77 social homes and children’s centre at Former Belfast Metropolitan College Campus Whiterock Road, Belfast

What was proposed

The application proposed 77 social housing units, a children’s centre, parking, landscaping, open space, access and associated works.

“Development Management Report Committee Date: 17 th February 2026 Application ID: LA04/2025/1896/F Proposal: Proposed mixed use development comprising of 77 No. social housing units (mix of 26 dwellings and 51 apartments) and a new children's centre, car parking, landscaping, open space, access and all associated site works including the installation of a new substation.(amendment to planning permission ref: LA04/2024/0122/F) Location: Former Belfast Metropolitan College…”

“The application seeks full planning permission for mixed use development comprising of 77 No. social housing units (mix of 26 dwellings and 51 apartments) and a new children's centre, car parking, landscaping, open space, access and all associated site works including the installation of a new substation. (amendment to planning permission ref: LA04/2024/0122/F).”

Officer report

Earlier permission and changes

An earlier permission was approved in December 2024, while this proposal combined Apartment Block A with the children’s centre to add 15 apartments.

“Application LA04/2024/122/F was presented and approved by Planning Committee I December 2024. The key difference between applications is the amalgamation of apartment block A and the children centre to create an additional 15 apartment units; all other housing units and apartment blocks B & C remain unchanged.”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

Roads, drainage, water, environmental and housing consultees raised no objection or supported the proposal, while Environmental Health’s response remained outstanding.

“DFI Roads – No objection, subject to conditions. DFI Rivers Agency – No objection NIEA – No objection NI Water – No objection NIHE – Supports the proposal for social housing.”

“BCC Urban Design – Generally supportive. Concerns over location of open space. Environmental Health – awaiting comments BCC Landscape and Development team – Supports the proposal, content with landscape management report, tree planting and outdoor gym.”

Officer report

What was presented

The Principal Planning Officer summarised the proposal, its key issues, the earlier permission, consultation responses and the recommendation for approval.

The committee’s decision

The Committee granted permission subject to conditions and a Section 76 planning agreement, with delegated authority for specified final arrangements.

“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, deal with Environmental Health’s outstanding consultation, finalise the Section 76 planning agreement and to deal with any other issues that might arise, provided the issues were not substantive.”

Minutes