895-room student accommodation at Lands at 39 Corporation Street, Belfast

“The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of 895 room Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation (PBMSA) across 9-20 storey building blocks with communal facilities, internal and external communal amenity space including landscaped courtyard and roof terraces and ancillary accommodation.”

“The proposed building would measure 64.8m at its highest point, not including roof plant. The building heights range from 9-20 storeys across three blocks of development. The stepped approach to the building breaks the built form and provides visual interest.”

“The site is approximately 0.3 hectares (ha) in size and relatively flat. The subject lands also include a surface level car park (c.50 spaces) located to the north of the building towards Gamble Street. Immediately east of the site is the head office for Royal Mail including car parking for postal vans. South and west of the site is dominated by car parking (surface level and multi storey).”

“The surrounding area has benefitted from significant regeneration over recent years, with Ulster University and Belfast Harbour being the main catalyst for this change. This includes the ‘City Quays’ developments (both constructed and approved) in addition to the main Ulster University Campus and other Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation. The collective of new buildings is transforming this part of the north city.”

“LA04/2024/0881/PAN – Erection of purpose-built manage student accommodation (comprising clusters and studios) including landscaped courtyard and roof terrace, communal facilities and all other associated site and access works. Corporation Street, Belfast, BT1 3BA Acceptable (10th June 2024)”

“LA04/2016/2357/F - Change of use of part of ground floor from office to job centre. Replacement of ramp for DDA access, and new public entrance to front façade. Corporation Street, Belfast, BT1 3BA Approved…”

“The site is located within the northern part of the City Centre and is a highly accessible location for new PBMSA development within walking distance of the new Ulster University campus. The application is supported by satisfactory evidence of need for the proposal.”

“The proposed building is considered to be of a high-quality design, appropriate to its location, which will regenerate a site which currently contains a vacant office building.”

“The main issues relevant to consideration of the application are set out below.”

“Principle of PBMSA in this location • Design and placemaking • Principle of Short Term Let in this location • Impact on heritage assets • Impact on amenity • Climate change • Open space • Access and transport • Health impacts • Environmental protection • Flood risk and drainage • Waste-water infrastructure • Natural heritage • Waste management • Section 76 planning agreement • Pre-Application Community Consultation…”

“DfI Roads – no objection, recommends conditions.”

“Increasing city centre footfall • Create investment opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth • Positive impact on local business community • Address demand for student accommodation • Revitalise the area…”

“The Planning Manager summarised the application for the Committee which was being reported back as officers were recommending a change to the heads of terms in the Section 76 planning agreement in relation to the public realm.”

“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 the conditions and Section 76 planning agreement and to deal with any other issues that might arise, including resolving the final responses from Environmental Health, DAERA NIEA and SES, provided that the issues were not substantive…”