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Published in November 2021
Contents
- Title or policy or decision to be screened
- Brief description of policy or decision to be screened
- Aims and objectives of policy or decision to be screened
- Who will the policy or decision impact?
- Are there linkages to other agencies or departments?
- Outline consultation process planned or achieved
- Available evidence
- What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy, for each of the Section 75 equality categories?
- Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people in Section 75 equality categories?
- To what extent is the policy likely to impact good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
- Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
- Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity for the council to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people?
- Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity to actively increase the participation by disabled people in public life?
- Provide details of data on the impact of the policy with multiple identities
- Monitoring arrangements
- Formal record of screening decision
- Screening assessment completed
- Screening decision approved
- Footnotes
Overview of screening template
The council has a statutory duty to screen. This includes our strategies, plans, policies, legislative developments; and new ways of working such as the introduction, change or end of an existing service, grant funding arrangement or facility. This screening template is designed to help departments consider the likely equality impacts of their proposed decisions on different groups of customers, service users, staff and visitors.
Before carrying out an equality screening exercise it is important that you have received the necessary training first. To find out about the training needed or any other queries on screening, contact the Equality and Diversity Officer Lorraine Dennis on extension 6027 or or Lisa McKee on extension 6310 by email [email protected]
The accompanying screening guidance note provides straightforward advice on how to carry out equality screening exercises. Detailed information about the Section 75 equality duties and what they mean in practice is available on the Equality Commission’s website. [Footnote 1]
The screening template has four sections to complete. These are:
- Section A provides details about the policy or decision that is being screened
- Section B gives information on the consultation process, supporting evidence gathered and has four key questions outlining the likely impacts on all equality groups
- Section C has four key questions in relation to obligations under the Disability Discrimination Order
- Section D is the formal record of the screening decision
Section A
Details about the policy or decision to be screened
1. Title of policy or decision to be screened
Planning Service officer recommendation relating to proposed new parkland and greenway to form Section 2 of the proposed Forth Meadow Community Greenway (planning application LA04/2020/1959/F).
2. Brief description of policy or decision to be screened
(Explain is this a new, revised or existing policy? Are there financial, legislative or procurement implications?)
Planning Service officer recommendation to grant planning permission for proposed new parkland and greenway to form Section 2 of the proposed Forth Meadow Community Greenway), comprising foot and cycle pathways, lighting columns, new entrances and street furniture. The site includes vacant land bounded by the Forthriver Industrial Park in the east, Ballygomartin Road to the north, Springfield Road to the south and Paisley Park and West Circular Road and Crescent to the west. The application site also includes links through the Forthriver Industrial Park to Woodvale Avenue land at Springfield Dam (Springfield Road) Paisley Park (West Circular Road) and the Junction of West circular Road and Ballygomartin Road.
This decision-making process is a statutory duty of the council as Planning Authority under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
3. Aims and objectives of the policy or decision to be screened
(What is the policy trying to achieve?)
The objective of the planning system, consistent with Section 1, Part 1 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (hereafter referred to as the Act), is to secure the orderly and consistent development of land whilst furthering sustainable development and improving well-being. Section 6 (4) of the Act states that where in making any determination under the Act, regard is to be had to the local development plan, the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
The Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland, 2015 (SPPS) states that the planning system should positively and proactively facilitate development that contributes to a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable Northern Ireland. This requires the planning system to provide protection to the built environment and natural environment, while unlocking development potential, supporting job creation and aiding economic recovery for the benefit of our people. Planning decisions should consider whether the proposal would unacceptably affect amenities and the existing use of land and buildings that ought to be protected in the public interest.
The objective of the screening is to assess whether there are any equality implications in the granting of planning permission for the development of a community greenway on these lands.
(Paragraph 4.3 of our Equality Scheme outlines how the council uses the tools of screening and equality impact assessment to assess the likely impact of a policy on the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations. In carrying out these assessments, we will relate them to the intended outcomes of the policy in question and will also follow Equality Commission guidance. Readers of this screening should note that a separate screening has been completed for the PEACE IV Connecting Open Spaces project, which was, following a branding exercise, subsequently named, Forth Meadow Community Greenway).
4. Who will the policy or decision impact?
Consider the internal and external impacts (both actual or potential) and explain.
| People | Actual or potential impact |
|---|---|
| Staff | Yes |
| Service users | Yes |
| Other public sector organisations | Yes |
| Voluntary, community groups and trade unions | Yes |
| Others, specify |
Yes |
The implementation of the planning permission may impact some of the groups. The proposed development may impact staff, service users, the public, voluntary groups and community groups as it will enhance the amenity value of the vacant land, improve connectivity supporting walking and cycling, thereby promoting health and well-being for local people.
5. Are there linkages to other agencies or departments?
Yes. There are public agencies and landowners within the site:
- Department for Communities' lands
- Invest NI Forthriver site (landowners of the remainder of the Mackies site)
Both have been engaged with at the early stages of concept development and, as necessary, as the proposals have developed.
Section B
Information on the consultation process, supporting evidence gathered and has four key questions outlining the likely impacts for equality and good relations
6. Outline consultation process planned or achieved
As part of the council’s formulation of its proposals for the wider Forth Meadow Community Greenway Project, we carried out community consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Distinct from this, public consultation was also undertaken by the council separately as both applicant and Planning Authority as part of the statutory planning application process. The statutory application process was twofold.
Firstly, Pre-application Community Consultation was carried out by the council as applicant in accordance with Section 27 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and Regulation 4 of the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (NI) 2015.)
Secondly, details of the application were advertised in the local press by the council as Planning Authority and neighbours were notified. The council also published information about the application on the NI Planning Portal website.
On 12 August 2019, the applicant submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to the council Planning Authority. It is a statutory requirement that the PAN must set out how the applicant intends to consult with the community for proposals for Major development (Section 27 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and Regulation 4 of the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (NI) 2015.
A Pre-application Community Consultation Report (PACC report) was submitted by the council as applicant in support of the application. Four public consultation events took place on:
- Wednesday 4 September 2019, 10am to 2pm, Forthspring Centre, Springfield Road
- Wednesday 4 September 2019, 4pm to 8pm, Forthspring Centre, Springfield Road
- Thursday 5 September 2019, 10 am to 2pm, Farset International, Springfield Road
- Thursday 5 September 2019, 4pm to 8pm, Farset International, Springfield Road
In accordance with Section 41 of the Planning (NI) Act 2011 and Article 8 of the Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (NI) 2015 (GPDO), the council as Planning Authority advertised the proposed development in the 'Daily Mirror' and the 'Belfast Telegraph' on 9 October 2020. Neighbours were notified of the proposed development on 14 October 2020.
The council as Planning Authority also consulted these statutory and non-statutory agencies seeking their view on the development:
- BCC Environmental Health
- DfI Roads
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
- NI Water
- DfC Historic Environment Division (HED)
- Rivers Agency Shared Environmental Services (SES)
- BCC Parks and Recreation
Further rounds of consultation took place with BCC Environmental Health (25 February, 9 June and 16 July 2021); Rivers Agency (9 June 2021); NIEA (9 June 2021); SES (29 June 2021); and BCC Parks and Recreation (9 June 2021) upon receipt of additional information or amended plans.
As additional information and amended plans were received, further neighbour notification took place on 24 February, 9 June, 30 June, and 21 July 2021.
Before the planning application was submitted, the council as applicant submitted a Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) request on 13 March 2019 (ref. LA04/2019/0568/PAD). There is no statutory requirement to submit a PAD but the applicant took the opportunity to discuss and seek advice on the proposed future planning application so that issues could be identified early and the quality of the planning application improved. Upon receipt of the PAD, the council’s Planning Service consulted BCC Environmental Health; DfI Roads; Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA); NI Water; DfC Historic Environment Division (HED); Rivers Agency; Shared Environmental Services (SES); UK Crown Bodies; and BCC Parks and Recreation Belfast City Council.
In response to the council as applicant’s public consultation, there was widespread support for the Forth Meadow Community Greenway project, previously known as ‘Reconnecting Open Spaces’. In terms of detailed proposals for section 2 of the project – Ballygomartin to Springfield Road – there was positive support for the detailed design. However, one organisation submitted a response which set out concerns regarding the development of the Mackies site which is not under consideration as part of the detailed design for section 2.
The council’s Planning Service considers that the submitted PACC report demonstrates that the applicant has carried out their duty under Section 27 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 to consult the community in advance of submitting the planning application.
Participation and the Practice of Rights (PPR) have objected to the planning application, raising concerns that the proposed greenway is partially on land zoned for employment and housing in Draft BMAP 2015, that the employment land is protected for such purposes and that as this is a brownfield site, it could potentially be used to address equality issues with respect to the supply of housing for the Catholic population and young people. PPR refer to a significant mismatch between supply and demand for social housing in West Belfast and that the land is needed to provide housing for these groups. In this regard, it has concerns about the equality impacts of section 2 of the proposed community greenway.
The council as Planning Authority considers that the proposed community greenway across the site would be ancillary to and complement the employment and housing zonings of the site by providing a landscape buffer; visual relief; breakout amenity space for existing and prospective residents and employments; and supporting sustainable connectivity to the employment and housing zoning sites. The proposal would not prejudice or preclude development of the lands for employment and zoning.
7. Available evidence
What evidence or information (both qualitative and quantitative) have you gathered to inform this policy? Set out all evidence to help inform your screening assessment.
It is important to record information gathered from a variety of sources such as:
- monitoring information
- complaints
- research surveys
- consultation exercises from other public authorities
As outlined, the subject of this screening report is a recommendation by Planning Service officers. This is not an assessment of a new or revised policy approach. Nor is it an assessment of the planning merits of the proposed development which are considered in the case officer report. The planning decision-making process is statutory one, as is the plan-making process. The legislation that enables these processes has been subject to all required assessments and provisions.
Section 6(4) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Act 2011 requires that the council:
Where, in making any determination under this Act, regard is to be had to the local development plan, the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
The Planning Service officer's recommendation must be based on the planning merits of the development proposal before it. In addition, the recommendation relates to the current proposal only and not to any alternative proposals or potential future proposals. In this respect, the recommendation must be founded on the material planning considerations of the case at hand – that is, the current planning application.
In relation to the SPPS, a final equality screening report (EQIA) was published alongside it in September 2015. The SPPS EQIA screening report notes that the purpose of the SPPS, and the planning system generally, “is for securing the orderly and consistent development of land across Northern Ireland under a two-tier planning system”. It concludes that “it will be uniformly applied across all section 75 categories without prejudice and therefore it will not positively or negatively discriminate towards any Section 75 groups. It concludes that the SPPS is expected to equally benefit all Section 75 categories.
There is also a range of other regional Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) and guidance that have helped to inform the planning application recommendation and decision. These documents have been prepared by public bodies who are subject to the general equality duty that section 75 places on a public body. The equality screening for the SPPS highlights similarities between the SPPSs and the existing suite of PPSs, noting that as high level strategic policies that it is unlikely that there will be any adverse impacts on the equality of opportunity or promotion of good relations for any section 75 group.
The Belfast Urban Area Plan 2001 (BUAP) remains the statutory Development Plan for Belfast. It was not subject to equality impact assessment (being prepared and adopted before the section 75 provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1998). Draft BMAP, in both its draft and final form, was subject to equality impact assessment and is given the greater weight in the decision-making process.
Further to this policy context, and in tandem with the preparation of the new Belfast draft LDP, research papers have been prepared over a wide range of topics, including some that are relevant to the subject planning application recommendation and any subsequent decision. These include topic papers and technical supplements on population and demographics and employment and economy. Whilst the emerging policy approach in the new draft LDP cannot inform the Planning Service officer's recommendation and any subsequent decision at this time, the topic papers and technical supplements include evidence of the current state of affairs in Belfast and also highlight key issues to be considered and addressed in the new LDP. The research paper on the city’s population and demography includes consideration of Section 75 categories. All research papers were initially prepared in late 2016 and are being updated and published in summer 2018.
The planning policy provisions, on which this planning recommendation are founded, have been subject to equality impact assessment.
The application will provide new parkland (Section 2 Forth Meadow Community Greenway), foot and cycle pathways, lighting columns, new entrances and street furniture. It will provide new recreational and amenity open space and enhance connectivity. This development is not considered to have a negative impact on Section 75 Groups.
Summary
It is considered that the planning application recommendation and any subsequent decision will impact equally on all Section 75 categories and this impact will be beneficial across the entire population, given the aims of planning policy.
There is no evidence to suggest that any of the Section 75 groups will be disproportionately impacted, either negatively or positively, by the subject planning application recommendation and any subsequent decision.
It is noted that Forth Meadow Community Greenway project was subject to a separate equality screening and this concluded that the proposal would have an overall minor positive impact on Section 75 Groups. Some of this information is taken from that previous screening, noting its relevance to the Planning Service officer's recommendation.
| Section 75 category | Details of evidence, information and engagement |
|---|---|
| Religious belief |
The key objective of the community greenway proposal is connectivity across the Springfield Road and between historically segregated communities either side. The Springfield Road is seen as the longest interface in Belfast between two traditionally divided communities. The proposals will enhance connectivity and have a positive impact as reflected by the representations in support of the development submitted in response to the pre-application community consultation and as a result of publicity of the planning application. Information was presented in objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
| Political opinion |
Based on local government election data for two key District Electoral Areas (Court and Blackmountain) there are eight Sinn Fein, three DUP, one PUP and one People Before Profit elected members. All political parties for the area have been engaged during the project development process via Belfast City Council West Area working group to input and highlight consistency issues. Information was presented in objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
| Racial group |
The surrounding area is majority white with similar figures to the Northern Ireland average. During stakeholder engagement process, meetings were held with local elected representatives, community representatives and to gather current views and challenges and identified a range of community organisations. A large community workshop (carried out by the council as part of the greenway project formulation, in advance of submitting the planning application) was held to gather views – some 58 organisations attended. In addition, an evaluation survey was issued to gather views. There were 33 evaluation forms were completed; 31 additional comments were provided, and all comments were positive in nature. Some suggested amendments to certain aspects of the route were raised and subsequently taken on board. Information was presented in objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
| Age |
The surrounding area has an average population aged under one year old to 39 years old and slightly below average population between 40 and 64 years old. During stakeholder engagement process, meetings were held with local elected representatives, community representatives and to gather current views and challenges and identified a range of community organisations. A large community workshop was held to gather views – some 58 organisations attended; in addition an evaluation survey was issued to gather views. Some suggested amendments to certain aspects of the route were raised and subsequently taken on board. Information was presented on objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
| Marital status |
The area has a significantly higher than average proportion of female residents than in Northern Ireland as a whole and is perhaps explained by the very high proportion of single parent households at 21.8 per cent and 21.63 per cent, respectively compared to Northern Ireland at 9.1 per cent. A large community workshop was held to gather views – some 58 organisations attended; in addition, an evaluation survey was issued to gather views. There were 33 evaluation forms completed; 31 additional comments were provided, and all comments were positive in nature. Some suggested amendments to certain aspects of the route were raised and subsequently taken on board. Information was presented in objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
| Sexual orientation |
A large community workshop was held to gather views: some 58 organisations attended; in addition, an evaluation survey was issued to gather views. There were 33 evaluation forms completed; 31 additional comments were provided, and all comments were positive in nature. Some suggested amendments to certain aspects of the route were raised and subsequently taken on board. Information was presented in objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
| Men and women generally |
The male population in the surrounding area is lower than the Northern Ireland average, another possible explanation for the very high proportion of single parent households. A large community workshop was held to gather views: some 58 organisations attended; in addition, an evaluation survey was issued to gather views. There were 33 evaluation forms completed; 31 additional comments were provided, and all comments were positive in nature. Some suggested amendments to certain aspects of the route were raised and subsequently taken on board. Information was presented in objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
| Disability |
A large community workshop was held to gather views: some 58 organisations attended; in addition, an evaluation survey was issued to gather views. There were 33 evaluation forms completed; 31 additional comments were provided, and all comments were positive in nature. Some suggested amendments to certain aspects of the route were raised and subsequently taken on board. Information was presented in objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
| Dependants |
A large community workshop was held to gather views: some 58 organisations attended; in addition, an evaluation survey was issued to gather views. There were 33 evaluation forms completed; 31 additional comments were provided, and all comments were positive in nature. Some suggested amendments to certain aspects of the route were raised and subsequently taken on board. Information was presented in objecting to the planning application. Specifically of relevance to Section 75 groups was evidence relating to housing supply in this area. |
8. What is the likely impact (indicate if the policy impact is positive or negative) on equality of opportunity for those affected by this policy, for each of the Section 75 equality categories? What is the level of impact?
| Section 75 category | Likely impact | Level of impact |
|---|---|---|
| Religious belief |
With reference to the equality concerns raised and the evidence on housing inequality presented, the recommendation to grant planning permission has been the subject of an equality screening process, as defined in the council’s Equality Scheme. A screening is carried out on specific policies, including its aims and objectives. Screening identifies policies that are likely to have an impact on equality of opportunity and helps to draw considerations of equality of opportunity into the policy-making process. In relation to the objection that the site and lands should instead be used for social housing, the council must assess the proposal before it (the proposal is not for social housing). The council cannot compel the landowner to bring forward an application for social housing. This screening recognises the role which the council has, as both applicant and Planning Authority, and it is clear that, in exercising its various functions, the council must fulfil its S.75 duties. Whilst the provision of social housing is the responsibility of NIHE, the council will endeavour to use its powers as a Planning Authority to tackle social housing need through the new Belfast Local Development Plan. This will include specific planning policy provisions to address that need generally and will consider the future zoning of lands across the city to address same through the next stage of the plan process, the Local Policies Plan. The policy aims of the draft Plan Strategy include the management of the supply of housing, including affordable housing, in response to changing housing need and the development of balanced local communities by achieving an appropriate mix of house types, sizes and tenures.
|
None |
| Political opinion | None | |
| Racial group |
None |
|
| Age | None | |
| Marital status | None | |
| Sexual orientation | None | |
| Men and women generally | None | |
| Disability |
None |
|
| Dependants | None |
9. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within the Section 75 equalities categories?
| Section 75 category | If 'yes', provide details | If 'no', provide reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Religious belief |
This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
| Political opinion | This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
| Racial group | This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
| Age | This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
| Marital status | This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
| Sexual orientation | This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
| Men and women generally | This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
| Disability | This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
| Dependants | This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on this group and therefore there are no opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity. |
10. To what extent is the policy likely to impact (positive or negatively) on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group? What is the level of impact?
| Good relations category | Likely impact | Level of impact |
|---|---|---|
| Religious belief |
This is not applicable |
None |
| Political opinion | This is not applicable | None |
| Racial group | This is not applicable | None |
11. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
| Good relations category | If 'yes', provide details | If 'no', provide details |
|---|---|---|
| Religious belief |
This is not applicable |
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group therefore there are no opportunities to better promote good relations. |
| Political opinion |
This is not applicable |
|
| Racial group |
This is not applicable |
Section C
Belfast City Council also has legislative obligations to meet under the Disability Discrimination Order. Questions 12 and 13 relate to these areas.
Consideration of Disability Duties
12. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity for the council to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people?
Explain your assessment in full
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on disabled people, therefore there are no opportunities to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people.
13. Does this proposed policy or decision provide an opportunity to actively increase the participation by disabled people in public life?
Explain your assessment in full
The recommendation and any subsequent decision to grant planning permission has no impact on disabled people, therefore there are no opportunities to actively increase the participation by disabled people in public life.
14. Multiple identities
Provide details of data on the impact of the policy with multiple identities
None
15. Monitoring arrangements
Section 75 places a requirement the council to have equality monitoring arrangements in place:
- to assess the impact of policies and services
- to help identify barriers to fair participation
- to better promote equality of opportunity
Section 75 places a requirement for the council to have equality monitoring arrangements in place in order to assess the impact of policies and services and to help identify barriers to fair participation and to better promote equality of opportunity.
Outline what data you will collect in the future to monitor the impact of this policy or decision on equality, good relations and disability duties.
| Equality | Good Relations | Disability Duties |
|---|---|---|
|
Complaints and correspondence relating to this policy |
Complaints | Complaints |
Section D
Formal record of screening decision
Title of proposed policy or decision being screened
Planning Service officer's recommendation relating to proposed new parkland and greenway to form Section 2 of the proposed Forth Meadow Community Greenway (planning application LA04/2020/1959/F)
I can confirm that the proposed policy or decision has been screened for:
- equality of opportunity and good relations
- disability duties
Screened out
Mitigating actions (minor impacts)
- Provide a brief note to explain how this decision was reached
- Explain what mitigating actions or policy changes will now be introduced.
Screening assessment completed by
Name:
Date:
Department:
Screening decision approved by
Name: Kate Bentley
Date: 7 October 2021
Department: Planning and Building Control
Save the Word final version of the completed screening form and email to the Equality and Diversity Officer: [email protected] A link to this screening form will be provided to the council's Section 75 consultee.
For more information about equality screening, contact:
Lorraine Dennis or Lisa McKee
Equality and Diversity Unit
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Hall
Belfast
BT1 5GS
Telephone: 028 9027 0511
Email: [email protected]
Footnotes
[Footnote 1] Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (link opens in new window)