Phased sports centre at The Maynard Sinclair Pavilion Stormont Estate, Belfast

What was proposed

The application sought changes to eleven conditions so the approved sports development could be delivered in phases.

“Planning approval was previously granted for the redevelopment of the NICSSA pavilion complex within the Stormont Estate to create a centre of excellence for sport (Ref: LA04/2023/2459). The development approved comprises of demolition of the existing pavilion building and replacement with a new 2 storey building providing state of the art indoor sports halls, changing accommodation, function/meeting space offering improvements to the existing offering.”

“This application seeks planning permission to vary a number of conditions (3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13. 14, 24, 25 and 27) to allow for phasing of the development. Phasing of the development is sought in line with funding available for the project. The applicant has advised that ‘Funding for the project has now been made available to enable the commencement of “Phase 1” of the project and NICSSA are ready to proceed including discharging of relevant pre-commencement conditions.”

Officer report

The site and approved scheme

The site is within the Stormont Estate and includes an existing pavilion and open-space facilities beside Dundonald House.

“Description of Site The site is located off the Upper Newtownards Road, in the east of the city and is part of the wider Stormont Castle and Parliament Buildings estate. The site is currently occupied by the Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association (NICSSA) who operate the existing pavilion and manage the existing open space facilities. The site sits adjacent to the listed Dundonald House, a government owned office building immediately east of the site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the four-phase approach would align delivery with funding while retaining environmental, sustainability and policy safeguards.

“Condition 27 Condition 27 of planning approval LA04/2023/2459/F requires the submission and approval by the Council of a Final Environmental Construction Management Plan (CEMP) prior to commencement of development. The phasing proposes the submission and approval by the Council of a Final Environmental Construction Management Plan (CEMP) for each phase of the development prior to commencement of development.”

“Conclusion The phased approach to the re-development of the NICSSA complex within the Stormont Estate creating a centre of excellence for sport has been assessed by officers and consultees and no objections arise from the proposal. The phasing approach to the development will ensure that it is delivered in line with funding whilst ensuring that the environmental and sustainability objectives are secured for each phase of the development and for the entire scheme.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Historic environment, environmental, trees and environmental health consultees raised no objections, subject to amendments to conditions.

“Statutory Consultees Responses • DFC, Historic Environment Division – Content with the variation of conditions 6, 7, 8 and 9 • DAERA, NIEA – Content with the variation of condition 27”

“Environmental Health – No objection to the variation of conditions 12, 13 and 14. • BCC Trees – No objection to the variation of condition 3.”

Officer report

The objection received

One objection raised concerns that event parking on the service road could affect residents and increase use of the pedestrian gate.

“Concern regarding proposed pedestrian entrance – on days with large sporting events the service road opposite is used for parking which causes difficulty for residents. If there is no vehicle entrance spectators will park on the service road and will be more inclined to use the pedestrian gate as easy access.”

“Case officer response: the principle of development has been established through the previous approval on the site (LA04/2023/2459/F). Similar concerns were raised and considered during the previous application and at that time DFI Roads was consulted and raised no objection to the proposal subject to conditions. Those conditions are not proposed to be varied as part of this application and no amendments are proposed to the layout/pedestrian access.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer gave the committee an overview and highlighted the principle of development and the impact of phasing.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission for the condition variations and delegated authority to finalise conditions and other non-substantive matters.

“She reported that DfC: HED, DAERA, Environmental Health and BCC Trees had offered no objection to the proposed variation, subject to amendments to conditions. She added that one objection had been received that had raised concerns with regard to parking which had been addressed within the report.”

“The Committee granted planning permission for the variation of conditions 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 24, 25 and 27 of planning approval LA04/2023/2459/F and delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the conditions and to deal with any other matters which might arise, provided that they were not substantive…”

Minutes