Agenda and minutes

            An apology was reported on behalf of Councillor de Faoite.

            The minutes of the meeting of 19th and 26th September were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that the minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st October, 2025, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

            Councillor Rois-Marie Donnelly declared an interest under item 7. (a) Minutes of Shared City Partnership in so far as it related to PEACEPLUS in that she worked for an organisation which was funded under the Programme.  As the item did not become the subject of debate, she was not required to leave the meeting.

            In relation to Item 2. (c) Update of Hardship Programme and 4. (b) Additional Budget Social Supermarket Fund 25/26, Councillor Beattie declared an interest associated with a group/organisation which had applied for or received funding and left the meeting whilst the items were under consideration.

            Councillor Smyth declared an interest regarding 7. (a) Minutes of Shared City Partnership in so far as his child was a member of the Rosario Youth Football Club. As the item did not become the subject of debate, he was not required to leave the meeting.

            In relation to Item 2. (c) Update of Hardship Programme, Councillor McDonough-Brown declared an interest in that his partner worked for one of the organisations which had received funding and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

            Councillor Long declared an interest under item 9. (a) Levels of criminality and violence in the City Centre in that his wife was the Justice Minister and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

            Councill I. McLaughlin declared an interest under item 6. (b) Requests for Funding in that he was associated with the Greater Shankill Partnership and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

            The Committee agreed to the receive a presentation from Northern Ireland Water at its meeting on 21st November.

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the press and public from the meeting during discussion of the following twelve items as, due to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            The Members were advised that content of ‘restricted’ reports and any discussion which takes place during closed session must be treated as ‘confidential information’ and no such information should be disclosed to the public as per Paragraph 4.15 of the Code of Conduct.  

The Committee considered an update on the key issues influencing the rate setting process for 2026/27 and the development of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026/27 - 2029/30.

            The Committee:

·       noted the challenges since the last update to be taken into consideration as part of the annual and medium-term rate setting; and

·       agreed to monthly rate update reports to enable the striking of the district rate by February 2026.

            The Strategic Director of Place and Economy and Senior Manager - Culture and Tourism provided an update on the planning to support the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast in August 2026.

            During discussion, the Senior Manager, Culture and Tourism, advised that the membership of the Executive Committee could be extended to a representative of the Irish Language organisations and that information regarding the Community Sessions would be shared with the Committee.

            The Committee:

·       Noted the update in relation to the proposed approach to programming;

·       Noted the update and in relation to approach to engagement;

·       Noted the update in regard to emerging additional medical support requirements and associated refences to procurement; and

·       Approved attendance of the Lord Mayor and senior officials at the 2026 US Comhaltas Convention and the early release of budget to Ards CCE to allow early booking of flights and accommodation.

            The Committee was provided with an update on the implementation of the £1.1m 2024-25 Hardship Programme, which sought to help alleviate the impact of poverty and the cost-of-living on vulnerable people across the city, together with an update on the current budget position.

            The Committee:

                      i.     Noted the contents of this report, including the update on the implementation and impact of the 2024/25 Hardship Programme;

                     ii.     Noted the vastly reduced budget position of £75,000 for the development and delivery of a Hardship Programme in 2025/26 and agreed to the proposed allocations as set out 3.10 of the report;

                    iii.     Noted the publication of a ‘Cost-of-Living Support Guide’, attached at appendix 2, and that digital and hard copies would be made available to members; and

                   iv.     Agreed that the Council write to the Minster for Communities to outline the concerns of the Committee for future support for the Hardship Programme and requested that funding was provided.

The Committee considered a report in relation to various matters associated with the acquisition of the Assembly Rooms and adjacent properties following a number of Council decisions, and an update in relation to the wider site.

During discussion, the Director of City Regeneration and Development advised that a tour of the site could be arranged in the future.

            The Committee noted the following in relation to the acquisition of the Assembly Rooms Cluster and the emerging proposals in respect of the wider site:

                      I.        the update on the acquisition of the Assembly Rooms Cluster;

                    II.        the emerging work on the Visioning and Future Use Strategy and agreed that a workshop was convened with Members to input into this and commence the process for consideration of the future uses for the Assembly Rooms Cluster; and

                   III.        the ongoing work with World Monuments Fund, including potential for assistance with a Conservation Management Plan in partnership with the Council and funding to assist with essential weather proofing works.

The Director of Human Resources provided an update on the number of employees on temporary contracts, secondments and the number of agency assignees.

            During discussion, in response to Members’ questions in relation to the provision of Agency Resources, the Director of Human Resources advised that multi-year agreement options could be considered for the tenders which had been outlined in the report, together with a re-examination of an in-house agency model and a detailed Workforce Supply Strategy.

               After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report.

Councillor Beattie raised concern regarding the UNISON Annual Conference which was currently being held at the ICC. He raised questions in relation to the request by UNISON to display graphics on directional screens located in corridors and reception areas of the venue at their event, which had been declined by the ICC.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Beattie,

Seconded by Councillor R-M Donnelly

      That the Committee agrees to adjourn the meeting for one hour to allow the Chief Executive to request further information on the matter and report back to Committee.

            On a vote, fourteen Members voted for the proposal and five against and it was declared caried.

(The Committee stood adjourned from 11.05 a.m. – 12.33 p.m.)

            The Chief Executive provided an update on the matter.

            Proposal

Moved by Councillor Nelson,

Seconded by Councillor Long and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees that a review and development of the policy framework be undertaken to clarify guidance on any future display of materials in all Council assets, including community centres, and submitted to a future meeting of the Committee for consideration.

The Committee considered an update for the Organisational Reviews and Change Portfolio projects, together with the requests for additional posts.

The Committee:

•       Noted the progress on the work programme for the Organisational Reviews and Change Portfolio and timescales going forward;

•       Approved an increase to the Corporate Services Business Support establishment headcount; and

•       Approved an increase to the Culture Unit establishment headcount.

            The Programme Director (Belfast Stories) and Creative and Strategic Lead (Belfast Stories) presented an update on the design development and progress of the Belfast Stories Project, together with key programme milestones.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Beattie,

Seconded by Councillor R. McLaughlin,

      That the Committee approve the recommendations (points 1-7) as outlined in the report and agrees not to proceed with the following recommendations (points 8 – 9), namely:

·       to undertake design development to include enhanced studio provision (Media Production Studio) in the planning application for the Belfast Stories scheme and to complete an addendum to the Outline Business Case to include the Media Production Studio; and

·       to the financing of the additional capital costs associated with the Media Production Studio as set out at 3.31, subject to legal agreements and the approval by Council and the Department for Economy of an addendum to the Belfast Stories Outline Business Case.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Maghie,

Seconded by Councillor Smyth,

      That the Committee approve the recommendations (points 1-7) as outlined in the report and agrees:

·       to undertake design development to include enhanced studio provision (Media Production Studio) in the planning application for the Belfast Stories scheme and to complete an addendum to the Outline Business Case to include the Media Production Studio, subject to future consideration by the Committee; and

·       Defer consideration of the recommendation ‘to the financing of the additional capital costs associated with the Media Production Studio as set out at 3.31, subject to legal agreements and the approval by Council and the Department for Economy of an addendum to the Belfast Stories Outline Business Case’ so that a report on Community Consultation can be submitted to the Committee in December. 

            On a vote, eight Members voted for the proposal and eight against. There being an equality of votes, the Chairperson exercised her second and casting vote against the proposal and it was subsequently declared lost.

            The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Beattie and seconded by Councillor R. McLaughlin was put to the meeting when eight Members voted for it and eight against. There being an equality of votes, the Chairperson exercised her second and casting vote for the proposal and it was subsequently declared carried. 

Accordingly, the Committee:

1.     Noted the progress made to complete RIBA stage 2;

2.     Noted the key programme milestones in RIBA stage 3, including the development of an Inclusive Growth Plan by January 2026 and the submission of the planning application in February 2026;

3.     Agreed to Party Briefings during the consultation period to include updated designs and inclusive growth proposals;

4.     Agreed to proceed with the programme of work, including obtaining specialist legal and financial advice to support the further assessment of options for the operator model for Belfast Stories;

5.     Agreed to progress the setting up of a charitable entity focussed on the collection and preservation of stories with an update and detailed recommendations to be brought back to a future meeting following further legal advice;

6.     Approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2h

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on a proposed way forward to design, develop and resource area-based community planning alongside enabling communities to bring forward proposals to transform local places through demonstrator projects and community wealth building initiatives.

            The Committee:

Community Ownership

                       i.          noted the positive feedback received from the recent Party Group briefings.

                     ii.          Agreed the detailed proposals relating to the creation of the £1.5million ‘Community Ownership Fund’ as set out at in 3.5 to 3.13 of the report. The proposals related to:

§  Purpose and scope of the fund.

§  Guiding principles which would underpin the fund, including, for example, that it was an ‘open call’ process and would not result in any ongoing revenue costs for the council.

§  Funding allocation model - proportionate allocation across the city (North, South, East, West, Greater Shankill) based on deprivation and population.

§  Whether a 10% of any area allocation be made available to support feasibility studies as agreed through the Area Working Groups and the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

§  The types of projects that could be supported through the fund.

§  Who was eligible and who was not eligible to apply to the fund.

The process for consideration and approval – including the role of the Members Area Working Group making recommendations to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for consideration and final approval.

Area-based community planning

                  iii.       noted the work currently underway across the city in relation to the development of Area-Based Plans and the different stages of maturity which existed;

                  iv.       In relation to existing area-based plans (including the ‘Made in North Belfast’ plan and ‘Greater Shankill: A Plan to Grow’ plan), it was agreed that the Council indicate that it continued to be supportive of the ambition and approach adopted to developing the plan, however, would not be in a position to endorse the plans in totality as many of the proposals had possible financial and resources implications for the Council that would remain subject to established governance and decision-making processes;

                   v.       agreed that officer representation on any emerging oversight structures linked to community-led area-based plans be agreed on the basis of the principles set out at para 3.24;

                  vi.       agreed the proposed approach to supporting area-based community planning, as set out at paras. 3.34 -3.40, which would enable the council to effectively manage its role in supporting the development of such plans as well as delivery of demonstrator projects;

                 vii.       agreed the funding allocation model as set out at para. 3.39 (e.g. proportionate allocation based on population and levels of deprivation), noting that this was applicable for this current funding allocation and was subject to review if there was additional future funding;

               viii.       agreed proposed governance and assurance arrangements as set out at para. 3.41;

                  ix.       noted the importance and evolving nature of the city centre in terms of residential development and new communities alongside existing communities, and agreed that consideration be given to how an area-based planning approach could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2i

The Committee:

•       noted the update regarding the UK bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035, including legal consultation and development of budget projections; and

•       approved the formal commitment to the Host City legal obligations (should the Bid be successful and Belfast is confirmed as a host city for 2035).

            The Director of Property and Projects updated the Committee on the progress towards an EV Charging Network on Council sites, specifically the implementation Land Assets Assessment (Council sites) and Commercial Agreements. She also sought approval to submit an application for funding to the Government’s Depot Charging Scheme.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor R. McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor Beattie,

      That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the tender process so that a wider list of proposed Phase One sites across the city could be submitted to the Committee.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Long,

Seconded by Councillor Maghie,

      That the Committee agrees that officers begin the tender process based on a Concession Operating model as outlined in the report and defer consideration of the specific locations of the proposed Phase One sites so that a broader list could be submitted to the Committee.

            On a vote, eight Members voted for the proposal and eight against it. There being an equality of votes, the Chairperson exercised her second and casting vote against the amendment and it was subsequently declared lost.

            The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Beattie and seconded by Councillor R. McLaughlin was put to the meeting and passed.

            Accordingly, the Committee:

            EV Charging Network on Council Sites

·       Noted progress to date; and

·       Agreed to defer consideration of the tender process so that a wider list of proposed Phase One sites across the city could be submitted to the Committee.

            Depot Charging Scheme

·       Approved the submission of an application for funding under the Government’s Depot Charging System.

            The Committee considered an update on the leisure led commercial brief by Giant’s Park Belfast Limited at the North Foreshore.

            The Committee approved the amendments to the leisure led development proposal at North Foreshore to extend the distribution and logistics offering and to relocate pitstop proposals into the Welcome Hub, subject to detailed terms to be agreed by the Estates Manager and Head of Legal Services.

The Committee was advised that a response had been received in relation to a motion regarding Belfast’s hosting of the National Famine Commemoration in 2027, which provided further detail on the application process.

The Committee noted the response on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

            It was reported that responses had been received from both the Minister for Infrastructure and Translink in relation to the Council’s correspondence which had requested consideration of a scheme that would reduce fares to encourage the use of public transport and reduce traffic congestion during the Christmas period in 2025.

            The Committee welcomed the update on the public realm works and intended traffic measures which had been outlined.

            The Committee noted the correspondence as set out in the report and agreed to write to the Minister for Infrastructure to request a reduction of transport fares for the Christmas period in 2026. 

            The Committee was provided with an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s (CPP) development and forthcoming publication of a Belfast Agenda Statement of Progress and accompanying Data Insights Report for the period November 2023-November 2025, which was a legislative requirement for the Council and its community planning partners.

The Committee:

1.     noted the statutory requirement for the Community Planning Partnership to publish a Statement of Progress (SoP) for the period November 2023- November 2025;

2.     noted the engagement undertaken with and input from community planning partners in developing the draft SoP (Appendix 1);

3.     noted the inclusion and contents of the Population Indicator Data Insight Report and the intention to include this with the SoP and all Statements going forward (available via CLICK HERE); and

4.     agreed that the final SoP, taking account of feedback received from Members and community planning partners, be submitted to the Department of Communities.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to seek members approval on the allocation of an additional budget of £100,000 to increase the funding allocation to projects supported through the 25/26 Social Supermarket Fund (SSF). 

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Members are asked to;

·        approve the allocation of an additional budget of £100,000 to increase the funding allocation to projects supported through the 25/26 Social Supermarket Fund (SSF).

·        Approve that this will be allocated on an equal basis to each funded organisation

·        Grant delegated authority to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to make awards on the basis of the approvals above.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       At September SP&R meeting members approved the approach for the delivery of the 26/27 Social Supermarket Fund grant programme.

3.2       During the meeting, it was recognised that social supermarket projects make a significant contribution to addressing issues of poverty and supporting families and individuals in need. The committee recommended that officers should explore if an additional budget of £100,000 could be made available to support current projects in the 25/26 year.

3.3       The finance director has confirmed that this budget is available from in year underspends. 

            Members will be aware that funding in 25/26 is being provided to 19 projects who were supported in 24/25. It is recommended that given the relatively low level of additional budget that this will provide for individual projects, the increase should be allocated on an equal basis to all 19 projects. This would provide £5,263 for each project.

            Financial and Resource Implications

3.4       All activity outlined in this report can be delivered through existing staff resources. Current funding of £777,811 is available for 25/26 projects through 100% funding from DfC.

            Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

3.5       None identified at present, delivery of the 24/25 scheme has been screened and rural needs assessed.”

            The Committee approved the recommendations as outlined in the report.

            The Director of City and Organisational Strategy provided an overview of an opportunity for Members to visit an operational heat network and learn about the development process, hurdles and benefits.  

            He advised that Leeds PIPES was a heat network led by Leeds City Council and was considered the most suitable for a Heat Network site visit at this time. The Heat network delivered heat from a Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility to both residential homes and public buildings via underground insulated pipes.

            He reminded the Committee that the Belfast City Centre Heat Network project had recently completed the initial high-level technical, legal and commercial feasibility stages. As part of the process, the Climate Team had been in contact with a number of local authorities to better understand the different delivery models for a heat network.

            He highlighted that this visit would provide an opportunity for Members and Directors to visit an operational heat network to better understand the land use policy context and support provided by the Council, the delivery model, the technology and operation of the network as well as to understand how it had affected local businesses and communities. Participants would also be able to speak to some of the users and operators of the heat network to develop an understanding of the challenges and benefits of delivering a heat network project. These insights would help to inform decision makers on whether the Belfast Heat Network is to progress to a more detailed stage of feasibility.

            He pointed out that Leeds PIPES was considered the most appropriate network to visit, as the initial market engagement had suggested that the price of heat would be a key determinant securing off-takers, and hence the Leeds delivery model would be of interest to the Council.  He advised that proposed attendees would comprise: Party Group Leaders or their nominees, Committee Chairpersons, Directors and Senior officers (12-15 confirmed attendees) with a view to securing a date in Q1 2026. He advised that costs for the site visits would be met via the existing City and Organisational Strategy budget, in the region of £250 per attendee.

The Committee:

                           I.          Noted the potential costs and outline itinerary;

                         II.          Approved travel for Elected Members to begin preparations for a site visit to Leeds City Council; and

                        III.          Noted that dates for a Quarter 1 2026 visit would be confirmed subject to approval of this proposed visit.

The Director of Human Resources submitted the following report for consideration:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       At the SP&R committee on 20 June 2025, the Committee requested that a further report on the NJC terms and conditions (for maternity pay) and a benchmarking report on Paternity Pay provisions be submitted to a future meeting.

1.2       This report informs Committee of the Council’s paternity pay provisions and comparisons with a selection of both private and public organisations as outlined at Appendix 1.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the content of this report.  

3.0       Main report

3.1       NJC Maternity Scheme

            At SP&R committee on 20 June 2025 a report was presented detailing Belfast City Council’s maternity leave and pay scheme.

            The report noted that the Council applies the maternity scheme as set out in Part 2 of the NJC National Agreement on Pay and Conditions of Service for Local Government Authorities (Green Book).  Part 2 of the Green Book consists of the Key National Provisions applicable for all local authorities to all employees covered by NJC and are basic provisions which constitute a standard throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Part 3 of the Green Book meanwhile provides other national provisions which may be modified by local agreement.

            On seeking advice from the Northern Ireland Local Government Authority (NILGA), it was confirmed that the provisions provided in Part 2 of the Green Book should only be modified by national agreements.  This would include the NJC pay spine, entitlement to sick pay, minimum leave entitlements, the standard working week, the maternity scheme (as reported) among other provisions.  However, it should be noted that most local councils have reached local agreements to have a more generous minimum annual leave entitlement than the 23 days, as set out in Part 2 of the Green Book.  NILGA aren’t aware of any local authorities that have moved away from the GB maternity scheme.  

3.2       Paternity Leave and Pay

            Unlike its Maternity Scheme, the NJC National Agreement on Pay and Conditions of Service (Green Book) does not provide for a contractual Paternity Leave Scheme.  It does, however, provide an entitlement to Maternity Support leave as below:

            Maternity support leave of 5 days with pay shall be granted to the child’s father or the partner or nominated carer of an expectant mother at or around the time of birth. A nominated carer is the person nominated by the mother to assist in the care of the child and to provide support to the mother at or around the time of the birth.

            Those organisations governed by Green Book terms and conditions will be contractually obliged to provide this to its employees and it has been found through the benchmarking that most will offset this against the statutory paternity leave entitlements and include this within the paternity leave entitlement.

3.3       Statutory Paternity Leave and Pay

            Paternity Leave and pay is a statutory entitlement which will apply to employees if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on a joint initiative with a number of councils to recruit a Higher-Level Apprentice.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the contents of this report. 

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Through SOLACE, several councils agreed to develop a co - ordinated recruitment campaign for Planning Apprentices.

3.2       Engagement was undertaken with Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) institutes, and a Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) course was identified as the best vehicle to provide opportunities for students to study a Planning related course while gaining valuable work experience in a Local Authority to better understand the role of a professional Planner and to experience how the entire planning system operates.

3.3       The HLA will involve an apprentice working within a Council planning team for 2.5 years while studying at Belfast Met, on day release for a Level 5 HLA in Property, Housing and Planning. The Course content has been reviewed by RTPI and Planning professionals and provides the essential skills for a planner while providing a pathway to study level 6 and above courses at university.

3.4       While there can be no commitment by Council to retain students beyond the HLA course duration, Local Government acknowledges there will be plenty of opportunities for full time jobs given the demand for planners in Local and Central Government.

3.5       The Committee is aware that funding for an annual apprenticeship programme was secured via the annual estimating process and ratified at the March 2025 meeting of the Council. The costs for the HLA Planning Apprentice will be met from the corporate budget and once appointed will bring the number of apprentices in the rolling programme to 9.

3.6       It is envisaged that the marketing of this opportunity will be carried out jointly between the participating councils and will commence in November with interviews in early December, with each council undertaking out their own recruitment as per their agreed procedures.

3.7       It is anticipated Apprentices would commence their employment in January with the course commencing in January at Belfast Met.

3.8       A full induction plan and programme of support is being developed to ensure that the HLA apprentice is properly inducted into their new role. 

            2026/27 apprenticeship programme

3.9       Departments will be asked to submit their bids for the 2026/27 apprenticeship programme in Quarter 3. Departments must ensure that a relevant course is identified, and a commitment from line managers to provide the extra supervision and support required to make the apprenticeship a success. Directors, or their nominees will be required to engage with CHR, Development Team to identify suitable courses before a bid can be submitted.

3.10     Areas of the business already supported through the programme are unlikely to succeed in future bids whilst the current apprenticeship is ongoing.  CMT will be required to make the final decision on which apprenticeship bids are successful for 2026/27.

            Financial and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4e

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an update on major planning applications and applications which had been determined by the Planning Committee.

The Director of Planning and Place submitted the following report for consideration:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The Council must prepare a Scheme of Delegation for planning which sets out which decisions on Local and minor applications are delegated to officers. The current Scheme of Delegation was implemented in December 2022. In accordance with legislation, the Council is required to review its Scheme of Delegation every 3 years, i.e. it is next due to be renewed by 31st December 2025.

1.2       The recommendation is to renew the existing Scheme of Delegation subject to several small changes. 

1.3       The proposed amendments to the Scheme of Delegation have been noted by the Planning Committee and are to be agreed by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee. Under the legislation, the Scheme of Delegation must be approved by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to agree the proposed minor changes to the Scheme of Delegation ahead of referral to the Department for Infrastructure.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       Section 31 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 requires a Council to prepare a Scheme of Delegation which enables a person appointed by the Council to determine applications for Local development, consents, agreements or approvals required by condition. All Major applications must by law be considered by the Planning Committee.

3.2       Article 9 of the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 states that a council must not adopt a Scheme of Delegation until it has been approved by the Department for Infrastructure.  Article 11 states that a council must prepare a Scheme of Delegation at intervals of no greater than three years.

3.3       Development Management Practice Note 15: Councils Schemes of Delegation provides Departmental guidance. It advises that the main benefits of delegation are:

·        to enable the Planning Committee to devote its finite time to determining applications that present issues that the Committee are best served to determine;

·        delegation of planning applications to officers is critical to affecting the overall performance of the development management process as it helps to ensure that decisions are taken at the most appropriate level, costs are minimised and members have more time to concentrate on the most complex cases.

3.4       The Council first published a Scheme of Delegation in March 2015 ahead of becoming a Planning Authority in April that year. It was then amended in June 2017 following a review (and updated in March 2019 to take account of the Council’s new departmental structure). Further amendments were made in January 2020 and December 2022.

3.5       The Scheme of Delegation sets out a range of planning functions which are delegated to officers. These include:

·        Decisions on certain types of Local application;

·        Decisions on other forms of consent and approval;

·        Preservation of trees;

·        Determinations under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations;

·        Enforcing planning regulations;

·        Temporary listing of buildings;

·        Responding to € and planning application consultations from neighbouring Planning Authorities;

·        Conducting of appeals and public examinations;

·        Responding to planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4g

The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The Council’s Physical Programme currently includes over 200 capital projects with investment of £150m+ via a range of internal and external funding streams, together with projects which the Council delivers on behalf of external agencies. The Council’s Capital Programme forms part of the Physical Programme and is a rolling programme of investment which either improves existing Council facilities or provides new facilities. This report presents the Half Year Update, requests for stage movement approvals under the Capital Programme along with updates on capital letters of offer and contracts awarded.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to –

·        Physical Programme Half Year Update - Note the overall update on projects that have been completed recently and projects currently under construction at 3.3 to 3.5 below and in Appendix 1; and that the Property & Projects Department is happy to arrange a site visit to any projects that have been completed or are underway.

·        Awards and Recognition – note that Shankill Shared Women’s Centre project was recently awarded with the prestigious 2025 REGIOSTARS Awards in the ‘A Europe Closer to the Citizens’ category and also the City Cemetery project was a finalist in the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) Restoration Project of the Year 2025.

·        Capital Programme Movements –

o   Basketball Courts – Agree that the project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £550,000.

o   Musgrave Park Sensory Garden - Agree that the project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £100,000 to provide a greater range of equipment and improve the play value and accessibility of the facility.

o   Girdwood Hub H&S Works - Agree that the project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £310,000.

o   EV Charging Network Phase 1 - Agree that the project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed and held at Tier 0 – Scheme at Risk pending further development of the project and a satisfactory tender return; and that necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) be initiated with a contract to be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

o   2 Royal Avenue Landlord Capital Works – Agree that the project is added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed.

o   City Hall Security Improvements – Agree that the project is added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed.

o   Staff Cycle Racks Installation – Agree that the project is added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed.

·        Section 76 Planning Agreement Developer Contribution - Belfast Bike Station Queen’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

The Committee:

The Waterworks Community Garden – Licence Renewal to Grow NI

·       approved the Licence renewal for a 5-year term to Grow NI; and

·       approved entering into a management agreement with GROW NI for the items secured under the Shared Island Fund. 

Shaftesbury Avenue / Ormeau Road – New Licence

·       approved a new 10-year licence agreement for the use of a portion of land at Shaftesbury Avenue/Ormeau Road for the relocation of an air quality monitoring station (AQMS).

Parkgate Gardens Open Space – Acquisition of adjoining strip of land

·       approved the acquisition of a strip of land of c. 0.0426 acres from Northern Ireland Housing Executive adjoining Parkgate Gardens Open Space.

Deed of Conveyance – Queens Bridge Wastewater Pumping Station Site

·       approved the Council and Northern Ireland Water entering into a Deed of Conveyance to regularise the ownership of the Queens Bridge Wastewater Pumping Station Site.

Licence Agreement - Cregagh Youth and Community Centre / Cregagh Green and Playground

·       approved a licence agreement between the Council and Teamdot Presents for the siting and use of a storage container at Cregagh Youth and Community Centre / Cregagh Green and Playground for the storage of food, toys and clothes for distribution to vulnerable people and families.

The Committee:

·       Approved the public advertisement of tenders as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 1);

·       Approved the award of STAs in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions as detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 2); and

·       Approved the modification of the contract as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 3).

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

The Committee considered the following two requests for funding:

1.     Greater Shankill Partnerships Greater Shankill Winter Festival - Unfortunately, the Partnership was unable to secure funding from NIHE for this annual event and was seeking funding from the Council of £17,000. 

2.     Cancer Lifeline - To fund the shortfall in counselling service delivery costs up to the end of the financial year. The amount requested was for £16,920 to deliver 564 sessions of counselling up to March 2026.

The Committee was reminded that there was no established budget for these requests, however, an amount of £354k was available in the Discretionary Funding Reserve for this year.

            During discussion, Members raised concern in relation to the receipt of ad-hoc funding requests.

            During further discussion, in relation to the Greater Shankill Partnerships Greater Shankill Winter Festival request, one Member suggested the need for funding for Winter Festival’s in each of the other areas of the city.

            One Member also reminded the Committee of the Street Tree Planting motion which had previously been agreed, which included the proposal for living Christmas trees in each quarter of the city and requested that an update be provided on the motion.

Proposal 1

Moved by Councillor Cobain,

Seconded by Councillor Bunting and

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to the funding request from Cancer Lifeline to provide funding of £16,920 to support the provision of critical community-based counselling services for people affected by cancer.

Proposal 2

Moved by Alderman McCoubrey,

Seconded by Councillor Bunting and

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to the funding request from Greater Shankill Partnership for funding of approximately £17,000 to support the Greater Shankill Winter Festival, and that an additional £17,000 be allocated to other Winter Festival’s in each of the other areas of the city and that a report be submitted to the Party Group Leaders Forum to consider how it could be allocated.

                  Accordingly, the Committee:

1.     Agreed to the request from Greater Shankill Partnership for funding of approximately £17,000 to support the Greater Shankill Winter Festival;

2.     Agreed that an additional £17,000 be allocated to other Winter Festival’s in each of the other areas of the city and that a report be submitted to the Party Group Leaders Forum to consider how it could be allocated;

3.     Agreed that an update on Street Tree Planting motion, which included the proposal for living Christmas trees in each quarter of the city, be provided to Members; and

4.     Agreed to the request from Cancer Lifeline to provide funding of £16,920 to support the provision of critical community-based counselling services for people affected by cancer.

The Committee approved the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 6th October, including:

Presentation on Girdwood Community Hub

·          The Shared City Partnership noted the presentation and recommended to the Committee that it noted the presentation.

Good Relations Action Plan Quarter Two Update

·          The Shared City Partnership agreed to note the update and recommended to the Committee that it also agreed and noted the contents of the report.

TEO Additional Funding Application and Allocation

·          The Shared City Partnership noted the contents of the report and approved the application. It also approved the allocation of an additional £27,000 in TEO funding to the next two eligible applications received following the Community Recovery Fund – Open Call and recommended that the Committee noted the report and approved both the application and the funding allocation as detailed in the report.

Community Recovery Fund Update

·          The Shared City Partnership agreed to note the update and recommended to the Committee that it also agreed and noted the contents of the report.

Peace Plus Local Community Action Plan (LCAP) Mobilisation Update

·          The Shared City Partnership noted the contents of the report and confirmed agreement of the administrative extension to 30th September, 2028 and recommended that the Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed the administrative extension to 30th September, 2028.

Peace Plus Thriving and Peaceful Communities Thematic Update

·          The Shared City Partnership recommended that the Committee noted the contents of the report

Peace Plus Celebrating Culture and Diversity Thematic Update

·          The Shared City Partnership noted the contents of the report and agreed flexibility on the split of the 24 mentors/mentees for CCD5 Lot 2 up to 75% for mentors and recommended that the Committee agreed the recommendation and noted the contents of the report.

Peace Plus Processes Update

·          The Shared City Partnership agreed to note the update and recommended to the Committee that it also agreed and noted the contents of the report.

Update from Partnership Members

·          The updates were noted from the East Belfast Community Development Association and the PSNI and were included in the minutes.

Any Other Business

·          The Good Relations Manager advised that, following input at the recent Partnership workshop, future Updates from Shared City Partnership Members would be moved to the start of the agenda and that the notes of that workshop would be presented to the Partnership at its meeting in November.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Party Group Leaders Consultative Forum of 16th October, 2025.

The Committee approved the recommendations as set out below:

The Committee approved the flying of the Human Rights Day flag and the United Nations flag from the City Hall on 10th December, 2025.

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Cost of Living Working Group of 14th October, 2025.

            Councillor Beattie outlined his concerns regarding the ongoing levels of criminality and violence in the City Centre.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that a multi-agency meeting be convened to address the levels of criminality and violence in the City Centre and to consider the short-term actions and long-term strategy to alleviate the issues across the city.