Menu
19/03/2019
Other News In Brief
New Licensing Scheme Introduced For Multiple Occupation Houses
A new licensing scheme aimed at improving conditions for occupiers and addressing issues that can affect neighbourhoods will be introduced for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) from Monday 01 April 2019.
This will require landlords to meet important quality and safety standards before a HMO is let.
The scheme will be managed by Belfast City Council on behalf of all local authorities across the region. It is expected to work more effectively as regulations will be linked to other critical functions, such as planning, building control and environmental health, all of which are under the responsibility of district councils.
David Polley from the Department for Communities said the scheme will involve inspections to ensure properties are suitable for the specified maximum number of persons intending to occupy it.
"This is about improving the quality of this type of private rented accommodation and is something which should be welcomed by landlords, those living in HMOs and those living around them. Well managed multi-occupancy houses are an important part of the housing market in Northern Ireland. New licensing arrangements will mean councils will be expected to work with landlords and owners of HMOs to ensure flats and houses are safe and well maintained.
"HMO licensing is mainly intended to improve conditions for occupiers. It also impacts on issues that can affect neighbourhoods as a whole. So while landlords are not responsible for their tenant's actions, this can support more active engagement in terms of enforcing tenancy conditions if problems arise. This can include issues of noise or rubbish, arising from licensed HMOs."
Book Of Condolence Opens In Belfast For Cookstown Tragedy
A book of condolence for those who lost their lives in the tragic events in Cookstown has been opened at Belfast City Hall.
Three teenagers- Lauren Bullock, Connor Currie and Morgan Barnard- died after they were involved in a crush while waiting to enter the Greenvale Hotel on Sunday 17 March.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, joined representatives from all the political parties on Belfast City Council to open the book.
It will be available for signing in the main reception of the City Hall during normal opening hours (8.30am– 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am– 4pm Saturday and Sunday).
Meanwhile, books of condolence have also opened in the Burnavon in Cookstown, the Ranfurly House in Dungannon and the Bridewell in Magherafelt.
£480k Roadworks Commence In Enniskillen
A road improvement scheme worth £480,000 on the A4 Belfast Road in Enniskillen has gotten underway today, Tuesday 19 March.
The resurfacing scheme includes the provision of a dedicated right turning lane into Bellview Road, extends for over one kilometre and will improve the surface quality of the carriageway and enhance road safety. All work is expected to be completed by 31 May.
A daily lane closure and traffic control will be in place for the duration of the works. The closure will operate Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm. There will be also be an enforceable 40mph speed limit with no overtaking. Access to Bellview Road will be maintained throughout the works.
(JG/CM)
A new licensing scheme aimed at improving conditions for occupiers and addressing issues that can affect neighbourhoods will be introduced for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) from Monday 01 April 2019.
This will require landlords to meet important quality and safety standards before a HMO is let.
The scheme will be managed by Belfast City Council on behalf of all local authorities across the region. It is expected to work more effectively as regulations will be linked to other critical functions, such as planning, building control and environmental health, all of which are under the responsibility of district councils.
David Polley from the Department for Communities said the scheme will involve inspections to ensure properties are suitable for the specified maximum number of persons intending to occupy it.
"This is about improving the quality of this type of private rented accommodation and is something which should be welcomed by landlords, those living in HMOs and those living around them. Well managed multi-occupancy houses are an important part of the housing market in Northern Ireland. New licensing arrangements will mean councils will be expected to work with landlords and owners of HMOs to ensure flats and houses are safe and well maintained.
"HMO licensing is mainly intended to improve conditions for occupiers. It also impacts on issues that can affect neighbourhoods as a whole. So while landlords are not responsible for their tenant's actions, this can support more active engagement in terms of enforcing tenancy conditions if problems arise. This can include issues of noise or rubbish, arising from licensed HMOs."
Book Of Condolence Opens In Belfast For Cookstown Tragedy
A book of condolence for those who lost their lives in the tragic events in Cookstown has been opened at Belfast City Hall.
Three teenagers- Lauren Bullock, Connor Currie and Morgan Barnard- died after they were involved in a crush while waiting to enter the Greenvale Hotel on Sunday 17 March.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, joined representatives from all the political parties on Belfast City Council to open the book.
It will be available for signing in the main reception of the City Hall during normal opening hours (8.30am– 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am– 4pm Saturday and Sunday).
Meanwhile, books of condolence have also opened in the Burnavon in Cookstown, the Ranfurly House in Dungannon and the Bridewell in Magherafelt.
£480k Roadworks Commence In Enniskillen
A road improvement scheme worth £480,000 on the A4 Belfast Road in Enniskillen has gotten underway today, Tuesday 19 March.
The resurfacing scheme includes the provision of a dedicated right turning lane into Bellview Road, extends for over one kilometre and will improve the surface quality of the carriageway and enhance road safety. All work is expected to be completed by 31 May.
A daily lane closure and traffic control will be in place for the duration of the works. The closure will operate Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm. There will be also be an enforceable 40mph speed limit with no overtaking. Access to Bellview Road will be maintained throughout the works.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
20 September 2018
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
12 September 2024
Students Reminded To Ensure HMO Status Of Their Rental Home
As university students begin to return to Belfast ahead of the new term starting, tenants of shared houses have been urged to make sure their houses are licensed as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). Belfast City Council is also encouraging those already occupying an HMO to get in touch if they have any concerns about their accommodation.
Students Reminded To Ensure HMO Status Of Their Rental Home
As university students begin to return to Belfast ahead of the new term starting, tenants of shared houses have been urged to make sure their houses are licensed as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). Belfast City Council is also encouraging those already occupying an HMO to get in touch if they have any concerns about their accommodation.
23 November 2023
BCC Propose Making Pavement Café Scheme Permanent
Belfast City Council has called for views on their proposed pavement café licensing scheme, with consultation due to close on Thursday 30 November. The temporary scheme has been extended until 31 December with consultation now taking place on moving to a proposed permanent pavement café licensing scheme from January 2024.
BCC Propose Making Pavement Café Scheme Permanent
Belfast City Council has called for views on their proposed pavement café licensing scheme, with consultation due to close on Thursday 30 November. The temporary scheme has been extended until 31 December with consultation now taking place on moving to a proposed permanent pavement café licensing scheme from January 2024.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
