Loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson given permission to intervene in legal action over controversial bonfire

Judicial review proceedings centre on the annual construction on a site close to an electricity substation which powers two hospitals.

In July last year police declined a request from Belfast City Council to assist in dismantling the bonfire which was believed to pose risks to public health and energy supplies.

At the time it was decided that allowing the pyre to be lit would be less risky than trying to remove it from the site which is just off the Donegall Road.

However, a legal challenge mounted by a local resident remains to be determined.

The resident has brought a case against both the PSNI and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), alleging failures to prevent a large bonfire taking place close to his home.

Eleventh night bonfires are traditionally lit in unionist areas as part of the Twelfth of July celebrations.

Lawyers representing the resident claim the construction in south Belfast is unlawful due to the environmental damage.

According to court papers, it has the capacity to release a volume of asbestos into the air and restrict or stop electricity to the surrounding area.

Fears have also been expressed about the potential risk to electricity supplies for both Belfast City Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital.

The PSNI and DAERA have allegedly failed to put in place a proper policy or protocol for preventing the construction of illegal bonfires, it is contended in the legal action.

Citing breaches of climate change legislation, the resident is seeking a judicial order compelling the authorities to take all necessary steps to stop them being built at the site.

Mr Bryson has now been granted intervenor status in the challenge.

He is expected to oppose the legal challenge due to the potential impact on bonfires being built at various sites across Northern Ireland.

The case has been listed for a hearing at the High Court in Belfast next week.