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 - go to section 5C
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?
Not applicable.
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 strategy has not been directly influenced by identified rural needs because it has been developed as a city-wide framework for the management, improvement and future development of Belfast City Council's pitch network. The strategic objectives, priorities and investment principles are applied consistently across the Council's pitch estate and are based on facility condition, demand, participation levels, sustainability, accessibility and operational requirements rather than the geographic location of users.
The strategy does not introduce eligibility criteria, service restrictions or delivery arrangements that would disadvantage or exclude rural users. Access to Council pitches will continue to be available to clubs, organisations and individuals from across Belfast and the wider region, including those residing in rural communities.
As the strategy relates primarily to the planning, maintenance and improvement of existing pitch infrastructure within the Council area, there is limited scope for introducing rural-specific measures. The benefits arising from the strategy, including enhanced pitch quality, improved accessibility, increased capacity and investment in facilities, will be available to all users irrespective of where they live.
The strategy will also inform future investment decisions and reviews of the Council's pitch estate over its lifespan. As a result, any improvements delivered through the strategy may provide indirect benefits to rural residents who access and use Council facilities. Therefore, while rural needs did not necessitate changes to the design or content of the strategy, the implementation of the strategy is expected to have a positive and inclusive impact on both rural and urban users.
