs, clearance (before and after the 11th night) and reinstatement costs of those celebrations on Council land.

Members should note that the Council was responsible for the above costs on its own land, but also incurred the costs on land which was privately owned. NIHE was responsible for clearance on land which they own, therefore the table below did not reflect the total costs involved.

Costs bonfires in programme Amount 2019-20 Amount 2018-19 Set up 11328.85 7789.40 Clearance (before 11th night) 4316.20 1461.09 Clearance (post 11th night) 4705.00 5120.36 Barriers hire, delivery and return 7823.57 2155.34 10

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Total 28,173.62 16,526.19

Costs bonfires not in programme Amount 2019-20 Amount 2018-19 Clearance (before 11th night) 2166.46 7492.79 Clearance (post 11th night) 1010.00 1954.14 Reinstatement 1656.30 Barriers hire, delivery and return 300.00 72.93 Total 3,476.46 11,176.16

Waste Disposal 13190.80 10146.60 Total 13,190.80 10,146.60

Beacons 38400 45000 Total 38,400.00 45,000.00

Grants 74800 (2300 and 1200 72500 (2300 and awards) 1200 awards) Total 74,800.00 72,500.00

Overall Total 158,040.88 155,348.95

Difference between years for sites in programme:

2019-2020 Increase in set up costs - additional bonfire site and increased contractor costs

2019-2020 Increase in barrier costs as sites tried to reduce unwanted fly tipping.

Difference between years for sites not in programme:

In 2019-2020 there was an increase in pre-clearance costs as Cottown asked for removal of all bonfire material resulting in no bonfire at that site.

Waste disposal

In 2019-20 there was a slight increase in waste disposal costs and costs associated with one additional bonfire.

Beacons

In 2019/2020 there was a reduction in beacon costs (1 less)

RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report.

Proposed by Councillor Chambers, seconded by Alderman Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

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Councillor Chambers queried the clearing costs and asked if there could not be an agreement for bonfire builders for clearing the sites in order to help reduce the Council’s clearing costs.

The Head of Community and Culture advised that the agreement was in relation to fly-tipping at the sites and if any restricted items were left at a bonfire site those would be reported by the bonfire builders and be removed by the Council’s contractor. It could not be the responsibility of the bonfire builder to remove the items. This was why the clearance costs were included.

The Officer clarified that the clearance costs came out of the Council budget rather than the funding which came from TBUC (75% of the Good Relations programme).

In response to a query from Councillor Boyle, the Officer advised that there had been a reduction in the number of beacons in the 2019-20 programme but there had been a request by another site to use a beacon next year which was something that was encouraged. The cost of a beacon was around £5,000 which included set up, delivery and removal.

Councillor McNickle felt that it would have been useful to have a breakdown of clearance costs for each site to be able to compare efficiency across the different sites.

The Officer advised it was difficult to provide a detailed breakdown of the landfill costs but would be able to give a rough estimate.

Alderman Menagh praised the work of the Officer and her Good Relations team for the management and monitoring of the Borough’s Cultural Expression Programme. He said that the costs associated with those festivals was for the benefit of the visitors who attended them and emphasised the importance on ongoing dialogue.

Councillor Martin wish to echo those points stating that bonfires were an important community celebration and asked how many bonfires were in the programme.

The Officer estimated that there had been 33 but would need to confirm that figure. There had been 15 ‘pop-up’ bonfires that were not in the Good Relations programme.

Averaging out the costings listed in the report, Councillor Martin asked if this equated to around £1000 per bonfire. However it was advised that beacons were significantly more expensive than traditional bonfires at £5,000 each. This included set-up, delivery and take-down costs.

The Officer wished to add that the clearance costs only applied to those bonfires on Council land. For example, the Housing Executive would be responsible for clearance if the bonfire was on land owned by that particular organisation.

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Councillor Douglas added that there was also an environmental cost to be taken into consideration of traditional bonfires and the damage to the environment could be catastrophic.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Chambers, seconded by Alderman Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

10. PATHWAY TO PEACE (FILE GREL312)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 01 November 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating Pathway to Peace was the name given to a bespoke peace building initiative involving young people attending schools across the nine counties of Ulster.

A grand total of 409 schools embracing Primary, post- Primary, Controlled, Maintained, Integrated, Irish Medium and Special sectors had all written a twenty- five-word peace pledge. Each pledge is an expression of what young people, growing up in our cities, towns and rural communities, consider we all must do if we are to live together better.

Every pledge had been embossed onto a large metal oak leaf and subsequently incorporated into a fifteen-foot tall galvanised metal oak tree, created by renowned artist/sculptor Maurice Harron. This iconic piece of public art was displayed at the new pedestrian entrance into Ebrington Square, the site of a former British Army base, in Londonderry.

A special event, to mark the unveiling of the Tree of Peace, took place in Londonderry during the Spring of 2019. Around 1000 pupils, drawn from participating schools, raised their voices to creatively share their vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.

To reinforce the role of our young people as shapers of society Council Mayors are invited to also write a twenty-five -word statement articulating their personal vision for the future.

The juxtaposition of statements, written by both Local Government first citizens and school pupils was intended to both and embolden young people and encourage others, regardless of age, colour, creed or culture, to persevere in the pursuit of peace.

The Council’s Mayor had been requested by The Executive Office to provide a statement articulating his vision for the future, which would be embossed onto individual stainless-steel plaques and prominently displayed around the Tree of Peace.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves this request and the Mayor provides a statement articulating his vision for the future, for the Tree of Peace.

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AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Muir, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the recommendation be adopted.

11. ARDS AND NORTH DOWN SPORTS FORUM GRANTS (SD109) (APPENDIX IV AND APPENDIX V)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 30 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating Members would be aware that on the 26th August 2015 Council delegated authority to the Ards and North Down Sports Forum, in order to allow it to administer sports grants funding on behalf of the Council. £35,000 had been allocated within the 2019/2020 revenue budget for this purpose.

The Council further authorised the Forum under delegated powers to award grants of up to £250. Grants above £250 still require Council approval. In addition, the Council requested that regular updates were reported to members.

During October 2019, the Forum received a total of 27 grant applications; 18 of which were for Travel and Accommodation, 2 of which were for Equipment, 1 of which was for Coaching, 1 of which were for Events, 1 of which was for Seeding and 4 of which were for Gold Cards. A summary of the applications are detailed in the attached appendix- Applications for Noting and Approving October 2019.

A total of 7 of the applications failed to meet the specified criteria. The reasons for the unsuccessful applications are detailed on the attached appendix, Unsuccessful applications October 2019.

For information, the annual budget and spend to date on grant categories is as follows:

October 2019 Annual Budget Funding Awarded Remaining October 2019 Budget Travel and Accommodation* £14,500 £1,210 £5,428.25 Coaching* £5,000 £199.23 £3,604.52 Equipment* £9,000 £2,000 £1,254.89 Events* £4,000 £645 -£2,222.04 Seeding* £500 £250 £250 Anniversary £1,000 £0 £1,000 Discretionary £1,000 £0 £450 Gold Cards Issued during the period October 2019 is 3.

* The proposed remaining budget for Travel & Accommodation of £5,428.25 was based on a proposed award of £1,210 with withdrawn costs of £640 and reclaimed costs of £56.40 as listed in Appendix IV(A). The proposed remaining budget for Coaching of £3,604.52 was based on a proposed award of £199.23 as outlined in Appendix IV(C). The proposed remaining budget for Equipment of £1,254.89 is based on a proposed award of £2,000 with withdrawn costs of £965.55 as outlined in Appendix IV(B). The proposed remaining budget for Events of -£2,222.04 was based

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RECOMMENDED that Council approves the attached applications for financial assistance for sporting purposes valued at above £250, and that the applications approved by the Sports Forum (valued at below £250) are noted.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Menagh, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

12. COMMUNITY CENTRES PRICING (FILE CW66)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 29 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating members would be aware that Community Centres and Halls prices were last increased in March 2018. Since that date there had been no changes to the pricing structure. Currently Community Centres and Halls were operated with a Council subsidy of approximately £395,000 (excluding utilities) as hire rates were priced well under operating costs providing a benefit to local communities.

Council had also invested approximately £80,000 in refurbishing and upgrading sites this year.

The Regeneration section of the Council had also contributed to upgrading Portavogie Community Centre with grant funding from the Rural Development Programme and were currently looking at the possibility of further investment in Ballygowan Village Hall and Conlig Community Centre. This enhancement programme would result in all of the Council’s Community Centres and Halls being presented to a very high standard. Council would also recall the decision taken recently to ensure the public were serviced by a staff member during all bookings.

Due to inflation and cost of living increases for Council Staff, plus the substantial amount of investment to the Community Centres it was proposed that the prices charged across the centres be increased to reflect this considerable investment and help offset the impact of these costs on the ratepayer.

All other terms and conditions of hire would remain the same, and constituted groups and registered charities would also continue to avail of 25% discount for all bookings. Constituted groups also could receive one booking per month for their monthly meeting at no charge subject to them meeting the relevant criteria.

Members would note that there were variations in the increases. This was reflective of recent refurbishments and hall capacities and a move towards all users paying similar charges for similar facilities irrespective of geographical location.

The table below reflects current charges and proposed new charges reflecting a 4.5% to 5% increase which took into account changes to costs . 15

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Facility Current 2019/20 Proposed 2020/21 Ballygowan CC £5.75 - £10.50 £6.00 - £11.00 Carrowdore CC £5.75 - £10.50 £6.00 - £8.00 - £11.00 Comber CC £5.75 - £10.50 £6.00 - £11.00 Donaghadee CC £7.85 - £10.50 £8.00 - £11.00 Glen CC £10.50 £11.00 Kircubbin CC £5.75 - £10.50 £6.00 - £11.00 Manor Court £10.50 £11.00 Portaferry Market House £6.30 - £7.34 £6.50 - £8.00 Portavogie CC £5.75 - £10.50 £6.00 - £11.00 West Winds CC £5.75 - £10.50 £6.00 - £11.00 Alderman G Green £5.75 - £7.85 - £10.50 £6.00 - £8.00 - £11.00 Conlig CC £5.75 - £7.85 £6.00 - £9.00 Green Road CC £7.00 - £10.50 £7.40 - £11.00 Groomsport Boathouse £7.85 £8.00 Hamilton Road Hub CC £5.75 - £7.85 - £10.50 £6.00 - £8.00 - £11.00 Kilcooley CC £5.75 - £10.50 £6.00 - £11.00 Marquis Hall £7.85 £9.00 Redburn CC £5.75 - £9.00 £6.00 - £10.00 Skipperstone CC £7.85 £8.00 Queens Hall £35.00 Mon - Fri £37.00 Mon – Fri £37.00 Sat £40.00 Sat £40.00 Sun £40.00 Sun

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the above proposed increases to hire charges for Community Centres and Halls to be implemented for the 2020/21 financial year.

Councillor Thompson proposed, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor McNickle asked if there had been any type of impact assessment conducted on how the price increases would affect regular user groups.

The Officer advised that as the rises were below the rate of inflation it was deemed not necessary and determining any impact on these groups would have been extremely difficult to achieve. Councillor Edmund advised it was necessary to help meet ongoing costs and Councillor Thompson commented that the costs increases were small.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the recommendation be adopted.

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13. RULES FOR BURIAL GROUNDS (FILE PCA57)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 29 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating Members were advised that the Policy relating to the Rules For Burial Grounds included within point 52 a section on the provision of Memorial Trees for the interment of cremated remained at both Redburn and Clandeboye Cemeteries.

In addition to the trees located at Redburn and Clandeboye, there were a small number of Memorial Trees located at Movilla Cemetery. A request for burial at a Memorial Tree at the Movilla site was received and in order to facilitate the burial, the approach relating to Memorial Trees in Redburn and Clandeboye was used.

By way of harmonising the Cemeteries service and associated Policy relating to the rules, it was necessary to amend the policy wording to include Movilla within point 52 relating to Memorial Trees.

The new wording in the policy would read

“The Council permits the planting of memorial trees in its burial grounds at Movilla, Clandeboye and Redburn Cemeteries only, subject to available space.”

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the wording of the Policy for the Rules For Burial Grounds as outlined above.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Douglas, seconded by Alderman Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

14. CEMETERY CHARGES (FILE PCA57)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 30 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing the applicable charges relating to the Cemeteries Service across the Borough. Given that there was no increase in charges for 2019/20, it was proposed to apply a 5% increase, rounded down to the nearest £1, to the cemetery charges for 2020/21.

In addition to the changes in charges, it was proposed to introduce the following charges: -

• Additional inscriptions on headstones. Currently there was no charge for this service. Following a request from members to review a previous proposed increase, Officers had reconsidered the rationale behind the charge and consulted with colleagues in neighbouring Councils regarding this charge. Currently, there were approximately 20 applications for Additional Inscriptions received on a monthly basis, with each application requiring 1 hour of Officer time. It was, therefore, proposed that in order to reflect the administration for this service that a charge of £17 be applied, consistent with that applied in other Council areas and

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the processing resources required. Alternatively, this cost of approximately £4,000 would need to be added to next year’s subsidy from the rates.

The table below set out the current charges together with the proposed charges for 2020/21 which equated to an increase of 4.5% to 5%. Cemetery charges

Grave plots 2019/20 2020/21

Residents within council area £262 £275

Applicants residing outside council area £1,963 £2,061

Internments - each opening

(Saturday, Public and Bank Holiday burials – 30% increase)

Residents or resident owner of a grave who has subsequently £199* £208 moved out of the Borough

Non-residents (interred in plot owned by non-resident) £199 £208

Non-residents (interred in plot owned by resident) £855 £897

Public ground £68 £71

Removal of cement covering £60 £63

Testing of graves for remaining depth £105 £110

Stillborn infants / Children under the age 18 years of age No fee No fee

Interment of body parts, resident £68 £71

Interment of body parts, non-resident £136 £142

Exhumation fee £3,008 £3,158

Cremated remains

Residents and non-residents, within a grave plot £68 £71

Residents and non-residents, within a Remembrance tree £68 £71 (Clandeboye, Redburn and Movilla)

Remembrance Trees - Clandeboye, Redburn and Movilla

Tree and granite plaque, resident £230 £240

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Tree and granite plaque, non-resident £460 £480

Replacement plaque £105 £110

Memorials

Approval fee, residents and non-residents £68 £71

Additional inscription fee, residents and non-residents n/a £17

Additional fee for memorials with block foundations, residents £84 £88 and non-residents

Fee for duplicate grant of right of burial £68 £71

Registration fee for transfer /assignment on probate or succession (regardless of whether the spouse or civil partner £68 £71 of the deceased is a resident or non-resident)

Registration fee for transfer / assignment on probate or £1,533 £1,609 succession (resident to non-resident)

Search of Register of Burials or Rights of Burials £43 £45

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the charges to be implemented in the 2020/21 financial year as outlined above.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Smart, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

15. DISPLAY BEDS APPLICATIONS (FILE PCA5) (APPENDIX VI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 28 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating Members would be aware that on the 27th March 2019 Council agreed a policy for the use of display beds in the Borough. This policy required Officers to report to Council any applications received.

The Council had received two further applications for use of the display beds, Officers had judged that both of these met the criteria in the policy and were recommended for approval by Council. Following equality screening, all applications were screened out.

The applications were as outlined in the table below and the proposed design of the displays were included in the attached appendix. The Parks team would endeavour to replicate the designs as far as possible, however some design detail may alter in order

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to facilitate installation. If necessary, the Officer would liaise with the applicant if the installation may have to be significantly different from that proposed.

Members should note that the Display Bed Policy did not extend to the Council’s annual nativity scene in Abbey Street, Bangor which would be in place from mid- November until January.

Name of Display Bed applied Proposed Reason for the Group/Organisation for dates of display display

Bangor Rugby Football Abbey Street Bangor 13/01/20 50th anniversary of and Cricket Club to the opening of the 22/02/20 grounds at Uprichard Park in Bangor

Ards and North Down Ballymenoch Park, 27/01/20 Fairtrade Week Borough Council Holywood to 08/03/20

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the applications from Bangor Rugby Football and Cricket Club and from Ards and North Down Borough Council for the display beds.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Chambers, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted.

16. BEST KEPT AWARDS (FILE PCA8)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 25 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating Members would recall that approval was given to enter a number of Towns and Villages into the Best Kept Awards competition which is run by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council. Following the judging assessments which were carried out during the summer of 2019, members were advised that the following towns were placed as follows: -

• Donaghadee – Winner in the Small Town category • Bangor – Runner up in the Large Town category • Holywood – Runner up in the Medium Town category

As the category winner, Donaghadee will be eligible go forward to the 2020 Best Kept Ireland Awards. There is no cost for this entry.

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RECOMMENDED that Council note the successes above and approves Donaghadee to be entered the Best Kept Ireland Awards 2020.

Councillor Thompson proposed, seconded by Councillor Chambers, that the recommendation be adopted.

In response to a query from Alderman Muir who welcomed the report, the Head of Leisure and Amenities advised that the Council engaged with various stakeholder groups and was developing a ‘friends of’ approach as part of this. Officers were keen to work in partnership to help get ‘the message out' and prepare for success in the competition.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Chambers, that the recommendation be adopted.

17. BALLOO WETLANDS (FILE 141714)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 15 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating that in September 2019 Council approved a request for financial assistance to the sum of £5,000 from the Countryside Recreation and Outdoor Recreation budgets, in order to lever Landfill Communities Funding to the value of £50,000 for improving Balloo Wetlands. The funding would secure the reopening of the site and promote biodiversity and public access once again.

Since the report, Ulster Wildlife had informed the Council that Biffa Landfill Funds had delayed the submission of the application. In the interim the Trust applied for a NIEA Environment Challenge Fund which they were awarded. The application was for £31,400 with 75% of the grant being issued (£23,550). The remaining £7,850 must be match funded by Council and Ulster Wildlife.

Ulster Wildlife had been asked to submit a further funding application to the next traunch of Biffa funding. This would be for the biodiversity aspect of the project which could not be funded under the NIEA grant. Council would be required to match fund an additional 10% of the project cost (£11,730) so a further £1,173 is being sought.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the previously agreed £5,000 to be used as match funding for the NIEA Environment Challenge Fund which has already been secured by the Wildlife Trust.

Furthermore, it is recommended that the Council approve the sum of £1,173 which is already allocated within the Countryside Recreation Budget, in order to facilitate a potential drawdown from the Landfill Communities Fund to the value of £11,743, should the application for further biodiversity work at the Balloo Wetlands site be successful.

Councillor Martin proposed, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the recommendation be adopted.

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Councillor Martin asked if there was any scope across Council to minimise the additional spend of £1,173 as highlighted in the report through the Recycling Community Investment Fund. The Director advised that the fund had been fully allocated for the current year but Council would seek to work with Community Groups where possible once the site was developed and this engagement could facilitate applications to the RCIF in future years.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Douglas, seconded by Councillor Martin, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Chambers had made a Declaration of Interest for Item 18 and left the meeting at this stage)

18. LEISURE PRICING (FILE CW109 / CW51) (APPENDIX VII AND APPENDIX VIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 30 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating Members would be aware that at this time of the year Officers were preparing budgets for the next financial year. Essential to this process was the establishment of a cohesive pricing policy that determines the appropriate rate for activities and facilities provided by the Council. This was a key issue for leisure both for the in-house team and Northern Community Leisure Trust (NCLT) who manage facilities in for example Bangor and Holywood.

Members would be aware that NCLT price changes would take effect from 1st January each year in line with the financial year and any changes to in-house operated services would take effect from 1st April the following year.

Members would also be aware that over the last few years attempts have been made to harmonise the pricing of leisure activities operated by NCLT and the in- house team of the Council.

For convenience the attached spreadsheets show the full range of pricing across all activities and sites operated by the in-house team and NCLT. The information presented reflects the level of cooperation with NCLT that has been reached with regard to pricing and also highlights the value for money offering across all leisure activities in the Borough.

NCLT would take account of market factors as well as the desire to harmonise prices with the in-house team and the following market factors were taken into consideration by NCLT team in establishing the need for price rises across almost the full range of activities.

As in previous years’ key cost increases were in utilities, salaries and wages. For staffing costs NCLT were looking at an impact of up to 9% for NJC employees and 5% for non-NJC staff. This represents a considerable challenge considering the fact that staffing represents on average over 50% of costs and utilities 20%. 22

CW 13.11.19

NCLT were proposing to recover these additional costs via an increase in prices to the users of the Centres they operate. Just to stand still and recover costs NCLT would be looking at an overall recovery percentage of between 6% and 9%, depending on the specifics of each contract and the local situation.

Key to the recovery would be the following recommendations; • Price increases on monthly Direct Debits as follows: o £1.50 on all Health and Fitness memberships, £1.00 on all Swimming Lessons & £1.00 on all Swimming Memberships • Casual price increases of 5% for core and non-core prices, effective from 1 January 2020

NCLT were proposing a slightly higher increase in casual swimming in order to bring the prices into line with Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex. However, all other prices were in-line with the level of increase that is proposed above.

The NCLT Leisure Board had not taken this decision to propose the above lightly. This approach would enable NCLT to protect the quality of service provided across the Centres whilst ensuring the subsidy was maintained.

The same issues applied to the in-house team and harmonisation where appropriate had been maintained assuring users of all facilities owned and operated by the Council that they would continue to have access to excellent facilities and activities at very reasonable prices without significantly increasing the burden on the ratepayer.

Although contractually the Trust was not required to seek approval for pricing it had agreed to seek approval from Council before implementing any changes.

RECOMMENDED that the Council approves the proposed pricing schedule applicable to all leisure facilities and services delivered within the Borough by both NCLT and the in-house team.

Councillor Smart proposed, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

Alderman Muir described the price rises as significant and asked what negotiations had taken place with the Leisure Operator in reaching those figures. He pointed to the rises for athletics memberships – an adult membership had risen from £94 to £98.70, and concessions from £60 to £63. He felt it was ‘disgraceful’ to increase charges for use of an athletics track that was deemed unfit for purpose.

The Head of Leisure and Amenities disagreed that the price rises were significant, adding that the revised prices represented a 5% increase across the board. It had been intended that the price rises would be done in a ‘stepped process’ and the purpose of this process was to bring charges in line with the Council’s in-house leisure services. He pointed to the impact on the rates and felt it was only fair that the service user was asked to pay something too. A report on Bangor Sportsplex 23

CW 13.11.19 would feature later in the agenda with a recommendation for improving the athletics track referred to by the Councillor.

Councillor Martin felt that a 10% price rise for an adult swim was ‘sizable’ and would like to have seen the cost efficiencies undertaken by NCLT reflected in the charges.

The Head of Leisure and Amenities advised those prices in particular had gone up more in order to bring them in line with the prices at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex. He also wished to assure members that the Leisure Operator took on board comments from elected members and the relationship between both parties worked well. He would be happy to pass on any comments if asked to do so.

Councillor Egan queried if consideration had been made to the charges of private sector gyms when reviewing the new prices.

It was advised that the facilities on offer at Ards Blair Mayne were of a higher standard than many of the budget private sector gyms but memberships were half the price of those charged by high end gyms in the private sector.

Councillor McNickle said that the pricing of sports pitches was a major issue in Holywood and asked if there was any scope for discounts for block bookings.

The Head of Leisure and Amenities advised that sports clubs in Holywood were much better off than those in other parts of the Borough in terms of hire fees. There was a discount for block bookings which represented the rate of VAT, provided payment was made in advance.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Smart, seconded by Councillor Thompson, with 7 voting for and 5 voting against, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Chambers returned to the meeting at this stage)

19. DONAGHADEE SPORTS HUB NOVEMBER UPDATE (FILE PCU34) (APPENDIX IX)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 29 October 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating in August 2018, as a follow on to significant earlier work, Copius Consulting was commissioned to prepare an Outline Business Case (OBC) and to recommend a preferred option for Donaghadee Sports Hub. This would inform the way forward and would potentially support any subsequent external funding applications.

Officers had reviewed draft OBC provided by Copius Consulting to include an up-to- date land valuation following a request to modify the design to accommodate a covered seating area. The current draft OBC was submitted to Council on 24 September 2019.

CW 13.11.19

Following scrutiny of this draft by Council, a number of further queries were raised, and the Sports Hub Committee were advised in early October that further work on it was required. The reasons for this were reported to the Community & Wellbeing Committee on 9th October 2019. Additional scrutiny is ongoing and in order to keep the Hub Committee appraised of progress, a letter was sent to its Chairperson on 30th October. A copy of the letter is attached for information and by way of an update for Members.

A meeting with Senior Officers and the Sports Hub Committee was arranged for 8th November in order to discuss this letter in more detail and advise on the next steps. Elected members from the DEA and MLAs have also been invited.

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes the correspondence attached.

Councillor Chambers proposed, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

Alderman Menagh felt that Donaghadee needed the proposed facility and hoped that its construction would ultimately go ahead.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Chambers, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

20. ENVIRONMENT HEALTH PROTECTION & DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY (APPENDIX X)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED: - Report dated 2019 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating that under the Council’s scheme of delegation and in order to allow for timely service delivery, the application of legislation relating to Environmental Health matters had been delegated to officers to implement. A condition of this delegated authority was that related activity was reported to Council from time to time. The report presented to the Committee was for the 2018/2019 year and included such delegated activity.

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes the attached report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Mathison, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the recommendation be adopted.

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC/PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the public/press be excluded during the discussion of the undernoted items of confidential business.

CW 13.11.19

21. MINUTES OF PEACE IV MEETING 27 JUNE 2019 (APPENDIX XI)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

SCHEDULE 6 – INFORMATION REALING TO THE FINANCIAL OR BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF ANY PARITCULAR PERSON (INCLUDING THE COUNCIL HOLIDNG THAT INFORMATION).

22. MINUTES OF PCSP PRIVATE MEETING 2 SEPTEMBER 2019 (APPENDIX XII)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

SCHEDULE 6 – INFORMATION REALING TO THE FINANCIAL OR BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF ANY PARITCULAR PERSON (INCLUDING THE COUNCIL HOLIDNG THAT INFORMATION).

(Having declared an interest for the following item, Councillor Chambers left the meeting at this stage)

23. BANGOR SPORTSPLEX (FILE CW15) (APPENDIX XIII AND APPENDIX XIV)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

SCHEDULE 6 – INFORMATION REALING TO THE FINANCIAL OR BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF ANY PARITCULAR PERSON (INCLUDING THE COUNCIL HOLIDNG THAT INFORMATION).

24. CAIRN WOOD UPDATE NOVEMBER 2019 (FILE PCU38)

(Councillor Chambers returned to the meeting at this stage)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

SCHEDULE 6 – INFORMATION REALING TO THE FINANCIAL OR BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF ANY PARITCULAR PERSON (INCLUDING THE COUNCIL HOLIDNG THAT INFORMATION).

(Councillor Boyle left the meeting at this stage – 8.50pm)

25. UPDATE ON GREENWAYS NETWORK (FILE PCU27) (APPENDIX XV)

***IN CONFIDENCE***

CW 13.11.19

SCHEDULE 6 – INFORMATION REALING TO THE FINANCIAL OR BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF ANY PARITCULAR PERSON (INCLUDING THE COUNCIL HOLIDNG THAT INFORMATION).

RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC/PRESS

AGREED on the proposal of Councillor Smart, seconded by Alderman Muir, that the public/press be re-admitted to the meeting.

26. NOTICES OF MOTION

26.1. NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR MATHISON

Councillor Mathison proposed, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the Council recognised the benefit of PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REFERRAL SCHEME (PARS) to residents of the Borough and supported the aims of the scheme to improve levels of physical activity, particularly among those on low incomes for whom the cost of gym membership may be prohibitive.

Council notes, however, that the criteria set by the Public Health Agency only allows referrals to be made for those with the BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 and less than 40 kg/m2 and considers that this criterion precludes access to the scheme for those with a mental health condition but with a healthier BMI, lower than the scheme’s permitted range. This Council further notes the benefit of increased levels of physical activity for those living with mental health conditions in terms of improving wellbeing and believes that access to the scheme for this currently excluded group should be provided. As a key delivery partner in the management of the scheme, this Council will write to the Public Health Agency to request that the criteria in relation to BMI be removed for those being referred based on their mental health conditions.

Proposing the Notice of Motion, Councillor Mathison told members that that Council was a key delivery partner in the Physical Activity Referral Scheme (sometimes referred to as the Health Wise Scheme). The scheme, designed and overseen by the Public Health Agency allowed GPs to refer individuals with a range of chronic health conditions to our council leisure centres for a free 12 week, bespoke exercise programme to help them increase levels of physical activity. Participants could continue to attend the gym beyond this free period if they choose.

However, the scheme previously permitted referrals to be made based on having a specific physical or mental health condition, subject to it being deemed safe for the individual to undertake physical activity. These criteria were relatively broad, and it was in fact this 2011 version of the scheme that is what is referred to in most material published online by local councils across Northern Ireland when promoting the scheme.

Councillor Mathison was aware that the scheme criteria was changed in 2019 by PHA, although the PHA did not in fact publish details of the scheme on its website, and as

CW 13.11.19 already mentioned any publicly available material available online referred to the older 2011 criteria.

The Member explained that to be eligible for a referral, the participant must now have a BMI of greater than 25kg/m2 and less than 40kg/m2. He understood that these would be BMI ranges for someone classed as overweight or obese.

The result of this change was that individuals who had what would be classed as a healthier BMI were excluded from the scheme, and that this seemed to disproportionately impact on those with a mental health condition, as their BMI had no bearing on whether or not they suffered with anxiety, stress or depression. If their BMI was in a healthier range they were either ineligible to be referred by their GP, or as, he understood happened reasonably frequently, they were referred in error, and Council staff could not accept them onto the scheme and were often presented with the difficult scenario of having to explain this to a disappointed prospective participant.

The research confirming the benefits of exercise for those with mental health conditions was well known. Councillor Mathison provided the following examples:

• The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines stated that ‘For good physical and mental health, adults should aim to be physically active every day.’ • The charity Mind stated that mental health was improved through exercise as it can: • Improve sleep and mood • Help to manage stress, anxiety or intrusive thoughts. • A study of 1.2 million people published in The Lancet found that those who exercised had fewer ‘bad days’ a month than those who did not.

He said it was unacceptable that those with a mental health condition were likely to be so disproportionately affected by the criteria, and therefore potentially excluded from accessing the excellent scheme available to them at Council Leisure facilities.

He understood that participants continuing to access gym facilities in ANDBC after the 12-week programme were very high – in the region of 75% retention rates.

He was concerned however that many in the Borough who could benefit from the scheme had mental health conditions, and therefore may have been excluded by a criterion relating to BMI which seemed designed to exclude access rather than promote it.

He assumed this was a cost saving plan by PHA. If this was the case it seemed to be an extremely short sighted and unfair policy. He felt that an individual with mental health problems should not need an unhealthy BMI to justify a referral if a medical professional deemed it would be beneficial to their health and wellbeing.

The Councillor had spoken to constituents who had not met the criterion in question – individuals who were already struggling with their mental health, whose GPs referred them only to be unable to commence the programme due to the reasons outlined. 28

CW 13.11.19

Councillor Mathison urged members to lend their support to requesting that PHA waive this flawed BMI criteria for those with mental health conditions.

As the seconder of the Motion, Councillor Douglas wished to reserve her right to speak.

Councillor Chambers advised that he was familiar with the scheme and felt that the previous criteria had been open to abuse. It had been easy for GPs to sign off patients and enable them to participate however he felt that the existing criteria was extremely tight and there needed to be a balance.

He said it was a fantastic scheme and there was evidence of high take-up in the Leisure Centre by those who had participated.

Councillor Smart was supportive. He felt that change to the new criteria was needed and it was telling that the new leisure centre had ‘Wellbeing’ in its title, adding that it was important to be supportive of mental health and wellbeing. Councillor Douglas also voiced her support.

Councillor Mathison thanked the members for their comments. He acknowledged that there were cases where the scheme had been abused but this should not deter the Council from supporting it.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Mathison, seconded by Councillor Douglas, that the Council recognised the benefit of PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REFERRAL SCHEME (PARS) to residents of the Borough and supported the aims of the scheme to improve levels of physical activity, particularly among those on low incomes for whom the cost of gym membership may be prohibitive.

26.2 NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR MARTIN

Councillor Martin proposed, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that Council asks for a report as soon as possible on the feasibility of a commemorative and informational plaque to be placed at the Air Raid shelter in Ward Park and at the memorial on Harbour Road, Ballyhalbert to commemorate the USAAF and Polish Airmen who served at RAF Ballyhalbert during World War Two.

Proposing, Councillor Martin said he was aware that this particular site had been on the radar for action previously but for one reason or another it had not been brought back to Council so wanted to ensure that something was progressed.

He said he would like to see a report brought back on the ongoing use of the shelter and if this could be offered to the private sector for an appropriate use such as a small café or ice-cream parlour.

CW 13.11.19

Urging members to support his request, Councillor Martin added that there would be no cost to preserving the shelter in this way but it was important to mark this piece of history that Bangor had.

Councillor Edmund provided a brief historical background of the Ballyhalbert monuments. These were situated on private land but it would be better for them to be accessible to the public and he felt it would be a fitting tribute to those airmen that made the ultimate sacrifice. There were five Polish casualties in the tragedy, and it would be good to have somewhere that people could visit.

Alderman Menagh pointed to two air raid shelters in Newtownards at tide bank. He felt that it would be good to include them as part of this exercise.

Councillor Chambers was happy to support the Notice of Motion. It was something that he had not learned until his adult life and thought an information plaque would be a great idea.

Councillor Martin thanked members for their comments. He acknowledged there was a Polish presence in the Borough and it would be good to establish the historical link with Ballyhalbert, a project that his colleague, Councillor Edmund, had worked hard to progress.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that Council asks for a report as soon as possible on the feasibility of a commemorative and informational plaque to be placed at the Air Raid shelter in Ward Park and at the memorial on Harbour Road, Ballyhalbert to commemorate the USAAF and Polish Airmen who served at RAF Ballyhalbert during World War Two.

27. ANY OTHER NOTIFIED BUSINESS

27.1 BLAIR MAYNE ARTEFACTS

The Director of Community and Wellbeing wished to provide comment on the recent press coverage in relation to Blair Mayne Artefacts.

He advised that contrary to what was reported, Council officers had - following a request from the family - offered to take Blair Mayne’s military artefacts and look to organising an exhibition in the Museum, and there was never a decision made not to take the items.

Council officers had met with the family and it was suggested that the Leisure Centre was of interest for Blair Mayne’s sporting memorabilia and his military related items could be held in the Museum. The sporting memorabilia had been displayed as part of the Wall of Fame at the Leisure Centre, and the offer on the military related items was left with the family to consider; however the family had then chosen to let the artefacts be exhibited in Ballyclare and only when the press coverage arose the previous week were officers aware of their decision.

CW 13.11.19

The Director confirmed that a number of elected members and he himself had spoken to officers of the Royal British Legion in Newtownards earlier in the week about the matter. The RBL had stated that they could exhibit the military artefacts permanently at their Court Square premises and would be delighted to do so.

The Director advised that the Council’s Corporate Communications Manager had since issued a statement to the media clarifying the situation, including details of this conversation. He commented that the Council had been invited to make a statement last week but had only been given an hour or so deadline by the press to provide a response but was unable to meet this deadline with any great detail included.

Alderman Menagh stressed that any Blair Mayne artefacts belonged in this Borough and it was important to work with the family and get the items back.

Councillor Chambers felt that the article was misleading and inaccurate and would like to see the items back in the Borough. Councillor Douglas agreed, adding it was important that the Council got the correct information out there and needed to hold the local media to account. Councillor Smart said it was only right that the items were preserved within the Borough. Councillor Thompson welcomed the statement that had been issued to the press and said that there had been anger expressed on social media towards the Council as a result of the article and he hoped that the statement would help to clear this up.

He suggested the Somme Centre as a suitable location for the items as despite being a World War I museum it had previously exhibited items from World War II. Alderman Menagh however said that the Somme Centre had already confirmed it was unable to provide a permanent home for the memorabilia.

NOTED.

TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 9.38pm.

Unclassified

ITEM 8.1.

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Report Classification Unclassified

Council/Committee Council

Date of Meeting 27 November 2019

Responsible Director Director of Finance and Performance

Responsible Head of N/A Service

Date of Report 20 November 2019

File Reference N/A

Legislation

Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:

Subject Request for Deputation - Land & Property Services

Attachments Reval 2020 - Information for Local Councillors

Issues

Land & Property Services (LPS) has written to all Councils to provide information on the revaluation of properties for business rates – see factsheet attached.

The new values will be released in draft format online on 26 November 2019. Thereafter, the Non-Domestic Valuation List will be published at the end of March 2020 and rates bills based on the new values will be issued from 1 April 2020.

LPS would like to brief all Council rate setting committees after they publish the draft values on 26 November and have asked officers to advise of suitable dates in late November, December and January.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Council approves the request from Land & Property Services to provide a deputation on the revaluation of properties for business rates and that the deputation should be provided to the Corporate Committee at the next available opportunity.

Page 1 of 1

Reval2020 September 2019 Revaluing properties for business rates

INFORMATION FOR LOCAL COUNCILLORS

What is Reval 2020? Land & Property Services (LPS) is revaluing properties in Northern Ireland for business rates.

Why is LPS carrying out this revaluation? The last revaluation was held in 2015 based on 2013 rental levels. It’s important that we now carry out another revaluation to ensure that business rates stay up to date and reflect local economic changes by distributing rate liability fairly across all sectors in line with changes in rental values.

How will this affect ratepayers? LPS asked business ratepayers to provide their rental information in 2018. The data collected has been analysed and used to produce new rateable values. These values will be used to calculate rate bills from April 2020.

LPS will release the new values in draft format online in November 2019. Rate bills based on the new values will be issued from 1st April 2020.

Will rate bills change? At this stage it is not possible to say what the impact on individual ratepayers will be. As a result of revaluation some rateable values will go down but some will go up. Many will stay almost the same.

The role of councillors Councillors play an important part in the business rate process by striking the district rate (also known as rate poundage). The district element is a substantial part of the overall bill.

A business rate bill is calculated by multiplying the rateable value of each business property, also known as the NAV, (set by LPS), by the sum of the district rate and the regional rate (set by the Executive).

District rate poundage

Regional+ rate NAV x poundage = Rate Bill The rateable value is just one of the elements used to calculate a business owner’s final rate bill, so it is the combined district and regional rate that decides the actual level of rates paid. If the ratepayer is eligible for reliefs, these are applied to the bill by Land & Property Services before the bill is issued.

Ratepayers may contact their councillor about Reval 2020 and the impact on business rate bills. From 26 November 2019, ratepayers and councillors can check their draft valuation online and compare it with similar properties in the same area. If ratepayers disagree with their draft valuation, they will be able to request an informal review before the new Valuation List is published at the end of March 2020.

How does LPS value property for rates? There are 3 industry standard methods to assess a rental value.

COMPARATIVE METHOD LPS analyses all actual rents collected, this method is used for the majority of properties such as shops, offices, warehouses and factories.

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE METHOD LPS analyses trading information such as turnover or throughput. This method is used to assess the rental value of a property where there is limited or no rental evidence available and the property’s rental value is related to its level of trade, for example, pubs.

CONTRACTOR’S METHOD LPS analyses building costs and land values, this method is used to assess the rental value of a property where there is no rental or trading information available, for example, schools and hospitals.

Are there plans to carry out a domestic revaluation? There are no plans for a revaluation of domestic properties.

Where can I find out more information?

Visit our website www.finance-ni.gov.uk/reval-2020-ni to find out more about Reval, including: • Key dates; • Frequently Asked Questions; and • Short videos on how we calculate business rates and how we assess rates for retail units and licensed premises.

Water and Drainage Policy Division Clarence Court 10-18 Adelaide Street BELFAST BT2 8GB

Tel: 028 9054 2985 E-mail: waterpolicy@infrastructure- ni.gov.uk

Your reference: Our reference:

28 October 2019

Dear Consultee

CONSULTATION ON SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDANCE FOR WATER AND SEWERAGE SERVICES (2021-2027)

The Department for Infrastructure is beginning consultation on Draft Social and Environmental Guidance for Water and Sewerage Services (2021-2027). The consultation will close on Friday 20 December 2019.

The draft Guidance will help inform how water and sewerage services are provided in Northern Ireland from 2021 to 2027 and sets out the key social and environmental policies that the Department will expect the Utility Regulator to have regard to when carrying out its role of regulating NI Water during this period.

This includes what NI Water will need to do to meet its environmental obligations, continue to make improvements in service delivery and work to operate sustainably, taking account of climate change.

We would welcome any comments you may have on the draft Guidance no later than Friday 20 December 2019.

A copy of the document can be found at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/draft-social-and-environmental- guidance-water-and-sewerage-services-2021-2027

Alternatively, you can request a hard copy of the document by contacting:

Eddie Dobbin Water and Drainage Policy Division Department for Infrastructure Room 1-22 Clarence Court 10-18 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GB

Telephone: (028) 9054 2985 Email: [email protected]

Yours faithfully

[Signed]

JULIE ANN DUTTON Draft Social and Environmental Guidance for Water and Sewerage Services (2021-27)

Public Consultation October 2019

Public Consultation What this consultation concerns (i) The Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 enables the Department for Infrastructure to issue Social and Environmental Guidance to the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (the ‘Regulator’).

(ii) The purpose of this consultation paper is to seek your views on the draft Guidance which sets out how the Department for Infrastructure expects the Regulator to contribute to key areas of social and environmental policy in its regulation of water and sewerage services provided by Northern Ireland Water (NI Water). The guidance sets out investment priorities for the water and sewerage industry for the period 2021-27. Your views will help to inform the final Guidance.

(iii) This draft Guidance has been informed by the Executive’s Long Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2015-2040).

Equality Impact

(iv) The impact of the proposed Guidance was analysed on equality of opportunity, and the need for an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was screened out.

(v) There may be equality implications for Section 75 groups from any policy decisions on the funding arrangements for water and sewerage services. However, the Executive has yet to agree the policy in these areas and will consult separately in due course. The impact on equality of opportunity will be considered as part of the Executive Consultation. A copy of the screening form can be viewed on the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) website at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/social-and-environmental- guidance-water-and-sewerage-services-screening-form

Rural Needs

(vi) The impact of the proposed Guidance was considered against rural needs and the need for Rural Needs Assessment was screened out.

Other Regulatory Impacts

(vii) No need to conduct detailed regulatory or strategic environmental assessments1 was identified for the investment priorities within this Guidance because:  it sets out investment priorities for NI Water with no direct impact on any other businesses;  investment has been prioritised on environmental need within both rural and urban areas; and  investment will have beneficial effects on the environment and on public health. (viii) It should also be noted that some of the future investment priorities set out in this Guidance are mandatory and driven by legislation.

Where to send your views

(ix) Responses to the consultation can either be emailed to [email protected] or posted to the address below: Eddie Dobbin Water and Drainage Policy Division Department for Infrastructure Room 122, Clarence Court 12-18 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GB Telephone: (028) 9054 2985

1 The Guidance informs NI Water’s financial business plan and does not require assessment under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC).

(x) For audio impaired users, telephone (028) 9054 2985 (text relay prefix 18001).

(xi) Please note that responses to the consultation must be received by Friday 20 December 2019. All responses received by this date will be considered.

(xii) Additional copies of this document can be obtained, free of charge, by contacting us at the address above or downloaded from the consultation section of the DfI website, https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/draft-social- and-environmental-guidance-water-and-sewerage-services-2021-2027. The consultation document can also be made available in alternative formats or languages on request.

Confidentiality of consultation responses

(xiii) A summary of responses will be published following completion of the consultation process. If you would prefer your comments not to be published, please indicate this when responding. Requests for non-publication of responses will be respected but, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, cannot be guaranteed. For further information about the confidentiality of responses please contact the Information Commissioner’s office.

Next Steps

(xiv) Once the consultation closes on Friday 20 December 2019, all responses will be considered and the guidance will be amended if necessary.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1 SustainableWater………………………………………………………………….……2 Programme for Government..…………………………………………………………3 Equality Impact ...... 3 Other Regulatory Impacts ...... 4 Price Control Process Process (PC21)………………………………………………5 Governance and Funding arrangements…………………………………………….6 Living with Water Programme (LWWP)…………………………………………...…7 Capitlal Investment Scenarios for PC21.…...... 8 Resource DEL…………………………………………………………………………10 Metering...……………….………..……………………………………………………10

Sustainable Water Management.……………………………………………………11 Digital Modernisation..…………………………….………………………………….11 Research, Development and Innovation……………………………………………12 Sustainable Water - A Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland………...12 Approach……………………………………………………………………………….12

2 Drinking Water Supply and Demand ...... 13

3 Flood Risk Management and Drainage ...... 25

4 Environmental Protection and Improvement ...... 36

5 Water and Sewerage Services...... 42

Glossary...…………………………………………………………………………………..55

1. Introduction Summary

1.1 The purpose of this document is to provide the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (‘the Regulator’) with Guidance on the key environmental and social policies and legislation that the Department for Infrastructure (the Department) expects it to have regard to when carrying out its role of regulating Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) during the years 2021-27 inclusive. This is known as Price Control 21 (PC21).

1.2 In the absence of Ministers and an Executive, this Guidance has been developed to reflect current policies and legislative commitments. The Guidance may be subject to review to take account of any future Ministerial directions.

1.3 Until an Executive is re-instated, the Department is progressing the commitments set out in its draft Programme for Government. The aim is to, at minimum, maintain the current high levels of drinking water quality, to improve wastewater compliance levels, to deliver affordable service improvements in key customer areas and to promote a sustainable industry. NI Water’s strategic investment priorities for PC21 are as follows:

. Maintain and, where possible, improve its water and sewerage infrastructure. . Meet its legal obligations in relation to drinking water quality, wastewater quality, and pollution Environmental prevention and control. Improvement & . Work in partnership with other agencies to provide Compliance the relevant input to joint flood risk management plans and solutions and work towards separating storm water from the sewerage system. Maintain and, where necessary, improve the safety of its network of controlled reservoirs (both impounded and service).

. Provide an efficient and cost effective service to customers. Service Delivery, . Improve its performance against customer service Improvement and standards by targeting key areas such as sewer Affordability flooding and interruptions to water supply. . Promote tourism, recreation & biodiversity at its water and sewerage assets.

. Apply a catchment based approach to investment to reduce leakage, pollution incidents and energy consumption, whilst facilitating future development Sustainability and and growth. Climate Change . Mitigate and adapt to climate change in all aspects

of investment planning and decision making. . Deliver increasingly energy efficient water & wastewater services.

Sustainable Water

1.4 Sustainable Water - A Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2015-2040) encourages a sustainable and integrated approach to managing all our different water needs in a way which promotes regional development, without compromising the environment or increasing flood risk. It includes many of the legal obligations in the legislation governing water management in Northern Ireland, and focuses on the strategic investment priorities highlighted above. To help deliver these investment priorities, the Strategy focuses on four key areas:- (i) Drinking Water Supply and Demand;

(ii) Flood Risk Management and Drainage;

(iii) Environmental Protection and Improvement; and

(iv) Water and Sewerage Services.

The Strategy contains a range of actions aimed at delivering the investment priorities and these actions form the basis of the priorities in this Guidance.

Programme for Government

The priorities set out in this Guidance will help to fulfil commitments in the draft Programme for Government (PfG) by contributing to the following PfG outcomes:-

(a) outcome 1 - we prosper through a strong, competitive, regionally balanced economy. The provision of a robust water and sewerage network will facilitate economic development and the expansion of businesses;

(b) outcome 2 - we live and work sustainably - protecting the environment; Delivering the objectives of the Water Framework Directive will help to improve river and marine water quality;

(c) outcome 4 - we enjoy, long, healthy, active lives; The provision of high quality drinking water will help to deliver this outcome.

(d) outcome 11 - we connect people and opportunities through our infrastructure. By investing in water and wastewater services, high levels of drinking water quality will be maintained and the risk of pollution incidents / out of sewer flooding will be reduced.

Equality Impact

1.4 The impact of the proposed Guidance was assessed on equality of opportunity and the need for an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was screened out. A copy of the screening form can be viewed on the Equality Section of the Department’s website at https://www.infrastructure- ni.gov.uk/publications/social-and-environmental-guidance-water-and- sewerage-services-screening-form 3

Other Regulatory Impacts

1.5 The need to conduct detailed regulatory and/or strategic environmental assessments2 was ruled out for the investment priorities within this Guidance because:  it sets out investment priorities for NI Water with no direct impact on any other businesses;  investment has been prioritised on environmental need in both rural and urban areas; and  investment will have beneficial effects on the environment and on public health.

1.6 It should also be noted that some of the future investment priorities set out in this Guidance are provided for by legislation, and are, therefore, mandatory. Failure by NI Water to comply with these legislative requirements, may result in legal challenge and the possibility of substantial financial penalties, the consequence of which would be reduced investment in the services provided by NI Water. In the event that the risk of a challenge materialises, as a consequence of the company’s inability to fulfil its legal obligation as a result of a shortfall in funding, NI Water should escalate such risks to the Department and Regulatory stakeholders, to facilitate decisions on operational priority and outputs, to provide adequate mitigation and help minimise any potential disruption to the delivery of water and sewerage services..

1.7 It should also be noted that the specification of certain activities should not automatically equate to separate elements of funding as they may be accounted for in the usual benchmarked costs.

2 The Guidance informs NI Water’s financial business plan and does not require assessment under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC). 4

The Price Control 21(PC21)

1.8 This Guidance sets out the strategic priorities for water and sewerage services delivered by NI Water for PC21 which covers the 6 year period 2021-27 inclusive. The Guidance is issued by the Department to the Regulator under Article 7 of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 20063. The Regulator must have regard to this Guidance when discharging its functions. Through the PC21 process, the Regulator will determine the performance targets for NI Water (including setting appropriate targets for the priorities in this Guidance) and the revenue that NI Water can raise through charges during PC21. In the absence of domestic charging for water and sewerage services, the revenue that would otherwise be forthcoming from domestic consumers, is subsidised and administered by the Department. As the majority of funding is provided by government, final decisions on funding will be part of the budgetary process. As was the case in PC15, the Department will strive to secure adequate funding for NI Water to meet its legal obligations and deliver the outcomes required by the Regulator for PC21. However, as with PC15, government is operating within a constrained budgetary environment, and funding the requirements in PC21 will be an even greater challenge.

1.9 It is recognised that longer investment plans will have a degree of uncertainty. Therefore, the Regulator should carry out a mid-term review of NI Water’s PC21 Business Plan to consider any recalibration of targets required over the PC21 period and to facilitate any necessary changes to the second half of the Plan. This review will be limited to those areas where it is strictly necessary and will not be treated as a full price control process. It will instead be a review of proposals for the second three years of the investment programme, taking account of any new or emerging priorities and any pilot studies or research carried out. Therefore, NI Water’s investment plan for the first three years should include details of the studies, trial work and pilot projects which will be carried out during the first three years of PC21 and which will be used to inform the second three years, particularly on sustainable solutions.

3 Statutory Instrument 2006 No. 3336 (N.I. 21) 5

1.10 Noting the Better Regulation Framework and the responsibilities already imposed on NI Water by current governance arrangements, consideration should be given by the Regulator to ensuring that the administrative burdens on NI Water are appropriate and every effort is made to ensure that these are not increased.

1.11 In accordance with the MoU4 and the Planning Assumptions Paper5, it is important that the Utility Regulator sets appropriate targets and, throughout PC21, monitors and regularly reports on NI Water’s performance to deliver its key performance indicators and priorities set out in the Social and Environmental Guidance.

Governance and Funding Arrangements

1.12 The NI Executive gave a commitment in 2016 that, for domestic consumers, no additional water charges would be levied until 31 March 2022. For the purposes of PC21 planning6, the continuation of that policy is assumed and NI Water will continue to receive funding from government subsidy, in lieu of domestic charging.

1.13 To help reduce the levels of public expenditure funding required by NI Water, and to benefit its paying customers, it must continue to improve business performance and deliver efficiencies.

1.14 The Department and NI Water will continue to work together to consider alternative funding streams, especially given the uncertainty of continued funding after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. During the PC21 period, the Department will, in partnership with NI Water, seek opportunities to identify alternative funding opportunities to develop and

4 The MOU refers to the memorandum of understanding between DfI and the Utility Regulator. 5 The Planning Assumptions Paper is prepared by DfI and sets out the key assumptions for PC21. 6 This policy will continue until 31 March 2022 when it will be reviewed. It may also be reviewed again at any time that a Minister considers it appropriate to do so. Until the outcome of the 2022 review is known, NI Water will continue to receive most of its funding from government subsidy in lieu of domestic charging.

progress potential project proposals. Any successful bids should be progressed through the stakeholders’ agreed change protocol process.

The Living with Water Programme (LWWP)

1.15 In July 2014, the Northern Ireland Executive agreed to set up an interdepartmental group to develop a ‘Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan’ (SDIP) for Belfast to protect against flood risk, enhance the environment and support economic growth. To facilitate the development of the SDIP for Belfast, the Department is taking forward the ‘Living with Water Programme’ (LWWP), the Board of which includes senior representatives from: the Department’s Rivers and Roads, Water and Drainage Policy Division (WDPD) and Finance Division; the Regulator; Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and NI Water. The Board is supported by an inter-departmental working group which includes representatives from Belfast City Council (BCC), Department for Communities (DfC), Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Strategic Investment Board (SIB) and the Department of Finance (DoF). The high level aim for the LWWP is to develop a strategic infrastructure plan that will manage the flooding risk in Belfast, address the risk of infraction proceedings under the Water Framework and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directives in respect of Belfast Lough, and support economic growth.

1.16 The LWWP Strategic Outline Case estimates that the Belfast SDIP will require £892m (nominal) with almost £790m (or 89%) of this needing to be invested in NI Water’s wastewater networks and treatment facilities during PC21. The LWWP is currently working on a catchment basis to find alternative solutions that may reduce the cost of dealing with Belfast’s drainage problems. However, further work will be required over the coming months to:

 refine the scale of the works required and the associated cost estimations; and

 determine which elements of the LWWP should reasonably be expected to be delivered and funded by NI Water through the tariff and which require additional funding from Government.

Capital Investment Scenarios for PC21

1.17 The indicative budget identified in the PC15 Social and Environmental Guidance was used for investment planning purposes and formed the basis of both NI Water’s Business Plan submission and the Regulator’s PC15 determination. However, it was significantly less than the investment need identified by NI Water and placed constraints on delivery. The budget allocation to date in PC15 for capital investment has been below the indicative budget identified in the PC15 Social and Environmental Guidance.

However, benign inflationary conditions leading to lower construction costs have enabled NI Water to do more with its funding and largely achieve on PC15 outputs to date.

It is expected that a similar constrained budget environment will persist throughout PC21, and in the absence of any new political direction or enhanced capital resources available in Northern Ireland to address the investment that we know our water and sewerage infrastructure needs, the baseline budget is likely to remain in or around PC15 levels. The actual Budget set will take into account the Regulator’s final determination and affordability within the Northern Ireland budget expenditure process.

However, it is recognised that NI Water has estimated in its Outline Capital Submission that significantly more funding is needed. The Department acknowledges that a budget set at PC15 levels, index-linked, will have a significant detrimental impact on the economy, the environment and the wellbeing of citizens. It will result in an ever-increasing number of areas where there are development constraints, more environmental breaches by NI Water leading to poorer river and marine water quality and more fines levied against

the company and an increased flood risk from a drainage system working at over-capacity.

Whilst NI Water’s current performance is good, it is also evident that due to the difficult fiscal environment in which it has been operating, the company has been unable to invest adequately for the future sustainability of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland. Continued underinvestment would fail to meet the needs of citizens, the economy and society as a whole.

Therefore, NI Water should prepare a Business Plan which sets out what is essential for the company to meet its obligations and the requirements of this Guidance, along with the associated costs. It should formulate a deliverable investment plan which meets established needs and is affordable from a tariff perspective. The NI Water elements of the Living with Water Programme should be included within this Business Plan. Given that the tariff is unlikely to be able to fully fund the assessed capital requirements, the tariff assumptions in the Business Plan should be made clear, as well as setting out the increase that would be required in the tariff if all capital requirements were to be financed that way.

NI Water should also clearly articulate the implications of a constrained budget set at PC15, index linked, outlining what could be delivered within this funding envelope and the implications of not funding the assessed capital requirements, based on the work already completed in the Outline Capital Submission.

The Regulator’s determination for PC21 should have regard to the requirements identified in this Guidance and take into account required environmental standards, development priorities and customer affordability. The Regulator should also consider company proposals for how elements of the LWWP could be prioritised within the PC21 funding envelope, should no or only limited, additional funding be forthcoming.

Recognising that the actual budget allocation may still be constrained by affordability within the Northern Ireland public expenditure allocation process, the Regulator should maintain and develop appropriate mechanisms for managing change as part of its determination.

Resource DEL

1.18 NI Water has successfully reduced its resource costs over the PC15 period, and consideration should be given to driving through further efficiencies by continuing its ambitious business improvement programme, “Achieving Customer Excellence” (ACE) during the PC21 period. This should focus particularly on further efficiencies presented through use of business innovation, technology and energy efficiency/renewables. The Regulator should build on the work undertaken in previous Price Control periods to establish an efficient level of operational expenditure and resource DEL for PC21. For initial planning purposes, NI Water should prepare a Business Plan to set out its assessment of resource requirements and this will inform the Regulator’s final determination. The Regulator’s final determination along with the affordability within the Northern Ireland budget expenditure process will determine the actual budget. If the efficient level of operational expenditure or Resource DEL exceeds the expected budget, NI Water and the Regulator, in conjunction with other stakeholders should consider the consequences of any budget constraints in time for the PC21 final determination.

Metering

1.19 In line with the previous NI Executive’s commitment not to introduce additional domestic water charges to households until at least 31 March 2022, no move to universal metering is currently envisaged in the domestic sector. Metering should continue to be used as the method of billing the non-domestic sector, where possible. Smart meters are presently being piloted on Rathlin Island. The roll-out of smart meters to other parts of Northern Ireland should be considered following the evaluation of this pilot.

Sustainable Water Management

1.20 This Guidance has been informed by the NI Executive’s Long-Term Water Strategy entitled ‘Sustainable Water’ which sets out a vision for a sustainable water sector. Sustainable water management is a key theme throughout this Guidance and is about managing and investing in assets and infrastructure to improve services and protect the environment while securing future service provision. It is recognised that NI Water cannot achieve this alone. Amongst other things, the introduction of reservoir safety legislation, and changes to planning legislation and building control conditions may also be needed to facilitate sustainable residential, commercial and industrial development.

1.21 NI Water’s role will be to deliver efficient, affordable, ‘greener’ services by improving existing operations and investing in sustainable solutions. This means gradually moving away from traditional high energy water, wastewater and drainage solutions and adopting natural approaches where issues are addressed at source. This will involve consideration by NIEA, when developing discharge standards to ensure that the overall benefit to the environment is optimised in terms of both water quality and carbon emissions.

Digital Modernisation

1.22 Digital services are transforming customer contact channels, with a shift from traditional contact centre communication to self-service digital based interaction. The implementation of digital services presents the opportunity to provide an enhanced customer service, at a time when the customer requires it, and at a lower operational cost. NI Water has commenced this process with the development of new systems to provide a modern digital offering and to enable customers with the choice to access company information through digital communications. NI Water should continue to develop its digital offering, to keep pace with customer demands and expectations and to seek to lower the operational cost of customer service delivery.

Research Development and Innovation

1.23 NI Water should maintain and implement a Research Development and Innovation (RDI) strategy with the aim that this will assist improved performance and the delivery of further efficiencies through the timely provision of focused applied research and development support to all areas of business need. Where possible, this should be through collaborative projects, such as through UK Water Industry Research, to make full use of opportunities for sharing RDI costs with other organisations,

Sustainable Water – A Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2015- 2040)

1.24 While the guidance often summarises the more detailed aims of Sustainable Water, it is acknowledged that there are shared roles and responsibilities by other stakeholders in delivering the Strategy and that it includes items where NI Water is in a supporting role rather, than a lead role. The Utility Regulator should refer back to Sustainable Water for further detailed clarification as necessary.

It should be ensured that NI Water fully plays its part in progressing the relevant actions in the Strategy, working in collaboration with other stakeholders as appropriate.

Approach

1.25 The following sections detail the Department’s social and environmental objectives for the PC21 period. These have been informed by the long-term aims and objectives identified in Sustainable Water – A Long-Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2015-2040). The Utility Regulator should have regard to the delivery of these objectives when assessing NI Water’s proposals for PC21, including the needs identified by the company as part of an affordable and deliverable plan.

2. Drinking Water Supply and Demand Introduction 2.1 The current high levels of drinking water quality and reduced levels of leakage and burst pipes have been achieved through a policy of significant investment in water treatment facilities and mains rehabilitation. These improvements should be maintained and investment targeted through a risk management approach to target specific quality and supply issues. Ensuring the delivery of a wholesome water supply will help to deliver Programme for Government Outcome 4 – we live long, healthy, active lives. The drinking water investment priorities for PC21 are detailed in the aims and actions set out below.

DW Aim 1 - Manage drinking water quality risk in a sustainable manner from source to tap

DW Policy 1A: Maintain and review Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSP) for all drinking water catchments

2.2 Drinking Water Safety Plans are the most effective way of ensuring that a water supply meets the health-based standards and other regulatory requirements throughout the water supply chain. The primary objectives of DWSPs are the identification and mitigation of risks through the minimisation of contamination of source waters, the reduction or removal of contamination through appropriate treatment processes and the prevention of contamination in the distribution network and the domestic distribution system.

SEG DW 1A NI Water should continue to maintain and review drinking water safety plans for all drinking water catchments and also continue to implement a prioritised investment programme to manage drinking water quality risks informed by DWSPs.

DW Aim 1B - Put effective protection measures in place for drinking water sources

2.3 All drinking water sources should be designated as Drinking Water Protection Areas (DWPAs) to provide appropriate regulatory protection and help prevent future deterioration of drinking water sources in line with the Water Framework Directive principles.

SEG DW 1B To help deliver this policy, NI Water should review the designation of all existing (and future) drinking water sources as Drinking Water Protected Areas (DWPAs) and ensure appropriate monitoring and regulatory protection measures are put in place.

DW Aim 1C - Introduce sustainable catchment management at all drinking water sources

2.4 NI Water continues to develop Sustainable Catchment Management Programmes (SCAMP), taking on best practice from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. NI Water has completed Catchment Management Plans for all in-service catchment areas.

Through the Water Catchment Group: a joint partnership between NI Water and the NIEA, a number of catchment initiatives are in place, including engagement with the farming communities in Seagahan, Glenhordial and Ballinrees catchments to implement weed wiping trials, which aim to replace the use of the herbicide, MCPA, which can leach directly into watercourses or via land drains.

NI Water is the lead partner in the Source to Tap Interreg Project, which aims to pilot catchment management initiatives in the cross-border Derg and Erne catchment. The project team includes Irish Water, AFBI and the Rivers Trust.

Learning and awareness regarding sustainable catchment management is raised in the community by NI Water’s Education team and NI Water’s

Communications team through the use of social media, TV and radio interviews.

SEG DW 1C NI Water should continue to introduce sustainable land management practices at all drinking water sources through collaborative partnership working, where possible, and also help to educate those with private water supplies about the importance of protecting groundwater. Specifically, NI Water should develop a programme to implement appropriate recommendations developed through the SCAMP programme in PC15.

DW Aim 1D - Manage water quality risks from the water distribution system

2.5 NI Water’s water distribution system is an extensive network. It consists of 370 service reservoirs and approximately 26,800 kilometres of mains pipe. As water travels through the distribution system, the quality of the water may deteriorate, depending on the condition and structural integrity of the distribution system, the nature of the water and materials it comes into contact with.

To help minimise these risks, NI Water has implemented a 'Risk-Based Service Reservoir Condition Assessment Programme' (expenditure circa £250k per annum). This methodology is reviewed annually to ensure industry best practice is maintained. In addition, NI Water uses the WIIM methodology for prioritising replacement pipelines in the distribution network, which includes water quality sample results as drivers for pipeline replacement. It is acknowledged that NI Water wishes to embrace technology which could result in rehabilitation solutions being avoided/deferred by extensive network cleaning. Pilots are underway during PC15 which will inform PC21.

NI Water also has drinking water quality targets in place for iron and other significant parameters, designed to protect public health.

SEG DW 1D NI Water should continue to effectively manage and operate the distribution system to maintain standards of drinking water quality, in line with current

standards, and to prevent deterioration in drinking water quality including addressing iron exceedances and delivering the water mains rehabilitation programme to address water quality issues and consumer complaints.

DW Aim 1E – Remove lead pipes and fittings from drinking water supply systems

2.6 For many years, lead pipes were the preferred means of transporting drinking water. Following scientific evidence, using lead pipes to transport drinking water has been deemed to have a detrimental effect on human health especially on young children and unborn babies. Lead pipe work is still present within the distribution system as well as within the boundary of many older properties where it is privately owned.

Since 25 December 2013, the regulations require compliance with the final lead standard of 10 µg/l. However, NI Water should be encouraged to keep abreast of changes in industry standards. This measurement is taken at customers’ taps. Meeting this lead standard is a complex matter because, although some lead pipes are owned by NI Water, most belong to consumers. This is why orthophosphate treatment is required to reduce the amount of lead dissolved in the water from these pipes. NI Water has a targeted strategic lead replacement programme which aims to replace lead communication pipes throughout the distribution system, to help achieve compliance with the 10 µg/l lead standard at the customer tap. It also carries out opportunistic lead replacement when lead pipes are identified while undertaking water mains rehabilitation and reactive replacement as a consequence of sample failures and/or customer requests.

SEG DW 1E NI Water should continue implementing its strategic lead policy and lead pipe replacement programme focusing on the aim of removing all lead pipes from the public supply system and improving compliance with current lead standards. In addition, NI Water should work with stakeholders to develop and implement a strategic risk-based approach for addressing lead compliance issues associated with private supply pipes and domestic distribution systems.

DW Aim 1F – Manage water quality risks from defective water fittings systems

2.7 The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 set out minimum performance standards for water-using apparatus (e.g. toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.). The Regulations aim to reduce the risk of contamination and reduce wastage of water supplied by NI Water through the use of specified water fittings and methods of installation. The Regulations apply to all plumbing systems, water fittings and appliances connected to the public water supply. They help to ensure that any plumbing system in your home or business is installed and maintained correctly. Complying with these Regulations can help to prevent any potential contamination of the public water supply or to other parts of your home or business. NI Water is responsible for enforcing the Regulations in all properties that have a public water supply.

NI Water proactively inspects customers premises on a risk-based approach as detailed in an annual return provided to the Department.

NI Water, along with all the GB water suppliers and the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), has set up a Point of Sale (POS) working group, to help change the behaviours of manufacturers & retailers, many of whom are manufacturing, stocking and selling non-compliant water fittings. The desired outcome is to reduce the significant numbers of non-compliant water fittings on the UK market thus reducing waste and preventing water quality failures/events and maintaining drinking water safety. NI Water also proactively inspects customer’s premises in response to water quality issues identified by sample failures.

SEG DW 1F NI Water should continue to effectively monitor and regulate compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 and reduce the risk of contamination or waste of public water supplies through defective water fittings. It should continue its work with the WRAS Point of Sale working group, to help change the behaviours of manufacturers & retailers. In addition to this, NI Water should also continue to educate and

improve public awareness of the importance of compliant water fittings and using licensed plumbers (Watersafe). NI Water should be encouraged to keep abreast of changes in industry standards and developments and should maintain systems and processes necessary to ensure effective regulation of water fittings.

DW Aim 1H – Manage water quality risks from domestic distribution systems

2.8 Where there is a public water supply to buildings, such as hospitals and schools, the building owners must ensure that there is no deterioration in the drinking water quality as a result of the distribution of the water throughout the site. This onward distribution of water through the building’s domestic distribution system is regulated to ensure that it does not present a risk to members of the public. The Drinking Water Inspectorate has responsibility to ensure that appropriate remedial measures are taken by the building owner (where there are water quality failures identified under domestic distribution system regulations and which are related to the onward distribution of water within these buildings).

SEG DW 1H NI Water should continue to work with stakeholders to ensure adequate resource and guidance is in place to ensure the effective monitoring and regulation of domestic distribution systems is maintained.

DW Aim 2 – Meet the water demand needs of society, the economy and the environment

DW Aim 2A – Provide access to efficient, safe, secure drinking water supplies

2.9 Approximately 99% of the population are currently connected to the public drinking water supply network. The long-term aim is to connect as many properties as possible to the public supply system where this is requested by the customer and assessed to be economically viable. NI Water provides a contribution towards the initial cost of providing a connection. In addition, the

Northern Ireland Executive provides a further financial contribution to ensure that the cost of new water connections remains affordable to householders and businesses.

To help manage future water supply costs, it is important that any planned development can be efficiently served by the public drinking water supply system. This is recognised in the Regional Development Strategy which recommends that land-use planning should be informed by current water and sewerage infrastructure and future investment programmes. This will involve close cooperation between Local Councils and NI Water in the preparation of Local Development Plans (LDPs) and water investment programmes.

NI Water provides assessments on water capacity with respect to Local Councils’ LDPs. This information is then incorporated into Preferred Options Papers and individual Plan Policies. The Department is also provided with this information. However, outcomes are subject to adequate funding of the current and future NI Water Business Plans.

SEG DW 2A NI Water should continue to provide financial assistance towards the initial cost of providing a water connection to encourage connections to the public supply system (reasonable cost allowance (RCA)) and also to put in place and implement improved mechanisms to ensure integration between water investment and local development plans, to help ensure that customers’ water needs are efficiently met in the future. It should also take account of any future requirements to increase access to drinking water in public places.

DW Aim 2B – Water resource management and drought planning to inform long term investment needs

2.10 In 2014, the Department issued technical guidance to NI Water, to help inform the development of its WR&SRP. The draft WR&SRP sets out NI Water’s strategy for maintaining drinking water supplies up to 2042 and takes into

account forecast changes in population, housing and water usage and incorporates any predicted changes to our climate. The average volume of water needed in the supply system has reduced from around 735 megalitres per day (Ml/day) in 2001/02 to around 570 (Ml/day) in 2017/18. However, water demand needs to be reduced further if we are to protect our water sources, facilitate future development and reduce the carbon and financial costs of drinking water provision in the future. Following the high demand event at the end of June, early July 2018, the draft WR&SRP has been re- visited to ensure that it is still appropriate.

SEG DW 2B NI Water must deliver the WR&SRP and review it, in accordance with the legislation, and any associated guidance, to inform subsequent price control periods.

DW Aim 2C – Put effective systems and processes in place to avoid over abstraction

2.11 The Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 provide controls on water abstractions and impoundments in Northern Ireland. All significant operators, like NI Water, who have a licence to abstract from surface water or groundwater under the regulations are required to have monitoring systems in place or, in respect of hydro operations, to produce a monitoring plan three months prior to commencement of the operation. The NIEA needs accurate information on abstractions to carry out its duties and meet the Water Framework Directive’s (WFD) objectives on promoting sustainable water use and preventing deterioration of, and protecting/enhancing the water environment.

Every day, NI Water currently draws around 570 Ml/day from the environment and supplies around 560 Ml/day of drinking water with the additional water used in the treatment processes. NI Water has active licenses to abstract up to 1,045 Ml/day and this ensures that NI Water has access to additional raw water reserves. There is the potential to develop groundwater to be utilised during major supply incidents and it could also have a role to play in ensuring supplies in emergencies.

SEG DW 2C NI Water should continue to develop, agree and implement water abstraction monitoring and management plans with NIEA.

DW Aim 2D – Encourage households and businesses to be water efficient

2.12 The long-term target is to reduce average water consumption from 146 l/h/day to 130 l/h/day by 2040. The WFD promotes the sustainable use of water resources through water pricing. Water pricing arrangements for the agriculture and industrial sectors have been in place for many years. The majority of these customers are metered and charged according to usage. This is in line with the WFD’s requirement for users to use water resources efficiently and promotes the polluter pays principle.

NI Water offers all schools an education talk on key water efficiency messages and also attends Events/Exhibitions-such as Balmoral Show, and local community events/talks to promote water efficiency.

SEG DW 2D NI Water should continue to invest in education and public awareness campaigns to promote water efficiency and to highlight the link between water efficiency and lower energy bills. NI Water should continue to invest in its education team resources, including the waterbus and targeted Corporate Social Responsibility activity such as its monthly Cares Challenge. It should also be mindful of any new initiatives in GB regarding water efficiency.

DW Aim 2E – Deliver water efficient residential and commercial development

2.13 The long-term target is to reduce average water consumption from 146 l/h/day to 130 l/h/day by 2040. Only around 4% of water supplied to an average household is used for drinking. Toilets account for around 30% of drinking water usage. Properties can be built or modified to be more water efficient in high consumption areas. For example, new properties could include recycling systems where grey water from washing machines is used for toilets.

SEG DW 2E NI Water should implement measures to reduce average water consumption through sustainable development and work with the Department and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies in respect of retro-fitting water efficiency/recycling measures in homes and businesses.

DW Aim 3 Resource efficient drinking water treatment and supply chains

DW Aim 3A – Achieve a Sustainable Economic Level of Leakage (SELL) in all supply systems

2.14 NI Water should continue to deliver improvements in leakage during the PC21 period. The current focus of achieving and maintaining the Sustainable Economic Level of Leakage (SELL) within its distribution system should continue.

SEG DW 3A NI Water should continue to focus on achieving and exceeding the Sustainable Economic Level of Leakage (SELL) and strive towards to SELL targets set out in the Water Resource and Supply Resilience Plan (WR&SRP). NI Water should also review and update the SELL at regular intervals consistent with practice in the industry. NI Water should also work with stakeholders to develop and implement proposals to reduce private supply leakage.

DW Aim 3B - Improve the energy efficiency of the public drinking water supply system 2.15 NI Water has an energy efficiency programme in place and further developments in water treatment and supply technology can contribute to improving the energy efficiency of the water supply system. NI Water has now established an energy efficiency team to explore and evaluate new energy efficient technology.

SEG DW 3B NI Water should review existing water treatment and supply systems to identify

how potential energy efficiency savings might be achieved and also develop and implement a programme of energy efficiency improvements across the water and sewerage infrastructure and asset base. In addition, NI Water should develop short and long-term energy efficiency targets specifically for PC21 and PC27.

DW Aim 3C - Increase the use of renewable energy in the public drinking water supply system

2.16 Northern Ireland’s local demographics and rural landscape mean large amounts of energy will continue to be needed to treat and pump drinking water long distances, no matter how efficient the supply systems are. To minimise carbon emissions, it is important that NI Water secures as much of this energy as possible from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro and anaerobic digestion and implements appropriate measures to ensure that no indirect detriment is caused to the environment e.g. ammonia from by-products of anaerobic digestion.

NI Water has invested in solar panels at 58 sites throughout Northern Ireland and also operates three hydro-power schemes.

SEG DW 3C NI Water should consider further opportunities to invest in renewable energy generation (e.g. solar panels & wind turbines) to reduce running costs at drinking water facilities. NI Water should also consider generating renewable electricity through innovative management of drinking supply systems (e.g. generating hydro-power from excess water mains pressure). NI Water should consider the business merits of investing to save in other innovative areas of sustainability which can be employed in its business and to strive to increase the use of renewable energy in the public water system by also exploring the purchase of renewable energy.

DW Aim 3D - Reduce the amount of chemicals used in the drinking water treatment and supply systems

2.17 The drinking water treatment process requires a range of chemicals to remove impurities and to disinfect the water to make it safe. For example, chlorine is used for disinfection and orthophosphoric acid is added to ensure tap water has not dissolved additional lead from pipes along the way. The use of these chemicals in the treatment process is carefully monitored by NI Water and approved by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) to ensure that drinking water at the tap achieves stringent quality standards. Although the use of these chemicals is essential to ensure safe drinking water, they can have a negative impact on the environment if their use is not effectively managed and controlled. Catchment Management Plans have been developed by NI Water for all drinking water catchments and these plans will examine reducing the use of chemicals used in the drinking water treatment and supply systems.

SEG DW 3D NI Water should minimise the amount of chemicals used in the drinking water treatment and supply systems by improving raw water quality through natural means such SCAMP and also by improving the water supply system to minimise the amount of chemicals needed e.g. orthophosphate. Initiatives, such as weed-wiping, should be further investigated and promoted in the agricultural industry to improve raw water quality.

3. Flood Risk Management and Drainage Introduction 3.1 Instances of surface water flooding in recent years have highlighted the need for a more holistic and integrated approach to surface water drainage provision and flood risk management. Extreme weather, resulting in flooding of properties and infrastructure, is predominant among the potential long term risks associated with climate change for Northern Ireland7. If it is accepted that Northern Ireland is likely to experience more regular flooding events in the future, action should be taken now to manage that risk. It is not affordable to keep putting bigger pipes in the ground or building taller flood defences in all cases, so we need to think differently and sustainably manage flood risk. Such an approach will help make investment go further and reduce the future costs of maintaining and operating the drainage and flood resilience infrastructure. This is in line with the aims of the Floods Directive on the assessment and management of flood risks. This approach will help to deliver Programme for Government Outcome 2- we live and work sustainably – protecting the environment.

Floods Directive

3.2 The Floods Directive is transposed in Northern Ireland through the Water Environment (Floods Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. The Regulations require areas at significant risk to be identified and for objectives to be set and measures identified for the management of flood risks in those areas. The Department is the Competent Authority for the implementation of the provisions of the Regulations and is progressing a three stage strategy to ensure that an updated Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) will be produced for the continued management of flood risk across the country from December 2021:  Review of the 2011 preliminary flood risk assessment to produce the Northern Ireland Flood Risk Assessment (NIFRA) 2018 and identify Areas

7 UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017 Evidence Report - Summary for Northern Ireland

of Potential Significant Flood Risk (APSFR) (published in December 2018);  Review of flood hazard & risk maps for the APSFR (by December 2019); and  Produce the Northern Ireland Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) containing objectives and measures to manage flood risk in APSFR (by December 2021).

The process of assessment, mapping and planning will continue to be reviewed in 6-year cycles, coordinated and synchronised with the Water Framework Directive. More information on the Floods Directive implementation can be found on the Department’s website at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/consultation-open-draft-timetable- and-work-programme-preparation-northern-ireland-flood-risk

3.3 The NI Flood Risk Assessment (NIFRA) 2018 (published on 22nd December 2018) identifies 12 Areas of Potential Significant Flood Risk (APSFR) where pluvial (or surface water) flooding is a significant risk. With no single organisation responsible for surface water drainage in urban areas, it is imperative that there is coordination between all the drainage agencies. Although the Department is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of FRMPs, as the owner of key drainage infrastructure and with statutory duties to exercise its ‘relevant functions in a manner which secures compliance with the requirements of’ the Water Environment (Floods Directive) Regulations (NI) 2009 ,8[8] NI Water is one of the key organisations that have a major role to play in providing information and support to DfI for the management of pluvial flood risk in urban areas.

3.4 Given the pluvial flooding risk in the 12 identified APSFR it is expected that there would be a much more significant role for NI Water in the development and implementation of the 2021-27 FRMPs. The development of FRMPs would be progressed over the next 18 months by the Floods Directive

8 Regulation 4 of the Water Environment (Floods Directive) Regulations (NI) 2009 (S.R. 2009 No. 376 (as amended by S.I. 2019 No. 32)) 26

Technical Stakeholder Group (FDTSG) which includes NI Water representation. Although it will ultimately be for NI Water to consider the appropriate objectives and measures that will be developed to address flood risk within the 12 identified APSFR, it is expected that the Drainage Area Plans (DAPs) or some of them, depending on what objectives / measures are considered appropriate for the 12 APSFR identified, will be prioritised during PC21. The following paragraphs outline the individual investment priorities for flood risk management & drainage.

FRMD Aim 1: Deliver Sustainable Flood Resilient Development

FRMD Policy 1A: To ensure land-use planning decisions are informed to help minimise flood risk

3.5 It is important that the planning system takes full and proper account of flood risk. This means preventing most forms of development in high flood risk areas and ensuring that surface water from new developments is properly managed and does not overwhelm existing sewers and/or watercourses, increasing the risk of flooding elsewhere in a catchment. The Water and Sewerage Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the “2016 Act”), provides NI Water with the power to refuse surface water connections to the public combined sewer where there are alternative options for dealing with surface water, such as SuDS.

SEG FRMD 1A NI Water should put appropriate resources in place to effectively fulfil its legal obligations. Separate storm sewers should not be connected to the combined sewer system, where there are viable alternative options for managing surface water. NI Water should also ensure it has an appropriate system in place to effectively implement its powers in respect of consideration and suitability of SuDS when considering wastewater connections.

FRMD Policy 1C: Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

3.6 If drainage is considered at the design stage of a development, surface areas and landscaping can be designed to minimise surface water run-off. The 2016 Act encourages the use of SuDS and aims to ensure that certain types of SuDS are constructed to the appropriate standard and are subsequently adopted by NI Water. NI Water is currently updating Sewers for Adoption (NI), to reflect the latest effects of climate change, household requirements and storm water attenuation and control.

NI Water should put appropriate resources in place to ensure that:

SEG FRMD 1C (i) Sewers for Adoption (NI) remains relevant and reflects new and emerging policies; and SEG FRMD 1C (ii) it continues its work with the Department and other stakeholders, including councils, to promote the use of SuDS and to establish clear working procedures for implementation.

FRMD Policy 1D: design for drainage exceedance to be incorporated into all new drainage infrastructure

3.7 When drainage systems are overwhelmed during extreme rainfall, excess rainwater can cause flooding and damage to property. ‘Design for Exceedance’ is about understanding what happens to the excess water when drainage systems are overwhelmed and designing measures to safely manage the water to prevent damage. The aim is for ‘Design for Exceedance’ to be incorporated into all new infrastructure. NI Water has updated Sewers for Adoption (NI) to specify the need for new development proposals to demonstrate overland flow paths for exceedance conditions including storm events and system failure.

SEG FRMD 1D NI Water should put appropriate procedures and resources in place to ensure ‘design for exceedance’ requirements in Sewers for Adoption (NI) are effectively implemented in new developments.

FRMD Aim 2: Manage the Catchment to Reduce Flood Risk

FRMD Policy 2A: Effective regulation of reservoir construction and maintenance

3.8 NI Water, as a water undertaker, is the Reservoir Manager of a number of impounding and service controlled reservoirs. Therefore, it must comply with the provisions of the Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 as and when sections are commenced, in respect of all of its controlled reservoirs (both impounding and service). In the meantime, NI Water should voluntarily manage its impounding and service reservoirs that are capable of holding 10,000m³ of water above the natural level of the surrounding land, in accordance with the reservoir safety policy provided for by the Reservoirs Act 1975. In particular, NI Water should voluntarily comply with the supervision and inspection regimes as set on in the legislation: Commission a reservoirs supervising engineer(s) to supervise its impounding and service reservoirs at all times and comply with any recommendations or directions given by the engineer(s); Commission a reservoirs inspecting engineer(s) to inspect its impounding and service reservoirs and comply with any recommendations or directions given to it by the engineer(s); Commission a reservoirs construction engineer(s) to supervise any works to construct or alter any of its impounding or service controlled reservoirs and comply with any directions given by the engineer(s).

SEG FRMD 2A NI Water should comply with the provisions of the Reservoirs Act 1975 on a voluntary basis, in respect of its impounding and service reservoirs, until such time as the Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 is fully commenced.

FRMD Aim 3: Provide Sustainable Integrated Drainage in Rural and Urban Areas

FRMD Policy 3B: Reduce the amount of rainwater in combined sewers

3.9 Since the 1970s, new developments have had to provide separate drainage systems for sewage and surface water. However, due to the lack of a suitable river or drain into which to discharge the surface water, these systems are often merged at the boundary and connected to an existing combined sewer. This means that in urban areas, sewage and rainwater are often still collected together in combined sewers. This rainwater can overload the sewers causing flooding and pollution and costing £millions every year to collect, pump and treat. To help deliver this policy in PC15, NI Water identified initial locations for potential storm separation and also included storm separation in all current/future drainage area plan work. In addition, NI Water has included an assessment of infiltration within a catchment in its revised ‘Risk-Based Drainage Area Plan' Methodology.

To help deliver this policy, NI Water has completed the development of a SuDS scheme in the form of a rainwater garden in Clandeboye Primary School. Potential soft SuDs solutions and also combined hard and soft SuDS solutions are being considered by developers in the Belfast and Londonderry areas.

To help deliver this policy NI Water should:- SEG FRMD 3B (i) work with the Department and NIEA to develop and implement a stormwater separation and infiltration reduction programme focussed on addressing UIDs, pollution incidents, out-of-sewer flooding, surface water flooding and providing capacity for development ; and

SEG FRMD 3B (ii) contribute to any future development and implementation of sewerage recommendations and policies arising from the Stormwater Management Group in relation to future sustainable drainage systems.

FRMD Policy 3C: Manage ‘private’ drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding

3.10 A significant amount of drainage infrastructure (sewers, storm drains, culverts and culverted watercourses etc.) throughout Northern Ireland is either designated or adopted and therefore subject to maintenance by DfI Rivers, NI Water or DfI Roads. However, work carried out in 2015 estimates that there is around 177km of Private Drainage Infrastructure (PDI) for which the landowner whose property it passes through is responsible for maintenance (this figure excludes private open watercourses). Some of this PDI conveys significant discharges from surface areas, designated watercourses, road drains, surface water sewers and combined sewer overflows. PDI is therefore often integral to the drainage system working effectively. Over time, the condition of drainage infrastructure deteriorates and without maintenance will eventually fail which may lead to flooding and other types of disruption. The majority of PDI has been in existence for many decades and is more likely to be in poor condition, given that it is not surveyed and maintained by any of the existing drainage providers (DfI Rivers, DfI Roads and/or NI Water). Through the Flood Investment Planning Group (FIPG) previous flooding investigations have identified locations where the PDI has been a contributing factor to flooding and effectual drainage.

To help mitigate the impacts of PDI, NI Water will be expected to: SEG FRMD 3C (i) continue to work with the other drainage organisations (DfI Rivers or DfI Roads) through FIPG, and other fora, to identify PDI to ensure a complete and up to date dataset is maintained ; SEG FRMD 3C (ii) include funding and resources for LWWP and FIPG purposes to address impacts to the network arising from PDI ; and

SEG FRMD 3C (iii) contribute to any future development of policy in this area.

FRMD Aim 4: Improve Flood Resistance and Resilience in High Flood Risk Areas

FRMD Policy 4A: Develop and maintain accurate information on flood risk

3.11 It is essential that accurate information is provided on the location and levels of flooding risk across Northern Ireland. This information is compiled in Flood Risk Management Plans, which are a requirement of the EU Floods Directive. These plans identify significant risks from flooding and set objectives and measures for managing these risks.

SEG FRMD 4A NI Water must make progress towards the delivery of measures set out in the Executive’s FRMPs (2021-27) and also contribute to the development of the next cycle of flood risk management planning for the 2027- 2033 period.

FMRD Policy 4C: Reduce the number of properties at risk of sewer flooding

3.12 Preventing out-of-sewer flooding inside properties has been identified as a priority by consumers in research carried out by the Consumer Council to inform NI Water’s current business plan.

NI Water maintains a register of properties at risk of internal (DG5) and external flooding. Each year, NI Water carries out remediation work on a number of these properties to remove them from the register. NI Water also prioritises public sewer investment and maintenance programmes to help reduce the number of properties at risk of out-of-sewer flooding. In addition, it carries out extensive education campaigns, for example, ‘Bag it and Bin it, to inform the public of the damage caused by placing inappropriate items in the toilet.

SEG FRMD 4C NI Water should continue to reduce the number of properties at risk of internal and external out-of-sewer flooding to meet the associated annual target set by the Regulator and continue to invest in its various education campaigns, including messages being delivered through online, web and social media, to

ensure that the public is aware of the impact its actions have on the sewerage system.

FRMD Policy 4D: Deliver a programme of integrated surface water drainage schemes to alleviate flooding

3.13 NI Water’s DAPs should be progressed in line with current UK best practice for Drainage and Wastewater Management Planning9 and the Department’s proposed preliminary NI Integrated Drainage Investment Planning (IDIP) Guide being developed under the LWWP. NI Water’s DAPs should be ‘integrated’ and incorporate integrated drainage, surface water management and, where appropriate, design for exceedance’10 where this is determined necessary through the IDIP screening process. It is expected that this work will involve NI Water working closely in partnership with the Department (WDPD, Rivers and Roads) and other stakeholders (including the Councils) to develop and deliver joint drainage schemes to manage surface water flood risk in urban areas. For example, the Department may need to upgrade a watercourse to facilitate a storm separation scheme by NI Water. In some instances, this may mean accelerating lower priority sewerage projects to accommodate delivery of integrated schemes.

During PC21, appropriate funding and resources should be prioritised towards progressing ‘integrated’ DAPs in line with the preliminary NI IDIP Guide and associated surface water management measures identified through the FRMP.

During PC21, NI Water will be expected to continue working with the Department and other key stakeholders to provide an integrated approach to managing flood risk across Northern Ireland. This includes implementing any sewerage-related measures set out in the Executive’s FRMP (2021-27).

9 A framework for the production of Drainage and Wastewater Plans 10 Design for Exceedance is about putting measures in place to manage excess flows when drainage systems are overloaded.

SEG FRMD 4D (i) NI Water must broaden the scope of drainage area plans to be integrated by incorporating surface water management and integrated drainage design for exceedance in line with current UK best practice for Drainage and Wastewater Management Planning, the preliminary NI Integrated Drainage Investment Planning (IDIP) Guide and any future guidance issued by relevant bodies.

To help deliver these polices NI Water must:-

SEG FRMD 4D (ii) work with the Department, Councils and other stakeholders to develop and implement the sewerage aspects of integrated drainage schemes to manage surface water flooding in urban areas (incorporating storm drains, SUDS, sewers and watercourses);

SEG FRMD 4D (iii) develop and implement a prioritised programme of integrated Drainage Area Plans (DAPs), targeting the 12 Areas of Potential Significant Flood Risk (APSFR), as appropriate, including assisting in the development of integrated drainage modelling in specific locations on a case by case basis, where this has been identified as necessary through the preliminary NI IDIP Guide; SEG FRMD 4D (iv) progress integrated Drainage Area Plans and associated surface water management measures identified through the FRMPs; and

SEG FRMD 4D (v) prioritise any work identified through the Flood Investment and Planning Group (FIPG).

3.14 Within Northern Ireland, no single organisation is currently responsible for all surface water flooding. To help address localised flooding, a Flood Investment Planning Group (FIPG) was established to provide a coordinated approach to the identification of localised flooding issues to be addressed on a multi-agency basis.

NI Water is a key member of FIPG and helps to deliver the group’s key functions which include, identifying issues to be addressed, carrying out

investigations, gaining organisational support for schemes and agreeing funding proposals. The flexibility provided by FIPG is designed to help simplify processes, reduce overall cost to the department and help facilitate joined up working.

Through the Flood Investment and Planning Group (FIPG), NI Water should:-

SEG FRMD 4D (vi) continue to contribute to the key functions of the FIPG; SEG FRMD 4D (vii) help to deliver a programme of integrated surface water drainage schemes to alleviate flooding: SEG FRMD 4D (viii) continue to assist in the development of integrated flood modelling in specific locations on a case by case basis, where stakeholders agree that this is necessary; and SEG FRMD 4D (ix) consider if the budget for ‘integrated’ DAPs could also potentially be used to fund any NI Water works identified through the FIPG.

FRMD Aim 5: Be prepared for extreme weather events

FRMD Policy 5C: Effective flood emergency planning and delivery structures

3.15 To improve the response to major flooding incidents, it is important that effective arrangements are in place to co-ordinate the work of all organisations involved.

SEG FRMD 5C NI Water is a key member of the Floods Strategy Steering Group (FSSG) and Civil Contingencies Group Northern Ireland (CCGNI) and should continue to contribute to delivering the group’s key functions including a coordinated response from Government during flooding incidents and effective emergency planning,

4. Environmental Protection and Improvement Introduction

4.1 Protecting and improving the long-term quality of the water environment is fundamental to securing high quality, safe drinking water supplies for households, business, industry and agriculture. A healthy water environment is critical. It is not just needed for drinking water but also supports recreational activities, biodiversity and the character of our countryside. This approach will help to deliver Programme for Government Outcome 2 - we live and work sustainably - protecting the environment.

The following paragraphs outline the individual investment priorities for environmental protection and improvement. . EP Aim 1: Sustainable Environmental Policy and Regulation

EP Policy 1A: Sustainable environmental policy

4.2 Sustainable environmental policy is about developing and implementing polices which are socially, economically and environmentally viable. To help achieve this, policy makers need to work closely with key stakeholders to develop affordable environmental policies which can be programmed into long term investment plans.

To help deliver this policy, NI Water in conjunction with NIEA, has developed shared catchment models, to help inform the scope of catchment-based solutions. NI Water is also factoring climate change into its WR&SRP plan to help inform improvements to its network to provide greater resilience for specific critical periods.

SEG EP 1A NI Water should continue to place greater emphasis on longer-term planning, to allow more time to develop and implement sustainable shared solutions

and factor in climate change predictions on the future quality and quantity of raw water.

EP Aim 2: Sustainably Manage the Catchment to Improve Water Quality

EP Policy 2B: Sustainable catchment management to reduce pollution

4.3 This policy is about managing all other (non-agricultural) land within the catchment to reduce surface water run-off and nutrients/contaminants being washed or leached into rivers, lakes and underlying programme. To help comply with discharge consents and sustain levels of wastewater compliance, NI Water in conjunction with NIEA, has agreed delivery of nominated outputs for wastewater treatment works to help minimise potential pollution and also meet annual wastewater compliance targets.

SEG EP 2B NI Water should continue to improve compliance with discharge consents regulated by NIEA. NI Water should also continue to work with NIEA regarding future sampling methodologies and priority pollutants.

EP Aim 3: Effective and Efficient Wastewater Collection and Treatment

EP Policy 3A: Educating consumers to prevent inappropriate items entering the sewerage network

4.4 This policy is about encouraging responsible sewerage consumer behaviour to prevent inappropriate items/substances entering the public sewerage system. NI Water offers all primary and secondary schools an education talk on its key Bag it & Bin it messages. It also provides education programmes and public awareness campaigns on the importance of correct disposal of fats, oils and greases (FOG) and has established partnerships with environmental stakeholders, such as Environmental Health (in all the Local Councils), to work collaboratively to raise awareness of appropriate FOG disposal.

NI Water also carries out research to identify more sustainable alternatives to orthophosphate treatment and how best to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the wastewater system.

SEG EP 3A NI Water should continue its education programmes/campaigns and partnership working with environmental stakeholders to raise awareness of important issues. NI Water should also develop and implement new public awareness campaigns such as plastic pollution and seek to incorporate its CSR activity when forging relationships with environmental stakeholders. In addition, NI Water should also carry out research to identify more sustainable alternatives to orthophosphate treatment and how best to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the wastewater system and alternatives to orthophosphate should be used, if they become available.

EP Policy 3B: Efficient, effective and compliant wastewater treatment

4.5 NIEA regulates the quality of wastewater discharges and monitors and enforces NI Water’s compliance with environmental requirements. During PC15, NI Water is developing a holistic catchment-based approach to wastewater treatment by widening the scope of drainage area (sewer) studies and, where necessary, include recommendations for treatment facilities. NI Water also continues to expand its exploration of sustainable wastewater treatment and has also engaged with the environmental regulator to recommend a large PE sustainable solution at Ballykelly. NI Water’s appraisal process now includes whole life costs which ensures that optimum long term solutions are identified.

NI Water also regularly liaises with Local Councils to provide them with information on headroom capacity and growth scenarios at wastewater treatment works.

SEG EP 3B NI Water should continue with its catchment-based approach to wastewater treatment and explore sustainable wastewater treatment solutions to reduce treatment costs and improve compliance. NI Water should continue to ensure

project appraisals deliver solutions that provide optimum long-term benefits and work with Local Councils to identify where wastewater treatment works need to be upgraded to minimise areas where economic growth has to be restricted. NI Water should also continue planning for a new sludge disposal strategy and work closely with NIEA to develop and implement a WwTW flow metering plan.

EP Policy 3C: Reduce unsatisfactory discharges from the public sewerage system

4.6 Most of the public sewerage infrastructure is combined and collects and carries both foul water (sewage and wastewater) and surface water (rainwater). When combined sewers are overloaded during intense rainfall, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) enable sewage to be discharged directly into waterways to prevent sewers backing up.

To help achieve this objective, NI Water implemented a long-term investment programme, to address unsatisfactory intermittent discharge (UIDs), to help achieve good ecological status in inland and coastal waters. In addition, NI Water will only implement conventional sewer storage solutions where storm separation and/or infiltration reduction are not viable, or provide an incomplete solution. During PC15, NI Water also commenced a programme of flow monitoring at combined sewer overflows and emergency overflows. This was prioritised initially on designated bathing and shellfish waters, to identify problematic overflows.

SEG EP 3C NI Water should continue to implement a long-term investment programme to address unsatisfactory intermittent discharge (which should initially be identified through drainage studies) and a programme of flow monitoring at combined sewer overflows and emergency overflows, to identify problematic overflows, on the basis of prioritising the environmental needs of the receiving water. NI Water’s focus should also be on deploying sustainable treatment solutions, like SuDS, within Drainage Area Planning, wherever possible, to reduce pressures on sewerage systems before discharge into the environment.

EP Policy 3D: Sustainable and compliant private sewers and treatment systems

4.7 The impact of septic tank discharges or on-site wastewater treatment systems on the aquatic environment in Northern Ireland has been an issue for many years. There are also many private sewerage systems on residential and large commercial sites which are not managed or maintained by NI Water and it is important that these are effectively regulated. In addition, sewerage systems can include misconnections, which are drains that are wrongly connected e.g. foul sewer connected to the storm water drain.

NI Water investigates and undertakes remedial action on misconnections within the public sewer network, although this is dependent on future funding. A 'Drainage Misconnections' leaflet has been produced to inform and raise awareness regarding the environmental impact of misconnections to the sewerage system. This leaflet is distributed at stakeholder engagement events and in targeted areas.

SEG EP 3D NI Water should continue to work with NIEA to deliver a strategy for identifying and addressing misconnections between the sewerage system and stormwater drains. NI Water should also continue to work with the Department on preliminary work to identify further policy needs in this area of misconnections.

EP Aim 4: Maintain sustainable levels of water in the environment

EP Policy 4A: Protect water resources through effective regulation and enforcement

4.8 The Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland)) Order 2006 provide controls on water abstractions and impoundments in Northern Ireland. All significant operators who have a licence to abstract from surface water or groundwater under the Regulations are required to have monitoring systems in place.

SEG EP 4A NI Water should work with NIEA to help it to review the effectiveness of drinking water abstraction processes and complete a review of NI Water abstraction licences.

5. Water and Sewerage Services

Introduction

5.1 The supply of clean, healthy drinking water and the effective treatment of our wastewater are essential for public health, the economy and the environment. These services must meet the varied needs of all customers including agriculture, business, industry and households without impacting adversely on the environment. This approach will help to deliver Programme for Government Outcome 1 - we prosper through a strong, competitive, reasonably balanced economy and Outcome - 11 we connect people and opportunities through our infrastructure.

The following paragraphs outline the individual investment priorities for water and sewerage services.

WSS Aim 1: Provide efficient and affordable water and sewerage services

WSS Policy 1B: Manage future costs through innovative management of assets and infrastructure

5.2 NI Water’s investment policy, to prioritise maintenance needs over enhancement, should still apply, although NI Water recognises the increasing pressure from growth and its potential to negatively impact on treatment and drainage performance. To help deliver this policy, NI Water revised its Capital Appraisal Guidance, to ensure that solutions that provide the greatest value for money in terms of whole life costs versus whole life benefits are progressed. NI Water also has a Capital Maintenance Planning project underway to improve Capital Maintenance Planning during the PC15 period, and also continues to identify advantageous technologies and systems by trialling technology through pilot innovation projects.

In addition, NI Water has revised its Research, Development and Innovation Strategy to assist the continued focus on improving performance and the delivery of further efficiencies.

SEG WSS 1B NI Water should continue to prioritise maintenance needs over enhancement; keep the Capital Appraisal Guidance under review to ensure the right sustainable solutions are delivered; improve systems and processes associated with gathering asset information to inform investment needs; continue to deliver the company’s Research, Development and Innovation Strategy; and invest in new technology and systems that improve operational efficiency and performance, as well as reducing future operational or maintenance costs.

WSS Policy 1C: Transform water and sewerage assets and infrastructure through sustainable solutions

5.3 To manage future maintenance and power costs, future investment must be sustainable. This means moving away from traditional high energy water, wastewater and drainage solutions and adopting innovative, natural approaches, where issues are addressed at source. The aim is to achieve Sustainable Service Delivery’ by delivering 5 key policies:

Sustainable Catchment Management Planning (SCAMP NI); Sustainable Stormwater Management; Sustainable Wastewater Treatment solutions; Water Demand Management; Energy Efficiency; and Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Through its Research, Development and Innovation Strategy, NI Water has identified sustainable solutions, trialled new equipment and processes, and delivered sustainable treatment solutions at Stoneyford and Castle Archdale. NI Water has also invested in solar panels at 58 sites including the completion of a Solar Farm at Dunore point and currently has three hydro schemes.

SEG WSS 1C NI Water should continue to deliver its long-term strategy to transform its asset base to be less energy intensive, explores opportunities to invest in and generate renewable energy, such as hydro-power and solar panels, to reduce running costs, carefully plan and manage project risks by considering trialling projects and also identify and secure sufficient land early in a project phase, to give the option for larger footprint solutions with lower operating costs, if appropriate.

WSS Aim 2: Provide high quality services to water and sewerage customers

WSS Policy 2A: Provide high levels of service to all water and sewerage customers

5.4 Drinking water quality is by far consumers’ top service level priority. Northern Ireland’s high levels of drinking water quality have been achieved through sustained levels of investment in water treatment facilities and water mains rehabilitation. Wastewater treatment compliance also remains very high as a result of sustained investment in wastewater treatment facilities. Investment has also helped to reduce the number of water supply interruptions, reduce the number of properties affected by internal and external sewer flooding, reduce leakage and improve water pressure.

For PC15, NI Water developed an Infrastructure Investment Methodology (WIIM) to help prioritise water investment. In addition, NI Water utilises a Strategic Mains Risk and Consequence Model to prioritise capital maintenance interventions in the strategic mains network. NI Water also continues to educate the public about its Bag It & Bin It and Fats, Oils and Greases campaigns to help reduce costly blockages and damage to the environment. NI Water should continue to:-

SEG WSS 2A (i) adopt a risk-based approach to sustain current levels of drinking water quality compliance;

SEG WSS 2A (ii) reduce the number of properties that experience unplanned supply interruptions; SEG WSS 2A (iii) resolve issues quickly and provide good communication to those customers that will be affected by both planned and unplanned supply restrictions; SEG WSS 2A (iv) maintain a register of properties at risk of internal and external flooding and invest to gradually remove all properties from this register; SEG WSS 2A (v) educate customers with important messages; SEG WSS 2A (vi) achieve and maintain the sustainable economic level of leakage; SEG WSS 2A (vii) maintain a register of properties at risk of receiving low pressure and invest to gradually remove them from the register; and SEG WSS 2A (viii) contribute to the development and delivery of an integrated drainage and wastewater infrastructure plan.

WSS Policy 2B: Maintain accurate information on water and sewerage assets, infrastructure and consumers’ views

5.5 Customers are the most important part of any business and, therefore, it is essential that accurate and reliable information is collected on customer complaints. In addition, robust and reliable information on water and sewerage infrastructure and assets is needed to inform future investment plans and target improvements where they are most needed.

In PC15, a major exercise of consumer engagement was carried out by NI Water to understand consumer priorities. This was supported by stakeholders working together in the Consumer Engagement Oversight Group to advise and be informed about the development and application of consumer engagement.11

The PC21 price control provides an opportunity to build on the consumer engagement work carried out in PC15, the actionable data arising from the development of more meaningful consumer measures and good asset management data linking service to asset performance. Considerable

11 Connecting with Consumers - A report on consumers’ priorities for water and sewerage services

customer engagement is already underway to inform customer priorities as part of the PC 21 process. This should enable the Regulator to set targets for improvement in these new consumer measures and consider what more can be done to both improve service, subject to engagement with consumers over what their expectations are for improving customer service from NI Water.

The majority of NI Water’s customer contacts are received via their contact centre and are recorded and logged and an escalation process is operated to inform specific business areas of repeat contacts/issues raised. Customers can also contact NI Water via Social Media through Facebook, twitter and Instagram and view live online operational information through the post-code search facility on niwater.com. It is expected that the use of social media, web and other digital applications for contacting NI water may need to be expanded.

Resourcing and technological solutions for dealing with customer contacts will be particularly important in the event of a major incident when NI Water can receive a large number of contacts simultaneously.

NI Water is also progressing projects to improve data accuracy and data validation. NI Water also carries out customer surveys throughout the price control period to help inform future investment plans.

SEG WSS 2B NI Water should continue to collect accurate and reliable information on customer complaints, to provide actionable data and to take account of customers’ views, which will inform future investment and to continue its research to inform investment plans and improve the accuracy, reliability security and consistency of information.

WSS Policy 2C: Effective customer education and public awareness

5.6 NI Water should continue to manage its assets efficiently to reduce both wastewater and pollution incidents. To help do this, NI Water delivers key messages to customers and schools covering water efficiency and what can

be disposed of in the sewer. NI Water has developed new partnerships with different stakeholders to help educate a larger audience and raise awareness about key messages.

SEG WSS 2C (i) NI Water should continue to assess the outputs of previous education and public awareness campaigns to enhance future proposals and develop effective partnerships with other organisations, where there are shared benefits of the campaign.

SEG WSS 2C (ii) NI Water should adopt a lead role in consumer engagement to promote the value of water. This should include working with stakeholders to set out a programme of work to improve consumer education and engagement, including pilots or trials to test the effectiveness of different approaches.

WSS Aim 3: Provide high quality customer service and customer information

WSS Policy 3A: Consistent, accessible and timely customer information

5.7 It is important that NI Water provides its customers with consistent, accessible and timely customer information.

NI Water provides a range of options to facilitate customer contact and also utilises social media to enable customers to get in contact. NI Water has launched a self-service website and this will continue to be developed as part of the future services improvement requirement under the customer billing and contacts contract. First Point of Contact Resolution functional targets have also been set and these are monitored at NI Water’s monthly customer meetings.

SEG WSS 3A NI Water should continue to keep customers informed with up to date information using a range of communication channels. NI Water should also investigate the benefits of new web and social media channels as an additional means of communicating with customers and should endeavour to

enhance its customer self-service facility and seek to develop it to meet customers’ needs and expectations and to improve their experience.

WSS Policy 3B: Improving and measuring the customer experience

5.8 Improving and measuring customers’ experience is essential for NI Water to help assess the level of service provided and achieve greater levels of customer satisfaction.

NI Water keeps customers informed of interruption to their service via proactive text messaging and the NI Water website, which also provides live updates on planned and unplanned supply interruptions. NI Water has also launched a new “help” service for customers on its website, where customers can type in questions or queries about their water or wastewater and get immediate answers.

SEG WSS 3B NI Water should continue to seek to reduce the number of complaints received year on year, increase the number of contacts resolved at first point of contact by defining, measuring and using root cause analysis to improve customer experience and continue to work with stakeholders through the Consumer Measures and Satisfaction Working Group to implement agreed customer experience measures and continue to develop these measures through PC21 and consider benchmarking itself against other service providers.

WSS Policy 3C: Helping vulnerable customers in the community

5.9 It is important that NI Water provides free additional services for customers who require extra support, e.g. those with a disability, older customers or those with a serious medical condition.

NI Water maintains a Customer Care Register, which customers need to join to get the extra free services available to vulnerable customers. NI Water should continue to actively promote the Customer Care Register to those

who are vulnerable and raise awareness through communication activities and targeted engagement with representative organisations.

SEG WSS 3C NI Water should encourage equal access to its services by promoting and reviewing its Customer Care Register to support consumers in vulnerable and changing circumstances. The content and requirements of the Customer Care Register should be reviewed and updated in light of best practice emerging from the Utility Regulator’s Consumer Protection Programme and also from other utilities and service providers. NI Water should aim to achieve and sustain an appropriate number of consumer registrations on its Customer Care Register and the Regulator should set targets to increase customer awareness of NI Water’s Customer Care Register and to measure the level of satisfaction of support provided to consumers in vulnerable circumstances.

WSS Policy 3D: Efficient and effective processing of customers’ bills

5.10 The efficient and effective processing of customers’ bills is a key aspect of customer service and has the potential to reduce the customer contacts and the number of complaints received.

NI Water has an extensive data quality project ongoing through the Achieving Customer Excellence programme, to improve the overall accuracy of the information held on its corporate systems relating to various customer accounts. NI Water has also deployed a modern meter data management system to collect and record meter reads on site, and return them to the corporate billing system, in real-time with an out-turn success rate of >99.2%. NI Water has also deployed automatic meter reading equipment and utilises mobile telephone technology to remotely read key meters whilst investigating the potential for SMART metering.

SEG WSS 3D NI Water should consider how it may best avail of new technologies to seek to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the ‘meter to bill’ process.

WSS Aim 4: Provide resilient and secure water and sewerage services

WSS Policy 4A: Improve the resilience of water and sewerage assets, infrastructure and systems

5.11 It is important that water treatment and distribution systems are resilient to extreme weather events. These include regular flooding after intense rainfall in the summer months, prolonged periods of dry weather causing water scarcity/supply issues and freeze/thaw events following sustained periods of sub-zero temperatures causing bursts and major supply interruptions.

NI Water has undertaken a number of projects across the asset base to assess resilience in relation to freeze/thaw, drought and flooding events. During PC15, water and wastewater treatment works are being upgraded to insulate key components against extreme cold. The draft WR&SRP includes critical period plans for both freeze/thaw & drought events which identifies a programme of investment for mitigation.

NI Water will also be expected to make progress towards the delivery of the UWWTD and the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations in relation to odour management

SEG WSS 4A (i) NI Water should continue to assess the resilience of water and sewerage services, assets and systems to extreme weather events and other risks to inform future investment requirements. NI Water should review and continue the work already undertaken following the Regulator’s Freeze Thaw and Industrial Action Reports. NI Water should also commence a programme of investment to improve and maintain the resilience of the wider water and sewerage asset base and system, prioritised as follows: SEG WSS 4A (ii) water supply; SEG WSS 4A (iii) prevention of internal flooding; SEG WSS 4A (iv) prevention of pollution and odour management; and

SEG WSS 4A (v) manage surface water to protect people and property.

WSS Policy 4B: Effective incident planning and preservation of services

5.12 Investing in resilience will help improve infrastructure/asset performance during climatic extremes although service delivery may still be affected during extreme weather events and, therefore, it is important that NI Water can effectively handle major incidents in order to preserve service delivery. In addition, the Department provides guidance to NI Water on the procedures and measures it expects to be put in place in respect of security of water assets and supply.

NI Water must meet legislative requirements associated with the preservation of services and civil emergency measures and it does this by undertaking an independent annual audit to confirm that all requirements have been met. NI Water also completes an annual winter advertising campaign and regularly attends community winter events and delivers community talks, continuing with its objective to educate and increase public awareness about this important message.

SEG WSS 4B NI Water should maintain and review the effectiveness of emergency plans, systems and processes to preserve service delivery during a major incident, continue to educate and increase public awareness about the importance of insulating supply pipes to prevent bursts and leakage during freezing conditions and ensure water and sewerage assets and infrastructure are safe. It must comply with any guidance issued by the Department.

WSS Aim 5: Utilise NI Water assets to provide wider benefits for the Environment and the Community

WSS Policy 5A: Manage the NI Water estate to promote recreation, biodiversity and cultural heritage

5.13 It is important that NI Water recognises the wider public value of its land for recreation, biodiversity and cultural heritage. NI Water is currently working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Mourne Heritage Trust and Tourism NI to promote recreation, biodiversity and cultural heritage. NI Water also has a recreational and access policy in place that permits the public access to its land. SCAMP studies are also being rolled out across all drinking water catchments. In addition, a list of heritage sites, within NI Water's estate, has been established under the Protocol for the Care of the Government Historic Estate and condition assessments are taking place to identify any remedial action required.

To help deliver this policy NI Water should:-

SEG WSS 5A (i) develop and implement a long-term estate management strategy; SEG WSS 5A (ii) permit access to its land/assets to facilitate recreational activities, where it is safe to do so and financial resources permit; SEG WSS 5A (iii) look for opportunities to enhance or restore biodiversity within its estate; SEGWSS 5A (iv) continue to develop partnerships to deliver sustainable catchment initiatives; SEG WSS 5A (v) continue to implement its Biodiversity Action Plan; SEG WSS 5A (vi) adopt and implement the Protocol for the Care of the Government Historic Estate; and SEG WSS 5A (viii) develop a long-term plan to bring its assets, covered by this, up to a suitable standard and maintain them going forward.

WSS Policy 5B: Using surplus water and sewerage assets to provide recreational benefits for the community

5.14 As a result of operational improvements, including putting new assets and infrastructure in place, NI Water can be left with various redundant assets, including surplus land and reservoirs. Although these assets may no longer be needed for the provision of water and sewerage services, they may have wider recreational and amenity value to the community.

NI Water has commissioned an Abandonment/Discontinuance Scoping Report to be carried out at a number of reservoirs and this report will be available in PC15. NI Water’s current land disposal policy is to offer all surplus land through Land and Property Services, to other public bodies, in the first instance.

SEG WSS 5B NI Water should progress the assessment of ‘unused’ reservoirs to determine the approach to disposal, develop a policy to ensure surplus water and sewerage assets with recreational value are transferred within the public sector, where appropriate, and ensure that future NI Water Estate Management Plans align to Executive policy on disposal of assets, including Community Asset Transfer.

Information and Security

5.15 NI Water should ensure it addresses emerging information and security requirements.

SEG IS (i) NI Water must comply with the requirements of the Networks and Information System (NIS) Directive on cyber security and the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which both came into force in May 2018;

SEG IS (ii) NI Water must have in place arrangements to protect its business critical assets and information. The fast pace of the risks from, and understanding of, cyber threats means that NI Water must constantly review and revise its practices against increased cyber security threats in line with advice from Defra, as the lead government department for the water sector, together with the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Competent Authority while ensuring its infrastructure and assets are safe and secure;

SEG IS (iii) Security measures on assets must be upgraded and maintained to meet required standards as laid out in the Preservation of Services and Civil Emergency Measures Direction and associated guidance; and

SEG IS (iv) Agreed security and emergency standards for physical security, personnel security and cyber security must be followed. NI Water must ensure that all CNI sites continue to meet the latest security advice, and security issues identified at other sites, to bring them up to the required standard. During the PC21 period, it should continue with training staff to respond to major incidents in line with emergency guidance and protocols.

Glossary

Better Regulation Delivering policies and laws that bring the greatest possible benefits to people and businesses in the most effective way.

Consumer Council The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. CCNI represents the interests of water and sewerage customers to NI Water and Government.

Combined Sewer Combined Sewer Overflows are overflows used in Overflow (CSO) combined sewerage system to discharge storm waste water directly into surface waters to relieve hydraulic pressure in the system under storm conditions.

Combined Sewer A sewerage system that collects both waste water and rain water.

DAERA The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

DEFRA Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. National Government Department, based in London.

DfI Department for Infrastructure

Discharge Consent All discharges to the water environment are regulated and controlled by NIEA through Discharge Consents.

Discharge Standard A standard issued by NIEA to allow the discharge of sewage/waste water into a water body, such as a river. The standard will include conditions, to minimise the effects on the receiving water.

Drainage Area Plan A list of necessary sewerage improvements within a (DAP) catchment area determined by a Drainage Area Study. The DAP normally takes the form of a prioritised list of unsatisfactory intermittent discharges.

Drainage Area Study A comprehensive study of an entire drainage catchment (DAS) which uses a vast amount of asset and performance data on the condition, performance and future capabilities of the sewers in a given area.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate monitors and regulates public drinking water supplies on behalf of the Department Drinking Water for Regional Development. It monitors and regulates Inspectorate private water supplies on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Economic Level of The level at which it would cost more to reduce water Leakage (ELL) leaking from pipes than pump more water into them.

EQIA Equality Impact Assessment. A detailed assessment of a Government policy on equality grounds.

Flood Risk Under the EU Floods Directive, Flood Risk Management Management Plan Plans must be prepared at a river basin district level or a (FRMP) set of Plans co-ordinated at river basin district. The plans must include policies for managing flood risk in the long term taking account of the possible effects of climate change. DfI is the designated authority for the implementation of the Directive.

NIEA The Northern Ireland Environment Agency

NI Water Northern Ireland Water

PC21 Price Control 2021-2027. PC21 is the process by which the Regular determines what NI Water should deliver during the period by agreeing the Business Plan for the Company. This will be based on the priorities set out in this Guidance.

Protected Areas This includes: Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Nature Reserves, Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs), Ramsar Sites, Natura 2000 Sites, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) & World Heritage Sites.

Raw Water Water abstracted for drinking water purpose before treatment.

River Basin A River Basin Management Plan contains a range of Management Plan measures aimed at protecting, improving and sustaining (RBMP) the use of the water environment, from source to sea.

Regulator The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation

DfI Rivers The Rivers Agency is an agency of the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development. The Rivers Agency is responsible for managing the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea.

Section 75 Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This law requires the Government to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity. Government policies must be reviewed, in a process known as 'screening'. If this screening identifies a potential equality issue then an EQIA (see above) must also be completed.

Sewerage system/ A system of pipes and ducting which collects and infrastructure transports sewage.

Sustainable Drainage A drainage system that controls the quantity and quality of System (SuDS) run-off waters by providing storage in tanks or ponds. This delays or prevents discharge to streams or rivers until there is capacity to accommodate it.

Water Resource A water resources plan shows how a water company Management Plan intends to maintain the balance between supply and demand for water over the next 25 years.

Waste Water The treatment plant or site where sewage/waste water is Treatment Works received, treated and discharged. (WWTWs)

Water Safety Plan A Water Safety Plan (WSP) is the most effective way of ensuring that a water supply is safe for human consumption and that it meets the health based standards and other regulatory requirements. It is based on a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach to all the steps in a water supply chain from catchment to consumer.

Water Treatment The treatment plant or site where raw water is treated to Works (WTWs) provide safe and wholesome drinking water for public supply.

Water & Drainage Policy Division Department for Infrastructure Clarence Court 10-18 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GB

Consultation on The Introduction of Green Number Plates for Ultra-low Emission Vehicles

Moving Britain Ahead

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Contents

Ministerial Foreword 4 Executive summary 5 How to respond 8 Freedom of Information 8 Data Protection 9 1. Introduction 10 Strategic context 10 Green number plates 10 Highlighting the presence of ULEVs 10 Supporting emission based local policies 11 Ensuring green number plates stand out but fit in 11 Number plate landscape in the UK 12 International examples of green number plates 13 Considerations and consultation approach 13 2. Consultation themes and questions 15 Eligibility 15 Design 16 Rollout 19 Enforcement 20 What will happen next 22 Annex A: Full list of consultation questions 23 Annex B: Consultation principles 25

Ministerial Foreword

Last year the government published the Road to Zero strategy, which set out a comprehensive package of support to reach our ambition for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040. We have since announced a 2050 net zero target for the UK. This puts the UK on track to end our contribution to climate change, becoming one of the first major economies to legislate for net zero emissions. Consumer awareness and acceptance of zero emission vehicles remains a crucial part of this transition so that individuals and businesses can make confident decisions about what’s right for them. As technology develops at pace and as we prepare for mass adoption of electric vehicles, green number plates provide a simple way to cut through the complexity and raise awareness of this revolution that is taking place on our roads. Being able to differentiate vehicles based on their environmental impact, will help inform road-users and normalise the idea of clean vehicles. From individual drivers, to business fleets, to cities and local authorities, the scheme provides a huge opportunity for road users of all types to engage with and show leadership on transport emissions. Green number plates have the potential to be a powerful motivator to encourage road users to shift to cleaner vehicles Getting the scheme right is crucial to its success. Therefore, I hope you will carefully consider what is being proposed and fully engage with the consultation process.

Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT

Executive summary

1 Our mission is to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles, and for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040. The Road to Zero Strategy set out that by 2030 we want at least half of new cars sold, and as many as 70%, to be ultra low emission, alongside up to 40% of new vans. 2 As new models enter the market and as we prepare for mass adoption of electric vehicles, consumer awareness and acceptance of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) remains a crucial part of this transition so that consumers and businesses can make confident decisions about what’s right for them. 3 The commitment to consult on the use of green number plates for ULEVs was a flagship announcement by the Prime Minister at the UK’s international Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Summit on 11 September 2018. Green number plates provide a UK- wide mechanism which would enable people to spot and differentiate vehicles based on their environmental impact, help inform road-users and normalise the idea of clean vehicles on our roads. This plays an important part in encouraging road users to shift to cleaner vehicles. 4 Green number plates could also help local authorities to identify ULEVs and bring in local incentives for electric vehicles. Cities and local authorities have a crucial role to play during the transition to zero emission vehicles and addressing local air quality issues. Many cities and local authorities, including the eight Go Ultra Low cities, are already taking action to accelerate the transition to zero emission road transport. Green number plates could help with local initiatives such as access to bus or low emission vehicle lanes, electric charging bays, free or reduced rate parking or ultra- low emission zones. They could also be used to support local communication and awareness campaigns. 5 The green number plate scheme must secure and maintain credibility, and the trust and confidence of stakeholders and the public. This means it must minimise risk to other policy areas. It must be futureproofed so that it does not get outdated by market change. The scheme must also be deliverable within existing structures and contexts, and in timescales that are appropriate to capture the growing ULEV market. 6 For these reasons, this consultation into how the green number plates should be delivered sets out government’s initial view and reasoning on a range of aspects of the policy, inviting comment on these matters. Our aim with this approach is to focus the response of industry and the public, to ensure an outcome that is deliverable and minimises risk for other important policy areas. 7 Our proposed position is that eligibility (page 15) should be restricted only to vehicles that have zero tailpipe emissions (e.g. full battery electric or hydrogen). The Government believes that this would incentivise the very cleanest vehicles and would be simple to implement, enforce and for consumers to understand. The Government also believes that it would futureproof against rapid technology change, and would remain effective for decades to come as a strong

communications and behavioural tool to support the transition to zero emissions. 8 Our proposed position is that the design (page 16) should be restricted to a green flash (Figure 2) or symbol (Figure 3) on the left hand side of the plate. This is due to the risks to Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras (ANPR) from other designs (e.g. a full green background, like Figure 1). Designs on the left hand side of the plate are also more easily implemented and so are likely to be able to be brought in sooner, and so support the emerging vehicle market in its early years. Our initial moderate preference is for the design on the left hand side of the plate to be a green flash rather than a green symbol, as we believe it creates a more dominant identifier.

Fig.1 - green background, black text (design mock up for illustrative purposes)

Fig. 2 - green flash, black text (rear plate, design mock up for illustrative purposes)

Fig. 3 - green symbol, black text - (rear plate, design mock up for illustrative purposes)

9 Our proposed position on rollout (page 19) of the plates is that they should be voluntary, but people could opt out. We believe this would maximise the uptake and awareness raising effect of the plates, whilst at the same time maintaining goodwill and positive engagement with the scheme by allowing for scenarios where the plates would not be wanted or are less suited. 10 Our proposed policy position on enforcement (page 20) is for a light touch scheme that fits into the existing number plate landscape in the UK, and that can be successfully delivered and operationalised in timeframes appropriate to

6 support policy goals. For national enforcement, this means it would fall under this existing enforcement landscape around vehicles being supplied with and displaying eligible plates. Then formal local enforcement around accessing local incentives would likely be by the local authority reading vehicle plates through ANPR or some other means, and checking vehicle details. Government is exploring this aspect further. We do not envisage green number plates being the primary means of enforcement, but they could be an aid. Under this proposed approach there would be no material benefit to displaying a green number plate, unless you had a qualifying vehicle. 11 The consultation will close on Tuesday 14 January 2020, after which government will analyse responses. A government response will follow, that will set out next steps towards implementation. This will provide an overview of the legislative changes that will be needed to deliver the resulting scheme.

7 How to respond

The consultation period began on Tuesday 22 October 2019 and will run until Tuesday 14 January 2020. Please ensure that your response reaches us before the closing date. If you would like further copies of this consultation document, it can be found at https://www.gov.uk/dft#consultations or you can contact [email protected] if you need alternative formats (Braille, audio CD, etc.). Please send consultation responses to: Address: Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, Westminster, London SW1P 4DR Email address: [email protected] When responding, please state whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation. If responding on behalf of a larger organisation, please make it clear who the organisation represents and, where applicable, how the views of members were assembled.

Freedom of Information

Information provided in response to this consultation, including personal information, may be subject to publication or disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If you want information that you provide to be treated as confidential, please be aware that, under the FOIA, there is a statutory Code of Practice with which public authorities must comply and which deals, amongst other things, with obligations of confidence. In view of this it would be helpful if you could explain to us why you regard the information you have provided as confidential. If we receive a request for disclosure of the information, we will take full account of your explanation, but we cannot give an assurance that confidentiality can be maintained in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not, of itself, be regarded as binding on the Department. The Department will process your personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act (DPA) and in the majority of circumstances this will mean that your personal data will not be disclosed to third parties.

Data Protection

The Department for Transport (DfT) is carrying out this consultation to decide on the introduction of green number plates for ultra low emission vehicles, including their eligibility, design, rollout and enforcement. This consultation and the processing of personal data that it entails is necessary for the exercise of our functions as a government department. If your answers contain any information that allows you to be identified, DfT will, under data protection law, be the controller for this information. As part of this consultation we’re asking for your name and email address. This is in case we need to ask you follow-up questions about any of your responses. You do not have to give us this personal information. If you do provide it, we will use it only for the purpose of asking follow-up questions. DfT’s privacy policy has more information about your rights in relation to your personal data, how to complain and how to contact the Data Protection Officer. Your information will be kept securely and destroyed within 12 months after the consultation has been completed. Any information provided through the online questionnaire will be moved to our internal systems within 2 months of the consultation end date.

1. Introduction

Strategic context

1.1 Our mission is to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles, and for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040. The Road to Zero Strategy set out that by 2030 we want at least half of new cars sold, and as many as 70%, to be ultra low emission, alongside up to 40% of new vans. The transition to zero emissions vehicles is central to meeting the Industrial Strategy and Clean Growth aims. The strategy set out a £1.5 billion package of support for the transition to zero emission vehicles. 1.2 We expect this transition to be industry and consumer led, supported in the coming years by the measures set out in the strategy. The strategy sets out a clear pathway to zero emissions, to give clarity and certainty to both industry and motorists. Progress is already being made, with sales of ultra-low emission vehicles at 2.6% of all new cars in 20181, but we are still at the beginning of the journey.

Green number plates

1.3 Consumer awareness and acceptance of ultra low emission vehicles remains a crucial part of the transition. Go Ultra Low (GUL) - the joint government-industry marketing campaign for ultra low emission vehicles - plays an important role in providing information to consumers and businesses so they can make confident decisions about what is right for them. 1.4 As technology develops at pace and as we prepare for mass adoption of electric vehicles, green number plates provide a further opportunity to raise awareness of this revolution that is taking place on our roads, encouraging further take up as people realise that more and more vehicles are green and clean - to help achieve the 2040 target. 1.5 The commitment to consult on the use of green number plates for ULEVs was a flagship announcement by the Prime Minister Theresa May at the UK’s international Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Summit on 11 September 2018.

Highlighting the presence of ULEVs

1.6 The main aim of green number plates is to highlight the presence of ULEVs – it is a very visible way of distinguishing such vehicles and raising their profile. We're currently likely to underestimate the prevalence of ULEVs on our roads partly because it’s often hard to tell them apart from conventionally powered vehicles.

1 SMMT data on registrations of Electric and Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles, available here: https://www.smmt.co.uk/category/news/registrations/evs-afvs/>https://www.smmt.co.uk/category/news/registrations/evs-afvs/ 10 1.7 Green number plates would provide a UK-wide mechanism which would enable people to spot and differentiate vehicles based on their environmental impact, help inform road-users and normalise the idea of clean vehicles on our roads. This plays an important role in encouraging road users to shift to cleaner vehicles. 1.8 Green number plates would also provide an opportunity for commercial road users in competitive mobility industries such as taxi fleets, couriers and car clubs to differentiate themselves and convey their green credentials and leadership to consumers. Similarly, green number plates would support wider progressive corporate social responsibility messaging for companies with vehicle fleets. This has the potential to be a powerful motivator for many private consumers.

Supporting emission based local policies

1.9 A secondary benefit of green number plates is that they could help local authorities to identify ULEVs and bring in local incentives for electric vehicles such as access to bus or low emission vehicle lanes, electric charging bays, free or reduced parking or ultra-low emission zones. 1.10 Cities and local authorities have a crucial role to play during the transition to zero emission vehicles and addressing local air quality issues. Many cities and local authorities are already taking action to accelerate the transition to zero emission road transport, including the eight Go Ultra Low cities. 1.11 Green plates would also provide a clear identifier that cities and local authorities could use to support local engagement, and awareness raising campaigns and initiatives. In conjunction with local signage they would provide a simple yet effective tool to reinforce access rules to infrastructure like electric vehicle charging bays. 1.12 Several local authorities have already indicated the plates would enable clearer visual recognition of vehicles eligible for local incentives, such as access to bus lanes (like in Nottingham), ultra low or zero emission zones and cheaper parking. This becomes a useful visual tool for local enforcement officials, as well as road users of all vehicle types. This visual identifier could then serve the wider purpose of conveying local policy and political priorities in tackling carbon and air quality challenges.

Ensuring green number plates stand out but fit in

1.13 UK cities and local authorities are increasingly bringing in city wide or more localised policies to encourage cleaner vehicles in their areas. Targeting localised pollution hot spots or helping the wider transition towards longer term air quality and climate change goals, these policies often include incentives and restrictions for vehicle types, based on their emissions. 1.14 This landscape of local action based on vehicle emissions is complex, and includes action mandated through central government, as well as local leadership and innovation. These initiatives include: Clean Air Zones being introduced in certain areas in 2020 and subsequent years, in order to deliver compliance with legal NO2 limits set out in the government's 2017 NO2 plan; Nottingham's bus/ULEV lane; policies like Oxford's proposed zero emission zone; and emissions restrictions for taxi and private hire vehicle licencing, for example in Dundee.

11 1.15 Consumers have historically low engagement with vehicle emission performance, and there is low awareness of metrics such as gCO2/km and zero emission range. For these reasons, government committed in the Road to Zero strategy to set out definitions of ultra low and zero emission vehicles that local areas may adopt, to give clarity and consistency to consumers and businesses. We plan to publish this in coming months. 1.16 As more and more cities and local authorities are taking action to accelerate the transition to zero emission road transport, green number plates provide a simple, standardised identifier that is of value to local areas in engaging their road users. Such local measures and incentives must be locally led, to ensure they meet local needs and are integrated within wider transport and mobility plans. 1.17 Formal enforcement of bus lanes and ultra low emission zones in the UK is largely done by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, where number plates are read and vehicle and vehicle keeper information is checked. Further consideration is required around how this should work for local authorities bringing in policies that utilise green number plates. As is the case now, number plate characters rather than the colour will be read. It is noted that wider technology based enforcement tools will also continue to emerge in the future - such as smart, connected vehicles, that alert the driver to parking conditions.

Number plate landscape in the UK

1.18 Vehicle Registration Numbers ('number plates') are a way of identifying vehicles, and are allocated to vehicles as part of the process of registering vehicles in the England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Vehicle Registration Numbers must be correctly displayed on number plates as set out in the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 (the "Display Regulations"), that govern how vehicle registration number plates are designed, manufactured and displayed. 1.19 All UK number plate suppliers must, by law, be registered with the DVLA as a Registered Number Plate Supplier (RNPS), who will need to see proof of name and address, and verify that the vehicle has the right to display the particular registration number (e.g. by showing the V5C logbook2) before supplying a number plate. In the UK, there are currently over 40,000 RNPS. They receive number plates, or plate components from one or more component manufacturers, who in turn source raw material for the reflective, adhesive, acrylic and other components. 1.20 The design and display requirements for number plates are specified through legislation, principally the Display Regulations that stipulate the font, size, colour and spacing of number plate characters, the background colour of front and rear plates, and reflectivity. A British Standard (BS AU 145d) also stipulates background colour (white for front; yellow for rear), as well as a host of technical requirements including retroreflection, colourimetry, and resilience against weathering, bending, solvents and impact. 1.21 EC Council Regulation 2411/98 allowed member state vehicles to display the European symbol and GB national identifier on the number plate, to avoid the need for a separate GB sticker when travelling within the EU. Government's advice is that following the UK’s exit from the EU, drivers should display a GB sticker on the rear of the vehicle, whether or not they have a number plate which includes the GB

2 The V5C registration certificate (log book) contains information about the vehicle, names the registered keeper and registers the vehicle with the DVLA 12

identifier. The Display Regulations were amended in 2009 to allow the optional display of the UK's national flags and identifying letters that are specified in legislation on the left hand side of the plate. 1.22 Section 59 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 makes it an offence to display registration plates other than in accordance with the statutory requirements. Section 45 of the Road Safety Act 2006 amending the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001, makes it an offence to supply a plate bearing a vehicle registration mark that does not comply with regulations concerning the manner in which registration numbers must be displayed. 1.23 The above restrictions on number plate design, supply and display are crucial given the increasing use of technology to read vehicle registration plates – such as automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and road enforcement cameras. In this context a joint industry-government working group, chaired by DVLA, and commissioned by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner, is looking at the number plate regime.

International examples of green number plates

1.24 Variants of green number plates have been introduced by several national and regional governments including in Norway, Hungary, Canada and China. These have been used for both awareness raising and as an identifier for incentives (e.g. access to bus lanes and parking incentives). 1.25 The Canadian province of Ontario has brought in a scheme that allows vehicles displaying green plates to access Ontario's High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes, even if there is just one person in the vehicle. Alongside other supportive policy measures, Ontario Ministry of Transportation advises that the plates have been a positive factor in consumer purchasing decisions.

Considerations and consultation approach

1.26 Targeted stakeholder engagement prior to this consultation has helped develop understanding about potential ways the scheme could be successfully implemented. This has also helped identify themes and questions that will be explored through the consultation. These include: • Eligibility - What emissions standards should vehicles meet to qualify for the plates? • Design - What should the plates look like? • Rollout - How would the plates be accessed, and should they be mandatory? Which type of vehicles should be eligible for them? • Enforcement - What should be the approach to enforcement, at a national and local level? 1.27 The green number plate scheme must secure and maintain credibility, and the trust and confidence of stakeholders and the public. This means it must minimise risk to other policy areas, and be futureproofed so that it does not get outdated by market change. The scheme must also be deliverable within existing structures and

contexts, and in timescales that are appropriate to capture the ever growing vehicle market. 1.28 For these reasons the consultation will set out government’s initial view and reasoning on a range of aspects of the policy, then invite comment on these matters. This will focus the response of industry and the public and ensure an outcome that is deliverable and minimises risk for other important policy areas (e.g. to ANPR camera functionality).

2. Consultation themes and questions

Eligibility

2.1 Establishing appropriate emissions-based eligibility criteria for green number plates is crucial to ensuring the policy creates the correct signals and incentives. It is also vital to secure credibility for the policy, and be clear for road users and the wider public to understand, both now and into the future. 2.2 This is challenging, as the ULEV market is one of innovation and change, with new models coming on the market every year, bringing increased performance and zero emissions range. It should also be noted that introducing green number plates would likely require legislation to be amended, which would require parliamentary time and depending on the extent of the changes needed could take two to three years. 2.3 Recognising advancements in technology, the Road to Zero Strategy set out that from 2021 we expect to define an ULEV as a car or van that emits less than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometre from the tailpipe. Our starting point is that the requirement for green number plates should be no less stringent than that definition. 2.4 To help respondents navigate these issues, below we set out three potential options and set out some of their pros and cons, before giving our initial policy position and inviting comment. We will also allow respondents to describe and give reasoning for their own option if that is not included here. Option 1: Zero tailpipe emissions only 2.5 This option would restrict green number plates to zero tailpipe emissions only (e.g. full battery electric or hydrogen). It would rule out anything with a combustion engine, avoiding a position whereby a green number-plated vehicle could be releasing emissions from the tailpipe. This option incentivises the very cleanest vehicles and would be simple to implement, enforce and for consumers to understand. It would futureproof against rapid technology change, remaining effective for decades to come as a strong communications and behavioural tool to support the transition to zero tailpipe emissions. However, there would initially be fewer qualifying vehicles on the roads, lessening the awareness raising impact. This approach may have the effect of making plug-in hybrids and other hybrids appear not green, when in practice they can bring significant environmental benefits. Option 2a: CO emissions of less than 50g/km and a WLTP zero emission range of at least 70 miles ₂ 2.6 An alternative approach would be to base eligibility on the criteria for the Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG), so CO emissions of less than 50g/km and a WLTP3 zero emission range of at least 70 miles. This mainly captures full electric (battery and hydrogen) vehicles, though some₂ plug-in hybrid and range extender electric vehicles could

3 Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) laboratory test is used to measure fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from passenger cars, as well as their pollutant emissions. 15

qualify. This approach would capture more vehicles in the short term, but be harder to articulate and less easily understood by road users and the wider population. It is also arguably harder to operationalise, as it would require registered number plate suppliers (RNPS) have access to additional data around zero emission range and make accurate determinations about whether to issue green plates or not. Further, the fact that vehicles with a green number plate would sometimes be operating in combustion engine mode risks creating confusion around the green credentials of the policy. As with option 1, option 2a may have the effect of making non-eligible vehicles appear not green, when they can bring environmental benefits. Option 2b: CO emissions of less than 50g/km 2.7 Similar to option 2a in that it matches the Road to Zero 2021 ULEV definition, but ₂ removes the zero emission range requirement. In order to achieve this level of gCO2/km, it is likely that the vehicle would have to have at least a moderate zero emission range. Although we cannot rule out the possibility of further technology advances, this requirement would exclude today's non plug-in hybrids, but capture the vast majority of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. This would likely be easily administered, as CO2 emissions is a metric that appears in vehicle registration systems and documentation for cars first registered from 2001. There may be questions as to how ambitious and stretching this option would be- in the longer term. Though plug-in vehicles can bring significant environmental benefits, and are an important way of helping motorists make the switch to a different way of powering their vehicles, the extent to which they are driven in zero emission mode depends much on their range and driver behaviour. Proposed policy position 2.8 Our proposed position is that eligibility should be set at Option 1, so restricted to zero emission vehicles only (e.g. full battery or hydrogen fuel cell electric). This is due to being simple and transparent, and very easy for consumers to understand. It incentivises the cleanest vehicles, and would be futureproofed against rapid technology change, staying effective as a strong communications and behavioural tool to support the 2040 policy objectives. Consultation questions Q1a: Do you agree with our proposal that only zero emission vehicles would be eligible for green number plates? Q1b: If you disagree, explain why, including what requirement you think would be suitable?

Design

2.9 The design of green number plates is crucial to providing an effective awareness- raising and communications tool, also establishing and maintaining buy-in and trust by avoiding wider policy risks. It must be a design that can be delivered through legislative change in an appropriate timeframe. 2.10 Since the commitment to consult was made, the phrase “green number plates” has been used. The final design could be green, or retain green elements. Prior engagement of expert stakeholders has been very useful in mapping out some of the challenges, risks and limitations of certain design approaches. 2.11 These considerations are reflected in government's proposed policy position that we set out and are inviting comment on below. 16

Option 1: Green background 2.12 The first option is to have green background and black or white text (fig 1). This would provide strong visual identification and differentiation, so would provide a strong awareness raising signal - to serve the core purpose of this policy. Other countries have a full green plate, so there would be international alignment. 2.13 The current use of black text on white (front) and yellow (rear) background in the UK is used because of its high contrast, and so supports witness visual testimony and vehicle identification through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. This contrast is created in ANPR cameras by infrared light being able to bounce off the retroreflective background but not the text characters, leading to the character void being read by the camera. 2.14 A change from white/yellow to green background is very likely to diminish this contrast. The same would be true for black lettering on a green background, or green lettering on white/yellow background. 2.15 Testing of potential designs would be needed, but it is highly likely any change away from black text on white/yellow background will result in reduced ANPR performance. If a shade of green background was suitable for ANPR, it is likely to be a paler shade of green that is less easily visible to the human eye and does not serve awareness raising goals. A change to green background would also mean we lose the front (white) and rear (yellow) vehicle visual aid, which can be useful for visual testimony. 2.16 To change the background of the plate would, in addition to the Display Regulations, require a change to the British Standard BS AU 145d. Whilst possible, this is a lengthy process.

Fig.1 - green background, black text (design mock up for illustrative purposes)

Option 2: Green designs on the left hand side of the plate 2.17 A separate approach to number plate design would be to make use of the space on the left hand side of the plate, either for a green flash (fig 2) or symbol (fig 3). This area of the physical plate is not read by ANPR, so whilst the design is specified in legislation it does not come with the same level of technical restrictions. 2.18 A change to this area of the plate would require an amendment to the Display Regulations, but not the British Standard, so is easier to implement. This amendment would stipulate the design, and eligibility criteria for a vehicle to display the plates. 2.19 This area can currently be used to display the UK's national flags and identifying letters, so consideration is needed as to if and how the two design elements could coexist. Government is advising those with a GB national identifier that they will need to display a GB sticker on the rear of the vehicle when travelling in the EU after the UK's exit from the EU, so the identifier may become less common.

2.20 There is scope to pursue a green flash, or a simple green symbol with this approach. Views on this are sought through the consultation questions.

Fig. 2 - green flash, black text (rear plate, design mock up for illustrative purposes)

Fig. 3 - green symbol, black text - (rear plate, design mock up for illustrative purposes)

Proposed policy position 2.21 Our proposed position is for Option 2, green designs on the left hand side of the plate. This is due to the risks to ANPR of Option 1, and because Option 2 is more easily implemented and so is likely to be able to be brought in sooner, capturing the emerging market. Government's initial moderate preference is for the design on the left hand side of the plate to be a green flash rather than a green symbol, as it creates a more dominant identifier. Consultation questions Q2a: Do you agree with our proposal that the green number plate design should be restricted to the left hand side of the number plate? Q2b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q3a: For the design on the left hand side of the number plate, do you think this should be: • a green flash? • a green symbol? • something else? Q3b: If applicable, please specify other ideas for the design using the left hand side of the plate Q4a: Should the left hand design be displayed in addition to national flags and lettering that can occupy that area of the plate?

Q5a: What other views and reasoning on the design of the green number plates do you feel should be considered?

Rollout

2.22 Chapter 1 describes the way in which number plates are issued in the UK by registered number plate suppliers (RNPS) and vehicle dealers, both to new vehicles at first registration and to existing vehicles that have been previously registered. It is proposed here that the RNPS or dealerships will have to establish if the vehicle is eligible for a green number plate (e.g. through make/model information or the V5C logbook), and issue the correct plates as required. Stakeholder engagement to date has suggested that the UK number plate industry is very well equipped to supply green number plates once introduced, and at negligible cost change if any. 2.23 We envisage not all drivers will want to display green number plates - as some may not want to highlight their use of qualifying vehicles, or may not want to use them for other reasons. We believe the plates need to be made available to new and existing eligible vehicles. Option 1a: Non-mandatory but opt out 2.24 Having the plates as voluntary but opt-out creates a landscape where the plates are encouraged and seen as the default option, but allows for people to not have them if they wish. This reduces the awareness raising effect, as there will be qualifying vehicles on the roads without the green plates. 2.25 As part of designing the implementation of an opt-out scheme, careful consideration would have to be given to finding a suitable process to help consumers opt-out if they wanted to. Option 1b: Non-mandatory but opt in 2.26 Having the plates as voluntary but opt-in allows for people to not have them if they wish, but means they are not as encouraged and seen as the default option. This is likely to reduce uptake, and as such the awareness raising effect. Option 2: Mandatory 2.27 Making the plates mandatory would result in more vehicles displaying the plates, and likely simplify the issuance of the plates as there would be only one option for eligible vehicles. Though making the plates mandatory is likely to be seen negatively by some. Vehicle type 2.28 It is proposed here that green number plates would be available to qualifying cars, vans, taxis and motorbikes, but that buses, coaches and HGVs would be out of scope. Whilst we are not ruling out that green number plates could be applied to heavy vehicles in the future, they present a different proposition, each with different purchasing and public perception incentives, so are out of scope for now. Proposed policy position 2.29 Our proposed policy position is for Option 1a: non-mandatory but opt out. This is to maximise the uptake and awareness raising effect of the plates, but to maintain good-will and positive engagement with the scheme by not imposing the plates on drivers and allowing for scenarios where the plates are not wanted or are less suited.

Consultation questions Q6a: Do you agree with our proposal that the green number plates should not be mandatory? Q6b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q6b: Do you agree with our proposal that the green number plates should be opt-out? Q6c: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q7a: Do you agree that after the introduction of the plates both new and existing qualifying vehicles should be able to access them? Q7b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q8a: Do you agree that green number plates should be open to qualifying cars, vans, taxis and motorbikes, but that buses, coaches and HGVs are out of scope? Q8b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable?

Enforcement

2.30 The proposed delivery model for the green number plates scheme is one that fits into the existing number plate landscape in the UK, has no negative impact on ANPR performance, and that can be successfully delivered and operationalised in timeframes appropriate to support policy goals. This lighter touch implementation approach is reflected in: the proposed policy position on design; the way green number plates will be used by local authorities; and the way they are enforced - both nationally and locally. 2.31 A light touch scheme has the potential to be implemented in around 12-18 months, and would be able to be in place to support vehicle uptake in the early 2020s - a key period in the transition to mass market uptake. A scheme that requires a greater legislative intervention, could take 3-4 years, given the breadth of legislative and potentially regulatory change. National enforcement 2.32 At present it is an offence to supply or display a plate that a vehicle is not eligible for. If green number plate design and eligibility is brought in through an amendment to the Display Regulations, then the plates would fall under this existing police enforcement landscape around vehicles displaying eligible plates. Local enforcement 2.33 The secondary benefit of green number plates is that they could help local authorities to identify ULEVs, for local supporting policies, communication campaigns and potentially incentives. Crucially however, the design of the plates would only be a soft enforcement aid, that provides a visual tool to help indicate vehicle type and eligibility. This has applications for local officials like parking attendants, but also other road users and the wider public, where the plates would be a good first indicator of emissions and eligibility.

2.34 It is proposed here that local authorities would continue to use systems such as ANPR for formal enforcement of any local incentives, as is the case now for the policies including the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), Nottingham bus/ULEV lane, and wider bus lane enforcement across the UK. 2.35 Under this proposed approach there would be no material benefit to displaying a green number plate, unless you had a qualifying vehicle. Soft enforcement by local officials and other informed road users would quickly identify non-eligible vehicles using green number plates. Those vehicles attempting to access a local incentive in a non-eligible vehicle with green number plates would be conspicuous. However, as formal enforcement would, under our proposals, be through systems such as ANPR, our assessment is that green number plates are unlikely to increase the risk of number plate fraud and cloning. 2.36 The introduction of local measures or incentives must be locally led. So local authorities that seek to utilise green number plates will need to consider the design and operation of their policies to ensure an appropriate penalty regime is in place and has an appropriate basis in law. In a scenario where green plates are opt-out (non- mandatory), government's suggestion to local authorities would be that eligible vehicles would be able to access local incentives if they displayed the green plate or not. Proposed policy position 2.37 Our proposed policy position is for a light touch scheme that fits into the existing number plate landscape in the UK, and that can be successfully delivered and operationalised in timeframes appropriate to support policy goals. For national enforcement, this means it would fall under this existing enforcement landscape around supplying and displaying eligible plates. Then formal local enforcement around accessing local incentives would likely to be via the local authority reading vehicle plates through ANPR and checking vehicle details. Government is exploring this aspect further. Under this proposed approach there would be no material benefit to displaying a green number plate, unless you had a qualifying vehicle. Displaying the plates should not be mandatory for eligible vehicles accessing any local incentives they decide to bring in. Consultation questions Q9a: Do you agree with our proposal to seek a light touch scheme that can be implemented more quickly so as to capture the emerging vehicle market? Q9b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q10a: Do you agree with our proposal that the scheme should fit into the existing regulatory and enforcement landscape around the supply and display of eligible plates? Q10b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q12a: Do you agree that the visual characteristics of green number plates should only serve as a soft enforcement mechanism? Q12b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable?

What will happen next

A summary of responses, including the next steps, will be published within three months of the consultation closing on https://www.gov.uk/search/policy-papers-and- consultations Paper copies will be available on request. If you have questions about his consultation please contact: Address: Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, Westminster, London SW1P 4DR Email address: [email protected]

Annex A: Full list of consultation questions

Eligibility Q1a: Do you agree with our proposal that only zero emission vehicles would be eligible for green number plates? Q1b: If you disagree, explain why, including what requirement you think would be suitable?

Design Q2a: Do you agree with our proposal that the green number plate design should be restricted to the left hand side of the number plate? Q2b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q3a: For the design on the left hand side of the number plate, do you think this should be: • a green flash? • a green symbol? • something else? Q3b: Specify other ideas for the design using the left hand side of the plate Q4a: Should the left hand design be displayed in addition to national flags and lettering that can occupy that area of the plate? Q5a: What other views and reasoning on the design of the green number plates do you feel should be considered

Rollout and approach Q6a: Do you agree with our proposal that the green number plates should not be mandatory? Q6b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q6b: Do you agree with our proposal that the green number plates should be opt-out? Q6c: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q7a: Do you agree that after the introduction of the plates both new and existing qualifying vehicles will be able to access them? Q7b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q8a: Do you agree that green number plates should be open to qualifying cars, vans, taxis and motorbikes, but that buses, coaches and HGVs are out of scope? Q8b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable?

Enforcement

Q9a: Do you agree with our proposal to seek a light touch scheme that can be implemented more quickly so as to capture the emerging vehicle market? Q9b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q10a: Do you agree with our proposal that the scheme should fit into the existing regulatory and enforcement landscape around the supply and display of eligible plates? Q10b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable? Q11a: Do you agree that the visual characteristics of green number plates should only serve as a soft enforcement mechanism? Q11b: If you disagree, explain why, including what you think would be more suitable?

Q12: Please provide any other views around the expected cost of implementing this policy Q13: Any other comments?

Annex B: Consultation principles

The consultation is being conducted in line with the Government's key consultation principles which are listed below. Further information is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/consultation-principles-guidance If you have any comments about the consultation process please contact: Consultation Co-ordinator Department for Transport Zone 1/29 Great Minster House London SW1P 4DR Email [email protected]

25 Unclassified

ITEM 10.1.

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Report Classification Unclassified

Council/Committee Council

Date of Meeting 27 November 2019

Responsible Director Chief Executive

Responsible Head of Service

Date of Report 20 November 2019

File Reference

Legislation

Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:

Subject Invitation to Northern Ireland Brexit Summit

Attachments Email from NI Brexit Summit

The Council has been offered a complimentary delegate pass to the Northern Ireland Brexit Summit in Belfast on 27 February 2020 – see email attached.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Council notes the attached information regarding the Northern Ireland Brexit Summit.

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Unclassified

ITEM 10.2.

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Report Classification Unclassified

Council/Committee Council

Date of Meeting 27 November 2019

Responsible Director Chief Executive

Responsible Head of Service

Date of Report 20 November 2019

File Reference

Legislation

Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:

Subject Invitation to NILGA Conference 2020

Attachments Invitation and draft conference agenda

The NILGA Annual Conference will be held on Thursday 20 February 2020 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast. The theme for the conference is “The Future of Local Government.” As per the attached invitation, NILGA has offered each Council two free places to attend the event (conference and dinner). All additional places will be charged at the following rates: • Conference only - £99 + VAT • Conference & Local Government Awards Dinner - £145 + VAT • Local Government Awards Dinner only - £60 + VAT

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Council accepts the two free places to the NILGA Annual Conference and nominates two Members to attend.

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Unclassified

ITEM 14

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Report Classification Unclassified

Council/Committee Council

Date of Meeting 27 November 2019

Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration

Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service

Date of Report 12 November 2019

File Reference LP37

Legislation

Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Not Applicable ☐

Subject Request by NSPCC to light up Council buildings in support of their "Get Your Sparkle On" Christmas Campaign

Attachments

The Council has received a request from the NSPCC to light up Council buildings green on 11th December in support of their Christmas Fundraising Campaign “Get Your Sparkle On.”

The NSPCC is a national charity which specialises in child protection and is dedicated to the fight for every childhood. The charity has statutory powers and can take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse. It is an independent charity and relies on public funding to carry out its work.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Council accedes to the request and lights the buildings green on the date requested.

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Unclassified

ITEM 15

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Report Classification Unclassified

Council/Committee Environment Committee

Date of Meeting 27 November 2019

Responsible Director Director of Environment

Responsible Head of Head of Waste and Cleansing Services Service

Date of Report 19 November 2019

File Reference

Legislation

Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:

Subject Loo of the Year Awards 2019

Attachments

The objective of the Loo of the Awards is to encourage the highest possible standards in all ‘away from home’ washrooms. The Awards seek to focus the spotlight on recognising and rewarding the very best washrooms throughout the UK and Ireland. It is considered the ‘washroom standard’ and a Loo of the Year Award is an established benchmark of washroom provision and compliance to national standards.

In addition to the Platinum and Gold Awards achieved in the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards (LOYA), Ards & North Down Borough Council has also been shortlisted for three National Category Awards for Ireland and two Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards (WCOYA) National Award for Ireland. The two WCOYA awards are for the Individual Cleaner Award - George Finnigan based at Castle Park Public Conveniences in Comber and the In-House Cleaning Team Award for all of our attendants. Winners will be announced at an event in Solihull on 6 December 2019.

Page 1 of 2

Unclassified

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended approval is granted for George Finnigan to attend the Awards event with the Cleansing Supervisor, travelling to and from Birmingham on the same day.

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Unclassified

ITEM 16

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Report Classification Unclassified

Council/Committee Council

Date of Meeting 27 November 2019

Responsible Director Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning

Responsible Head of Head of Regeneration Service

Date of Report 18 November 2019

File Reference REG 80

Legislation

Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:

Subject Development Opportunities for Whiterock Amenity Site, Killinchy

Attachments Appendix one - map of location

Background

The Council’s predecessor in title acquired the land at Whiterock by way of a Vesting Order dated 13 February 1979. The purpose for which the area was Vested was for the creation of a car park, picnic area and public convenience in accordance with Tourism legislation at that time. The property continues to be used for this purpose. It is essential that any future development of the area must be in keeping with the purpose for which the land was Vested, otherwise it may trigger the right of pre- emption as determined by the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act 1845.

The location of the area is shown at Appendix One.

Current

Over the last period of time the Council has received a request to lease this land and to develop it to support outdoor water activities and some form of tourist accommodation. This could be a very exciting opportunity, but the Council needs to

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Unclassified be confident that it has tested the market to ensure that anyone interested in the area has had an opportunity to submit a proposal. It is felt that the best way to achieve this is to issue an Expression of Interest Brief.

Integrated Tourism, Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy (ITRDS)

The ITDRS, which has been adopted by the Council, presents a coherent vision for the pursuit of prosperity in the Borough and any development initiative undertaken or supported by the Council should strive to hit the key markers of regeneration, economic growth and tourism development.

It would be essential if the Council was to seek expressions of interest in developing this area, that the above markers would be a means to test whether any proposal was supporting the Council’s strategic vision. It would be for any potential developer to explicitly detail how their proposal supports the delivery of the ITDRS and in particular creates a sense of place, supports job growth and tourism.

The Way Forward

It is believed that the Council should issue an expression of interest brief for the development of the Whiterock amenity site, with the key assessment criteria being how it aids the delivery of the ITRDS. The Council will also have to take legal advice at that time to ensure the preferred proposal is in keeping with the legislative purpose for which the land was Vested.

The Brief will also state that it will be expected that any proposal will demonstrate how the operator will deliver the following:

• continuing to provide the amenity of a car park, picnic area and public convenience, which were the purchases for which the area was Vested, • clear information as to which elements of the ITRDS the proposal will deliver and the management arrangements and other partnership arrangements that are needed to deliver the proposal and, • what Council support, if any, is required and the length of the lease sought.

The valuation for the lease of the land will be undertaken by Land and Property Services.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Council agrees to issue an Expression of Interest Brief for the site as outlined.

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Whiterock, Killinchy

Legend Council Owned Land Addresses - Updated 08/10/29

0 0.02 5 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 km

Thismaterial basedis upon Crown Copyright andisreproduced with the permission of Scale: 1:2,500 Land& Property Services under delegated Date: 18/11/2019 authorityfrom the Controller ofHer Majesty’s StationeryOffice,© Crown copyright and databaserightNIMA CS&LA581 2019. This Map is ONLY for use within Ards and North Down Borough Council Author: ITEM 17

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Report Classification Unclassified

Council/Committee Council

Date of Meeting 27 November 2019

Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration

Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service

Date of Report 21 August 2019

File Reference CG 12172

Legislation Local Government Act (NI) 2014

Section 75 Compliant Yes ☐ No ☐ Not Applicable ☒

Subject Notices of Motion

Attachments Notices of Motion - Status Report

Please find attached a Status Report in respect of Notices of Motion.

This is a standing item on the Council agenda each month and its aim is to keep members updated on the outcome of motions. Please note that as each motion is dealt with it will be removed from the report.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Council notes the report.

NOTICE OF MOTIONS UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2019

TO BE POPULATED BY DEMOCRATIC SERVICES

DATE NOTICE SUBMITTED COUNCIL COMMITTEE OUTCOME OF MONTH IT OTHER RECEIVED BY MEETING REFERRED TO COMMITTEE WILL BE ACTION TO BE DATE WHERE NOM REPORTED TAKEN DEBATED BACK TO COMMITTEE 31/05/15 Permanent recognition of Councillor 24/06/15 Corporate Services Agreed Ongoing Rory McIlroy in Holywood Muir Committee – October 2015

2/3/18 Online community directory Councillor Council – Community & Agreed to September Douglas March Wellbeing – April bring back 2019. Agreed 2018 2018 - deferred report further report - January 2020 21/3/18 Accessible green space – Councillor Council – Community & Referred to Ongoing Reporting to Town Park in Newtownards Smart & April 2018 Wellbeing – May Corporate Corporate Councillor 2018 Committee to regarding Kennedy coordinate Ards FC first

19/7/18 Appropriate signage at Councillor Council – Community & Referred to Ongoing Movilla Cemetery McIlveen August Wellbeing – October Corporate 2018 2018 Committee to progress

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DATE NOTICE SUBMITTED COUNCIL COMMITTEE OUTCOME OF MONTH IT OTHER RECEIVED BY MEETING REFERRED TO COMMITTEE WILL BE ACTION TO BE DATE WHERE NOM REPORTED TAKEN DEBATED BACK TO COMMITTEE 21/8/18 Memorial to 8 people killed at Councillor Council – Corporate - Oct 18 Agreed December 1936 TT Race Kennedy August Deferred to 2019 2018 November 2018 (provided information received) 10/1/19 Disabled access to Cloughey Councillors Council – Environment Agreed September beach Adair, January Committee 2019. Agreed Edmund & 2019 further report Thompson – ongoing. 21/1/19 Shelter at slipway in Councillor Council – Environment Agreed Ongoing Donaghadee Brooks & January Committee Councillor 2019 Smith 22/1/19 Climate breakdown Councillor Council – Environment Agreed Ongoing as Woods January Committee part of and 2019 Council’s Councillor “Pathway to a McKee Sustainable Future – 2020-24” 16/4/19 Safe pedestrian access at Councillor Council – Environment Agreed Ongoing recycling centres Brooks April 2019 Committee – June and 2019 Councillor Smith

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TO BE POPULATED BY DEMOCRATIC SERVICES

DATE NOTICE SUBMITTED COUNCIL COMMITTEE OUTCOME OF MONTH IT OTHER RECEIVED BY MEETING REFERRED TO COMMITTEE WILL BE ACTION TO BE DATE WHERE NOM REPORTED TAKEN DEBATED BACK TO COMMITTEE 18/6/19 Community Consultation on Alderman Council – Community & Agreed To be Upgrade of Skipperstone Irvine June 2019 Wellbeing considered Playpark Committee – as part of September 2019 Play Strategy (anticipated April 2020) 20/6/19 Request for urgent review of Councillor Council – Corporate Services Agreed November 12/11 CSC DfI policy re: 40mph speed Mathison & July 2019 Committee - 2019 minute to be limit Councillor September 2019 ratified by Smart Nov Council

24/6/19 Council condemning animal Councillor Council – Corporate Services Agreed December cruelty Boyle July 2019 Committee - 2019 September 2019 28/6/19 Air pollution Councillors Council – Community & Amended December Woods, July 2019 Wellbeing 2019 McKee Committee - and September 2019 Dunlop 17/7/19 Use of redeployable Speed Councillor Council – Corporate Services Agreed November 12/11 CSC Management Signs at P Smith July 2019 Committee - 2019 minute to be entrance points to villages September 2019 ratified by Nov Council

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DATE NOTICE SUBMITTED COUNCIL COMMITTEE OUTCOME OF MONTH IT OTHER RECEIVED BY MEETING REFERRED TO COMMITTEE WILL BE ACTION TO BE DATE WHERE NOM REPORTED TAKEN DEBATED BACK TO COMMITTEE 22/7/19 Writing to Transport NI to Councillor Council – Corporate Services Agreed November 12/11 CSC outline concerns in relation to Muir July 2019 Committee - 2019 minute to be the dilapidated state of September 2019 ratified by Redburn Square A2 Subway, Nov Council

22/7/19 Fossil fuel divestment Councillor Council – Corporate Services Agreed N/A Deputation by McKee & July 2019 Committee - NILGOSC – Councillor September 2019 Jan 2020 Dunlop 14/8/19 Review into entrance policy Councillor Council – Environment Agreed Ongoing @ wrcs Armstrong- August Committee – Cotter & 2019 September 2019 Councillor Edmund 14/8/19 Urgent Meeting with NI Councillors Council – Corporate Services Amended – N/A Deputation by Ambulance Service Boyle & P August Committee – Deputation to NIAS – Feb Smith 2019 September 2019 Full Council 2020

15/8/19 Appointment of ‘Parenting Councillors Council – Corporate Services Agreed Report to Nov Champion’ Greer & August Committee – CSC – Mathison 2019 September 2019 agreed to defer nomination to Nov Council

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DATE NOTICE SUBMITTED COUNCIL COMMITTEE OUTCOME OF MONTH IT OTHER RECEIVED BY MEETING REFERRED TO COMMITTEE WILL BE ACTION TO BE DATE WHERE NOM REPORTED TAKEN DEBATED BACK TO COMMITTEE 17/8/19 Council writes to Secretary of Councillors Council Corporate Services Fell at TBC State to reflect the Councils Martin and August Committee – Committee (response to Position on the recent Armstrong- 2019 September 2019 but was letter to Sec amendment of the Bill in Cotter agreed at of State Westminster to include the Council awaited) imposition of unregulated 25.09.19 abortion to Northern Ireland

19/8/19 Commencement of Process Councillor Council Corporate Services Agreed TBC to acquire ownership of Bank Cathcart August – September 2019 (enquiries Lane, Ballyholme 2019 ongoing as to current ownership)

30/8/19 Cross Party Working Group – Councillor Council – Corporate Services Agreed December Health & Social Care Douglas September – October 2019 2019 and Greer

30/8/19 Report to advise how to Councillor Council – Community and Agreed Ongoing increase tree planting Douglas September Wellbeing – October and Wilson 2019

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17/9/19 That the Council objects to Councillor Council – Corporate Services Deferred to 12/11 CSC the current definition of a Cooper September – October 2019 Corporate minute to be “victim” Services – ratified by November Nov Council 2019 - Agreed 25/9/19 Report on feasibility of Councillor Council – Corporate Services Agreed 12/11 CSC holding annual remembrance Martin October – November 2019 minute to be service for those lost to ratified by suicide Nov Council

30/9/19 Recognition of the PARS Councillor Council – Community & Agreed 13/11 C&WB Scheme and the benefits it Mathison October Wellbeing - minute to be brings to the residents of the November 2019 ratified by Borough Nov Council

3/10/19 Recognition of the Councillor Council - Corporate Services Agreed 12/11 CSC importance of the Welfare Mathison October – November 2019 minute to be Mitigation Package

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3/10/19 Congratulations to the Alderman Council – Corporate Services Agreed 12/11 CSC Integrated Education Fund Gibson October – November 2019 minute to be and NI Council on Integrated 2019 ratified by Education on being Nov Council nominated the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize 10/10/19 Morning crossing times of the Councillor Council – Regeneration & Agreed February 7/11 RDC Strangford Ferry Service from Boyle October Development – 2020 minute to be Portaferry. 2019 November 2019 ratified by Nov Council

14/10/19 Public meeting to be held at Councillor Council – Regeneration & Agreed March 2020 7/11 RDC Comber Leisure Centre to P Smith October Development – minute to be consider residents concerns 2019 November 2019 ratified by about overdevelopment of Nov Council Comber town 14/10/19 Request for immediate Councillor Council – Corporate Services Agreed 12/11 CSC increase and release of Greer October – November 2019 minute to be funding for Hospice and 2019 ratified by Palliative Care services in NI Nov Council

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DATE NOTICE SUBMITTED COUNCIL COMMITTEE OUTCOME OF MONTH IT OTHER RECEIVED BY MEETING REFERRED TO COMMITTEE WILL BE ACTION TO BE DATE WHERE NOM REPORTED TAKEN DEBATED BACK TO COMMITTEE 15/10/19 Feasibility of a Councillor Council – Community & Agreed 13/11 C&WB Commemorative and Martin October Wellbeing – minute to be Informational Plaque in Ward 2019 November 2019 ratified by Park for the USAAF and Nov Council Polish Airmen 15/10/19 Freedom of the Borough to Council – Agreed N/A - Ceremony to Gary Lightbody October be arranged 2019

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