Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were reported on behalf of Alderman Rodgers and Councillors Mullan and Newton.

            No declarations of interest were reported. 

            It was reported that correspondence had been received from the various statutory bodies and agencies in respect of the undernoted matters:

            Notification from the Roads Service of:

·        the proposed introduction of a traffic calming scheme in Flax Street;

·        the proposed amendment to waiting restrictions in King Street Mews;

·        the proposed introduction of parking and waiting restrictions in Academy Street, Exchange Street West and Talbot Street; and

·        the proposed introduction of a 20 miles per hour speed limit within certain areas of the City Centre.

            In respect of the proposals for the introduction of a 20 miles per hour speed limit within certain areas of the City Centre, a number of Members welcomed the pilot scheme as a measure which would address road safety concerns and contribute positively to the local environment. 

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that a letter be forwarded to the Roads Service welcoming the introduction of the pilot scheme to limit traffic to 20 miles per hour within certain areas of the City Centre.

            The Committee was reminded that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 21st February, had, given that elections were due to take place on 22nd May, agreed that all Committee meetings in May should be cancelled. 

            The Committee agreed not to hold any meetings in May and agreed further that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Party Leaders and the Chairman of the Strategic Policy and Resources, and, if necessary, the Chairman of the Town Planning Committee, to take any urgent decisions in accordance with the procedures which were routinely set in place during the recess month of July each year.

            No requests had been received.

            The Committee noted a list of planning applications which had been received by the Planning Service from 25th February until 10th March.

            The Committee noted the outcome of a planning appeal in respect of a proposal to erect advertising hoardings at 17 Hope Street. 

            A list of deferred items which were still under consideration by the Planning Office was noted by the Committee.

            The Committee considered further a planning application in relation to the proposed erection of nine apartments on land at the junction of the service road to the former Visteon factory site and Finaghy Road North, in respect of which the Divisional Planning Manager had offered an opinion to approve. 

            After discussion, the Committee agreed, with one Member voting against, to adopt the opinion of the Divisional Planning Manager to approve the application. 

            (As the decision was not unanimous, it was subject to ratification by the Council.)

            The Committee reconsidered the undernoted planning application and adopted the recommendation of the Divisional Planning Manager thereon: