Friday 27 July 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Grants to the Voluntary and
Community Sector

Mr Carrick asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail all current schemes under which grants are paid by his Department and its NDPBs to the voluntary and community sector.

(AQW 3444/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): NITB operates a number of financial assistance schemes which are open to applicants across Northern Ireland including the voluntary and community sector. At present the only schemes currently being administered are; the Tourism Development Scheme (TDS), the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and the NITB Events Support Scheme.

LEDU’s primary involvement in the community sector is through the funding of the Community Business Programme. Total investment in this during the year 2000-2001 was £1.03 million.

Mr Carrick asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail all grants of £100,000 or more made by his Department and its NDPBs to voluntary and community bodies in the financial year 2000-01.

(AQW 3445/00)

Sir Reg Empey: In the financial year 2000-2001 3 grants of £100,000 or more administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) were offered to voluntary and community bodies amounting to £944,200.00. A schedule of these is detailed at Annex A.

In the financial year 2000-2001 the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) was provided with £1 million of LEDU funding.

NITB SELECTIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDED TO VOLUNTARY/COMMUNITY SECTOR PROJECTS 2000/2001

TDS - Tourism Development Scheme

SSPPR - Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation

Ms Morrice asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the guidance his Department and its NDPBs give to voluntary and community bodies, on accessing, using and accounting for grants from public monies.

(AQW 3482/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) operates a number of financial assistance schemes which are open to applicants across Northern Ireland including the voluntary and community sector. At present the only schemes currently being adminstered are the Tourism Development Scheme (TDS), and the NITB Events Support Scheme. When an applicant is applying for financial assistance the NITB provides them with the necessary Guidelines and application form before the formal process begins. Each individual case for financial assistance is assessed, considered and approved/rejected against this published criteria.

Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) have a Financial Memorandum drawn up by the Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU) and agreed with DFP on how they (UCIT) can use and account for the money received. They also have an operating plan giving procedures for monitoring and clawback. LEDU have also recently had an evaluation of their (UCIT) activities carried out which has provided recommendations for operational enhancements. These have been adopted by the UCIT Board.

In terms of the Community Business Programme (funded by LEDU) there is a community business operations manual which provides guidance on eligibility criteria, and establishes accounting requirements.

Ms Morrice asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail all grants paid to voluntary and community bodies by his Department and its NDPBs in the financial year 2000-01.

(AQW 3483/00)

Sir Reg Empey: In the financial year 2000-2001 of the schemes administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) a total of thirty grants amounting to £634,274.32 were paid to voluntary and community groups. These are detailed in Annex A.

The Local Enterprise Development Unit’s (LEDU) primary involvement in the community sector is through the funding of the Community Business Programme. Total investment in this during the year 2000-2001 was £1.03 million. The programme is provided on LEDU’s behalf by a managing agent, and delivered by six delivery agents across Northern Ireland. A breakdown is attached in Annex B.

In addition, the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) was established to fund community based projects. LEDU investment in this during 2000-2001 was £1million.

The Department’s Energy Division paid a total of £210,406.00 in the financial year 2000 – 2001. These are detailed in Annex C.

Dr Birnie asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will be consulted as part of the UK wide changes to consumer and competition policy recently announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

(AQW 3553/00)

Sir Reg Empey: Competition policy is a reserved matter, on which the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) leads for the UK as a whole. My officials are in contact with DTI and have been advised that DTI will be consulting fully with the devolved administrations about the range of measures announced by the Chancellor on 18 June.

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the benefits of a Single Development Agency in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3608/00)

Sir Reg Empey: There are two aspects to the benefits which will be derived from the setting up of Invest Northern Ireland (INI). First, it is acknowledged that there are areas of duplication of functions and services between the existing agencies. Setting up a new single agency will lead to more clarity and easier access for customers and the provision of services more efficiently.

Secondly, the needs of the Northern Ireland economy and the demands of the global economy have changed significantly in recent years. In keeping with Strategy 2010 and consultation feedback on my proposals, a new approach to economic development is required. Invest Northern Ireland will be a more focused and nimble organisation, with an ethos which draws on the best of the public and private sector approaches. As a board with executive authority, it will be able more quickly and efficiently to adapt its services to the needs of the local business community and of the ever-more-rapidly- changing global marketplace.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 3430/00, whether the Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA) Action Plan for the Textiles and Clothing Industry is available to the general public and what action will be taken in each constituency as a result of this Report.

(AQW 3668/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA) Action Plan for the Textiles and Clothing Industry was presented to senior industry managers, support organisations and academia on 26 January 2001. The launch of the Action Plan followed a series of workshops and consultation meetings with industry representatives. As part of this process copies of the KSA presentation were given to all attendees and additional copies have been provided by e-mail on request to interested parties.

The Action Plan emphasised the industry’s need to work closely with Government, through the Industrial Development Board, and support agencies, including NITA, the Northern Ireland Textiles and Apparel Association. IDB has facilitated a team of industrialists, legal and banking representatives to take forward the establishment of an industry-led company as set out in the KSA Action Plan.

IDB continues to work closely with textile and clothing companies and the industry bodies to implement the recommendations of the KSA Report. IDB already has a number of initiatives in place, which are not specific to any geographic area of Northern Ireland, to develop the five key themes outlined in the KSA Report.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how may people have been appointed to the Shankill Taskforce which his Department is jointly sponsoring.

(AQW 3669/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Minister for Social Development, Maurice Morrow, and myself announced the setting up of Task Forces for West Belfast and the Greater Shankill areas of Belfast.

This action was taken in response to the continued high levels of unemployment that continue in both areas in spite of their proximity to areas of economic growth.

The Task Forces’ role is to focus on economic issues although we recognise the social impact of unemployment. It is important that the Task Force is action focussed therefore the membership needs to be manageable and represent the key economic sectors.

The Terms of Reference identified membership of between 12 - 15 people and the Shankill Task Force consists of 13 people along with local political representatives.

If in the future development of the Task Force important gaps are identified the Chairmen and our officials will make representation to the Minister for Social Development and myself for further nominees for the Task Force.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how many people have been submitted for membership of the Shankill Taskforce and on which a decision is yet to be taken on whether they will or will not be appointed.

(AQW 3670/00)

Sir Reg Empey: Officials from the two departments, local politicians and the Chairmen approached a number of people representing the sectors identified in the Terms of Reference as having the most impact on the economic problems of the area.

All of those nominated for the Task Forces have been appointed.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how many people have been submitted for membership of the Shankill Taskforce and have been rejected by his Department.

(AQW 3671/00)

Sir Reg Empey: None

Mr Carrick asked the Minister of the Environment to detail all grants paid to voluntary and community bodies by his Department and its NDPBs in the financial year 2000-01.

(AQW 3461/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The details are as follows:

Mr Carrick asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the guidance his Department and its NDPBs give to voluntary and community bodies, on accessing, using and accounting for grants from public monies.

(AQW 3462/00)

Mr Foster: The details are as follows:

1. Road Safety

(a) Road Safety Council of Northern Ireland

(b) Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

(c) Disability Action

2. Environment & Heritage Service (EHS)

3. Planning

Mr Carrick asked the Minister of the Environment to detail all current schemes under which grants are paid by his Department and its NDPBs to the voluntary and community sector.

(AQW 3463/00)

Mr Foster: The details are as follows:

1. Road Safety

2. Environment & Heritage Service

• Natural Heritage Grants: paid under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985 for running costs, research, publications, equipment, species management, and habitat improvements.
• Access to the Countryside Grants: to improve public access for enjoyment of the countryside under the Access to the Countryside (NI) Order 1983, mainly paid to District Councils.
• Historic Buildings Grants: grants for the repair and maintenance of listed buildings under the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, mainly paid to individual owners.

3. Planning

Mr Carrick asked the Minister of the Environment to detail all grants of £100,000 or more made by his Department and its NDPBs to voluntary and community bodies in the financial year 2000-01.

(AQW 3464/00)

Mr Foster: In 2000-01 the following grants of £100,000 or more were paid:

The Planning Service made grants to voluntary and community bodies during 2000/01 as follows:

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of applications under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 that have been lodged by developers in the Ards Borough Council area in each of the last three years.

(AQW 3470/00)

Mr Foster: Applications are not submitted under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991. It is the role of my Department to determine whether the development for which approval is being sought satisfies any of the criteria described in Article 31 (1) of the Order, and if so, to apply the special procedure described in the Article for processing the application.

The number of applications lodged to which my Department has applied the Article 31 procedure in each of the last three years in the Ards Borough Council area is as follows:

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of developers who have submitted applications under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 in the east of Newtownards town in each of the last three years.

(AQW 3471/00)

Mr Foster: Applications are not submitted under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991. It is the role of my Department to determine whether the development for which approval is being sought satisfies any of the criteria described in Article 31 (1) of the Order, and if so, to apply the special procedure described in the Article for processing the application.

The number of developers who have submitted applications to which my Department has applied the Article 31 procedure in each of the last three years, in the east of Newtownards Town, is as follows

Both applications submitted in 1998/1999 have since been withdrawn. East of Newtownards Town has been defined as from Bangor Road, Newtownards to Portaferry Road, Newtownards.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to a letter, REF PLA 1/2/198/99, issued by Planning Service on 22 June 2001, to detail what actions he has taken against those in breach of regulation 4(2) and schedule 2 class F of the Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations (NI) 1992.

(AQW 3559/00)

Mr Foster: My Department first wrote to political parties on 5 June 2001, 2 days before the 7 June elections. This letter set out the statutory regulations for the display of election posters, including the requirement that they must be removed within 14 days of the close of the relevant poll, in this case 21 June 2001. Further reminders were sent out on 22 June and 2 July. Most posters would now appear to have been removed, but there are still some remaining. Experience has shown that the best way to proceed in this area is by seeking the co-operation of the various parties, instead of resorting to formal enforcement action. I am very hopeful that the remaining posters will be removed, but my officials will continue to monitor the situation.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the time-scale for the processing of applications under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991, and (b) how pressure groups can have representation at appeals.

(AQW 3571/00)

(a) For those planning applications to which Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 has been applied and which reached a final decision during the 2000 – 2001 financial year, the average time taken to process applications from applying Article 31 to a formal decision was 141 weeks.

However, the Member will wish to note this figure needs to be interpreted with care, as it includes a wide range of variation in the processing times of these complex and often, by their very nature, contentious planning applications. There are 3 different routes for progressing these major applications, namely a Public Inquiry; a Notice of Opinion (NOP) to approve; or NOP to refuse.

The majority of Article 31 applications are determined by the NOP route. Of the 27 decisions reached during 2000-2001, 12 proceeded by an NOP to approve and took 135 weeks on average to process; 7 followed an NOP to refuse, taking an average 137 weeks to reach a final decision. The remaining 8 applications required a Public Inquiry and took on average 189 weeks to be determined.

If a Public Inquiry or a Hearing on a NOP to Refuse is required, the Department requests the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) to undertake them and to provide a report. The time taken between a request to the PAC for an inquiry or hearing and receipt of the PAC report, can range from 36 – 64 weeks.

Another important factor influencing the timescale for determining major applications is the time taken by applicants to submit outstanding information necessary to determine the application, including Retail and Traffic Impact Assessment. Other factors which affect performance include the timely submission of environmental information, public consultation and consideration by key consultees, which is generally outside my Department’s control. Judicial review proceedings also lead to delay in the issue of decisions, which again is outside the control of my Department.

As indicated in the Programme for Government I have asked Planning Service to review systems for operational planning policy, development planning and development control. This includes the Article 31 process.

(b) As with all planning applications my Department alerts local residents of the proposed development by advertising in the local newspapers and through the neighbour notification scheme. Concerns raised are fully considered prior to deciding the best way forward either by public inquiry or the notice of opinion route. Interested parties are also informed when applications are designated under Article 31 and are again invited to comment at that stage.

Those parties who have made representations on Article 31 applications are notified by the PAC of the Public Inquiry or Hearing into Notice of Opinions and have the opportunity to make representations. The PAC will consider all such representations made to it before reporting and making recommendations to my Department.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what money has been spent on the additional staff overtime in the Planning Service to deal (a) with the backlog of planning applications and (b) with the backlog of applications which require a Public Inquiry under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991.

(AQW 3576/00)

Mr Foster: It is estimated that £152K of additional overtime was worked on the backlog of planning applications in 2000/01.

The Planning Service’s financial systems do not, however, separately record the overtime worked specifically on applications to which Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 is applied or on any other type of application.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of vehicles that were (a) abandoned in each district council area; and (b) served with a seven day notice in 1999-00 and 2000-01.

(AQW 3601/00)

Mr Foster: This information is not held centrally by my Department since responsibility for dealing with abandoned vehicles is a matter for district councils. While there is no statutory duty on councils to maintain records relating to abandoned vehicles, I understand that some councils do keep such records which can be made available.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of vehicles that were removed and disposed of following the receipt of a seven day notice in each district council area in 1999-00 and 2000-01.

(AQW 3602/00)

Mr Foster: This information is not held centrally by my Department since responsibility for dealing with abandoned vehicles is a matter for district councils. While there is no statutory duty on councils to maintain records relating to abandoned vehicles, I understand that some councils do keep such records which can be made available.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment whether he has any plans to amend the current procedures relating to abandoned vehicles.

(AQW 3603/00)

Mr Foster: I have no plans at present to amend the current legislation in relation to abandoned vehicles.

However, I am aware that some councils do have concerns about some aspects of the current procedures and would be happy to consider any representations which may be made to me on the matter. Any proposal for changes in the legislation would, of course, be subject to the availability of resources in my Department, to securing a place in the Executive’s legislative programme and to the other demands on legislative time in the Assembly.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps being taken to preserve the woodland directly behind Nos 33-55 Lapwing Park, Teal Rocks, Newtownards.

(AQW 3635/00)

Mr Foster: The woodland, to the rear of Nos 33 – 55 Lapwing Park, is part of a larger site that is the subject of two planning applications, currently under consideration by my Department. Both planning applications have been accompanied by an Environmental Statement and Concept Plan. The Concept Plan provides for the retention of the woodland. In this context the woodland is not perceived to be under threat and it would be Planning Service’s intention, if the applications are to be approved, to attach a condition which would ensure the retention of the woodland.

Dr Birnie asked the Minister of the Environment to explain how Policy CC12, High Buildings (Belfast Urban Area Plan 2001) has been applied in the case of recent and forthcoming developments in the Waterfront and Victoria Square areas.

(AQW 3643/00)

Mr Foster: The Planning Service applies Policy CC12 – High Buildings (Belfast Urban Area Plan 2001) to all major city centre developments.

Regular discussions take place between Planning Service officials and developers to ensure that the city centre is protected from inappropriate development, sometimes resulting in amended proposals to reduce the height of proposed buildings.

As regards proposed development in the Waterfront area, there is close liaison between the Planning Service and Laganside Corporation. In the case of the applications close to the Waterfront Hall, there has been considerable consultation with the developers to ensure that the significant buildings in the area, namely the Royal Courts of Justice and the Waterfront Hall, are not overwhelmed.

The application for Victoria Square is at a very early stage, and the details of the scheme have yet to be fully considered. The impact that the new development might have on surrounding buildings and streets will be a material planning consideration.

Dr Birnie asked the Minister of the Environment to explain how his Department acts to promote the highest quality of architectural design in new building.

(AQW 3644/00)

Mr Foster: The appearance of proposed development in relation to its surroundings is a matter to which my Department gives very careful consideration when determining planning applications.

The purpose of the Belfast Urban Area Plan 2001,‘Policy CC4-City Centre Heritage’, is to conserve the architectural heritage and historic townscape of the Belfast Urban Area. In addition, Policy SP18 of ‘A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland’ states that "Proposals for development should respect their character and sense of place" and "New development should be well designed and relate satisfactorily to the townscape setting".

My Department has recently published Planning Policy Statement 6, entitled "Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage". This sets out the purpose and policies of Conservation Areas and Areas of Townscape Character, and also, the current policies for the conservation of the built heritage. Any new building in these areas must be of high quality design, taking account of its surrounding context.

Outside these designated areas, my Department does not wish to be too prescriptive about architectural style, as it is important to allow for individual expression. Here my Department is concerned more with contextual concerns regarding height and massing of buildings, and the relationship between buildings and the general public realm.

As part of the preparation of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, which covers Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and North-Down Council Areas my Department will soon be employing consultants to prepare an Urban Design Strategy. The purpose of this study will be to provide:

Strategic design guidance with particular emphasis on key and /or sensitive parts of each area. The guidance will include recommendations on height and massing of buildings, building lines, the relationship between buildings and the relationship between buildings, streets, open space and the general public realm. It will also include advice on the appropriateness of high buildings in identified areas; and

An analysis of local character making reference to historical context, urban grain, street pattern, building blocks, height and massing of buildings, architectural style, building lines, views, public space, patterns of movement, landscape, topography and nature of uses and activities.

Dr Birnie asked the Minister of the Environment to explain how planning policy ensures that the materials used in new Belfast city centre developments (including colour and texture) are in sympathy with the traditional materials used in older buildings.

(AQW 3645/00)

Mr Foster: Belfast City Centre possesses a substantial heritage of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, the retention and promotion of which is an important planning aim. The Belfast Urban Area Plan 2001 contains ‘Policy CC4-City Centre Heritage’ the purpose of which is to conserve this architectural heritage and historic townscape.

In addition, my Department recently published Planning Policy Statement 6, "Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage". This sets out the policies of Conservation Areas and Areas of Townscape Character, and also, the current policies for the conservation of the built heritage. Any new building in these areas must be of high quality design, taking account of its surrounding context.

Within Belfast City Centre, three Conservation Areas have been designated. They are ‘ The City Centre’, ‘The Linen Area’ and ‘The Cathedral Area’. Any new building proposals in these areas must be of high quality design, requiring external materials to respect those of existing buildings.

Preparatory work has also begun on the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, which covers Belfast City Centre. This process will provide an opportunity for a review of existing Conservation Areas and Areas of Townscape Character, and also for new designations.

Outside these designated areas, my Department does not wish to be too prescriptive about architectural style, as it is important to allow for individual expression. Here my Department is concerned more with contextual concerns regarding height and massing of buildings, and the relationship between buildings and the general public realm.

As part of the preparations of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, which covers Belfast City Centre, my Department will soon be employing consultants to prepare an Urban Design Strategy for this area. The purpose of this study will be to provide:

Strategic design guidance with particular emphasis on key and /or sensitive parts of each area. The guidance will include recommendations on height and massing of buildings, building lines, the relationship between buildings and the relationship between buildings, streets, open space and the general public realm. It will also include advice on the appropriateness of high buildings in identified areas; and

An analysis of local character-making reference to historical context, urban grain, street pattern, building blocks, height and massing of buildings, architectural style, building lines, views, public space, patterns of movement, landscape, topography and nature of uses and activities.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment pursuant to AQW 3433/00, to detail the input of Planning Service to the Acute Hospitals Review Group concerning the general planning implications of a new hospital development in the South West.

(AQW 3677/00)

Mr Foster: Following a request from the Acute Hospitals Review Group, a meeting was held with Planning Service staff in March 2000. The Group was seeking views regarding the development of a new acute hospital facility in Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, to serve the needs of the South West. Subsequent to this meeting a report was forwarded by Planning Service to the Group on the planning implications of this proposal.

This report highlighted that the following matters would be pertinent considerations in assessing such a proposal: the local development plan; other planning documents such as the Regional Development Strategy and Planning Policy Statements; the health case associated with development at this location; equality issues, human rights and new TSN; and other matters such as infrastructure, and the views inter alia of the local district councils and the general public.

The report by Planning Service did not make any recommendation regarding this or any other location for the siting of a hospital to serve the needs of the South West.

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