Transitional care unit at Santander House, Belfast

What was proposed

The application proposed changing an office into a 73-bed transitional care unit with clinical, support and external facilities.

“Development Management Report Committee Date: 17 th February 2026 Application ID: LA04/2025/1716/F Proposal: Proposed change of use from, Use class B1(a) office, to short term Transitional Care Unit, Use Class C3 b) comprising of 73 no. ensuite beds, associated ancillary facilities including café, rehabilitation suites and treatment rooms, laboratory, consulting rooms, 2 no. external terraces and all other ancillary, staff and storage rooms.”

“The application seeks full planning permission for change of use from, Use class B1(a) office, to short term Transitional Care Unit, Use Class C3 b) comprising of 73 no. ensuite beds, associated ancillary facilities including café, rehabilitation suites and treatment rooms, laboratory, consulting rooms, 2 no. external terraces and all other ancillary, staff and storage rooms.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier proposals were submitted for a similar transitional care unit with around 60 to 80 beds and associated facilities.

“Planning History LA04/2025/0885/PAN Proposed change of use from class B1(a) office to short term Transitional Care Unit comprising of c.60-80 beds, associated ancillary facilities including consulting rooms, physiotherapy, laboratories and offices; minor external alterations and all other associated site and access works…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer summarised the application, its key issues and the recommendation to grant permission.

The committee decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions and delegated authority for non-substantive wording and outstanding matters.

“The Committee granted planning permission, 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 other issues that might arise, provided the issues were not substantive.”

Minutes