Statement of Community Involvement in Planning (SCI), Rural Needs Assessment.

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.

A revision/update of the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement in Planning (SCI).

1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to.

Revising a policy.

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.

Statement of Community Involvement in Planning (SCI).

1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service.

The aim of the SCI is to set out who, how and when the community and other interested parties will be invited to participate in the key areas of planning, with the objective that the Council creates a clear vision of how the Borough should develop.

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?

Yes.

2B. Please explain how the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas.

Those people living in rural areas who wish to participate in the planning process will be impacted by the procedures contained within this SCI. This impact relates to participation in the Council’s Development Management and Development Plan functions. The SCI facilitates the inclusion of rural needs in that adjustments have been incorporated to support individuals.

This includes:

  • the ability for those individuals who have difficulties travelling. They can both view and submit information electronically.
  • Virtual meetings/workshops etc. can be facilitated.
  • Those with poor internet connectivity can have someone else participate on their behalf.
  • Those with impairments can easily access the planning department and documents on the Council’s website.
  • Venues for Council functions will be chosen to support accessibility.


    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.

    It is not considered that the SCI will impact on people in rural areas differently from those in urban areas as mitigation has been incorporated to support in the design of Council’s planning functions.

    2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on.

    Rural Businesses, Tourism, Housing, Jobs or Employment, Education or Training, Broadband or Mobile Communications, Transport Services or Infrastructure, Health or Social Care Services, Poverty, Deprivation, Rural Crime or Community Safety, Rural Development and Agri-Environment.

    2E. Please explain why the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is NOT likely to impact on people in rural areas.

    N/A

    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.

    N/A

    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.

    N/A

    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 SCI reflects the requirements set out in the Planning Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”) and Planning (Statement of Community Involvement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.
    The SCI applies to all citizens of the Borough and will have no greater impact on those that live in rural areas than existing measures.
    Those people living in rural areas who wish to participate in the planning process will be impacted by the procedures contained within this SCI. This impact relates to participation in the Council’s Development Management and Development Plan functions. The SCI facilitates the inclusion of rural needs in that adjustments have been incorporated to support individuals. This
    includes:

    • the ability for those individuals who have limited travel options. They can both view and submit information electronically.
    • Virtual meetings/workshops etc. can be facilitated.
    • Those with poor internet connectivity can submit information by post or have someone else participate on their behalf.
    • Those with impairments can easily access the planning department and documents on the Council’s website.
    • Venues for Council functions will be chosen to support accessibility.


    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.

    Planning applications in relation to social and economic needs of people in rural areas may be determined at the Planning Committee meeting.

    People in the rural area may wish to participate in the Council’s Development Plan functions.

    The following social and economic considerations specific to rural areas were taken account of:

    Social Considerations
    1. Accessibility of Services

    • Ensure that rural individuals with limited access to technology or internet connectivity can take part and provide their opinions. Virtual meetings/workshops can be accommodated where relevant.
    • Provide alternatives for those who face challenges traveling to consult due to poor public transport or remote locations.

    2. Awareness and Communication

    • Use targeted outreach to inform rural residents about any consultations.
    • Offer accessible formats for communication, such as paper-based materials or phone consultations, for individuals who may have difficulty accessing digital resources. People from rural areas will be able to view information online, submit representations electronically or have someone attend Committee, or other meetings, on their behalf.

    3. Support for Vulnerable Groups

    • Recognise the unique needs of vulnerable populations in rural areas, such as older residents, individuals with disabilities, or those with limited literacy and incorporate mitigation measures.
    • Provide dedicated support for consultations or online meetings, to ensure rural consultees are heard.

    4. Representation of Rural Voices

    • Include rural stakeholders in the consultation process to ensure their perspectives are included.


    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?

    Yes.

    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.

    The following mitigation has been included in the SCI process:

    1. Accessibility of Services

    • Individuals with limited access to technology or internet connectivity can still access and submit required information by post or by telephone. Information can be issued in the most suitable format.
    • For individuals who face challenges traveling due to poor public transport or remote locations, will be able to view information online, submit representations electronically or have someone attend Committee, or other meetings, on their behalf.


    2. Awareness and Communication

    • The consultation process will include newspaper advertisements, social media and information can be left at the 4 civic centres across the borough. Rural organisations will be contacted as part of the SCI process. Virtual meetings/workshops can be accommodated where relevant.
    • Accessible formats for communication will be offered, such as paper-based materials or phone consultations, for individuals who may have difficulty accessing digital resources.


    3. Support for Vulnerable Groups

    • Information will be provided in an Easy Read format to support older residents, individuals with disabilities, or those with limited literacy. Sign Video will be provided at civic centres to support Sign Language users. Responses by telephone will also be accepted.
    • Officer consultations or online meetings can be arranged.


    4. Representation of Rural Voices

    • Rural stakeholders will be included in the consultation process.


    5. Cost Implications

    • Consultation process will have no greater burden on rural residents than urban residents.


    6. Impact on Small Businesses and Farmers

    • The SCI supports rural enterprises, such as small businesses to have they viewpoints noted.


    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.

    N/A


    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: Principal Planning Officer.

    Division/Branch: Planning Department.

    Date: 4 February 2025.

    Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by: Head of Planning

    Division/Branch: Planning Department.

    Date: 4 February 2025.