Minutes:
The Chief Executive reported that correspondence had been received from Mr. E. Rowan, PLM Promotions, seeking permission to address the Council in relation to a proposed rock concert in Giant’s Park. He pointed out that, since the item had been deferred by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 22nd January, there was little information regarding the event contained within the minutes of the meeting. Accordingly, a copy of the report which had been presented to the Committee, together with the applicant’s representation to the Council, had been circulated for the Members’ information.
The Council acceded to the request and Messrs. F. Mackey and E. Rowan were admitted to the meeting.
Mr. Rowan advised the Council that a request had been submitted to the meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee held on 22nd January seeking permission for his company to hire the Council-owned land at Giant’s Park, Dargan Road in order for a music event to be held on 8th May. However, the Committee had deferred consideration of the matter to enable additional information such as management plans, health and safety documents and a risk assessment to be completed and submitted to the Committee for consideration. He pointed out that the information which had been requested could not be supplied until an agreement had been reached to lease the land and, therefore, he was seeking the Council’s support to approve the application and reject the decision of the Committee.
Mr. Mackey advised the Council that an entertainments licence application had been submitted to the Council and was due to be considered by the Licensing Committee later in the month. In addition, the promoter had met with and had visited the site with representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland who had indicated that they had no objections to the holding of the event. He pointed out that the detailed arrangements for the organisation of the event required a three month lead?in period and that the Committee decision to defer consideration of the matter meant that the event could not be held.
He explained that the site provided an ideal venue for a concert since it was flat, hardcore surfaced, well drained and could be easily accessed from the City centre. It was also distanced from residential accommodation, with the nearest housing being at Mount Vernon approximately 0.6 miles away, and Shore Crescent which was 0.8 miles from the site. The stage would face east and the sound would be directed over the Belfast Lough with the Entertainments Licence specifying a maximum sound level. He reiterated that the organisation of the event was now at a critical stage and in order to proceed he requested the Council to overturn the decision of the Committee and grant the use of the land.
The deputation thanked the Council for receiving them and they retired from the meeting.
It was noted that consideration would be given to the representations which had been made when the minutes of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee were discussed later in the meeting.