Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were reported from Councillors Black, Cobain and Doherty.

            The minutes of the meeting of 2nd May were taken as read and signed as correct. 

            It was reported that the minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 3rd June.

Councillors Canavan and M. Donnelly declared an interest in respect of item 5(e) Social Supermarkets - response from the Department for Communities (DfC) in that they worked and/or were associated with organisations which were in receipt of funding. However, as the item did not become the subject of debate, they were not required to leave the meeting.

            The Committee noted the details of a presentation by Dr Andy Bridge, Manager, Lagan Valley Regional Park, during which he raised a number of issues caused by dog owners and/or dogs at the Giant’s Ring historical site and monument.  He also made comment in relation to the access difficulties and damage to the trail.

            The Chairperson thanked him for attending and he left the meeting.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following three items is restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the press and public from the meeting during discussion of the following three 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 noted a report which provided an update on reinvestment and facility improvement projects delivered during 2022 and 2023, which had been delivered within the leisure management contract arrangement.

            Following a query by a Member in relation to the Whiterock Leisure Centre, the Director of Neighbourhood Services advised that he would look at the matter and speak to the Member directly.

            The Committee was advised that the City and Neighbourhood Services Department had received a request from a promoter to use the Boucher Road playing fields for a minimum of 1 show and a maximum of 6 shows during a 4-week period beginning mid-August until mid-September in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

            The Committee granted authority to the applicant to hold up to 6 concerts at Boucher Road Playing Fields during a 4-week period between mid-August and mid-September in 2025, 2026 and 2027 and delegated authority to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to ensure the following:

            Negotiate satisfactory terms and conditions of use via an appropriate legal agreement prepared by the City Solicitor, including managing final booking confirmation dates and flexibility around ‘set up’ and take down’ periods, and booking amendments, subject to:

-        The promoter resolving any operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

-        The promotor carrying out appropriate resident and community engagement;

-        The promoter meeting all the statutory requirements of the Planning and Building Control Service including the terms and conditions of the Park’s Entertainment Licence

-        A review clause, which allows for consideration of any issues during previous events.

            The Committee noted:

-        that events that sought multiple year approval would be subject to annual review and delegated to the Director of Neighbourhood Services authority, under the scheme of delegation, approval to remove the permission for subsequent years based on officer recommendation if necessary;

-        the fee for the use of Boucher Road playing is detailed in the departmental pricing schedule and is subject to change as part of the annual pricing review; and

-        that the above recommendations were taken as a pre-policy position in advance of the Council agreeing a more structured framework and policy for ‘Events’, which is currently being taken forward in conjunction with the Council’s Commercial team.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 12th March 2024, it had decided to move forward with ‘Option 3’ which was to ask officers to devise a ‘fair and equitable’ allocation of pitch bookings amongst local community clubs and Glentoran FC for the 3G pitch at Blanchflower Stadium.  This decision was again reinforced at the 2nd May meeting and ratified at the Council meeting on 1st June.

            Accordingly, the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which proposed an allocation model for members consideration, following the completion of an information gathering exercise with all the clubs which had expressed an interest in obtaining access to the pitch.

            With the permission of the Chairperson, Councillor Ferguson addressed the Committee and he submitted minor amendments to the allocation model which he asked the Committee to accept.

            The Committee approved the allocation model, subject to the amendment submitted by the Member, and agreed that officers would be in contact with clubs to offer those slots, with effect from 1st July 2024.

            The Committee also granted delegated authority to the Strategic Director to re-allocate or rearrange slots in the event of clubs not wishing to progress with the bookings proposed at Committee.

            The Committee was reminded that Councillor Tara Brooks had proposed a Notice of Motion on Pavement Parking at the Council meeting in October 2023, as follows:

‘That this Council notes that inconsiderate pavement parking affects everyone in Belfast, but disproportionately children, people with visual impairments, mobility aid users, neurodiverse people and people with prams or pushchairs; and therefore it is essential that the Council plays its full role in reinforcing the message that pavements are for people and it is never acceptable to park in a manner which forces people off a footway and into the road. This Council acknowledges the challenges in solving this issue but resolves to work towards stopping vehicles from blocking pavements through inconsiderate or dangerous parking, including by undertaking a public information campaign about the negative impacts of pavement parking in its forthcoming communications’.

            During discussion, Members made the point that, while they were in support of the context of the motion, they would not be supportive of the Council resourcing the functions for which other organisations had responsibility and enforcement powers.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed that officers consider the request set out in the motion in conjunction with Corporate Communications, the PSNI and the Department of Infrastructure, both of which had responsibilities regarding enforcement, and identify any costs and resources required and that a report be brought back to the Committee.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

            Thepurposeofthisreport is topresent to Members the draft Belfast City Council response to the DAERA publicconsultation on ‘RethinkingOurResources:MeasuresforClimate Actionand a Circular Economy in NI’

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Membersare requestedto review and agree the draft Belfast City Council response to the recently published DAERA publicconsultation on ‘RethinkingOurResources:MeasuresforClimate Actionand a Circular Economy in NI’.

2.2       Members are asked to note the new closing date of the consultation, of 27 June 2024, at 17:00 and to acknowledge that the BCC draft response, if approved by Committee, will not be ratified by full Council until after the closing date and that this will be highlighted on our response notification to DAERA.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Members will recall, from the Committee meeting on 9th April 2024, that TheDepartmentofAgriculture,Environment andRural Affairs(DAERA) recently published a consultation titled ‘Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI’ seeking views of key stakeholders. A link to the Consultation can be found here Rethinking Our Resources: Measures for Climate Action and a Circular Economy in NI Consultation | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)

            At that meeting, members:

·        noted the contentsof the consultation document,

·        agreeda workshoptoformulatea BelfastCity Council responseon thekeyitems within the consultation,

·        agreedtosupporta requestviatheCouncilWasteForumf  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6a

            The Committee was reminded that, at the People and Communities meeting held on 9th April, 2024, it was agreed to write to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to enquire as to what impact the new legislation in respect of XL Bully Type dogs would have on local councils and animal welfare charities, and what resources would be allocated to deal with those impacts.

            The Committee was informed that a response has been received from the Director of Animal Health and Welfare Policy Division on behalf of the Minister.

            In his response he advised that Department officials were continuing to engage with the Northern Ireland Dog Advisory Group (NIDAG) on the implementation of the policy, this included ascertaining what additional costs would be incurred for councils as a result of the new restrictions. This work was currently ongoing and, in the weeks ahead as the exemption scheme was finalised, consideration would be given as to what financial assistance the Department could provide.

            He assured the Members that the Minister was acutely aware of the impacts on councils and had publicly expressed his desire to work with councils to support them, where possible, within the Departmental budget.  He was conscious that there might be some organisations within the animal welfare charity sector that could be impacted because of the restrictions, however, he noted the Department had no legislative powers to intervene or provide financial assistance. Historically, the Department had not funded any animal welfare charities directly in the past, nor did it have any budget to do so in the future.

            Finally, the correspondence stated that the Department for Communities remained responsible for policy and strategy relating to the voluntary and community sector and provided advice to charities on sustainability and does offer targeted funding initiatives, which are open to qualifying organisations.

            The Committee noted the response.

            The Director of City Services submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To provide a further update to Members about the new safeguarding measures for XL Bully breed type dogs in NI and in particular the amended timeline for introduction and additional details regarding finance and resource implications.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the report.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Timeline

            Members will be aware that on 5th March 2024 DAERA Minister Andrew Muir announced his intention to introduce new safety measures for XL Bully breed type dogs in Northern Ireland as DAERA believe it is the most appropriate way to protect public safety.

3.2       The proposed legislative timeline is outlined in Appendix 1 and includes:

·        1st Stage – May 2024: Subordinate Legislation; The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Type) (Northern Ireland) Order 2024; This was approved by the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee on 23rd May 2024, and will be put forward for consideration at the next scheduled Executive Committee meeting on 6th June 2024. Subject to its approval, the intention is to make the legislation on 7th June 2024, to come in to operation on 28th June 2024.

·        2nd Stage – July 2024: The Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) (Northern Ireland) Order 2024.

·        From December 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog without an exemption certificate.

3.3       Although the proposed legislation mirrors current legislation in the rest of the UK, the application process in Northern Ireland will differ significantly from that in the rest of the UK as it will be managed by local councils. DAERA is also currently reviewing sections relating to the transfer of ownership and the revocation of exemption certificates.

3.4       When the legislation comes into effect in Northern Ireland, it will be illegal to breed, sell, gift, exchange, abandon an XL Bully type dog, or permit it to stray. DAERA is liaising with a number of interested groups including The Dog Control Coalition and Veterinary Northern Ireland (Vet NI) on the new safeguarding measures for XL Bully breed type dogs.

3.5       Judicial Review

            A dog owner and the campaign group ‘Don't Ban Me, Licence Me’ are taking legal action against the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and were given permission to take an appeal to the High Court against the UK-wide ban on the XL Bully breed.

3.6       Guidance

            DAERA will develop guidance and practical support to allow owners to understand the impending legislative changes, including how to identify an XL Bully breed type dog using the current Defra Conformation Standard developed by the UK Government.

3.7       It remains the case that owners are responsible for controlling their dog, both at home and in public. DAERA have published advice and guidance on ‘responsible dog ownership’ and ‘sharing your house with a dog’ and it is intended that this information will also be included in upcoming messaging on XL Bully type dogs.

3.8       Owners will be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6c

            The Director of Planning and Building Control reminded the Members that, at the People and Communities Committee meeting on the 9 April 2024, it was agreed to write to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) urgently seeking the Minister to bring forward a Dilapidation Bill.

            In addition, the Committee had agreed to write to the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Department of Finance (DoF) seeking the allocation of a package of funding to assist councils to more effectively tackle the problems associated with Dilapidation.

            Accordingly, letters from the Committee were issued to all three recipients on 17th May 2024.

            She reported that DAERA had responded on the 21st May 2024 recognising that the existing legislation used by councils in respect of dilapidation was dated and geographically fragmented. The response sets out that a draft bill had been prepared which aimed to consolidate and enhance existing legislation and improve the cost recovery ability of councils. Subject to the agreement of the Executive, the Minister was intending to introduce the Bill to the Assembly after the summer recess this year. It was anticipated that the Bill would provide councils with a modern and fit-for-purpose regime, including clear powers to tackle dilapidated and dangerous buildings and neglected sites.

            DfC had responded on the 31st May 2024 setting out that the Department did not currently have any funding programme which would assist councils to be more effective in tackling the problems associated with dilapidation. Whilst the Department had previously operated the Urban Development Grant Scheme, it was not currently open for applications.

            Further, the response sets out that the Executive had an agreed 2024/25 budget, and the Minister would be allocating this funding against existing commitments and Ministerial priorities.

            Finally, the DoF had responded on the 29th May 2024 setting out that the issue of dilapidated buildings was an area where the Minister had specific interest as the Minister responsible for rating matters. The response sets out that bringing dilapidated buildings back into use can play a key role in growing the overall taxbase and can have a restraining effect on the overall poundage levels within the system.

            The response sets out the rating system for dilapidated buildings that are still usable and those that are truly derelict. Further, the response sets out that the Back in Business scheme had been restored at the Assembly which would incentivise the use of long-term vacant retail space.

            The response stated that, whilst there is a 50% rating liability on properties that are dilapidated but still usable as a unit, there is no such approach for those properties that are truly derelict as they are removed from the rating system entirely. The Minister is of the opinion that refurbishment of such property is probably a matter better addressed through carefully thought-out proposals for capital spend directed at regeneration, and that any business case brought forward at Executive level to advance proposals of this nature would be considered.

            The Committee noted the contents of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6d

            The Committee was reminded that in April this year it had considered a report which had provided an update on the outcome of an open call for applications to the Social Supermarket Fund. The report advised members that a full Letter of Offer had not been received by the Department for Communities (DfC) and that the level of budget required to support all recommended applications exceeded the available budget.

            The Members had asked that the issue be referred to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and that communication be issued to the DfC.  A letter was issued and a response had been received by the Council.

            The Members were also advised that Strategic Policy and Resources Committee recommended the issue of 25% of funding to 21 organisations which were recommended for funding from the Social Supermarket Fund. That Committee had also granted delegated authority for the Director of Neighbourhood Services to issue funding up to 70% of the total recommended amount to all 21 organizations when the full Letter of Offer was received from DfC. Those groups had now received communication from the Council advising of their award. 

            The correspondence from DfC notes that the departmental budget for 2024/25 had not yet been agreed, but that 25% funding based on 2023/24 allocations had been issued to councils. The letter also noted that many councils had communicated a need for further funding for this area of work and that the outcome of the financial exercise would be communicated as soon as possible to enable financial planning for 2024/25.

Noted.

            The Committee was advised that, since its inception in 2005, Belfast City Council had been a key partner within the Belfast Hills Partnership (BHP).  The April 2011 meeting of the former Parks and Leisure Committee had approved an annual funding allocation to the Belfast Hills Partnership of £36,900, which had since been included in revenue budgets.

            This funding had enabled the organisation to grow and develop from a small team of three individuals to today’s team which consists of 6 full time members of staff and 9 part time staff bodies which allows the partnership to deliver a wide range of programmes within the Belfast City Council area which included:

·        Habitat and species surveys and improvements

·        Environment education for young people

·        Volunteering opportunities

·        Addressing anti-social behaviour including fly tipping and wildfires

·        Tree propagation and planting

·        Community support and engagement

·        Information provision

·        Health walks

            BHP have highlighted consistent rising costs, which they have tried to absorb internally by seeking to cut costs where possible – however, they are now in a position of seeking support from funding partners to continue delivering their services.  Whilst NIEA have confirmed that they would increase their funding to BHP by 37%, the Partnership was approaching their Council partners to seek additional funding.

            It was reported that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council had confirmed that they had agreed an increase of 30% on current funding.  It should be noted that each council provides funding in proportion to the land area owned by each Council within the Belfast Hill’s Area and this arrangement would continue with these latest funding revisions.

            Belfast Hill Partnership currently received £36,900 from Belfast City Council and had requested an increase of 30% (£11,070) to £47,970.

            The Committee noted the request for additional funding from the Belfast Hills Partnership and agreed that the request be considered by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, given the associated financial impacts, as part of the process to allocate from year end underspends.

            The Operational Director, City and Neighbourhood Services, submitted the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To advise Committee of progress with the Stadia Community Benefits Initiative (SCBI) for 2023/2024  .

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Members of the Committee are asked to  note progress to date

3.0       Main report

3.1       The Council has been undertaking the Leisure Transformation Programme to renew its Leisure facilities across the City. This Programme has been influenced by the Partnership opportunities presented by the NI Executive Stadia Programme.

3.2       The Council, Department for Communities (DfC) and the Irish Football Association (IFA) have recognised the opportunities presented by the Stadia Programme, have committed to work together to maximise these benefits, and have agreed to establish a Stadium Community Benefits Initiative as part of the Belfast Community Benefits Initiative (‘the Project’) to implement and deliver agreed objectives including promoting equality, tackling poverty, and tackling social exclusion within the Belfast area.

3.3       In March 2016 the Council, DfC and IFA signed an agreement which sets out their respective commitments to the project. As other major stadia are developed in Belfast it is anticipated that other sports governing bodies shall become parties to the agreement. At its April 2018 meeting People and Communities committee agreed that Council would work with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) within the Stadia Community Benefits Initiative and recognised their significant planned investment in Gaelic Games in the city to support their Gaelfast strategy. GAA activities became fully incorporated into the action plan at the start of financial year 2019-2020, with Gaelfast staff imbedded into the governance structure at the Delivery Board and the Policy and Performance Group.

3.4       The agreement is for a period of ten years with financial commitment from Council and IFA in place to the end of March 2026. Delivery is managed through monthly meetings of the Delivery Board, which reports quarterly to the Policy and Performance Board. Financial and performance reports will be presented to Council and other partners’ Boards as necessary.

3.5       The Policy & Performance Group is responsible for agreeing the Benefits Realisation Plan and associated annual targets. Work was undertaken to ensure the end benefits/outcomes are aligned to partners’ strategies. To measure the progress of this the Council and the IFA have developed a range of indicators/intermediate benefits which are monitored through programme delivery:

a.      Number of coaching sessions provided

b.     Number of coaches engaged in delivering coaching

c.      Number of sessions improving club governance

d.     Number of volunteering opportunities

e.      Participation opportunities for under 16s

f.       Female participation rates

g.     Number of people completing skills development programme

h.     Number of sessions for under-represented groups

i.       Number of sessions for school and youth groups

j.       Community group usage of stadia

k.      Number of clubs attaining club-mark

l.       Educational opportunities

m.    o. Number of programmes targeting ASB

n.     q. Improved collaborative working

o.     r. Number of disabled participants

p.     s. Number of older people participating

            The policy and performance group held their meeting on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6g

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The Food Standards Agency, in their monitoring and oversight role, require all NI District Councils to prepare an annual Food Service Delivery Plan which sets out the Council’s key functions and planned activities for delivery of food hygiene, food standards and other food safety related responsibilities.

1.2       This report presents Belfast City Council’s draft Food Service Delivery Plan for the 2024/25 year and seeks Committee approval of the draft plan so that it can be submitted to the Food Standards Agency for review.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to approve the draft Belfast City Council Food Service Delivery Plan 2024-2025

3.0       Main report

3.1       The Council’s Food Safety Unit works with local businesses to build compliance with Food Law and to ensure that food produced and sold in Belfast is safe and can be trusted. This not only protects the consumer and public health, but also protects and enhances the reputation of the City, our local businesses and their competitiveness, thereby supporting economic growth.

3.2       Food related illness costs the local economy, individual businesses and the consumer- people may suffer from food poisoning and food related illness, potentially resulting in hospital admissions for some patients, and costing the Belfast economy through work related absences and consumer claims.

3.3       To protect consumers, the Council is required to implement a programme of planned food hygiene and food standards inspections for food businesses across the city. These inspections are programmed based on food safety risks presented by the businesses. Food sampling programmes are also delivered throughout the year, and the Council responds to and investigates food complaints as well as cases of food borne illness.

3.4       The Food Hygiene Rating Act (NI) 2016 requires businesses to display their food hygiene rating, improving the opportunities for consumers to make informed choices and encouraging improved compliance. Currently at least 84% of food businesses are rated as 3, 4 or 5 (broadly compliant or better). See Appendix 2 for ratings breakdown.

3.5       Work to ensure allergen requirements placed on food business are being adhered to, forms an important element of the Food Safety service, and aims to protect consumers who have food allergies from harm. It is estimated that around 2 million people living in the UK have a food allergy. Following a number of high profile cases resulting in fatalities, new legislation has been introduced since 2021 regarding the adequacy of labelling requirements for food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) i.e., food that has been packed on the same premises from which it is being sold. Our officers monitor compliance and offer support to businesses during their inspections.

3.6       The Council’s imported food control function continues to facilitate trade while ensuring food safety and public health is protected by undertaking official controls at Belfast Port. From the 1st October 2023 the Windsor Framework  introduced the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS ‘green lane’ scheme) to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6h

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on revisions to the open-ended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DAERA in relation to Epizootic Disease and available Council resources as outlined in Appendix A to the report. The MoU had originally been approved at the People and Communities Committee in June 2017.

            The Committee:

1.     noted the revisions within the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU);

2.     noted the updated resources in Appendix A to the report;

3.     agreed to continue with the open-ended MoU;

4.     agreed that the Operational Director, City and Neighbourhood Services signs the agreement; and

5.     noted that DAERA had delivered Epizootic training which officers had attended on 22nd May.

            The Committee noted the report and approved and adopted the minutes from the Reference Group on Older People meeting held on 19th March 2024.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided Members with an update on the recent workshop of the People and Communities Committee and the Belfast City Youth Council which was held on 21st May 2024.

            The Committee was reminded that a report proposing enhanced summer scheme provision was brought to the February 2024 meeting of the People and Communities Committee and an amount of £80,000 was agreed to support provision across each of the four areas of the city with decisions to be approved through the Area Based Working Groups.  The funding was subsequently approved by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 22nd March.

            Officers had attended the February/March Area Based Working Groups to discuss any potential models suggested by elected members and to engage around local organisations which might be in a position to enhance provision over the summer period. Officers then engaged with the sector and presented recommendations to the May/June Area Based Working Groups.

            The table below represents the approved providers recommended by the North, West and South Area Working Groups. Approval from the East Belfast Area Working was not received for those Groups due to not having a quorum at that stage of the meeting.

            Accordingly, the Committee was requested to approve the following recommendations of the North, West and South Area Working Groups and the preferred option for the East:

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1             The Committee is asked to note that Council has received several requests from event organisers to host events across several city park locations in 2024 and these include.

·        Belfast Rathayatra 2024 (Festival of Chariots) – Crescent Park

·        Climate Craic 2024 – Ormeau Park

·        Belfast No 6 Royal Black District Chapter Parade – Woodvale Park

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to grant authority to the applicants for the proposed events on the dates noted; subject to the completion of the appropriate event management plans and satisfactory terms being agreed by the Director of City & Neighbourhood Services and on the condition that the Event Organisers:

i.       resolves all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

ii.      meets all statutory requirements including Public Liability Insurance cover, Health and Safety, and licensing responsibilities; and

iii.    shall consult with adjoining public bodies and local communities as necessary.

            Please note that the above recommendations are taken as a pre-policy position in advance of the Council agreeing a more structured framework and policy for ‘Events’, which is currently being taken forward in conjunction with the Councils Commercial team.

3.0       Main Report

            Key Issues

3.1       If agreed, the event organiser or promoters will be required in advance of the event to submit an event management plan for approval by the Council and all relevant statutory bodies. This will include an assessment of how the event will impact upon the surrounding area and measures to mitigate these impacts.

3.2       Iskcon Belfast Charity (Hare Krishna Temple) - Belfast Rathayatra 2024 (Festival of Chariots) – Crescent Park – Saturday 3 August 2024

            Iskcon Belfast Charity (Hare Krishna Temple) have requested the use of Crescent Park for their Belfast Rathayatra 2024 event. ISKCON Belfast promotes spiritual and cultural activities in Belfast and surrounding areas. They hold worship services, spiritual discourses, meditation sessions, and educational programs on Vedic wisdom. The charity also organises festivals, cultural events, and community service initiatives to foster spiritual growth, inner peace, and social harmony. They have requested permission to be allowed to carry out charity collections. They are a registered charity with their number being NI 102942

3.3       Key dates for the event are: Main Event – Saturday 03rd August 12.30pm to 6pm

3.4       The event is The Ratha Yatra, or Festival of Chariots, is a grand Hindu festival celebrated worldwide. It involves the procession of large, elaborately decorated chariots carrying deities, particularly Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Krishna), along the streets. It's celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, attracting millions of devotees in the UK & Ireland. The event organiser requests permission for the event to pass through Crecent Gardens as part of the event.

            Climate Craic CIC  - Climate Craic Festival 2024 – Ormeau Park – Saturday 14 September 2024

3.5       Council have received a request from Climate Craic CIC to host their annual Climate Craic Festival at Ormeau Park on Saturday 14 September 2024. The group have requested permission to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

            The Committee approved the use of Dundonald Cemetery to facilitate the event, subject to the event organisers adhering to operational requirements of the Council.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1The purpose of this report is to update Members regarding the progress on several key actions associated with the Belfast Tree Strategy since its launch on 5 October 2023.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are requested to note the progress on several key actions with the Belfast Tree Strategy. 

2.2       Members are also asked to agree to the publication of the Tree Establishment report and to note the council’s achievement on obtaining Tree Cities of the World accreditation.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       The Belfast Tree Strategy was produced with the aim of managing and improving the city’s tree-scape over the next ten years, focussing on protecting, enhancing, and expanding the Council’s woodlands, hedges, and trees, connecting people to nature, and ensuring that they continue to be a major asset to everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Belfast city.

3.2       The Belfast Tree Strategy objectives are to deliver 37 key actions over the next decade with an independent review of the strategy occurring in December 2024, and thereafter, once every three years until 2033. The 37 key actions have been broken down into three main categories:

·        Trees and Urban Forest Structure

·        Community framework

·        Sustainable Resource Management Approach (See appendix 1)

            Since the launch of the Tree Strategy on 5 October 2023, the Council has achieved several key actions to date:

3.3       1. Tree Establishment Planning – The Council has completed a comprehensive tree opportunity mapping exercise. (See Appendix 2.) The Tree Establishment report aims to address several key objectives associated with the Belfast Tree Strategy and which looked at areas such as, existing tree canopy cover, tree equity, species suitability and investigated potential space(s) for new tree planting in both soft and hard landscapes and linking into the Council’s One Million Tree initiative.

3.4       It must be noted however that all the sites highlighted in the report indicate ‘potential’ tree planting locations but would first require site investigations to establish if trees can actually be planted due to the presence of underground utilities, planning restrictions, or if the landowners have a budget to plant and maintain new trees.

3.5       Canopy cover across Belfast averages 18.6%, as measured by Google satellite data. This ranges from 20.8% in urban and suburban areas, to 15.0% in rural areas. The Ward with the highest tree cover in Belfast is Bellevue, with 43.9% tree cover and the lowest is Ardoyne with just 4.6%. The average tree canopy cover for Northern Ireland is 11.8%. 

3.6       Achieving 30% canopy cover for Belfast is possible by 2050, provided tree planting continues at a consistently high rate by all the key landowners across the city. However, one issue worth highlighting, is that Ash Dieback threatens 11.3% of the overall existing tree population, which could cause the current tree cover to drop significantly.

3.7       2. Tree Risk Management – The Council has moved from a five year to a three-year health and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8c

            The Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       Following the P&C Committee workshop on the 26th February 2024, Members requested that a paper summarising the main findings be brought back to a future meeting of the Committee. This paper sets out the main findings from the workshop for Members to consider.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Members are asked:

·        To note the contents of the report and to consider approval for officers to engage with statutory partners regarding the feasibility of a pilot project on unadopted alleyways; and

·        To note that a paper will be presented to a future meeting of People and Communities Committee on the feasibility of a pilot programme, including the potential costs for delivery.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Members and key stakeholders attended a workshop on the 26th February 2024 to discuss the issues, challenges, and options for progression to address the maintenance, repair, and management of issues related to and ongoing with unadopted alleyways across the city.

3.2       The workshop was attended by People and Communities Committee members, Belfast City Council officers and representatives from the Department of Infrastructure, Housing Executive, Choice Housing, and Connswater Housing Association.  There was no representation from the Department for Communities and the Department of Justice (NI).  Apologies were received from DoJ following the meeting and they have indicated a willingness to participate in any future work.  DfC have indicated through discussions with elected representatives that they are also willing to participate in any future work.

3.3       Following a short presentation from officers and other statutory partners, the Committee Chair opened the floor for discussion from members and stakeholders.  The following issues and challenges were identified.

            Key issues and Challenges:

·        General standard of unadopted alleyways includes a significant state of disrepair, poor standard of cleanliness, significant safety issues , poor practices adopted-fly tipping/dumping and health and safety issues including sharps/ vermin.

·        Accessibility for residents, transport, front -line council services etc

·        Identification and ownership of alleyways.  It was recognised that establishing ownership through various approaches would be difficult and would require a collaborative approach to mapping these areas.

·        Problems exist with other areas like walkways and would need to be included.

·        No accountability/framework in place to enable the hazards encountered to be progressed.

·        Health and Safety concerns that restrict progression and have significant impact for residents, staff, transport, and those requiring access.

·        Poor engagement with and lack of support to local communities/community groups impacted upon by un-adopted alleyways.

·        No funding in place to support interventions required.  A request for all agencies to consider the allocation of resources to deal with the risks posed by these areas.

·        Risk based approach to interventions will be needed Safety implications and hazardous conditions will impact upon the viability of local communities to intervene- the space would need to be safe before this approach could be considered.

·        Legacy issues pertaining to historic ownership, use and planning and development within these areas.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8d

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To update Members on a proposed community consultation on the opening hours pilot for Falls, Woodvale and Ormeau Parks, and on the future opening hours of Forth Meadow Greenway. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to note the content of the report.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       Access to open spaces provides multiple benefits to the health and wellbeing of residents and is a vital component of creating sustainable and healthy communities. Belfast City Council has the responsibility of managing, maintaining and keeping these spaces safe for citizens, including managing access through gate locking to negate health and safety risks including ASB.

3.2       As well as our own experience, research has shown that keeping parks open facilitates better use by communities and has the potential to reduce antisocial behaviour -  for example with Connswater Community Greenway where the main ‘spine’ is lit and accessible 24/7. However, although some of our open-space sites are accessible at night, for the most part a ‘dawn to dusk’ opening hours pattern is followed with times changing as daylight lengthens or shortens.  

            Committee Background

3.3       Following Notices of Motion relating to the provision of artificial lighting in parks and a request to review the hours that our parks are open to the public, Members will recall that People and Communities Committee agreed to recommendations of a report on Proposed Improvements to Parks and Open Spaces – Opening Hours Pilot at its meeting on 3rd March 2020 which referred to a pilot for 24 hour opening for Ormeau, Falls and Woodvale Parks over the summer months. This report is attached at Appendix 1.

            Unfortunately the pilot was not delivered due to the COVID pandemic and the associated restrictions which impacted officers’ ability to consult with local groups at that time.

3.4       A further report on Proposed Improvements to Parks and Open Spaces was considered by People and Communities Committee at its meeting 10 November 2020 (report attached at Appendix 2). Members noted the substantial financial implications associated with the installation of lighting in all parks, and the lack of funding to support such a request. They also noted the new lighting investment that had occurred at a number of our open spaces in recent years, and agreed that officers would recommence work on the Opening Hours Pilot.

            Current Status

3.5       Since 2020, lighting has been added along the main spines of a number of new and existing open spaces including Páirc Nua Chollan, Lower Shankill Park and Marrowbone Millennium Park.  Along with Forth Meadow Greenway and the Connswater Greenway, the Council now provide over 22km of lit pathways.  Further lighting improvements are planned as part of the redevelopment Ballysillan Playing Fields through the Urban Villages Programme.

3.6       One of the ‘Opening Hour Pilot’ sites, Falls Park, has recently benefited from new lighting as part of the 12km Forth Meadow Greenway (FMG) Peace IV funded scheme in north and west Belfast.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8e

            The Committee agreed to the erection of a second street nameplate in Irish at Wolfhill Avenue South, Legnavea Place, Rosapenna Parade, Somerdale Gardens, Whitewell Crescent, Cliftonville Street, Dungloe Crescent and Somerton Road.

            The Committee approved the applications for the naming of the following new streets in the city:

            The Committee noted also that delegated authority had also been given to the City Solicitor to exercise her delegated authority in relation to the approval of the erection of dual language street nameplates for the following applications submitted by the developer:

            At the request of Councillor M. Donnelly, the Committee agreed thatofficers investigate request from Colin Gaels and look at the possibility of locating a container at the Brook Leisure Centre.