Driveway widening and hardstanding at 38 Hillhead Avenue, Belfast

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to widen the driveway, create front hardstanding and replace part of the asphalt with permeable resin.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the widening of the existing driveway and the creation of hardstanding area at 38 Hillhead Avenue. Part of the works have been undertaken already (as described in the main report).”

“The proposal involves the removal of part of an existing boundary wall and railing to the front of the site to allow for the widening of driveway for vehicular access and parking. The area to the front of the property formerly consisted of a concrete area and a grassed garden area. The hardstanding concrete area and most of the grass area was then laid over in impermeable asphalt with an area of permeable paving to the front of the dwelling.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was a semi-detached two-storey red-brick dwelling with a rear garage, front parking and garden space, in an area of similar homes.

“The application relates to No. Hillhead Avenue, which comprises a semi- detached, 2-storey dwelling finished in red brick with a detached garage to the rear. There is hardstanding for car parking to the front of the property with a small flower bed and a larger area of private amenity/garden space to the rear.”

“The prevailing character of the area is semi-detached houses that are finished in brick with small front gardens and areas of hardstanding, some of which have been amended to accommodate additional car parking space for the dwellings. There is a mix of boundary finishes within the street scene, in the form of render wall, timber fence and hedging.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable under the development plan and other material considerations, subject to conditions.

“Having considered all relevant concerns noted in the representations, officers are satisfied that the proposal complies with planning policy and that there are no material considerations that indicate that planning permission should be refused. 7.0”

“Having regard to the development plan and other material considerations, the proposal is considered acceptable. It is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions.”

Officer report

The main planning issues

The main issues were design and character, neighbouring amenity, road safety and parking, and sustainable drainage.

“The key issues relevant to consideration of the application are:”

“Design and impact on the character of the area • Impact on neighbouring amenity • Road Safety & Car Parking • Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

DfI Roads had no objection subject to a condition, while seven representations from a neighbouring occupier objected on drainage, safety, amenity and other grounds.

“Statutory Consultations DfI Roads – No objection subject to condition.”

“A total of 7 representations have been made by the neighbour at No. Hillhead Avenue who objects to the application. The issues raised are addressed further in the report. PLANNING ASSESSMENT”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A planning manager outlined the application, a councillor spoke in objection, and the neighbouring objector described concerns about levels, runoff and drainage.

The committee debate

The councillor asked for a site visit, while the objector asked the committee to refuse or defer the application because of health and safety concerns.

“She concluded by stating that she had no issue with the applicant improving or enhancing their property, however, the volume of impermeable asphalt and artificially altered gradients had created health and safety concerns. She asked the Committee to…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission and delegated finalisation of the conditions and other non-substantive matters.

“The Committee granted planning permission 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 that they were not substantive.”

Minutes

The permission conditions

The permission required commencement within five years, permeable surfacing to remain, and use of the hardstanding for vehicle parking and movement.

“The development hereby permitted must be begun within five years from the date of this permission.”

“The hardstanding hereby permitted shall include permeable surfacing as shown on approved drawing no. 05C uploaded to the NI Planning Portal on the 28th April 2026 and as per the approved specification (Perma-bound resin) and shall remain as such at all times.”

Officer report