Public Document Pack

BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

SUMMONS TO ATTEND THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

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

Notice is hereby given that the monthly meeting of the Council will be held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Belfast on Monday, 1st March, 2021 at 6.00 pm, for the transaction of the following business:

1. Summons

2. Apologies

3. Declarations of Interest

4. Minutes of the Council (Pages 1 - 10)

5. Official Announcements

6. Request to Address the Council

To consider a request to address the Council in relation to the motion to be proposed by Councillor Matt Collins – Belfast Hills ‘Call to Action’ document

7. Minutes

a) Strategic Policy and Resources Committee (Pages 11 - 70)

b) People and Communities Committee (Pages 71 - 110)

c) City Growth and Regeneration Committee (Pages 111 - 120)

d) Licensing Committee (Pages 121 - 124)

e) Planning Committee (Pages 125 - 144)

f) Brexit Committee (Pages 145 - 152)

8. Motions

a) Application fees in the Private Rented Sector (Pages 153 - 154)

b) Belfast Hills 'Call to Action' document (Pages 155 - 156)

c) Real Living Wage Foundation Accreditation (Pages 157 - 158)

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

Chief Executive Agenda Item 4

Council

MEETING OF BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

Held Remotely via Microsoft Teams on Monday, 1st February, 2021 at 6.00 p.m., pursuant to notice.

Members present: The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor (Alderman McCoubrey) (Chairperson); The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor McCusker); The High Sheriff (Councillor Long); Aldermen Copeland, Haire, Kingston, Rodgers and Sandford; and Councillors Baker, Beattie, Black, Bradley, Brooks, Bunting, Canavan, Matt Collins, Michael Collins, Corr, De Faoite, Donnelly, Ferguson, Flynn, Garrett, Gormley, Groogan, Heading, Howard, Hussey, M. Kelly, T. Kelly, Kyle, Lyons, Magee, Magennis, Maskey, McAllister, McAteer, McCabe, McCullough, McDonough-Brown, McKeown, McLaughlin, McReynolds, Mulholland, Murphy, Newton, Nicholl, O’Hara, Pankhurst, Smyth, Spratt, Verner, Walsh and Whyte.

Summons

The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend was reported on behalf of Alderman Dorrian, Councillors Carson, Cobain, Hanvey, Hutchinson and McMullan.

Declarations of Interest

The following Members declared an interest in item “Update on Covid -19 Community Response”, under the Strategic Policy and Resource minutes of 22nd January, for the reasons outlined below, and did not take part in any discussion on the item:

 Alderman Kingston, in that he was an employee of Forward South Partnership;  Councillor Verner, in that she was an employee of the Greater Shankill Partnership;  Councillor McCabe, in that her husband worked for the Upper Andersonstown Community Forum;  Councillor Gormley, in that he was a Board member of Lower Ormeau Resident's Action Groupt;  Councillor Canavan, in that she was a Board member of the Greater Shankill Partnership; and  Councillor Maskey, in that he was employed by Intercomm.

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The Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor McCusker and Councillors M. Kelly, Long and McKeown declared an interest in Item 7d, the Motion “Takeover of private healthcare” in that they were an employee of a health trust and they left the meeting for the duration of the discussion.

Alderman Copeland and Councillors Flynn, Garrett, Heading and Pankhurst declared an interest in Item 7d, the Motion “Takeover of private healthcare” in that they had a family member who was an employee of the Trust, and they left the meeting for the duration of the discussion.

Councillor Howard declared an interest in Item 7c, the Motion on “Student Support” in that she was an employee of a Further Education College. Councillor Pankhurst also declared an interest in the Motion, in that he was a student.

Councillor McDonough-Brown declared an interest in respect of item 6.a Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Asset Management, on the basis that his mother was on the Board of the Local Government Staff Commission.

Councillors Matt Collins, Brooks, Garrett, Hussey, Maskey, McCullough, Murphy, Nicholl and O’Hara declared an interest in relation to Item 7a, the Motion “Proposed Future Development - Writer's Square” in that they were Members of the Planning Committee, and they left the meeting for the duration of the discussion.

Councillor Black declared an interest in respect of item 6.a Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, in relation to the Update on Physical Programme, on the basis that she managed the Grosvenor Community Centre.

In respect of item “Update on City Events Programme and Cultural Funding” under the Strategic Policy and Resource minutes of 22nd January, Councillor McCabe declared an interest in that she was an employee of Féile an Phobail and Councillor Maskey declared an interest in that a family member was an employee of Féile an Phobail.

Councillor McAteer declared an interest in item “Partnerships in Parks and Open Spaces. – Belfast MELA 2021”, under the People and Communities minutes of 12th January, in that a family member was an employee of ArtsEkta which organised the Belfast Mela.

Minutes of the Council

Moved by the Lord Mayor (Alderman McCoubrey), Seconded by Councillor Pankhurst and

Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly meetings of the Council of 7th January be taken as read and signed as correct.

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Official Announcements

Congratulations

The Lord Mayor extended, on behalf of the Council, congratulations to Councillor McMullan and his family on the recent birth of their daughter Heidi, and to Alderman Dorrian and his family on the birth of their daughter Edie.

The Lord Mayor congratulated Alderman Sandford and his wife on their recent 60th Wedding Anniversary.

The Lord Mayor also congratulated Councillor Long on becoming the new High Sheriff of Belfast and wished him well during his term.

Condemnation of Hate Crimes

Councillor Ferguson expressed her disgust and solidarity with the Belfast Multi- Cultural Association in regarding the fire attack at their property on Donegall Pass. The Lord Mayor agreed to send a letter of support to the Association and offer to meet with the representatives.

Councillor Nicholl condemned the threatening graffiti targeting Leo Varadkar in the Belvoir Area of the City.

Expressions of Sympathy

Councillor Brooks expressed condolences to the family of Norman Houston, Northern Ireland’s former representative in Washington DC, following his recent death and paid tribute to his work as Head of the Northern Ireland Bureau and contribution to promoting Northern Ireland in the United States. The Lord Mayor advised that a letter of condolences had been sent on behalf of the Council.

Alderman Kingston expressed condolences to the family of Colm Davis OBE, former principal of Tor Bank, School, following his recent death, and paid tribute to his contribution to education and his charity work with the Motor Neurone Disease Association NI to help raise awareness of the condition. The Lord Mayor agreed to write a letter of condolence to the family.

Request to Address the Council

Motion - Proposed Future Development - Writer's Square

The Chief Executive advised that a late request had been received from Mark Hackett, a Cathedral Quarter Trust Board Member, to address the Council in advance of the motion on the “Proposed Future Development - Writer's Square” being proposed by Councillor Groogan.

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The Council acceded to the request and Mr. Hackett was welcomed to the meeting.

Mr. Hackett advised that the Cathedral Quarter Trust Board would like to support the aforementioned motion being brought for consideration by Councillor Groogan. He advised that the space in front of the cathedral was important for a number of events and the setting of the Cathedral.

He suggested that the Department for Communities, when disposing of land, should have a process which includes conditions and a development brief for the area.

He pointed out that the Cathedral Quarter Trust would like to work in partnership with all stakeholders to evolve a detailed design for the space which would meet everyone’s requirements without compromising the commercial viability of the scheme.

The Lord Mayor thanked Mr. Hackett for the presentation.

The Council noted the information which had been provided and that it would have an opportunity to discuss the issue later in the meeting.

Minutes

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee

Moved by Councillor Black, Seconded by Councillor Walsh

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd January, 2021, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Request for Matter to be Taken Back for Further Consideration

Medium Term Financial Plan and Efficiency Programme

Moved by Councillor Ferguson, Seconded by Councillor Matt Collins,

That the Council agrees that the minute of the meeting of 22nd January, under the heading “Medium Term Financial Plan and Efficiency Programme”, be taken back to the Committee for further consideration.

The Council agreed to vote on the proposal, when three Members voted for and fifty-one Members against and it was declared lost.

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Adoption of Minutes

The minutes of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd January, 2021, were subsequently approved and adopted.

People and Communities Committee

Moved by Councillor Baker, Seconded by Alderman Rodgers and

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 12th and 26th January, 2021 and be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Motion – Creating Better Access into the Hills

At the request of Councillor Brooks, the Council agreed to write to the Department for Infrastructure to highlight the necessity to improve the facilities and access to the Cregagh Glen, Castlereagh Hills, and suggest that it works with its key stakeholders towards this objective.

Adoption of Minutes

Subject to the foregoing amendment, the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 12th and 26th January, 2021, were approved and adopted.

City Growth and Regeneration Committee

Moved by Councillor Brooks, Seconded by Councillor Murphy and

Resolved - That the Minutes of the proceedings of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 13th January, 2021, be approved and adopted.

Licensing Committee

Moved by Councillor Donnelly, Seconded by Councillor McAteer and

Resolved - That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Licensing Committee of 20th January, 2021, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

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Planning Committee

Moved by Councillor Hussey, Seconded by Councillor McKeown and

Resolved - That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Planning Committee of 19th January, 2021, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd. Shareholders’ Committee

Moved by Alderman Haire, Seconded by Councillor Mullholland and

Resolved - That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd. Shareholders’ Committee of 18th January, 2021, be approved and adopted.

Brexit Committee

Moved by Councillor Flynn, Seconded by Councillor Kyle

Resolved -That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Brexit Committee of 14th January, 2021 be approved and adopted.

Motions

Proposed Future Development - Writer's Square

(On advice from the City Solicitor, Councillors Matt Collins, Brooks, Garrett, Hussey, Maskey, McCullough, Murphy, Nicholl and O’Hara declared an interest in relation to the motion in that they were Members of the Planning Committee, and they left the meeting for the duration of the discussion. Councillors Groogan and McKeown, who were also Members of the Planning Committee were advised that their following representations would prohibit their participation in considering the application at a future planning Committee.)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Groogan proposed:

“This Council recognises the significance of Writer's Square to the city of Belfast as a public and civic space and its historical significance. This Council calls upon the Department for Communities to ensure that any development brief relating to Writers’ Square respects the civic use of the Square as a place facilitating lawful protest and celebration. Further, the Council calls upon the Department to ensure that the setting of St Anne’s Cathedral is protected.

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The Council will write to the Minister for Communities to that effect.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor McKeown.

After discussion, the motion was put to the Council and passed.

Child Poverty Task Force

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor McCusker proposed:

“This council notes with alarm the Department of Communities Family Resources Survey 2018/2019 which show that 122,000 children in Northern Ireland live in relative poverty (24% of children) with 109,000 of those living in absolute poverty and expresses deep concern that these figures have increased significantly since the previous year and have not improved at all in the last five years. The rise of the Universal Credit claimant count and expected end of the furlough scheme could see a further increase in these numbers, with the two-child tax credit rule and benefit cap only adding to the pressure on families with children.

This Council calls on the Minister for Communities to immediately convene a child poverty task force, to set out how her department will reduce child poverty by next year and over the next decade.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Whyte.

The proposer agreed, at the request of Councillor Nicholl, to amend his proposal to provide for the following change of wording to the final paragraph:

“This Council calls on the Minister for Communities to immediately convene a child poverty task force, and to identify regional policy with local outcomes with a clear target: to eradicate child poverty.”

After discussion, the following motion, as amended, was put to the meeting and passed:

“This council notes with alarm the Department of Communities Family Resources Survey 2018/2019 which show that 122,000 children in Northern Ireland live in relative poverty (24% of children) with 109,000 of those living in absolute poverty and expresses deep concern that these figures have increased significantly since the previous year and have not improved at all in the last five years. The rise of the Universal Credit claimant count and expected end of the furlough scheme could see a further increase in these numbers, with the two-child tax credit rule and benefit cap only adding to the pressure on families with children.

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This Council calls on the Minister for Communities to immediately convene a child poverty task force, and to identify regional policy with local outcomes with a clear target: to eradicate child poverty.”

Student Support

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor de Faoite proposed:

“Belfast City Council recognises the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all citizens including having a profound impact on our young people;

Acknowledges the difficulties faced by those young people in full-time third level education, both at universities and further education colleges, who, because of restrictions, are unable to attend classes in person or live in student accommodation which they have paid for;

Believes that many university students have found themselves suffering financial hardship which has caused significant distress and led to poor mental health;

Calls on university accommodation providers and private landlords who have not provided rent waivers to do so immediately;

Further calls on the Department for the Economy and Department of Finance to address these new burdens of generational injustice by developing and funding a Student Support Grant for all full time third level students, many of whom cannot gain any employment at this time and are unable to claim benefits.“

The motion was seconded by Councillor Whyte.

The proposer agreed, at the request of Councillor Spratt, to amend his proposal to provide for the following change of wording to the fourth paragraph:

“Calls on university accommodation providers and private landlords who have not provided rent waivers to do so immediately, and release affected students from private rental contracts without penalty.”

After discussion, the following motion, as amended, was put to the meeting and passed:

“Belfast City Council recognises the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all citizens including having a profound impact on our young people;

Acknowledges the difficulties faced by those young people in full-time third level education, both at universities and further education colleges, who, because of restrictions, are unable to attend classes in person or live in student accommodation which they have paid for;

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Believes that many university students have found themselves suffering financial hardship which has caused significant distress and led to poor mental health;

Calls on university accommodation providers and private landlords who have not provided rent waivers to do so immediately, and release affected students from private rental contracts without penalty.

Further calls on the Department for the Economy and Department of Finance to address these new burdens of generational injustice by developing and funding a Student Support Grant for all full time third level students, many of whom cannot gain any employment at this time and are unable to claim benefits.“

Takeover of private healthcare

(The Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor McCusker and Councillors M. Kelly, Long and McKeown declared an interest, in that they were an employee of the Healthcare Trust, and Alderman Copeland and Councillors Flynn, Garrett, Heading and Pankhurst declared an interest in that they had a family member who was an employee of the Healthcare Trust, and they left the meeting for the duration of the discussion.)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Ferguson proposed:

“The Council calls on the Stormont Executive to immediately bring the personnel and resources of private health care facilities into public control and under the direction of the health service as an emergency response to ease the burden on our overwhelmed health service and health workers; to ensure the health service has the available beds, capacity and staff to care for all those sick with covid; and in order to carry out all Red Flag cancer surgeries, and all other vital operations and life-saving procedures.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Matt Collins.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Spratt, Seconded by Councillor Brooks,

That the motion standing in the name of Councillor Ferguson and seconded by Councillor Matt Collins be amended as follows:

To delete the wording from: "immediately bring the personnel and resources of private health care facilities into public control and under the direction of the health service as an emergency response" and replace it with the following: "continue to work with all available health care resources, including all publicly funded health professionals and the private health sector"

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The motion, as amended, therefore read:

“The Council calls on the Stormont Executive to continue to work with all available health care resources, including all publicly funded health professionals and the private health sector, to ease the burden on our overwhelmed health service and health workers; to ensure the health service has the available beds, capacity and staff to care for all those sick with covid; and in order to carry out all Red Flag cancer surgeries, and all other vital operations and life-saving procedures.”

The Council agreed to vote on the amended motion, when twenty three Members voted for the motion and twenty one against and it was declared carried.

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

Urgent action to address invasive odour in Collin

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Michael Collins proposed:

“Council notes with alarm the invasive odour which has pervaded in the Collin area of West Belfast for several years.

This has caused extreme concern amongst residents, who have been expected to simply put up with this odour, with little or no action from the DAERA minister to address the issue.

The odour has been traced to the Mullaghglass landfill site in Collin. Immediate action must be taken to ensure this odour does not persist, and a comprehensive study should be carried out by DAERA to ensure the air quality in Collin is of a safe standard.

Council resolves to write to DAERA minister Edwin Poots to this end, urging him to assess and allay any concerns about air quality residents have because of this odour, and to take immediate action to eradicate this invasive smell coming from the Mullaghglass site.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Matt Collins.

In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the People and Communities Committee.

Lord Mayor Chairperson

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Strategic Policy and Resources Committee

Friday, 19th February, 2021

MEETING OF STRATEGIC POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE HELD REMOTELY VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS

Members present: Councillor Black (Chairperson); Aldermen Dorrian, Haire, Kingston and Sandford; Councillors Beattie, Bunting, Garrett, Groogan, Heading, Lyons, McAllister, McDonough-Brown, McLaughlin, McReynolds, Murphy, Pankhurst and Walsh.

In attendance: Mrs. S. Wylie, Chief Executive; Mr. R. Cregan, Director of Finance and Resources; Mr. J. Walsh, City Solicitor; Ms. S. Grimes, Director of Physical Programmes; Mr. J. Tully, Director of City and Organisational Strategy; Mr. J. Hanna, Senior Democratic Services Officer; and Mr. H. Downey, Democratic Services Officer

Apologies

Apologies were reported on behalf of the High Sheriff (Councillor Long) and Councillor Carson.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 22nd January were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

Declarations of Interest

Alderman Haire declared an interest in respect of item 8b, Requests for the Use of the City Hall and the Provision of Hospitality, insofar as it related to an application from the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, on the basis that he was a Trustee of that organisation, and left the meeting whilst the matter was being considered.

Restricted Items

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

Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the Press and public from the meeting during discussion of these items as, due to

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the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

Draft Consultation Response – DfI Living With Water in Belfast

The Chief Executive submitted for the Committee’s approval the Council’s draft response to the Living With Water in Belfast consultation document, which would inform the overall Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan for Belfast. Representatives of the Living With Water Programme had attended the Committee meeting in October to review the consultation document and had presented it to each of the four Area Working Groups in early January. The Council’s draft response had been informed by the discussion at those meetings.

She pointed out that the following deputation from the Department for Infrastructure and NI Water was in attendance in order to provide a presentation on the issues raised within the Council’s response and wider capacity issues within Belfast:

 Ms. L. MacHugh, Acting Deputy Secretary, Department for Infrastructure;

 Ms. S. Venning, Chief Executive, NI Water;

 Mr. S. Richardson, Living With Water Programme Director, Department for Infrastructure; and

 Mr. P. Brow, Head of Living With Water, NI Water.

The Committee was informed that the current Minister for Infrastructure was fully committed to the Living With Water Programme, as a means of delivering a new, strategic, long-term approach to drainage and wastewater management to protect from flooding, provide a cleaner and greener environment and ensure that Belfast was open for business and investment.

It was reported that the Living With Water in Belfast consultation period had closed on 29th January and that twenty-seven responses had been received to date, the majority of which had been supportive of the proposals set out within the document. A number of organisations, including the Council, had been granted additional time in which to submit their response. The next steps in the process were outlined and it was anticipated that Executive approval of the final plan would be secured in May/June.

In terms of funding, it was estimated currently that £1.4 billion would be needed to deliver all elements of the integrated drainage proposals over the next twelve years and the point was made that capital funding for NI Water had not, for some time, kept pace with Northern Ireland’s needs.

The Committee was provided also with details on the findings of the annual review of the capacity of waste water treatment works for Belfast for 2020 and on a risk mitigation plan which had been implemented in October, 2020. The presentation concluded by referring to a

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waste water system capacity constraints map for Belfast and outlining the measures which NI Water had put in place to mitigate those constraints.

The deputation was thanked by the Chairperson, following which the Committee noted the information which had been provided and approved the following response to the Living With Water in Belfast consultation:

Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan – Consultation Response

General Comments

Belfast City Council welcomes the opportunity to respond to this strategic consultation. Long term investment in drainage and waste water infrastructure is required to meet the ambition for growth of the City and to alleviate the impacts of climate change.

We support the adoption of an approach to the provision of drainage and wastewater infrastructure which promotes holistic and integrated solutions that achieve multiple benefits at reduced cost and disruption. Whilst it is recognised that significant investment will be required in more traditional ‘hard engineered’ infrastructure we welcome the acknowledged contribution that other sustainable measures such as Green and Blue Infrastructure and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) can deliver. This sustainable approach is supported by both the Local Development Plan (LDP) as set out in the Draft Plan Strategy vision, aims, objectives and policies as well as in the council’s Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan.

With regard to the draft SDIP strategic context we welcome that it acknowledges (para 2.19, pg 23) that LWW and investment plans must contribute to the delivery of the Local Development Plan and Belfast Agenda as well as the council’s Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan, Open Space Strategy and Resilience Strategy.

It is noted that the document (para 4.16-4.17, page 51) makes reference to the growth aspirations as set out in the Belfast Agenda and indicates that their delivery could be impacted by the lack of capacity in the sewerage network and WwTWs. However, the Council welcomes that the SDIP clearly states that NI Water will honour their existing commitments to provide connections for previously approved applications (para 4.18, pg 51). Whilst the document is not able to define the precise quantum of connections to which this relates, the LDP monitoring data which has been shared with NI Water set out the estimates for dwellings units and commercial floorspace with planning approvals to inform that baseline position. In addition it was highlighted that additional commitments for other uses such as hotels and purpose-built managed student accommodation (PBMSA) needed to be recognised.

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The extent of housing need/stress that exists within the City has been known for some time. Meeting that need is a priority for the City, recognised by a range of stakeholders. Accordingly NIW should be providing the necessary investment on a priority basis to ensure that that need can be met.

Whilst NI Water has indicated (para 4.18, pg 51) that without investment it may have to refuse new connections and that negative planning consultation responses may have to be provided it should be recognised that there is a criteria based assessment process under which new connections can be assessed to take account of past and extant consents. It is therefore considered that there is scope to avoid this scenario and it is vital that this is articulated in the document as a caveat alongside with the recognition that negative responses would absolutely only be as last resort. Innovation and local solutions should also be pursued where possible.

The phased approach as outlined in the Plan’s strategic programme (pg 140) indicates that Belfast WwTW Phase 0, which is intended to provide an initial increase in capacity to permit positive responses to planning application consultations, is a committed/urgent project. Although delayed this should, by April 2023, allow some parts of the wastewater capacity constrained areas, as illustrated on the map on page 51, to be reassessed. In addition the potential for the majority of constraints to be removed by 2026/27, subject to funding, is also welcomed. This is well within the life of the LDP.

The timeframes suggest that there could potentially be a window within which there will be an increased possibility of negative consultation responses to planning applications. However, following discussions with NI Water and further clarification it is understood that the company are actively working to avoid this scenario through the consideration and development of a range of mitigation measures including:

 separation of storm and wastewater in new developments (to reduce the ‘load’ generated);

 increases in on-site storm water storage and SuDS to reduce impact during high levels of rainfall (where pressure on the system is at its highest);

 recognising and taking account of the existing permitted development and discounting it from proposed new developments;

 extensive pre-engagement with developers prior to applications being submitted;

 accepting the potential for like for like development; and

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 utilising conditions/ informatives on consents highlighting that connection is not likely until 2023 or after.

The SDIP must reflect this potential mitigation and the proactive approach that can be brought forward in collaboration with the council as the planning authority.

The ambition of the comprehensive bid to deliver the Plan is recognised as challenging and it is considered as imperative that there should be clear prioritised investment for the LWWP elements that can be delivered in a phased manner should there be an inability to confirm the full capital allocation. This should clearly address what the priorities are to support the continued growth of the economy and any potential short term constraints – in recognition of the under investment that has occurred during the period of programme planning.

The priority status for the SDIP is supported by the NI Executive in the New Decade, New Approach document (January, 2020) where under the immediate priority of ‘Investing for the future’ (pg 8) it is stated that the Executive will “invest urgently in wastewater infrastructure which is at or nearing capacity in many places across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, limiting growth’. Furthermore, ‘New Decade, New Approach’ goes on to state (pg 52) that under the UK Government financial and economic commitments to Northern Ireland the Executive will benefit from increased capital infrastructure investment as a result of the UK Government’s infrastructure revolution and cites that “Essential sewage investment (LWWP)” as a capital project that will benefit from the funding. This concept of needing to ‘turbo-charge’ our infrastructure is further endorsed by the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure in their October 2020 report ‘Turbo-charging Infrastructure to deliver cleaner, greener, sustainable and inclusive growth for all’.

Furthermore, Belfast must play a specific role as a driver for the regional economy as has been acknowledged in the Regional Development Strategy. Investment in Belfast is needed to sustain development in the city which will support growth in the region as a whole. As Northern Ireland’s first and largest city, its development still lags some way behind contemporary European cities. Accordingly investment in infrastructure needs to be prioritised in order to sustain growth, with a much wider collateral regional benefit.

The Council, therefore, welcomes the commitments as outlined regarding the need for urgent capital investment in water infrastructure however the Council believes that funding allocations to the sewerage system for Belfast should be commensurate with the current problems created by under investment to ensure that the city can play its full role as regional driver for the economy of NI, as set out in the RDS.

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The Council recognises that a partnership approach is required to address the drainage infrastructure challenges Belfast is currently experiencing. The Council will therefore continue to work with the Living with Water team, NI Water and key stakeholders to support the development and delivery of the sustainable drainage solutions that will help deliver the shared visions for the city. We urge the Department to continue this approach through the planning and implementation stages of this programme. This partnership approach should not only be between NI Water, DfI and BCC, but recognise a number of other key partners in the city who own substantial areas of land that will also be integral to the successful implementation of this programme including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Education Authority, the National Trust. The Council would also highlight the need to engage with private landowners in looking at options.

The Council welcomes the close working relationship that it is has developed with the Living With Water Team and the Department in terms of the delivery of key projects under the SDIP including pilot projects which are being brought forward at Ballysillan Paying Fields (extending the river floodplain) and the proposed installation of leaky dams at Belfast Castle and at Forth River as part of the Council’s Peace IV funded Forth Meadow Community project and would like to build on this going forward in the development and delivery of other key projects.

QUESTION 1: Do you agree that Belfast is facing significant drainage and wastewater management issues?

With Greater Belfast being the largest population and economic driver of Northern Ireland, it is vital that the challenges of flooding, barriers to development and the resulting impact on the community and economy are effectively addressed through long term solutions addressing climate change and much needed sustainable growth.

Climate change and the ambition for growth should be features which are considered in the development of an investment and infrastructure plan that sits parallel with the ambitions set out in the LDP. The resilience of the city to absorb shocks, whether they be environmental or economic, requires robust and integrated planning.

Appropriate infrastructure is a fundamental enabler of Northern Ireland’s construction industry and any future growth ambitions. NI Water recently noted that 70 per cent of its network is over 50 years old and it has a legacy of underinvestment.

Whilst the injection of the £164m Belfast Sewers Project back in 2010 has had a positive impact on wider system, it is not in keeping with the pace of investment and development in Belfast. Alongside this, the sewerage networks were designed as combined systems with both

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sewage and surface water flowing through the same pipes. The further separation of systems for dealing with sewage and surface water should be prioritised in terms of infrastructure development for the future as rainwater is currently pumped and treated unnecessarily. Excessive rainfall can overload the system resulting in flooding and pollution. The need for Combined Sewer Overflows are necessary to manage the flow of surface water and sewage appropriately. The provisions are clear within the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive sets minimum standards for the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water and controlling the state of the water environment. Both directives have a responsibility to protect water ecology, biodiversity and seek to protect against flood risk by determining the level and types of capital infrastructural investment that is necessary to alleviate the problem which will in turn have a multiplier effect for economic and environmental benefit.

The Belfast Agenda sets out a vision for Belfast in 2035 with an ambitious aspirations of increasing the population with an additional 66,000 residents to include 33,000 new homes and 46,000 additional jobs and 1.5m square feet of additional Grade A office space. This highlights the importance of appropriate sustainable development to make the city competitive and to connect people to opportunities. Fundamental to creating the conditions for and enabling this inclusive growth, is infrastructure. The Belfast Agenda also recognises that there are gaps in Belfast’s key infrastructure which must be addressed if the city is to grow. The Agenda identifies that infrastructure planning and investment for Belfast needs to be taken forward in a strategic and integrated way and a core goal of the Agenda is to create a partnership and plan for sustainable urban infrastructure.

The infrastructure investment should be targeted to release the greatest economic potential and support inclusive economic development that provides the opportunity to sustainably increase GVA, and the ability of the region to compete internationally. The Council would therefore re- iterate that funding allocations to the sewerage system for Belfast should be commensurate with the current problems created by under investment to ensure that the city can play its full role as regional driver for the economy of NI.

The Belfast Resilience Strategy identifies the central importance of infrastructure to the city’s economic and climate resilience and includes a number of recommendations for reform, in particular the importance of integration of infrastructure, and of systems efficiency. The strategy was developed following detailed analysis of what works in similar cities. A key learning from this analysis is the importance of good infrastructure in attracting capital to ensure sustainable funding models over the short and long term.

It must also be noted that, until the LWWP is fully implemented, existing partnership engagement remains critical to plan, respond and recover

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from the flooding risks which are faced by the City. Such linkages include for example Belfast City Council’s Emergency Plan, Belfast Emergency Preparedness Group (Multi-agency Partners) and the Regional Community Resilience Group (Multi-agency Group focused on promoting and supporting resilient communities).

The risks posed to Belfast from tidal inundation, particularly in the City Centre are sobering – Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme with 8.6km of new flood defences seeks to address this, however the scheme is complex with lots of engagement with different land owners required. This is taking longer to deliver than initially envisaged. This is only one scheme, so in order to implement the LWWP and integrated plan huge emphasis must be placed on delivering a collaborative approach by all partner agencies.

QUESTION 2: Do you agree that we need to change the way we manage water flowing YES through our urban areas?

The document adequately sums up the main issues, concerns and challenges of managing water flowing through urban areas. The need to do things differently is encouragingly recognised - we believe it is essential to overcome the significant challenges waste water brings to Belfast. It is imperative that key partners work together to provide a sustainable and integrated approach to drainage, using a catchment- based approach in line with contemporary best practice.

The Council would note that many of the proposed projects within the consultation impact on Council assets. As highlighted the Council is working closely with the Department on a number of pilot projects and will be playing a key role in terms of delivery moving forwards. For projects to be successful the Council urges that these need to be co- designed with early input from specialists and planned with partners and stakeholders taking account the following important areas:

 Meaningful engagement with local communities including park users, local residents and stakeholders e.g. sports clubs;

 Understand current site usage, feasibility and commerciality;

 Open space typology, functionality and ensuring a balance of local needs;

 Existing natural environment including current ecosystem services benefits and constraints such as Invasive Alien Species (IAS);

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 Current and future management and maintenance requirements and costs. Depending on proposals this could include the need for new machinery, additional staff resources and management of increased invasive species; and

 Early ecological input is required to maximise opportunities. We encourage the implementation of natural flood management (NFM) that protects, restores and mimics the natural functioning of rivers and the coastal ecosystems.

Belfast has a paucity of open water and many rivers and streams have been partially or almost fully culverted. The use of NFM will enable the restoration and creation of riverine and coastal habitats which are key priorities to address biodiversity loss.

The LWWP and integrated plan provides a major opportunity to address broader environmental issues but most especially a unique opportunity to contribute to nature recovery in Belfast.

QUESTION 3: Do you agree that during periods of YES heavy rain, green spaces in urban areas should be used to hold water on a temporary basis to help prevent the flooding of homes and businesses and help prevent sewage spilling into the City’s rivers and Belfast Lough?

Belfast benefits from a wide range of open spaces, covering around a quarter of the city’s total area i.e. approx. 2,390 hectares (ha). Belfast City Council have developed a Belfast Open Spaces Strategy (BOSS) in collaboration with a range of partners and stakeholders, which includes the agreement of a long-term vision, seven guiding strategic principles (SPs), a range of opportunities and headline actions, which complement the integrated solutions proposed within the LWW in Belfast Integrated Plan. Of particular relevance within the BOSS is ‘Strategic Principle 5 – Increase resilience to climate change’ and ‘Strategic Principle 6 – Protect and enhance the natural environment’. Given our concerns regarding the threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss, we believe that our open spaces can play an important role in increasing the city’s resilience to climate change and we would be keen to work in partnership to create and enhance natural habitats. As part of Council’s community planning duty, we will continue to work with partners, stakeholders and local communities to develop area based plans and interventions which will include improving the provision, accessibility and quality of our open space network. Protecting, improving and enhancing our open spaces is vitally important to meet growing demand.

The document makes reference to mainly Council owned green space along with some other public owned green space e.g. Colin Glen and Stormont. We feel it is important that all other public and private owned

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green spaces are also considered. We would recommend that each proposal is assessed on a case by case basis at a site level, providing solutions for local areas, making sure that physical delivery is carefully designed and planned, taking account of the following key areas:

 Early Council input to influence and shape the opportunities and proposals across the Council sites identified and a flexible iterative approach in conjunction with users;

 Meaningful engagement with local communities including park users, local residents and stakeholders e.g. sports clubs;

 Current site usage, feasibility and commerciality;

 Open space typology and functionality - ensuring a balance of local needs;

 Existing natural environment including current ecosystem services benefits and constraints such as Invasive Alien Species (IAS); and

 Appropriate financial impact assessments carried out to identify and agree current and future management and maintenance arrangements and budgets put in place to support this prior to development. Depending on proposals this could include the need for new machinery, additional staff resources and management of increased invasive species.

In light of the key areas above the Council welcomes the opportunity to work closely to influence and shape the opportunities and proposals outlined across the Council sites identified. We would also stress that physical delivery at the local levels needs to be carefully developed and designed.

The potential savings in substituting hard engineering solutions with green and blue infrastructure development are huge. Although the ‘step change’ to blue and green infrastructure development has begun it will require an integrated and holistic approach from a wide range of public and private partners and stakeholders. Belfast City Council (BCC) launched a Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan (GBIP) for Belfast in 2020 which outlines how vegetated areas (the green) and waterways (the blue) can provide a broad range of economic, social and environmental benefits in and around our more urban areas.

The GBIP recognises that these natural and semi-natural assets are increasingly seen as ‘infrastructure’ and like any type of infrastructure, these assets will only continue to provide us with benefits if we actively plan, invest in and manage them to ensure that they are utilised sustainably. To do this, it sets a vision that by 2035, green and blue infrastructure will be strategically planned to enhance ecosystem

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services that benefit everyone visiting, living and working in Belfast. This now provides a solid foundation for progressing the Living With Water Programme approach across the plan area. Furthermore, there are obvious community cohesion and wellbeing benefits to be derived from investing in the development and expansion of blue and green infrastructure that serve as greenways and open spaces; a catalyst for increased biodiversity, and more active and sustainable travel.

The Council, working alongside key partners, has already demonstrated the success of taking such an approach in terms of the use of urban green areas to prevent flooding through the exemplar £40m Connswater Community Greenway project in the East of the city. East Belfast had a history of severe flooding. The 2007 flood was the largest on record with 340 flooded properties within the catchment of the Loop, Knock and Connswater rivers. Consequently, a number of at risk areas were identified where flood alleviation measures were necessary. In 2006 funding was secured from the Big Lottery’s ‘Living Landmarks Programme’ to develop and build a 9km linear park scheme. It became apparent that construction work for the flood works and the park could be combined. Because both proposals involved works along the same river corridors there were many areas of overlap which allowed the project to be designed in such a way that it created both an enhanced urban asset and provided flood alleviation measures. This joined-up approach minimised disruption to local communities and businesses affected by the works and delivered better value for money. It also meant that the scheme provided 1,700 properties within East Belfast with the national standard of flood protection against fluvial and tidal events.

The Council is already working closely with the LWW on a number of projects across the city including pilot projects at Belfast Castle, Ballysillan Playing Fields and the new Forth Meadow Community Greenway project and would welcome the opportunity to work closely with the LWW Team on identifying other projects in the city which could present opportunities for joint working.

QUESTION 4: Do you agree with the catchment YES based approach to address drainage and wastewater management problems?

A more strategic approach to natural management of rainwater is welcomed, and use of a catchment based system enables collaborative partnership working to explore opportunities and address potential problems in a bespoke manner, tailored to each catchment. More effective rainwater management will reduce the impact on wastewater infrastructure in general, reducing peak pressures thereby reducing the likelihood of release of untreated sewage into Belfast lough.

The implementation of NFM systems will help protect, restore and mimic the natural functioning of river and the coastal ecosystems. Soil and land management are key areas that should be addressed at the

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catchment level including enhancing soil structure, soil compaction and supporting sustainable agricultural practices to deliver broader ecosystem services.

We note that the Newtownbreda WwTW is missing from the plan and there are significant residential developments in the Newtownbreda area and Saintfield Road, which are currently under construction. Although this is not part of Belfasts City Council’s LGD as it forms part of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, the outfall of the WwTW is just upstream of the Stranmillis Weir and it serves a major urban area with the Belfast Metropolitan Area. We ask that consideration is given to including the Newtonbreda WwTW in the programme.

QUESTION 5: Do you agree that we have identified all of the pressures and issues and set the correct objectives for each study area, as set out in chapters 7 – 10?

As noted, the Council is working closely with the Team in relation to the proposed projects within each of the catchment areas and would like to ensure that this close working relationship continues. In relation to the pressures, issues and objectives the Council would be keen to see the detail including the process and data sets used to identify these. We also found it difficult to comment on specific issues, pressures and objectives due to the limited detail, data and information provided. A summary of some of the issues/ constraints for further consideration within the study area includes the following:

 Limited reference to invasive alien species (IAS), erosion, aquatic alien invasive species, water quality issues and tidal surge mentioned throughout the study areas;

 The need for meaningful engagement/ involvement of all partners, stakeholders and users at very early stage of design and also throughout physical delivery;

 All open spaces have a typology and functionality and offer something for all users – need to balance this very carefully in terms of scale and impact within design proposals;

 Risk implications for people living near or at waterbodies; and

 Potential long term financial implications and pressures (i.e. management and maintenance budgets) of the proposals for Council and ultimately the rate payers of Belfast.

The Council does not have any specific comments in relation to the pressures in the individual study areas but would note as above that the implications of the Newtownbreda WwTW not being included.

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Blackstaff Study Area YES / NO

N/A Connswater and Lagan Embankment YES / NO

N/A Study Area North Foreshore Study Area YES / NO

N/A

Inner Belfast Lough Study Area (WwTW) YES / NO

QUESTION 6: Do you agree that we have identified all of the opportunities for integrated drainage measures for each study area, as set out in chapters 7 - 10?

The Council agrees, in principle, with the concepts identified for integrated drainage measures for the study areas, The Council is one of the biggest landowners in the city as outlined above. In addition the Council has one of the largest capital programmes underway across the city. This therefore places the Council in a unique position in terms of looking at potential opportunities alongside the LWW Team. The Council also notes that potential solutions does not necessarily need to be close to the issue and therefore this presents opportunities across the city.

The Council would note that many of the opportunities identified within the consultation to overcome the pressures and deliver on the objective propose the use of Council assets. The Council would however note that many of these are still conceptual and the Council therefore welcomes the opportunity to engage with the Team on these from the outset.

The Council believes that there are a number of potential other opportunities as outlined below. We would however highlight that this is not exhaustive and the Council would request that there are continued opportunities to take this under review as other projects are agreed across the city – either Council led or other partner lead projects. We would recommend that the following key principles are considered prior to the development and delivery of proposals within Council sites;

 Consultation and engagement with local communities and users at the local level – to ensure buy-in;

 Early Council input to influence and shape the opportunities and proposals across the Council sites identified and a flexible iterative approach in conjunction with users; and

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 Appropriate financial impact assessments carried out to identify future management and maintenance arrangements agreed and budgets in place to support this prior to development.

In addition, the Council would urge that any new developments should be required to meet certain standards to ensure no flooding issues would arise, similar to green field runoff

Blackstaff Study Area YES / NO

The Council would welcome the inclusion of a potential SUDs scheme at Distillery Street. The Council is already working with a range of statutory partners in bringing forwards proposals for an underused piece of land at the bottom of Distillery Street including LWW. This provides an opportunity to build on the works already underway as part of the Forth Meadow Community Greenway proposals.

Connswater and Lagan Embankment YES / NO

N/A

North Foreshore Study Area Study Area YES / NO Within the North Foreshore study area, the North Foreshore/ Giant’s park isn’t mentioned, which is one of the biggest open spaces in the city, with potential for opportunities i.e. water attenuation and habitat enhancement. The Council would be keen to work in partnership to identify additional opportunities for habitat restoration, access and recreation potential. The Council would therefore request that the North Foreshore is included and would welcome an opportunity to discuss this in greater detail with the Team.

Inner Belfast Lough Study Area (WwTW) YES / NO

N/A

QUESTION 7: Do you agree that the proposed measures adequately address the pressures and issues and meet the objectives for each study area, as set out in Chapters 7 - 10?

Yes in principle, please see responses to Question 5 and 6 above.

Blackstaff Study Area YES / NO

N/A

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Connswater and Lagan Embankment Study YES / NO Area N/A

North Foreshore Study Area YES / NO

N/A

Inner Belfast Lough Study Area (WwTW) YES / NO

N/A

YES QUESTION 8: Do you agree that the levels of investment identified within this plan are necessary and should be considered a high priority by the NI Executive?

Whilst the levels of investment are significant in this draft programme, we feel that it is absolutely necessary to address the critical problems with drainage in Belfast. Belfast City Council believes that a funding model is pivotal to the success of this plan. Whilst we agree with the general approach and believe it can provide the long term, sustainable solutions needed, nothing can be delivered without a fully funded financial model that is agreed by the NI Executive. Given the urgency of the situation, this must be agreed from the 2021 financial year.

Whilst we understand the difficult financial situation, we ask that the Executive recognise the urgency of this matter and commit to fully funding the proposals contained within the programme. The Council would re-iterate that funding allocations to the sewerage system for Belfast should be commensurate with the current problems created by under investment to ensure that the city can play its full role as regional driver for the economy of NI, as set out in the RDS.

In relation to the catchment areas, we would also recommend that a detailed financial impact assessment of each area is carried out as part of the finance and delivery section of the plan. This will identify future management and maintenance arrangements that need to be put in place, as a result of the proposals and appropriate budgets to be established to support this prior to development. Depending on detailed proposals additional costs for Council will include the need for new machinery, management of IAS, additional staffing and resources and capacity building, to name but a few. These costs must be considered as part of the overall financial model.

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Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2021-22

The Committee:

i. confirmed the following cash limits, as agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 22nd January:

a. a cash limit of £45,309,102 for the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for 2021/22, including £3,270,000 for Belfast Investment Fund and £2,500,000 for City Deal;

b. a cash limit of £83,949,408 for the People and Communities Committee for 2021/22;

c. a cash limit of £18,237,846 for the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for 2021/22;

d. a cash limit of £1,362,893 for the Planning Committee for 2021/22; and

e. a Capital Financing Budget of £21,774,022 for 2021/22;

ii. agreed that the increase in the District Rate for 2021/22 should be 1.92%, based on an estimated penny product of £6,459,786, meaning a non-domestic rate of 26.4147 and a domestic rate of 0.3459 and that the amount raised through the district rate in 2021/22 will be £165,173,988;

iii. noted the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Resource’s statement on the adequacy of the Council’s reserves position and the robustness of the revenue estimates, as required by the Local Government Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 2011;

iv. noted the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement, as required by the Local Government (Capital Finance and Accounting) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011; and

v. agreed that the aforementioned decisions should not be subject to call in, as it would cause an unreasonable delay in striking the rate by the legislative deadline of 1st March 2021, which would be prejudicial to the Council’s and the public’s interest.

Finance Update

The Director of Finance and Resources submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update under each of the five steps which had, in June, 2020, been adopted as a financial management approach to manage the impact of Covid-19 upon the Council’s finances. The report provided also details of the revenue outturn for Quarter 3 2020/21 and on the progress of a potential VAT refund claim and had recommended that, in

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light of the mitigation measures which had been put in place for 2021/22, the Council revert to the normal quarterly financial reporting process, as set out in section G.12 of the Financial Regulations.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided and adopted the recommendation.

Update on Licence Fees

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 22nd January, it had approved criteria to assess applications for rent relief in respect of its own estate and that a cap on this had been established. That relief could be of benefit to those leaseholders across the Council estate who could demonstrate that they were suffering financially as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Committee had agreed also that officers should examine the potential for including other businesses, such as street traders.

The Chief Executive explained that street traders and licence applicants for, for example, amusement arcades, cinemas, entertainment venues, pavement cafés and petrol stations did not have a lease with the Council. Instead, they were required by law to apply to the Council for a licence, which was approved by the Licensing Committee and managed through the Building Control Service. Relief did not, therefore, apply in those cases.

In terms of the measures which the Council had put in place over the course of the pandemic to assist licence holders, the Chief Executive confirmed that application fees for temporary pavement café licences had been waived and that those wishing to renew their Street Trading Licence or Entertainments Licence had been provided with the option of either paying their fee or having it deferred until a later date. It was envisaged that those arrangements would remain in place until at least 31st March. In addition, the Department for Communities had, on 10th February, confirmed that it was amending the fee requirements for all Entertainments Licences for 2021/22, to the effect that renewal applications would, from 6th April, incur a nominal fee of £1, as opposed to a maximum potential fee of £2,000.

After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that a report be submitted to its next meeting indicating whether there were any additional ways in which licensed street traders could be supported.

Update on Managing Organisational Capacity and Covid-19

The Committee noted the contents of a report which highlighted the activities associated with the ongoing management of and response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the recovery approach being adopted for 2021/22 and provided a number of service specific updates.

Recruitment of Director (Operational) of Planning and Building Control

The Committee was informed that Mr. Aidan Thatcher, the current Director (Operational) of Planning and Building Control, would be leaving the Council shortly to take up a post with Wigan Council.

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The Committee noted the timeline for the recruitment of the post and agreed that the selection panel should comprise:

i. the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Committee (or their nominees);

ii. a Member of the Planning Committee from a Political Party not represented by the Chairperson or the Deputy Chairperson; and

iii. the Chief Executive (or her nominee) and a Director.

Destination Hub – Update on Outline Business Case

(Mr. A. Reid, Strategic Director of Place and Economy, and Ms. W. Langham, Programme Director, attended in connection with this item.)

The Strategic Director of Place and Economy reminded the Committee that the Belfast Destination Hub was Belfast’s key project under the tourism and regeneration pillar of the Belfast Region City Deal. The project mirrored the ambition of the Belfast Agenda and the Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy to deliver a second world-class visitor attraction and would generate additional tourist spend and footfall in the City centre.

He reviewed the main components of the Destination Hub and the associated capital spend and confirmed that the Outline Business Case, which had been completed in December, 2020, had been found to be compliant with HM Treasury’s Business Case Guidance framework for preparing business cases and with the Northern Ireland Guide to Expenditure Appraisal and Evaluation. The Hub concept, together with the architectural design, had been completed to RIBA Stage 1 – Strategic Brief, in line with the Outline Business Case process.

The Programme Director stated that the City Deal Executive Board had agreed recently that the Destination Hub Outline Business Case would be one of the seven projects within the Belfast Region City Deal’s Tourism and Regeneration pillar to be recommended for inclusion in the Deal Document. However, the detail and timelines for the City Deal funding approval process were still being worked through with the Department of Finance. In anticipation of securing City Deal funding, an appropriate site needed to be secured, in order to enable building designs and associated costs to progress to RIBA Stage 2. Options for site acquisition were currently under consideration and would be presented in due course to the Committee. She concluded by outlining the draft programme which would lead ultimately to the completion in 2026 of the Destination Hub.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

Covid-19 Community Support Funding

(Mr. R. Black, Director of Neighbourhood Services, attended in connection with this item.)

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The Director of Neighbourhood Services reminded the Committee that both the Council and Central Government had provided community and voluntary partners with a significant amount of additional funding to support vulnerable individuals, families and communities who had been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. That support had extended primarily to food provision and access to food, financial assistance for fuel/utilities and connectivity.

He explained that those partners had worked tirelessly to ensure that the committed funding had had the desired effect. However, the problems posed by the current extended restrictions and the fact that significant amounts of Department for Communities’ funding had only been awarded in December/January had created a situation whereby the expectation of full delivery by 31st March, 2021 would not be possible in all circumstances. That applied also to many micro grant recipients and to some Strategic Area and Community and Thematic Partners.

In line with the Committee’s decision of 10th December, the Chief Executive had written to the Permanent Secretary within the Department for Communities to highlight the aforementioned difficulties and had requested a delivery extension until 30th September for all community/voluntary grant recipients.

He confirmed that a response to that letter had yet to be received and, therefore, recommended that the Committee grant approval to write to all grant recipients to inform them that the delivery period had been extended until 30th September. Should the Department for Communities fail to grant the required extension, the Council would still maximise the available Central Government grant funding up to 31st March, as set out within the report, with any remaining amounts to be covered by 2021/22 Departmental budgets.

The Committee adopted the recommendation.

Bonfire Approach 2021

(Mr. R. Black, Director of Neighbourhood Services, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee was reminded that, in April, 2018, it had approved governance and delegation arrangements in relation to a range of bonfire-related work. That had been followed in August, 2018 by further clarification of governance arrangements relating to August bonfires/bonfire material on land owned by the Council, other agencies and private organisations. In order to ensure that this approach was followed, officers had developed an overall programme of work, with individual work streams and associated governance structures, to ensure that senior officers were aware of decisions which could be taken under delegated authority and those which required Committee approval. Those arrangements still stood, including the delegation by the Council of authority to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee. The Director of Neighbourhood Services reported that, with the likelihood that the Covid-19 restrictions would be extended, the delivery of all elements of the programme of work for 2021 might not be possible. In line with the aforementioned guidelines, officers would commence work on the following:

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 Strategic Interagency Approach/Community Engagement;

 Operational Delivery;

 Funded Programmes; and

 Communications.

He recommended that the Committee approve this approach for 2021 and confirmed that a report would be presented to the meeting in March providing details of the specifics of the bonfire approach and the key decisions required for 2021, including alternative funding arrangements, should the Covid-19 restrictions continue. After discussion, it was Moved by Councillor Lyons, Seconded by Councillor Heading,

That the Committee agrees to include the work which was being undertaken through the City Growth and Regeneration Committee around the stimulation and animation of the City in any revised bonfire funding arrangements.

On a recorded vote, six Members voted for the proposal and twelve against and it was declared lost.

For 6 Against 12

Councillors Groogan, Heading, Lyons, Councillor Black (Chairperson); McAllister and McDonough-Brown. Aldermen Dorrian, Haire, Kingston and Sandford; and Councillors Beattie, Bunting, Garrett, McLaughlin, Murphy, Pankhurst and Walsh.

The Committee approved the proposed bonfire approach, as outlined, and noted the information which had been provided by the Director of Neighbourhood Services around the measures which the multi-agency task force would implement to address issues such as illegal music events over the course of the bonfire season.

Brexit and Port Health – Transition Update

The Committee noted the contents of a report which:

i. outlined the key areas being pursued with the United Kingdom/Northern Ireland Governments, including the need for oversight and leadership around issues for Local Government in delivering statutory Port Health/competent authority role in implementing official Control Regulations;

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ii. confirmed that the City Solicitor had, on behalf of Local Government, sought a legal opinion on the specific responsibilities and accountabilities conferred on councils, under the European Union Brexit Agreement and Northern Ireland Protocol;

iii. provided details of correspondence which the Council had been issued to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and to the Food Standards Agency, setting out key areas of collective concern which required urgent resolution and outlining the estimated budget for the period 2021/22; and

iv. provided information on a report which had, on 11th February, been presented to the Brexit Committee examining the challenges faced by and the support given to the business community in the context of Brexit.

The Committee noted also that the Chief Executive would request from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs a copy of any documents relating to security concerns/considerations which had been taken into account before it had removed its staff from port health inspection duties.

Independent Investigation - Events at Roselawn Cemetery

The Chief Executive drew the Committee’s attention to a report which had been published by Mr. Peter Coll QC on the outcome of an investigation which had been commissioned by the Council into events at Roselawn Cemetery on 30th June, 2020. The report had been published on the previous day and a copy had been forwarded to all Members of the Council.

She referred to that part of the report relating to the lessons to be learned from those events and the recommendations to be implemented to prevent a recurrence and requested the Committee to consider the recommendations, as a basis for implementation. The Committee would receive progress reports on a regular basis moving forward.

After a lengthy discussion, the Committee agreed that, rather than endorsing the recommendations at this stage, a report be submitted to its next meeting outlining how they would be implemented and monitored and reflecting a number of issues which had been raised by Members.

The Committee agreed that Council officers would arrange for any Political Party, who so wished, to be briefed by Mr. Coll QC and a number indicated that they wished to avail of of that. It was noted that a copy of the report could be obtained, upon request, from the City Solicitor’s office.

Matters referred back from Council/Motions

Motion: Pay for Student Nurses – Response from Department of Health

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st December, had passed the following motion on Pay for Student Nurses, which had been proposed by Councillor Groogan and seconded by Councillor O’Hara:

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“This Council recognises the efforts of student nurses throughout the Covid- 19 pandemic, stepping up to help our NHS cope with the extra pressures put on it by the pandemic and providing invaluable support to qualified nurses in our hospitals.

The Council notes also that student nurses were paid during the first wave of the pandemic, as they should have been, in recognition of their commitment and work caring for people.

The Council believes that student nurses should be paid a fair and proper wage for their work and agrees to write to the Minister of Health stating our support for reinstating the pay to student nurses as a matter of urgency.”

The City Solicitor drew the Committee’s attention to a response which had been received from Mr. P. Barbour, Assistant Director of Workforce Policy, on behalf of the Minister of Health.

Mr. Barbour had referred the Council to the Minister’s announcement on 27th January of a special recognition payment of £2,000 to be made to all qualifying healthcare students who had been on special pre-registration programmes during the period from 1st October, 2020 to 31st March, 2021. The qualifying courses were, it had been pointed out, the nursing and midwifery, Allied Health Professions, Social Work and Physician Associate pre- registration programmes commissioned by the Department of Health from Queen’s University and the Ulster University.

The Committee noted the response.

Motion: Proposed Future Development – Writers’ Square – Response from Department for Communities

(Prior to this report being presented, the City Solicitor advised those Members who were also on the Planning Committee that they should remove themselves from the meeting, should it become a matter of discussion. However, as no issues were raised, they were not required to do so.)

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st February, had passed the following motion on the Proposed Future Development of Writers’ Square, which had been proposed by Councillor Groogan and seconded by Councillor McKeown: “This Council recognises the significance of Writers’ Square to the city of Belfast as a public and civic space and its historical significance. The Council calls upon the Department for Communities to ensure that any development brief relating to Writers’ Square respects the civic use of the Square as a place facilitating lawful protest and celebration. Furthermore, the Council calls upon the Department to ensure that the setting of St Anne’s Cathedral is protected.

The Council will write to the Minister for Communities to that effect.”

The City Solicitor informed the Committee that a response had been received from Mr. C. Donnelly, Director of Belfast Regeneration Directorate, on behalf of the Minister.

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Mr. Donnelly had pointed out that the Minister and her Department had noted the content of the motion and that it would be given further consideration, should the Minister decide to proceed with a development brief for the Square.

The Committee noted the response.

Motion: Black Lives Matter Demonstrations – Response from Police Service of Northern Ireland

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 7th January, had passed the following motion on Black Lives Matter Demonstrations, which had been proposed by Councillor Matt Collins and seconded by Councillor Ferguson: “This Council notes the recent Ombudsman report into the policing of Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Belfast and Derry on 6th June, 2020. The Council notes, in particular, the Ombudsman’s conclusions that the PSNI’s actions on the day were disproportionate, discriminatory and showed disregard to people’s human rights in relation to freedom of expression and freedom of protest and further notes the inappropriate use of the Serious Crimes Act (2007) to caution organisers of the events.

Accordingly, the Council calls for all penalty notices to be rescinded and prosecutions against Black Lives Matter activists relating to 6th June protests to be abandoned, as the first step toward redress. Furthermore, the Council calls on the PSNI to exercise its discretion to withdraw or rescind the applications made to the courts for registration of the Fixed Penalty Notices. The Council reiterates its support for the Black Lives Matter movement and its call for a real and robust racial equality strategy to help tackle the systemic problem of institutional racism.”

The City Solicitor submitted for the Committee’s consideration a response which had been received from Chief Superintendent Singleton, on behalf of the Chief Constable.

Chief Superintendent Singleton had highlighted the ongoing challenges being faced by communities and by the Police Service and pointed out that the Service had struggled to find the correct balance between upholding the continually changing restrictions and the rights of all individuals in the community. Whilst those restrictions were often a fundamental interference with individual human rights they had been made morally and legally necessary by the scale of the public health threat posed by Covid-19. The Police Service had, therefore, unsurprisingly, prioritised the Article 2 ‘Right to Life’ under the European Convention on Human Rights over all the rights, except for Article 3. This, it believed, had been in line with both the intention and the spirit of the Coronavirus regulations, as agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive.

He had gone on to state that the Police Service had welcomed the support, analysis and challenge contained within the reports of the Northern Ireland Policing Board and of the Police Ombudsman and that, rather than be defensive about any aspects of its approach or the findings in the reports, it was keen to acknowledge shortcomings, admit mistakes and learn lessons. Having carefully considered both reports, the Police Service was, he pointed out, in a position to accept the vast majority of recommendations. However, it was unable to

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accept the recommendations relating to the withdrawal of Fixed Penalty Notices and prosecutions, pursuant to its enforcement of Health Protection Regulations.

Chief Superintendent Singleton then stated that the Police Service had been advised that the existing Regulations made no provision for Fixed Penalty Notices to be rescinded either by it or by the Public Prosecution Service. The only mechanism by which an enforceable penalty registered under Regulation 12 could be set aside was by direction of the Magistrates’ Court. Those individuals who had been reported to the Public Prosecution Service for suspected breaches of the Regulations would have their cases independently assessed in terms of available evidence and public interest. The Police Service had been advised that, should it interfere with prosecutorial decision-making, it would raise questions around potential breaches of human rights.

He had concluded by pointing out that those recommendations resulting from the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Police Ombudsman reports which had been accepted by the Police Service would be added to its overview systems and allocated timeframes and responsible owners. The Policing Board and the Police Ombudsman would be provided with regular updates as that work progressed.

After discussion, the Committee noted the response.

Motion: Uplift on Universal Credit – Response from HM Treasury

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 7th January, had passed the following motion relating to Universal Credit, which had been proposed by Councillor Heading and seconded by Councillor Lyons:

“This Council recognises the positive impact of the £20 uplift on Universal Credit implemented in April 2020.

The Council also recognises that, since March 2020, the unemployment claimant count has doubled to at least 60,000 in Northern Ireland and with a recession expected in the spring only to worsen the situation for many households. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has failed to provide certainty that the £20 uplift on UC will remain beyond March 2021 meaning many families are potentially facing a loss of £1,040 a year to their incomes overnight. Charity Action for Children has warned that more than one in 10 families in the north are already having to choose between paying bills and eating meals. The Council calls on the UK government to put a protective shield around struggling families by ensuring March's Budget makes clear that Universal Credit will not be cut by £20 a week in the spring. Finally, the Council agrees to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer requesting they maintain the £20 uplift on Universal Credit in April 2021 and extending the £20 uplift to all legacy benefits.”

The City Solicitor reported that a response had been received from HM Treasury, on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

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The response had explained that the £20 per week in the Universal Credit standard allowance and Working Tax Credit basic element formed just one part of a wide-ranging package of support which the Government had provided to protect people’s jobs and referred also to income support schemes, mortgage holidays, support for renters, a £500 million local authority hardship fund, £500 payments to help those on low income to self-isolate under NHS Test and Trace, a £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme and help with utility bills.

The response had gone on to state that, in order to support families who relied on the safety net of the welfare system, the Minimum Income Floor for self-employed Universal Credit claimants had been suspended temporarily and the Local Housing Allowance Rates for Housing Benefit and Universal Credit had been increased to cover the bottom third of local rents. The Government was also spending £7.4 billion on its package of increased welfare support this year.

It was pointed out that the increase in Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit was aimed specifically at providing significant temporary support to low income families who may have seen their income fall as a result of the immediate impact of the Covid-19 crisis and was due to end in April, 2021.

It indicated also that the Government would, as it had done throughout the current crisis, continue to consider the most appropriate forms of support as the public health and economic situation developed. However, as an illustration, extending the £20 per week increase by a further twelve months would cost over £6 billion, which would be equivalent to adding 1p to the basic rate of income tax and increasing fuel duty by 3p.

The response had concluded by confirming that the Government was, moving forward, focused on supporting people by helping them gain employment and was making up to £30 billion available through the Plan for Jobs initiative. This included launching the £2 billion Kickstart Scheme to create hundreds of thousands of fully subsidised jobs for young people and investing £8.6 billion in infrastructure, decarbonisation and maintenance jobs to create jobs.

The Committee noted the response and agreed that a further letter be forwarded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer highlighting the importance of the uplift payment, given the high levels of poverty in Northern Ireland, and urging him to extend it beyond March, 2021.

Motion: Funding For Palliative and End-of-Life Care – Response from Minister of Health

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 7th December, had passed the following motion on Funding for Palliative and End-of-Life Care, which had been proposed by Councillor Whyte and seconded by Councillor Lyons:

“This Council recognises that hospice care is a vitally important part of our care system; considers it necessary that people approaching the end of life, their families and carers get the right care and support where and when they need it; notes that hospice staff deserve recognition for the world-class medical care and emotional support they provide, not just to patients but also to their families; and looks forward to the hospice movement going from strength to strength in years to come.

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Accordingly, the Council agrees to write to the Minister of Health, Robin Swann MLA, calling upon him to ensure fair and transparent funding in line with demand, and continued high quality palliative and end-of-life care.”

The City Solicitor drew the Committee’s attention to a response which had been received from the Minister of Health.

The Minister had highlighted the valued service which hospices in Northern Ireland provided in caring for and supporting people living with palliative and end-of-life care and those who were important to them. Department of Health officials and their colleagues in the Health and Social Care Board worked closely with hospices and were aware of the both the contribution which they made and the challenges they faced.

The Minister, in recognising the financial pressures which hospices were facing, had pointed out that Covid-19 had had an impact across the community and voluntary sector and referred to similar issues across other areas and organisations, where there were also increasing demands for services and associated financial pressures.

He explained that the Health and Social Care Board had Service Level Agreements in place with each of the hospice providers in Northern Ireland for both inpatient and community based services. Separate arrangements were also in place with Health and Social Care Trusts for hospice night services, as required. The Marie Curie charity also provided a regional out-of-hours service.

In terms of funding, the Minister stated that guidance which had been put in place by the Department of Health in 2004 had introduced 50/50 funding for agreed adult inpatient hospice services, with effect from 2004/05, and 50% funding for agreed adult community services, with effect from 2005/06. Those arrangements provided for the funding of agreed commissioned services, not a hospice’s total running costs.

He pointed out that children’s hospice services were funded differently to adult services, with separate commissioning and funding arrangements in place for children’s palliative care and hospice services. In addition to core funding for children’s services, the Department of Health had agreed, following the closure of the Horizon West children’s hospice, to fund on a 50/50 basis an additional bed in the NI Children’s Hospice at Horizon House for three years from 2018/19.

Since 2018, a Paediatric and Life Limited Service had also been commissioned from the NI Children’s Hospice. That service had provided a specialist nursing role to support children, families and clinicians in recognising and managing end-of-life needs, as well as access to a dedicated bed in the NI Children’s Hospice or in the child’s home. Funding of £186,000 for the service had been made initially through Confidence and Supply transformation funding. The Department of Health had extended that funding for a further year to ensure the continued delivery of the service by the NI Children’s Hospice.

The Minister had gone on to state that, in recognition of the challenges being faced by hospices during the current pandemic, the Health and Social Care Board, with the agreement of his Department, had put in place arrangements to support hospices’ cash flow. Those arrangements had applied also to contracts between hospices and Health and Social

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Care Trusts. The Health and Social Care Board worked closely also with hospices around the availability of Personal Protection Equipment, fit testing and access to sanitising equipment and to keep them informed of the broader system approach to responding to Covid-19.

The Minister welcomed the additional funding which had been made available to hospices, in recognition of the restrictions on fundraising opportunities and retail, as a result of Covid-19, and had referred to £6.75m and £7.3m which had been allocated to local hospices and the Cancer Fund for Children in May and October, 2020 respectively. He explained that the Health and Social Care Board had recently completed a review of adult hospice funding, which had identified a total funding shortfall of £867,360 between the 2019/20 funding provided to hospices, when compared against benchmarked costs assessed as part of the review process. That additional funding had been made available to hospices and had been backdated to April, 2019. In October, 2020, the Health and Social Care Board had also approved a 4% uplift for 2020/21 to the value of its core contract Service Level Agreements held with hospices in Northern Ireland. The Minister believed that, given that the current funding arrangements date back to 2004, it would be appropriate to review those arrangements in light of the changing context and demographics for palliative care and trusted that hospices would engage in that process.

The Minister had concluded by stating that the New Decade New Approach deal included a commitment to increase investment on palliative and end-of-life care to fully implement service improvements, including enhancing the contribution of hospices, and to increase support for palliative perinatal care. Investment to meet the New Decade New Approach commitment had been captured within his Department’s bids for additional funding in the Department of Finance Budget 2021-22 exercise.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

Belfast Agenda/Strategic Issues

Update on City Region Growth Deal

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1 This report is to provide an update to Committee on the progress of the Belfast Region City Deal, including an update on the development of Outline Business Cases and progress on agreeing a phased deal with the NI and UK Governments.

1.2 The Committee will also be separately considering a report on the Belfast Destination Hub, Belfast’s key project under the tourism and regeneration pillar which outlines the progress made in relation to the Destination Hub Outline Business Case.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to note:

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 the programme overview and the progress that has been made in Outline Business Case development for all projects and on the development of an agreed approach with the NI and UK Governments to the delivery of a phased deal; and

 the update on the BRCD Council Panel and the minutes of the BRCD Council Panel held on 25th November, 2020.

3.0 Main Report

Programme Overview

3.1 In December, the Committee received a detailed update on progress across the programme and were advised that Outline Business Cases (OBCs) were due to be completed for all projects by the end of December. Partners have now passed a major milestone with draft OBCs prepared across all the pillars of Investment. However, as previously reported, it is recognised that further revision of OBCs may still be required for projects that are at an earlier stage of development. Formal submission of OBCs to NI and UK Governments will commence in the coming weeks.

Deal Document and Timeline

3.2 Members were also updated on the ongoing discussions between partners and the NI and UK Governments in relation to agreeing a phased deal. The phased approach recognises the varying states of readiness of projects across the programme, allowing the Deal Documentation to be completed & agreed and phased delivery to commence. This approach has now been agreed in principle by the NI City/Growth Deals Delivery Board. Once the details of the phased deal are agreed with government partners a further update report will be brought back to Members.

3.3 Detailed work is now being progressed with the Department of Finance on the development of the deal document, which is required in order that funding can begin to flow. The document will outline the impact of the City Deal (outcomes, benefits, economic impact) along with a summary of the programme and projects. It will also include an implementation plan, financial plan, governance framework and communications protocol. Proposals for the content of the document are now being developed and will be brought to the Executive Board for further discussion over the coming months.

Investment Priorities

Tourism and Regeneration

3.6 Partners have worked intensively to develop a Tourism & Regeneration programme that not only supports the delivery of

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inclusive economic growth but will play a key role in the recovery of the tourism industry and our town and city centres, following the impact of Covid-19. Following extensive OBC development and engagement with partners and Departments the Executive Board has now approved the Tourism and Regeneration programme which recommends seven projects for inclusion in the Deal Document. These are Belfast Destination Hub, Bangor Waterfront, Destination Hillsborough, Carrickfergus Regeneration, The Gobbins, Mourne Mountain Gateway and Newry Regeneration. Members should note that these projects are at different stages of development/state of readiness and this will be defined in the deal document.

Innovation

3.7 The innovation projects have been significantly rescaled and are now in line with the funding available to support this Pillar. OBCs for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, Global Innovation Institute and Institute for Research Excellence in Advanced Clinical Healthcare (i-REACH) will now be formally submitted to NI and UK Governments. Initial feedback has now been received from key stakeholders for the revised OBC for the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology and is being considered. A first draft OBC for the Screen Media and Innovation Lab has now been submitted for review and consideration by the UK and NI Governments following consideration by the Executive Board.

Digital

3.8 The draft Digital Innovation Programme Business Case and the OBC for i4C digital innovation project have been submitted to NI and UK Government for review and consideration and some initial feedback has been received which is currently being addressed. As previously reported, the programme business case will prioritise a flexible ‘funds-based’ approach with the increased use of Challenge Funds alongside an Infrastructure Enabling fund which will support connectivity and other enabling infrastructure. It will also ensure that innovation support reaches across priority sectors across the region, through investment in Regional Innovation Hubs.

Infrastructure

3.9 Interim OBCs for the Newry Southern Relief Road and Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 have now been reviewed by the Department for Infrastructure Economists. Interim OBCs have been produced for these projects due to the very early stage of their development, in advance of the necessary consultations on route development. Given the early stage of development of

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Newry Southern Relief Road and Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 2 there are high levels of optimism bias included in their financial cases and this has contributed to the affordability challenges. An OBC has been completed for the Lagan Pedestrian & Cycle Bridge and approved by DoF. Discussions are taking place with the Department for Infrastructure and Department of Finance on proposals for an Infrastructure pillar level budget, which would enable the Lagan Pedestrian and Foot Bridge to progress and enable further development of both the Newry Southern Relief Road and Belfast Rapid Transit projects, whilst additional funding sources continue to be explored.

Employability and Skills (E&S)

3.10 A draft Employability & Skills Proposition has been created incorporating three core component elements of an Employability & Skills Partnership (including an E&S Hub), a core E&S programme and approach to deliver inclusive growth. Engagement sessions have been ongoing with partners along with key industry stakeholders to review the proposition. Feedback is being addressed and it is anticipated that it will be submitted for approval to the Executive Board in the weeks ahead.

3.11 Simultaneously, work continues on developing and implementing partnership projects in advance of the overall E&S programme. The Committee was updated previously on the Digital Futures programme and since then a range of promotional activities has taken place to engage employers across the region. Equally, developmental work is underway with council partners to develop a new digital transformation programme for businesses. Funding has also been secured through the Department for Economy’s Apprenticeship Challenge Fund to undertake developmental work enabling exploratory work to be undertaken within high value sectors on the development of new apprenticeship pathways. Work is underway to explore the need for new apprenticeship pathways aligned to BRCD priority sectors, as well as undertaking research to inform the development of a virtual apprenticeship platform. Delivery of this project is being undertaken by BRCD partners on a cost recovery basis, the larger partner contributor is Belfast Metropolitan College with an allocated funding budget of up to £37,000. The Committee willl be updated as this work progresses.

BRCD Council Panel

3.12 Members will be aware that the BRCD Council Panel provides a forum for members from all six partner councils to meet to jointly discuss issues, progress and benefits of the BRCD. Each council is represented on the Forum by four members and, as

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previously agreed by this Committee, the four BCC nominees are the party group leaders (or their nominees) from the four largest parties.

3.13 Virtual meetings of the Panel were held in November 2020 hosted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and January 2021 hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (minutes of the November Panel meeting approved at the January meeting are attached. At these meetings, the Panel received detailed updates on progress across the programme and the ongoing discussions between partners and the NI and UK Governments in relation to agreeing a phased deal and a Deal Document. Members also discussed the Tourism & Regeneration programme recommendations at the January meeting. The next meeting will be held on 21st April and will be hosted by Ards and North Down District Council.

Next Steps

3.14 The BRCD is now entering a critical stage with formal submission of the most developed projects for consideration to NI and UK Governments. In parallel, detailed work will now be progressed with the Department of Finance on the development of the deal document, based on the agreed approach to the delivery of a phased deal. Work is also ongoing to support profiling, affordability and deliverability across the Deal. The Deal Document will include agreed pillar, and as appropriate, project budgets alongside indicative capital financial profiles and implementation timescales. Strategic engagement with key stakeholders is crucial and engagement with key political and business representatives is due to commence.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.15 All costs associated with the BRCD are within existing budgets.

Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

3.16 The Approach taken to develop the City Deal has been subject to independent equality screening and rural proofing and states that;

‘BRCD is inherently inclusive, affording an opportunity for the region to grow in a way that will benefit the economy of Northern Ireland as a whole, thereby enhancing the lives and well-being of its citizens. If during further development of the programme it becomes apparent that there may be an adverse impact on certain groups or communities then the partnership commits to carrying

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out further Section 75 work and including screening and EQIAs as and when appropriate.’”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Update on Customer Focus Programme

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1 Members are reminded that, in September 2020, the Committee was provided with an update on the Customer Focus Programme ,which included an update on further activity in support of Covid 19 Recovery and a revised programme plan.

1.2 A further report was presented to the Committee in October 2020 to provide details of the establishment of the Customer Hub and approval was given to proceed with the proposed staffing structure including application of the relevant staff transfer processes and recruitment of required posts.

1.3 This report provides an update on the main components of the first phase of the Customer Focus programme to be implemented from 29 March 2021.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is requested to note:

1. the update on Phase 1 of the implementation of the Customer Focus programme and specifically the planned start of operation of the new Customer Hub function from 29 March 2021;

2. the update on services to be provided for Elected Members as part of Phase 1. This work has been progressing in partnership with the Customer Focus Task and Finish Group for Elected Members;

3. the initial works undertaken to refurbish the reception area of the ground floor of Cecil Ward Building which will form part of the physical Customer Hub;

4. progress with development of missed bins; and

5. progress with provision of enabling infrastructure.

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3.0 Main Report

What we will deliver in Phase 1 of the Customer Hub

3.1 Appendix 1, which has been circulated, sets outs the future blueprint for the Customer hub which was presented at the May and September 2020 Committee meetings. As reported in September 2020, the complexity of the customer programme does not support the implementation of all of its elements at one time. Appendix 2, which has also been circulated, is a reminder of the high level plan previously presented to achieve implementation of the Customer Hub by April 2021.

3.2 The ‘go live’ date of the Customer Hub has been revised to 29th March, 2021. For this phase of the programme, we will have the following in place:

Customer Hub

3.3 This new function will deal with customer contact for all departments and services, across all channels (online, mobile, telephone, face-to-face, email, and social media).

Initially, the hub will manage all customer contact for cleansing/waste and calls currently through the main switchboard and corporate complaints numbers. Work is continuing on the co-design of processes including the handoff from customer hub to services in other departments. The implementation initially will be on a ‘wide and thin’ basis i.e. a basic level of information and signposting for customers will be provided at the first point of contact for all services across all channels.

3.4 This will provide a platform for on-boarding of services in the future phases beyond April 2021, deepening the information and value at first point of contact as services are designed end to end - thus improving customer experience.

3.5 As reported in October 2020, the customer hub team will grow to up to 20 staff as we on-board services, with 16 staff in post by April 2021. These staff will facilitate all customer contact channels, provide customer support for digital channels and build capability in service performance and analysis, working with departments and the Continuous Improvement team to inform and shape service improvement.

3.6 To achieve this, working closely with the Corporate Human Resources team, a transition plan for staffing and recruitment for the Customer Hub was established and is now nearing

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completion. Integral to this stage has been the inclusion of staff and Trade Unions in understanding the impact of these changes on current posts and post holders and the plans to transition to the new Customer Hub.

3.7 Work has commenced on training and development of staff who will be in post in time to allow for their training and the building of capacity and support systems and processes for hub operation.

3.8 Members should note that the Customer Hub is being financed by a re-alignment of existing budgets and does not add an additional burden to the ratepayer.

Elected Members’ Future Blueprint

3.9 The work of the Customer Focus Task and Finish group for Elected Members is continuing with a further workshop scheduled to take place on 24 February 2021. The workshop will facilitate feedback on the products developed and will discuss plans for implementation of phase 1 including members’ support and training needs.

3.10 Within the functionality to be provided there will be a dedicated contact channel (telephone and email address) for elected members within the Customer Hub. Additionally we will provide members with information on service delivery so they can be informed of issues earlier, enabling them to be responsive to constituents’ queries. Members will also have the ability to track issues they have raised and will have visibility of issues emerging in their areas. A future blueprint for services for elected members can be found at Appendix 3, which has been circulated.

Physical Customer Hub

3.11 Since October 2020, plans for the refurbishment of the Ground Floor of Cecil Ward Building as the physical Customer Hub have been developed and progressed. Whilst it is unclear when ‘face to face’ services will fully resume, the plans include a refurbishment of the reception area as a first phase providing a more welcoming customer interface and acting as the physical focal point for the customer service. This work has provided the opportunity to upgrade digital infrastructure and also to deep clean stonework. We anticipate the first phase being completed by April 2021. A plan of the new reception area can be found at Appendix 4, which has been circulated.

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Missed Bins

3.12 Aligned to the overall Resources and Fleet transition and improvement programme, we have been focussing on how we can improve issues with missed bins including information flows between Elected Members, customers, staff and managers. A prototype of an app to report missed bins has been developed. A pilot to prove that the technology works involving 10 out of 50 collection squads has been completed. We have assessed the outcomes of the pilot and the plan for phase 1 of Customer Hub from April 2021 is to address issues identified during the pilot and, taking full cognisance of current Council policies and procedures around bin collections, to fully embed the processes and procedures contained within the scope of the pilot. Once this has been achieved a plan will be developed to roll this model out further.

Enabling Infrastructure

3.13 The success of the Customer Focus programme is wholly dependent on the delivery of enabling infrastructure and specific to Customer Hub, the technical infrastructure provided via telephony and systems delivered by Digital Services.

3.14 As evidenced through lockdown and now into recovery our telephone solution is one of the Council’s most mission-critical systems. Digital Services completed the upgrade of our telephony solution in September 2020. The upgrade simplifies administration, and enhances security and business continuity. The system upgrade also introduces enhanced features and services which will be required to support modern digital workplace requirements and the integrated telephony features needed for the Customer Focus Programme.

 Contact Centre

Improves customer experience by ensuring that customer contact from any channel is directed to the right agent with the right skills. It also provides real-time information to improve agent effectiveness.

o Voice, Chat, SMS, Email, FAX, and AI Chatbots o Built-in Call and Screen Recording o Built-in Workforce Scheduling

 Customised CRM integration

Phone and CRM system integration provides visibility of calls made and received, quick access to customer information and the ability to receive and make calls directly within the CRM.

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o Automatically access customer information o Pre-populate CRM with customer information o Click to dial – call, text or email customers within CRM

 Softphones

Bring all the functionality of a desk phone onto a laptop or mobile phone. This enables the staff working in the Customer Hub to operate remotely or in the office.

o make and receive calls on your laptop, mobile phone or desk phone o voicemail integrated with email.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.15 The SP and R Committee agreed in November 2017 that a budget of £500k be set aside for the customer focus project. The operational cost of Customer Hub was reported to October 2020 committee as nil cost to Council and the changes have been reflected in the 2021/2022 budget.

3.16 The cost of refurbishment of the reception area of Ground Floor Cecil Ward Building has been accommodated within the 2020/2021 capital financing budget.

3.17 Staff and Trade Unions have been engaged throughout the programme. As we move to delivery, with Trade Union agreement we have established a sub group of JNCC to facilitate further engagement and consultation on staff implications of the programme in line with agreed HR policies and procedures.

Equality or Good Relations Implications

3.18 Work on the EQIA for the Customer Focus Programme has been completed and the outcome published on our community engagement platform, Citizenspace.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations

Working Group on the Climate Crisis – Work Plan 2021-22

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 This report outlines the work plan for the Working Group on the Climate Crisis for this forthcoming financial year 2021/22, for

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discussion and agreement. As a non-decision making group of Elected Members, this work plan is presented to the SP and R Committee for approval.

2.0 Recommendation

The Committee is asked to agree the priorities recommended by the Working Group within this work plan.

3.0 Main Report

3.1 Resilience and Sustainability is a core priority in Belfast City Council’s Corporate Plan and therefore the primary focus of the Working Group’s work plan for 2021/22 is to ensure progress in the achievement of the objectives set out.

3.2 In the forthcoming financial year, the Working Group will prioritise the following:

1. Overseeing the development of a draft Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Plan for Belfast City Council, for SP&R approval by end of December;

2. Working with the Resilience and Sustainability Board to ensure Belfast City Council Priorities in the Belfast Climate Plan are progressed- this will include taking advice from the Belfast Climate Commission as appropriate;

3. Ensuring that Belfast City Council contributes to progress on climate adaptation and mitigation at a regional level, e.g. through the DAERA Green Growth Task Force; and

4. Ensuring that Belfast City Council plays its part in contributing to the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow in 2021.

Further detail on each of these is provided below.

Belfast City Council Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Plan

3.3 The working group previously agreed that the BCC Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Plan would be developed by June 2021 for approval by SP&R. To date, work is mostly on track, and we have tried to ensure that Covid-19 lockdown has not reduced momentum, as much as possible. The plan will be supported by three separate studies:

 A Climate Adaptation Plan, being developed by Climate NI for BCC. Work is ongoing, and on track, and a detailed

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report will be brought to the All Party Working Group in February to ensure progress continues.  A Sustainability Audit, being developed by KPMG for BCC. Work is ongoing and on track, and a detailed report will be brought to All Party Working Group in March, to ensure progress continues. Working Group members have asked that the review specifically ensure improvements in integration across Council on the issue of sustainability, e.g. more holistic approach to the circular economy and inclusive growth, and considers governance improvements to ensure our approach to sustainability is as effective as possible,  An Energy Review. This work is to be commissioned, and may be delayed due to recruitment of new Climate Commissioner. A further update on progress will be made available as soon as possible.

3.4 It is intended that work on delivery of the Climate Adaptation Plan and implementation of the findings of the Sustainability Review will commence in advance of the summer, to ensure we are ahead of schedule, and therefore any delays to the Energy Review will be mitigated somewhat. That will enable us to meet most of the original timetable of June 2021 for the BCC Plan, and any amendments due to the delayed Energy Review will be brought to this committee in the autumn, well in advance of the end of year.

3.5 Members are aware that the Resilience Assessment and Climate Plan were launched in December 2020, and the city-wide Resilience Board is taking forward delivery of the 30 programmes contained in the document. BCC are responsible for leading several of the programmes (e.g. coordination of One Million Trees), and contributing to delivery of others (e.g. Architects for Change programme). For this reason, the All Party Working Group will receive regular reports from officers, to outline progress (1) with BCC programmes (2) with the wider plan. It may also be useful to have a joint meeting with the co-chairs of the board from time to time to discuss progress.

3.6 A number of structures have been set up at Executive level to coordinate action on (1) climate adaptation (2) climate mitigation (3) green growth. The Resilience Team at BCC work closely with colleagues in various departments to ensure we are contributing to policy and strategy at a regional level. The Working Group will receive regular updates – as a Standing Item- on policy and strategy being developed at a regional level to ensure BCC makes a full contribution.

3.7 At present, Council officers are preparing a response to DAERA’s Discussion Document on a Northern Ireland Climate Change Bill. Due to the limited timeframe for consultation an officer response

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will be submitted on this occasion. The officer response will be brought to the Working Group in March to be noted and to SP&R Committee in April.

3.8 COP 26 - the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow is a significant moment for cities who are committed to action to tackle climate change. It represents an opportunity to press for government action in this area, to fund areas of priority and to highlight the work taking place in Belfast, to a global audience. However, it is also an opportunity to offer a platform to young people to set out their aspirations for action. In the coming months, in partnership with the Belfast Climate Commission, we will use our engagement platform ‘Your Say Belfast’ to provide an opportunity for young people in Belfast to make a strong ask of global decision makers in the run up to COP 26. An update on this work, and other work ongoing as part of our existing networks, to influence and contribute to COP 26 will be brought to each meeting of the Working Group. Although the importance of youth and their aspirations for the future of the city are important, we also recognise the importance of engagement with older people and will coordinate a conversation through the G6 group.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.9 None at present, however future reports will set out emerging financial and resource implications of the above workplan.

Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

3.10 None at present.”

The Committee adopted the recommendation.

Safe City Charter Status

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 At the meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on 23rd August 2019, the following Motion on Domestic Violence was passed:

‘This Council is saddened at the levels of domestic violence in Belfast and recognises that this manifests in many different forms, including emotional and economic abuse.

Belfast needs to become a city that has zero tolerance towards domestic violence or abuse – a ‘Safe City’ which is proactive in

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supporting victims of domestic violence and challenging perpetrators. A Safe City recognises that domestic violence impacts upon many residents, regardless of age, religion, ethnic or cultural background.

The Council pledges to build on the work already achieved by engaging with relevant partners to support victims of domestic abuse and challenge perpetrators and to update the Belfast City Council Domestic Violence Strategy.’

1.2 Onus is a social enterprise organisation offering best practice advice and specialist training on domestic violence and abuse and in January 2020 the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed to work towards the Onus Safe City accreditation. This report outlines action that has been taken by the Council and its partners to support victims of domestic violence and achieve the Onus Safe City status.

2.0 Recommendation

2.1 The Committee is asked to note that the Council was awarded Onus Safe City Charter status on 2nd February 2021.

3.0 Main Report

Key Issues

3.1 A Safe Borough / City, is defined by ONUS as a Borough / City that:

 promotes zero tolerance to domestic violence or abuse;

 recognises that domestic violence or abuse impacts upon many people living or working there, regardless of age, religion, disability, ethnic or cultural background and while the majority of victims are female, domestic violence or abuse can be experienced by men and by people in same sex relationships; and

 aims to provide an inclusive means of providing information on the range of organisations available to help anyone affected by domestic violence or abuse.

3.2 At its meeting on 23rd January 2020, the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed to the Council progressing an action plan to attain the Safe Borough / City accreditation. The requirements for a Safe City / Borough accreditation are:

1. the Council has attained Platinum Workplace Charter Status;

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2. the Council’s management and elected representatives have signed and will display the White Ribbon Charter: a personal pledge to never commit, condone or stay silent about domestic violence;

3. the Council is demonstrating civic leadership through Safe Place Advocacy;

4. the Council is committed to working in partnership to develop new means of extending Safe Place message;

5. the Council is committed to working in partnership with Onus to develop new means of rolling out the various Pathways for Participation to create safer workplaces, churches and communities and

6. consideration to be given to how awareness of services for anyone experiencing domestic abuse is prevalent in education, housing and health services

Update on activity to gain Safe City Charter Status.

Platinum Workplace Charter Status

3.3 Continuous review of the Council’s Domestic Violence and Abuse in the Workplace policy, development of our Trusted Colleague support framework and the associated communication and training programme are key to Council’s annual assessment to retain re-accreditation of the ONUS Workplace Charter (Safe Place) at Platinum level. Following our annual assessment in November 2020, we were successful in retaining our Platinum Workplace Charter Status for another year.

The White Ribbon Charter

3.4 The White Ribbon Charter is part of the largest male-led Global campaign to end men’s violence against women, with a presence in over 60 countries. Within the requirements for Safe City accreditation, is an action that ‘Council management and elected members have signed and will display the White Ribbon Charter: a personal pledge to never commit, condone or stay silent about domestic violence’. Annually the White Ribbon Campaign is marked with 16 Days of Action, which run between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25th November) until Human Rights Day (10th December). The Council has supported this campaign over a number of years with the display of a White Ribbon on the cobbled area in front of City Hall. The campaign was marked in 2020 in line with Covid restrictions by a socially distanced photograph of the Lord Mayor, the Chief Executive and the Head of HR signing the White Ribbon Charter and an associated internal and external

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communication campaign to mark the start of the 16 Days of Action.

Further requirements for a Safe Borough / City

3.5 Council officers, through engagement with ONUS and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PSCP), collaborated on the roll out of an extensive programme of Safe Churches training across the city supported and promoted through a range of partners including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Safe Churches is a bespoke pathway that enables churches to recognise and respond to anyone affected by domestic violence or abuse. Once accredited, the churches can offer information on the wide range of support services available to anyone affected by domestic violence or abuse and they possess a range of Safe Place resources to signpost individuals to the appropriate assistance.

3.6 In addition, the Council, through the PCSP, continues to support a range of work linked to the Belfast Area Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership (BADSVAP), including work to raise awareness of domestic violence and services available for those experiencing domestic violence; such as the series of ‘Domestic Violence Raising Awareness Sessions’, which took place throughout the latter part of 2020 and early 2021, in each quarter of the city.

3.7 Officers are pleased to advise Members that Belfast has been assessed by ONUS and has met the standard for the criteria at point 3.2 by ONUS. This is a credit to the strong and effective partnership working across all sectors in Belfast.

3.8 Council officers will continue to engage and work with a wide range of partners to build on all the activity cited above, as part of our ongoing commitment to Belfast being recognised as a Safe City and ensure that this accreditation is retained on an annual basis going forward. Plans to communicate and promote the Council’s success in attaining this accreditation are currently being developed.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.9 There are no Financial or Resource implications to the recommendations outlined above.

Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

3.10 The work to raise awareness of Domestic Violence and Abuse, and support available, has been progressed through the

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Women’s Steering Group as part of the Council’s Gender Action Plan. The revision and development of the Council’s Domestic Violence and Abuse in the Workplace policy was undertaken with engagement and support from a number of Section 75 groups and supports the Council’s wider equality agenda.”

The Committee adopted the recommendation. Systems Operator NI Consultation on Draft Transmission Development Plan 2020/29 – Council Response

The Committee approved retrospectively the following officer response to SONI’s consultation on the draft Transmission Development Plan 2020-29 and noted that further discussions would take between the Council and SONI to explore opportunities for collaboration:

SONI Draft Transmission Development Plan (2020-29) - December 2020

Council Response

Belfast City Council welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Draft Transmission Plan from SONI. This Council welcomes SONI’s positive and proactive approach in planning ahead to meet the electricity transmission needs in Belfast and the wider region during this decade and beyond given the critical climate change challenge ahead.

Investment in this important infrastructure is key to meeting the governments net zero carbon targets by 2050 and realising the stated ambition of the NI Economy Minister to have at least 70% electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It is also critical for the achievement of the priorities set out in Belfast Agenda, the city’s Community Plan, for our wider economic ambitions in this decade, and our goal to transition to an inclusive, climate resilient, zero emissions economy in a generation.

The importance of a smart and efficient grid network is crucial in realising the UK Climate Change Committee pathway goals, as outlined in its 6th Carbon Budget Report. The report highlights the key role that electrification of heating and transport systems will play as key pillars of decarbonisation.

The diagram below from the UK Climate Change Committees 6th Carbon Budget report illustrates the dominant role that electrification will have in future.

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This predictable increase in demand for electricity to power clean heating and transport systems from 2020 as illustrated in the graph above, will inevitably place pressure on the existing electricity grid. It is therefore imperative that we have modern, efficient grid which can meet this demand.

Belfast Resilience Strategy

The opportunity to respond comes at an important time as Belfast City Council puts plans in place to address climate adaptation and mitigation issues in the city. In March 2019 Belfast declared a Climate emergency, and in December 2020, Belfast Council and partners in the Resilience and Sustainability Board launched its first City Resilience strategy. The strategy’s central goal is to transition Belfast to an inclusive, climate resilient, zero emissions economy in a generation.

The Resilience Strategy examines shocks and stresses which weaken our economy in the long run. The threat from climate change is seen as the biggest single economic and environmental issue to affect the city for a generation. The City must plan a clear pathway for decarbonisation if it is to reduce this threat and benefit from the inevitable economic prosperity of a low carbon transition. Central to the city decarbonisation

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plan is the work of SONI in the decarbonisation of the grid in Belfast, by providing the capacity to absorb more renewables onto the grid and to manage the system efficiently to provide increase in electricity demand through the rise in electric vehicle use, heat pumps etc. It is clear that strategic energy planning in cities will become an important economic factor in planning for sustainable city growth as well as a key enabler in reaching the UK Governments net zero carbon emissions target by 2050.

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

An efficient and modern grid is particularly important in a city which must provide the capacity to charge a new generation of electric vehicles, if we are to deliver a modal shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles in this decade. The capacity to charge EV’s must be available both off- street for those in detached/semi-detached dwellings, and on - street for those living in terraced houses or apartments.

Belfast City Council is currently working with Virgin Media and Liberty Global on a £9.2m Innovate UK funded project, VPACH 2. This project will bring the first generation of commercial, smart, easily accessible EV charging to residential areas in seven UK cities. In the project Virgin Media’s existing communications, internet and data management services will be repurposed for EV charging use .The success of the project will partially rely on the capacity of the grid in these areas to provide that electricity, especially during the night.

In this respect, we particularly welcome the plan to modernise parts of the grid in the Belfast Metropolitan area, so there is adequate electricity supply. We also welcome the capacity to manage the supply of more renewable energy onto the grid in the city region which is necessary for the long-term sustainable economic growth in the city.

Belfast Mini – Stern Report

In parallel with Resilience Strategy, the Council in partnership with the PCAN (Place Based Climate Action Network) has produced a Mini – Stern report on the economics of decarbonisation in the city. This report, which examines the pathway to decarbonisation dovetails with the SONI objectives in its Corporate Plan and this Draft Transmission Development report. We would welcome further collaboration with SONI as we prepare for subsequent ‘Readiness Assessments’ on the preparedness of the city to move to cleaner transport technology and address the retrofit of homes to an advanced low carbon standard.

Planning Implications

The Local Development Plan (LDP) for Belfast is currently at the Draft Plan Strategy (dPS) stage and this Council welcomes that SONI broadly supports the LDP’s policy approach with regard to essential electricity infrastructure that will support sustainable economic growth within the

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city. Similarly, from an LDP perspective it can be seen how the strategic objectives and the associated investment drivers set out in the draft TDP will help facilitate the delivery of the LDP’s vision, aims and objectives whilst the policies set out in the dPS seek to support the development of sustainable electricity infrastructure and renewable energy development. The LDP team looks forward to building on the early, positive engagement with SONI as we progress towards the development of the Local Policies Plan.

Generally, this necessary electricity transmission infrastructure is very much to be welcomed to support the ongoing growth of this region, but strong environmental safeguards, including Planning, do need to be in place and respected at all stages of the decision-making processes. We welcome the detail given in the report on adherence to relevant environmental regulations e.g. SEA, Habitats directive etc.

The role of digital technology and data management

Although there is little reference to the role of data management and digital analytics within the report, we assume that these techniques are used extensively to predict electricity demand and supply. Given the role of ‘big data’ in determining accurate electricity demand and supply the BCC City Innovation team would be keen to share their experience of working with the Citizen Office of Data Analytics, a Belfast City Region Deal programme, which may offer opportunities for collaboration.

Furthermore, we would welcome the opportunity to further discuss our work to develop a Smart District, which aims to identify opportunities to innovate using a regulatory sandbox. It is our intention that this work will accelerate the city’s transition to a zero emissions economy.

There are a range of opportunities for collaboration across both our organisations. I trust this response will lead to further discussions to find opportunity for partnership.”

Belfast City Council and Fair Trade

The Chief Executive informed the Members that the Council, at its meeting on 1st March, 2000, had agreed to adopt a policy in relation to the procurement of Fair Trade products, in response to a Fair Trade Campaign being promoted at that time by the War on Want charity. That policy had been limited to:

 specifying the use of tea and coffee products with the Fair Trade mark for Council meetings and civic events;

 encouraging the use of Fair Trade tea and coffee by the Council’s catering contractors;

 encouraging the use of Fair Trade tea and coffee by organisations hosting events in the City Hall;

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 integrating the issue of fair trade into the Council’s Local Agenda 21 programme through future sustainable development strategies; and

 actively promoting awareness of fair trade amongst its employees and the citizens of Belfast through the adoption and promotion of this policy.

She reported that, following the receipt of correspondence from the Northern Ireland Assembly’s All Party Working Group on Fairtrade, a report had, on 5th February, been presented to SOLACE NI on the potential for developing a more co-ordinated approach to Fairtrade in councils across Northern Ireland. SOLACE NI had agreed:

 to discuss this issue further at a future meeting, to determine a SOLACE NI view for consideration by each of the eleven councils and to support a more consistent level of council participation with the Fairtrade initiative; and

 to share information for their councils, in terms of participation with the Fairtrade initiative, through the SOLACE NI Policy Officer for collation, to provide an overview of current relationships between local councils and Fairtrade initiatives.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided and that it would, at a future meeting, receive a report on recommendations and next steps.

Physical Programme and Asset Management

Asset Management

The Committee:

i. Whitla Street Car Park – Options Agreement

- approved the entering into an options agreement with Translink for the 0.36 acre portion of Whitla Street Car Park, which has been approved for disposal to Translink to facilitate the development of Yorkgate Train Station;

ii. Finvoy Street Community Centre – Contractor Compounds

- approved the entering into a licence and a side letter to vary the terms of an existing lease, to allow two sites to be used for storage and welfare facilities by the contractor appointed to construct the new Finvoy Street Community Centre;

iii. Knocknagoney Linear Park – Electricity Substation

- approved the disposal of a 21sqm site at Knocknagoney Linear Park to Northern Ireland Electricity to facilitate the installation of a new electricity substation;

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iv. Beechvale Farm – Conacre Agreements

- approved the renewal of three conacre licences for the growing of crops, grazing and grass cutting on agricultural lands at Beechvale Farm for a licence period from and including 1st April, 2021 to 31st March, 2022;

v. Whiterock Leisure and Community Centre – Licence to Sustrans

- approved the grant of a licence to Sustrans for an initial period of 2 years;

vi. Monagh Wood - Easement to Phoenix Natural Gas Limited

- approved the grant of an easement regarding the siting of gas mains pipework/ equipment at Monagh Wood between the Council and Phoenix Natural Gas Limited; and

vii. Orangefield Park- Lease to the Department for Infrastructure

- approved the entering into a lease agreement with the Department for Infrastructure regarding the siting of a water level alert station and its associated pipework on Council lands at Orangefield Park.

Update on Area Working Groups

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the East Belfast Area Working Group of 4th February.

Finance, Resources and Procurement

Update on Contracts

The Committee:

 approved the public advertisement of tenders, as per Standing Order 37a, as detailed in Table 1 below;

 approved the award of Single Tender Actions, in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions, as detailed in Table 2 below;

 noted the award of retrospective Single Tender Actions, in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions, as detailed in Table 3 below; and

 noted the modification to contracts, in line with the Scheme of Delegation, as detailed in Table 4 below.

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Equality and Good Relations

Update on Decade of Centenaries Programme 2021 and 80th Anniversary of the Belfast Blitz

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this report is to:

 Provide an update on progress concerning the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2021/22, in light of the recent Council decision regarding live events and the need to revise the format of agreed events from February – June 2021 to meet requirements of Covid-19 restrictions; and

 outline proposals on how Council can mark the 80th anniversary of the Belfast Blitz on 15th April 2021, in the context of Covid-19 restrictions.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is requested to:

i. note the update on the Decade of Centenaries Programme and provide feedback on the approach to the revised format of events occurring between February – June 2021; and

ii. approve the proposals contained in the report to mark the 80th anniversary of the Belfast Blitz on 15th April 2021 and contribute £1,000 towards the Northern Ireland War Memorial Programme.

3.0 Main Report

Decade of Centenaries Programme

3.1 At the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on 23rd October 2020, Members agreed the programme for the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries until March 2022.

3.2 Officers have progressed a number of actions in relation to the programme as agreed including a submission of an application requesting £87,700 to the Shared History Fund which is being distributed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This application is seeking funding for four of the projects listed in Appendix I, a copy of which has been circulated, namely:

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 Drama and animation programme in mid June 2021  The restoration of the chairs in the Council Chamber, used by the King and Queen on the occasion of the inauguration of the NI Parliament in 1921

 A digitised artefacts and stories project related to 1921 and;

 A time capsule project

3.3 It is anticipated that notification of the outcome will be given at the end of February, 2021.

3.4 Further to a query from officers, the HLF has advised in writing, without prejudice, that there is no issue should the Council commence a procurement process for these 4 projects prior to being notified of the outcome of the application. Therefore, Officers intend to start the process in mid February but will not appoint until Council has received formal written confirmation from HLF as to the result. The specifications have already been drawn up and BCC will advise organisations wishing to bid, that any award will be dependent upon funding. This will allow a maximised timeframe for successful delivery agents to develop quality programmes in advance of May and June as well as minimising the financial risk to the Council.

3.5 In parallel with this process, as a result of the ongoing restrictions set by The NI Executive, the Council at its meeting on 1st February, agreed to suspend live events from January 2021 until August 2021. In addition, the Council also agreed to develop an alternative option to deliver an event or exhibition to mark the Centenary of Northern Ireland, to include the use of online platforms, and noted that other more public events were being planned for the second half of the year, Covid-19 restrictions permitting.

3.6 To this end, Members may wish to note the proposed revised format of activities at Appendix I, which can take place as part of the Centenary Programme during February – June 2021 while allowing for the decision of Council regarding live events and taking the Covid-19 restrictions into account.

3.7 Members have previously asked that the labour movement and the development of the women’s movement be covered as part of the programme and may wish to note the following:

 Event on 26 March: Panel Discussion on Northern Ireland 100 Years – How has it Gone? – a balanced panel and the issues of the development of the women’s movement and

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labour issues are specific elements that will be covered by panelists;  Drama: this has been designed to include the key themes of the whole of the final phase of the Decade, particularly on the women’s movement between 1918 – 1922;

 The digital trail of artefacts, stories and personalities from 1921 will include the stories of local women and trade union issues; and

 These issues will also form the cornerstone of the final Decade of Centenaries conference in March 2022

Launch of NIO Programme – 14th December, 2020

3.8 The Secretary of State launched the NIO plans for the Centenary along with the branding programme – ‘Our Story in the Making: NI Beyond 100’. He advised there will be a programme of events that seek to showcase Northern Ireland on the world stage as an attractive place to live, visit and do business, and to celebrate Northern Ireland’s people, businesses, culture, arts, and young talent, reflecting on our past while looking forward to a positive future. A commitment of £3m has been made from the NIO for this purpose though further details are still be made public.

Further information can be found at https://ourstoryinthemaking.com/

External Engagement

3.9 Officers will continue to engage with NIO regarding the development of the programme. Officers have also met with officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to discuss respective plans.

80th Anniversary of the Belfast Blitz

Background

3.10 In 2016, the Council supported a number of events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Blitz, many of which were undertaken in partnership with the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum given their expertise and contacts in this area. As part of the Council programme, a talk by the historian Brian Barton was arranged in the Bobbin, and on the same night the names of those who died were scrolled on the big screen in City Hall grounds along with an air siren sounding. A number of plaques marking significant sites impacted by the Blitz were also erected across the City.

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Key Issues

3.11 Given the Council decision to suspend live events from January 2021 until August 2021, in light of ongoing restrictions due to the pandemic, the Council will not be able to arrange a suitable live event to mark the anniversary.

3.12 In light of the above approach, officers have sought to explore how the Council could support online engagement and have discussed the possibilities with the NI War Memorial given its expertise, resources and we partnered with the group in 2016.

3.13 The NI War Memorial has advised that it will be undertaking the majority of engagement through virtual means and only if restrictions permit, will the wreath laying at City and Milltown Cemeteries take place with a small number of people in attendance to maintain social distancing.

3.14 It is organising a significant programme for the 80th anniversary year including:

 Laying of wreath at NIWM and on mass graves in Milltown and City Cemeteries. Commemorations recorded on video on 15th April and released on Social Media on 16th April;

 Launch of new memorial page on new NIWM website which will include updated list of casualties based on recent research and photographs of victims;

 Online lecture series throughout April;

 Promotion of The War and Me oral history project to encourage air raid memories; and

 Blitz 80 reminiscence pack for care homes

Further contents of the Programme can be found at Appendix 2, a copy of which has been circulated.

Council Support

3.15 Given that the NIWM are organising such a range of creative activities including online lectures, work with schools, reminiscence projects which will reach a wider audience, the Council could take the approach of supporting and promoting the programme in the following ways:

 Pending restrictions, there will be a laying of wreaths at City Cemetery and Milltown Cemeteries on 15th April which is organised by the NI War Museum annually. The

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Lord Mayor could take part in this ceremony on behalf of Council if small gatherings are permitted;

 The Lord Mayor could launch and/or promote the activities being planned around the anniversary;

 The Council’s Communications Team could liaise with the NIWM to ensure we promote the events and Lord Mayor could record an appropriate message as part of this promotion;

 The NI War Memorial is planning to deliver reminiscence resource packs to care homes to mark the 80th anniversary. The Council could liaise with the Museum to publicise the activity packs and the Lord Mayor could be involved in some capacity to be determined; and

 Officers will explore the possibility of including an air raid siren/searchlight within the programme with the NIWM.

Finance

3.16 The NIWM has indicated that it would be content for the Council to be associated/ involved with the relevant activities. It has advised that it is able to cover the costs of the outlined programme. However, it did indicate that as the organisation is printing all of the resources internally such as the packs for schools and care homes, the costs are significant. Officers would, therefore, suggest that the Council may wish to consider contributing up to £1,000 towards these costs to assist with this as part of the anniversary commemorations which can be covered through existing budgets.

Equality and Good Relations Implications

3.17 The proposed programme of events are open to all and as such have the potential to promote good relations and equality by bringing together people from a wide range of backgrounds. The Decade of Centenary Programme has been considered as part of the District Council Good Relations Action Plan screening process.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.18 An application has been made to the HLF Shared History Fund for £87,700 and other elements of the programme are being funded through existing budgets. This includes £31k from the Decade of Centenaries specified Reserve, approx. £40k from the Events budget and £40,500 from the Good Relations Action Plan budget, 75% of which is funded through The Executive Office.”

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The Committee adopted the recommendations and agreed, in terms of the 80th Anniversary of the Belfast Blitz, that a report be submitted to a future meeting examining how additional suggestions, including the use of searchlights and an air raid siren, could be accommodated.

Request from Northern Ireland Office

The City Solicitor informed the Committee that a request had been received from the Northern Ireland Office to use an image of the City Hall for a promotional video, as part of its Year ’21 Centenary Programme.

The Committee agreed that the City Solicitor would circulate further details of the proposal to Members and that it be considered initially by the Party Group Leaders.

Northern Ireland Centenary Programme – Repositioning of Chairs

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1  To seek approval to relocate the Town Hall Mayoral Chair in the Council chamber to improve the display of this artefact and the newly conserved Royal Chairs; and

 To seek approval to commission a new brass plaque marking the successful conservation of the chairs and marking their use in historic royal visits and the events of June 1921 at the City Hall. Both requests are linked into the council’s NI Centenary Programme 2021.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is recommended to;

i. approve the request to relocate the Town Hall Mayoral chair to its own feature area and update the area for the two royal chairs; and

ii. approve the request to commission a new brass plaque for the royal chairs.

3.0 Main Report

Background

3.1 At present within the Council Chamber, a wooden platform against the back wall of the chamber showcases the two royal chairs and Town Hall Mayoral chair. The Mayoral Chair is believed

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to have been commissioned for the opening of the Town Hall on Victoria Street in 1871 and is a rare example of the Irish arts and craft style.

3.2 The royal chairs were formerly the property of former Lord Mayor Sir Crawford McCullagh and were used at the City Hall by King George V and Queen Mary in 1921 at the official state opening of the new Northern Ireland Parliament and by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their coronation tour of 1937. The Council purchased the chairs at auction from the late Sir Crawford’s estate in 1950.

3.3 As part of the NI Centenary Programme, specialist conservators have been appointed to stabilise and conserve the condition of these two important artefacts. The cost of the conservation of the two Royal chairs is part of the NI Centenary Programme presented to the Committee in November 2020 and within a funding application to the Shared History Fund.

3.4 At present, City Hall Tour Guides have reported that international visitors to the City Hall are often confused by the current layout and display of these three chairs and it is hoped by separating the Mayoral Chair and pair of Royal Chairs, their respective historical significance and context will be better explained and illustrated to visitors.

Key Issues

3.5 The City Hall Collections team, once the conversation of the two royal chairs is completed, request permission to move the Town Hall Mayoral chair from its current location against the back wall of the chamber to the left of its current position, creating a separate small plinth on the north side of the chamber below the window; locating the artefact where Members may remember the Covenant table was on display for many years. All artefacts would continue to be cordoned with rope and staunton, as they are, now to protect the artefacts from damage.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.6 A budget for conservation of the two Royal chairs has already been already approved as part of the NI Centenary Programme presented to committee in November 2020 and within a funding application to the Shared History Fund.

3.7 There would be a cost to the Council in approving the request for the procurement of a brass plaque to update the existing plaques. The cost is approximately £1,000 and would be financed from existing operational budgets.

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Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Implications

3.8 There are no direct good relations or equality implications arising from this report.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Shared City Partnership

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Shared City Partnership held on 8th February, including the recommendations:

i. to seek nominees from the Interfaith Forum and The Executive Office to replace the positions which had recently become vacant;

ii. to agree that a letter be forwarded, on behalf of the Shared City Partnership, to the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association, condemning the arson attack which had occurred on 15th January;

PEACE IV

BPR4 – Belfast and the World

iii. to agree a further extension to mid-March 2021 to allow for Ligoniel and Ballynafeigh groups to complete;

iv. that the 26 contact hours be made up of 13 online delivery and 13 hours of self-directed learning using the course materials provided.

Good Relations Action Plan 2020/21

v. that a follow up event be organised with Professor Waller to explore further the themes discussed at the online seminar on 26th January;

vi. to note the potential for underspend within the Good Relations Action Plan 2020/21, due to the current pandemic and subsequent restrictions, and that the Chief Executive has written to The Executive Office to ask for an extension to the funding to allow end of year flexibility;

Draft Good Relations Action Plan 2021/22

vii. to agree that that the draft Good Relations Action Plan 2021/22, as attached at Appendix 2 of the report, be submitted to The Executive Office, subject to the total cost for Strategic Intervention Programme BCC10 being amended to read £68,000;

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viii. to note that, in order to meet the deadline set by The Executive Office, that the plan will be submitted in draft, subject to approval by the Council at the beginning of March; and

ix. to note that this Action Plan submission is subject to amendment during the assessing and scoring process that will be undertaken by The Executive Office. The Council will be notified of any changes in the final approved Action Plans.

Equality and Diversity: Quarter 3 Equality Screening and Rural Needs Outcome Report

The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided a summary of equality screenings and rural needs impact assessments for Quarter 3 (October to December, 2020).

Equality and Diversity: Audit of Inequalities and Equality Action Plan 2021-24

The Committee approved the Draft Audit of Inequalities and the Equality Action Plan which had, over the past six months, been developed in collaboration with Council Departments and were aligned with the timescale of the Corporate Plan 2020-24.

Operational Issues

Minutes of the Meeting of the Party Group Leaders' Consultative Forum

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum of 11th February.

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

The Committee considered the following applications for the use of the City Hall which had been received up to 5th February:

NAME OF FUNCTION FUNCTION CRITERIA ROOM HOSPITALITY CIVIC HQ ORGANISATION DATE DESCRIPTION MET CHARGE OFFERED RECOMMEND 2021 EVENTS Belfast Health November Belfast Trust C Yes - No hospitality Approve and Social Care 2021 Chairman’s £825 Charge £825 Trust Awards 2019 No hospitality Dependent – Awards on City Hall ceremony to recovery recognise the and COVID contributions guidelines and achievements of the staff in the Belfast Trust.

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Numbers attending – 300

* Numbers and room layout will be reviewed and revised in line with COVID19 social distancing guidelines at the time of this event.

County Grand On Date to Celebration C Yes - Yes, Approve Orange Lodge of be agreed Dinner of £825 Wine No charge Belfast within 2021 Centenary of Reception Wine Northern Reception Dependent Ireland– A on City Hall dinner to recovery celebrate the and COVID 100 years guidelines since the creation of Northern Ireland.

Numbers attending – 300

* Numbers and room layout will be reviewed and revised in line with COVID19 social distancing guidelines at the time of this event.

After discussion, the Committee approved the use of the City Hall by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the County Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on the dates set out above. The Committee noted that the City Solicitor would, at its next meeting, provide clarification on whether the provision of a wine reception at the County Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland event, as recommended within the report, was permitted under the current criteria governing the provision of hospitality.

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Minutes of the Meeting of the Social Value Working Group

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Social Value Working Group of 29th January.

Chairperson

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People and Communities Committee

Tuesday, 9th February, 2021

MEETING OF PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE HELD REMOTELY VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS

Members present: Councillor Baker (In the Chair); Alderman Rodgers; and Councillors Black, Bunting, Michael Collins, Corr, de Faoite, Flynn, Garrett, M. Kelly, Magee, McAteer, McCusker, McReynolds, Newton, Pankhurst, Smyth and Verner.

In attendance: Mr. R. Black, Director of Neighbourhood Services; Mrs. S. Toland, Director of City Services; Ms. J. Wilson, Business Manager; Mrs. L. McLornan, Democratic Services Officer; and Mrs. S. Steele, Democratic Services Officer.

Also In attendance: Councillors Heading and O’Hara.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend were reported on behalf of Councillors Cobain and Mulholland. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 12th and special meeting of 26th January were taken as read and signed as correct.

It was reported that the minutes of 12th January had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February with the following addition - “At the request of Councillor Brooks, the Council agreed to write to the Department for Infrastructure to highlight the necessity to improve the facilities and access to the Cregagh Glen, Castlereagh Hills, and suggest that it worked with its key stakeholders towards this objective.”

Declarations of Interest

No Declarations of Interest were recorded.

Restricted

The information contained in the reports associated with the following 5 items is restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the Members of the Press and public from the Committee meeting during discussion on the following 5 items as, due to their nature, there would be a disclosure of

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exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2021/22

(Mr. R. Cregan, Director of Finance and Resources, attended in connection with this item).

The Committee considered a report, which had been prepared by the Director of Finance and Resources, in relation to the establishment of the District Rate and the compilation of the Estimates of Revenue Expenditure for the year 2021/2022.

The Director outlined that the paper would not be subject to call-in as it would cause an unreasonable delay which would be prejudicial to the Council and the public’s interest in striking the district rate by the legislative deadline of 1st March, 2021.

He referred to the cash limit for the People and Communities Committee for 2021/2022, as recommended by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 22nd January, and outlined the next steps in the rate setting process leading to the setting of the district rate by Council at its meeting in March 2021.

Following consideration, the Committee noted the next steps in the rate setting process and:

 agreed that the report would not be subject to call-in, given that it would cause an unreasonable delay and would be prejudicial to both the Council and the public’s interests in striking the district rate by the legislative deadline of 1st March, 2021; and  agreed a cash limit for the People and Communities Committee for 2020/21 of £83,949,408 and the individual service cash limits.

Finance Update

The Committee was reminded that the Strategic Policy and Resources, at its meeting on 31st July, had received an update on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Council’s financial position and a strategy to address the forecast deficit and the mitigation measures, which had and would be taken as the situation evolved. It had agreed to continue to provide Members with a monthly update on the financial position and that the same report would be presented to the subsequent standing Committees for noting and to provide further information on ongoing work.

The Committee noted the January 2021 financial update.

Wild Lights Show - Botanic Gardens 2020 – 2024

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting held on 8th December, 2020, a report had been considered which provided an update concerning a previous request from a promoter who had sought permission to hold a Wild Lights event in Botanic Gardens. The request had initially been approved at a meeting of the Committee held on

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14th January, 2020, however, at the July 2020 meeting of the Council, following a request from the promoter to amend the dates relating to the initial request (due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions), it had been agreed that the decision be amended to enable an environmental impact assessment to be carried out. Following this, the promoter had cancelled the 2020 event stating that the request had created potential operational and contractual difficulties but advised that he was still keen to run the event in future years, however, felt that a light impact assessment survey was unnecessary.

At the December 2020 meeting, the Members had agreed that a briefing paper would be submitted to a future meeting in respect of the legislation that existed around bats and their habitats.

Subsequent to this, at the January 2021 meeting of Council, it was further agreed that the briefing paper would include a legal opinion as to whether the Council, having asked one promotor to carry out an environmental assessment for the use of Botanic Gardens, had set a precedent to require all future promotors to do the same and also include any relevant legal considerations which the Committee should be aware of in relation to the potential 24 hour opening of the Council’s Parks.

The Members considered the report, following which it was:

Moved by Councillor Smyth, Seconded by Councillor Flynn,

“That the Council agrees to carry out an initial survey to see if and where bat roosts are in Botanic Park. Following which a report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee detailing what measures would be put in place to protect any sites for the duration of the event and those conditions would be built into the licence for the event.”

On a recorded vote, six Members voted for the proposal and eleven against, with one no vote and it was declared lost:

For 6 Against 11 No Vote 1

Councillor De Faoite, Flynn, Alderman Rodgers, and Councillor Michael Collins. M. Kelly, McCusker, Councillors Baker, Black, McReynolds and Smyth. Bunting, Corr, Garrett, Magee, McAteer, Newton, Pankhurst and Verner.

The Members noted the legal opinions in regards to setting a precedent and also that the 24 hour opening of the Council’s Parks was permissible under the Council’s Bye-Laws.

In respect of the legislations pertaining to bats and their habitats, the Committee noted that, in the absence of assessments, officers would work with promoters to ensure compliance with all legal requirements, including legislation and it was requested that officers would ascertain the cost of a bat survey for future reference.

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Following discussion, the Committee agreed to vote on the recommendation in the report to uphold the agreement of the Committee from January 2020 for the use of Botanic Gardens, throughout November/December up to December 2024 (inclusive), subject to any changes in Council policy and process in relation to event and environmental impact going forward.

On a recorded vote, eleven Members voted to accept the recommendation and six against, with one no vote and it was declared carried:

For 11 Against 6 No Vote 1

Alderman Rodgers, and Councillor De Faoite, Councillor Michael Collins. Councillors Baker, Black, Flynn, M. Kelly, McCusker, Bunting, Corr, Garrett, McReynolds and Smyth. Magee, McAteer, Newton, Pankhurst and Verner.

Request for Exhumation

The Director of City Services provided the Committee with the details in regard to a request to undertake an exhumation at Roselawn Cemetery.

The Members noted that the Department for Communities, the Public Health Agency and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council had been informed of the application and had granted permission, as required by the Burial Ground Regulations (NI) 1992.

The Committee granted the exhumation request and agreed, given the sensitivity of the request and in an effort to prevent any further delay or distress to the family, to grant officers authority to proceed with the relevant paperwork in advance of the March Council meeting to ensure that the exhumation could take place as soon as possible.

Southcity Resource and Development Centre Bridging Support

The Committee referred to a report which considered a request from Southcity Resource and Development Centre that were seeking support for St Simons Hall.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services advised that in normal circumstances any approach for community revenue support would be directed via the Council’s Community Development Grants programme, under the revenue grants programme. The Committee was reminded Committee that, due to the Covid pandemic, it had taken the decision not to proceed with an open call under this programme for 2021/22 and instead had agreed to extend existing funding contracts for the 2021/22 financial year.

The Members noted that the normal grant route was therefore not available to the organisations and, as a result of a previous implied decision of a previous committee around potential Council support with revenue costs, the Members were asked to consider a one

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off bridging support grant as a contribution towards the revenue costs associated with opening the building.

The Committee noted that officers had assessed the application from the organisation and it was compliant with the eligibility criteria required for community development grants and included eligible costs associated with the running of the building. It further noted that a formal application for any potential future grant funding would be required when the grants programme reopened in Autumn 2021.

The Committee agreed the provision of a one off ‘Bridging Support’ to Southcity Resource and Development Centre for revenue costs associated with St Simons Hall, pro rata from the date of opening of the facility in 2020 to the current year end and an award in line with the agreed allocation model for existing grant holders for the 2021/22 financial year.

Matters referred back from the Council/Motions

Response from Department for Infrastructure – Provision of Lighting - Comber Greenway

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting held on 10th November, it had agreed that the Council write to the Department for Infrastructure to request that it prioritise the design, funding and competition of its public consultation regarding the installation of lighting on the Comber Greenway.

The Democratic Services Officer informed the Committee that a response had now been received from the Infrastructure Minister.

The Minister had stated that she was keen to see more people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle on the Greenways and she agreed that one of the ways to do this might be to provide lighting. She continued, however, that there was a number of factors to be considered before a decision could be taken in relation to lighting and this included both financial and environmental considerations.

She advised that the Department had completed a preliminary design for lighting of the Comber Greenway and it hoped to be in a position to carry out a public consultation on the proposed design in the spring.

The Minister had concluded by welcoming the ongoing discussion between officials around the future development and management of the Comber Greenway, stating that she recognised that both the Department and Belfast City Council needed to work as a partnership, to seek to remove the barriers for people who want to walk, wheel and cycle more and to improve the attractiveness of the Greenways as a community facility.

The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

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Urgent action to address invasive odour in Collin

The Committee was reminded that, at the Council meeting on 1st February, the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Michael Collins and seconded by Councillor Matt Collins, had, in accordance with Standing Order 13(f), been referred to the Committee for consideration:

“Council notes with alarm the invasive odour which has pervaded in the Collin area of West Belfast for several years.

This has caused extreme concern amongst residents, who have been expected to simply put up with this odour, with little or no action from the DAERA minister to address the issue.

The odour has been traced to the Mullaghglass landfill site in Collin. Immediate action must be taken to ensure this odour does not persist, and a comprehensive study should be carried out by DAERA to ensure the air quality in Collin is of a safe standard.

Council resolves to write to DAERA minister Edwin Poots to this end, urging him to assess and allay any concerns about air quality residents have because of this odour, and to take immediate action to eradicate this invasive smell coming from the Mullaghglass site.”

Councillor Michael Collins addressed the Committee and outlined the context of the motion and a number of other Members spoke in support of the motion.

The Committee adopted the motion and agreed to write to the DAERA Minister seeking the Department take immediate action to eradicate the invasive smell coming from the Mullaghglass site.

Committee/Strategic Issues

Affordable Warmth Scheme update

(Mr. I. Harper, Building Control Manager, attended in connection with this item).

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 Belfast City Council has been engaged in a partnership with the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in the delivery of the Affordable Warmth Scheme (AWS) since 2014.

1.2 The scheme aims to address fuel poverty for the most vulnerable households in the city by targeting those

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households that meet certain criteria, as identified by Ulster University to provide home improvement measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation, replacement boilers and new double glazed windows. While it is a targeted scheme, self-referrals are also considered. To qualify for the scheme occupant’s income must be below £20,000 (gross).

1.3 The purpose of this report is to give Members an update on the AWS, including the ongoing engagement with DfC at SOLACE level, and outline a request from DfC regarding the Service Level Agreement for 2020-2021.

1.4 In September, Members confirmed their commitment to the scheme but also the need for adequate funding to be provided. The Director of Planning and Building Control wrote to DfC confirming the level of surveys that could be provided with the current staffing resource.

1.5 Members also agreed to write to the Department requesting a meeting with the Minister for Communities to discuss the scheme. Following written request, DfC have replied confirming the ministers diary commitments mean it is not possible to arrange a meeting, but that David Polley, Director of Housing Supply Policy can meet with Members to discuss the scheme.

1.6 There have been ongoing communications between DfC and councils, both at SOLACE and senior management level.

1.7 DfC have requested that councils sign the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for 2020-2021 and have confirmed that further engagement will take place to finalise the SLA for 2021-2022.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to consider:

1. The offer from DfC for David Polley to address the Committee 2. The request from DfC to sign the Service Level Agreement for (in year) 2020-2021 and

a) – agree to sign the SLA with a caveat outlining the concerns around targeted ratio and funding or b) - decline to sign the SLA and wait for a revised version for the next financial year 2021-2022 in which the outstanding issues are addressed to the satisfaction of the council, and

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3. Note the ongoing work to agree a suitable Service Level Agreement for 2021-2022.

3.0 Main report

Key Issues and current position

Current position

3.1 An update report was provided to Members in September, at which point the DfC had set the target number of referrals at 44. The Service continues to work with only one member of AWS staff, supported by Building Control Business support staff to help with the workload, in particular the customer contact. The BC Service is not in a position to continue to subsidise the scheme with its own Business support staff moving forward given the workload related to their normal duties.

3.2 Approval was granted to recruit an AWS site officer post, although this will take a number of months to recruit and train. It is hoped that with two members of AWS staff, the suggested target of 30 referrals outlined by the DfC for 2021-2022 will be met.

3.3 Interviews with residents continue to be conducted remotely where possible by electronic means and on phones. Risk assessments have been carried out for any essential on-site work, including the requirement for PPE and maintaining social distancing. This is not easy with some of the most vulnerable and can mean additional engagement with family members or other contacts to establish if they meet the scheme criteria.

3.4 Below are the referrals submitted to NIHE (urgent only being provided up to 1st August)

Month Applications sent to NIHE

April 1

May 9

June 8

July 6

August 11

September 26

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October 24

November 24

December 17

January - up to 14/1/21 13

Total 139

3.5 In addition, 127 onward referrals have been made to other agencies and an increasing number of emails and calls about the scheme at this time of year are being handled. The service will continue to provide as many referrals as possible up to the target of 32.

Communications from DfC

3.6 On 11 December, DfC wrote to councils outlining a number of changes to the scheme. This included:

 Scheme eligibility criteria is increasing from £20,000 to £23,000, which is welcomed.

 Targeted approach: this is being discussed with DoF to look at a refreshed approach. The current 80/20 ratio is to be continue at this stage. Officers continue to inform DfC that this ratio is not achievable for BCC given the levels of self-referrals and needs identified, and needs to be altered in the future SLA. DfC and NIHE are accepting referrals provided within the current working arrangements and this will continue, pending further review work being carried out on the targeted approach. However, this is not reflected within the proposed SLA for 2020-2021.

 Referrals – the referral target has changed from the 44 confirmed in August, to 32 through to yearend. Continued in year changes to the referral targets make resourcing the scheme very difficult, and should be reconsidered as part of any future SLA. This new change would result in a reduction of income for councils on the payment per referral model. Following feedback from Councils DfC wrote a further letter on 22nd December outlining a method by which councils could request access for Covid related funding where their staffing costs were not met by the AWS funding. This does not affect BCC given the current resourcing level.

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 While councils had requested additional flexibility in month-by-month referral provision, none was agreed.

 Budget for 2021-2022 – the planned budget is between £12m and £16m, with a suggested target referral rate of about 30. Again, stability in relation to referral targets is needed for resourcing.

SOLACE

3.7 Representatives of SOLACE met with the Deputy Permanent Secretary before Christmas to discuss the AWS and SOLACE discussed the matter further on 7th January 2021. As a result DfC have confirmed the following:

 A review of the targeted methodology is being carried out with Department of Finance (DoF), commissioning a study and engaging with councils.

 DfC are to undertake a study with DoF to look at the funding model, evaluate the value for money and consider alternatives. The potential for a 50/50 referral and flat rate basis is being considered.

 Commitment to consult with Councils on the proposed SLA for 2021-2022, with a meeting set up for early February.

3.8 SOLACE have emphasised that the grant support is the greatest difficulty for councils and must be adequate to cover the staffing costs incurred. Given we are nearing the new financial year, they have asked for the work to be undertaken with urgency.

3.9 The DfC also requested that BCC sign a Service Level Agreement for the last quarter of 2020-2021, based on a target referral rate of 32 for January – March. They have confirmed that discussions would take place to finalise the revised version for 2021-2022. The AW team is working to provide as many referrals as possible to 31st March 2021 in relation to the target. However, officers have concerns that the targeted ratio contained within the Agreement cannot be met, which has been communicated to DfC. The SLA does not deal with the funding issues previously raised. Given the work to be undertaken to revise the SLA for 2021-2022 it is suggested that, if members are minded to agree the 2020-2021 SLA, the response includes a caveat for those areas of concern. Alternatively, given this SLA is being proposed late in the financial year, consideration could be given to wait for the revised SLA for 2021-2022, which

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must ensure that the key areas outlined in the report are revised to the satisfaction of the Council.

3.10 The proposed SLA for 2021-2022 will be brought before members once it is provided by DfC, following the engagement with council officers and SOLACE.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.11 The AWS continues to operate the payment per referral model, but we await the review of the funding model. The referrals sent since 1st August are sufficient to cover the cost of the AWS Coordinator.

3.12 Confirmation of funding and referral rate for 2021-2022 is to be finalised, but officers will seek to ensure that the funding for 2021-2022 will be adequate to cover the staffing costs incurred, including the proposed new staff member.

Equality or Good Relations Implications/ Rural Needs Assessment

3.13 There are no equality, good relations or rural needs issues.”

The Committee confirmed its ongoing commitment to the Affordable Warmth Scheme and commended the officers for continuing to deliver this scheme during the ongoing pandemic.

The Committee:

 agreed to invite the Director of Housing Supply Policy, Mr. D. Polley, from the DfC to a future meeting of the Committee to discuss the scheme;  agreed to sign the Service Level Agreement with a caveat outlining the concerns around targeted ratio and funding; and  noted the ongoing work to agree a suitable Service Level Agreement for 2021-2022 and that further engagement would take place.

Update on development of the Belfast City Air Quality Action Plan 2021 - 2026

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 The Committee will be aware that at its previous remote meeting of 12th January 2021, the Director of City Services provided an update paper to the Committee concerning progress with a range of ambient air quality projects that City and Neighbourhood Services Department staff are progressing.

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Amongst those projects is the development of new Air Quality Action Plan for the city covering the period 2021-2026. The Committee is advised that Council’s current Air Quality Action Plan concluded at the end of 2020.

1.2 During the meeting of 12th January 2021, the Director of City Services advised the Committee that a subsequent paper would be brought forward at the next meeting of the Committee, further outlining the development process for the new Action Plan and providing to Members an overview of the various outline actions that have been proposed by the Council’s competent or relevant authority partners and other organisations represented on the Air Quality Action Plan Steering Group.

1.3 This paper serves therefore to present this information to the Committee, by way of a further update, to enable Members to consider how the Plan will be developed and the various outline actions that have been proposed to comprise the new Air Quality Action Plan.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is requested to

 Consider the proposed outline actions for inclusion within the new Air Quality Action Plan 2021-2026 for the city, provided in an Appendix available via mod.gov.

3.0 Main report

Key Issues

3.1 The Committee will be aware that as a consequence of the various ambient air quality review and assessments, updating and screening assessments and progress report that have been completed for the Belfast City Council area, the Council has, to date, declared four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) across the city for exceedances of the air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide, with a principal current focus on achieving and maintaining the annual mean objective for nitrogen dioxide of 40 gm-3. Source apportionment studies conducted for the city in general and specifically for the AQMAs have revealed that the exceedances of the nitrogen dioxide objectives are principally as a consequence of road transport emissions.

3.2 The ‘ribbon’ style AQMAs encompass arterial road transport routes into, and out of the city, and therefore include the M1 Motorway / A12 Westlink corridor, the Ormeau Road, the

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Upper Newtownards Road and the area from Cromac Street to the junction with East Bridge Street and from East Bridge Street to the junction with the Ravenhill and Albertbridge Roads and Short Strand.

3.3 In accordance with the provisions of Part III of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, once an AQMA has been declared, a council is required to develop an Air Quality Action Plan in pursuit of the relevant air quality objectives. The Action Plan is required to draw upon those actions that the council itself can take, as well as those from Competent Authority partners. Competent or Relevant Authorities are those defined in the Air Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and broadly include Northern Ireland Departments, the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

3.4 Accordingly, in seeking to develop a new 5-year Air Quality Action Plan for the city to address road transport emissions, the remaining nitrogen dioxide ‘hot spots’ within the AQMAs, and nitrogen dioxide air pollution generally across the city, the Council has sought to engage with the Department for Infrastructure Roads, Translink, Northern Ireland Railways, Sustrans, Belfast Harbour, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Public Health Agency via the formation of an Air Quality Action Plan Steering Group. Steering Group Members have now provided a series of outline transport related actions that they are proposing to deliver over the anticipated 5-year lifespan of the new Action Plan.

3.5 The Committee is advised that the new Air Quality Action Plan will be developed by the Council’s air quality staff in conjunction with our Steering Group partners. To that end, the Action Plan will be developed with regard to the requirements of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Local Air Quality Action Plan 2020 template. This template requires that an Action Plan should include a summary of ambient air quality within the local authority AQMA(s), along with an explanation of the public health and planning policy contexts, source apportionment studies for the AQMAs, an assessment of the required reductions and key priorities for the Action Plan. The Action Plan must also include an overview of the consultation and stakeholder engagement processes, together with details of the Air Quality Action Plan Steering Group.

3.6 With regard to the measures to be included within the new action plan, the plan must include a list of the actions that

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comprise the plan, the responsible individual and departments or organisations that will deliver each action, the estimated cost of implementing each action (overall cost and cost to the local authority), the expected benefit of each action in terms of pollutant emission and / or concentration reductions, the timescale for implementation and how progress will be monitored.

3.7 Finally, the plan must also include details of any formal consultation processes that have been undertaken, together with a summary of responses to consultation and stakeholder engagement and an explanation of the reasons for not pursuing Action Plan measures. It is noted that at the meeting of 7th September 2020, the Committee agreed that consultation on the new action plan should include engagement with communities and the West Belfast Taxi Consortium.

3.8 Having received various outline action planning measures from our Competent Authority partners and other Steering Group members, the Committee is advised that the Council’s air quality staff will now continue to work with these organisations and bodies to formalise the actions and to develop the new Action Plan in accordance with the requirements of the Defra Local Air Quality Action Plan 2020 template, to a point where the Action Plan can be consulted upon. It is proposed that in view of the continuing constraints imposed by the Covid 19 pandemic, community engagement around the new Action Plan might be delivered via the Council’s Consultation Hub. This approach will however, be further explored with the Steering Group members so as to align to any public consultation exercises that individual organisations might wish to undertake on their actions. In addition, we have sought guidance from DAERA concerning any specific action plan consultation requirements.

3.9 The Committee is advised that a full list of outline actions has been provided at Appendix 1 available on modern.gov. By way of examples, however;

3.10 Translink have proposed introducing zero emission vehicles within Belfast, improving their bus fleet, decarbonising their rail network and vehicle fleet, promoting public transport, providing a Future Ticketing System and delivering the new Belfast Transport Hub.

3.11 Translink and the Department for Infrastructure have jointly proposed the second phase of the Belfast Rapid Transit system, bus and rail based park and ride interchanges, bus route improvements, further expansion of Park and Ride facilities and

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improved walking and cycling connectivity to public transport interchanges.

3.12 Sustrans and the Department for Infrastructure have jointly proposed a bicycle Strategy for Northern Ireland followed by a Bicycle Network Plan for Belfast, the construction of safe and protected cycling infrastructure and traffic management initiatives such as the introduction of 20mph speed limits, School Streets and low traffic neighbourhoods.

3.13 Sustrans, working with a range of partner organisations including the Public Health Agency, DfI, DAERA, Belfast City Council and Interreg, is proposing the delivery of a range of behavioural change and promoting travel alternatives programmes with schools, workplaces and communities.

3.14 The Department for Infrastructure have proposed blue and green infrastructure funding, measures to support a green recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic, development of a Multi- modal transport model, construction of a Lagan pedestrian and cycle bridge and further development of the ecarNI electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

3.15 Belfast Harbour have proposed ambient air quality monitoring and modelling initiatives within the Belfast Harbour area, publishing a Harbour Air Quality Strategy, introducing low or zero carbon fuels, electric vehicle changing infrastructure, a car sharing scheme, clean vehicle incentives, smart traffic control, integrated commuter plans, cycle lanes, green corridors decarbonising port infrastructure, providing shore side power, decarbonising work and pilot boats and space heating, introducing zero carbon vessels and ship planning.

3.16 Belfast City Council has proposed a range of initiatives to reduce the air quality impacts of its fleet operations, including vehicle emissions testing, driver eco training and promoting the uptake of cleaner vehicle technologies and introducing electric vehicles and electric adaptations for refuse collection vehicles. In addition, our Planners have confirmed that the Council’s Local Development Plan, Draft Plan Strategy 2035 contains a range of policy interventions to improve ambient air quality. Similarly, the Belfast Open Spaces Strategy and associated Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan also contain policies and actions for improving ambient air quality for the city. The Council has also highlighted its ‘Just Eat’ Belfast Bikes public bike hire scheme.

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Financial & Resource Implications.

3.17 None

Equality or Good Relations Implications / Rural Needs Assessments.

3.18 None.”

The Committee agreed the proposed actions for inclusion within the new Air Quality Action Plan 2021-2026 for the City available here and noted that the Members would be keen to see the following issues also considered within the Plan:

 more targeted consultation engagement with the communities living within the Air Quality Management Areas; and  the Council focusing on the enforcement of smoke control zones and raising awareness of the impact of burning household fuels on indoor and outdoor air quality.

The Director of City Services also undertook to write to the Department for Infrastructure to highlight the following:

 keen to see it place a greater emphasis on the required infrastructure for cycle lanes;  request that it give further consideration to the importance of safe areas around schools (air pollution exclusion zones).  request that it give consideration to the creation of active travel hubs;  give further exploration to Green Screening; and  further consideration of the pedestrianisation agenda and the reallocation of road space.

DAERA - A Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 The Committee is advised that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have recently commenced a consultation exercise, in the form of a public discussion document, into a new Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland.

1.2 DAERA have stated that the purpose of the public discussion document is to provoke discussion towards policy options that could contribute to meeting the challenges associated with achieving outcomes 2, 4 and 12 of the Northern Ireland Civil Service ‘Outcomes Delivery Plan’, ‘we live and work sustainably

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- protecting the environment’, ‘we enjoy long, healthy, active lives’; and ‘we give our children and young people the best start in life’ respectively.

1.3 This report therefore serves to provide to Committee for consideration, proposed responses to the 29 questions that DAERA have posed throughout the seven thematic chapters of the Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland Public Discussion document.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1  The Committee is requested to consider proposed responses to the 29 questions posed by DAERA as part of the public discussion process, summarised in Appendix 1 to this report and detailed in full within Appendix 2.  The Committee is further requested to recommend that Appendix 1 and 2 responses be both submitted to DAERA by the Belfast City Council consultation deadline of 15th March 2021.

3.0 Main report

Key Issues

3.1 In commencing a public discussion exercise into options for a new Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland, DAERA have advised that clean air is vital for human health and for our natural environment but increasingly, research is showing that the effects of ambient air pollution on human health are more complex and widespread than previously thought.

3.2 To that end, DAERA have advised that within Northern Ireland, we face similar issues with ambient air pollution to the rest of the UK and Europe; most notably, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) found in urban areas, arising principally from road traffic and particularly from diesel engined vehicles.

3.3 The Committee will be aware that the Council has declared four Air Quality Management Areas across the city encompassing major arterial road transport routes for exceedences of Air Quality Strategy objectives for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The AQMAs cover the M1 Motorway / A12 Westlink corridor, the Ormeau Road, the Upper Newtownards Road and Cromac Street to the junction with East Bridge Street and then from East Bridge Street to the junction with the Ravenhill and Albertbridge Roads and Short Strand.

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3.4 The Committee will also be aware that the Council has developed a series of Air Quality Action Plans for the city, in pursuit of the nitrogen dioxide air quality objectives, incorporating actions from our competent authority transport partners including the Department for Infrastructure, Translink, Northern Ireland Railways, Sustrans, the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association, etc. The Council has also included information on the actions that it can take to address transport emissions, including introduction of the Belfast Bikes public cycle hire scheme and ‘greening‘ its own vehicle fleet, etc.

3.5 In addition to nitrogen dioxide issues in urban areas, DAERA have also highlighted that issues persist around emissions from household heating and from agriculture.

3.6 DAERA have advised that Northern Ireland has not had its own dedicated Clean Air Strategy before now and that the public discussion document has set forth a wide range of policy options that are based on research, examples of best practice elsewhere, and on the basis of the air quality problems that are facing Northern Ireland.

3.7 The public discussion document therefore incorporates a comprehensive review of current ambient air quality policy and legislation within Northern Ireland and invites views on possible solutions to take forward further improvements in ambient air quality.

3.8 Accordingly, the public discussion document incorporates 7 chapters and 29 specific questions covering the background to ambient air pollution issues, including; (i) the sources and effects of ambient air pollution; (ii) transport; (iii) household emissions; (iv) agriculture emissions; (v) industrial emissions; (vi) local air quality management and; (vii) communication.

3.9 The Committee is therefore advised that the public discussion document raises issues around the introduction of legally binding WHO targets for particulate matter, about further expanding the Northern Ireland air quality monitoring network, about discouraging the uptake of biomass and about linking noise, climate change and air quality action plans. In addition, the public discussion document asks about the introduction of low emission zones, vehicle charging cordons and the uptake of electric vehicles. With regard to domestic emissions, the discussion document asks about extending smoke control areas and controlling the fuels that can be supplied. The discussion document also asks about controlling ammonia emissions and emissions from industry. Finally, the public

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discussion document poses questions around revising the local air quality management regime for Northern Ireland and about the creation of a Northern Ireland Air Quality Forum and better raising awareness of ambient air quality issues.

3.10 In developing responses to the various questions posed throughout the public discussion document, the Committee is advised that the views of relevant Council Departments and Operational Units have been sought and where obtained, those views have been incorporated into the responses provided at Appendices 1 and 2 to this report.

3.11 The Committee is advised that Appendix 1 provides an overview of proposed responses to the public discussion document to assist in Committee consideration of this matter, whereas Appendix 2 provides detailed responses to the public discussion document.

3.12 Financial and Resource Implications.

None

3.13 Equality or Good Relations Implications / Rural Needs Assessments.

None.”

During discussion, Councillor Smyth tabled the following additions to the consultation response for consideration:

Q1

There should be legally binding targets for particulate matter, this has been detailed in previous motions to Council.

Q5

Whilst using the population figure of 10k as a threshold to trigger the requirement to monitor air quality might be more pertinent to other areas, there is a worry that unless there is monitoring outside if the 10k population then there is a risk of not capturing the impact and pollution caused by ammonia.

Q9

Note that Councils should be able to introduce Clean Air Zones and charge if necessary. Reflect a bolder vision for Belfast and the move toward pedestrianisation and reallocation of road space. Refer to the Programme

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For Government (PFG) outcome re Modal shift as progressing this is key to addressing air pollution.

Q13

Highlight that they are parts of the City that are not under Smoke Control Orders and reinforce that there needs to be an understanding of legislation in relation to the enforcement of Smoke Control Orders. In terms of fuel poverty, note that support needs to be given to those residents wishing to move to alternative clean energy efficient fuels without exacerbating fuel poverty.

Following the proposed amendments to aforementioned questions, the Committee agreed to the following:

 to review the draft consultation response and proposed changes raised and to incorporate the points raised;  to circulate the amended summary of the proposed Belfast City Council responses (Appendix 1) to all Committee Members in advance of the March Council meeting for final approval and agree that these amendments then be incorporated into the detailed response to DAERA (Appendix 2); and  following ratification at the March Council meeting, both responses (Appendix 1 and 2), as amended, be submitted to DAERA by the consultation deadline of 15th March, 2021.

Belfast City Council response to the Department of Health's new "Mental Health Strategy, 2021-31, for Northern Ireland"

The Committee was advised that the Department of Health had developed its draft mental health strategy for Northern Ireland available here. Following the pre-consultation exercise, the Department of Health had now developed its draft strategy which it was consulting on. The consultation had opened on 21st December, 2020 and was scheduled to close on Friday, 26th March, 2021at 5.00 p.m.

Several Members of the Committee welcomed the draft Council response that had been prepared by Council officers. They referred to the importance of addressing mental health issues and noted that the pressures of the ongoing pandemic had further exasperated many of these problems.

The Director concurred and advised that, as with the pre-consultation response, the Council had made the case within its response that the new strategy, and the structures associated with it, needed to integrate and align with community planning structures to ensure that both regional and local impact could be maximised.

The Members were also advised that the recommendations contained in the ‘Elephant in the Room’ report that had been jointly prepared by the Belfast and NI Youth Forum be fully considered and further considered as part of the implementation plans for the strategy.

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The Committee approved the draft consultation response available here and agreed that, subject to Council ratification, it be submitted by the 26th March deadline.

Partnership Funding 2021/22

The Committee was reminded that City and Neighbourhood Services worked in partnership with a number of organisations and some of this had developed through the provision of annual financial support to deliver against agreed outcomes.

Many of the partnership arrangements were historical and had been rolled on from year to year and were not as part of an open call or other funding processes. The Members were reminded that, in the context of the Belfast Agenda, it had previously been agreed that an independent review of these arrangements would be conducted to assess if they continued to deliver value. Completion of the review had been delayed as a result of the ongoing pandemic but the final report was expected in February 2021 and further engagement with the Members on the recommendations would take place in due course.

To ensure the continuity of service delivery for the organisations, it was recommended that funding support remained the same for 2021/22 as in 2020/21. This would give sufficient time for consideration and implementation of the review recommendations.

The Committee agreed the funding allocations to Belfast Hill Partnership, Lagan Valley Regional Park, Outdoor Recreation NI (ORNI), Keep NI Beautiful (KNIB) and Mary Peters Trust based on the recommended levels provided in the report and to further consider the recommendations of the review of partnership funding arrangements at a future meeting.

Correspondence from Advice NI on The Equality Impact Assessment on the Draft Department for Communities (DfC) 2021/22 Budget

The Director of Neighbourhood Services reminded the Committee that Welfare Reform Mitigation Funding was, in addition to wider financial support to the independent advice sector from DfC, allocated through local Councils as part of the wider DfC Community Support Programme. He then drew the Members’ attention to correspondence received from Advice NI, which referred to the fact that the Equality Impact Assessment on the 2021/22 draft budget stated that the £1.5m regional Welfare Reform Mitigation Funding would no longer be available within the proposed DfC budget and would therefore not be available to Councils to support local service provision.

The Committee noted that, if the draft budget was to be agreed, it would result in £293,925.88 not being provided to Belfast City Council for it to help mitigate against the potential impacts of Welfare Reform and for enhanced service provision, as had been the case in 2020/21.

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A number of Members expressed concern at this development and noted the importance of local advice services, particularly at this time given the hardships that many people faced as a result on the ongoing pandemic.

The Committee agreed to write to the Communities Minister to highlight the Committees concern in regard to the proposed £1.5m reduction in funding to the independent advice sector.

Operational Issues

Knockbreda Road entrance to Cherryfield Playing Fields

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Members on the results of the resident survey carried out amongst households surrounding the currently closed Knockbreda Park pedestrian entrance to Cherryvale Playing Fields and to present options as to next steps.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to:

i. Note the results of the residents’ survey ii. Consider options and agree next steps.

3.0 Main report

Background

3.1 Following a request from Councillor Long, at People and Communities Committee on 3rd March 2020, the Committee agreed to commence a consultation process with the immediate neighbours and stakeholders regarding the potential re- opening of an entrance gate into Cherryvale Playing Fields from Knockbreda Park. An initial 100 surveys were posted to households within the immediate vicinity of the gate. (a copy of which is attached to the agenda at Appendix 1; Survey Questions – available via mod.gov)

3.2 This existing gate has been closed for 20+ years. It is Council Officers’ understanding the gate was previously closed due to concern from residents regarding anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the gate at the time. A recent report concerning ASB

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in the Playing Fields now shows a record of 12 incidents over a 24 month period.

3.3 At the People and Communities Committee meeting on 11 August 2020, Councillor De Faoite requested that officers arrange a site meeting to allow Elected Members the opportunity to meet with various user groups to discuss any relevant issues regarding the Playing Fields. A site meeting was held on the 3rd September 2020 and involved Elected Members, representatives from Friends of Cherryvale and various sports users of the facility. Belfast City Council Officers provided an update on works that were taking place within the Playing Fields. Officers also provided an update that 100 households within the immediate vicinity of the gate had been sent a questionnaire asking for their views concerning the potential re- opening of the gate.

3.4 At a further People and Communities Committee meeting, on 8th September 2020, Councillor Kelly requested the survey be widened to incorporate additional residents. Following discussion it was subsequently decided to extend the survey scope to a 400 metre radius (i.e. approximately within a 5 minute walk) from the gate. This is the distance Fields in Trust set as a standard to access a local park on foot. Extending the survey to include all households within a 400m radius of the gate resulted in a total of 1378 households being sent a survey to complete. Of those issued, 509 surveys were returned (36.9%).

Survey Results

3.5 An analysis of the responses was undertaken. Key findings from the survey responses include:

 459 or 90.2% of all respondents stated that they use the playing fields with 50 respondents, or 9.8%, stating they do not use the facility.  The survey asked: ‘Would you be in favour of the gate being opened during regular park opening times?’ Over 89% of respondents who expressed a preference were in favour.  Respondents were offered the opportunity to comment on their answer.

o Concerns were raised in relation to traffic management and parking issues and around potential ASB and noise/disturbance. o The positive comments in relation to the reopening of the gate related to improving access.

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 It should be noted that 21 respondents who were in favour of reopening the gate also expressed concerns. Traffic management and parking were mentioned in 17 and 15 responses respectively. Concern around ASB issues was mentioned in five responses and potential for noise and disturbance was also mentioned five times. The suggestion for a trial period was mentioned twice.  Of the houses closest to the playing fields who were in favour of reopening the gate (14 out of 21 houses), three made comments: one mentioned concerns around traffic management and parking; the other two referenced the benefits of easier access.  Of those respondents who use the playing fields (459 people) 83% are in favour of the gate being reopened, with 9% not being in favour.  Of those respondents who do not use the playing fields (50 people) 36% are in favour of the gate being reopened, with 12% not being in favour. The largest percentage of responses indicated no preference (44%).  Two thirds of the responses from the houses closest to the gate are in favour of the reopening of the gate but as outlined in the summary document there are concerns expressed in the comments.

Options/Next steps

3.6 Considering the survey results, officers have identified two potential options for Members consideration:

Option 1:

Gate remains closed: the survey results overwhelmingly supported the re-opening of the gate. However, concerns have been expressed by both those in favour and those against reopening the additional pedestrian access. Respondents have cited issues in relation to traffic management and parking and the potential for increased ASB/noise and disturbance complaints.

Option 2:

Gate is re-opened: the majority of survey returns (89% of those indicating a preference) would support this option. However there are several factors to note:

a. Although there is overwhelming support for the gate re- opening there were also concerns raised, in particular regarding traffic management, parking and concern for

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attracting ASB and noise/disturbance (due to accessing of the playing fields).

Officers have met with Road Service officials to discuss any implications on traffic, parking and crossings in regards to the gate. The Road Service have stated that no additional lighting is required. Parking restrictions lines would not be added prior to the gate opening; however, this would be monitored and if lines are required there would be no cost to the council. It may also be that a traffic island is required to assist in crossings; traffic lights have previously been requested by the residents and an assessment completed by the Road Service, however, the installation of traffic lights is on a waiting list. At present DfI see no immediate works required to be completed if the gate is opened for pedestrians but are of the opinion that regular assessments of the area would be required. b. To allow the re-opening, a new gate and path would need to be installed at an approximate cost of £7,500. This does not include any measures outside the playing fields’ boundary and would be subject to a more detailed assessment.

It is likely these essential works ie installation of a new gate (replacing the old one in existence) and upgrading of the existing footpath (which may require clearing of vegetation in the area) will be considered as permitted development in line with the council carrying out its functions. However, if appropriate, a formal opinion can be obtained through a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development (CLUD).

If additional works were required in the future, such as the addition of new lighting to the footpath or widening of the footpath (to improve accessibility), it is likely that a full planning application would need to be submitted. c. Operational considerations: Officers suggest that any additional access gate would follow the current arrangements in place with our Park Warden team, who are responsible for opening and closing our parks. This team currently work on an annualised-hours basis which provides us with the flexibility to have these officers working for longer periods in the summer months. While this work pattern facilitates longer opening during the summer period, it means that shorter operating hours in the winter months leads to earlier

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closure times for parks linked to dark nights. Our current staffing resource cannot facilitate extending the opening times of the city parks, however, in a recent committee report councillors were advised that officers are investigating this issue as part of our wider Parks Improvement Programme. In doing so, we are progressing two key initiatives to help inform future park management and opening arrangements namely:

 24 hour pilot opening hours at Woodvale, Falls & Ormeau parks in Spring 2021  A feasibility study to consider options, concept and pricing for the lighting of parks.

Until these works have been completed, and subsequently considered by Committee, it would be difficult for us to deviate from current Council policy in relation to park winter opening hours. Continuing this may help address ASB concerns, however they would also restrict access to the Playing Fields and there may be demand from clubs using the 3G pitch to open this gate outside normal hours.

Financial & Resource Implications

3.7 If the gate were to be re-opened, the capital cost to install a new gate and path has been approximated as £7,500. This cost has not been currently budgeted for.

Operational arrangements can be accommodated within existing budgets. Additional opening hours would incur additional costs.

Equality or Good Relations Implications/ Rural Needs Assessment

3.8 An equality and rural proofing screening is underway, in line with council’s equality, good relations and rural needs requirements, to identify positive or adverse impacts of any decision to re-open the gate.”

The Committee considered the report, during which a number of Members expressed concern at the potential road safety concerns should the gate be re- opened, following which it was:

Moved by Councillor Baker, Seconded by Councillor Garrett,

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“This Committee agrees in principle to the opening of the gate, subject to internal financing being secured. This agreement will also be subject to safe road crossing/road safety measures being considered and agreed in advance by the Department for Infrastructure and approved through a statutory public consultation.”

Amendment

Moved by Councillor De Faoite, Seconded by Councillor Smyth,

“In order to adequately address the road safety concerns expressed in the survey responses, Belfast City Council will write to the Department for Infrastructure requesting that a pedestrian crossing adjacent to the Knockbreda Road and Ravenhill Road gates to Cherryvale be funded as part of the blue and green Infrastructure fund.

Pedestrian crossings at this location, along with the opening of the gate, would help to link pedestrian and cyclist routes from Cregagh Glen to the Lagan Gateway greenway, across the planned crossing on the A55, through Rosetta, Knockbreda Road, Cherryvale Playing Fields, Ravenhill Road, Ormeau Road, Sunnyside Street, Annadale Embankment, Governors Bridge, Stranmillis Embankment, Lockview Road to the Lagan Towpath.”

The Proposer of the motion advised that he was content to accept the amendment but the proposer of the amendment stated that he wished for it to be taken as a separate proposal and requested a recorded vote:

On a recorded vote, six Members voted for the proposal and twelve against and it was declared lost.

For 6 Against 12

Councillor De Faoite, Flynn, M. Kelly, Alderman Rodgers, and Councillors Baker, McCusker, McReynolds and Smyth. Black, Bunting, Michael Collins, Corr, Garrett, Magee, McAteer, Newton, Pankhurst and Verner.

A further Member requested that a site visit to the location be organised with DfI representatives to enable further consideration of the road safety concerns.

The Proposer of the original Motion, Councillor Baker, advised that he was content to accept the aforementioned amendments, as proposed by Councillor De Faoite, and also acceded to the request to convene a site visit and the Committee unanimously agreed:

 in principle to the opening of the gate, as outlined in Option 2 of the report, subject to internal financing being secured;  that the agreement would be subject to safe road crossing/road safety measures being agreed in advance by the DfI and approved through a statutory public consultation;

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 that the Committee would write to the Infrastructure Minister to outline the position and to stress that, whilst the survey was positive, road safety concerns remained a major issue and request that to try and alleviate these concerns that a pedestrian crossing be installed at the location (adjacent to the Knockbreda Road and Ravenhill Road gates to Cherryvale) with the funding for the proposed crossing being sought from the blue and green Infrastructure fund; and  to write to the DfI to request a site visit to the location to discuss and further consider the road safety concerns raised.

Requests for the use of Dixon Park by Bloomfield Gospel Hall

The Committee considered a report in relation to a request from Bloomfield Gospel Hall seeking permission to deliver their weekly Sunday evening services as a series of ‘Gospel Drive-Ins’ at Dixon Park each Sunday from 28th March to 29th August 2021, 6.45 p.m. – 7.45 p.m.

In addition to this request, they were also seeking permission to host their annual Gospel outreach event at Dixon Park during the month of June 2021. This would involve a gospel drive-in with local people attending in cars each day for a period of 4 weeks from 31st May to 25th June, 7.45 p.m. – 8.45 p.m. (Monday – Friday) and Sunday 6.45 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.

The Committee was advised that the event would be set up on the tarmac area at the rear end of the main carpark and would cause little or no disruption to other park users. The front carpark would remain open to members of the public.

The Committee granted approval to Bloomfield Gospel Hall to hold weekly Sunday evening services and a series of “Gospel Drive-Ins” at Dixon Park, subject to the completion of the appropriate Event Management Plans and satisfactory terms being agreed by the Director of City and Neighbourhood Services and on the condition that the Event Organisers:

 resolve all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;  meet all statutory requirements including Public Liability Insurance cover, Health and Safety, and licensing responsibilities;  consult with adjoining public bodies and local communities as necessary; and  adhere to Government Covid19 Regulations in place at the time of the event.

Motion: BCA licence renewal - Victoria Park

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of the report is for Members to consider a report by the Belfast City Airport outlining its ongoing bird control

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management and to consider a request from Belfast City Airport (BCA) to gain access to Victoria Park to carry out pricking of greylag geese eggs. This is part of an ongoing control programme in line with their Wildlife Hazzard Assessment and the Civil Aviation Authority licensing requirements.

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 Members are asked to:

i. Note the report from Belfast City Airport on Bird Control Measures at Victoria Park; ii. Consider permissions requested to enter Victoria Park to facilitate the continuation of pricking of un-hatched greylag goose eggs under licence issued by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). This intervention to control birds in the flight path to the airport is a requirement of the airport’s Civil Aviation Authority licence; and iii. Instruct officers to work with legal services to issue a relevant licence for a period of 3 years which will be subject to annual review in advance of renewal.

3.0 Main report

3.1 At the 6th of October meeting, the Committee considered a Notice of Motion and agreed to review permission to BCA to enter Victoria Park for the management of un-hatched eggs under licence from the NIEA.

3.2 It was noted that the ongoing control programme had significantly reduced the greylag goose population in the park and that the decision to grant permission was taken a number of years ago.

3.3 As such, officers were instructed to review the decision and produce a report for Councillors to consider options before the next confirmation of the permission is granted.

3.4 In response to officer request for detailed supporting information, the Airport has prepared a report which outlines their bird control programme over a number of years.

3.5 Table 1 presents an overview of ongoing bird control measures at Victoria Park: Source BCA report.

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Species Risk Existing Actions Permissions assessment management requested sought from from BCC BCC Greylag Medium Use of Maintenance Permission to Goose signage at of signs in continue Victoria Park Victoria Park ‘pricking’ to reduce eggs in supplementary Victoria Park feeding. under permit Control of from NIEA population by (applied for egg ‘pricking’. and reviewed annually) Mute Medium Use of Maintenance None Swan signage at of signs in Victoria Park Victoria Park to reduce supplementary feeding. Mallard Medium Use of Maintenance None signage at of signs in Victoria Park Victoria Park to reduce supplementary feeding. Lesser High Monitoring of BCC should None Black- breeding investigate backed population. options to Gull Surveys of manage urban feeding sites gulls within the and flightlines planning (BCA) system

Herring Medium Monitoring of BCC should None Gull breeding investigate population. options to Surveys of manage urban feeding sites gulls within the and flightlines planning (BCA) system

Black- Low Monitoring of None None headed breeding Gull population. Surveys of feeding sites

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and flightlines (BCA) Grey Medium Monitoring of None None Heron the impact of structural pruning in 2018 on nesting Rook Low Control of new None None Rookery to prevent the formation of a large colony. Monitoring of recent pruning and some nest removal on nesting.

3.6 Key Species

Greylag Geese:

Committee is reminded that at its meetings in January 2010 and August 2011, the committee agreed a range of measures to control greylag geese numbers within Victoria Park including

 the erection of fencing to prevent access for the geese to safe breeding areas and easy access to and from the water.  the planting of shrubs along parts of the lake to prevent the geese having easy access to and from the water.  undertaking an awareness raising campaign to dissuade members of the public from feeding the geese/birds.  the continuation of annual egg pricking of greylag geese under licence  the monitoring of these measures to assess their effectiveness.

3.7 The control programme, aimed at making the site less attractive to geese, has been effective with a steady decline in numbers. It is worth noting that although the reduction in greylag overwintering, breeding and moulting at Victoria Park has been successful it has taken almost 15 years to achieve. The Airport note this situation could easily be reversed if greylag geese were allowed once again to rear young and reassert a lifelong association with the site. The control programme should also be considered within the context of significant local greylag

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geese increases, for example in North Down numbers increased from 150 in 2008 to almost 600 in 2019 (BCA Report).

3.8 Rooks:

Committee is reminded that at its meeting in January 2021 it acceded to a request from BCA to carry out works under licence, to remove old rook nests and habitat alterations at the North East corner of the park. After careful monitoring this season, if required, permission will be sought under delegated authority to undertake further work to discourage the rookery from establishing.

3.9 Overview

This Belfast City Airport bird control programme has been underway for a number of years and is underpinned by scientific surveys and research. Egg pricking is completed under licence from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and reviewed on an annual basis. The Airport continues to monitor the effectiveness of the programme and bird strike risk, further details are provided in the full report which is appended to the agenda.

3.10 Members are advised that the BCA control programme and associated interventions are a matter between the airport and the NIEA as the regulator and competent authority for the relevant licences. BCA must provide supporting documentation to outline their plans and provide the necessary evidence to demonstrate they have weighed all options and their preferred approach is measured (ie not extreme). It will then be the responsibility of the regulator to assess the application and grant any agreed licence.

3.11 The Belfast City Airport approach to Belfast City Council is to request continued access to Victoria Park to facilitate the ongoing control programme including the continuation of pricking of un-hatched greylag goose eggs under the NIEA granted licence.

3.12 If members are content, officers will work with legal services to issue a relevant licence for a period of 3 years which will be subject to annual review in advance of renewal.

3.13 To support the review, BCA will be required to submit an annual report outlining their Wildlife Control Management Plan (WCMP) noting recommendations based on the risk assessment made in the annual Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA) and

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incorporating any new control methods as they become available.

3.14 Officers will review the submitted risk assessment and insurance certificates in line with procedure. The licence will include relevant conditions to ensure that health and safety measures are implemented, essential signage is assembled, one-way systems are established where necessary and other necessary arrangements are put in place.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.15 BCA will be responsible for all costs associated with the request.

Equality or Good Relations Implications/ Rural Needs Assessment

3.16 None.”

At the request of a Member, the Director of Neighbourhood Services undertook to liaise with Belfast City Airport (BCA) to suggest that it consider publishing its ‘Bird Control for Air Safety in Belfast Report’ via its own media channels, as had been suggested that this might help inform the public in regard to the required actions and measures being taken.

The Director of Neighborhood Services also provided an update to the Members in regard to the progress in relation to permission granted to the Airport at the January 2020 meeting. He reminded the Members that the BCA had been granted permission by the Council to access Victoria Park to enable it to carry out works to ensure compliance with its risk assessment relating to Rooks. The Members were advised that, to date, BCA had concluded the works relating to the removal of an old rook nest and the pruning back of vegetation. BCA had not confirmed if it needed to exercise its request to remove any new nest foundations and the Director advised that he would keep the committee updated accordingly.

The Committee:

 granted the requested permissions to enter Victoria Park to facilitate the continuation of pricking of un-hatched greylag goose eggs under licence issued by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and noted that the intervention to control birds in the flight path to the airport was a requirement of the airport’s Civil Aviation Authority licence; and  granted officers authority to liaise with legal services to issue a relevant licence for a period of 3 years which would be subject to annual review in advance of renewal.

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Update on Responsible Dog Ownership

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 The outcome of irresponsible behaviours of some dog owners has an impact on the presence of dog fouling in some of our public spaces in the City. The purpose of this report is to provide the update requested by Members on the work that is carried out by the Community Awareness Team and the Dog Warden Service to tackle the issue of dog fouling and responsible dog ownership since the last update in August 2019.

1.2 This report also updates members on the Notice of Motion of discussed at People and Communities Committee on 3 March 2020 which detailed that:

‘This Council notes:

 the high number of complaints and the frustration of residents regarding dog fouling;  that cleansing, signage and bins to address the issues come at considerable cost to ratepayers, as well as being a public health risk; and  that other councils have piloted and adopted new methods for tackling persistent  problems, notably DNA testing on dog fouling;

The Council agrees, therefore, to undertake its own scoping exercise of DNA testing and to bring back recommendations on whether it is something that could be adopted for Belfast.’

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to

 Note the contents of the report.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Dog fouling and irresponsible dog ownership go hand in hand and can impact the quality and amenity of our neighbourhoods. Clearly, whilst the majority of dog owners exercise responsible dog management, there are a small number of owners who have less regard for this and this can have an impact on areas in the city. This requires on going re direction of our resources to

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address in terms of its removal from the streets, as well as providing a wide range of education and awareness programmes together with the use of fines where infringements are detected.

3.2 Councils are required to provide the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) with statistical information on a wide range of dog control service areas for example: dog licences, complaints regarding stray dogs, dog attacks and dog warden enforcement actions. This information is provided by Councils on a quarterly basis, collated and held by DAERA. It is then referred to by Councils and DAERA when providing responses to dog related information requests from the media, the public and animal welfare stakeholders. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/council-dog- summary-statistics

3.3 The Dog Warden Service as part of their role deploy routine monitoring patrols, to detect dog fouling incidents, however, it is widely recognised that the problem of dog fouling cannot be addressed solely by enforcement intervention. Members will also be aware that an important role of the Dog wardens is carrying out other statutory investigative work related to attacks and complaints around this. Our dog wardens also respond to complaints for example straying, licencing issues, noise issues and how dogs are managed in open spaces. To encourage a change in behaviour, a wider programme supporting responsible dog ownership is an essential element of the Council’s approach to reducing levels of dog fouling throughout the city. This report summarises the activities undertaken by the Community Awareness Team and the Dog Warden Service to address the issue of dog fouling.

Community Awareness

3.4 The Community Awareness Team have a project plan detailing a range of activities through educational, promotional and community based programmes scheduled throughout the course of each year, which aims to highlight the problems of dog fouling, unfortunately due to COVID 19 restrictions, these programmes were curtailed.

Dog Fouling Advertising Campaign

3.5 The latest advertising associated with the dog-fouling element of the council’s Anti-Litter campaign ran in specific cycles from the w/c 9th June 2019 – 16 March 2020. A budget of £58,000 was allocated to marketing the anti-dog fouling message. The campaign utilises general activity throughout the whole of

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the council area, e.g bus T sides, commuter cards and radio. In addition, a targeted blitz was undertaken four geographical areas; North, South, East and West. This consists of newspaper advert, adshels, 48 sheets static and advan with the message ‘Dog Wardens are patrolling in (e.g south) Belfast’.

In addition, all cleansing vehicles are branded with the current campaign graphic reinforcing the fine for dog fouling, this allows for a consistent campaign message being delivered into our neighbourhoods throughout the year.

Dog Fouling Campaign evaluation

3.6 Independent research undertaken by Cognisense in 2019 to evaluate the impact and awareness of the dog fouling campaign reported a very low incidence of individuals admitting to have allowed their dog to foul in the last six months. 70% of those asked said they had seen the campaign. The most prevalent area of recalled advertising was ‘£80 fine’. This level of ad recognition is well in excess of the relevant UK awareness norm predicated with the media deployed during this most recent campaign. Overall prompted awareness was greater than seen in 2017. The side of buses execution was particularly prominently recalled (85%) as the place the advertising was seen. Younger respondents were most likely to recognise the dog fouling campaign advertising.

Community Awareness

3.7 The Community Awareness Team have a project plan detailing a range of activities through educational, promotional and community based programmes scheduled throughout the course of each year, which aims to highlight the problems of dog fouling, unfortunately due to COVID 19 restrictions, these programmes were curtailed

3.8 In late 2019 the Community Awareness Team launched the Green Dog Walkers project, which is a non-confrontational, voluntary, UK wide scheme to change attitudes towards dog fouling. On signing, individuals pledge to commit to the principles of good dog ownership. The team has worked with Dog Warden Service to ensure compliance with licensing requirements this has resulted in a number of unlicensed dogs being identified. This team will continue to promote this scheme in the work plan for 2021/22.

3.9 The Community Awareness Team attend a number of events and supported community fun days , 46 (2019-2020) in our parks and open spaces, reinforcing the anti-fouling message,

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this has included the use of our animated character Scoop Dog which have been very successful at engaging the community and encouraging responsible dog ownership. The Team have worked with the Dog Trust supporting them at their microchipping promotion sessions throughout the city, and provide our community centres with a supply of dog bags for members of the public, to further broaden the reach of our to support our Responsible Dog Ownership Campaign.

3.10 In summer 2019 we offered ‘litter game’ sessions to community centre based summer schemes, this included dog fouling games to reinforce the dog fouling message and the consequence of noncompliance, 16 summer schemes participated in the project. We will continue to support the delivery of summer schemes in our community centres in 21/22. The Community Awareness Team provide our community centres with a supply of dog bags for members of the public to support our Responsible Dog Ownership Campaign.

Education provision

3.11 The risks and consequences of dog fouling is included in all our school’s workshops and specific projects. Covid 19 restrictions have hugely impacted on the delivery of our school programme but in 2019-20 the Team undertook 267 school visits. We are developing new ways of delivering our schools offer and have recently delivered our Christmas Elf story, which includes the issue of dog fouling, digitally to all Belfast’s Nursery and Preschools.

3.12 We will also be commencing a dog fouling advertising campaign in conjunction with Corporate Communications on 18th January 2021. The service is also liaising with Legal Services to look at the potential for using stencils on the footpath as an awareness raising exercise.

Dog Fouling Signage

3.13 We have continued the use of signage in areas where there appears to be an increase in the incidence of dog fouling in partnership with Open Spaces and Streetscene teams. The Community Awareness team are also working with local school communities to design banners to highlights the issue.

Community Outreach Activities

3.14 These activities were impacted by COVID 19, but it is anticipated that they re-commence in 2021.

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Targeted Enforcement by The Dog Warden Service

3.15 This service was impacted by COVID 19 restrictions, but it was able to provide a presence in the City during lockdown and was fully recovered by August 2020.

3.16 The Dog Warden Service operates from 08.00 hours to 20.00 hours seven days a week and undertakes a range of legislative duties relating to dog control including stray dogs, dog attack investigations, dangerous dogs and dog fouling. The Team is organised on a geographical area basis to ensure that resources are targeted efficiently and effectively. This approach enhances Dog Wardens’ local geographical knowledge of hot spot and problematic areas that can be targeted on a proactive basis, thus increasing opportunities to issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling.

3.17 In order to enhance the patrols undertaken by the Dog Wardens, the following operational arrangements have been introduced:

 The Dog Control Manager and the Dog Wardens will liaise with the Area Cleansing management teams and other enforcement staff in their respective areas to discuss priority areas and hotspots.  A structured area-working plan has recently been implemented to optimise resources to assist in improving targeted performance management. We are scheduling patrols most days and will undertake patrols at particular times, including early mornings and evenings when resources permit in response to complaints and/or information that identifies a ‘hot spot’.  There has been an increased focus on signage throughout the city with all of the signage being updated and located in areas where dog-fouling hotspots are identified by the Cleansing Management teams.

3.18 Table showing Dog Enforcement statistics:

Year 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 1.4.20- 15.12.20 Fixed 140 162 82 54 101 2 Penalties issued- Fouling Summons 33 30 17 13 4 0 issued Fouling

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Fixed 581 599 384 387 328 13 Penalties issued- Straying Summons 201 212 120 126 81 0 issued- Straying Fixed 383 399 338 341 244 14 Penalties issued- No licence Summons 120 215 180 175 116 0 issued- no licence Total Dog 13,229 12,474 11,872 11,819 11,519 7,290 Licenses issued

Use of DNA to assist dog fouling detections

3.19 Members have requested that officers consider the potential use of DNA testing of dog foul to determine ownership of dogs involved in cases of dog fouling. There is currently no legal requirement for dogs to be DNA tested, which costs approximately £50 per dog. The cost of testing DNA is in excess of £70 per sample and in the absence of any statutory requirement for all dogs to be DNA tested, this would be ineffective without a comprehensive data base. DNA testing has been used successfully in private gated communities but is deemed impracticable and expensive unless it became a statutory requirement.

The Council have the option of writing to DAERA in respect of this approach as it would require a NI approach, the adoption of the necessary legislative framework and additional resource allocation to implement a system for management and monitoring that would need to be a cost not passed onto the rate payer.

Financial and Resource Implications

3.20 There are no additional financial implications associated with the programme of work already planned in the revenue budget aimed at reducing levels of dog fouling through behavioural change and enforcement as it is delivered within existing budgets.

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Equality or Good Relations Implications/ Rural Needs Assessment

3.21 There are no implications associated with this report.”

At the request of a Member, the Director of City Services undertook to investigate the reintroduction of ‘no dog fouling’ pavement stencils and to update the Member in due course.

The Committee noted the update in regard to responsible dog ownership.

Chairperson

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City Growth and Regeneration Committee

Wednesday, 10th February, 2021

REMOTE MEETING OF CITY GROWTH AND REGENERATION COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Brooks (Chairperson); Aldermen Dorrian and Kingston; and Councillors Beattie, Donnelly, Ferguson, Gormley, Howard, T. Kelly, Lyons, Maskey, McLaughlin, McMullan, Murphy, O’Hara and Spratt.

Also attended: Councillor Kyle.

In attendance: Mr. R. Cregan, Deputy Chief Executive; Mr. A. Reid, Strategic Director of Place and Economy; Mr. J. Greer, Director of Economic Development; Mrs. C. Reynolds, Director of City Regeneration and Development; Ms. W. Langham, Programme Director (Destination Hub); Ms. K. Gilliland, Neighbourhood Services Manager (North); and Ms. E. McGoldrick, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies for the inability to attend was reported on behalf of Councillors Hanvey and Heading.

Minutes

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

Declarations of Interest

Alderman Kingston declared an interest in relation to item 2.f) DfC Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme - Business Cluster and Community Grant Scheme Update, in that he was a voluntary Director of the North Belfast Working Men’s Club.

Restricted Items

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

Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the press and public from the meeting during discussion of the items as, due

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to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

Finance Update

The Committee noted the contents of the report which had been presented to Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in January.

Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2021 / 2022

The Deputy Chief Executive provided an overview of the budgetary pressures facing the Council in 2021/22, together with the cash limit for the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for 2021/22 as recommended by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on the 22nd January, 2021.

He advised that a full breakdown of District Rate charges per household would be provided at the next Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

The Committee:

1. Agreed that the report would not be subject to call-in because it would cause an unreasonable delay which would be prejudicial to the Council’s and the public’s interest in striking the rate by the legislative deadline of 1st March, 2021;

2. Agreed a cash limit of £18,237,846 for the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for 2021/22 and the individual service limits detailed in table 3 of the report; and

3. Noted the next steps to setting the district rate, as outlined in paragraph 3.17 of the report.

The Zoo - Quarter 3 (Oct-Dec 20) Performance Update Report

The Neighbourhood Services Manager provide an update in regards to the Zoo performance during Quarter 3 (Oct to Dec) of the 2020-21 financial year across the following areas:

 Visitor Services;  Education Services;  Animal Collection;  Marketing and Events; and  Financial performance.

The Committee noted the Zoo performance update report for the period October – December 2020.

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Belfast Destination Hub – Update

The Strategic Director of Place and Economy and Programme Director provided an overview of the progress made with regard to the Destination Hub Outline Business Case (OBC) and programme, together with a summary of the next steps and timelines.

During discussion, the officer’s explained further the intended environmental and social standards of the building, ownership of the asset, and management of the Hub,

In response to a Members question in relation to accessibility and inclusivity of the design, the Programme Manager confirmed that an Equality and Inclusion Group had been put in place to consult on such issues, and that further representation of Members and disability representatives could be considered.

After discussion, the Committee:

 Noted the progress which had been made in relation to the Destination Hub Outline Business Case, including submission to the Belfast City Region Deal for consideration under the tourism and regeneration pillar of the Deal;

 Noted that work to secure a site for the Destination Hub was ongoing; and

 Noted the next steps and Programme, as outlined in the report.

One Young World 2023

The Director of Economic Development provided an update on Belfast’s bid to host the One Young World Global Summit in 2023. He explained that One Young World was the global forum for young leaders and its mission was to convene young talent from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact by identifying, promoting and connecting the world’s most impactful young leaders, typically age 18- 30, to create and drive change through responsible and effective leadership.

He advised that the annual One Young World Summit presented cities with the unique opportunity to host an internationally diverse, youth-driven event and highlighted how this would align with the wider strategic priorities for the city.

The Committee noted the contents of this report and agreed to receive further updates as the programme developed.

Department for Communities (DfC) Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme – Business Cluster and Community Grant Scheme Update

The Director of City Regeneration and Development provided an update on the Business Cluster and Community Scheme currently under delivery as an element within the DfC Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme.

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She tabled an overview of the Business Cluster and Community Grant Scheme applications which the Council had received and a summary of the funding availability. It was reported that the number of applications the Council had received exceeded the amount of funding available under the Business Cluster and Community Grant Scheme element of the DfC Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme funding. She also explained that guidance on the delivery of parklets had recently been received from the Department for Infrastructure.

She highlighted that, due to the ongoing Covid-19 related restrictions, Officers had requested an extension of 6 months to the delivery timeline of the Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme to allow sufficient time to deliver the agreed capital interventions, and the Department for Communities had approved the request on 26th January, with all spend to be completed by the 30th September, 2021. This extension had subsequently been applied to all of the elements of the Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme including the Business Cluster and Community Grant Scheme.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor McMullan, Seconded by Alderman Kingston,

Resolved - That the Committee agrees to write to the Department for Communities to request additional support through the Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme for the business and community cluster grants; and notes the issue regarding the DfI Parklet Guidance and agrees to write to the Department for Infrastructure to request that the Streetworks Licence eligibility is expanded to include Community Groups and Business Clusters.

After discussion, the Committee:-

 Noted that the scheme closed to applications on 1st February, 2021 and that officers were currently assessing the submitted applications;  Noted the verbal update that was provided to the Committee to reflect the latest status on the grant scheme;  Agreed that the Committee formally writes to the Department for Communities to request additional support through the Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme for the business and community cluster grants; and  Noted the issue regarding the DfI Parklet Guidance and agreed that the Committee writes to the Department for Infrastructure to request that the Streetworks Licence eligibility was expanded to include Community Groups and Business Clusters.

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Presentation

BID One - proposed business plan for new 5 year term

The Chairperson introduced Ms. K. McBride, Managing Director of Belfast One BID, to the Committee and she was admitted to the meeting.

Ms. McBride provided a presentation to update the Committee on the work which had been undertaken by the Belfast One BID in the last five years. She advised that the Belfast One vision was for a Belfast City Centre, which by 2026 had recovered from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic; a City Centre so safe, clean and active, that it had attracted an increased residential population and resulting business investment.

Ms. McBride highlighted that the Belfast One BID purpose included driving footfall to the area, events and celebrations, supporting retail, dynamic inputs, city dressing, proactive interventions, data collection, training, animation and cinema. She pointed out that successful events which had taken place included Belfast Restaurant Week, Summer Cinemas, Fashion Shows, together with regular seasonal events.

Ms. McBride reported that the dedicated professional Clean Team carried out additional on street cleansing, including entries and shop frontages, which would help future consumer confidence.

She advised that over £90,000 worth of Belfast City Centre Gift Cards had been purchased, which would also support City Centre Businesses.

During discussion, Ms. McBride explained further the challenges of the changing high street and online shopping. She advised that opportunities to provide experiences for visitors were being undertaken, such as the implementation of a pilot pedestrianisation area and entertainment space.

In response to a Members question regarding the potential overlap with the work of Belfast City Centre Management, she clarified that a representative from BCCM sat on the BID One Board, and they also shared some Service Level Agreement’s.

The Chairperson thanked Ms McBride for her presentation and she left the meeting.

The Director of Economic Development reminded the Committee that the ballot would open on 4th February, 2021 and close on 25th March 2021, with the decision to be completed by 26 March. He pointed out that all levy payers would be entitled to vote in the ballot and the Council had three properties in the BID One area, therefore, would be entitled to a vote for each of the properties.

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After discussion, the Committee:

 Noted the presentation from the Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID); and  Agreed to use the council ballots to support a ‘Yes’ vote for a new five year mandate for the BID.

Request to Present

Visit Belfast

The Director of Economic Development reminded the Committee that Visit Belfast was the city’s Destination Marketing Management Organisation (DMMO) dedicated to marketing Belfast as a city break, conference, day-trip and cruise ship destination. It also, in its visitor servicing role, managed the operation of three gateway Visitor Information Centres (VICs) including Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, the Arrivals Desk at George Best Belfast City Airport and the Arrivals Desk at Belfast International Airport and a range of visitor servicing initiatives on behalf of the Council.

He advised that the Council was the principal funder of Visit Belfast and, as such, usually received an annual presentation of their business plan, as part of the process to approve annual funding.

During discussion, one Member suggested that Visit Belfast had recently published a presentation which might be of interest to the Committee. The Director of Economic Development advised that he would ensure the link was issued to the Committee.

After discussion, the Committee:

 Noted the contents of the report and the progress to date;  Agreed to receive a presentation on Visit Belfast’s 2021-22 Business Plan at the Committee in March 2021, including a request for Council support towards the work programme for the coming financial year; and  Noted that a copy of the presentation from Visit Belfast would be requested in advance of the meeting, together with detail regarding their promotion of Council assets.

Finance, Procurement and Performance

Update on Additional Investment in Tourism Upgrades

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Members on further recovery funding that has been made available by Tourism NI.

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It is requested that Belfast City Council works in partnership with Visit Belfast to facilitate this funding in order to:

 Make the necessary health and safety adjustments to the Cruise Belfast Welcome Hub  Provide digital upgrades to existing visitor servicing  Enhance conference subvention scheme to support business tourism recovery

2.0 Recommendations

2.1 The Committee is asked to:

 Note the contents of the report and agree that Belfast City Council works in partnership with Tourism NI and Visit Belfast to facilitate necessary recovery support funding via contractual mechanisms as advised by Legal Services.

3.0 Main report

3.1 Key Issues

Belfast’s visitor economy has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and it is anticipated that many of the challenges that the pandemic has brought to the tourism and hospitality industry may be with us for some time in the future. It is in this context that Tourism NI have identified funding to support recovery of services provided by Visit Belfast including visitor servicing and business tourism retention.

3.2 Investment in Health and Safety upgrade to Cruise Hub

Members will be aware that approval was granted at the City Growth and Regeneration Committee in January 2021 to work in partnership with Tourism NI and Visit Belfast to facilitate necessary Covid-19 health and safety upgrades. The total amount previously cited was an allocation of £110,000 from Tourism NI to support this work. Tourism NI have advised Council and Visit Belfast of an enhancement to the total amount awarded to this project which is now £135,000 inclusive of VAT. Members are asked to note this amended amount and approve officer facilitation of this funding.

3.3 Investment in visitor-facing technology in Visit Belfast Welcome Centre (VBWC)

Since the VBWC opened in December 2013, many of the digital assets, including screens and devices are in need of upgrade

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and replacement in order to meet user needs and keep up with advances in technology. A further £35,000 (inclusive of VAT) of investment from Tourism NI has been agreed to support upgrades to digital assets in the centre. The overall aim of the investment is to ensure that VBWC continues to offer a best- in-class experience and continue to meet the expectations of today’s travellers in terms of content, quality and speed. Both Belfast City Council and Tourism Northern Ireland’s Gateway content on the current digital assets will be upgraded as part of the process. Members are asked to note this investment and approve officer facilitation of this project.

3.4 Investment in Conference Subvention

Since 2016, Tourism NI has been an equal funder of the Conference Subvention Scheme that is used to secure conferences for Belfast; contributing £200,000 each financial year to the scheme which is administered on behalf of Belfast City Council and TNI by Visit Belfast.

Tourism NI has successfully bid for additional recovery monies from the Department for Economy to further support bids for conferences in an ever more competitive market with challenges around for example access, space restrictions and hybrid format. It will be a one off support of £200,000 in financial year 2020/21 and will be additional to its existing commitment of £200,000 per annum to Belfast City Council to best support endeavours to secure conferences for future years.

3.5 Tourism NI has requested that Belfast City Council agree to accept an Addendum to the existing Conference Support Service Level Agreement for the £200,000 which will held to be drawn down as part of the existing scheme to increase retention and recovery of business tourism in the city as conferences are bid for and won for Belfast.

3.6 Financial & Resource Implications

There are no financial implications for Council other than an allocation of officer time to facilitate contract management and administration. The timing for administration of the Agreement and processing invoices is challenging but achievable and necessary in the context of facilitating a return to business and recovery for the tourism sector.

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3.7 Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

Any proposed works and programmes will be required to adhere to required equality implications including access requirements.”

The Committee adopted the recommendations.

Chairperson

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Licensing Committee

Wednesday, 17th February, 2021

MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE HELD REMOTELY VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS

Members present: Councillor Donnelly (Chairperson); Aldermen Copeland and Sandford; and Councillors Bradley, Bunting, Hussey, Hutchinson, M. Kelly, T. Kelly, Magee, Magennis, McAteer, McCabe, McCullough, McKeown, Nicholl and Smyth.

Also attended: Councillor Gormley.

In attendance: Mr. S. Hewitt, Building Control Manager; Mr. K. Bloomfield, HMO Unit Manager; Ms. V. Donnelly, City Protection Manager; Ms. N. Largey, Divisional Solicitor; and Mr. H. Downey, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

An apology was reported on behalf of Councillor Howard.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 20th January were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

Declarations of Interest

No declarations of interest were reported.

Delegated Matters

THE COMMITTEE DEALT WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN PURSUANCE OF THE POWERS DELEGATED TO IT UNDER STANDING ORDER 37(d)

Licences Issued Under Delegated Authority

The Committee noted a list of licences and permits which had been issued under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.

HMO Licences Issued Under Delegated Authority

The Committee noted a list of licences for Houses in Multiple Occupation which had been issued under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.

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Non-Delegated Matters

Department for Communities Online Survey - Review of Houses in Multiple Occupation Licensing Scheme

The Committee was reminded that the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 had come into effect on 1st April, 2019, following the transfer of the Houses in Multiple Occupation registration scheme from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to councils, under a new licensing regime.

The City Protection Manager reported that the Department for Communities had, as part of the transfer arrangements, undertaken to review the licensing regime within two years of its implementation. The Department had on 22nd December, written to the Council seeking its views via an online questionnaire and had acceded to a request from officers to extend the deadline for the submission of a response from 5th till 19th February. Accordingly, she submitted for the Committee’s approval a draft response to the nine questions posed within the questionnaire.

Councillor Gormley thanked the Committee for the opportunity to comment upon the draft response. He referred to the Department for Communities’ assertion within the letter accompanying the questionnaire that the licensing regime sought to properly and effectively regulate Houses in Multiple Occupation in order to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of occupants and to minimise any negative impacts upon the neighbourhood and surrounding area. In his view, the regime failed to achieve that aim.

He suggested that the response be amended/strengthened to reflect the views of occupants of Houses in Multiple Occupation and local residents when referring to any improvements on the previous licensing regime. The need for owners and agents to discharge their responsibilities more effectively and the wider costs associated with policing, council enforcement and cleansing in those areas with a high density of Houses in Multiple Occupation should also be mentioned. He stressed the need to remove the loophole allowing those in possession of a Certificate of Lawful Use to circumvent the limits placed on Houses in Multiple Occupation in certain areas and for the requirement to have an anti-social behaviour plan attached to the Standard Licensing Conditions to be extended to include those Houses in Multiple Occupation which had been licensed before 1st April, 2019. He endorsed the Department for Communities’ plan to adopt a collaborative approach to the review and supported the proposal that a workshop be held to explore all issues surrounding the management, resourcing and operation of the new licensing regime.

Several Members emphasised the fact that the review of the licensing regime presented an ideal opportunity for the Council to raise longstanding and well-documented issues around Houses in Multiple Occupation. The point was made again that the Department for Communities’ questionnaire did not afford those who were living in areas impacted by Houses in Multiple Occupation the opportunity to express their views. The issue of over-provision of Houses in Multiple Occupation, resulting in high density clusters, was raised and concern was expressed that the current licensing regime did not address such areas.

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It was suggested that Members be afforded additional time to consider the questionnaire and the draft response in greater detail and it was accepted that that course of action would require Council officers to seek a further extension from the Department for Communities.

In contrast, it was pointed out that the draft response addressed the main issues referred to within the questionnaire and that it should be forwarded to the Department for Communities within the required timeframe, with provision being made for additional comments to be submitted thereafter.

After discussion, it was

Moved by Councillor McCabe, Seconded by Councillor McAteer,

That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the draft response until its monthly meeting in March to allow for Members to consider it in greater detail.

On a vote, fifteen Members voted for the proposal and one against and it was declared carried.

The Committee granted approval for Council officers to organise the aforementioned workshop and to make arrangements for the Department for Communities and other relevant statutory organisations to attend.

Chairperson

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Planning Committee

Tuesday, 16th February, 2021

PRE DETERMINATION HEARING HELD REMOTELY VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS

Members present: Councillor Hussey (Chairperson); Councillors Brooks, Matt Collins, Garrett, Groogan, Hutchinson, Maskey, McCullough, McKeown, Murphy, Nicholl and O’Hara.

In attendance: Mr. A. Thatcher, Director of Planning and Building Control; Mr. E. Baker, Planning Manager (Development Management); Ms. N. Largey, Divisional Solicitor; Ms. C. Donnelly, Democratic Services Officer; and Mrs. L. McLornan, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Carson and Hanvey.

Declarations of Interest

No declarations of interest were recorded.

Pre-Determination Hearing

LA04/2020/0659/F - Refurbishment of existing four storey terrace including alteration, extension to rear, partial demolition and reinstatement. Part change of use from art galleries to two cafes at ground floor. Retention of offices within existing building at second, third and fourth floor. Erection of new 13 storey aparthotel building to rear and associated works including public realm improvements at 29-33 Bedford Street

The Planning Manager (Development Management) provided the Committee with the details of the application. He explained that there was an accompanying application which sought Demolition Consent in a Conservation Area for the removal of parts of the terrace for access purposes.

He outlined that the application had previously been considered by the Committee, at its meeting on 13th October 2020, when it had resolved to approve the application subject to notification to the Department for Infrastructure (DFI). The Members were

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reminded that, under the Planning (Notification of Applications) Direction 2017, the notification was necessary because the resolution to approve was contrary to the views of the Historic Environment Division (HED), a statutory consultee.

It was reported that DFI had advised the Council that it did not consider it necessary for the application to be referred to it for determination, nor the associated application for Conservation Area consent. Following the return of the applications to the Council for a decision, Regulation 7(1) of the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 required it to hold a pre-determination hearing to give the applicant and interested parties the opportunity to appear before and be heard by the Planning Committee and for the Committee to seek clarification from the parties on the facts surrounding the development.

He outlined the key issues which had been considered in the assessment of the proposed development, including the principle of hotel and café use at the location, the impact on built heritage and the principle of demolition in the conservation area, scale, height, massing and design, the impact on traffic and parking, site drainage, the consideration of economic benefits, amenity and developers contributions.

The Members were advised that the site was located within the city centre, the Commercial Character Area and the Linen Conservation Area.

The Planning Manager explained that, at the October Committee meeting, the Committee had delegated authority to officers to resolve outstanding matters pertaining to noise and odour.

In relation to odour issues, he advised the Committee that the Environmental Health team was content with the application, subject to a condition prohibiting the frying of food on the premises.

In respect of noise issues, the Members were reminded that the applicant had requested a maximum stay of 90 days rather than 30 days, and officers had advised that that was appropriate. The Planning Manager outlined that officers felt that the relevant British Standards should be applied in this instance, as the use was for an aparthotel rather than a standard hotel, where stays of up to 90 days would be permitted in any twelve month period and, therefore, a condition was considered both reasonable and necessary.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the Late Items pack, whereby the applicant had advised that it understood that a condition related to noise standards would be included on any decision notice issued by the Council.

The Committee was advised that the applicant would provide a developers contribution in the form of public realm improvements along the site frontage on Bedford Street and that it was proposed to be dealt with by condition.

The Members were advised that, since the Planning Committee meeting of 13th October 2020, one additional objection had been received from Belfast Civic Trust.

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The objection raised issues regarding the height of the new build portion of the proposal, the design of the new build portion not reflecting the redbrick vernacular of the Victorian terrace and that the proposal detracted from the streetscape of the Linen Conservation Area. He advised that the issues had been addressed within the Case Officers report.

The Planning Manager explained that both HED and the Conservation Officer were now content with the design and proposed interventions to the front terrace, but that they maintained an objection to the 13-storey element on the basis of height, in that they felt it was too dominant on the existing listed building. The Committee was advised that officers felt that the design was respectful to its surrounding environment.

In respect of concerns raised, the Planning Manager outlined that the Park Inn hotel was an existing feature of the site context and therefore part of the character and appearance of the conservation area and that it provided a backdrop of the terrace in that location, especially when viewed from Ormeau Avenue. In that context, it was therefore considered that the proposed 13-storey element in the application was acceptable and would, on balance, preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area and complied with policy BH12 of PPS6. He explained that that the proposed 13 storey building would be visible from the opposite side of Bedford Street and from Ormeau Avenue. The Members were advised that, from those two key views, the existing Park Inn hotel was already a prominent feature and that the proposed development would abut it and read with it.

The Chairperson welcomed Mr. B. McKervey, HED. He advised that HED felt that:

 the 13 storey element would impact adversely on the setting of a number of listed buildings in the immediate area, including numbers 21, 23, 25 and 35-37 Bedford Street;  the proposal would impact on Broadcasting House on Ormeau Avenue;  the 4 storey unlisted historic buildings also contributed to the overall visual harmony of the area;  the heritage assets were central to the character of the Linen Conservation Area and defined the historic townscape at the key junctions with the Dublin Road, Ormeau Avenue, Bedford Street and Linenhall Street;  HED remained concerned regarding the 13 storey tower as it was too tall, it would dominant the terrace and the wider setting of the listed buildings by becoming a competing focus as opposed to framing views;  HED recognised that there were several multi-storey buildings in the city centre side of the site but it considered that a 50metre height would have an adverse effect on the overall setting of significant heritage assets and would add to the growing cluster of high rise development in the area; and  further intensification would likely impact on the wider Linen Conservation area.

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In response to a Member’s question regarding HED’s suggestion of a condition regarding the materials to be used for the 13 storey building, Mr. McKervey advised that HED considered that the materials used should be in-keeping with the surrounding context and suggested that brick be used. He advised the Committee that it would help the development to integrate better with the historic character of the area.

The Chairperson then welcomed Mr. G. Rolston, agent, Mr. R. Rana, applicant, and Mr. A. Murray, architect, to the meeting. Mr. Rolston advised the Committee that:

 no new material considerations had arisen since the Committee had resolved to agree the application in October, 2020;  the detail of HED’s objection had been fully considered by the Planning officers within their original report;  HED’s stance in relation to the application had changed in that, HED had recommended that the building at the rear should be set back in line with the adjacent Park Inn hotel and also adhere to its height;  the August 2020 plans which had been submitted by the applicant had addressed both of those issues, but that HED continued to object to the height of the proposed rear building, contrary to its original comments;  the applicant was in talks with an operator for the aparthotel and hoped to commence development later in 2021, providing a much needed economic boost for the construction and tourism industries.

In response to a question from a Member regarding the impact of the pandemic on the City, and particularly on the tourism trade, Mr. Rana advised the Committee that he was confident that the market would recover and grow to pre-pandemic levels and that there was a need for this kind of accommodation within Belfast.

In response to a further question regarding the choice of materials for the 13 storey building, the agent and the architect advised the Committee that they had explored a number of different designs throughout the PAD stage and that they had been open to working with all parties to ensure that the design complemented the Conservation area. Mr. Murray explained that the final design in front of the Committee was the result of extensive dialogue with the Urban Design officer and the consultees.

In response to a further Member’s question, the agent confirmed that there had been engagement throughout the consultation process with the built heritage organisations.

A Member stated that they were concerned that the adjacent hotel which had been referred to within the Case officer’s report was being used as a precedent in which to justify the 13 storey tower in the current application, and that it would have a cumulative detrimental impact on the built heritage in the area.

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The Committee noted the information which had been provided and noted that no decision would be taken on the application until the application was formally presented at a Committee meeting later that evening.

Chairperson

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Planning Committee

Tuesday, 16th February, 2021

MEETING OF PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD REMOTELY VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS

Members present: Councillor Hussey (Chairperson); Councillors Brooks, Matt Collins, Garrett, Groogan, Hutchinson, Maskey, McCullough, McKeown, Murphy, Nicholl and O’Hara.

In attendance: Mr. A. Thatcher, Director of Planning and Building Control; Mr. E. Baker, Planning Manager (Development Management); Ms. N. Largey, Divisional Solicitor; Ms. C. Donnelly, Democratic Services Officer; and Mrs. L. McLornan, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Carson and Hanvey.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 19th January were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Maskey declared an interest in item 6g, LA04/2020/1417/F – Forthriver Linear Park, in that he was an employee of Intercomm Ireland Ltd, who had partnered with Sustrans on the PEACE IV Project to recruit and train volunteers for both the Cycle and Walking leads at Forthriver Linear Park. He left the room for the duration of the discussion on the item and did not participate in the vote.

Restricted Items

The information contained in the report associated with the following 3 items is restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the Press and public from the Committee meeting during discussion of these

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items as, due to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014.

Revenue Estimates & District Rate 2021/22

(Mr. R. Cregan, Director of Finance and Resources, attended in connection with this item).

The Committee considered a report, which had been prepared by the Director of Finance and Resources, in relation to the establishment of the District Rate and the compilation of the Estimates of Revenue Expenditure for the year 2021/2022.

The Director outlined that the paper would not be subject to call-in as it would cause an unreasonable delay which would be prejudicial to the Council and the public’s interest in striking the district rate by the legislative deadline of 1st March, 2021.

He referred to the cash limit for the Planning Committee for 2021/2022, as recommended by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 22nd January, and outlined the next steps in the rate setting process leading to the setting of the district rate by Council at its meeting in March 2021.

Following consideration, the Committee noted the next steps in the rate setting process and:

 agreed that the report would not be subject to call-in, given that it would cause an unreasonable delay and would be prejudicial to both the Council and the public’s interests in striking the district rate by the legislative deadline of 1st March, 2021; and  agreed a cash limit for the Planning Committee for 2020/21 of £1,362,893 and the individual service cash limits.

Finance Update

The Committee was provided with an update on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Council’s financial position, and a strategy to address the forecast deficit and the mitigation measures which had and would be taken as the situation evolved.

Noted.

Recruitment of Director (Operational) of Planning and Building Control

(Mr. J. Tully, Director of City and Organisational Strategy, attended in connection with this item).

The Director of City and Organisational Strategy advised the Committee that Mr. A. Thatcher, Director of Planning and Building Control, would be leaving the Council

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in a few months time to take up the post of Assistant Director (Growth & Housing) in Wigan Council.

He explained that a report would be tabled at the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee later that month, requesting permission to recruit the replacement post of Director (Operational) of Planning and Building Control on a permanent basis, and for the selection panel for the post to comprise three Elected Members from the Planning Committee.

The Committee was advised that the post would be publicly advertised in line with normal practice and that Chairperson (or his nominee), the Deputy Chairperson (or his nominee) and a third Elected Member, from a different political party, would be required to attend four selection panel meetings as part of the recruitment exercise.

The Committee agreed that:

 three Elected Members from the Planning Committee who, along with the Chief Executive (or her nominee) and a Council Director, would balance the selection panel for the post in terms of gender and community background;

 the selection panel would comprise the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Committee (or their nominees) and Councillor Groogan; and

 a targeted and timely proactive executive search approach be initiated to ensure a strong and competent applicant field was secured for this specialist post.

Pre-Emptive Site Visits

The Committee agreed to undertake pre-emptive site visits in respect of the following applications:

 LA04/2020/1943/F and LA04/2020/1944/LBC - Residential conversion of the existing listed structures to form 57 apartments, including maisonettes and loft style studios ranging from 1-3 bedrooms in size to include 20% social housing at 3-19 (Former Warehouse) Rydalmere Street; and

 LA04/2020/1158/F - Demolition of existing building and erection of 65No Apartments including 20% social housing at 1-5 Redcar Street.

Planning Decisions Issued

The Committee noted a list of decisions which had been taken under the delegated authority of the Director of Planning and Building Control, together with all other

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planning decisions which had been issued by the Planning Department between 12th January and 8th February.

Planning Appeals Notified

The Committee noted the receipt of correspondence in respect of a number of planning appeals which had been submitted to the Planning Appeals Commission, together with the outcomes of a range of hearings which had been considered by the Commission.

Planning Applications

THE COMMITTEE DEALT WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN PURSUANCE OF THE POWERS DELEGATED TO IT BY THE COUNCIL UNDER STANDING ORDER 37(e)

LA04/2020/0659/F and LA04/2020/0669/DCA – Refurbishment of existing four storey terrace including alteration, extension to rear, partial demolition and reinstatement. Part change of use from art galleries to two cafes at ground floor. Retention of offices within existing building at second, third and fourth floor. Erection of new 13 storey aparthotel building to rear and associated works including public realm improvements at 29-33 Bedford Street

The Planning Manager provided the Committee with an overview of the details of major application.

He outlined the key issues which had been considered in the assessment of the proposed development, including the principle of hotel and café use at the location, the impact on built heritage and the principle of demolition in the conservation area, scale, height, massing and design, the impact on traffic and parking, site drainage, the consideration of economic benefits, amenity and developers contributions.

The Members were advised that the site was located within the city centre, the Commercial Character Area and the Linen Conservation Area.

He reminded the Committee that it had previously considered the application at its meeting on 13th October, 2020, when it had resolved to approve it, subject to notification to the Department for Infrastructure (DFI). The Members were reminded that, the notification had been necessary because the resolution to approve the application was contrary to the views of a statutory consultee, the Historic Environment Division (HED).

DFI had since advised the Council that it did not consider it necessary for the application to be referred to it for determination and nor did the associated application for Conservation Area Consent. He pointed out that the Committee had held a Pre Determination Hearing on the application immediately prior to the commencement of the monthly meeting.

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The Planning Manager reminded the Committee that, since its meeting of 13th October, 2020, one additional objection had been received from Belfast Civic Trust, raising issues regarding the height of the new build portion of the proposal, the design of the new build portion and that the proposal detracted from the streetscape of the Linen Conservation Area. He advised that the issues had been addressed within the Case Officers report.

The Committee was advised that DfI Roads, Environmental Health, the NI Environment Agency, Rivers Agency, Historic Environment Division (HED) and NI Water had all been consulted, in addition to the Urban Design Officer, the Conservation Officer, the Economic Development unit and the City Regeneration and Development Team within BCC.

The Planning Manager explained that both HED and the Conservation Officer were content with the design and proposed interventions to the front terrace, however, they maintained an objection to the 13-storey element on the basis of height, in that they felt it was too dominant on the existing listed building. The Committee was advised that officers felt that the design was respectful to its surrounding environment.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the Late Items pack, whereby the applicant had advised that it was no longer objecting to the proposed noise condition and understood that it would be included on any decision notice issued by the Council.

The Chairperson welcomed Mr. B. McKervey, Historic Environment Division (HED) to the meeting. He advised that HED felt that the impact of the 13 storey element would be very dominant, particularly on the approach from Ormeau Avenue, and that it was inappropriate.

A number of Members stated that they had concerns regarding the proposed materials to be used for the tall tower and that they felt due regard had not been given to the concerns raised by the Conservation officer and HED.

The Planning Manger explained that the Council, as part of the discharge of condition process, would consult HED, the Conservation officer and the Urban Design officer in relation to the materials proposed and that the samples would be required to be viewed on site.

In response to a further Member’s comments regarding the conditions which were attached to planning permission in relation to the materials used, the Director of Planning and Building Control assured the Committee that enforcement action by officers in respect of the materials to be used had increased over the past number of years. He added that a condition in relation to seeing a sample of the materials on site was to ensure that the sheen and tone of the material, for example, would fit in with the surrounding area and that they were deemed of appropriate quality by officers.

In response to a Member’s query regarding the rationale for the 90 day stay limit, the Planning Manager pointed out that the emerging Local Development Plan (LDP)

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included the same guidance. The Director of Planning and Building Control added that a 90 day limit was widely used by planning authorities in London boroughs.

Moved by Councillor Groogan, Seconded by Councillor Matt Collins,

That the Committee agrees to refuse the application as it is contrary to policies BH 11 and 12 of PPS 6, in that the height, scale and massing of the proposed thirteen storey building, in relation to the listed buildings and to the Conservation Area, is inappropriate, and would detract from them, and delegates power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the refusal reasons.

On a vote, five members voted for the proposal and six against and it was declared lost.

Moved by Councillor Hussey, Seconded by Councillor McCullough,

That the Committee agrees to grant approval to the application, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report and delegates power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the conditions.

On a vote, seven members voted for the proposal and five against and it was declared carried.

LA04/2020/1022/F - Demolition of existing vacant buildings and structures to the rear of the site and alterations, refurbishment and extension to existing terraced dwelling at 1 Canada Street to provide 6no. apartments plus associated site works at 1 and 1a Canada Street

Before presentation of the application commenced, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application to enable a site visit to be undertaken to allow the Committee to acquaint itself with the location and the proposals at first hand and to request further information on sustainable transport.

The Committee noted, as the application had not been presented, that all Members’ present at the next meeting, would be able to take part in the debate and vote on this item.

LA04/2019/1797/F & LA04/2019/1795/LBC – Redevelopment of listed buildings and lands to the rear for a residential development comprising of 7no. townhouses and 34no. apartments (41 Units) with associated landscaping, parking and site works on derelict lands at and to the rear of Nos 34-36 The Mount

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The Principal Planning officer provided the Committee with an overview of the application.

She reported that the main issues to be considered in the assessment of the scheme included the principle of development, the design and impact on the character and appearance of the area, the impact on listed buildings, the impact on neighbouring amenity, density, private and shared amenity space and access, movement and parking.

The Members were advised that the application site was within Belfast Urban Area Plan 2001 (BUAP) as zoned within a Housing Action Area and, within the Draft BMAP (2004), the site was designated as Land Zoned for Housing. The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) made no reference to proposed land use designation within BMAP enquiry, indicating no objections were received regarding land zoning, within the dBMAP 2015 the site was zoned as land for housing.

The proposal had been assessed against and was considered to comply with PPS3, PPS6, PPS7,PPS7 Addendum, PPS8, PPS12, PPS15 the SPPS, BAUP 2001 and Draft BMAP 2004.

The Principal Planning officer explained that the proposal would contribute to the restoration of a Georgian terrace, which would provide 12 units, and that the restoration of the Listed Building element would be secured by a Section 76 Legal Agreement. The remainder would be built to form a quad within the Mount, with a central amenity and parking area. She explained that the site would result in 41 new homes and was acceptable in terms of density, design, amenity provision, highway safety, parking and flooding. The Committee was advised that officers had concluded that the scheme would bring a positive benefit to the site and locality, given that it had been vacant for many years, and that the Listed Buildings were in a state of disrepair.

The Members were advised that the scheme would include 34 parking spaces within the site and a number of travel cards for residents, which considered acceptable given its location within a highly accessible location close to bus, rail, the city centre and district centres.

She reported that Rivers Agency, Historic Environment Division, NI Water, BCC Environmental Health and DfI Roads Service had been consulted and had offered no objection to the proposal.

The Committee was advised that nine letters of objection had been received, with stated concerns from six individuals. The issues raised included road safety, parking congestion, social housing provision, noise impact on human health, loss of greenspace/wildlife, overlooking, density and impact on listed buildings. The Planning officer explained that the issues had been addressed within the Case officer’s report. She added that, following amendments to the scheme, only one repeat objection had been received, regarding a loss of greenspace.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the Late Items pack, whereby Members noted that reports had been submitted to Environmental Health and remediation

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conditions would therefore be applied. The Principal Planning officer explained that conditions would be finalised prior to the Decision Notice being issued under the authority delegated to the Director.

The Principal Planning officer explained that, in relation to the Section 76 Agreement, delegated authority was sought for the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording to secure the works to the listed building and to include Travel Passes for nine properties within the proposed development.

The Chairperson commended the applicant and architect on the impressive design for the scheme.

The Committee granted approval to the application, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report and delegated power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the conditions and to finalise the Section 76 Agreement if required, subject to no new substantive planning issues being raised by third parties.

LA04/2021/0035/F - House Extension at 74a Shandon Park

The Committee was provided with the details of the application.

The Principal Planning officer explained that the application was before the Committee as, under Section 3.7.5 (b) of the Scheme of Delegation, applications made by Council staff at senior management grade (PO12) or above were not delegated and were required to be considered by the Committee.

She outlined that the proposed extension would not adversely impact the character and appearance of the surrounding area. It was considered to be sympathetic in its built form, scale, massing and appearance with the existing property and with surrounding neighbouring properties. It was considered that the proposal would not raise any issues in relation to overshadowing or loss of light to neighbouring dwellings as the 60 degree angles test had been satisfied. The Members were advised that the proposal would fall within the scope of permitted development under the General Permitted Development Order.

The Principal Planning officer clarified that, contrary to an error within the report, no objections had been received in respect of the application.

The Committee granted approval to the application, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report and delegated power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the conditions.

LA04/2020/0845/O - Outline planning permission for a mixed use regeneration proposal with all matters reserved for retirement living at plot 6, medical or health services at plot 9, multi storey car park, local retail uses, restaurant and cafe uses, leisure and gym facilities at plot 8, associated internal access roads, associated

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new public realm and amenity open space including central plaza and access from Upper Lisburn Road (as per planning approval reference LA04/2018/0040/F); and no matters reserved for residential development (81 apartments)at plot 3 with ground floor local retail use/restaurant and cafe uses/leisure and gym facilities, associated landscaping, car parking and access from Upper Lisburn Road (as per planning approval reference LA04/2018/0040/F) and reconfiguration of temporary car park to the rear of King's Hall (approved under LA04/2018/0040/F)

The Planning Manager provided the Members with the key aspects of the application for a mixed use regeneration proposal which included:

 all matters reserved for retirement living at Plot 6, medical or health services at Plot 9, multi storey car park, local retail uses, restaurant and cafe uses, leisure and gym facilities at Plot 8, associated internal access roads, associated new public realm and amenity open space including central plaza and access from Upper Lisburn Road (as per planning approval LA04/2018/0040/F); and  no matters reserved for residential development (81 apartments) at Plot 3, with ground floor local retail use/restaurant and cafe uses/leisure and gym facilities, associated landscaping, car parking and access from Upper Lisburn Road (as per planning approval LA04/2018/0040/F) and reconfiguration of temporary car park to the rear of King's Hall (approved under LA04/2018/0040/F).

The Committee was advised that the application was accompanied by an Environmental Statement and a suite of supporting documents including a Masterplan and Parameter Plan, which set out the proposed maximum height. The Planning Manager advised that a Design Code had also been provided, which set out key design principles for each plot. He outlined that subsequent Reserved Matters applications would be required to follow the principles set out in the Design Code, which would be required by planning condition, in order to give certainty regarding the final quality and cohesion across the development.

The Members were provided with the main issues which had been considered during the assessment of the application, including height, scale and massing; design, layout and materials; impact on surrounding amenity; impact on the Listed King’s Hall; access, movement and parking; and drainage.

The Committee was advised that three objections had been received raising concerns regarding the access arrangements into the King’s Hall Site from Balmoral Avenue. The Planning Manager outlined that the site would be accessed from the Lisburn Road, via a new signalised junction, which had been approved under Phase 1 (LA04/2018/0040/F). He advised the Members that consideration of access arrangements to/from Balmoral Avenue had previously been considered in the context of earlier applications for Phase 1, the independent living units and the care home. He explained that no through access was proposed from the Balmoral Avenue access to

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the new signalised junction on the Lisburn Road, and, therefore, traffic would be segregated.

The Planning Manager advised the Committee that the application was a standalone application in its own right and was not dependent on other development on the wider site.

He pointed out that consultees had no objections to the proposed development. Following re-consultation, after the submission of further information, he explained that a final consultation was pending from DFI Roads, which would include proposed conditions. The Members were advised that DFI Roads had advised in a previous consultation response that it had no objections.

The Planning Manager drew the Committee’s attention to the Late Items pack, whereby the applicant had submitted a rooftop plan. He explained that the plans had been uploaded to the Planning Portal and demonstrated that the elements on the roof of Plot 3 related to lift overruns, which would extend 500mm above roof level, but would sit below the parapet level of the building and would therefore be screened from view.

A Member raised concerns with the 607 parking spaces which were proposed as part of the application, in that it would result in an increase in traffic congestion at an already busy junction, as well as the impact it would have on air pollution. He highlighted that the air pollution in the Stockman’s Lane area of Belfast was already extremely high and he was surprised that the report only seemed to focus on the air pollution as a result of the short term construction works and did not highlight the long term effects that the development would have on air quality.

In response, the Planning Manager advised the Committee that DFI Roads had considered the Transport Assessment for the application in terms of its impact on the wider road network, and that it did not consider there to be any overriding concerns. He also advised the Members that the Environmental Statement had been scrutinised by Environmental Health officers and that they had no technical objections to the application, including impact on air quality, given the number of proposed mitigation measures. He confirmed that the site was in a particularly sustainable location, given its proximity to bus and rail routes, and provided good access to local amenities. He added that the site was outside the Air Quality Management Area.

The Chairperson welcomed Ms. E. Walker and Mr. M. Gordon, agents, and Mr. A. Murray, architect, to the meeting. Ms. Walker advised the Committee that:

 the Transport Assessment which had been submitted with the application assessed the entire development of the King’s Hall site to ensure that the cumulative impact of traffic generation was assessed;  the traffic generated from the entire site had been included within the modelling for the air quality assessment, which had been subject to scrutiny from Environmental Health;  a Construction Environmental Management Plan would be provided, including details to be signed off by Environmental Health such as dust management and traffic control during the construction period;

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 only the appropriate number of car parking spaces to serve the development were included, in order to keep traffic to a minimum; and  the Travel Plan included access to sustainable transport and cycle parking, and the site was in a sustainable location.

A number of Members expressed concerns in relation to the impact that the application could have on air quality and pointed out that the site was around 170metres from an Air Quality Management Area. A number of Members queried whether the mitigation measures proposed went far enough.

The Planning Manager advised the Committee of Environmental Health’s response to the application and that there were no grounds to refuse permission because of concerns about air quality. He suggested that the Committee proceeded to determine the application as it stood but might wish to consider holding a separate training session on Air Quality at a future Workshop.

Moved by Councillor Maskey Seconded by Councillor Groogan and

Resolved - That the Committee agrees:  to defer consideration of the application to enable a site visit to be undertaken to allow the Committee to acquaint itself with the location and the proposals at first hand;  that further information be submitted in respect of air quality; and  that an Environmental Health officer would attend the meeting in respect of the application.

LA04/2020/0679/F – Replacement spectator stand (1246) to include parking provision, changing rooms & associated required football rooms, offices on upper floors, new vehicle access off Shore Road & relocating 1 floodlight as previously approved under application Z/2015/0018/F at Crusaders Football Club, St Vincent Street

(Councillor Nicholl left the meeting at this point in proceedings)

The Senior Planning officer provided the details of the application to the Committee. She outlined that the main issues which had been considered during the assessment case included the principle of development, impact on the character and appearance of the area, impact on amenity, health considerations and road safety.

She explained that the proposal was for the same scheme that had previously been approved under reference Z/2015/0018/F, with the exception of the relocated floodlight. The Committee was advised that the current application had been submitted prior to the expiry of the previous permission and was essentially an in-time renewal. Given that there had been no material change in policy context or site circumstances since the previous decision, the current proposal was still considered acceptable.

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She drew the Members’ attention to the Late Items pack. She explained that, as there was a small portion of flood plain under the existing stand, and that the replacement stand would cover the same footprint, there was no increase in flood risk. However, she explained that a Drainage Assessment condition had been recommended to ensure adequate measures were put in place to ensure appropriate drainage for the site.

She outlined that one letter of objection had been received relating to traffic, congestion and the potential impact from floodlights.

The Committee was advised that Environmental Health had been consulted and was content with the proposal subject to a condition being attached to the decision requiring a Construction Environmental Management Plan to be submitted prior to the development commencing, to minimise any potential construction impacts.

The Senior Planning officer added that Environmental Health was content with the proposal in terms of the impact of noise and potential impact from floodlights. As there was no increase in the capacity of the stadium, the proposal was not considered to result in any material increase in potential noise being generated over the existing established football stadium. Additionally, due to the floodlights being positioned below the height of the proposed stand, light spill was not considered to be an issue.

NIEA, DfI Roads and NI Water had also been consulted in respect of the application and had offered no objection.

The Committee granted approval to the application, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report, and delegated power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the conditions.

LA04/2020/1417/F - Part of the Forth Meadow Community Greenway project, section 1 proposes new footpaths, path widening and resurfacing, a new park entrance and new wayfinding signage and street furniture at the boundaries of or adjacent to Glencairn Park as well as at the Forthriver Road and Forthriver Crescent (Project previously known as PEACE IV Shared Spaces project)

(Councillor McCullough left the meeting at this point in proceedings)

(Councillor Maskey, having declared an interest in the item, left the meeting for the duration of the discussion and did not participate in the vote.)

The Senior Planning officer provided the Committee with an overview of Belfast City Council’s proposal for an environmental improvement scheme at three entrances to Glencairn Park. Two of the entrances were from Forthriver Crescent while the other was accessed from Forthriver Road. She explained that the works included new footpaths, path widening and resurfacing, a new park entrance and new wayfinding signage and street furniture.

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The Members were advised of the issues which had been considered during the assessment, including the principle of development, the design and the impact on Glencairn Historic Park.

The Senior Planning officer outlined that Glencairn Park was designated as lands reserved for landscape, amenity or recreation use in the BUAP and as open space in draft BMAP.

The Committee was advised that officers felt that the proposals would complement and improve the area and complied with the relevant policy and area designations.

The Members were advised that DFI Roads and NIEA had been consulted and had offered no objection to the proposal.

The Committee granted approval to the application, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report and delegated power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the conditions.

LA04/2020/1322/F - Various park entrances and signage/wayfinding installations bordering at the Forthriver Linear Park as well as at Somerdale Park and the Crumlin Road

(Councillor Maskey re-joined the meeting at this point)

The Committee was provided with the key aspects of the Belfast City Council proposal for an environmental improvement scheme at three locations on the Crumlin Road, Somerdale Park and within the Forthriver Linear Park.

The Senior Planning officer outlined the issues which had been considered during the assessment, including the principle of development, the design of the proposal and the impact on a site of Local Nature Conservation Importance.

She advised the Members that Forthriver Linear Park was designated as lands reserved for landscape, amenity or recreation use in the BUAP. The Committee was advised that the Crumlin Road was designated as an arterial route while the Forthriver Linear Park was designated as open space and a Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance within draft BMAP.

The Members were advised that officers felt that the proposals would complement and improve the area and comply with the relevant policy and area plan designations.

She reported that DFI Roads and NIEA had been consulted in respect of the application and had offered no objection to the proposal.

The Committee granted approval to the application, subject to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report and delegated power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the conditions.

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LA04/2020/2216/F - Replacing existing kiosk with upgraded kiosks which includes covered area on lands in front of Calvert House, 23 Castle Place

The Senior Planning officer provided the Committee with the details of the application which sought the replacement of an existing kiosk with upgraded kiosks which included a covered area. She explained that the proposal to replace the kiosk had ultimately arisen from the negative impacts on the city centre felt by the Primark Fire and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Members were advised that the overarching aim was to encourage local communities, pedestrians and shoppers back into the city centre, particularly back to Castle Place, building on previous successful attempts to reactivate and pedestrianise this key node of Belfast city centre.

The Senior Planning officer explained that the site was located within the Belfast City Centre Conservation Area and that, overall it was felt that the proposal would enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and would not be detrimental to the setting of nearby listed buildings, amenity of neighbouring properties or harmful to highway safety.

She outlined the key issues in the assessment of the proposed development and highlighted that it was considered to comply with the SPPS, BUAP, Draft BMAP, PPS3 and PPS6.

The Committee was advised that Historic Environment Division, Environmental Health and Conservation and Heritage had been consulted and had offered no objections. The Senior Planning officer explained that while a response from DFI Roads was outstanding, it had indicated that it was unlikely to object to the application.

The Committee granted approval to the application, subject to no objection from DFI Roads and to the imposing of the conditions set out within the case officer’s report and delegated power to the Director of Planning and Building Control for the final wording of the conditions.

Chairperson

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Brexit Committee

Thursday, 11th February, 2021

MEETING OF BREXIT COMMITTEE HELD REMOTELY VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS

Members present: Councillor Flynn (Chairperson); and Aldermen Haire and Sandford; and Councillors Baker, Brooks, Canavan, de Faoite, Ferguson, Gormley, Kyle, Long, Magennis, McLaughlin, McMullan, Newton, Spratt and Walsh.

In attendance: Mrs. S. Wylie, Chief Executive; Mr. J. Walsh, City Solicitor; Mr. J. Greer, Director of Economic Development; Mrs. S. Toland, Director of City Services; Ms. K. Walsh, Business Research and Development Manager; Mrs. C Sullivan, Policy and Business Development Officer; Mr. S. Leonard, Neighbourhood Services Manager; Mr. R. Connelly, Policy, Research and Compliance Officer; Ms. E. McGoldrick, Democratic Services Officer; and Ms. C. Donnelly, Democratic Services Officer.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were reported from Alderman Rodgers and Councillors Hanvey and Whyte.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 14th January were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February.

Declarations of Interest

No declarations of interest were recorded.

Presentations

SEUPB - Ms. G. McIntyre and Mr. D. McGarrigle

The Chairperson welcomed Ms. G. McIntyre and Mr. D. McGarrigle from the Special EU Programmes Body, (SEUPB) to the meeting.

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Ms. McIntyre thanked the Committee for inviting representation from SEUPB to discuss the proposed consultation process for the PEACE PLUS programme. She informed the Members that the programme objective was to contribute to a more prosperous and stable society in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland, and that it would leave a lasting legacy. She stated that the programme would achieve this by funding activities that promoted peace and reconciliation, and contribute to the cross- border economic and territorial development of the programme area, and that the PEACE PLUS programme would build upon the previous PEACE and INTERREG programmes.

She reported that SEUPB was engaging with government departments in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland based on their Joint North South Position Papers and engaging with the European Commission with regard to progress and technical areas in the programme.

Ms. McIntyre outlined the following thematic areas of the programme to the Committee:

 Building peaceful and thriving communities;  Delivering economic regeneration and transformation;  Empowering and investing in our young people;  Healthy and inclusive communities;  Supporting a sustainable future;  Building and embedding partnership and collaboration.

Ms. McIntyre added that she wanted to involve smaller community organisations, which would not have had the financial capacity to get involved in the previous PEACE programmes.

Mr. McGarrigle referred to the local authority co-designed community plans and highlighted that the programme would be centred on community regeneration and transformation to build thriving and peaceful communities, and to celebrate culture, diversity and inclusion. He added that SEUPB would be working with local authorities to produce the PEACE PLUS action plans to prepare for the programme opening.

Ms. McIntyre outlined to the Members the consultation process and the subsequent steps required to deliver the programme.

In response to a Member’s question, Ms. McIntyre confirmed that the PEACE PLUS action plans would be co-designed with input from both the community and voluntary sectors and that a letter would be issued to Councils across Northern Ireland to request that support is put in place to have the action plans ready by then end of 2021.

A further number of Members sought clarity in relation to timescales leading up to the release of funding.

Following further discussion, the Committee thanked Ms. G. McIntyre and Mr. D. McGarrigle for their presentation and they retired from the meeting.

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Queen's University Belfast - Mr. D. Phinnemore

The Chairperson welcomed Professor D. Phinnemore, Professor of European Politics at Queen's University Belfast, to the meeting.

Professor Phinnemore provided the Committee with an overview of the post transition EU UK relationship and Northern Ireland’s position within it so far.

He advised the Committee that on 1st January, 2021, the UK had exited the transition period and was no longer in the EU customs union and single market, and no longer participating in the EU cooperation arrangements. He explained that the EU UK relationship was governed by a trade and cooperation agreement which was being provisionally enforced and that the protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland annex to the withdrawal agreement had entered fully into force.

He informed the Committee that, in December 2024, MLAs would hold a democratic consent vote on the continued applications of Articles 5-10 of the Protocol and if the outcome of the vote was no consent, then Articles 5-10 would cease to apply after a period of two years. He added that the protocol did not cover the totality of arrangements which a member country of the EU was subjected to, such as the free movement of services or labour.

He outlined the terms of the UK EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the joint statement by the European Commission Vice-President and the UK Chancellor of 3rd February, 2021, which referred to their full commitment to the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement and to the proper implementation of the Protocol.

Following several questions from Members of the Committee, Mr. Phinnemore provided clarification on the following areas:

 Regulatory alignment and divergence;  Extension of grace periods;  Article 16; and  The Special Committee of Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Following further discussion, the Chairperson thanked Professor Phinnemore for his presentation and he retired from the meeting.

Restricted Items

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

Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the Members of the Press and public from the Committee meeting during discussion on the following item as, due to its nature, there would be a disclosure of exempt

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information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

Port Health Unit Update

The Chief Executive, City Solicitor and Director of City Services presented the Committee with an update on the Port Health Unit.

The Committee noted the update.

Brexit Services Review

The Policy and Business Development Officer informed the Committee that a review had been undertaken with services which had completed the Brexit readiness templates in order to identify any issues that had arisen since the end of the transition period, and to seek assurances that these were now being dealt with through business as usual processes. .

She advised the Committee that the majority of services had not identified any issues and the main areas of concern were around the availability of supplies, delays in obtaining supplies and price increases.

She added that services had been liaising with suppliers and monitoring prices and that any issues would be dealt with through the relevant Council processes and that further updates would be presented to future meetings of the Brexit Committee.

The Committee noted the update.

Support for Business

The Director of Economic Development presented the Committee with an update in respect of the following report:

“1.0 Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

At the meeting of the Brexit Committee in January 2021, members received an update on support provided to help local businesses overcome challenges and help them address impact of UK exit from EU. The purpose of this report is to update members on the impact faced by Belfast businesses in a constantly changing environment and provides an update on the current project status and outline future delivery plans.

2.0 Recommendations

The Committee is asked to note the work undertaken to date by the Enterprise and Business Growth Unit to deliver support to enable businesses to overcome Brexit challenges.

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3.0 Main report

Key Issues

Members will be aware that, the Enterprise and Business Growth team are updating evidence-based analysis to determine what impact EU Exit is having on Belfast businesses. Data and insights from this analysis helps identify if support is required, assess gaps in provision and if appropriate, design support to meet local business needs in a timely manner.

This analysis builds on earlier work undertaken at the end of 2020 and is based on discussions with professionals supporting Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) that are navigating their way through EU Exit. Main issues include the following:

. Prior to the Deal, the biggest concerns were among businesses that exported to the EU, particularly RoI. There was a wide range of issues highlighted reflecting the complexities of the new arrangements and the fact that few businesses have adjusted. Now most issues and confusion are around the operation of the NI Protocol and specifically the import of goods from GB.

. Where emphasis had been on challenges for exporters, the NI Protocol means there are new paperwork requirements when moving goods from the rest of the UK into or out of Northern Ireland. This impacts on a larger number of small businesses that purchase from the rest of the UK.

. With the EU Exit agreement only finalised a few days before it was implemented, both GB and NI businesses had very little time to prepare for new procedures and set up new processes. This has caused considerable friction with uncertainties around what is required and who is responsible for providing it.

. It is likely that as businesses and the economy recover from lockdown, and as stockpiles are used up, there will be an increasing number of businesses that have to adapt to the new arrangements. Many that have been shut owing to lockdown measures arising from COVID are likely to be unprepared. At this stage, the volume of goods brought across the

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Irish Sea is estimated to be around half the level prior to the pandemic.

. There are some smaller businesses, especially microbusinesses, that do not understand what they have to do and have never been importers before.

. There is a mix of short and long-term issues. For example, there are significant logistics issues that businesses are facing immediately in organising the right paperwork, but longer-term issues around how supply chains may be affected and how transport routes may change.

. Despite these challenges, Northern Ireland’s status of being in both the UK and the EU single market for goods, is a particular opportunity for manufacturers and in attracting foreign investment. These opportunities will not be immediately clear to foreign multinationals from outside Europe and there is an important role for all the agencies in NI to raise awareness as these opportunities will not be immediately clear to foreign multinationals.

This analysis contains a number of detailed themes illustrating how SMEs are impacted and this intelligence has informed support requirements. A summary of the main issues includes the following:

. The impact on SME businesses in the wholesale and retail trade is greater.

. There is still a misunderstanding of what a grace period is and a body of education needs to be carried out, especially at a microbusiness level. Education is required to raise awareness on changes to paperwork, procedures and logistics. The need to provide new information on these areas will be required to continue for some time yet.

. There are issues around who is responsible for completing the paperwork – supplier or customer – and what documents need to go with goods.

. For SMEs, there is concern and uncertainty about whether they are ‘doing the right thing’ and what the paperwork should look like for “at risk” goods.

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. There are impacts on businesses’ cash flows, the treatment of VAT payments and new costs associated with much of this, the time required, getting advice, additional haulage costs, new markings, delayed supplies etc. It may be necessary for SMEs to find new suppliers and this will require new credit term agreements.

. Manufactured goods produced in NI may require dual certification.

. There have been cases of goods being delayed because customs are considering NI as outside the EU and are unaware of the Protocol. For example, where NI businesses have transported goods between EU countries.

. Visas and recognition of qualifications has been less of an issue more recently

Using this analysis, four areas for support identified are:

. Provisions of mentoring and advice to individual businesses (one-to-one) to prepare action plans. In many cases, businesses need one-off advice; help to walk through new processes, so they are empowered to do this themselves in future. Evidence from consultations showed there was a wide range of cases and problems requiring unique solutions. This approach will ensure the council’s support is responsive and agile. Retail and Wholesale sector will be targeted, although support will be open to all sectors. Mentoring support was launched on 28 January via social media, business networks and via direct contact with businesses. Four businesses have enrolled for support and marketing will continue to ensure that businesses are supported. Members will be aware that there are a range of other organisations who are currently providing support to businesses in relation to EU Exit. Officers will continue to work with these organisations to ensure content aligns, adds value to what is already in place and businesses are signposted to relevant support to meet their needs.

. Provision of support (two webinars will be held in March. Protocol and the customs themes processes but will be led by business need and additional marketing undertaken to reach clients) to raise

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awareness of the new procedures for small and micro- businesses that import from GB. Requirements through the Protocol and the customs processes are likely to affect many more businesses and many businesses are still unaware because they are in lockdown.

. Raising awareness of the Protocol in GB and in the EU. The consultations highlight the problems with GB suppliers but also cases where EU suppliers or customers are not aware of NI’s status.

There is an important role for all the government organisations in NI to raise awareness of NI’s status in both the UK and the EU single market for goods and use it to attract investment. (For example, manufacturers and in attracting foreign investment). Therefore we will be working closely with organisations such as Invest NI, Intertrade Ireland, Belfast Chamber, FSB to name a few to ensure that businesses are aware of the supports available and can access them in a timely manner.

An update on progress will be presented at a future committee meeting.

4.0 Financial and Resource Implications

All activities outlined within this report will be resourced from the 2020/21 Economic Development budgets agreed by the City Growth and Regeneration Committee on 4 March 2020.

5.0 Equality or Good Relations Implications/ Rural Needs Assessment

The proposed project referenced in this report is informed by statistical research, stakeholder engagement and complementary policies and strategies. The unit is currently undertaking a process of equality screening on the overall work programme, this will ensure consideration is given to equality and good relation impacts throughout the delivery of this project.”

The Committee noted the content of the report.

Chairperson

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Page 152 Agenda Item 8a

Application fees in the private rented sector

“This council notes that tenants in the private rented sector are still being charged illegal letting fees by letting agents despite the June 2018 legal case of Loughran v Piney Rentals Limited and F5 Property Limited having determined the illegality of these fees under The Commission on Disposals of Land Order 1986.

Council further notes that the “Joint Ministerial Communiqué on Letting Agency Fees” published by the Ministers for Communities and Finance in March 2020 has been helpful, but ineffective in stopping the illegal practice of letting agents charging tenants for professional services that would normally be carried out by them.

This council believes:

 The charging of illegal letting fees by letting agents restricts access to the private rented sector while placing a heavy financial burden on low income households, particularly in the context of a global pandemic and looming economic/housing crisis’.

 There is a need to strengthen regulation of the private rented sector, including legislation regarding the charging of illegal application fees where adequate penalties and enforcement arrangements are put in place to deter those who seek to continue to charge these fees.

 Enforcement of any new legislation regarding the charging of illegal application fees should be carried out by local councils across Northern Ireland with adequate resources provided for by government.

Council agrees to write to the Minister for Communities and the Minister of Finance, outlining concerns above and pledging council’s support for the regulation of the private rented sector.”

Proposer: Councillor Flynn

Seconder: Councillor Kyle

(To be debated by the Council)

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Belfast Hills ‘Call to Action’ document

“Council welcomes and endorses the publication of the new report, Access to the Belfast Hills –Promises, Betrayals and a Call to Action, prepared by the Belfast Hills Access Campaign. Council also welcomes the recent decision by the People and Communities Committee to request a report on improving access to the Belfast Hills. Council requests that the aforementioned report is incorporated into this process in order to best compliment this effort. Council wishes to see a comprehensive resolution of the access problem which requires more specific measures and the opening of the following routes;

1 Black Mountain and Divis from Glencairn/Ligoniel. 2. Black Mountain and Divis from Whiterock. 3. From the top of Collin Glen to Black Mountain and Divis. 4. Completion of the key spinal route (the Ulster Way) by securing access to its central section from Wolf Hill to Squires Hill.

Council recognises the difficulties caused to officers by the pandemic but also wishes the question of access to the Belfast Hills to be given higher priority than has been the case in recent years. In doing so, Council recommends that officers take account of the, Access to the Belfast Hills –Promises, Betrayals and a Call to Action. Following this, Council requests that officers prepare an indicative plan and timescale for addressing these issues.”

Proposer: Councillor Matt Collins

Seconder: Councillor O’Hara

(To be referred, without debate, to the People and Communities Committee.)

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Real Living Wage Foundation Accreditation

“This council is proudly a Real Living Wage Foundation employer for its direct employees. However, Belfast City Council does not pay the Real Living Wage Foundation rate to casual workers, industrial placements and apprentices. As a result of this policy, Belfast City Council is not an accredited Living Wage Foundation Employer. This council believes this must change.

Belfast City Council wants to become a leader for Workers Rights in this City and encourage other organisations/business through our Social Value Procurement strategy to become Real Living Wage Foundation Employers. Many local authorities are Real Living Wage Employers in Scotland, Wales and England however no Council in the North has yet to become an accredited Real Living Wage employer. Therefore this Council commits to becoming an accredited Real Living Wage Foundation Employer by 1st April, 2022.

Furthermore, this council recognises its’ continued use of outside employment agencies and notes the difficulties that this can present which were highlighted throughout the Covid 19 pandemic when we had limited control over the terms and conditions of those employees carrying out council functions employed through an agency.

Therefore, this Council will establish plans to review workforce planning with a view to reducing the use of agencies and will bring a report before exploring options on how we can achieve this.

Proposer: Councillor McLaughlin

Seconder: Councillor Murphy

(To be referred, without debate, to the Strategic Policy ad Resources Committee)

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