Public house and events venue at Common Market 16-20 Dunbar Street, Belfast

“Summary Committee Meeting Date: April 2026 Application ID: LA04/2024/0852/F Proposal: Retention of change of use from warehouse and offices to public house (Linked to adjacent public house) and entertainment venue/events space including street food market for on premises consumption Location: Common Market 16-20 Dunbar Street, Belfast, BT1 2LH Referral Route: Application site includes right of way over BCC Land…”

“Full permission is sought for the retention of change of use from warehouse and offices to public house (Linked to adjacent public house) and entertainment venue/events space including street food market for on premises consumption.”

“The site is located at 16-20 Dunbar Street in Belfast City Centre. It consists of an 870sqm 2-storey warehouse building, currently occupied by the Common Market located in the old Arnott's fruit and veg wholesalers building. The area is mixed use with adjacent uses including a night club and a Belfast City Council cleansing depot.”

“There is a public parking area to the front of the building between Dunbar Street and Dunbar Link, beyond which lies Corporation Street. The site is within the Cathedral Conservation Area…”

“LA04/2018/2903/F - 16-20 Dunbar Street, Belfast, BT1 2LH - Change of use of warehouse and offices to event space including internal and external alterations [amended site location plan to show fire escape route] – Granted temporary approval, 25 th February 2020. Expired.”

“LA04/2021/2095/F - - 16-20 Dunbar Street, Belfast, BT1 2LH - Change of use of warehouse and offices to public house (linked to existing adjacent public house) and entertainment venue/events space including street food market for on premises consumption (part retrospective). Granted temporary approval 27 April 2022 for 2 years. Expired…”

“The temporary use granted via LA04/2021/2095/F has provided the Council with an evidence base from which to assess the impacts (if any) of the proposal. The use has operated under temporary permissions since 2021. During this period no substantive planning harms have arisen that would justify the cessation of the use.”

“Impact on the Conservation Area The site sits within the Cathedral Conservation Area and as such, the Council’s Conservation officer was consulted and advised that the building is of limited architectural and historical merit / significance to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The external changes are minimal and would have a limited impact on the conservation area in terms of the character and amenity of the area.”

“DFI Roads – No objection, subject to conditions. NI Water – No objection . DFC Historic Environment Division (HED) – No objection.”

“Non-Statutory Consultees BCC Environmental Health – No objection, subject to conditions BCC Conservation Officer – no objection in principle.”

“The application has been advertised in the press and neighbours notified. one third party representation has been received, objecting to the proposal. The points raised are summarised below:”

“Consideration: Environmental Health have been consulted and have no concerns regarding noise. The apartments at St. Annes square are approximately 60 metres away from the side/rear of Common Market.”

“She stated that, having regard to the development plan, relevant planning policies and other material considerations, the application was considered to be acceptable.”

“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 issues that might arise, provided that they were not substantive.”