7-bed HMO conversion at 432 Falls Road, Belfast

“ADDENDUM REPORT Committee Date: 17 th June 2025 Application ref: LA04/2024/1654/F Proposal: Change of use from a 7-bedroom dwelling house (C1) to a 7 bed/ 9 person House of Multiple Occupancy (Sui generis) Location: Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 6EN Referral Route: Paragraph 3.8.1 of the Scheme of Delegation – request to be reported to Planning Committee by Elected Member (Cllr Ronan McLaughlin) Recommendation: Approval Applicant Name and Address: Gerald Mackle Callan House,…”

“Committee Meeting Date: 13 th May 2025 Application Ref: LA04/2024/1654/F Proposal: Change of use from a 7-bedroom dwelling house (C1) to a 7 bed/ 9 person House of Multiple Occupancy (Sui generis) Location: Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 6EN Referral Route: Paragraph 3.8.1 of the Scheme of Delegation – request for the application to be reported to the Planning Committee by an Elected Member (Cllr. Rónán McLaughlin).”

“Characteristics of Site and Area 2.1 The application site is located at 432 Falls Road and comprises a three-storey terraced dwelling. The property features an enclosed rear amenity space that backs onto an alley. The surrounding area is characterised by a mix of residential, retail, and community uses. The site falls within the development limit as set out in the BUAP 2001 and draft BMAP 2015.”

“Having regard to the development plan and other material considerations, the proposal is considered acceptable. It is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions.”

“Recommendation: Having regard to the development plan and other material considerations, the proposal is considered acceptable. It is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions. Delegated authority is sought for the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording of the conditions and deal with any other issues that arise, provided that they are not substantive.”

“The key issues for consideration of the application are set out below: • The principle of an HMO at this location • Impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area. • Impact on residential amenity • Traffic, Parking and Access • Waste and refuse collection…”

“Taking account the nature of the proposal and the criteria set out above the proposal is considered to comply with Policy RD3. Traffic, Parking and Access 7.6.1 Officers acknowledge the objections to parking and whilst the various policy requirements of HOU10 seek to address need and protect residential amenity, the provision of car parking is not a requirement of this policy.”

“DfI Roads has considered the Parking Survey submitted under this application and has confirmed there is sufficient parking within the vicinity of the proposal. Furthermore, the site is in a sustainable location with regular bus services operating in proximity and accessible to services and amenities in the local and wider area.”

“Statutory consultation: - DFI Roads – No objection 5.2 The application has been advertised and neighbours notified. The Council has received 7 letters of representation raising the following concerns:- 1. Off-street Car Parking 2. Waste disposal 3. Anti-social behaviour…”

“Points 1-3 are considered in the report below, additional points raised are considered as follows: • Devaluing of property – This is not a material consideration and is outside the remit of the planning service.”

“Resolved – “That the Committee refuses to grant planning permission on the basis of the lack of parking provision which would greatly impact the amenity of local residents, contrary to Policy TRAN8.”

“The Committee agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the reasons for refusal…”