Teaching and student centre at Lands within Ulster University, to the North of Clarence Avenue, adjacent to No. 21 Northland Road and East of 8, 8a

What is proposed

A new multi-storey teaching and student centre would provide teaching, support, café, parking, landscaping, solar panels and a bridge connection.

“1.Description of Proposed Development This application seeks full planning permission for the construction of a Teaching and Student Centre at Ulster University’s Magee Campus, comprising a new multi-storey teaching building with a bridge connection to the existing MM and MU campus buildings.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is an extended gravel-surfaced campus car park within the Magee Conservation Area, beside Northland Road, Rock Road and Clarence Avenue.

“Site and Surrounding Area The application site is located within the Magee Campus of Ulster University. The site is 0.67 Ha and is currently used an extended car park with gravel surfacing, with inter-dispersed areas of vegetation accessed. The site is located on the western edge of the University campus and is Appendix 4”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The relevant site history includes an earlier proposal notification for a teaching and student centre with associated works.

“Relevant Site History LA11/2025/0155/PAN - Proposed development of New Teaching and Student Centre associated with Ulster University, bridge connection and alteration to existing buildings (MM and MU), Solar PV Panels, associated roof plant and machinery, car parking, landscaping, alterations to existing service road & associated site and access works…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal an appropriate university expansion that would enhance education, support the city and respect nearby heritage and residential properties.

“The proposed development forms part of the ongoing expansion of the Ulster University Magee Campus, providing a new Teaching and Student Centre which will accommodate lecture theatres, classrooms, computer laboratories and student support facilities.”

“The proposed Teaching Centre represents an expansion of the existing university facilities and is therefore considered compatible with the established land use of the site. The development will support the continued growth of Ulster University and contribute positively to the educational, economic and cultural role of the city.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees were content or had no objection, subject to conditions covering matters including drainage, wastewater, trees, construction and environmental protection.

“DFI Rivers – Content, subject to conditions relating to the implementation of the approved drainage strategy and management of surface water discharge.”

“Environmental Health - content subject to standard construction and contamination conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee allowed speaking rights to agents and a university representative, who outlined reasons supporting the application.

The committee vote

A member proposed approval, another member seconded it, and the proposal received unanimous support.

“Councillor Jackson commented that the expansion of the university was most welcomed and he was delighted to see the application presented today. Councillor Jackson Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Reilly to support the recommendation to approve the above application. The outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the Proposal. The Committee Resolved to support the recommendation to approve application LA11/2025/0434/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions cover construction management, noise, wastewater, contamination, tree protection, landscaping, sustainable travel and compliance with approved plans.

“In the event that contamination is found, no development other than that required to be carried out as part of an approved scheme of remediation shall take place until the approved remediation scheme has been carried out in accordance with its terms. The Local Planning Authority must be given two weeks written notification of commencement of the remediation scheme works.”

“No retained tree shall be cut down, uprooted or destroyed, or have its roots damaged within the crown spread nor shall arboricultural work or tree surgery won’t take place on any retained tree be topped or lopped other than in accordance with the approved plans and particulars, without the written approval of the Council. Any arboricultural work or tree surgery approval shall be carried out in accordance with the BS 5837:2012 Recommendations for Tree Work.”

Officer report