Ballymoney (High St) Environmental Improvement Scheme Equality

S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form

General Information:

Project

Is this an existing, revised or a new function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Existing

Operational Area:

Prosperity and Place

Title:

Ballymoney (High St) Environmental Improvement Scheme

Brief Summary:

The project will involve environmental improvements to enhance the character of the Ballymoney Conservation Area, including:

• widening of pathways to create additional space for pedestrians.
• provision of small events spaces.
• rationalisation and enhancement of the town’s street furniture.
• inclusion of parklet.
• increase in the numbers and quality of tree planting.
• additional seating, improvements to pedestrian crossing and upgraded lighting.

The E.I. Scheme will include enhancements to High Street and Townhead Street resurfacing of pathways with natural stone kerbing and paving in keeping with the heritage buildings in the town centre, which together with the planned improvements to street furniture and siting of seating, bins, bollards, planting and lighting will create a more inviting and accessible shopping and visitor experience.

What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)

The rationale in delivering this EI Scheme is to:

• Enhance the character of the Ballymoney Conservation area.
• Create additional space for pedestrian usage including provision of small event spaces.
• Increase the quantity and quality of trees.
• Provide drainage through dished channels.
• Rationalise the town’s street furniture.
• Complement existing listed buildings through high quality materials.
• Incorporate parklets and additional seating areas to assist with economic growth for local businesses.
• Maximise and rationalise the current parking arrangements on High Street & improve existing pedestrian crossing arrangements.
  

Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Owners
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council – Employer.
DfI Roads – Land owner.

Who is implementing?
DfC – Funder.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council – Delivery Agent.
DfI Roads – land owner, key consultee and delivery partner.
N. O’Dwyer – Integrated Consultancy Team.
Civco Ltd – Main Contractor.

Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Strategies:

• Draft NI Programme for Government Framework 2016-2021.
• DfC Urban Regeneration Community Development (URCD) Policy Framework 2013-2023.
• DfC Strategy ‘Building Inclusive Communities 2020-2025.
• DfI – NI Regional Development Strategy 2035.
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Corporate Strategy 2021-2025.
• Causeway Coast and Glens Community Plan 2017-2030.
• Recovery and Renewal – an Economic Strategy for the Causeway Coast and Glens, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council 2020-2035.
• Ballymoney Town Centre Masterplan 2020.
• Section 75 – The Northern Ireland Act 1998.
  

Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:

• Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2021.
• Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2020.

Available Evidence

Evidence to help inform the screening process may take many forms. Public authorities should ensure that their screening decision is informed by relevant data.
What evidence/information (both qualitative and quantitative have you gathered to inform this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? Specify details for relevant Section 75 categories.

It is proposed that all Section 75 categories will be considered via:

• Quantitative evidence has been sourced via the NI Census in 2021 and the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2020.
• As part of the process of exploring the scheme design, the Integrated Consultancy Services (Design Team) have consulted with a wide range of statutory stakeholders including Planning Service, HED, DfI, Transport NI, Building Control and relevant utilities: BT, NIW, NIE etc (there is no natural gas provision within Ballymoney Town Centre).
• In addition, the Design Team have assisted Council officers in holding consultations with the general public and local traders and residents. A formal Public Consultation took place between October 2022 & January 2023 consisting of the following:
  - Details of concept designs and feedback methods were posted on the Council website, social media
  platforms, local press, and placed in Ballymoney Town Hall.
  - Stakeholder meetings and presentations have taken place via Zoom/Microsoft Teams.
  - Council officers conducted weekly drop-in sessions at Ballymoney Town Hall for any who wishes
  to view plans, seek clarity and leave feedback.
  - A dedicated named Council Officer was available by email and phone for the duration of the project to
  discuss detail or field enquiries to the relevant bodies.
  - Consultees have included statutory organisations, Interdepartmental briefings, Section 75 groups
  including IMTAC and Council’s disability forum, Ballymoney U3A, businesses in the project area and
  members of the public in general.

Feedback has been largely positive and suggestions and concerns helped inform the project design on an ongoing basis. Many respondents welcomed the proposals citing lighting, resurfacing, widening of pavements and renewed street furniture as an improvement to the area and a boost to the pedestrian experience.

Many shoppers and visitors to Ballymoney Town Centre travel from rural towns and villages in the immediate proximity. This project therefore views rural and urban visitors the same way and expect the enhancements to benefit all.

Section 75 Category Details of Evidence/Information:

• The Census statistics in 2021 collated by NISRA statistics detailed the usual resident population of Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District to be 141,746 accounting for 7.45% of the N.I. total. Statistical information with regards to the Districts makeup and individuals therein was also reviewed.
  

Religious Beliefs

The 2021 Census outlined:

Religion / religion brought up in: [1]

[1] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk census-2021-ms-b23.xlsx (live.com)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

In terms of religion or religion brought up in the 2011 Census indicates that our resident’s religious beliefs are comparable to those in Northern Ireland in that there are 2 predominant groupings ie Roman Catholic and Protestant. However we also have a number of individuals (5.64%) who do not practice a specific religion or who do not wish to be grouped into a specific religion. In addition we have a small number of individuals who practice other religions.

None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicated that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

Political Opinion

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2021) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at local government level) :

None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicated any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

Race

On Census Day 21 March 2021 the resident population was: [1]

[1] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

Age

Age: (NISRA Census 2021 – Table MS-A02)[1]

None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

[1] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk census-2021-ms-a02.xlsx (live.com)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

Marital Status

Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):

None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

Sexual Orientation

There are no specific figures available on how many people may be Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual or Trans-gender or Trans-sexual (LGBT) specific to the Council area.

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey[1] (2021) provides the following information on the sexual orientation of people in Northern Ireland (this information is not available at local government level):

In addition the NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBT.

None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

[1] Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT), Queen’s University Belfast and the Ulster University ww.ark.ac.uk/nilt Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey: 2021 (ark.ac.uk)

Men and Women Generally

Gender: (Census 2021 – Table MS-A07) [1]

None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

[1] Source : Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk census-2021-ms-a07.xlsx (live.com)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

Dependants

The Census information in 2011 & 2021 showed:

People With or Without Dependents

(Census 2021 – Table MS-B12):

None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

Disability

People with a Disability/People Without:

(Census 2021 Tables MS-D03 and MS-D04)

Source: NISRA, Census 2021, tables MS-D03, MS-D04 through to MS-D16

None of the feedback received as a result of engagement with key stakeholders during the development of the design proposals indicate any evidence or information to suggest that this project will have a negative impact on this Section 75 group.

Screening Questions (1)

1. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Section 75 Category - Positive impact (it could benefit) Neutral Negative impact (it could disadvantage)

Gender
Women Positive impact
Men Positive impact
Transgender men/women Positive impact
Other please specify Positive impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different genders and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space.

Race
The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.

Asian Positive impact
Black Positive impact
Chinese Positive impact
Mixed race Positive impact
Other please specify Positive impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of racial/ethnic groups and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space.

Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.

Positive impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different genders and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space.

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others

Positive impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different sexual orientation and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space.

Age

Older People Positive impact
Younger people and children Positive impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different ages and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space.

Political Opinion

Neutral impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different political opinion and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space.

Religious Belief

Neutral impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different religious belief and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space.

Martial Status

Neutral impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people of different marital status and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space.

Dependants

Positive impact

Reason: The project aims to improve the urban environment for all users. It is not felt that the project will have an adverse impact on people with dependents orientation and will positively impact on the visitors’ and users’ experience of this improved public/retail space which significantly enhances accessibility and safety.

Screening Questions (2)

2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?

Gender

(Women, Men, Transgender men/women , Other please specify)

No. This project does not offer any opportunity to better promote Equality of the Opportunity for men and women generally.

Screening Questions (3)

3. To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?

Section 75 Category: Religious Belief
Level of impact: This project does not offer any opportunity to impact on people of different religious belief.

Section 75 Category: Political Opinion
Level of impact: This project does not offer any opportunity to impact on people of different political opinion.

Section 75 Category: Racial Group
Level of impact: This project does not offer any opportunity to impact on people with different racial or ethnic groups.

Screening Questions (4)

4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?

Religious Belief / Political Opinion / Racial Group: This project is a physical enhancement of a shared public/retail space and will remain as neutral as a result of the project as it has been deemed previously.

Additional Considerations

Generally speaking people can fall into more than one Section 75 category. Taking this into consideration, are there any potential impacts of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities? (For example: disabled minority ethnic people, disabled women, young Protestant men, young lesbians, gay and bisexual people.)

An overarching aim for the project was to enhance this space for the good of all with a particular focus on accessibility and safety – Facilities such as seating and accessibility to seating areas have been designed to encourage all users with disabilities as well as those without.

Provide details of data on the impact of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities. Specify the relevant Section 75 categories concerned.

--

Disability Considerations

Is there an opportunity to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Yes. The upgrade of uneven surfaces, widening of walkways and provision of DDA compliant seating where possible.

Is there an opportunity to encourage participation by disabled people in public life by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Yes.

Please give further information and examples:

It is envisaged that improving accessibility through lighting, seating, surfaces and greater space for pedestrians, disabled people with be more encouraged to visit and enjoy this area.

Screening Decision

Likely Impact: Minor

If the decision is to subject the policy to an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact – Major), please provide details of the reasons for this:
N/A.

If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = Minor) the Council should consider if the policy should be mitigated or an alternative policy be introduced:
Any concerns raised as a result of the ongoing dialogue with representatives of the disability category, or via consultation / engagement on the policy including the statutory planning consultation process, was considered in full and further changes made where possible to mitigate any adverse impacts identified. This process is ongoing through open dialogue on the proposed design scheme and will reach beyond the construction phase if further matters come to light.

If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = None), please provide details of the reasons for this:

N/A.

Mitigation

When the Council concludes that the likely impact is ‘Minor’ and an equality impact assessment is not to be conducted, the Council may consider mitigation to lessen the severity of any equality impact, or the introduction of an alternative policy to better promote equality of opportunity or good relations.

Can the policy/decision be amended or changed or an alternative policy introduced to better promote equality of opportunity and/or good relations?

Yes.

If YES, give the reasons to support your decision, together with the proposed changes/amendments or alternative policy:

Any future concerns raised as a result of the ongoing dialogue with representatives of the disability category, or via future consultation/engagement on the policy including the statutory planning consultation process, will be considered in full and further changes made, where possible, to mitigate any adverse impacts identified.

Timetabling And Prioritising

If the policy/decision has been ‘screened in’ for equality impact assessment, then please answer the following questions to determine its priority for timetabling the equality impact assessment.
On a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the lowest priority and 3 the highest, assess the policy in terms of its priority for equality impact assessment.

Priority Criterion
Rating (1 to 3)
Effect on equality of opportunity and good relations N/A
Social Need N/A
Effect on people’s daily lives N/A
Relevance to the Council’s functions N/A

Monitoring

Please outline proposals for future monitoring of the policy/decision:

Any comments and complaints will be managed by the Corporate Services team.

A debrief meeting will be arranged for after the event and any comments/complaints will be considered.

Approval And Authorisation

Screened By: Regeneration Officer, 29 May 2024

Approved By: Head of Prosperity & Place, 29 May 2024