Floating pontoon replacement at River bank approximately 150m north east of Shaws Bridge Car Park, Belfast

“The application seeks planning permission for the installation of a new floating pontoon, which would replace an existing fixed bankside wooden jetty in the same location along the riverbank of the river Lagan. The existing wooden jetty has been closed for use due to its condition. The works take the form of a modular floating pontoon system secured by 2 no. steel locating piles, connected to the shore via a hinged access gangway and walkway with handrails.”

“The site is located within Clement Wilson Park a designated Site of Local Conservation Importance (BT084/13). This is an area of parkland and walking trails within the wider designated Lagan Valley Regional Park (COU9) and Lagan Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB 1) owned by Belfast City Council. The river Lagan runs through this parkland with a number of Community Greenways accessible nearby. The site is accessed from the Malone Road.”

“Impact on the Character and Appearance of the Area The proposal is incidental to an existing use within an area of open space. The pontoon is considered appropriate for access to water sports use in the waterway. The design of the pontoon will result in limited visual impacts. Much of the proposal will be located within the waterway.”

“Flood Risk The proposal site lies within a flood risk area and under Policy ENV4, an exception to development within a flood plain may be granted. Exception to Policy, U3 – Water compatible development such as for boat mooring, navigation and water based recreational use, which for operational reasons has to be located within the flood plain is applicable for this proposal.”

“Statutory Consultations NIEA Water Management Unit & Natural Environment Division – No objections. DfI Rivers – No objections.”

“The key issues to be considered as part of this assessment are the following: • Principle of Development • Impact on amenity • Impact on the character and appearance of the area • Flood Risk • Impact on Natural Heritage…”

“He stated that it was recommended that the application be approved, with conditions, subject to an outstanding response from the Historic Environment Division.”

“The Committee granted planning permission and delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording of conditions and to deal with any other issues that might arise, including any issues from the outstanding HED consultation response, provided that they were not substantive.”