Agenda item

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

      “    Relevant Background Information

            Carr’s Glen Linear Park forms part of the wider Cave Hill Country Park. It fronts the Ballysillan Road for a distance of 30 metres incorporating a low level steel barrier and 1.2 metre high bow top fence.

            The need to improve the visual appearance of the entrance to Carr’s Glen Linear Park from the Ballysillan Road has been raised by DSD.  The entrance is located within the Greater Ballysillan Master plan area and commands a prominent location on a secondary arterial route.

            Currently, Belfast City Council does not have available funding to improve the visual appearance of the entrance as part of its capital programme and following discussions with local political representatives DSD put forward a proposal to upgrade and enhance the entrance.

            DSD have confirmed that no terms and conditions will apply to the completed scheme although they would anticipate the Council will wish to maintain the facility for the benefit of the local community.

            The works including the portion within Carr’s Glen Park will be carried out by DSD’s contractor.

            The contractor for the works will be procured by DSD using their own processes and governance arrangements. The scheme does not form part of the Councils capital programme.

            It is envisaged that the park entrance will remain open during the course of the works, with DSD’s contractor providing any necessary security arrangements and temporary fencing for the site compound, materials and equipment.

            Access for DSD’s contractor will be regulated by a Licence Agreement to be drawn up by the Town Solicitor. The licence will set out responsibilities for public liability insurance, reinstatement and any adjoining areas of the Park and provide time limits for completion of the works.

            Key Issues

            The scheme comprises a replacement boundary treatment; an estate railing, with new kissing gate and vehicle gate and feature stone wall and pillars with a new sign. The project also includes an area of resurfacing at the entrance and tree planting.

            The scheme also extends into adjacent Belfast Educational Library Board lands and continues the new estate railing, as a replacement boundary and some tree pruning.

            The Parks and Leisure Department were consulted on the project at design stage and some changes were made to the original design in terms of signage and the specification for railings.

            If approval is granted, works could be scheduled to commence on 15^th September 2014 with a timeframe of four - six weeks to complete.

            The proposed Licence Agreement will provide a regulatory framework for the works to be undertaken by DSD’s contractor including a requirement for the works to be completed to the Councils satisfaction.

            A 12 month defects liability period will be in place for the scheme with the council becoming responsible for the new structures upon satisfactory completion of the works.

            Planning approval was not required for the scheme as it falls under permitted development.

            Resource Implications

            Financial

            There are no financial implications to Belfast City Council other than associated future maintenance costs which will be absorbed into existing budgets.

            The cost of the scheme will be approx £64,000 funded by DSD.

            Human Resources

            There are no additional human resource implications. 

            Asset and other implications

            This investment will greatly enhance the entrance to the park and transform a tired and unattractive frontage into a more welcoming and accessible entrance which fits into the Green Flag criteria for which this park has been awarded.

            Recommendations

            Members are asked to approve the proposed scheme subject to a suitable Licence agreement being in place between the Council and the Department for Social Development and to the approval of the Licence Agreement by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in accordance with Standing Orders.

            Members are also asked to agree the commencement of works, at DSD’s risk, prior to SP&R approval and ratification by Council.

            Approval is also subject to confirmation that all works can be completed by March 2015 to ensure that no financial liability transfers to the Council post April 2015.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.