Belfast City Cemetery on the Falls Road is to receive an external facelift, the council says.
At Belfast City Council ’s recent Planning Committee, elected members agreed to the removal of the existing three metre high palisade perimeter fence to be replaced with new metal railings and gates with associated lighting.
The council planning report states: “The proposal is to install a new perimeter railing based on traditional detailing along with new lighting. The new boundary railing will replace the existing palisade fence. The railings will be 2.7metre reduced to 2.3metre high at the gates which will be located at the top and bottom of the steps to enable access to the steps during cemetery opening hours.”
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No third-party objections were received by the council from consultees and members of the public. Stormont’s Historic Environment Division were consulted and were content without conditions.
The central steps and vault at Belfast City Cemetery on the Falls are grade B1 listed buildings “of special architectural or historic interest” and protected under the Planning Act (NI) 2011.
The report states: “HED have advised that the proposed fencing replaces an existing, more hostile, arrangement. The latter detracts from the character of the listed asset but is also accepted as a necessary measure at present to prevent further vandalism and, is helping to preserve the structure, which has recently undergone significant conservation-led repairs.
“The proposal as presented in the application is lower in height, set back further from the listed structure and incorporates gates, which will be opened during the day to allow access to the vaults and steps. As such, the proposal will further enable the public to understand, experience and enjoy the significance of the heritage asset.
“The lighting is considered unobtrusive, respectful, and reversible; as such it is also considered appropriate under policy considerations, given the requirement to deter vandalism.”
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