17/02/2016

Other News In Brief

Number Of New Planning Applications Approved

Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has granted planning permission for a new 63-bedroom hotel at the former War Memorial building in Waring Street, a new 75-unit apartment complex on Chichester Street and a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Lagan linking the lower Ormeau Embankment and River Terrace.

The decisions were among 121 applications considered by the Planning Committee on Monday evening. Since taking over planning functions from central government in April 2015, Belfast City Council's Planning Service has received 1,275 planning applications and issued 1,256 decisions. The Service inherited around 750 "legacy applications" from the Department of the Environment; of these, around 100 remain outstanding.

Charity Family Fun Day Announced By Lord Mayor

Belfast Lord Mayor, Arder Carson, has called on superheroes and princesses to swoop into the Falls Park on Saturday, 05 March, for a family fun day and run to raise money for the Children's Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC).

Activities to suit all ages including bouncy castles, pony rides, face painters, climbing wall and other fun things will be available in the park from 1-3pm. Everyone is invited to attend. Fancy dress is optional.

Two Women Charged With Benefit Fraud

Two women have appeared before Belfast Magistrates' court for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

53-year-old Rosena Doyle, of Rosevale Street, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £38,930 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was given a 12 month custodial sentence suspended for two years.

And 44-year-old Margaret Maskey, of Little Georges Street, Belfast claimed Income Support, Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,483 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £400.

Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(MH/LM)

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