Ball stop fencing and gates at Existing soccer pitch at Dixon Playing Fields (approx. 50m north-east of No. 100 Orby Road), Grand Parade, Belfast

“Proposal: Extension to existing spectator fencing on site, new ball stop system along with pedestrian and vehicular access gates. New kerb line and drainage along car park boundary.”

“The site is located within Dixon Playing Fields, off Grand Parade. The playing fields are a Council operated site which offers sport pitches and associated parking. The site comprises of two soccer pitches. There are also two single-storey buildings located close to the site entrance. The topography of the site is broadly level with areas of trees outside the site boundary. An area of hardstanding to the front of the park serves as the entrance and car park.”

“The site is partly located within the Orangefield / Dixon Local Landscape Policy Area and the dBMAP policy designation for Community Greenways for Odyssey/ Tullycarnet Park/ Ormeau Park. The site is situated within the development limit as designated under both versions of dBMAP (2004 & 2014).”

“Z/2010/0430/f - Proposed building upgrade for intermediate football provisions including additional fencing with gate and provision of disabled toilet with ramped access. Address: Dixon Park playing fields, Grand Parade, Belfast, BT5 5HP. Decision Approval Date: 24/08/2010.”

“Z/2013/0207/F- Proposed changing pavilion with associated perimeter fencing. Address: Dixon Park, Grand Parade, Belfast. Decision 24/06/2013.”

“Impact on Amenity The proposed ball stop net fencing is to the east end of the first pitch, which is closest in proximity to the car park. These structures are 6m in height and 30m in length. It is considered that the separation distances to existing residential properties will assist in mitigating noise impacts. Officers consider that noise levels will not increase from the existing situation.”

“Impact on the Character and Appearance of the Area The proposal is incidental to an existing use within an area of open space. The proposed ball stop net fencing is considered appropriate for the operation this pitch. The design of these structures will result in limited visual impacts. Public views of the ball stop net fencing would largely be limited to near distance views from Somerdale Park Road.”

“Having regard to the development plan and other material considerations, the proposal is considered acceptable. It is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions.”

“Delegated authority is sought for the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording of the conditions and deal with any other issues that arise, provided that they are not substantive.”

“Non-Statutory Consultations Environmental Health – No objections subject to conditions.”

“Principle of development; • Impact on amenity; and • Impact on the character and appearance of the area.”

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