Agenda and minutes

            The minutes of the meetings of 12th, 17th and 23rd 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 that portion of the minute under the heading “Scale of Charges for Parks and Leisure Facilities 2012/2013” insofar as it related to the Belfast Zoo being referred back to the Committee for further consideration.  Furthermore, under the heading “Fields in Trust Challenge”, at the request of Councillor Robinson, the Council agreed that the Friends of Orangefield Park be included in future discussions around the nature of events to celebrate the Park’s dedication.

            No Declarations of Interest were reported.

            (Mrs. J. Wilson, Business Support Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 23rd January, it had agreed to defer, to a Briefing Session, consideration of a number of outstanding issues in relation to the proposed Scale of Charges for Parks and Leisure facilities for 2012/2013. Accordingly, the Committee considered the undernoted report and a revised Scale of Charges:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       At the special Parks and Leisure Committee on 23rd January 2012 the committee agreed to defer consideration of a standard concessionary rate to be applied across all Parks and Leisure facilities, subject to further discussion and consideration of a council-wide position on concessionary rates.

1.2       The committee adopted the recommendations within the proposed scale of charges for Belfast Castle and Malone House. 

1.3       The council at its meeting on 1st February 2012 agreed that the portion of the minute regarding the scale of charges insofar as it relates to the Belfast Zoo be referred back to committee for further consideration.

1.4       The committee adopted the proposed scale of charges in relation to the use of pitches, outdoor bowling, facilities management agreements, cricket, events and the proposed charges in connection with the new legislation in respect of high hedges.

1.5       The committee agreed to defer consideration of the proposed scale of charges for burials and cremations to enable further discussion at a committee briefing to be held in advance of its next scheduled meeting. 

1.6       The committee agreed to defer consideration of the proposed scale of charges for indoor leisure to enable further discussion at the aforementioned committee briefing and noted that further options would be provided by the department to inform that discussion.

2          Key Issues

2.1       Information will be presented at the committee briefing setting out the options for concessions, the scale of charges for cremations and burials and the scale of charges for indoor leisure. 

            The proposals previously presented at the committee meetings on 12th, 17th and 23rd of January that relate to these areas reproduced below

2.2       Concessionary Discounts

            The concessionary rates applied by the council have been reviewed and it has been confirmed that the current situation on concessions within the organisation are a child rate applies to 16 and under and a senior rate applies to over 60s.  The only other parts of the organisation other than Parks and Leisure that apply these rates are the Waterfront and Ulster Halls.  However these are subject to the approval of the promoter depending on the event being promoted. 

            The review of fees and charges within the department has highlighted the variety of concessions within the different activities in the department that range from 20% to 70% discount.  It is proposed that a concessionary rate of approximately 50% of the full rate will be applied across all activities in relation to over 60s, those on means tested benefits, students and children.  Members should note that this would remove all other concessionary memberships including Means Tested Benefits  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

            The Committee agreed that a concessionary rate of approximately 50 per cent of the full rate be applied across all activities within the Parks and Leisure Facilities in relation to those over sixty years of age, those on means tested benefits, students and children and noted that all other concessionary memberships, including means tested benefits membership, would be removed.

            After discussion, during which it was agreed that a family unit would consist of up to five people with a maximum of two adults, it was

            Moved by Councillor Mac Giolla Mhín,

            Seconded by Councillor Austin,

      That the Committee rejects the proposed increases in summer and winter adult admission charges and family tickets as outlined within the report.

            On a vote by show of hands seven Members voted for the proposal and thirteen

 against and it was accordingly declared lost.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed that the summer adult admission and the winter adult admission fees be increased to £10 and £8 respectively, and that the cost of a family ticket be increased to £27 in the summer and £21.50 in the winter.

            The Committee agreed also to adopt the remaining scale of charges relating to the Zoo as set out in the appendix to the report, a copy of which was made available on the Council’s modern.gov website.

            The Committee noted that a report would be submitted in due course regarding the operational efficiency of the Zoo, which would include an analysis of the running costs, together with an outline of future options for improvement and possible funding sources in view of the fact that the Zoo operated as a regional facility. 

            After discussion, it was

            Moved by Councillor Mac Giolla Mhín,

            Seconded by Councillor Austin,

      That the Committee rejects the proposed increases in burial and cremation charges as outlined within the report.

            On a vote by show of hands seven Members voted for the proposal and thirteen against and it was accordingly declared lost.

            Burial Charges

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed to increase burial charges by 5 per cent for both Belfast residents and non-Belfast residents.

            Cremation Charges

            It was,

            Moved by Councillor Hendron,

            Seconded by Councillor Robinson,

      That the Committee agrees to increase cremation charges by 25 per cent for Belfast residents only.

            On a vote by show of hands eight Members voted for the proposal and five against and it was accordingly declared carried.

            The Committee noted that a report would be submitted to a future meeting providing information on the number of requests which had been received to book a double time period within the Crematorium, together with options for future charging proposals for this purpose.  The Committee agreed that all historic charges in relation to the payment by Castlereagh residents of double fees and of treble fees for all other cremations would be replaced by Belfast resident and non-Belfast resident charges.

            In addition, the Committee agreed to adopt the remaining scale of charges for burial and cremation as set out in the appendix to the report, a copy of which was made available on the Council’s modern.gov website.

            After discussion, during which the Committee agreed that one fully inclusive membership scheme be applied at a cost of £25 per month, it was

            Moved by Councillor Mac Giolla Mhín,

            Seconded by Councillor Austin,

      That the Committee rejects the proposed increase in the indoor leisure concession rate.

            On a vote by show of hands seven Members voted for the proposal and twelve against and it was accordingly declared lost.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed that only one indoor leisure concessionary scheme be operated, as opposed to four as was the case currently, and to apply a 50 per cent discount to all activities, excluding classes and the use of the fitness suite, to which a 60 per cent concessionary rate would apply. 

            The Committee agreed also to adopt the remaining scale of charges as set out in the appendix to the report, a copy of which was made available on the Council’s modern.gov website. 

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

1.1       Members are aware of the recently developed playing pitches strategy and that as part of this a number of reports have been considered by committee.  At its meeting on 9th June 2011 the Committee agreed:

(i)               that the following five sites be prioritised for development during Phase I of the programme:

·        Cherryvale Playing Fields

·        Woodvale Playing Fields

·        Cliftonville Playing Fields

·        Falls Park

·        Ormeau Park;

(ii)             that the following three changing facilities be upgraded during Phase I of the programme:

·          Ballysillan – new facility

·          Waterworks (Westland) – new facility

·          Musgrave Park – new facility;

(iii)           that the Dixon Park Playing Fields and Victoria Park sites be removed from Phase I of the programme associated with the upgrade of changing facilities to enable those Members of the Committee representing the East of the City to undertake site visits to those facilities and the Alderman Tommy Patton Memorial Park in order to consider the prioritisation of those sites within Phase I of the programme;

(iv)           that officers meet with the Irish Football Association to discuss a programme of joint working around junior association football based around best practice;

(v)             that officers develop a process for the invitation of applications for enhancement to educational facilities to secure greater community access;

(vi)           that letters be forwarded to the Ministers with responsibility for the Departments of Education and Culture, Arts and Leisure seeking meetings regarding the Pitches Strategy; and

(vii)          to note the action plans.

            It was further agreed at the Council meeting on 4th June 2011:

 ‘That the decision under the heading “Playing Pitches Strategy” be amended to provide that the Dixon Park Playing Fields and Victoria Park sites be included in Phase 1 of the programme associated with the upgrade of changing facilities.’

2.         Key Issues

2.1       Public Consultation

            Members will also be aware that the second phase of public consultation took place from 25 July to 14 October 2011.  This phase of consultation focused on the local impact of the development of pitches to inform the EQIA and sought views on the action plans for years 1-3 of the Playing Pitches Strategy.

2.2       The second phase of consultation included an online questionnaire, a series of independently facilitated public meetings combined with meetings with key groups including the council’s Section 75 Forum, the Youth Forum and the Northern Ireland Youth Forum.

2.3       Invitations were sent out to 222 sporting clubs, societies and organisations informing them of the events.  Information was also sent to the secretaries of soccer leagues and the Antrim County Board asking them to circulate it to their members.  Public notices were also placed in local newspapers and on the notice boards of council facilities including leisure and community centres.  Although in the end there was not a significant attendance at any of the public sessions there was a good input from those in attendance and a number of relevant issues discussed.

2.4  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            The purpose of the report is to update the Parks and Leisure Committee on phase two of the review of the department’s business support function including the provision of business support in leisure centres and to set out recommendations for approval.

            At the Parks and Leisure Committee on 16th September 2010 approval was given for an assessment of the business support requirement within leisure centres.  It was agreed that a three month pilot would assess the support requirements in leisure regarding receptionist, clerical and business assistant duties, including membership management, key performance and management information and the linkages with business support in the centre of the department.

            Phase one of the business support review highlighted a need for administrative support to park managers to enable them to deliver the key requirements of their role effectively.

2.         Key Issues

            Current Situation

            There are currently ten leisure centres within Belfast City Council and all have a business assistant except Falls and Ozone which currently have temporary arrangements and Loughside which currently shares its business support with another centre.  There are one or two clerk/WPOs depending on the size and staffing numbers within each centre.

            The business assistant supports business delivery within each centre and delivers on the key processes such as payroll, management reporting, reception management, membership management, customer accountability and care. However there have been inconsistencies within this role and different levels of service provision within individual leisure centres.

            Out of the nine business assistant posts four are filled on a secondment basis or through acting up arrangements.  These have been predominately recruited from the designation below i.e. clerk/WPOs.  In turn the vacant clerk/WPO posts are being filled by agency staff.  This mode of operation creates uncertainty, a lack of stability and creates a potential for inconsistencies in service provision. 

            Key Findings

            Analysis of the pilot has concluded that:

            A business assistant is required within each leisure centre to support management and ensure business delivery.  The role of clerical staff was found to be required to provide support and cover (at the appropriate level) for the business assistant to ensure continuity of service.

            The bookings function within the centre was successfully carried out by the business assistants at the pilot sites.  This is clearly an administrative role and has clear links with other responsibilities within the business assistant’s role i.e. debt and customer management.

            There is also a requirement within the service to provide administrative bookings support for the outdoor leisure function, which will provide a more consistent and effective approach to pitch bookings, lodgements and bank reconciliations.  This administration is currently being carried out by two temporary outdoor leisure officers and is under review.  It is felt that this duty could move to the business assistants and free up the outdoor leisure officers to manage facility management agreements and events.  A separate report will be presented to committee on this issue.

            The current job description is outdated and needs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

1.1       Over the last number of years officers have been working on a phased approach to cemetery and crematorium development in the city based on an analysis of data gathered, trend information and the development of a plan to meet current and future service requirements. 

1.2       As part of the approach a process has been undertaken in an effort to identify a site for development of a new cemetery with the shortlisted options at Nutts Corner and Lisleen both being subsequently discounted.  The committee has also agreed to develop options for additional cremation provision in the city.

2.         Key Issues

2.1       Potential Site at Dundrod for cemetery development

            Members will be aware of the ongoing project to select a site for a new cemetery for Belfast and that a site at Dundrod was identified following a council run expression of interest exercise as part of expanding the search for suitable lands.  Following a site visit on 31 January 2011 Members agreed that initial tests should be undertaken at the site to determine its potential suitability for development as a cemetery. 

2.2       A site visit for Members who were not on the committee at the time of the previous visit has been organised for 13th February, 2012.

2.3       The initial site tests have now been completed and these indicate that the site could potentially be developed as a cemetery, but that further, more detailed hydro-geological tests (tier 2 tests) would be required to ensure suitability and to obtain planning consent.  This process would take approximately 12 months to complete. 

2.4       Officers have written to the representative of the landowner to inform him of the findings and to request a meeting in order to discuss options for going forward.  This meeting will also be attended by representatives from Legal Services and Estates who are keen to verify ownership boundaries and “title” of the site in question.

2.5       Following agreement the next steps in the process would be to undertake a planning assessment of the site to identify any other issues that could potentially impact on the ability to get planning and other consents for the site as a cemetery. 

2.6       Once the meeting with the landowners’ representatives has taken place and the planning assessment completed a report will be presented to committee on the options on how to proceed.  Both Estates and Legal Services opinions will inform this report.

2.7       New Provision for Cremation

            Members will also be aware that officers have been exploring options for the provision of additional cremation facilities.  A meeting was hosted by the Chief Executive in December 2011 of the relevant officers from the neighbouring councils to discuss cemetery and crematorium provision in their areas and the possibility of exploring a sub-regional approach to future provision. 

2.8       Following this meeting Newtownabbey Borough Council has confirmed that they are proposing to commence investigations into the development of a crematorium at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

             The purpose of this report is to:

(i)          update Members on the progress of the development of the “Growing Communities” strategy for Belfast and seek an opportunity for a committee briefing or workshop on the subject in March;

(ii)        present a draft process for consideration on how allotments should be allocated;

(iii)      present proposed sites for the possible development of four new community gardens across the city in line with the decision of this committee in November 2011 (allocation of corporate underspend);

(iv)      seek authority for the granting of interim financial support to the Council’s existing Community Gardens for the period from April-June 2012, pending the implementation of an agreed longer-term approach in line with the emerging strategy’s recommendations.

1.2       The Emerging “Growing Communities” Strategy

            Since late September 2011 the department, with assistance from its partner organisations, the Public Health Agency and Belfast Healthy Cities, has been developing a ‘Growing Communities’ strategy for Belfast. It is anticipated that following the conclusion of the final steering group meeting in March 2012 and a period of consultation the strategy will be available for consideration by the Parks and Leisure Committee.

1.3       The wider health and wellbeing benefits of ‘growing your own’ are well documented.  The ‘Growing Communities’ strategy is just one of a number of projects from across Northern Ireland  being used to demonstrate how Health Equity in All Policy (HEIAP) works in practice by using it to help align the strategy with the Council’s wider remit to improve the quality of life for all its citizens.

1.4       In December 2011 Sustainable Northern Ireland completed a baseline study for the council of ‘Grow your Own’ provision within Belfast. The purpose of this study and report is to enable the council to amend if necessary current operational practices and to apply the recommendations of this study to the development of a ‘Growing Communities’ strategy for Belfast.  

1.5       A steering group made up of over 40 representatives from the private, community and voluntary and statutory sectors has met for monthly workshops since September 2011.  Officers are now using the outputs of these workshops to draft sections of the strategy.

2.         Key Issues

2.1       Belfast City Council has a long history of allotment provision and currently provides 207 allotments across four locations in Belfast: Annadale, Belmont, Blythefield and Ballysillan.  However, demand for allotments in the Belfast council area continually outweighs supply.  In April 2012 new allotments (co-funded by the Public Health Agency) will open at Musgrave Park, Belfast and soil testing and survey activity is ongoing in relation to the development of new allotments at Falls Park, Belfast.

            To date the allocation of allotments has been adhoc and inconsistent, with differing approaches being taken at different sites.  This has led to confusion for people on the waiting list.  In light of the emerging strategy and the imminent availability of new allotments for the public, the following draft process is being proposed as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            (Mr. P. Murray, Antisocial Behaviour Co-Ordinator, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            The purpose of this report is to:

·         report an overview of antisocial behaviour by electoral area; and

·        update Committee on the recent work of the Antisocial Behaviour Coordinator in Parks and Leisure and the key areas of focus and expenditure at present.

2.         Key Issues

            The antisocial behaviour programme contributes to the achievement of the departmental vision of providing quality parks, open spaces and leisure environments that people value and use.  In particular, it will enable the delivery of the departmental objective regarding the provision of programmes and services to make people feel safer.

            In line with the departmental plan, the objectives of the antisocial behaviour programme are:

·        enhance the environment around Parks and Leisure facilities;

·        develop education initiatives involving creative or supportive interventions to model acceptable behaviour around Parks and Leisure facilities;

·        define enforcement as a deterrent against infraction of bye-laws and legislation; and

·        develop sustainable interagency and inter-departmental networks and leading a partnership approach to reducing antisocial behaviour.

            The Antisocial Behaviour Coordinator prioritises action and expenditure by collating evidence gathered through antisocial behaviour incident reports.  This information is used to inform a coordinated partnership response, drawing on council resources, the support of local community resources, PSNI and the Community Safety Partnership (see Appendix 1 Summary of Interventions).

            The evidence available in December 2011 indicates that there is an upward trend in antisocial behaviour in parks in Oldpark, Castle and Court and electoral areas. The increase in antisocial behaviour incident reports in these areas can in part be attributed to the development of improved reporting and recording systems which will be introduced across the city between April – October 2012.  Although this will result in a rise in incidents throughout 2012-13, the data collected will provide a much more accurate picture of the type of antisocial behaviour in each area.

            Increase in incidents

            During April - December 2011, there has been an increase in the total number of antisocial behaviour reports in comparison to April - December 2010. The incident count rose from 546 to 567.  This increase is reflected in reported antisocial behaviour incidents in Woodvale, Waterworks, Cavehill and Ballysillan Parks. The park locations with rising levels of antisocial behaviour will be the focus of more intensive interventions to reduce antisocial behaviour in the next six months.

            Falls Park and City Cemetery, Ormeau and Orangefield have experienced much less antisocial behaviour in comparison to the previous year while in Alexandra and Botanic the levels of antisocial behaviour are approximately the same.  There is a continuing downward trend in these park locations.

            The downward trend can be attributed to a number of factors:

·        A seasonal winter trend, where there is less inappropriate use of parks and leisure facilities.

·        The success of joint operations involving community networks, the council and PSNI to challenge youths drinking in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            The Grove Wellbeing Centre opened during May 2008 and an area originally designated for 10 pin bowling has been vacant since that time.  The area is at the rear of the facility and measures 355 square feet.

            Presently the area is unused and despite a 6 lane bowling area being part of an initial design the opportunity existed to reassess available options for this element of the facility. Parks and Leisure committee therefore authorised the undertaking of an economic appraisal for the use of the space in order that recommendations could be forwarded.

            The results of the economic appraisal were presented to the Parks and Leisure Committee on 15th September 2011. Initially a long list of twenty three options were considered for suitability and ultimately short listed to four suggestions for further consideration.  Officers informed the committee that option 2, a dedicated martial arts facility was recommended as the preferred option for development.  At this meeting committee agreed to defer consideration of a report in relation to the vacant bowling area at the Grove Wellbeing Centre to enable the local councillors in the area to be consulted on its future use.

2.0       Key Issues

            A meeting was held on 28th October 2011 and the six local North Belfast councillors were invited to attend.  In preparation for this meeting officers asked for some additional research to be undertaken to provide greater assurance that martial arts use is appropriate for the Grove Well Being Centre.  

            Key stakeholders consulted with included:

·          Sport Northern Ireland;

·          Various Martial Arts Governing Bodies;

·          North Belfast Councillors

·          Staff at the Grove Well Being Centre

            At the meeting of North Belfast Councillors agreement was reached for officers to develop and bring back to the Parks and Leisure Committee the dual proposal of martial arts provision on the ground floor and community usage in multi purpose room 2.

            The discussion at the meeting about community use was specifically about the displaced youth club which was demolished to make way for the new Grove Wellbeing Centre and the promise that the youth club could relocate, free of charge to the new centre.

            The centre has confirmed, from 1st April 2012 that they can accommodate community use and specifically the displaced youth club in multipurpose room 2 in the centre for 3 evenings per week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) from 7.00-9.00 p.m. totalling 6 hours per week.

            Officers have taken on board the comments from elected Members and developed the proposals further and associated costs are outlined in the next section.

3.         Resource Implications

            Financial

            There is currently provision of £250k in the capital programme in relation to this scheme.  This money was included in the original capital budget for the overall Grove Wellbeing Centre scheme and therefore must be spent on the Centre.

            It is anticipated that costs would be as follows:

M&E                                                                         £130,000

Internal works i.e painting,

Lighting, flooring, creation

of new storage cupboards,

partition and access works                                    £50,000  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

      In the last number of years the Parks and Leisure Committee has approved a contribution of £5,000 to the Mary Peters Trust.  The Trust assesses sporting need and provides small grants to individual sports people to assist them in achieving excellence in sport.

      Advice from the Legal Services Manager has indicated that as a general rule district councils do not have any legal power to contribute to the funds of charitable organisations. The only exception to that general rule being where an application for financial assistance is made under criteria which the council has in place in relation to the incurring of expenditure for special purposes under the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 section 37 (previously known as 115 of the Local Government Act (NI) 1972).

      The Act permits the council to make any payment for any purpose which in its opinion is in the interests of, and will bring direct benefit to:

a)      the council;

b)      the district or any part of its district; or

c)      the inhabitants of its district of any part of its district.

      The amount of money available under Section 37 is subject to an annual cap and in determining whether any payment should be made the council must ask whether the benefit would be commensurate with the payment to be made.

2    Key Issues

·             The Mary Peters Trust has made a request to the council for a financial contribution to the work of the trust for 2011/12 financial year.

·             Should the committee be minded to make a contribution to the trust, given its charitable status, the contribution would have to be made under Section 37 of the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011.

·             An assessment of the request against the criteria agreed by the Policy and Resources Committee in 2004 has indicated that the request would bring a direct benefit to the inhabitants of Belfast.

·             It is proposed that a contribution of £5,000 be made to the Mary Peters Trust under Section 37 of the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011.  If agreed it is considered that the benefit obtained will be commensurate with the payment made.

3.   Resource Implications

      Financial

      The proposed £5,000 can be accommodated from the Section 37 budget.

      Human Resources

      There are no human resource implications.

      Asset and Other Implications

      None.

4.   Equality and Good Relations Implications

      None.

5.   Recommendations

      The Committee is asked to consider whether to make a contribution of £5,000 in the 2011/12 financial year to the Mary Peters Trust and resolve that the expenditure be approved under Section 37 of the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011, it being the opinion of the committee that the expenditure would bring direct benefits to the inhabitants of the district and that the direct benefits would be commensurate with the payment made.”

            Accordingly, it was

     Resolved – That expenditure in the sum of £5,000 to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

          The Committee was advised that a request had been received from MCD Productions to use the playing fields at the Boucher Road for two concerts on 21st and 22nd August or 22nd and 23rd August, 2012.

            The Committee noted that the promoter would be required to provide a bond of intent which would be retained in the event of cancellation and to cover the costs of ground reinstatement which would also be subject to a bond.

          Accordingly, the Committee granted authority for the Vital Festival event to be held at the Boucher Road Playing Fields on a date in August to be confirmed, subject to:

(i)          the event organisers resolving all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

(ii)         the completion of an appropriate legal agreement to be prepared by the Assistant Chief Executive and Town Solicitor; 

(iii)       the event organisers meeting all statutory requirements including entertainment licensing; and

(iv)       a fee of £20,000 per day being levied for the use of the site.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

1.1       The purpose of this report is to seek committee support to become a research partner in a knowledge exchange project which has been developed by Queens University Belfast (QUB) in conjunction with a number of other partners in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.  Our proposed contribution would be £10,000 plus officer time “in-kind”.

1.2       The project aims to maximise the policy impact of research already undertaken on “walkability”, by extending the applicability of developed policy tools to a variety of public bodies and further dissemination to potential practice-users in order to increase the evidence base for interventions in the built environment aimed at promoting physical activity.

2.         Key Issues

            In June last year the department signalled its interest in being a partner in the project and provided a letter of support for the application, pending formal committee approval.

            The ESRC has reviewed the application from QUB and made an offer of funding for the project to go ahead. 

            This project aims to maximise the policy impact of research already undertaken on walkability, particularly the development of a Real Walkability Network, which has initially been generated as part of the PARC project based on a study area of the Connswater Community Greenway in East Belfast (on which the committee has previously received a presentation).

            This project aims to extend the applicability of the developed policy tools to cover the two main cities of Northern Ireland; Belfast and Derry, so that the model then covers 37% of the population and some of the most deprived communities in the region.  The project will disseminate the use of this model to practitioners in order to increase the evidence base for interventions in the built environment aimed at promoting physical activity.

            The value of the project is reflected in the large number of public bodies that have been willing to become partners, including Belfast and Derry city councils, the Department of Regional Development, the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety, the Public Health Agency and Belfast Healthy Cities, as well as cities in England who have provided match funding and in kind support of over £88,000. The project will run for 12 months and employ two research assistants to help undertake the following three separate work packages:

·             Work Package 1: model consolidation and validation (months 1-5). This work package will involve the appointment, training and placement of 2 research assistants to be based in Belfast and Derry city councils respectively, during which time they will consolidate and extend the model developed for East Belfast so that it has operational coverage of the entire 2 local authority areas.

·            Work Package 2: project integration and sustainability (months 6-10).  This stage will involve a process of integrating the walkability models and other elements of spatial analysis into the existing physical activity-related programmes of the partner organisations to improve their effectiveness, efficiency and accuracy.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

          The Assistant Director of Parks and Leisure advised the Committee that a request had been received from PLM Promotions to hold a musical entertainment event including the sale of food, to an audience of between five thousand and seven thousand people, on the Great Lawn at the Botanic Gardens on 23rd June. 

            The Committee noted that the promoter would be required to provide a bond of intent which would be retained in the event of cancellation and to cover the costs of ground reinstatement which would also be subject to a bond.

            Accordingly, the Committee granted authority for the holding of a musical entertainment event including the sale of food, on the Great Lawn at the Botanic Gardens on 23rd June, subject to satisfactory terms being agreed with the Director of Parks and Leisure, and to:

(i)          the event organisers resolving all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

(ii)         the completion of an appropriate legal agreement to be prepared by the Assistant Chief Executive and Town Solicitor; and

(iii)       the event organisers meeting all statutory requirements including entertainment licensing. 

          The Committee was reminded that, during 2011, it had received several reports regarding applications made by organisations and sporting clubs for funding through the Sport NI Community Capital Programme, for example, the development of a mountain bike trail at the Barnett Demesne and the upgrading of grass pitches to third generation surfaces at the Hammer Open Space and the Marrowbone Millennium Park.

            The Committee was further reminded that it had previously granted authority to enter into appropriate agreements with Sport NI and the respective organisations in relation to satisfying the security of tenure requirements of Sport NI and that the Council had agreed to make a financial contribution to support the three projects, up to a maximum of £375,000. 

            The Assistant Director of Parks and Leisure advised the Committee that a request had been received from representatives of Grove United Football Club to provide the necessary security of tenure required to draw down funding from Sport NI estimated to be in the region of £245,000.  Whilst the application was still at a preliminary stage with, as yet, no design detail or planning approval, the Club had provided an outline proposal to upgrade the pitch, erect ball stop fencing, install floodlighting and construct permanent changing facilities. 

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that officers would continue to meet with Club representatives and Sport NI as the process moved forward. 

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            As part of the council’s efficiency programme departments have been seeking more innovative ways to maximise their income which has included examining the potential for additional revenue from installing advertising hoardings on council owned sites.

            Following an initial procurement exercise CBS (Outdoor Advertising) were appointed by the council to undertake a review of all council sites and advise on the suitability of each site in terms of advertising potential; likelihood of obtaining planning; potential income return and form of advertising and advertising strategy.  In response to the ongoing problem of illegal flyposting an internal working group (chaired by Sam Skimin, and attended by Estates, Development, Corporate Communications and Legal Services) was set up to develop proposals for managed fly poster sites in the city.   CBS Advertising was also asked, as part of their wider review on advertising, to advise on the suitability of any sites as managed fly posting sites.  The schedule of Parks and Leisure sites is listed at Appendix 1.

            In other cities legal fly posting schemes are operated by companies who specialise specifically in this on behalf of councils.  These companies design, build, install and maintain the advertising sites across the city using a variety of formats – cylinder drums, boards, lamp post columns.

            This report is to advise committee of the Parks and Leisure sites on the schedule of council properties that have been deemed eligible for consideration for this purpose.

2.         Key Issues

            Further work will be undertaken to assess the suitability of sites on the boundaries of the Parks and Leisure facilities listed.

            The Health and Environmental Services Committee will consider the approach to managed fly posting sites at its March meeting.

            The Director of Property and Projects will be progressing the wider project regarding advertising on council properties to report to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.  A further report will be brought to Parks and Leisure Committee in due course to consider Parks and Leisure sites with potential to be considered for this initiative.

3.         Resource Implications

            None at this stage.

4.         Equality and good relations implications

             None.

5.         Recommendations

            Committee is asked to note the report.

Appendix 1

Potential Fly Posting Sites

            The Committee noted the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

          The Committee was advised that a request had been received from Activities Northern Ireland to hold a charity abseiling fund-raising event at the Cave Hill in May.  The Director reported that the main issue of concern was the possible disturbance of nesting birds around the cliff faces of the Cave Hill.  Previously, the Cave Hill had been a key nesting area for peregrine falcons and kestrels.  However, the organisers had provided assurances that a survey would be carried out in the weeks leading up to the event and that the results of that survey would be made available to Council officers.  If birds were found to be nesting in the vicinity of the proposed abseil, the event would be delayed until advice was received from the Raptor Study Group and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.  Furthermore, Activities Northern Ireland would be required to undertake a risk assessment and to ensure that all health and safety requirements were met to the satisfaction of the Council.

            Accordingly, the Committee granted authority for the charity abseiling event to be held at the Cave Hill, subject to the satisfactory terms being agreed with the Director of Parks and Leisure and on the condition that the event organisers:

(i)     met all operational and health and safety requirements to the Council’s satisfaction, including an event management plan, risk assessments, safe systems of work and equipment inspection information; and

(ii)    ensured that the necessary bird surveys were carried out prior to the event taking place.

          The Assistant Director of Parks and Leisure advised the Committee that a request had been received for the Lord Mayor, or his nominee, to attend a Translink Ulster in Bloom award ceremony in mid March, 2012, on a date and at a venue to be confirmed.  Ulster in Bloom aimed to improve and enhance the environment in Northern Ireland through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping.  The competition also recognised projects that deal with litter, graffiti, vandalism, dog fouling, conservation and recycling.  She advised that the event was being organised by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and sponsored by Translink, that the Council had participated in the event for over twenty years and had previously donated a trophy annually to the local authority which provided the best display of roses.  This year it had been agreed with NILGA that a perpetual trophy would be presented by the Council and that it would, therefore, be presented annually thereafter.

            Accordingly, the Committee granted authority for the attendance of the Lord Mayor, or his nominee, at the event and approved the purchase of a suitable perpetual trophy at a cost not to exceed £250.00. 

          The Director of Parks and Leisure advised the Committee that a request had been received from the Northern Ireland Railways Company Limited for the Council to provide access for plant and personnel over the Stewart Street Playground for a period of approximately two weeks in mid February, 2012 in order to facilitate urgent repairs to the fence which separated the playground from the adjoining railway line.  The access would be required for night time working between the hours of 12.00 midnight and 6.00 a.m., and the site would be cleared each morning following the night time working, therefore, there would be no disruption to the use of the playground during the normal park opening hours. 

            Accordingly, the Committee approved the granting of a licence agreement to the Northern Ireland Railways Company Limited, subject to the completion of appropriate terms which would be compiled by the Council’s Estates Manager.  

            The Director of Parks and Leisure advised the Committee that a request had been received from Northern Ireland Electricity to alter the arrangements in relation to a short length of cable which was currently located overhead and which would be replaced by the installation of approximately a one metre long cable underground across Council land at the City of Belfast Golf Course. 

            Accordingly, the Committee approved the installation of an underground cable by Northern Ireland Electricity Limited, subject to the completion of an appropriate wayleave agreement. 

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

1.1       In December 2011 the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) commenced a 12 week public consultation on the Alien and Locally Absent Species in Aquaculture Regulations (NI) 2012.

1.2       This is a consultation on the proposal for implementing council regulation (EC) No 708/2007, as amended, concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture.  Most of the provisions of the council regulation are obligatory and member states must therefore adopt them.  However there are some measures in respect of which individual governments can determine how they are to be implemented within the framework of the regulation and it is on these measures that DARD is consulting, as part of the process of determining its final policy. 

1.3       The aim of the regulation is to ensure that there is an adequate protection of aquatic habitats from the risks associated with the use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture whilst contributing to the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.  It does this by providing for a system of permits and environmental risk assessment where necessary.

1.4       The regulations do not apply to the keeping of ornamental aquatic animals or plants in pet-shops, garden centres, contained garden ponds or aquaria which comply with the provisions of the Commission Decision 2006/656/EC [laying down the animal health conditions and certification requirements for imports of fish for ornamental purposes].     

2          Key Issues

2.1       In summary, the consultation asks for responses to 6 questions:

·            Consultation response 1: You are invited to note the scope of the Regulation and to comment on the Department’s proposed policy in relation to Articles 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7.

·             Consultation response 2: Comments are sought on the proposal to have DARD designated as the competent authority for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Regulation and the possibility of also having the Loughs Agency designated as the competent authority for the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

·             Consultation response 3: Comments are sought on (i) whether or not an advisory committee should be established and (ii) if so, who should be represented on such a committee?

·            Consultation response 4: Comments are sought on (i) the option of allowing the competent authority to decide whether an independent body should undertake environmental risk assessments and (ii) on who should bear the costs.

·             Consultation response 5: Comments are sought on whether or not applications and risk assessments for marine organisms should be referred to ICES prior to the issuing of an opinion by the advisory committee.

·            Consultation response 6: Comments are sought on the proposal that any costs associated with the development or implementation of a contingency plan should be borne by the person to whom the permit was granted.

2.2       Following consideration by relevant officers across the council, a response has been completed in draft form for approval by Members.  

2.3       In summary the draft response welcomes the introduction of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report on the current progress with the refurbishment of the Mary Peters Track and delegated authority to the Director of Parks and Leisure, in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation, to undertake a tender process to seek, receive and evaluate, in line with predetermined criteria, and to accept the most economically advantageous received in respect of elements of the management of the facility on its completion. 

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which had been submitted by the Director of Parks and Leisure in connection with correspondence which had been received from the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure in respect of Sport Matters, a Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation 2009 – 2019.  

            The Committee noted a schedule of Support for Sport applications in relation to development grants which had been approved by the Director of Parks and Leisure in accordance with the authority delegated to him.