Approval has been given for new homes in south Belfast despite concerns the development is in a “green belt” area.
Thirty-three dwellings at the site of the former Belvoir Park Hospital were approved by Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee
Objections had been received against the application from Belvoir Park LLP, London which also includes public open space, an equipped children’s play area and associated development.
The application, including five affordable housing units, involves the restoration of three listed pavilions at the site on Hospital Road.
The application is stage five of a redevelopment of the Belvoir Park Hospital complex, which includes the conversion of listed buildings to residential use.
The committee received 16 objections, highlighting concerns including potential loss of privacy, road safety and potential uncompleted developments “causing an eyesore”.
A council report states: “Whilst the proposal is in conflict with policies that direct new housing to previously developed land within the development limit and protect the countryside, as well as conflict with some other policies in the (local development) plan strategy, this has to be balanced against the benefits of the scheme.
“Primarily, this includes restoration of the three remaining undeveloped listed pavilions, but also the provision of enhanced open space facilities for new and existing residents, provision of social housing and improved connectivity to Ballylesson Road and into and across the adjacent woodland.”
Green councillor Áine Groogan proposed the council reject the proposal.
“I am not convinced a strong enough case has been made that it is of any massive public interest,” she said.
“It is a matter of balance, and I know I am always the one (promoting) listed buildings in the city being maintained, but in terms of balance here, with it being outside the development limit, in an area of natural beauty, this is in the green belt.
“I think it is really dangerous for us to bring this forward in terms of a precedent for development on the greenbelt. In terms of our commitment to biodiversity and climate, the balance hasn’t been struck.”
Her proposal got no seconder, and the application was approved.
Meanwhile, a planning application for an apartment block in the Village area in south Belfast has been approved despite a wave of local objections.
The application by Benmara Property Ltd, Ballyclare is for a 55 apartment five storey residential building in the Gaffikin Street area
The council received 130 representations of objection from local residents, including the Blackstaff Residents Association.
