Façade lighting at Ulster Hall, Belfast

The site

The Ulster Hall is a Grade A listed entertainment venue in Belfast city centre’s Linen Conservation Area.

“The site is located within Belfast City Centre and falls within the designated Linen Conservation Area. The Ulster Hall is a Grade A Listed Building, which is of special architectural or historic interest and is protected by Section 80 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. It is currently in use as an entertainment venue.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the proposal acceptable and recommended granting listed building consent because the building’s historic and architectural integrity would be safeguarded.

“Policy BH1 of the Plan strategy sets out the policy context for considering proposals to alter Listed Buildings: f. The works preserve, restore and complement the building’s features of special architectural or historical importance to ensure the existing building remains intact and unimpaired; g. The design respects the essential character of the existing building and/or setting; h.”

“Having regard to the development plan and other material considerations, the pro- posal is considered acceptable. It is recommended that Listed Building Consent is granted.”

Officer report

Consultation response

The Historic Environment Division raised no objection, subject to conditions requiring further design and protection details.

“Consultations Department for Communities; Historic Environment Division (HED) was consulted on the proposal. HED met with the applicant team at this building on several occasions to review the location and implications of the installation. HED notes the lighting will be variable under the client requirements, to include light levels and light colours. HED offer no objection to the proposed works, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Public representations

The application was advertised and no representations were received.

“Representations The application has been advertised on the 9 th January 2025 in line with the Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015. No representations were received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer summarised the application and explained the consultation response and recommendation.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted listed building consent subject to conditions and delegated authority to finalise the conditions and other non-substantive matters.

“The Committee granted listed building consent, 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