Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0  Purpose of Report

1.1   This report provides an update on the current status with regard to the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) and the ongoing challenge to the adoption in September 2014.

2.0   Recommendations

         The Committee is asked to note this report.  Further reports will be brought to the Committee in relation to the result of the challenge and for the consideration of proposed processes for the development of a new for the city. 

3.0   Main report

3.1   The previous report to the Shadow Committee outlined the basis for the adoption by the Minister for the Environment, Mark H Durkan in September 2014. This adoption meant that BMAP replaced all pre-existing local policies and would serve as the local development plan for Belfast until such time as the new Council puts in place a new plan.

3.2   The Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, claimed in December 2014 that Minister Durkan in proceeding to adopt BMAP had breached the ministerial code by publishing the plan without bringing it before the Executive for full approval.

3.3   Minister Foster was granted leave to seek a judicial review of Mark H Durkan's decision to adopt the BMAP in January 2015. At the hearing the judge was informed the Environment Minister was not opposed to the case proceeding to a full hearing which was scheduled for the 27th May 2015.

3.4   Until the result of the challenge is formalised the BMAP will remain as the adopted Development Plan for Belfast and the surrounding 5 Districts. The BMAP sets out the land use proposals for Belfast and the surrounding Districts for the period until it is replaced. It identifies zones for retail, residential or commercial development and affects almost 40% of the Northern Ireland population. This includes areas such as Carrickfergus, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and North Down that are (and will be) outside of the Belfast City Council boundary.

3.5   It was previously indicated that Minister Foster would also be seeking an order to suspend any implementation of BMAP until the case is decided. Following the court consideration in January it was confirmed that the suspension of BMAP was no longer being pursued.

3.6   The decision arising from the hearing scheduled for the 27th May 2015 could have implications for the future status of all or part of the BMAP and will be reported back to the Committee along with any recommendations as to the way forward.  

3.7   With regard to the development of the new plan the Committee may wish to note the illustrative timeline provided guidance issued by the Department. This work under new statutory requirements will need to be aligned with the Community Plan as detailed in the emerging Belfast Agenda.”

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.