552-space multistorey car park at Royal Ulster Agricultural Society the Kings Hall, Belfast

What was proposed

The application sought reserved matters approval for a multistorey car park, ground-floor commercial uses, public realm and a central plaza at Plot 8.

“Summary Committee Meeting Date: 13 th May 2025 Application Ref: LA04/2024/2026/RM Target Date: Proposal: Multi Storey Car Park with ground floor units for local retail uses, restaurant and cafe uses, leisure and gym facilities at Plot 8, new public realm and amenity open space including a central plaza in accordance with outline planning permission LA04/2020/0845/O, seeking approval of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping details Location: Royal Ulster Agricultural…”

Officer report

The site and nearby development

The vacant site lies behind the listed King’s Hall, within a wider redevelopment where several neighbouring plots are complete or under construction.

“The site is located within the King’s Hall Complex and is currently vacant land 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 planning permission

Outline permission granted in December 2021 established the mixed-use regeneration and included a multistorey car park with commercial units at Plot 8.

“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, multi storey car parking with ground floor commercial units at Plot 8. The outline approval included a Section 76 Planning Agreement.”

“This application seeks approval of the reserved matters for the multi storey car park at Plot 8, including layout, scale, appearance, access and landscaping. The number of…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the design, layout, landscaping, access and relationship with the listed King’s Hall acceptable and compliant with the approved design code.

“The proposed multi storey car park building will sit to the rear of the listed King’s Hall and Plot 3 which is now operational. The proposed layout and footprint of the building is consistent with that shown in the masterplan and approved Design Code and Drawing 33a – Scale Parameters Plan.”

“Access Although reserved, the principle of the access from Lisburn Road was established through the masterplan for the wider site which forms part of the approved Design Code at the outline stage. DfI Roads has no objection to the proposed access arrangements, which are considered satisfactory and compliant with Policy TRAN6 of the Plan Strategy.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Statutory and non-statutory consultees raised no objections, while Environmental Health’s response remained outstanding and no third-party objections were received.

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

“The application has been advertised and neighbours notified. The Council has received no objections.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s representatives explained the car park, commercial units, building design and public plaza, and welcomed the recommendation for approval.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the reserved matters subject to conditions and delegated authority to finalise conditions and address any non-substantive Environmental Health 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 that might arise from the outstanding consultee response from the Environmental Health, provided they were not substantive.”

Minutes