Dr Pitt Memorial Park in East Belfast is to receive a range of upgrade works including new boundary works and new floodlights.
At the Belfast City Council Planning Committee this week, elected members approved new boundary treatment to Newtownards Road and Harland Drive and new floodlighting to the existing MUGA at Dr Pitt Memorial Park, Newtownards Road.
The work will also involve the relocation of existing signage at the memorial garden and the Yardmen sculpture and new totem signage with a park information board. The park owner is Belfast City Council and council officers recommended the proposal for approval to elected representatives.
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Dr Pitt Memorial Park is located along the Newtownards Road within a predominantly residential area. To the front of the site is a grassed area and soft surfaced park, while a MUGA exists to the rear of the site which neighbours Harland Drive.
There were no objections from any statutory consultees, and the council received no representations in support or objection after notifying neighbours.
The council planning report states: “Overall the new boundary works on the site will not impact on the character and appearance of the area due to having a high quality design and being an appropriate height and scale for the site. The park will be redesigned with new openings from the Newtownards Road along with areas of stone paving and a reconfigured play park.
“It is considered that the redesign of the park will enhance its appearance and is considered acceptable. Floodlight is proposed to the existing MUGA to the rear of the site.
“Six light columns are proposed which will measure approximately 8m in height, they will be set a sufficient distance back from the Newtownards Road and therefore will not harm the character and appearance of the area. The increase of 1.2 metres to the mesh catch fencing to the MUGA is considered a minor increase which will not create any detrimental impact.”
It adds: “Belfast City Council Environmental Health department was consulted on the proposed floodlighting due to the close proximity of nearby residents, and following the submission of a light spill assessment report are content with the proposal subject to conditions.
“Belfast City Council Trees department has been consulted and has no objections to the proposal subject to conditions. The existing street trees, which offer visual amenity, will not be impacted through the proposal, and a condition will be added so that they are appropriately protected. There are approximately 35 to 37 proposed trees to be planted throughout the proposal.”
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