Minutes of the Proceedings of the Council Meeting Held s1

MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 21 st DECEMBER 2009

In the Chair: Councillor C McShane

Members Present: Councillors M Black, W Graham, G Hartin, C McCambridge, R D McDonnell, R A McIlroy, O McMullan, P McShane, C Newcombe.

Also Present: Mr R G Lewis, Clerk and Chief Executive

Mrs M Quinn, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Corporate Services

Mr P Mawdsley, Head of Environmental Health and Enforcement

Mr D Kelly, Head of Building Control

Mrs E Mulholland, Head of Development

Ms L Mooney, Member Services/Clerical Officer

09/26:01 APOLOGIES AND CHAIRMAN’S BUSINESS

Apologies were received on behalf of Councillors O Black, Blaney, Harding, McAllister and McConaghy MBE.

Chairman’s Business

Councillor McCambridge congratulated Councillor O Black on the birth of her son.

09/26:02 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 23 rd NOVEMBER 2009 AND SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 11 TH NOVEMBER 2009

The minutes of the Council Meeting held on 23rd November 2009 and Special Council Meeting held on 11th November 2009, having been circulated, were taken as read.

After discussion,

Councillor McIlroy proposed, Seconded by Councillor Graham and resolved, “ That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 23rd November 2009 and Special Council Meeting held on 11th November 2009 be adopted.”

09/26:03 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 24 NOVEMBER 2008

1 21st December 2009 Councillor McDonnell referred to planning application E/2008/0270/F and enquired if there had been any response to the letter requesting a Site Meeting or if there had been any further progress.

The Clerk informed members that there had been no formal reply but that he had been informed that there would not be a site meeting. He stated that some representatives of the planning service had been out to the site themselves and had met with Councillor McConaghy.

Councillor McDonnell referred to a letter which had been received regarding this issue and which indicated that there might have been some bad faith in the actions of Councillor McConaghy in this issue. He informed members that this was not correct, he stated that Councillors role was to discuss all issues and that the only thing which Councillor McConaghy could not have done was to vote on the matter and he did not.

Councillor McMullan stated that he agreed with these comments and informed members that it was important that members were not stifled in what they were permitted to discuss in the chamber.

09/26:04 APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION

Councillor C McShane welcomed Ms Julie McMath, Planning Officer to the meeting.

E/2009/0063/O Miss P Devlin C/O Fleming McKernan Associates, 1 Upper Abbey Street, Coleraine, BT52 1BF. Location, 126 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle. Proposed retention and extension of existing dwelling.

E/2009/0150/F Mr R Boyle, 14 North Street, Ballycastle, BT54 6BN. Location, 14 North Street, Ballycastle. Proposed change of use to café.

E/2009/0168/O Mr J McNaughton, C/O Diamond Design Studio, 2d The Diamond, Ballycastle, BT54 6AW. Location, 120m east of 77 Glenariff Road Waterfoot. Proposed farm dwelling.

Mr & Mrs R Wilson, 55 Ballybracken Road, Ballynure, Ballyclare, BT39 9QZ. Location, Glebe, Rathlin Island. Proposed single storey dwelling with roofspace.

E/2009/0197/F Mrs C Gillan, C/O 93 Iniscairn Road, Desertmartin. Location, adjacent to 22 Haw Road, Bushmills. Proposed farm dwelling and garage.

E/2009/0222/O Mr & Mrs S Delargy, 62 Gaults Road, Cushendall. Proposed site for dwelling on a farm.

2 21st December 2009 E/2009/0231/O Moyle District Council, Sheskburn House, 7 Mary Street, BT54 6QH. Location, Gunagh Picnic Site, Whitepark Road, Lisnagunagh, Lower Dunseverick, Bushmills. Proposed, development of enclosed children’s play area on grassed area.

E/2009/0233/F Mr M Black, 49 Ballyvennaught Road, Ballycastle, BT54 6RL. Location, 49 Ballyvennaught Road, Ballycastle. Proposed construction of hydroelectric renewable energy system on Turrybrennan Burn consisting of an intake structure, buried pipeline turbine house.

There were no objections to the above eight applications they were recommended for approval

E/2009/0247/RM Mr S McKeegan, 55 Ballyeamon Road, Cushendall. Location, 55 Ballyeamon Road, Cushendall. Proposed erection of 2 storey replacement & dwelling with attached garage and farm office.

Ms McMath stated that the above application was recommended for refusal due to non compliance with the conditions of the outline approval.

Councillor McDonnell requested an Office Meeting to provide additional information.

This was agreed.

E/2009/0255/F Mr I McCaughan, C/O Jonathan Todd, 50 Ballymullan Road, Lisburn, BT27 5PJ. Location, 20m south of 193 Causeway Road, Dunseverick, Bushmills. Proposed re-use and extension of redundant building to facilitate conversion to a 1 ½ storey dwelling.

Council were informed that there had been letters of representation in regard to this application.

There were no objection to the above application it was recommended for approval

E/2009/0261/O Ms S McLaughlin, 84 Tromra Road, Cushendall, BT44 0ST. Location, approximately 50m north east of 84 Tromra Road, Cushendall. Proposed site for a dwelling on a farm.

Ms McMath stated that this application was recommended for refusal due to unacceptable visibility splays and unacceptable access being unsatisfactory for increased use.

Councillor McMullan requested an Office Meeting to provide additional information with Roads Service in attendance.

Councillor McCambridge supported this request.

3 21st December 2009 This was agreed.

E/2009/0266/F Mr O Devlin, C/O Brendan McMullan, 93 Iniscarn Road, Desertmartin, BT45 5NJ. Location, adjacent to 97 Drumavoley Road, Armoy. Proposed dwelling and garage on a farm.

There were no objections to the above application, it was recommended for approval.

E/2009/0267/O Mr P McKeegan, 40 Clady Road, Cushendun. Location 19m south of No 6 Bayview Road, Rathlin Island. Proposed single storey dwelling and workshop.

Ms McMath stated that this application was recommended for refusal due to development not being essential in a rural location, ribbon development leading to adverse affect on the character of the countryside, lack of integration and prematurity.

Councillor Newcombe requested that this application be deferred for one month to allow for further information.

This was agreed.

E/2009/0272/O Mr P McHenry, C/O Diamond Design Studio, 2d The Diamond, Ballycastle. Location, adjacent to 19 Drumavoley Park, Ballycastle. Proposed 2 storey dwelling and garage.

Council were informed that there had been letters of representation in regard to this application.

Councillor Newcombe stated that he would not comment upon this application due to legal issues being involved.

There were no objections to the above application, it was recommended for approval.

E/2009/0282/O Mr B McLoughlin, 18 Glasmullan Road, Glenariff. Location, 122 m north of 7 Glassmullen Road, Glenariff. Proposed construction of new 1 ½ storey replacement dwelling.

Ms McMath stated that this application was recommended for refusal due to being contrary to policies CTY1 and CTY3 re sustainable development in the countryside in relation to vernacular style building and lack of integration.

Councillor McMullan requested an Office Meeting to provide additional information.

This was agreed.

E/2009/0292/F Bailey Architecture, C/O Bailey Architecture, 9 Glenview Road, Glenshesk, Ballycastle, BT54 6QE. Location, adjacent to 9 Glenview Road,

4 21st December 2009 Glenshesk, Ballycastle. Proposed construction of office/meeting room for existing architectural practice.

E/2009/0302/F Mr D Morrison, C/O Hunter Associates, 8 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6AY. Location, approximately 110m SW of 80 Carrowreagh Road, Armoy. Proposed retirement dwelling and garage.

E/2009/0305/F Mr M Delargy, 107 Ballyeamon Road, Cushendall, BT44 0SN. Location, 40m north of 99 Ballyeamon Road, Cushendall. Proposed replacement of existing dwelling with 1 new dwelling and detached garage.

There were no objections to the above three applications, they were recommended for approval.

E/2009/0311/F Mr J McCormick, C/O Hunter Associates, 8 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6AY. Location, approximately 60m west of 39 Lisnagat Road, Armoy. Proposed 2 semi-detached replacement dwellings.

Ms McMath stated that this application was recommended for refusal due to being contrary to policies CTY1 and CTY3 re sustainable development in the countryside, in that, there is only one development on the site and unsatisfactory access arrangements.

Councillor Graham requested that this application be deferred for one month to allow for additional information.

This was agreed.

E/2009/0314/F Mr M Forde, C/O GM Design Associates Ltd, 22 Lodge Road, Coleraine, BT52 1NB. Location, 72 Torr Road, Ballycastle. Proposed renewal of planning approval E/2007/0110/F.

E/2009/0315/O Mr & Mrs W Snelling, C/O Brian Baird Architect, 10 Fernmoyle Drive, Coleraine, BT51 3JW. Location, site 220m south of 20 Cozies Road, Bushmills. Proposed off-site replacement of dwelling at 20 Cozies Road, Bushmills, 220m south of existing dwelling.

E/2009/0316/F Mr P O’Boyle, 17 Bayview Park, Glenariff, BT44 0SA. Location, 17 Bayview Park, Glenariff. Proposed change of use from domestic garage to vehicle repair unit.

Ms McMath stated that this application was recommended for refusal due to the development being inappropriate in a residential area due to noise, fumes, parking and environmental considerations.

Councillor McMullan requested an Office Meeting for this application in order to provide additional information.

5 21st December 2009 Councillor McCambridge supported this request.

Councillor M Black entered the meeting at this point.

In reply to Councillor McMullan, Ms McMath stated that there had been no objections recorded from neighbours.

After further discussion, it was agreed that an Office Meeting would be permitted.

E/2009/0321/O Mr S Coyles, 255 Moycraig Road, Dervock, BT53 8DG. Location, site approximately 90m west of 53 Urbal Road, Mosside. Proposed site for detached dwelling and garage under CTY10 of dPPS21.

Ms McMath stated that this application was recommended for refusal due to being contrary to policies CTY1 and CTY10 in that the proposed development would not be visually linked or sited to cluster with an established group of buildings on the farm, lack of integration, prominence and detrimental change in rural character.

Councillor Graham requested that this application be deferred for one month to allow for further information.

This was agreed.

E/2009/0345/F Mr G McCurdy, C/O Diamond Design Studio, 2d The Diamond, Ballycastle, BT54 6AW. Location, 69 Glendun Road, Cushendun. Proposed replacement dwelling and garage.

E/2009/0352/O Mr P G Quinn, 23 Cloughs Road, Cushendall. Location, 50m north east of no 27 Cloughs Road, Cushendall. Proposed, new single storey dwelling and garage on farm.

E/2009/0356/F Mr & Mrs T McCormick, C/O Diamond Design Studio, 2d The Diamond, Ballycastle, BT54 6AW. Location, 17m SW of 116 Hillside Road, Armoy. Proposed new farm dwelling.

There were no objections to the above three applications, they were recommended for approval.

E/2009/0360/O Mr E Logan, C/O GM Design Associates, 22/24 Lodge Road, Coleraine, BT52 1NB. Location, 100m south east of 28 Stroan Road, Armoy. Proposed replacement dwelling.

Ms McMath stated that this application was recommended for refusal due to being contrary to policies CTY1 and CTY3 re Sustainable Development in the Countryside in that all external structural walls of the building were not substantially intact.

6 21st December 2009 Councillor McCambridge requested an Office Meeting for this application in order to provide additional information.

This was agreed.

Deferred Applications

E/2007/0325/O Mr J Murray, C/O Diamond Design Studio, 2d The Diamond, Ballycastle, BT54 6AW. Location, adjacent to 5B Parkanore Estate, Waterfoot. Proposed erection of dwelling and garage.

Ms McMath stated that this application was recommended for refusal due to works being required to overcome flood risk would result in an unsatisfactory form of development.

Councillor McMullan requested that this application be deferred for one month to allow for withdrawal or appeal.

Ms McMath stated that she could not allow this application to be deferred and stated that due to the Christmas holidays she would allow the application to be held for ten working days from 22nd December.

This was agreed.

E/2008/0004/O S Williams, 19 Craigalappin Road, Bushmills, Bt57 8XY. Location, adjacent to 21 Criagalappin Road, Bushmills. Proposed erection of replacement dwelling and garage.

There were no objections to this application, it was recommended for approval.

E/2008/0380/L Mr K Bolton, Strandmore House, 55 Causeway Street, Portrush, BT56 8AD. Location, Kiln Building at Bonner Mill, adjacent to 4 Bridge Street, Bushmills. Proposed redevelopment and alteration of derelict kiln building to provide 2 no three bedroom dwellings and reconstruction of Mill Wheel.

E/2008/0381/F Mr K Bolton, Strandmore House, 55 Causeway Street, Portrush, BT56 8AD. Location, Kiln Building at Bonner Mill, adjacent to 4 Bridge Street, Bushmills. Proposed re-development and alteration of derelict kiln building to provide 2 no three bedroom dwellings and reconstruction of Mill Wheel.

There were no objections to the above two applications, they were recommended for approval.

Appeal Decisions Notified

7 21st December 2009 E/2003/0371/O Manor Homes, Leyland Road (Former GAA football pitch & grounds), Ballycastle. Location, site for housing development.

Upheld.

E/2005/0058/F Mr B rooney, 34 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle. Proposed replacement dwelling.

Withdrawn.

Extension of the Streamlined system

Councillor C McShane stated that correspondence had been received regarding the extension of the Streamlined system for planning applications.

After discussion, it was agreed that the Streamlined process for planning applications would be extended providing that applicant details be provided on the forms. It was also agreed that these would be listed in the minutes in some format.

09/26:05 CLOSURE OF X-RAY UNIT AT DALRIADA HOSPITAL

It was agreed that this item would be brought forward.

Councillor C McShane welcomed members in the public gallery who wished to take in this discussion and asked Councillor Newcombe to proceed.

Councillor Newcombe stated that the manner in which this had been handled was unacceptable. He informed members that there had been no information and no communication. He stated that there was a draft document and then nothing further until notice was handed in to close on 4th January. He informed members that there had been no notice to staff. Councillor Newcombe stated that the Causeway site was not capable of dealing with 1400 extra x- rays per year. He informed members that he felt that things would be missed. He stated that more detail was needed.

Councillor McMullan stated that the ambulance service cut backs would put greater pressure on ambulance service taking patients to hospital. He stated that there had been a call for full EQIA. He stated that Council needed to know where the savings were and what the figures were. He informed members that he felt that this was the first step to the complete closure of Dalriada and slowly getting rid of the rest of the unit. He informed members that this could also lead to privitisation.

Councillor Hartin stated that the x-ray unit was needed in the area as it was greatly used. He informed members that it was used by the Dry arch medical centre also. He agreed with the call for the full EQIA.

8 21st December 2009 Councillor M Black stated that no information had been forthcoming since the meeting in April. She enquired what Councillors could do to hold this back. She stated that they had been told that this was coming.

Councillor P McShane agreed with the call for a full EQIA. He informed members that this was another move towards total closure. He enquired who was to pay for elderly and in Patients to travel to Causeway? He stated that this was not economically sound in the long term.

Councillor McIlroy agreed and stated that more and more services were being moved out of Moyle and that this was not fair.

Councillor C McShane stated that this was an emotive issue, she stated that she had requested a full EQIA at the meeting in April. She informed members that the Glens used to be seen at Dalriada for x-rays and that they were now referred elsewhere. She informed members that this had lessened usage. She stated that Cross and Passion College were now a sports excellence centre and that this gave more need for the x-ray facility as more injuries could be sustained. She informed members that cuts had been made at Rathmoyle, for Home help and Home Care and that this was raping Moyle of services. She stated that the timing of this had been disgraceful in the mouth of Christmas and that it was felt that this had been on purpose.

Councillor C McShane asked Dr McLister, who was in the public gallery, to introduce those with her.

Dr McLister introduced members of the gallery. She informed members that the Ambulance service was being eroded away and not increased to cope with this possible increase in use. She stated that there had been no consultation and that the draft document had been the only one they had seen. She informed members that this was not a relocation but a removal of the service. She stated that as a GP her concern would be for the patients and also the time and manner of closure and the long term impact.

Mr Paul Lennon, Chair of the Patient Representative Group, stated that there had been 18 months consultation and that in the end the result had been designed as an ambush on the eve of the Christmas holidays. He informed members that current services were12 hours per week and that there were 1400 patients per year. He informed members that the Radiographer had asked for reduced hours or a job share and that it was felt that the Trust seized upon this opportunity to reduce the service.

Mr Lennon stated that the Dry Arch and Glens were more accessible geographically to Ballycastle but that it had suited the Trust to have the service operating in this way. He stated that the entire process was laced with lies and incorrect statistics. He informed members that it was incorrect that there was no backfill for leave and stated that it was the Trust who had made it that way in order to dismantle the service.

9 21st December 2009 He informed members that it had been quoted that equipment was 20 yrs old but stated that some of it was less than 9 yrs old. He informed members that it had been quoted that the cost would be £400,000, he stated that this was also disingenuous as it had since been conceded that the true cost would be £200,000 for the equipment needed. He informed members that the rest of the money was for upgrading the building. He stated that the building was either up to Health & Safety standard or not.

Mr Lennon informed members that the draft document stated that there had been consultation with representatives, he stated that this did not take place. He stated that the document had been rubber stamped and that an EQIA had not been carried out to satisfaction. He stated that the Religious profile of the area had not been considered and that there were Section 75 issues regarding Human Rights and that only lip service had been paid to this. He informed members that in effect the statistics were flawed.

He informed members that the Health Minister had announced that in relation to Patient Care Centres one of main things in the facility was x-ray. He stated that Ballycastle was in top five list to get such a facility due to its isolated location. He informed members that others in the running were Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus and Whiteabbey. He stated that the others proximity to Belfast/Antrim would be less compared with travel distance to Causeway. He stated that the distance figures quoted were not correct quoted as 17.4 miles from Ballycastle to Causeway and that an inappropriate travel distance/time had been stated. He enquired how the Elderly would get to Causeway? He informed members that in his own experience had had to pay for a private ambulance to transfer a family member from Causeway to the Royal for an emergency surgery He stated that others may not be able to do this. He informed members that this was a sad state for the National Trust in 21st century with a lesser service.

Mr Lennon stated that a solicitor had been consulted regarding the discourteous, disingenuous and improper procedure and that this was being moved to a Judicial Review and that the courts would decide.

Mr Tom Morton from the Northern Trust, stated that the stakeholder group had met on five occasions from February 08 to March 09. He informed members that the sub group had also met. He stated that there had been consultation, and that the key issue was that there had to be a Clinical Need for retention. He stated that Mr Robb, a retired consultant had been co-opted onto group to help identify any clinical need. He stated that no clinical need had been identified.

Mr Morton stated that the equipment was no longer sustainable and since January 2009 this had been a major concern. He informed members that every day after this need had been identified there was a need to make a decision. He stated that this had been delayed to allow a conclusion on the stakeholder group.

10 21st December 2009 Mr Morton stated that he had asked for Clinical reasons for retention of the x-ray facility but that this was not forthcoming and that the draft document therefore became the final document. He informed members that a screening meeting had been held in the Council offices also including the equality unit and no further contact was forthcoming after this regarding new evidence of clinical need. He stated that he had also spoken to NIAS who confirmed there would be no added burden in covering the additional 1400 patients and that no additional resources would be required.

He informed members that he had come to Council in April and that no further evidence of clinical need was brought forward. He stated that all of the information then went to their SMT in November and a decision had been made to transfer the service to Causeway with effect from 4th January 2010. He informed members that once the decision had been made there could be no delay.

Mr Morton stated that it was not true that the service had been shrunk by the Trust, he informed members that the hours had been condensed at the request of the Radiographer and there was no need to keep the service running for 4 days. He stated that funding restrictions meant trying to deliver the same for less and that the limited resources had to be distributed evenly. He stated that the equipment would cost in the region of £250,000 but that the building would have to be brought up to standard also. He informed members that in recognition of the impact of this on Ballycastle patients, a 9-7 walk in service had been offered.

Councillor C McShane stated that the anger and frustration in the room was tangible. She stated that a full EQIA had been called for at the meeting in April, she stated that a range of concerns had been expressed such as age profile, disabilities, travel issues, single parent families. She stated that Council had asked that all of these concerns be considered.

Dr McLister stated that staff had not been informed. She referred to clinical need and stated that Mr Morton had admitted that there was no clinical need for an x-ray dept in Ballymena but that there was one there.

Mr James McCaughan stated that Ballycastle fell off the radar for a Patient Care Centre as there was so much political furore in Ballymena and Whiteabbey to retain services. He stated that the reaction of local people and elected members should not be underestimated. He urged members not to accept this.

Councillor Newcombe questioned if Causeway would be getting more x-ray equipment to deal with this increase in patients as it had been rumoured that equipment had already been ordered for Ballycastle.

Mr Morton stated that Coleraine could easily absorb the additional 1400 x-rays per year.

11 21st December 2009 Dr Hunter stated that as a GP things were often less than ideal. He informed members that choices were made for a variety of issues including H & S issues. He stated that there were significant budgetary restrictions and that there was nothing spiteful or sectarian in the decision. He informed members that this was an inappropriate suggestion. He informed members that people could not always get what they wanted on their door steps and that the best had to be made of what was there. He informed members that he had signed this document as it seemed that the Trust were trying to address the effects this would have on the patients by introducing the walk in service etc.

Councillor McMullan stated that he would like to see the NIAS report and the financial figures.

Mr Morton stated that there was no report, it had been just one to one meeting with NIAS.

Councillor McMullan asked if the elderly in the community would be bused down to Coleraine and waited for there? He informed members that he would also like to see the figures from as they were entitled to see this on paper.

Councillor P McShane stated that the best news was that there was to be a legal challenge as this was the only way forward.

Councillor C McShane agreed.

After discussion,

It was agreed that Council would write to the Health Minister and Chair and Vice Chair of the Health Commission calling for an EQIA and to the Trust for the Economic Appraisal.

09/26:05 BUILDING CONTROL REPORT

The Building Control Report, having been circulated, was taken as read.

After discussion,

Councillor McIlroy proposed, Seconded by Councillor Graham and resolved, “That the Building Control report be adopted.”

09/26:06 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND ENFORCEMENT REPORT

The Environmental Health and Enforcement Report, having been circulated, was taken as read.

12 21st December 2009 In reply to Councillor McIlroy, it was agreed that the HEE would complete a report on the Lammas Fair.

In reply to Councillor McCambridge, the HEE stated that with reference to traces of ecoli in drinking water precautions had been taken and the situation was monitored. He stated that the indicator was at 91% positive for drinking.

After discussion,

Councillor McIlroy proposed, Seconded by Councillor M Black and resolved, “That the Environmental Health and Enforcement Report be adopted.

Councillors C & P McShane left the meeting at this point.

09/26:07 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES REPORT

The Development Services Report, having been circulated, was taken as read.

In the absence of the HDS the EDO took the report.

Requests from Glenariff Improvement Group

The EDO stated that three match funding requests had been received from the Glenariff Improvement Group in support of applications they have put forward to the North East Partnership Rural Development Programme. She informed members that additional requests regarding insurance and ongoing maintenance were included:

The EDO stated that if successful, two of the projects proposed would be implemented on Council property. The first of these was the ‘Lights at the Mac’ project which would provide ‘mini-floodlighting’ at the council-owned all-weather court on the outskirts of Waterfoot village. She stated that this would employ a card-operated meter system enabling use of the facility in the dark evenings. She informed members that the Group expected to manage the day-to-day running and maintenance of this scheme and ‘smartcards’ would be sold through local outlets. She stated that the total cost for this project was £32,000. She stated that the group had applied for £24,000 through the Rural Development Programme. She informed members that they had committed £2,000 of their own resources and were requesting the remaining £6,000 in match funding from Council.

The EDO stated that the second project on Council owned property was ‘Signage and Paths at the Mac’. She informed members that this proposed that the area to the east of ‘the Mac’ be developed with signed pathways, opening the area up to walkers. She

13 21st December 2009 stated that the total cost for this project was £16,000. She informed members that the group had applied for £12,000 through the Rural Development Programme, were putting forward £1,000 through their own resources and request £3,000 in match funding from Council.

She stated that since both of the above projects were on Council owned land, the Group had requested that Council insure the proposed installations under the existing public liability and damages insurance of Moyle District Council. The Group had also requested that since they expected the cost of to be minimal, Council consider undertaking the responsibility of managing and maintaining the signage and paths ‘at the Mac’ when in situ.

The EDO stated that the last of the proposals was for the development of a ‘Townland Boundary Marker Scheme’ which would see the erection of engraved, permanent stones to mark the townland boundaries of Glenariff and the establishment of a complimentary walking trail. She informed members that the total cost for this project was £36,000. She stated that the group had applied for £27,000 through the Rural Development Programme, were putting forward £1,000 through their own resources and request the remaining £8,000 in match funding from Council.

She stated that since this project was planned for implementation on privately owned lands and not Council property, it would be suggested that the Group pursue the possibility of match funding through the proposed 2010/11 Community Infrastructure Fund.

After discussion,

Councillor McMullan proposed, Seconded by Councillor M Black and resolved, “That Council would discuss match funding for Glenariff Improvement Groups proposed projects on Council Property at the Rates Estimates meeting.”

Councillor Graham asked that information be brought back on costs and also language of the signage.

This was agreed.

Councillor P McShane returned to the meeting.

Councillor M Black enquired as to why the Economic Development Programme had been advertised in the Belfast Telegraph and asked if local papers had also been used.

14 21st December 2009 The EDO stated that it was normal procedure to advertise in the Belfast Telegraph and that it had a farther reach including their online service.

The Clerk stated that a letter from Coleraine Borough Council had been circulated in relation to the Trade Development Programme. He informed members that they requested Council to accept that Coleraine Council would take the lead and also that Council would accept joint responsibility in the event of any liabilities.

This was agreed.

After discussion,

Councillor Graham proposed, Seconded by Councillor M Black and resolved, “That the Development Services report be adopted.”

09/26:08 INTERIM REPORT TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES

It was agreed that this item would be deferred.

09/26:09 INTERIM REPORT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES

The HTS stated that a site meeting was held on 25th November 2009 to discuss the possibility of the developer gaining an easement on Council Property at Quay Road to facilitate domestic sewer connections to the main sewer. He informed members that from the discussion it was found that there would be no adverse effect to the Council. He stated that the developer agreed to install a double row of trees along the frontage and a hedge along the boundary line.

The HTS stated that it was also agreed that all works were to be fenced off from the general public and all areas disturbed by the work were to be reinstated as per our agreement.

The HTS stated that a Grant of Easement had been drawn up for approval, signing and sealing.

After discussion,

Councillor McMullan proposed, Seconded by Councillor M Black and resolved, “That Council agree to approve the easement to facilitate sewer connections to the main sewer through Council property at the Housing Development adjacent to Quay Road, Playing Fields.”

15 21st December 2009 09/26:10 INTERIM REPORT FOR CORPORATE SERVICES

Woodvale Toilets, Bushmills

The ACE stated that correspondence had been received from the auctioneer confirming that two further bids were received on the above property as at 10th December. She stated that unfortunately this did not come to her attention prior to the meeting on Monday night. She informed members that the highest bid was now £25,000, and McIlroy's had indicated that this was a fair and reasonable price for this property.

Councillor C McShane returned to the meeting.

Councillor Graham stated that there had been a protest in Bushmills regarding the sale of this property which had been well attended. He stated that they wished the toilets to be retained and if possible brought back into use again. He stated that the summer time population would bring greater need for more facilities.

Councillor Hartin stated that the demonstration was well attended with representatives from the Clergy, British Legion and Ulster Scots in attendance.

Councillor McIlroy stated that he would appeal to the Council to listen to the community. He stated that this was a prime site in Bushmills and that there had only been £25,000 offered for it. He stated that the villagers wished this property to be included in the village plan. He asked that Council consider holding onto the building.

After further discussion,

Councillor Graham proposed, Seconded by Councillor Hartin, “That Council defer the sale of the toilets and look at the possibility of refurbishment to bring the facility back in to use.”

Councillor P McShane stated that it was good to see views being expressed on the streets but that the facility had been closed for two years and that it was not up to DDA standard. He stated that there were toilet facilities only 200 yards away and that he felt that Council should proceed with the sale.

Councillor M Black stated that she was disappointed for the people of Bushmills but that the officer’s original recommendation that the toilets were not up to DDA standards had to be considered.

Councillor C McShane stated that it would take approximately £100,000 to bring these toilets up to standard. She stated that there had been mixed messages being received also from the elected representatives in that they had asked for the property to be kept on the market and now not wanting the property to be sold. She stated that Council needed to be more consistent in their decision making.

16 21st December 2009 Councillor McIlroy stated that the Bushmills Forum and the Community Group wanted the property to be retained. He stated that it was felt that it was a prime site and that it should not be sold for £25,000. He informed members that the village plan was being worked upon and at this stage the request was just to retain the building.

Councillor C McShane stated that if the building was to be retained then she hoped that there would not be a request for the toilets to be re-opened again a month down the line.

Councillor Graham stated that the change of heart had come from listening to what the people wanted.

Councillor McCambridge stated that Council had supported the retention of the old toilet block in Rathlin and then the community had made a different use for it. She stated that she did not think that Council would consider refurbishment as toilets but that perhaps a change of use could be granted. She stated that she was not against the idea of retaining the building for future use.

Councillor Graham stated that he would withdraw his proposal for the toilets to be refurbished and change the proposal that the building be retained.

Councillor McMullan stated that there had been a proposal to sell the building.

The Clerk stated that this was the current position and therefore a proposal was not required and therefore it would be for and against.

After discussion,

Councillor McIlroy proposed, Seconded by Councillor Graham, “That the building be retained.”

Councillor Hartin requested a recorded vote on the issue.

On a recorded vote being taken Councilors’ M Black, Graham, Hartin, McCambridge, McDonnell and McIlroy voted in favour of and Councilors’ McMullan, C McShane, P McShane and Newcombe voted against the proposal which was carried.

After discussion,

Councillor McIlroy proposed, Seconded by Councillor Graham and resolved, “That the Interim Report for Corporate Services be adopted.”

Councillors P McShane and M Black left the meeting.

17 21st December 2009 09/26:11 SECURITY OF COTTAGE WOOD (Requested by Councillor McCambridge)

After discussion it was agreed that this would be deferred to a meeting in January.

09/26:12 CLOSURE OF X-RAY UNIT AT DALRIADA HOSPITAL

This item had been discussed earlier in the meeting.

09/26:13 CONFERENCES, COURSES

There were no conferences and courses for discussion.

09/26:14 NOTICES OF APPLICATIONS UNDER THE LICENSING (NI) ORDER 1996 AND BETTING, GAMING, LOTTERIES AND AMUSEMENTS (NI) ORDER 1985

The Clerk stated applications had been received under the Licensing (NI) Order 1996 and Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (NI) Order 1985 for the following:

Application for an Occasional Licence for the Cushendall Hurling Club

There were no objections to the above applications.

09/26:15 SEALING OF DOCUMENTS

After discussion,

Councillor McMullan proposed, Seconded by Councillor Newcombe and resolved, “ That the Easement for the Housing Development adjacent to Quay Road Playing Fields, Ballycastle would be signed and sealed.”

09/26:12 CORRESPONDENCE

NILGA News – November 2009

This correspondence was noted.

Councillors P McShane and M Black returned to the meeting. Letter dated 20 th November 2009 from The Islay Festival Association regarding their aims ands aspirations for Irish links to their festival

Councillor McCambridge stated that she wished to support this. She stated that she also wished to thank the association for their hospitality over the years and that she appreciated their position as a sign of the times. She stated that she wished them well in their new format.

18 21st December 2009 She informed members that she hoped that representatives from Moyle would still be able to attend the festival.

Letter dated 3 rd December 2009 from the Minister of the Environment regarding Preparatory Forward Planning Work to be undertaken in association with Transition Committees prior to Local Government Reorganisation

This correspondence was noted. Letter dated 7 th December 2009 from Translink regarding Local Ulsterbus Services

After discussion, it was agreed that a letter would be sent to Translink to highlight council’s concern with regard to the loss of the Coastal Route

Letter dated 8 th December 2009 from Greer Hamilton Gailey Solicitors regarding planning application at 226/228 Whitepark Road

Letter dated 9 th December 2009 from the Planning Service regarding the extension of Streamlined Scheme

After discussion, it was agreed that the Streamlined process for planning applications would be extended providing that applicant details be provided on the forms. It was also agreed that these would be listed in the minutes in some format.

Letter dated 10 th December 2009 from Strabane District Council regarding the motion passed regarding EU Regulations on Spreading of Slurry

After discussion, it was agreed to support the motion from Strabane District Council regarding EU Regulations on Spreading of Slurry.

Email dated 10 th December 2009 from Department for Social Development regarding Proposed Housing Bill (Northern Ireland)

Letter dated 14 th December 2009 from the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety in response to Council’s letter dated 13 th November 2009 regarding the long term future of Glenmona Resource Centre.

After discussion, it was agreed that a letter would be sent to the Public Accounts Committee to highlight the fact the public money was being spent to refurbish the facility at Glenmona with no long term lease being in place.

Letter dated 16 th December 2009 from Northern Health and Social Care Trust regarding X Ray Services, Dalriada Hospital, Ballycastle

19 21st December 2009 The meeting concluded at 21:30pm

…………………………………………………….. CHAIRMAN

…………………………………………………….. CLERK & CHIEF EXECUTIVE

20 21st December 2009