Agenda item

The Building Control Manager presented the following report to the Committee, highlighting that the application was also from the Council:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To consider an application for the grant of a 7-Day Annual Outdoor Entertainments Licence based on the Council’s standard conditions, to provide outdoor musical entertainment for:

1.2       A location map is attached as Appendix 1

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Taking into account the information presented and any representations made in respect of the application you are required to make a decision to either:

a)     Approve the application for the grant of the 7-Day Annual Outdoor Entertainments Licence in the proposed area as requested, or

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

c)     Refuse the application for the grant of the 7-Day Annual 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, outdoor entertainment may not be provided until any such appeal is determined.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       The applicant has applied to provide musical events, within an outdoor area. The details of the proposed events are unknown at this stage. However, if an event is planned to take place on this site it would be subject to all technical matters being implemented to the satisfaction of the Service. The outdoor area is located to the rear of the Belfast Stories Building and is bounded by Union Street, Kent Street and North Street. A site plan is attached as Appendix 2.

3.2       The days and hours proposed to provide entertainment in the outdoor area are:

·        Monday to Saturday   11.30am to 11.00pm, and

·        Sunday                        12.30pm to 11.00pm.

3.3       The area of the proposed outdoor area is approximately 3,228 square metres and therefore the maximum occupancy will be in the region of 6000 people. The exact figure will be determined when the site layout for a particular event is agreed.

3.4       Members are reminded that all applications for the grant of Outdoor Entertainments Licences must be brought before Committee for consideration.

            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

3.6       The Police Service of Northern Ireland have been consulted in relation to the application and have confirmed that they have no objection to the application.

3.7       A copy of their response is included as appendix 3 to this report.

            NIFRS

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

            Health, safety and welfare

3.9       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.

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

            Noise

3.11      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 to assess the noise that may be generated from the event and to minimise the potential for noise disturbance.

3.12      Members will 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

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

4.0       Financial and Resource Implications

4.1             None.

5.0       Equality or Good Relations Implications/

Rural Needs Assessment

5.1       There are no issues associated with this report.”

The Committee granted approval to the application for a 7-Day Annual Outdoor Entertainments Licence as outlined in paragraph 3.2 of the report.