Stage 3: B) Publication of Draft Plan Strategy for Public Consultation

Actions: Governance

Paragraph 2.25 (page 11)

(a) The SCI states: At the end of this stage we will report representations to the Elected Members to inform any amendment that may be considered necessary to the draft Plan Strategy, before the formal submission of the Plan to the Department.

Elected Members were provided with a copy of the ‘draft Public Consultation Report of the draft Plan Strategy’ and a copy of the ‘draft Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the draft Plan Strategy’ on the 29 October 2020. A Local Development Plan Working Group workshop on both these documents was subsequently held for Elected Members on the 12 November 2020.

Actions: Community Involvement

Paragraph 2.26 (page 11)

(a) The SCI states: We will hold a launch event for invited persons to announce the publication of the draft Plan Strategy and indicate the period for public consultation.

A launch event and exhibition to announce the publication of the draft Plan Strategy for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was held for invited persons in The Braid Ballymena Town Hall, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, on the 17 September 2019. This event was attended by 96 people including Elected Members, Council Officials, representatives from adjoining Councils, representatives from some statutory consultees and stakeholders. The launch event comprised of an exhibition and presentation including a promotional video, which gave an overview of the content and structure of the draft Plan Strategy, supporting documents and evidence. An overview was also provided on how the LDP will be assessed at Independent Examination including a summary of the tests of soundness. Details of the public engagement events were provided along with information on how to respond and the timeframe for doing so. All those in attendance where furnished with a copy of the document as well as an information leaflet ‘Have your say’ (see DPS-105) which provided an overview of the soundness tests, details of all public engagement events, how to respond and details of the eight week timeframe for responding.

(b) The SCI states: We will issue a press release highlighting the key elements of the draft Plan Strategy.

A number of press releases were circulated to media outlets alongside the publication of the draft Plan Strategy. The first issued on 5 September 2019 giving advance notice of when the draft Plan Strategy would be published, where copies would be available and where to obtain information in relation to upcoming public events. The second issued on 18 September highlighting that the draft Plan Strategy had been officially launched the day before. As part of a wider article about planning in the Borough another press release on 30 September also highlighted the draft Plan Strategy consultation dates. On 14 October a further press release advised that the formal public consultation would open on 16 October 2019 and on the 3 December the press release included a reminder that the deadline for submitting a response was approaching on 11 December. On 17 January 2020 a further press release advised when and where representations could be viewed and that there would be an opportunity for the submission of counter-representations.

Further details in relation to editorial and social media coverage of the draft Plan Strategy is detailed in the draft Plan Strategy Public Consultation Report, see DPS-142.

(c) The SCI states: We will issue a public notice to confirm:

I. Advance Publication of the draft Plan Strategy four weeks in advance of the statutory eight week period of public consultation, how to view or obtain copies; II. The arrangements for public engagement events during the four week period in advance of the statutory consultation period; III. The consultation period for the formal eight week period for receipt of representations to the draft Plan Strategy and accompanying draft Environmental Report and other Assessments; and IV. That representations received after the end of the eight week period of public consultation cannot be accepted.

This public notice will be placed on the Council website and appear in the Ballymena Guardian, Ballymena Times, Carrick Times, Larne Times, Newtownabbey Times and Belfast Gazette.

Belfast Gazette

A public notice confirming advance publication of the draft Plan Strategy was published in in the Belfast Gazette week commencing 2 September 2019.

Local Advertisement

A public notice confirming advance publication of the draft Plan Strategy was published in the specified papers from week commencing 9 September 2019.

Website

Notice was also available on the Council website from week commencing 16 September 2019.

The notice confirmed:  Publication of the ‘Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan 2020 – Draft Plan Strategy’ in advance of the statutory 8 week period of publication;  Details in relation to the availability of documents and how to receive copies;  Arrangements for public engagement during the four week period in advance of the statutory consultation period;  The consultation period for the formal eight week period for receipt of representations; and  That representations received after the end of the eight week period of public consultation cannot be accepted.

See Appendix 7.

(d) The SCI states: Between the launch event and the commencement of the public consultation, we will hold public engagement events as referred to in the public notices at locations throughout the Borough where Planning officials will be available to assist with queries in regard to the LDP in general and this stage in particular.

Table 6 below provides details of nine consultation events held from the launch of the draft Plan Strategy. These included six ‘public events’ held in the three main towns and three ‘drop-in sessions’ held in smaller settlements across the Borough.

At all these events pop-up posters relating to themes covered by different chapters of the draft Plan Strategy were put on display. In addition, display boards and tables were set up to show maps and other material relevant to the draft Plan Strategy. Development Plan staff were present at all events to answer questions and to provide hard copies of the draft Plan Strategy, the district proposals maps and its accompanying documents. The six public events also included a presentation of the draft Plan Strategy that provided an overview of the document’s structure, its vision and strategic objectives followed by a summary of the strategic and subject policies. Details of how and where to respond were specified along with the timeframe within which to do so. The presentation highlighted how the LDP will be examined and provided a summary of the tests of soundness. A short promotional video was also shown at the six public events.

Public Events/Exhibitions

Wednesday 25 September 2019 The Braid Ballymena Town Hall 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena

Monday 30 September 2019 Larne Town Hall 1- 9 Upper Cross Street Larne

Tuesday 8 October 2019 Carrickfergus Town Hall 11 Antrim Street Carrickfergus

Drop-in sessions

Wednesday 16 October 2019 Portglenone Community Centre Gortgole Road Portglenone Tuesday 22 October 2019 Gobbins Visitor Centre Middle Road Islandmagee Thursday 24 October 2019 Glenlough Community Centre, Carnlough

*Attendees includes Elected Representatives Session 1: 4pm - 5.30pm 4 Session 2: 4 7:30pm - 9pm Session 1: 4pm - 5.30pm 6 Session 2: 7:30pm – 9pm 10 Session 1: 4pm - 5.30pm 3 Session 2: 7:30pm - 9pm 2

6pm – 8:30pm 11

6pm – 8:30pm 15

6pm – 8:30pm 7

In addition to the above public events the draft Plan Strategy was also presented at the events/meetings listed in Table 7 below.

Table 7: Record of engagement events – Draft Plan Strategy Event Types Date Location

Planning Agents Event

Monday 21 October 2019 County Hall, Galgorm Road, Ballymena

Development Plan Working Group Meeting

The Antrim Coast and Glens AONB Management Forum Meeting

Monday 28 October 2019 Belfast City Council Offices

Tuesday 5 November 2019 Ballygalley Community Hall

Mid and East Planning Staff (Development Management and Enforcement)

Thursday 14 November 2019 County Hall, Galgorm Road, Ballymena

Department for Infrastructure Tuesday 26 November 2019 County Hall, Galgorm Road, Ballymena

Mineral Operators Draft Plan Strategy Public Meeting Mid and East Antrim Community Planning Strategic Alliance and Community Panel

Metropolitan Area Spatial Working Group

Friday 29 November 2019 The Braid, 1-29 Bridge St, Ballymena

Tuesday 3 December 2019 Des Allen Suite, Showgrounds, Ballymena

Tuesday 10 December 2019 The Braid, 1-29 Bridge St, Ballymena

(e) The SCI states: We will contact Statutory Consultees and Elected Members informing them of the publication of the draft Plan Strategy and providing them with a copy; the dates of the public exhibitions; confirmation of the eight week period for public consultation; and the closing date for receipt of representations.

All elected members were invited to the launch of the draft Plan Strategy, where all the above information was provided including a hard copy of the document. An email was also sent to elected members on the day of the launch advising that a full copy of the document had been left for their convenience in the member’s room, including an information leaflet which provided all the consultation and events details. The launch event was also attended by representatives from a range stakeholders where all the above information was provided including a hard copy of the document. Further to the launch of the draft Plan Strategy, all statutory and other key consultees were notified at the start of October advising that the draft Plan Strategy had been published (see Appendix 8). This notification provided an online link to the draft Plan Strategy and its associated documents as well as details of where hard copies could be obtained. The correspondence also advised that that the formal period of consultation was to begin on 16 October 2019 for a period of eight weeks. The letter invited those who had been consulted to provide comments within the specified timeframe and included full details on how to respond. A copy of the ‘Have Your Say’ leaflet accompanied all letters sent which provided details of the public engagement events, exhibitions and drop-in sessions as well as further details on the formal consultation including how to respond and the closing date for receipt of representations.

(f) The SCI states: We will contact those who submitted representations in regard to the Preferred Options Paper to inform them of the publication of the draft Plan Strategy and accompanying documents including the POP Public Consultation Report; details of how to view the documents or obtain copies; the arrangements for public exhibitions; and confirmation of the eight week period for public consultation, and the closing date for receipt of representations.

Further to the launch of the draft Plan Strategy all those who responded to the POP were notified in a letter via their preferred method of contact to advise that the draft Plan Strategy had been published for a four-week period of pre consultation. They were advised that the draft Plan Strategy and its accompanying documents would be available for an eight week period of formal consultation from 16 October 2019, and provided details of how to view the documents or obtain copies. Details were also provided of the public engagement events, exhibitions and drop-in sessions. A copy of the ‘Have Your Say’ leaflet was also provided which set out further details on the formal consultation including how to respond and the closing date for receipt of representations.

(g) The SCI states: We will notify all those included in the Community Involvement register to inform them of the publication of the draft Plan Strategy and accompanying documents including the POP Consultation Report; details of how to view the documents or obtain copies; the arrangements for public exhibitions; and confirmation of the eight week period for public consultation, and the closing date for receipt of representations.

Further to the launch of the draft Plan Strategy all those listed on the Community Involvement Register were notified in a letter via their preferred method of contact to advise that the draft Plan Strategy had been published for a four-week period of pre consultation. They were advised that the draft Plan Strategy and its accompanying documents would be available for an eight week period of formal consultation from 16 October 2019, and provided details of how to view the documents or obtain copies. Details were provided of the public engagement events, exhibitions and drop-in sessions. A copy of the ‘Have Your Say’ leaflet was also provided which set out further details on the formal consultation including how to respond and the closing date for receipt of representations.

(h) The SCI states: We will issue a second public notice to confirm:

I. Publication of the draft Plan Strategy and accompanying Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating the draft Environmental Report, Non-Technical Summary and Scoping Report), the draft Habitats Regulations Assessment, the draft Equality (Section 75) Screening Report and the Rural Needs Impact Assessment and other supporting documents, and how to view or obtain copies;

II. The arrangements for drop-in information sessions during the formal consultation period;

III. The date of commencement of the eight week statutory consultation period and the closing date for receipt of representations to the draft Plan Strategy, draft Sustainability Appraisal Report and other Assessments;

IV. That representations received after the end of the eight week period of public consultation cannot be accepted.

This public notice will be placed on the Council website and appear in the Ballymena Guardian, Ballymena Times, Carrick Times, Larne Times. Newtownabbey Times and Belfast Gazette.

Belfast Gazette

A second public notice confirming publication of the draft Plan Strategy and accompanying Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating the draft Environmental Report, Non-Technical Summary and Scoping Report), the draft Habitats Regulations Assessment, the draft Equality (Section 75) Screening Report and the Rural Needs Impact Assessment and other supporting documents was published in the Belfast Gazette week commencing 7 October 2019.

Local Advertisement

A second public notice confirming publication of the draft Plan Strategy and accompanying Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating the draft Environmental Report, Non-Technical Summary and Scoping Report), the draft Habitats Regulations Assessment, the draft Equality (Section 75) Screening Report and the Rural Needs Impact Assessment and other supporting documents was published in the specified papers from week commencing 7 October 2019.

Council Website

Notice was also available on the Council website from the week commencing 16 October 2019.

The notice confirmed:  details on how to view or obtain copies of the draft Plan Strategy and its associated documents;  the arrangements for drop in-in information sessions during the formal consultation period;  the date of commencement of the eight week statutory consultation period and the closing date for receipt of representations to the draft Plan Strategy, draft Sustainability Appraisal Report and other Assessments; and  that representations received after the end of the eight week period of public consultation cannot be accepted.

See Appendix 7.

(i) The SCI states: We will make the draft Plan Strategy, the draft Sustainability Appraisal, the draft Habitat Regulations Assessment, the draft Equality Section 75) Screening Report, the Rural Needs Impact Assessment and other supporting documents available on the Council website and in the Council Planning Office.

The draft Plan Strategy, District Proposal Maps 1-3 and the draft Equality (Section 75) Screening Report of the draft Plan Strategy have been available in the Council Planning Office and on the website from the 17 September 2019, to allow for a period of pre-consultation. Table 8 below illustrates the availability of documents in various Council Offices.

From the beginning of the formal consultation period on the 16 October 2019 the following documents were also made available:  The Sustainability Appraisal of the Draft Plan Strategy (incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment) Sustainability Appraisal Report  The Sustainability Appraisal of the Draft Plan Strategy Scoping Report  Sustainability Appraisal of the Draft Plan Strategy (incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment) Nontechnical Summary  Draft Habitats Regulations Assessment Report of the Draft Plan Strategy  Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the Draft Plan Strategy  A suite of technical supplements and associated appendices

Planning Office, County Hall, Ballymena and further to relocation Silverwood Business Park, Ballymena

 Draft Plan Strategy and District Proposals Maps  Sustainability Appraisal of the draft Plan Strategy (incorporating Strategic

Environmental Assessment) Sustainability Appraisal Report  Sustainability Appraisal of the draft Plan Strategy Scoping Report  Sustainability Appraisal of the draft Plan Strategy (incorporating Strategic

Environmental Assessment) Non-technical Summary  Draft Habitats Regulations Assessment Report of the draft Plan Strategy  Draft Equality (Section 75) Screening Report of the draft Plan Strategy  Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the draft Plan Strategy  13 technical supplements and associated appendices

The Braid, Ballymena

Smiley Buildings, Larne

Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre, Carrickfergus

Ardeevin, Ballymena

Ballymena Library Kells/Connor Library Broughshane Library Carnlough Library Carrickfergus Library Greenisland Library Whitehead Library Portglenone Library Larne Library

 Draft Plan Strategy and District Proposals Maps  Sustainability Appraisal of the draft Plan Strategy (incorporating Strategic

Environmental Assessment) Sustainability Appraisal Report;  Sustainability Appraisal of the draft Plan Strategy Scoping Report  Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment)

Non-technical Summary  Draft Habitats Regulations Assessment Report of the draft Plan Strategy  Draft Equality (Section 75) Screening Report of the draft Plan Strategy  Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the draft Plan Strategy

 Draft Plan Strategy and District Proposals Maps  Draft Equality (Section 75) Screening Report of the Draft Plan Strategy

 Draft Plan Strategy and District Proposals Maps