Blitz memorial sculpture at Westbourne Presbyterian Church 149a Newtownards Road, Belfast

What was proposed

Full planning permission was sought for a glass fibre reinforced concrete blitz memorial sculpture on a concrete plinth.

“Proposal: A blitz memorial sculpture, made from glass fibre reinforced concrete, set on a concrete plinth within the grounds of Westbourne Presbyterian Church…”

“The application seeks full planning permission for a blitz memorial sculpture, made from glass fibre reinforced concrete, set on a concrete plinth within the grounds of Westbourne Presbyterian Church on Newtownards Road.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for external refurbishment and an exhibition space at the church was approved temporarily for three years.

“Relevant Planning History LA04/2024/0397/F - Westbourne Presbyterian Church, 149 Newtownards Road, Belfast. BT4 1AB - Refurbishment of external elements and the installation of a plate steel fabricated external exhibition space with planters, lighting, ramped access, steps and canopy. – APPROVED 3 YEAR TEMP”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the design acceptable because it would not harm local character, the listed building or pedestrian and road safety.

“The sculpture is considered to be of a high quality and design and is considered to be in compliance with the SPPS and LDP, in that it will not adversely impact on the local character or integrity of the area.”

“Impact on the Character and Appearance of the Listed Building and the Surrounding Area The application site impacts upon Westbourne Presbyterian Church (Grade B2) which is of special architectural or historic interest and is protected by Section 80 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. HED were consulted and were content that the proposal will not affect the listed building or its setting. HED confirmed via email (13/04/26) that they were content with a minor colour change.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

DFI Roads had no objection, HED was content, and no representations were received after press advertising and neighbour notification.

“Representations The application has been advertised in the local press (13.02.26) and neighbour notified (06.02.26). No representations were received.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The Principal Planning Officer summarised the application and explained the main considerations for the committee.

What members considered

The key considerations were the listed building setting, consultees’ responses and the absence of third-party representations.

“The Principal Planning Officer provided the Committee with a summary of the application and explained that the key areas for consideration were that the application site was within the grounds of a Listed Building, DfI Roads and the Historic Environment Division had offered no objections and no third-party representations had been received.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions, with delegated authority for non-substantive wording and related 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 issues that might arise, provided that they were not substantive.”

Minutes