Section 1
Defining the activity subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016
1A. Name of Public Authority.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
1B. Please provide a short title which describes the activity being undertaken by the Public Authority that is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016.
To plan and implement public realm enhancements to the Ballymoney High Street area for the benefit of locals and visitors to Ballymoney.
1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to.
Developing and implementing a plan.
1D. Please provide the official title (if any) of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service document or initiative relating to the category indicated in Section 1C above.
Ballymoney (Main Street) Environmental Improvement Scheme.
1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service.
Improve the appearance and safety of Ballymoney High Street area.
Regenerate the area thereby potentially attracting new investment.
Make the targeted area a healthier, safer, accessible and more attractive place to visit, shop, work and live.
1F. What definition of ‘rural’ is the Public Authority using in respect of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?
Population Settlements of less than 5,000 (Default definition).and other definition.
Details of alternative definition of ‘rural’ used: N/A.
Rationale for using alternative definition of ‘rural’: N/A.
Reasons why a definition of ‘rural’ is not applicable. N/A
Section 2
Understanding the impact of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service
2A. Is the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service likely to impact on people in rural areas?
No.
2B. Please explain how the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas.
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2C. If the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently from people in urban areas, please explain how it is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently.
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2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on.
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2E. Please explain why the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is NOT likely to impact on people in rural areas.
The visitors from rural areas will not be impacted by this plan and very likely their visitor and/or shopping experience will be enhanced and made safer by the improvements proposed and implemented.
The modes of travel used by rural visitors will not be impacted by this scheme, nor are there any costs involved in dwelling in this area as it is open and free for all.
Section 3
Identifying the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas
3A. Has the Public Authority taken steps to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas that are relevant to the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?
No.
3B. Please indicate which of the following methods or information sources were used by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.
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3C. Please provide details of the methods and information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas including relevant dates, names of organisations, titles of publications, website references, details of surveys or consultations undertaken etc.
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3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the Public Authority?
N/A
If the response to Section 3A was YES GO TO Section 4A.
3E. Please explain why no steps were taken by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas?
The Scheme is being implemented in a non-rural area and has no economic impact on users either local or those visiting from rural areas. During the consultation period the public of Ballymoney and surrounding areas in the Causeway Coast and Glens BC were invited to make their comments heard online, by email, phone or in person in Ballymoney Town Hall. This was not simply confined to the residents of Ballymoney itself but to the outlying rural areas often frequenting the town for shopping or other activities.
Section 4
Considering the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas
4A. Please provide details of the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.
N/A
Section 5
Influencing the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service
5A. Has the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, been influenced by the rural needs identified?
No.
5B. Please explain how the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, has been influenced by the rural needs identified.
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5C. Please explain why the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or the delivery of the Public Service, has NOT been influenced by the rural needs identified.
The Scheme was not in a rural area and was proposed and developed to address local and rural beneficiaries. There was no adverse impact identified in any section of the community, either visiting or local, with the development of this Scheme.
Section 6
Documenting and Recording
6A. Please tick below to confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained by the Public Authority and relevant information on the Section 1 activity compiled in accordance with paragraph 6.7 of the guidance.
I confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained and relevant information compiled.
Rural Needs Impact Assessment undertaken by: Physical Regeneration Officer.
Division/Branch: Regeneration – Prosperity & Place.
Date: 29 March 2024.
Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by: Head of Planning
Division/Branch: Head of Prosperity & Place/ Project Sponsor
Date: 29 May 2024