Health and Environmental Services Committee 11 October 2004

From Nigov

F2388

Health and Environmental Services Committee

Monday, 11th October, 2004

MEETING OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor J. Clarke (Chairman); the High Sheriff (Councillor Patterson); and Councillors W. Browne, M. Clarke, Convery, Crooks, Crowe, Cush, McAuley, Moore and O’Reilly.

In attendance: Mr. W. Francey, Director of Health and Environmental Services; Mr. A. Hassard, Head of Environmental Health; Mr. T. Martin, Head of Building Control; Mr. T. Walker, Head of Waste Management; and Miss L. Hillick, Committee Administrator.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors McCann and Molloy.

Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 31st August and 6th, 9th and 22nd September, which had been printed and circulated, were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 4th October.

Directorate

Chairmanship – Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (Northern Ireland)

The Director of Health and Environmental Services informed the Committee that the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment was a non-profit making organisation which had been established to promote best practice standards in environmental management, auditing and assessment. The Institute was still in its infancy and there was considerable work to be undertaken with regard to raising the profile of the organisation and increasing local membership. With this in mind, the Regional Steering Group of the Institute would be working closely with the organisation’s headquarters to organise a series of events, both formal and informal, during the current year.

He informed the Members that, at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, the Head of Waste Management, Mr. T. Walker, had been re-elected as Regional Chairman of the Institute for a further year. He recommended that the Committee agree to this appointment and authorise the attendance of Mr. Walker at any meetings which may be held during the course of the year. In addition, he sought the Committee’s approval to the holding on occasions of meetings of the Institute in Council premises and to the provision of appropriate hospitality, if necessary.

The Committee adopted the recommendation and granted the approvals sought.

Review of Civic Amenity Sites

(Mr. S. Black, Head of Human Resources, and Ms. D. Murtagh, Principal Solicitor, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee considered the undernoted report in respect of a Review of Civic Amenity Sites:

“1. Purpose of Report

To update the Members on the current position regarding the implementation of the BIS report on the Review of Civic Amenity Sites (CAS) and to submit a request from the GMB Trade Union for a payment to CAS staff to move onto shift working.

2. Background

Committee is reminded that at its meeting on 13 January 2003 Members agreed that BIS be commissioned to undertake a review of the operational requirements, including staffing levels, at the civic amenity sites.

I would also remind Committee that a presentation on the contents of the draft BIS report was given at a briefing session on 14 January 2004. A number of issues were raised at that meeting and I reported on these at your meeting on 3 February 2004. Two of the issues raised by the Members at the briefing on 14 January included consultation with staff and Trade Unions and the implications for staff wages. I informed Members that there was a consultation process which the Department would embark upon with regard to both the Trade Unions and individual members of staff. I also informed the Members that informal consultation with all staff would commence immediately. Regarding the issue about staff wages implications, I reported to Members about the level of overtime and associated remuneration for the current staff at the civic amenity sites. Accordingly the Committee agreed at that time, in order to mitigate the substantial reduction in individuals’ pay, that the implementation date be 1 October 2004.

	At your meeting on 3 February I reported on all the matters raised at the briefing and I submitted the full BIS report to the Members for consideration.  The Committee agreed to adopt the recommendations contained within the report as the Management Side Position.  

Subsequently, the decision of the Committee of 3 February was taken back for further consideration at the Council meeting on 1 March 2004.

At your meeting on 8 March 2004 the Committee again considered the matter and agreed to affirm its decision of 3 February.

This decision was adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1 April 2004.

Following the Committee’s decision of 3 February 2004 to adopt the BIS report as its Management Side Position all members of staff concerned were invited to a briefing on the report in City Hall at 2.00 pm on Friday 6 February 2004. At that meeting the members of staff were given a full briefing on the contents and recommendations of the BIS report including the introduction of a two shift working pattern.

Any member of staff who was unable to attend that briefing was written to on 9 February and a copy of the presentation was attached to the letter.

Following the Council meeting on 1 April 2004 when the Committee’s decision was ratified each member of staff was formally written to on 6 April and each was given a copy of the full BIS report and were formally invited to comment on the proposals. The Trade Unions involved were also written to and also received a full copy of the report, including all the recommendations. The closing date for comments was 27 April 2004.

Subsequently a number of meetings were held with groups of staff and individual members of staff regarding individual elements of the report and their own personal positions.

There were no formal objections or comments received from the Trade Union or any member of staff. Consequently, at your meeting on 10 May 2004 I reported on these discussions and you adopted my recommendation that the proposals in respect of the operational requirements at the civic amenity sites be implemented with effect from 1 October 2004.

Since that time on-going discussions have taken place with individual members of staff and the Trade Union regarding the site where each member of staff would be placed with effect from 1 October 2004.

Since you adopted the recommendations back in March a number of staff have either retired, been successful in obtaining a post of Recycling Operative or transferred to other posts within the Council. One member of staff has decided to take early retirement.

In early August 2004 the GMB requested that the Council give consideration to the payment of a lump sum to compensate/recompense staff moving on to shift patterns ie for a change in their terms and conditions. Following protracted discussions with the Trade Union, I informed them that such a request would have to come before the Health and Environmental Services Committee in respect of this specific request and to the Policy and Resources Personnel Sub Committee in respect of any corporate decision on whether to make such payments within the Council.

I have held meetings with Legal Services and Human Resources and we have concluded that such a payment would not be justifiable and would create a difficult precedent in light of future organisational change.

However, Legal Services are seeking further advice from Counsel and I hope to be able to report to your next meeting on the outcome of this advice.

As I could not reach agreement with the Trade Union in this regard and to avoid unnecessary industrial action by the members of staff I agreed as follows.

• Any civic amenity site operative who wished to, could move to the new working arrangements with effect from 1 October 2004 on a voluntary basis.

• Any civic amenity site operative who did not wish to move to the new arrangements could continue to work under existing contracted hours, ie 37 hours per week, until such times as they receive further instructions from their Trade Union and/or the Department receives further direction from the Council.

• The Department will implement the new working arrangements and reserves the right to use whatever temporary or agency labour required to do so.

The decision to pay any form of ‘buy-out’ obviously has wider Council implications, especially in relation to the implementation of single status. The Head of Human Resources and the Principal Solicitor will be in attendance at your meeting to advise the Committee in more depth on this issue.

All other aspects of the BIS report are being implemented without delay.

3. Equality Impact

There are no relevant equality implications.

4. Decision Required

To note the contents of this report and endorse the actions taken.”

After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report and approved the action taken by the Director of Health and Environmental Services. It was noted that the request for the payment of a lump sum to compensate those staff moving to shift patterns, together with a legal opinion thereon, would be considered by the Policy and Resources (Personnel) Sub-Committee at its meeting on 25th October and that the matter would be brought before the Health and Environmental Services Committee at its meeting in November.

Building Control

Applications for the Renewal/Transfer and Variation of Entertainments Licences where Objections had been Received

• The Venue, 25-27 Bruce Street; and
• Sugar Bar Café, Unit 9, Bruce House, Little Victoria Street

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 31st August, it had agreed to defer until its meeting on 11th October, consideration of the application for the renewal of an Entertainments Licence in respect of The Venue, 25-27 Bruce Street and an application for the renewal and transfer of an Entertainments Licence in relation to The Sugar Bar Café, Unit 9, Bruce House, Little Victoria Street, until the outcome of a pending court case in relation to an alleged offence under the Licensing Order (Northern Ireland) 1996, could be heard in Court on 7th October.

The Head of Building Control pointed out that, although the case had been listed to be heard on 7th October, the defendant had strenuously denied the charges. Accordingly, the matter had been re-listed and would not now be heard until 20th December, 2004.

Noted.

• Bonaparte's Ale House, 190 Cavehill Road; and
• The Network Club, 11a Lower North Street

The Committee agreed that special meetings be held to receive the objectors, the applicant and/or their representatives in relation to applications for the grant and suspension/transfer respectively of Entertainments Licences in respect of the above named premises. The dates of the meetings to be determined in conjunction with the Chairman (Councillor J. Clarke).

QE1 Snooker Club, 32-46 Castlereagh Road

(Ms. S. Gilmartin, Equality Officer, attended in connection with this item.)

The Head of Building Control submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report in relation to an application for the variation of an Entertainments Licence in respect of the QE1 Snooker Club, 32-46 Castlereagh Road. A copy of the report, with the exception of the appendices referred to therein, is set out hereunder:

“1. Purpose of Report

To consider, under Article 3 of and Schedule 1 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (N. Ireland) Order 1985, applications for the variation of Entertainments Licences.

2. Background

SEVEN DAY ANNUAL LICENCE

NO PREMISES AND LOCATION REF NO APPLICANT

1 QE1 Snooker Club BEN0351 Mr S Rainey 32-46 Castlereagh Road

The premises have been inspected and all technical requirements are in order.

The application is for the variation of a 7-day annual Entertainments Licence for the aforementioned premises based on the Council’s standard conditions to provide public contests of billiards and snooker, machines and equipment for entertainment or amusement and equipment for the playing of billiards, pool, snooker or other similar game.

The nature of the variation is to extend the current hours of entertainment to enable the premises to operate on a 24 hour basis from Monday to Sunday.

The days and hours of the current Entertainments Licence are as follows:

Monday to Sunday: 8.00 am to 4.00 am the following morning.

The areas of the premises licensed to provide entertainment are the:-

1. Ground, First and Second floor snooker rooms with a maximum capacity of 102 persons; used from Monday to Sunday; entertainment being in the form of snooker.

Written representation has not been lodged as a result of the public notices of application and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have offered no objection to the application.

Whilst there are now no objections in relation to the application in light of the extended opening hours applied for it was deemed appropriate to bring the matter to your attention for consideration.

Members should note that alcohol is not sold on the premises.

For your information, the following supporting documents are contained in the Appendix to this Report:-

• Application form • Location map • PSNI comments

3. Environmental Implications

It is a standard condition of an entertainments licence that unreasonable disturbance should not be caused to persons in the neighbourhood of the premises. Members should note that there have not been any complaints of noise either arising from the premises or caused by patron dispersal. Members may wish to consider the potential effect, if any, that patrons may have on the neighbourhood if the hours of entertainment are extended beyond the current hours of 4.00am.

4. Equality Impact

There may be equality implications associated with this application as the applicant, in making his submission, states that he is serving members of an ethnic community. In order to assist Members we have asked that the Equality Officer be available at the meeting.

5. Decision Required

Based on the information contained in this Report you may make a recommendation to:-

1. Approve the application for the variation of the licence, or

2. Approve the application with special conditions; in addition to the standard conditions, or

3. Refuse the application for the variation of the licence.

Alternatively you may wish to set aside a date on which the applicant and/or his representatives can attend in order to make representation in relation to the application.”

The Head of Building Control informed the Committee that the applicant had indicated that he wished to vary the existing Licence in order to accommodate members of the Chinese community, who wished to use the premises after their businesses had closed for the evening. He reported that officers of the Building Control Service had visited the premises and were satisfied that the premises were being managed satisfactorily.

Following discussion, it was

Resolved – That the Council, in its capacity as Licensing Authority, be recommended to grant the variation of a Seven-Day Annual Entertainments Licence in respect of the QE1 Snooker Club, 32 46 Castlereagh Road.

Withdrawal of an Application for the Renewal of an Entertainments Licence where a Decision had been Deferred

Bittles Bar, 70 Upper Church Lane

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 9th February, it had agreed to hear representations from the objector, the applicant and/or their representatives in connection with the renewal of the above-mentioned application, following receipt of Police Service of Northern Ireland objections to the application.

The Head of Building Control reported that the applicant’s legal representative had advised the Council that his client wished to withdraw his application for the renewal of an Entertainments Licence in relation to the above-named premises.

The Committee noted the information provided.

Judicial Review of the Decision of the Council to Refuse an Application for the Grant of a Sex Establishment Licence

Miss Behavin’ Limited, Unit 2, 2-8 Gresham Street

The Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to the Judicial Review of a decision of the Council to refuse an application for the grant of a Sex Establishment Licence.

After discussion, during which the Head of Building Control pointed out that the Building Control Service would be sending letters to existing sex establishments operating in the City notifying them that they were doing so illegally, the Committee noted the contents of the report. In addition, the Committee thanked the Legal Services Department and, in particular, the Principal Solicitor, Mr. J. Walsh, for the advice and assistance provided to it with regard to this matter.

Building Control Convention 2004

The Committee was informed that the above-named Convention would be held at the Hilton Hotel and Country Club Templepatrick, during the period from 18th till 19th November. The Head of Building Control reported that the Convention was being organised by the Northern Ireland Building Control Group Committee and would afford delegates the opportunity to examine issues relating to sustainability and accessibility and how Building Control legislation and working methodology could be utilised effectively to provide guidance and leadership. The cost per person attending the Convention would be approximately £220. Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee authorise the attendance of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, the Director of Health and Environmental Services and the Head of Building Control (or their nominees).

The Committee adopted the recommendation and authorised the payment of the Convention fees, together with the appropriate travelling, subsistence and attendance allowances in connection therewith.

Solar Smart Scheme – Proposed Waiving of Building Regulation Fees

The Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to the waiving of fees in connection with Building Regulations in respect of applications for the installation of solar panels:

“1. Purpose of Report

To consider giving approval to waive the fees in respect of Building Regulations in relation to applications for persons who wish to install Solar Panels in their homes within the Belfast City Council area.

2. Background

In line with the Government aim of encouraging renewable energies those who install ‘Smart Solar Schemes’ are being grant aided in order that the new technologies are accepted. There are a maximum of 100 grants currently available throughout Northern Ireland, some of which may be installed within the Belfast City Council boundaries.

The scheme is being supported by the Northern Ireland Electricity Service through their ‘Smart Programme’ and the Department of Trade & Industry (Northern Ireland), through their ‘Clear Skies Programme’ and grants of £1000 are available. These Solar panels are to assist with water heating in homes. It is estimated that solar water heating is capable of providing 60% of the hot water heating needs of a family annually.

We have had discussions with Legal Services and Internal Audit who have checked over this proposal. Given the small numbers of applications involved, and taking into account the provisions within Section 115 of the Local Government Act, the Council has the authority to waive the fees for these applications should it so wish.

3. Environmental Implications

This has a very positive implication in that such a scheme will contribute to the creation of a better environment by encouraging the use of renewable energies.

4. Equality Implications

There are no equality implications associated with this report.

5. Proposal

To consider waiving the Building Regulation fees in connection with the ‘Solar Smart Scheme’ applications for the period of one year, commencing 1 December 2004.

6. Recommendation

The Committee is recommended to grant approval to waive the Building Regulation fees for the specified scheme as described in sections 2 and 5 of this report for one year commencing 1 December 2004.”

After discussion, the Committee granted the approval sought and it was

Resolved – That the waiving of fees in respect of the aforementioned Scheme be approved under Section 115 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972, it being the opinion of the Committee that the scheme would be in the interest of, and would bring direct benefit to, the district and the inhabitants of the district, with the Committee being satisfied that the direct benefits so accruing would be commensurate with the associated loss of income.

Street Naming

The Committee approved the undernoted application for the naming of a street in the City, which did not conflict with the existing approved street names and to which the Royal Mail had no objection:

Proposed Name Location Applicant

Lisavon Mews Off Lisavon Street M. & I. Developments

Institute of Licensing Annual Conference

The Committee was informed that the above-mentioned Conference would be held at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool from 28th November till 1st December, 2004. The Head of Building Control reported that attendance at the Conference would keep Members and officers abreast of such topics as Licensing large-scale outdoor events, effective consultation and licensing policies, the Licensing Act and prevention of crime, data protection and freedom of information and the Human Rights Act and Licensing. The cost of attendance at the event would be approximately £900 per delegate, provision for which had been made in the Revenue Estimates.

After discussion, the Committee agreed that the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, the Director of Health and Environmental Services and the Head of Building Control (or their nominees), be authorised to attend the Institute of Licensing Annual Conference and approved the payment of the Conference fees, together with the appropriate travelling, subsistence and attendance allowances in connection therewith.

Waste Management

Arc21

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 6th September, it had agreed to invite the Chief Executive of Arc21 to attend a future meeting in order to provide an update in respect of the Arc21 initiative. In this regard, it was reported that Mr. J. Quinn, Chief Executive, Arc21, was in attendance and he was admitted to the meeting and welcomed by the Chairman (Councillor J. Clarke).

Mr. Quinn reported that he had held previously the post of Director of Environmental Services with Antrim Borough Council and had been the former Chairman of the Steering Group which had been responsible for the establishment of Arc21.

Mr. Quinn stated that the organisation’s draft mission was:

“Created by eleven Councils working together to protect the environment by delivering affordable waste management throughout the twenty-first century”

He then proceeded, with the assistance of visual aids, to outline the organisation’s draft corporate objectives, which included:

• procuring solutions to meet targets; • achieving best value; • to be a model for partnership working; • to educate for behavioural change; • to train and develop; and • to influence decision-makers.

He pointed out that it was anticipated that Belfast City Council would be providing approximately 30% of the organisation’s funding, corresponding to the proportion of the population in the Arc21 region who resided in Belfast, and he outlined the financial contribution which would be provided by other member Councils towards the organisation’s running costs. He then provided an overview of the European, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland legislation which provided the framework for the operation of Arc21. For the information of the Members, he referred to the recovery and recycling targets which the organisation aimed to achieve.

In response to a question from a Member, Mr. Quinn stated that the delay associated with the processing of planning applications in relation to waste facilities was proving to be a deterrent for those private sector companies which might otherwise wish to tender for the provision of services through the establishment of such facilities.

The Chairman (Councillor J. Clarke), on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr. Quinn for his attendance at the meeting and for the information which he had provided and he retired from the meeting.

The Committee noted the contents of the presentation.

Acceptance of Clays and Soils at Dargan Road Landfill Site

The Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to the setting of prices for acceptance of materials suitable for capping at the Dargan Road Landfill Site:

“1. Purpose of Report

To consider the granting of delegated authority to agree prices for acceptance of materials suitable for capping at the Dargan Road Landfill Site.

2. Background

At the Committee meeting on Monday 6 September 2004 general charges for the disposal of waste at the Dargan Road Landfill Site were agreed for the period from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006. This included an unchanged rate of £2 per tonne for inactive waste, the quantity of such wastes accepted being at the discretion of the Director of Health and Environmental Services.

Members are aware that the Closure Plan for the Dargan Road Landfill Site includes provision of a capping layer on the completed surface of the site. This can include a clay layer with stone and subsoil above, ready for the final surface. Because of the areas involved very large volumes of clay and soils are required to complete these works.

In order to obtain suitable materials for this purpose when they become available at short notice and thereby benefit financially by obviating the need to procure such materials through a Closure Plan capping contract, it may be necessary to be able to agree a charge which is different from the normal rate for inactive waste, as referred to above, of £2 per tonne.

The gate fee at which such materials could be obtained could vary considerably depending on the alternatives available to the producers, in that they may have to incur considerable transport and disposal charges to deposit it elsewhere, and having regard to the avoided costs of purchase of materials by the Council.

3. Proposals

It is proposed, in the context of the Closure Plan, that delegated authority be granted to the Director of Health and Environmental Services to agree prices for acceptance of inactive materials suitable for incorporation in a capping layer for the site, subject to six monthly reports to the Committee highlighting tonnages accepted under this arrangement and the charges agreed.

This proposal has been discussed with the Director of Legal Services who has confirmed that the necessary statutory powers exist for this delegated authority. He is also content with the commercial rationale for such an arrangement, viz the financial advantage to the Council of being able to respond to the market supply and demand conditions for such materials.

4. Equality Considerations

There are no relevant equality implications.

5. Recommendation

The Committee is recommended to grant delegated authority to the Director of Health and Environmental Services to agree prices for acceptance of inactive materials suitable for incorporation in a capping layer at the Dargan Road Landfill Site, as described above.”

After discussion, the Committee adopted the recommendation contained within the report and noted that a report in relation to any decisions taken by the Director of Health and Environmental Services in this regard would be submitted for its consideration at half-yearly intervals.

Tender for the Collection and Recycling of Glass Containers from Recycling Centres and Bring Sites

The Head of Waste Management informed the Committee that the Council had established a range of glass recycling points at ten Recycling Centres and thirty-one Council and privately operated sites. Some of those sites contained several sets of recycling points and it was proposed that up to a further 100 mini-bring sites/ recycling points would be installed throughout the City over the next three years. Each facility would provide for the recycling of glass where an appropriate kerbside collection service, for example a recycling box, was not available in the local area.

The Head of Waste Management reported that the current contract for the collection and recycling of glass had expired. It was therefore necessary to retender the service and include provision for its expansion due to the installation of additional bring sites over the next three years. In addition, it was proposed that the contract would be for a one-year period, with the option to extend for a further two years. The cost of the service would be approximately £100,000 over the next three years and the recycling of glass counted towards the European Community and national targets for recycling and recovery. Accordingly, he sought the Committee’s approval to commence a tendering process for the collection and recycling of glass containers from Recycling Centres and bring sites throughout the City.

The Committee granted the approval sought.

Tender for the Collection and Processing of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

The Head of Waste Management reminded the Committee that the Council was participating currently in a pilot project with the Environment and Heritage Service in respect of the collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The pilot, which was designed to run over a six-month period, had commenced in May, 2004 and was due to end in November, 2004. He pointed out that the aim of the pilot was to gather information on the processing of waste electrical and electronic equipment throughout the Belfast City Council area, both for collections and for items received at Recycling Centres and Civic Amenity sites. However, it was anticipated that the Environment and Heritage Service would not be extending the current scheme beyond November, 2004.

The Head of Waste Management advised the Committee that legislation would be introduced later in the year for the purposes of implementing the EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. This would place an obligation on retailers of electrical and electronic equipment to participate in proposed in-store take back schemes for such equipment. These schemes would not commence until August, 2005 and for some time thereafter considerable quantities of waste electrical and electronic equipment were likely to continue to be collected as part of the household waste stream and received at the Council’s Recycling and Civic Amenity sites. He pointed out that the trial had indicated that the yearly average tonnage was likely to be approximately five kilograms per head of population, which equated to 1,345 tonnes per year. That figure included fridges, which were disposed of under an existing contract, and should be excluded. Therefore, the expected tonnage for the contract would be approximately 875 tonnes per annum. The cost of disposal of such waste to landfill would be approximately £18,000. In addition to the waste electrical and electronic equipment legislation, further implementation of the EC Landfill Directive had banned the co disposal of hazardous waste and other types of waste under the terms of the waste acceptance criteria. In effect, this meant that electrical waste, such as television sets and computer monitors, were now classed as hazardous waste and could not, therefore, be accepted at non-hazardous waste sites. The Council’s landfill facility at Dargan Road was no longer licensed to receive hazardous waste.

The Head of Waste Management informed the Committee that the cost for the collection and processing of 875 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment per annum would be approximately £125,000. Accordingly, he requested authority to commence a tendering process in relation to the collection and processing of waste electrical and electronic equipment from Recycling Centres to a central storage facility.

The Committee granted the authority sought.

Integrated Collection System

The Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to a review of refuse collection operations:

1. Purpose of Report

To seek the Committee’s approval to commission a study to review the refuse collection operations in light of the plans to introduce multi-bin systems in the City.

2. Background

Members will be aware that a Detailed Implementation Action Plan (DIAP) has been prepared by arc21’s consultants, Jacobs Babtie, outlining how the Council can achieve the strategic objectives set out in the arc21 Waste Plan. The DIAP details the proposals and timescales that the Council needs to abide by in order to implement new services and facilites to ensure targets set by the EC Landfill Directive and the Waste Plan are achieved.

The DIAP has identified new collection systems for Belfast as follows.

• Blue bin collection for paper. This will be extended to mixed dry recyclables and will be introduced to 58,000 households. Currently, this is a monthly collection service.

• Brown bin collection for organics. Initially this will be restricted to garden waste but will be extended to include kitchen waste on the development of an in-vessel composter. Brown bins are being introduced to 52,000 households. This may be a fortnightly collection service during summer and four weekly during winter.

• Black box collection system for dry recyclables. This will be a weekly collection service.

• Grey bin collection service for residual waste. Currently, this is a weekly collection service.

Some households will therefore have a grey bin and box; some will have a blue bin and grey bin; some will have blue, brown and grey bins. In each case there will be different collection systems and frequencies required.

As the recycling programme is rolled out throughout the City there will therefore be a need to review the existing collection system and frequencies and a new integrated collection system will need to be prepared.

There may be potential costs savings to offset some of the considerable additional costs of the extra collection rounds through balancing the collection systems and collection frequencies.

Jacobs Babtie, who are the technical and management consultants for arc21, have already carried out some initial work for the region. This is now needing to be reviewed by the arc21 constituent councils.

Discussions between the Waste Management and Cleansing Services have indicated that, given the complexity of the review required for the city arising from the differences in the volumes and densities of the various parts of the waste stream to be collected separately and the present roll-out programme, a review to balance the rounds would be imperative. Due to our current operational focus, both Services are committed full-time and do not have experience of the many variables to be taken into account in such an exercise. It is therefore considered that this could best be achieved using appropriately experienced consultants.

3. Financial Implications

The cost of the review of the existing refuse collection system and the development of a new integrated collection system for residual waste, dry recyclables and organic waste will be in the region of £90,000. This can be accommodated within the Waste Management Service revenue budget.

4. Environmental Implications

The development of an integrated collection system will maximise the quantities of recyclables and biodegradable waste removed from the waste stream thereby reducing the quantity of waste being disposed of to landfill.

5. Equality Implications

An Equality Impact Assessment of the Eastern Region Waste Management Plan was carried out by arc21 and presented to the Committee at the November 2002 meeting. The issues identified in this EQIA are being addressed through a further EQIA which is currently being undertaken with the Council’s Equality Officer.

6. Decision Required

The Committee is requested to approve the commissioning of a study to review the refuse collection operations with a view to establishing a fully integrated collection system for the City.”

The Committee adopted the recommendation contained within the foregoing report.

Potential Locations for Glass Recycling Points

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 5th April, it had agreed that various locations be developed as mini-bring sites for the collection of glass. Subsequent to the Committee having considered a report in this regard at its meeting on 5th April, an additional seven sites had been identified which had met the criteria for servicing and which had received the endorsement of local community groups and those sites had been approved by the Committee at its meeting on 7th June.

The Head of Waste Management reported that a site at Whitecity Community Centre, Navara Place had also been identified as appropriate for this purpose.

The Head of Waste Management pointed out also that sites were currently being developed at the undernoted sites:

• Lawrence Street Workshops; • Strangford Avenue Park; • Whiterock Leisure Centre; • Beechmount Leisure Centre; • Loughside Recreation Centre; • Indoor Tennis and Ozone; • Ballymacarrett Recreation Centre; • Andersonstown Leisure Centre; • Dee Street Community Centre; • Ballysillan Leisure Centre; • Finaghy Community Centre; and • Ballysillan Community Garden.

He reported that considerable progress had been made in identifying suitable locations and that the above list also included several on Council properties. However, all areas of the City were capable of accommodating additional sites. He requested those Members who were aware of suitable sites or who knew of any community group or centre which could facilitate a recycling point to inform him accordingly so that the provision of facilities could be pursued.

Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee agree that the above mentioned locations be developed as mini-bring sites for the collection of glass.

The Committee adopted the recommendation.

Waste Material Fashion Show

The Head of Waste Management informed the Committee that approximately 100 secondary schools throughout Northern Ireland would be taking part in the Form and Fusion Design Awards, a competition for fifteen to eighteen year olds, in which they worked in groups to design and construct a costume from waste or found materials and then perform in it to music of their own choice.

He stated that the organisers of the Awards had requested from the Council the use of the Great Hall and the Banqueting Hall for the Northern Ireland Grand Final, which would be held from 15th till 18th February, 2005. He informed the Members that the event, which had been hosted for the past three years in the City Hall and the Ulster Hall, had been a great success and had generated considerable publicity for the Council amongst the participating schools and partnering organisations.

The Head of Waste Management informed the Members that the City Hall may not be available during the dates on which the fashion show would be taking place and he reported that the organisers had requested that, should this be the case, the Ulster Hall be employed as an alternative venue. He indicated that the Waste Management Service would meet the costs associated with the hiring of the venues for the duration of the Fashion Show.

After discussion, the Committee agreed to request the Policy and Resources Committee to approve the use of the City Hall for the event. In addition, the Committee agreed that, should the City Hall be unavailable, the Client Services Committee be recommended to approve the use of the Ulster Hall for the event and agreed also to meet the hire costs associated therewith.

Cliftonpark Avenue Civic Amenity Site and 41 Row Street

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1. Purpose of Report

To seek Committee approval of the sums of compensation agreed in respect of the former depot at Cliftonpark Avenue and an adjacent former hall located at 41 Row Street.

2. Background

The Cliftonpark Avenue Civic Amenity Site together with an adjacent hall was vested by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on 7 August 1982 under Redevelopment Area 42. Both properties were held by Council under the same Fee Farm Grant title. At the date of vesting the Civic Amenity Site contained a number of outdated stores, offices and canteen together with a surfaced yard. The hall was sub-let by Council to Trustees of Oldpark & Cavehill Branch of the Royal British Legion for 25 years from 1 July 1974 at £260 per annum.

Following vesting, Council continued to occupy the Civic Amenity site by agreement with the Executive and during this holding over period the facilities were substantially fire damaged. The site was eventually vacated in July 1999.

Estates Management Unit recently initiated a claim for compensation for both properties with the Executive. The basis of claim is market value of the premises at the date of vesting (1982) plus interest from that date. It will, however, be noted that any improvements carried out to the Civic Amenity Site subsequent to the date of vesting will not qualify for compensation.

3. Current Situation

Following extensive negotiations between Estates Management Unit and the District Valuer, acting for the Housing Executive, compensation for the Civic Amenity Site was agreed at £20,000 plus interest from the date of vesting which to date will have amounted to c.£38,000, plus disturbance at £3,837 making a total of compensation payable by the Executive of approximately £62,000. The sum agreed for the hall is £4,000 plus interest to date, about £7,600, making a total of £11,600.

4. Environmental Impact

Not applicable.

5. Recommendation

Members are recommended to approve settlement of compensation in respect of the former Civic Amenity Site at Cliftonpark Avenue and adjacent hall at the sums outlined above.”

The Committee adopted the recommendation contained within the foregoing report.

Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste

The Head of Waste Management informed the Committee that the Blackstaff Way Recycling Centre had been shortlisted in the category of best Recycling Centre in the United Kingdom by ‘letsrecycle.com’ Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste.

He pointed out that the Awards Ceremony would be held at the Savoy Hotel, London on 21st October and he recommended, due to the prestigious nature of the event, that the Chairman and the Head of Waste Management (or their nominees), together with an officer from the Waste Management Service, be authorised to attend the above-mentioned awards ceremony. The cost of attendance per person at the event would be approximately £250.

The Committee adopted the recommendation and authorised the payment of the appropriate travelling, subsistence and attendance allowances in connection therewith.

Environmental Health

Pest Control Unit

The Head of Environmental Health reminded the Committee that the Duncrue Industrial Estate had been built on a former landfill site and it was for this reason that the Council had been managing the risks associated with landfill gas generation on the site since the late 1980’s. This had included the installation of a retro-fitted gas control system, routine building monitoring and specific building remedial measures which were overseen by an international consultancy, ERM, which had been appointed for that purpose.

He reported that routine monitoring of the atmosphere at the Pest Control Unit had indicated a rising trend in background levels of methane within the building at wall and floor joints and in the wall cavities. The Council’s consultant had recommended that consideration should be given to the installation of remedial measures to the ventilated sub-floor of the building, in order to minimise the risk associated with methane gas ingress and thus protect the health and safety of employees in the building. It was estimated that the consultancy costs for this design project would be approximately £3,000 to £5,000. Although no specific provision had been made in the Revenue Budget for the expenditure, it was considered to be unavoidable due to the associated health and safety risks. Accordingly, he recommended that specialist consultants be appointed to design remedial measures to the sub-floor of the Pest Control Unit at Dargan Crescent, with their recommendations thereon being presented for the Committee’s consideration at a future meeting.

The Committee adopted the recommendation.

Chairman

[[Category:Belfast City Council Health and Environmental Services Committee 2004-2005|2004-10-11]