Agenda and minutes

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Alderman Rodgers and Councillor McCabe.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

            The Committee agreed to receive, at its meeting on 18th April, a deputation representing The Queen’s University of Belfast in respect of its proposals to develop student accommodation in the Lennoxvale/Sans Souci Park area.

            The Democratic Services Officer reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 7th February, it had considered correspondence from the Strategic Planning Division of the Department of the Environment which sought to obtain the Council’s views on the proposed redevelopment of Windsor Park, specifically whether the size and scale of the development would merit it being subject to a public inquiry under Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.  He pointed out that the Committee had been unanimous in its view that the development would enhance Belfast’s status as an international sporting venue and had agreed that the Department would be urged to avoid any unnecessary delay by holding a public inquiry and, therefore, determine the application by the issuing of a Decision Notice. 

            The Committee was advised that correspondence had since been received from the Department indicating that it had issued a Notice of Opinion to Approve the development and, accordingly, the matter would not be subject to a public inquiry.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided.

            With the permission of the Committee, Councillor Curran expressed concern in relation to the proliferation of ‘To Let’ and ‘For Sale’ signs which were displayed at properties throughout Belfast, especially within the south of the City.  She pointed out that existing legislation required that such signs be removed within fourteen days of contracts or leases for properties being agreed.  However, it was evident, she pointed out, that landlords and agents were failing in their duty to address this matter and in some cases the signs remained on properties for a period of six to eight months after contracts had been signed. 

            She explained that residents’ associations had expressed concern regarding the impact which such signs had had on the visual amenity of their areas. In many cities, such as Leeds, Nottingham and Newcastle, schemes had been implemented to address the issue, such as the designation of certain streets as ‘Areas of Advertisement Control’. Under this scheme, houses of multiple occupation would be permitted only to display one sign and, in certain cases, signage would not be permitted externally, but allowed only to be displayed in windows. She concluded by requesting that the Committee would agree to address the issue and that a letter be forwarded to the relevant authority seeking information on the steps which could be taken to limit the display of such signs.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that a letter outlining its concerns be forwarded to the Department of the Environment seeking clarification on the legislative powers which exist to control the display of such signs and the steps which could be taken to enforce the legislation.

            The Committee noted a list of planning applications which had been deemed valid by the Divisional Planning Manager for the period from 26th February till 11th March.

            The Committee noted information which had been received regarding the dates for the holding of future appeals.

            The Committee noted the outcome of a planning appeal in respect of a proposed change of use from offices to apartments at 2b Dudley Street.

            The Committee noted a list of decisions which had been issued in respect of streamlined planning applications which had been issued by the Planning Service between 27th February and 12th March, 2013.

            The Committee noted a list of deferred items which were still under consideration by the Belfast Planning Office.