Agenda and minutes

            No apologies for inability to attend were reported.

            The minutes of the meetings of 16th February 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 March, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

            Councillor Collins declared an interest in Item 6f, namely LA04/2020/1864/F - Application under Section 54 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in respect to planning permission Z/2014/0077/F (erection of new pavilion, new 3G all-weather pitch with associated perimeter and spectator fencing, ball catch nets, floodlighting and improvements to pedestrian and vehicular access to include new access, footpath and car parking) to vary Condition 13 at Glassmullin Gardens / Slieveban Drive, in that he had been involved in a campaign relating to the green space in the area, and, upon receiving legal advice, he advised that he would not participate in the vote on the application.  He stated that he wished to address the Committee on the application before he retired from the meeting.

            Councillor McCullough declared an interest in Item 6l, namely LA04/2020/0798/F - Youth and Community Centre, with fenced 3G Pitch on a vacant site, with associated parking and landscaping on site of former Grove Swimming Pool Complex bound by York Road North Queen Street and Grove Place, in that he had been involved in some work around it and would withdraw and not participate in the discussion or vote.

The Committee noted that, on 2nd and 10th March, site visits had been undertaken to:

·        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;

·        LA04/2020/1158/F - Demolition of existing building and erection of 65No Apartments including 20%social housing at- 1 – 5 Redcar Street;

·        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 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); and

·        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.

LA04/2020/2200/F - Demolition of Nos. 27 to 37 Linenhall Street and Nos. 8-10 Clarence Street and erection of seven storey office building 8-10 Clarence Street, 27-37 Linenhall Street and existing car park at the corner of Linenhall Street and Clarence Street

            At the suggestion of officers, the Committee agreed to undertake a pre-emptive site visit in respect of the following application:

·        LA04/2020/2200/F - Demolition of Nos. 27 to 37 Linenhall Street and Nos. 8-10 Clarence Street and erection of seven storey office building 8-10 Clarence Street, 27-37 Linenhall Street and existing car park at the corner of Linenhall Street and Clarence Street.

            The Planning Manager advised the Committee that a late objection had been received in relation to application 6k, namely LA04/2020/0857/F - Demolition of existing hostel building and redevelopment to provide four-storey building comprising 15 No. residential units, office space and ancillary development at Ormeau Centre, 5-11 Verner Street.  The Members noted that the application had therefore been withdrawn from the agenda and the Committee agreed to hold a pre-emptive site visit to familiarise itself with the location.

            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.

            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 planning decisions which had been issued by the Planning Department between 9th February and 8th March.

            The Committee noted that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) proposed to abandon 253.24 square metres of former footpath, consisting of two areas at Dunbar Link and Great Patrick Street, under Article 68 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.

            The Chairperson reminded the Committee that this would be the last meeting at which the Director of Planning and Building Control would be in attendance as he would be leaving the Council to take up the post of Assistant Director (Growth and Housing) in Wigan Council.  On behalf of the Committee, the Chairperson thanked Mr. Thatcher for his contribution to the Planning Department during his time in the Council and wished him well in his future role.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1             The purpose of the report is to advise the Committee about an increase to the fee charged for a Regional Property Certificate.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Committee is asked to:

·        Note the revised fee structure for Regional Property Certificates.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       Fermanagh and Omagh District Council co-ordinate and manage the Regional Property Certificate Service on behalf of the 11 Councils and other statutory partners.  This includes collection of fees which are subsequently distributed on a net basis to each Council, based on the number of certificates issued for each respective area, normally on a bi-annual basis.

3.2       The last fee change was in July 2019 when VAT was introduced following a HMRC ruling that this represented a chargeable service.   It was confirmed at that time that this was not a statutory fee and Councils had the powers to amend at their discretion. 

            Key Issues

3.3       It is proposed that the fee is increased from £60 to £70, inclusive of VAT, which is in line with the Local Council Property Certificate fee as this will avoid any confusion amongst the shared customer base.   Other aspects of charges, including the charge for other sites and maximum fee, will not be affected.  The proposed change to the fee structure is set out in Appendix A.:

3.4       SOLACE has been consulted and has approved this change and it will also be advised to the Law Society as the representative organisation for solicitors in NI, with an effective date of 1 April 2021. 

            Financial & Resource Implications

3.5       As per the report.

            Equality or Good Relations Implications

3.6       None associated with this report.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report and Summary of Main Issues

1.1The Department for Infrastructure (DFI) is carrying out a review of the implementation of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. DFI has issued a ‘call for evidence’ to key stakeholders asking them to respond (see Appendix 1 on mod.gov).

1.2The Planning Committee is asked to agree the Council’s response at Appendix 2, which will inform the Department’s review.

2.0Recommendation

2.1The Committee is asked to agree the draft response to DFI's call for evidence at Appendix 2 regarding the Departmental review of the implementation of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

3.0 Main Report

      Introduction

3.1DFI is conducting a review of the implementation of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. DFI has issued a ‘call for evidence’ to key stakeholders asking them to respond. The Planning Committee is asked to agree the Council’s response, which will inform DFI's review. A draft response provided at Appendix 2.

      Background

3.2The Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (‘the Act’) was implemented in 2015 following the reform of local government and decentralisation of the majority of planning powers from the former Department of Environment to the 11 new councils.

3.3The key aims of the reform of the planning system were:

·        deliver Northern Ireland Executive’s decision to transfer the majority of planning functions to the newly formed councils thus creating a two tier planning system; and

·        bring forward short, medium and long term process improvements to modernise the system.

3.4The Department is required by law to undertake a review of the Act.

3.5DFI stresses that the focus of the review is on the ‘implementation’ of the legislative provisions of the Act itself and the extent to which the original objectives of the Act have been achieved. This will then inform whether there is a need to retain, amend or repeal any provisions of the Act. The review will also provide opportunity to consider any improvements or ‘fixes’ which may be required to the way in which the Act has been commenced and implemented in subordinate legislation. DFI says that it is likely that issues with the planning system that have surfaced as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic will be considered as part of this review.

3.6DFI issued the call for evidence on 15 February 2021. The deadline for responses was originally 15 March 2021. However, at the behest of Belfast City Council and other councils, DFI has agreed to extend the consultation period to 16 April 2021 to allow consideration by  the Planning Committee and subsequent ratification at Full Council.

3.7A link to the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 is provided below:

      https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/25/pdfs/nia_20110025_en.pdf

      Key Issues

3.8This is a very significant opportunity for the Council to influence much needed change and improvement to the planning process in Northern Ireland. 

3.9The planning system in NI is underperforming. In 2019/20, the average processing time for determining Major applications in Northern Ireland  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9b

            At the request of a Member, the Committee agreed to invite DFI Planning to engage with the Committee in relation to the ongoing examination of community involvement in the planning process.

            The information contained in the report associated with the following 2 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 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.

            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.

            The Committee noted the submission of comments to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Local Development Plan Focused Changes Consultation, which would be subject to approval by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            The Committee noted that the following four applications had been withdrawn from the agenda:

·        LA04/2019/1833/F - New dwelling to replace previous dwelling on site at 11 Ashley Park, Dunmurry;

·        LA04/2020/2200/F - Demolition of Nos. 27 to 37 Linenhall Street and Nos. 8-10 Clarence Street and erection of seven storey office building 8-10 Clarence Street, 27-37 Linenhall Street and existing car park at the corner of Linenhall Street and Clarence Street;

·        LA04/2020/0426/F - Reconstruction of petrol station and ancillary retail unit including the replacement of fuel tanks, pumps and canopy alterations. Hot food takeaway unit, ATM, compactor and provision of an EV charging facility at 228 -232 Stewartstown Road; and

·        LA04/2020/0857/F - Demolition of existing hostel building and redevelopment to provide four-storey building comprising 15 No. residential units, office space and ancillary development at Ormeau Centre, 5-11 Verner Street.

            The Committee was advised that the application had previously been listed for Committee consideration on 16th February, 2021. The application had not been presented and was deferred for a site visit to be undertaken to allow the Committee to acquaint itself with the location and the proposal at first hand.  A site visit for Members had taken place on 2nd March, 2021.

            The Principal Planning officer provided the Committee with the key aspects of the application.

            She reminded the Committee that it was up to the applicant to furnish the Authority with information, plans and drawings to demonstrate the acceptability of their proposal and that the applicant had failed to do that.  The Members were advised that the sections and shadow analysis which had been received confirmed officers’ concerns regarding the unacceptability of the proposal in terms of scale, mass; limited separation and proximity to neighbours.

            The Committee was advised that, on Monday, 1st March, the applicant had submitted additional information and an amended scheme.  The amendments included:

·        the creation of a point of access from the public street to all apartments;

·        the reduction of overall numbers from 6 apartments to 5; The proposal had removed the ground floor apartment from 1 Canada Street and instead proposed that to be used as an access corridor to the proposed apartments, stores, bicycle parking and bin store located under the 1stfloor of 1 Canada Street which was previously proposed to be the entrance courtyard to the apartments;

·        amendments to provide external bin access to the houses which backed onto it on Canada Street; the relocation of bin storage areas to a larger area where all bins could be accessed more easily to both apartments and to the street; and

·        the bin access arrangements for the houses on My Lady’s Road maintained

            The proposal of the amended scheme now included some changes to the elevations as well as work to properties outside the site address and ownership of the applicant.

            The agent had also referred to other back lands developments in east Belfast which they deemed comparable to the proposal, however, officers felt that they were not directly comparable with the site.

            The Principal Planning officer outlined that the proposal had removed the entrance courtyard and now provided an access corridor through the existing ground floor of 1 Canada Street. She explained that officers still had concerns regarding the layout, limited separation distances, the outlook and surveillance as outlined in the original case officer’s report.

            In relation to amenity, it was acknowledged that the amenity garden area would be communal, however, it could not be considered private amenity space and would be overlooked by existing dwellings from Canada Street and London Road. Whilst a degree of overlooking was expected in any inner city location, she highlighted that the proposal would result in overlooking to an unacceptable degree, and would detrimentally impact on the residential amenity of prospective residents.

            The Committee was advised that the scheme was not reflective of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13a

            (Councillor Murphy did not participate in the vote on this item as he had not been present for the duration of the officer’s presentation when it had been presented previously, on 15th December, 2020.)

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting of 15th December, 2020, it had agreed to defer consideration of the application to request that DfI Roads would carry out a site visit to observe traffic and for representatives to attend the next Meeting.  She explained that Mr. G. Lawther, DFI Roads, was in attendance.

            The Principal Planning officer reminded the Committee of the details of the application for a change of use from a single dwelling to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).  She explained that DfI Roads had since stated the following with regards to the assessment of the application:

·        in assessing development applications proposing Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO), DFI was informed by the HMO Subject Plan for the Belfast City Council Area 2015. Whilst the various policy requirements of the Subject Plan sought to encourage regeneration, address need and demand, and also protect against residential amenity, it was noted that the provision of car parking was not a requirement of the assessment process;

·        Existing Regional Planning Policy and supplementary planning guidance, including the published ‘Parking Standards’, did not incorporate car parking as a requirement for HMO development.

·        in light of the above, DfI Roads position was unchanged, it had raised no objection to the proposal and it had confirmed that it did not intend to carry out a site visit.

            The Committee was advised that five representations and a signed petition had been received in opposition to the application, raising issues including antisocial behaviour, lack of parking, dirt/smell, not informed as direct neighbours and a lack of family housing provision.

            She explained that DFI Roads and Environmental Health had been consulted on the application and had no objections.

            In respect of the principle of the proposal at this location, the Principal Planning officer outlined that the application site fell within an HMO Development Node HM 4/07 Falls Road/Springfield Road, as designated within the HMO Subject Plan for Belfast (2015).  She reported that Policy HM0 3 stated that planning permission would only be granted along the frontages of designated HMO Development Nodes, providing it did not include HMO development at ground floor level within a designated commercial node or shopping area.  She clarified that the proposal was situated within the frontage of a designated HMO Development Node, and was also in line with Policy HMO 6, as the criteria within the policy was either met or was not relevant.               

            A Member expressed concerns and stated that she did not feel that the Committee had all of the relevant information, particularly regarding how PPS3 had been assessed, how they worked alongside the HMO Subject Plan, and how DFI Roads had made its assessment in respect of the application.

            The Principal Planning officer explained that the HMO Subject Plan did not set out any standards for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13b

            (Councillors Carson and Hanvey did not participate in the vote on this item as they had not been present for the duration of the officer’s presentation when it had been presented previously on 16th February, 2021.)

            The Planning Manager reminded the Committee that it had originally considered the application at its meeting on 16th February. He reminded the Committee further that it had resolved to defer the application in order to carry out a site visit and to seek clarification on Air Quality issues from Environmental Health.  The site visit had taken place on 10th March.

            He advised the Committee that one further objection to the application had been received on 18th February, raising concerns relating to the impact of traffic using the Balmoral Avenue access, in particular the impact on a neighbouring property to that access.  He provided the officer’s response to the issue and outlined that no new planning concerns had been raised.  He added that DFI Roads had been notified of the late objection and that it had offered no objection, subject to conditions.

            The Planning Manager drew the Committee’s attention to the Late Items pack whereby, following receipt of DFI Roads final consultation response which recommended the provision of a minimum of 4 additional car club spaces, the applicant had confirmed that they were willing to provide 4 additional spaces resulting in an overall provision of 6 car club spaces. The Planning Manager explained that, while the additional car club spaces were not required to make the development acceptable, they did provide greater opportunity for sustainable transport modes for users of the site. He added that those spaces, along with discounted membership (50%) of a car club for a period of 3 years, would be secured through a Section 76 Agreement.

            In respect of the air quality issues, the Members were advised that the Technical Note, available on the Planning Portal, stated that “the air impact quality assessment had robustlyassessed the impacts of traffic emissions in the Air Quality Management Area. Due to the improvements in vehicleemissions with time; the phased nature of the development; and the mitigation measures included within the proposed development, which would reduce vehicle trips and encourage sustainable travel, the residual air quality effects as set out in the ES Chapter were not significant”.  The Planning Manager confirmed that, having assessed the Air Quality Impact Assessment, Environmental Health had offered no objectionto the Air Quality Impacts, subject to a condition relating to the installation of any combustion plant.

            The Members were advised that Environmental Health had prepared an additional report, also available on the planning portal, to provide further information for Members as to how the consultation process in relation to ambient air quality impact was undertaken by the Council’s Environmental Health staff, and the conclusions reached in respect of the ambient air quality impact of the regeneration proposal.

            The Committee was advised that the report stated that, at each stage, the proposal had assessed the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13c

            (Councillor Collins, having declared an interest in the item, advised that he wished to address the Committee on the application but that he would not participate in the vote on the application.)

            The Principal Planning officer    advised the Committee that the application sought to vary condition 13 of planning permission Z/2014/0077/F under Section 54 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.  He explained that the variation of the condition proposed to amend the landscaping plan which had been previously approved. He outlined that he proposal would result in a reduction in the amount of tree and shrub planting. The change was to address community concerns about the impact of the original planting scheme on the open character of the green and concerns around surveillance and anti-social activity.

            He advised the Members that the Council’s Tree Officers, Landscape Planning and Development Teams, as well as the PSNI, had been consulted in relation to the amended proposal and that they had all responded with no objections to the proposed variation.

            The Chairperson advised the Committee that Councillor Collins wished to address the Committee before leaving the meeting. 

            Councillor Collins advised the Committee that:

·        he had been involved in a campaign with local residents in trying to retain the green space in the area;

·        residents did not feel that there had been good communication from the developer at the beginning of the process;

·        the changes in front of the Committee reflected the impact of the campaign and that the negotiations had been somewhat successful in achieving a better scheme;  and

·        there had been an agreement with the school to form a management committee for the facility, to include local residents and community representatives, and, while he recognised that it could not be conditioned, he encouraged the Committee to consider attaching recommendations in respect of the management of the site going forward.

(Councillor Collins left the meeting at this point in proceedings)

            Councillor Carson stated that:

·        he concurred with a lot of what Councillor Collins had said;

·        it had been a very divisive proposal initially, and had caused major concerns for residents but that community engagement and the new proposals around the landscaping of the site had satisfied many of the local community’s concerns;

·        he was pleased that the school had agreed to form a management committee, particularly to oversee the community use of the pitch;

·        the pitch would be an important facility for young people in the surrounding area; and

·        he welcomed the application.

            The Committee was advised that Mr. S. McKee, agent, was in attendance to answer any questions from the Members.

            In response to a Member’s question, the agent confirmed that, as the site was nearing completion, the management company would be set up at the earliest opportunity and he would contact the school to confirm those arrangements.

            A Member stated that, while they had no issue with the current application in particular, there was a large number of applications for 3G and 4G pitches throughout Belfast.  The Member queried to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13d

(Councillor Collins re-joined the meeting at this point in proceedings)

            The Principal Planning officer provided the Committee with an overview of the proposals.   He explained the main issues which had been considered in its assessment, including the principle of offices at that location, the principle of demolition, the economic benefits, the impact on built heritage, the scale, height, massing and design, traffic and parking, the impact on amenity, site drainage and the consideration of developer contributions.

            He advised the Committee that there were two previous approvals for offices on the site, Z/2005/1236/O, which was approved in 2011, and Z/2014/0997/O, approved in 2015.  Both of those applications had now expired.

            The Members were advised that the application had been subject to a Pre Application Discussion.

            He reported that the site was located within the Belfast City Centre, the City Centre Area of Parking Restraint, the Great Victoria Street Character Area and the Main Office Area. The application site was also located within a City Centre Gateway and Development Opportunity Site.

            The Members were advised that DfI Roads, Environmental Health, NIEA, Rivers Agency, HED and NI Water had all been consulted in addition to the Urban Design Officer, the Economic Development Team and the City Regeneration and Development Team within the Council. He reported that the consultees had no objections subject to conditions.

            The Principal Planning officer reported that the proposal would generate an estimated 115 direct construction jobs, and it was estimated that 2500 employees would attend the building once operational.

            He outlined that the applicant would provide a developer contribution in the form of public realm improvements along the site frontage of Grosvenor Road. He added that the applicant had also volunteered to provide a Belfast Bike dock.  Whilethat was welcomed by the Council, he explained that it was not required to mitigate the proposal and, as such, had not been included in the Section 76 Agreement.  He added that the Transport travel cards would be provided and would be dealt with by a planning condition.

            The Economic Development Team had also requested that a Section 76 clause be included to require an employability and skills plan to be submitted to the Council to detail mitigations and interventions that would be put in place to ensure the viability of the development.

            It was reported that there were a number of listed buildings or structures of special architectural and historic interest in the immediate vicinity, including the Former Tobacco Works on Linfield Road, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Christchurch Centre of Excellence, the Former Health Centre, 89 Durham Street and a Former warehouses at 4-6 Murray Street & 13-17 Grosvenor Road. 

            The Historic Environment Division (HED) had advised that it was largely content with the proposals but requested that further consideration be given to the articulation of the tallest element. The Principal Planning officer explained that the Urban Design Officer and Case Officer agreed, and that several meetings were held to discuss the finer details of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13e

            The Committee was advised that the following two applications were before the Committee for consideration as they were seeking variations to a major application.

            The Principal Planning officer outlined that the proposal sought to vary 3 conditions and remove 1 condition under Section 54 of the Planning Act, regarding a previous approval for a new clubhouse and tiered seating area, new 3G surface to pitch to including floodlights, dugouts, fencing, security tower, turnstiles, stands, toilet blocks and ground works.  That permission, under reference Z/2014/1768/F, had been expired in September, 2021.

            He advised the Committee that consultees had confirmed that the proposal was acceptable subject to conditions and/or informatives. He reported that Rivers Agency had also confirmed that the proposal would not result in, or be subject to, Flood Risk. NI Water and the Council’s Landscape section also had no objections to the application.  No representations had been received from third parties.

            The Committee was advised that the proposal was considered compliant with the development plan and other relevant policies, also taking account of the history of the site. The Principal Planning officer advised that all other conditions would remain unaltered as set out in the original decision notice.

            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.

            The Principal Planning officer outlined that the application sought to vary 2 conditions under Section 54 of the Planning Act, in relation to a previous approval for an indoor training facility including changing and fitness facilities, flood lit synthetic hockey pitch and two 5-a-side football pitches, fencing, parking and landscaping.  The Committee was advised that the permission, under reference LA04/2015/0266/F, had also expired in September 2021.

            He advised the Members that Condition 5 related to landscaping details, whilst condition 10 related to the provision of details for the disposal of storm water and foul sewage. Both conditions, as approved, required the details to be agreed prior to commencement of development. He outlined that the proposal sought variation of the conditions to allow provision of the details prior to occupation or operation of the development. The Committee was advised that it would allow the applicant to undertake a range of construction works before the details would have to be agreed.

The Committee was advised that the consultees had confirmed that the proposal was acceptable subject to conditions and/or informatives. Rivers  Agency had confirmed that the proposal would not result in, or be subject to, Flood Risk. NI Water and the Council’s Landscape section had also confirmed that they had no objections to the application.

            No third party representations 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.

            (Councillor McCullough, having declared an interest in this item, left the meeting at this point in proceedings)

            The Principal Planning officer provided the key aspects of the application to the Committee.

            She outlined that the 0.69 hectare site was located within the development limits for Belfast in both the Belfast Urban Area Plan 2001 (BUAP) and the draft Belfast Metropolitan Plan 2015 (BMAP). The site was unzoned whiteland in the BUAP, dBMAP 2004 and BMAP 2015.

            Given the site's former and current use for sport and recreation, it was considered that the redevelopment of the site would bring the use back with a new state of the art facility for the benefit of the local and wider community. The scheme would also support much needed regeneration for the area. Within that context, she advised that the principle of uses at the location were considered acceptable and were compatible with PPS 8 Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation to encourage and promote sport and outdoor activity.

            It was considered that the layout and separation distances proposed were acceptable and the scheme would also incorporate appropriate boundaries and landscaping which would improve the visual amenity on that stretch of the road.

            She reported that DfI Roads, NIEA, and Environmental Health had considered the proposal and had offered no objections. The Members were advised that Rivers Agency had no objections to the proposal, subject to confirmation from NI Water for consent to discharge water into their system.  No third party representations had been received.

            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.

            The Principal Planning officer presented the detail of the proposals to the Committee.  She explained that the application was linked to listed building consent LA04/2019/0863/LBC.

            She outlined the key issues which had been considered during the assessment of the proposed development including the principle of development and use; tourism; impact on a listed building; parking and access; impact on amenity of neighbours; economic benefits and environmental factors.

            The Members were advised that, under the adopted BUAP 2001, the site was un-zoned white land. The site was located within the settlement development limit for Belfast, as designated by both the 2004 and 2015 versions of the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP). She explained that the site was designated as land for mixed use in both iterations to draft BMAP.

            She outlined that the principle of the development and use at the location was considered acceptable and in accordance with the SPPS for NI, PPS 4, PPS 6 and PPS 16. The Committee was advised that the proposal would secure the future survival of a listed building that had been vacant since 1996.

            The Committee was advised that the proposal represented an investment of £25million with the creation of 12 jobs.

The Principal Planning officer outlined that 3 representations had been received in respect of the application, citing issues with traffic and parking, noise, pollution, road safety and overlooking.  The officer’s response to the issues were detailed within the report.

            She explained that NI Water, DFI Roads, HED, NIEA, Environmental Health, Rivers Agency and HSENI had offered no objection to the proposal, subject to conditions.

            The Committee granted approval and consent to the applications, 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.

            The Committee was advised that, as per the Scheme of Delegation, the application was before the Committee as it had been made by a relative of an Elected Member.

            The Principal Planning officer outlined the details of the proposed house extension to the Members.

            She explained that the proposals would not adversely impact the character and appearance of the surrounding area. The Members were advised that it was considered to be appropriate in its built form, scale, massing and appearance with the existing property and with surrounding neighbouring properties.

She advised that no representations had been received.

            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.

            The Committee was advised that the application was before the Committee as the applicant was Belfast City Council.

            The Principal Planning officer provided an overview of the proposals.

She reported that the proposals would complement and improve the area and complied with the relevant policy and area plan designations.

The Members were advised that DFI Roads, NIEA and Environmental Health had been consulted and had offered no objection to the proposal.

            The Committee was advised that three letters of objection had been received, raising concerns that additional seating in the park would encourage anti-social gatherings in the area. However, the Principal Planning officer explained that no additional seating or benches were proposed as part 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.