A major new development plan for Belfast has been described as “not fit for purpose” after it emerged it has only earmarked 20 percent social housing for new developments.
The Belfast City Council Local Development Plan was recently endorsed by councillors at the full meeting of the chamber in April, but some elected representatives have called it out for showing unambitious targets for social and affordable housing in the city.
The council plan has been discussed in restricted items, away from the public and press, at committee level for over five years, and has been back and forth to Stormont for prolonged consultation. It is a 15-year plan framework described by the council as a design “to support economic and social needs in the city”.
