34 social homes at 733-735 Antrim Road, Belfast

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing two existing buildings and constructing two blocks containing 34 social housing apartments, with parking and landscaping.

“Summary Committee Date: 14 th October 2025 Application ID: LA04/2024/1576/F Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings at no. 733 & no. Antrim Road to facilitate proposed residential social housing development comprising of 2no. buildings containing 34no. units with associated in- curtilage parking and landscaping (Amended description)”

“The proposed development would comprise two detached blocks, ranging in height from 4 storeys along the Antrim Road elevation, stepping down to 3 storeys to the rear in one block at a lower level, and 4 storeys in the other, also at a lower level. The scheme also includes in-curtilage parking, communal amenity provision and landscaping.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contained two vacant dwellings on a sloping plot beside Antrim Road, surrounded by residential, recreational and some commercial uses.

“The site fronts onto Antrim Road and currently comprises two detached vacant dwellings, and measures approximately 0.45 hectares. An existing access to existing dwellings at 733a and 733b Antrim Road to the rear runs through the middle of the site. The site slopes downwards to the rear (east). The site is defined by a mix of walls, fencing, trees and mature vegetation.”

“The surrounding area comprises a mix of uses including residential, recreational and some commercial. Dwellings are a mix of large detached and semi-detached with some apartments nearby also.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered apartments and associated development, while an application to renew the later permission remained under assessment.

“Z/2014/1083/F - 4 semi detached houses, 34 apartments, basement car park, access road and associated site works (additional plans) – 733, 733a, 733b and 735 Antrim Road – Approved 16/05/17 (the site is larger than the site of the current application, also including Nos. 733a and 733b at the rear).”

“LA04/2022/1863/F - Renewal of previous approval Z/2014/1083/F for 4 semi detached houses, 34 apartments, basement car park, access road and associated site works (additional information) – under assessment. 3.0”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the site suitable and sustainable, the design appropriate, parking acceptable and the social housing provision beneficial, and recommended approval.

“The site is considered a suitable and sustainable location for housing; the proposal would make effective use of previously developed land for residential use in an accessible location.”

“The provision of 34 social housing units that respond to local housing need is welcomed.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Twenty-two objection letters raised concerns including density, overdevelopment, building scale, overlooking, parking, traffic, drainage, trees, ecology and infrastructure.

“Applicant may not apply for social housing as it can only be NIHE • Demolition statement states 735 in poor condition • No 733 makes a material contribution • Existing houses should not be demolished • High density • Overdevelopment • Proposal forward of established building line • Out of keeping with the established area – density, height, scale and massing • Proposal should be red brick • Overlooking • Loss of light • Negative impact on air quality, noise, waste…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning representative supported the application, while a solicitor speaking for objectors raised concerns about density, character, open space, accessibility and trees.

Members’ discussion

The Planning Manager explained that the density was below the city-corridor target and considered appropriate for making effective use of a sustainable site.

“In response to a question from a Member in regard to dwellings per hectare, the Planning Manager stated that the proposal fell below the target density for a city corridor, which was 100 dwellings per hectare, and he explained that it was important to make effective use of land, particularly in sustainable locations such as the application site and that officers considered the density of the application to be appropriate.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 76 planning agreement, with delegated authority for 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 finalise the wording of conditions, and to deal with any other matters that might arise provided that they were not substantive.”

Minutes