Agenda item

            The Building Control Manager submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

 

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

 

1.1       To consider an application for the grant of a 14-day Occasional Outdoor Entertainments Licence in respect of Drumglass Park.

 

            Area and Location          Ref. No.                    Applicant

            Drumglass Park              WK/2022/01411       Mr David Sales

            Lisburn Road                                                   City and                                Belfast, BT9 6JF                                                     Neighbourhood

                                                                                      Services Department

                                                                                      Belfast City Council

 

1.2       A location map is attached as Appendix 1.

 

2.0       Recommendations

 

2.1       Taking into account the information presented and any representations received Members are required to consider the application and to:

 

a)          Approve the application for the grant of the 14-Day Occasional Outdoor Entertainments Licence, or

b)          Approve the application for the grant with special conditions, or

c)          Refuse the application for the grant of the 14-Day Occasional Outdoor Entertainments Licence.

 

2.2       If an application is refused, or special conditions are attached to the licence to which the applicant does not consent, then the applicant may appeal the Council’s decision within 21 days of notification of that decision to the County Court. In the case that the applicant subsequently decides to appeal, entertainment may not be provided until any such appeal is determined.

 

3.0       Main report

 

            Key Issues

 

3.1       Drumglass Park is owned by Belfast City Council and was previously licensed to provide outdoor entertainment until the 7 Day Annual Licence expired on 31 July 2015.

 

3.2       Belfast City Council currently holds a 14-Day Occasional Indoor Entertainments Licence for a marquee in respect of Drumglass Park.

 

Application and representations

 

3.3       As for all licences associated with Council parks the applicant is the Director of City and Neighbourhood Services.

 

3.4       The standard days and hours for an Outdoor Entertainments Licence are:

 

·             Monday to Sunday:   11.30am to 11.00pm.

 

3.5       In addition, Special Conditions are attached to Outdoor Entertainments Licences related to setting limits on maximum numbers and implementing a robust system of dealing with complaints.

 

Representations

 

3.6       Public notice of the application has been placed and no written representation has been lodged as a result of the advertisement.

 

            PSNI

 

3.7       The Police Service of Northern Ireland have been consulted and has confirmed that they have no objection to the application.

 

3.8       A copy of their correspondence is attached at Appendix 2.

 

NIFRS

 

3.9       The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service have been consulted in relation to the application and has confirmed that they have no objection to the application.

 

            Health, safety and welfare

 

3.10      Officers from the Service will engage with the applicant and event organisers in the lead up to events to ensure all documentation and technical information is in place.

 

3.11      Additionally, officers will inspect the site during the build of the event space and following its completion to ensure they are satisfied all safety and management procedures are in place.

 

            Noise

 

3.12     The applicant will be required to provide a Noise Management Plan for events which will be provided to the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) for evaluation. Council Officers work with the promoter in order to assess the noise that may be generated from the event and to minimise the potential for noise disturbance.

 

3.13     Members will also recognise that noise generated by outdoor concerts is likely to lead to some level of disturbance for local residents. Even if guideline levels are met there is no guarantee that complaints will not be received. Conversely, if a recommended level is exceeded this may not necessarily lead to complaints as people may be prepared to tolerate the event because it will only last for a limited period of time.

 

Applicant

 

3.14     The applicant, and/or their representatives, will be available at your meeting to answer any queries you may have in relation to the application.

 

Financial and Resource Implications

 

3.15      None.

 

Equality or Good Relations Implications/

Rural Needs Assessment

 

3.16     There are no issues associated with this report.”

 

            The Committee approved the application for the grant of the 14-Day Occasional Outdoor Entertainments Licence.