20 sheltered housing units at 68 Fortwilliam Park, Belfast

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing a 31-bed private nursing home and building 20 sheltered housing units for elderly people, with support facilities and parking.

“Summary Committee Date: 13 th May 2025 Application ID: LA04/2024/0058/F Proposal: Demolition of existing 31 no. bed private nursing home and erection of 20 no. sheltered housing units (3 storey building) for the elderly; warden accommodation; communal facilities; landscaping; car parking and site works.”

“The application relates to lands at Loughview Nursing Home, 68 Fortwilliam Park, Belfast. Full planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing 31 no. bed private nursing home and erection of 20 no. sheltered housing units (3 storey building) for the elderly; warden accommodation; communal facilities; landscaping; car parking and site works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a 0.2-hectare nursing home plot at the junction of Fortwilliam Park and Lansdowne Road, in a mainly residential area.

“The site is approximately 0.2 hectares (ha) in size and is located at the junction of Fortwilliam Park and Lansdowne Road. Residential properties abut the site to the north- west and south-west. The site is elevated and rises to the rear. It is characterised by hardstanding and green landscaped areas around the existing building.”

“The immediate area around the application site comprises a mix of residential dwellings, mainly large detached, along with Dominican College and Parkdean Nursing Home. Somerton Conservation Area is to the East of the site adjacent.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered 21 flats and the replacement of a private nursing home with 16 apartments.

“Z/2001/1109/F - Demolition of private Nursing Home for 36 people and erection of 16 No. new build apartments & associated site works (Amended Scheme) – Permission Granted 19/02/02 3.0”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection, while NI Water identified sewer capacity concerns and waste management comments remained outstanding.

“DFI Roads – No objection subject to conditions. NI Water – Issues raised – foul sewer network capacity issues. DfI Rivers – No objection. DAERA NED – No objection. DAERA WMU – No objection subject to conditions.”

“Environmental Health – No objection subject to conditions. BCC Landscape and Development – No objection. BCC Tree Officer - No objection subject to conditions. BCC Waste Management – comments outstanding. Northern Ireland Housing Executive – No objection.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Three representations raised concerns about overlooking, tree loss, traffic, property values, construction pollution, planning law and community views.

“The following issues were raised (summarised): • Overlooking • Loss of trees • Traffic and road safety • Impact on property values • Pollution during construction • Disregard for planning laws • Views of the community not taken on board…”

“These issues will be considered within the written assessment however a number of these issues are not planning considerations and outside the remit of planning legislation and guidance. Namely impact on property values as well as the comment that community views are not taken into account.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent, architect and applicant attended, and the agent described independent living, communal spaces, staff accommodation and plans for existing residents.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions and delegated authority to finalise wording and address non-substantive issues.

“The Committee granted planning permission, subject to conditions and delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording of the conditions and to deal with any other issues that might arise, provided that the issues were not substantive.”

Minutes