Medical facility at Land forming Plot 9 of the Kings Hall development as approved by LA04/2020/0845/O

What was proposed

The application sought approval of the layout, scale, appearance, access and landscaping for a medical facility on Plot 9.

“Development Management Report Application Ref: LA04/2024/1761/RM Committee Meeting Date: 17 th June 2025 Proposal: Application for approval of reserved matters application for a medical facility in accordance with outline planning permission LA04/2020/0845/O, seeking approval of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping details. Location: Land forming Plot 9 of the Kings Hall development as approved by LA04/2020/0845/O.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was a temporary car park behind the listed King’s Hall within a wider redevelopment containing medical, residential and nursery uses.

“The site is located within the King’s Hall Complex and is currently a temporary car park to the rear of the listed King’s Hall. Buildings previously located on the site have been demolished to facilitate the ongoing redevelopment of the site for a mix of uses including medical/health uses, residential and nursery uses.”

“Some of the adjacent plots forming part of the wider regeneration of the lands have either been constructed (Plot 1 extension to the Kings Hall; and Plot 5 - 16 Independent Living Units, Plot 7 - relocation of children’s nursery, Plot 3 apartments and ground floor commercial unit), or are currently under construction (Plot 4 residential units and ground floor commercial units).”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Outline permission established medical or health services on Plot 9, and an earlier reserved matters permission had already been granted for a medical facility.

“Outline planning permission was granted in December 2021 for a mixed-use regeneration of lands at the Kings Hall (Ref: LA04/2020/0845/O). This included, amongst other wider ranging development, medical or health services at Plot 9. The outline approval included a Section 76 Planning Agreement.”

“A reserved matters application was also approved on plot 9 under reference LA04/2023/2430/RM for a medical facility in accordance with outline planning permission LA04/2020/0845/O, seeking approval of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping details. In comparison to this current application, further plant to the roof of the 3 blocks has been added which has increased in footprint and height.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it complied with the approved design code and safeguarded the listed King’s Hall’s setting.

“The design of the building complies with the approved Design Code. It would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the area. The setting of the listed Kings Hall would be safeguarded. There is no objection from DfC HED.”

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

Officer report

Consultation responses

Statutory and non-statutory consultees raised no objections, although responses from DfI Roads and NIEA involved outstanding matters or further information.

“DfI Roads – Outstanding DfC Historic Environment Division (Belfast City Council) – No objection NIW – No objection NIEA – Further information requested…”

“Non-Statutory Consultations Belfast City Council Environmental Health – No objections Belfast City Council Senior Urban Design Officer – No objections. Belfast City Council Tree Officer – No objection subject to conditions…”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Nine objections raised concerns about access and traffic, building height, overlooking and lighting, which officers addressed in their assessment.

“The application has been advertised and neighbours notified. The Council has received nine objections raising the following issues:”

“Officer’s Response:- The main access for traffic is via Lisburn Road. Servicing is proposed via Balmoral Avenue and onto Kings Hall Lane. DfI Roads has no objection to the proposed access arrangements, which are considered adequate and compliant with Policy TRAN6 of the Plan Strategy.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer summarised the proposal, its design, consultation responses and the recommendation for approval subject to conditions.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the reserved matters subject to conditions and delegated authority to finalise them and address non-substantive DfI Roads issues.

“The Committee approved the reserved matters, 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 arising from the outstanding consultee response from DFI Roads, provided that they were not substantive.”

Minutes