Community garden at Newhill Youth and Community Centre, Belfast

“Characteristics of the Site and Area The site is to the rear and side of an existing community centre. The side section of the site is in hard standing set behind steel palisade fencing, centre management stated it was previous used as a location for a modular building. To the rear is an area of hard standing used as a MUGA also a pathway connecting with a rear gate and the remaining area is a rough, overgrown grass area.”

“Planning History LA04/2015/1453/F - Proposed refurbishment of community centre to comprise of the part demolition of the existing single storey building and replacement with a two-storey structure and associated site works – PP Granted 3.0”

“The principle of the proposed uses is considered acceptable under the strategic aims of the RDS, the SPPS and the Belfast Local Development Plan: Plan Strategy. The proposal seeks, in the main, to alter existing rough ground area, to the rear of the centre, into an area for allotment beds, wildflower and planted areas and improved pathways.”

“The proposed works are considered subservient to the existing building and is sympathetic to both the character of the area and the setting of the surrounding residential use.”

“BCC Environmental Health: No objection, advise conditions…”

“The application has been advertised in the newspaper and neighbours notified, one representation was received:”

“The objection stated that higher footfall to the community centre leading to noise and parking issues, potential for damage to fencing. Case Officer’s Response: The proposal is not designed to increase footfall to the centre but to improve an existing area of open ground to the rear and side of the centre. Potential increased noise levels have been considered by EH and a condition has been offered to ensure no unacceptable noise affecting amenity.”

“The front and rear access gates to the site shall be kept closed and locked at all times when the building is not in operation or when no staff are present on site. Reason: to safeguard the amenity of nearby noise sensitive receptors.”

“If during the carrying out of the development, new contamination is encountered that has not previously been identified, all related development works shall cease, and the Council shall be notified immediately in writing. No further related development works shall proceed until this new contamination has been fully investigated in accordance with current Environment Agency and CIRIA guidance and British Standards.”

“She stated that, having regard to the Development Plan and other material considerations, it was recommended that planning permission be granted.”

“The Committee granted planning permission, subject to conditions and delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the…”