'Important step': Northern Ireland developer begins planning process for 170 social-led homes in Belfast
Lotus Property begins public consultation on proposed residential-led scheme for Library Street as it looks to help tackle the city's housing shortage
One of Northern Ireland’s leading developers Lotus Property has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Belfast City Council for its one-acre site on Library Street.
This marks an important early stage in the planning process and initiates formal community consultation ahead of the submission of a full planning application.
The site was previously earmarked for student accommodation by former owners. However, Lotus Property is now proposing a residential-led development, further expanding the company's investment in the living sector and helping to address Belfast's growing housing needs.
The proposed development will provide 170 affordable housing units, comprising: 32 one-bedroom apartments, 126 two-bedroom apartments
and 12 three-bedroom apartments.
All apartments will feature private balconies, while residents will also benefit from open shared amenity spaces designed to support community living.
The proposal comes at a time of significant housing demand across Northern Ireland, with approximately 46,000 households currently on the social housing waiting list and new housing completions remaining at historically low levels. Lotus Property aims to help address this unmet demand by bringing forward much-needed homes in the heart of Belfast city centre.
Michael McCafferty, investment director at Lotus Property, said: "Submitting the Proposal of Application Notice is an important step in progressing our plans for Library Street and demonstrates our commitment to bringing this city centre site forward for much-needed housing.
"We believe this development has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to addressing housing need while creating a sustainable and attractive residential community in Belfast."
Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, said: "This is an important milestone for Library Street and for our wider ambition to deliver high-quality residential development in Belfast city centre.
"We will now begin a formal conversation with the local community, stakeholders, and Belfast City Council about how this site can be transformed to meet one of the city's most pressing needs. We look forward to engaging with all interested parties as our proposals develop."
The public consultation will take place on September 15, 3-7pm, The MAC, 10 Exchange St West, Belfast