26-home residential development at Derelict lands at and to the rear of no.s 34-36 The Mount, Belfast

What was proposed

The application proposed 20 townhouses and six apartments, with landscaping, parking and other site works, alongside restoration of listed buildings.

“Full Proposal: Redevelopment of listed buildings and lands to the rear for a residential development comprising 20no. townhouses and 6no. apartments with associated landscaping, parking and site works…”

“LBC Proposal: Restoration of external features with a new rear projection to no.34 The Mount and new partitioning walls in both buildings to facilitate use for 6no. apartments…”

Officer report

The site and its history

The 0.3-hectare site contained a derelict listed building and vacant land, with earlier permissions for apartments and a later mixed residential scheme.

“Description of Site The application site relates to an area of land measuring 0.3ha and is located within the development limit of Belfast. The site is designated as a Housing Action Area within the BUAP and zoned for housing in both versions of BMAP. The site slopes in a gentle gradient from southwest to northeast.”

“The site incorporates a derelict listed building and vacant lands within a predominantly residential area. The site would be accessed via The Mount (North).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would provide needed social housing, regenerate the area, restore a listed building and avoid harmful amenity or highway impacts.

“The proposal would provide valuable social housing for which there is a significant unmet need in the city and would assist the further regeneration of the area. The design of the proposed housing is considered on balance acceptable. Sufficient parking would be provided and the proposal would not be detrimental to highway safety. The proposal would restore and bring a listed building back into use which is welcomed. It is recommended that planning permission is granted.”

“Having regard to the Development Plan and material considerations, it is recommended that planning permission should be granted subject to conditions and a Section 76 planning agreement.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Roads, heritage, housing, environmental, water, rivers and tree consultees raised no objection or supported the proposal, subject to conditions where specified.

“DfI Roads – No objection subject to conditions…”

“DAERA: Water Management Unit – No objection subject to conditions/standing advice…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning manager outlined the proposal, and the agent said it respected heritage and neighbours while meeting local housing needs.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 76 planning agreement, with authority delegated to finalise wording and resolve non-substantive matters.

“The Committee granted planning permission, subject to conditions and a Section 76 planning agreement, and delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Building…”

“Control to resolve final consultation responses, finalise the wording of the conditions and Section 76 planning agreement and to deal with any other matters that might arise, provided they were not substantive.”

Minutes