‘Asset Transfer’ is the focus of a seminar on 23 February 2012 at 9.45 am in the Farset International Centre, Springfield Road, Belfast.  Asset Transfer is the term used to describe the transfer of a publicly owned building or land to a community or voluntary group for community use and benefit.  There are various ways this can happen and the recent draft Programme for Government contains a commitment to developing a Government policy to support such transfers. 

This seminar will present the findings of a research project undertaken by Dr Brendan Murtagh of Queen's University which looked at various models, the risks and challenges involved and how successful transfers have been.  Community Places undertook some case studies as part of this research.  The seminar will be of particular interest to community organisations who might want to convert a disused public building or transform a piece of vacant land for their own use.  The seminar is free and there is no need to pre-register – see flyer for more details. 

Our series of free planning training events for community groups continues - the next two sessions will be held on:

1. Wednesday, 8 February 2012 (Cromore Halt Inn, Station Road, Portstewart) from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm; and
2. Wednesday, 15 February 2012 (Newcastle Leisure Centre, 10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle) from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm. 

We will look at the future of planning and some of the major changes that have already taken place as a result of Planning Reform including:

• a new requirement for developers to consult local people before making a major planning application;
• changes to how planning applications are advertised; and
• bigger fines for enforcement offences such as building without planning permission.

If your group hasn't already booked a place please contact Elaine at Community Places ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ); telephone 9023 9444.

DoE Planning has simplified its complaints procedure – reducing the steps in the process from three to two.  In future the first stage of a complaint will be handled by the Area Planning Office Manager and the second stage at the regional level by a Director.  The complaints procedure only deals with complaints about the service you receive when dealing with Planning Offices and their staff, it is not about the outcome of a planning application.  A leaflet on the new procedure is available on the DoE website.

Our Guide to the Planning System for community groups and individuals has been updated and is available to download.  The Guide provides information on:

• the planning system;
• the preparation of Area Development Plans and planning policies;
• applying for planning permission; and
• commenting on or objecting to a planning application.

If you or anyone from your group would like more information on anything covered in the Guide, please contact us on 9023 9444. 

The Belfast Community Planning Consortium will present its model for Community Planning at a conference on Thursday, 19 January 2012 at the City Hall in Belfast.  The model will look at integrating Community Planning into existing planning processes in the city. 

The conference will be of interest to community groups interested in the development and implementation of Community Planning in Belfast - click here for more information and to book a place.