Eight-storey office block, 88 new homes and padel court venue among new Belfast developments given thumbs up

Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee has given the green light this month to two new residential developments in east Belfast.

The first will see the provision of 35 social housing units over two blocks on land at 45 Park Avenue (on the site of the former Mount Masonic Hall).

The second is for the build of 53 residential units (43 dwellings and 10 apartments) on lands at the former Cabin Hill site on the Upper Newtownards Road.

Approval was also granted for short-term let accommodation outside of term time (months of July and August) at student accommodation blocks in York Street and Bradbury Place.

The Planning Committee also approved the erection of a temporary mobile classroom complex at Harberton North Special School on Fortwilliam Park, north Belfast, to facilitate the future refurbishment and extension of the school.

They also gave the green light for the build of an eight-storey grade A office accommodation block, comprising seven floors, with ground floor retail and business units at the site of a car park on lands to the east of Lanyon Place station.

A planning application for the change of use of a vacant warehouse (former Decco building) in Redcar Street to an indoor Padel Court facility with café, changing rooms, and gym was also approved.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, chair of Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee, said: “We have had a range of major and local planning applications through Planning Committee this month which will benefit our residents through the provision of much needed accommodation in our city.

“It is also good news for our school community and parents with the approval for the temporary mobile classroom complex at Harberton North Special School on Fortwilliam Park, to facilitate the future refurbishment of the school, and, for office workers and businesses with the approval of the new grade A office block at Mays Meadow.”