A City Hall decision to reject plans for a Belfast office block has been overturned with concerns over built heritage thrown out.
The Northern Ireland Planning Appeals Commission rejected Council arguments that the development, at the corner of Linenhall Street and Clarence Street, would clash with nearby buildings like the Ulster Hall.
But the PAC, in a lengthy rebuttal which spanned 81 points, concluded that the £10 million seven-storey office block “respects the characteristics of the adjoining buildings in the area”.
The building is planned for an empty space, described in the appeal findings as “a former bomb site [that] has been used as a carpark for over 50 years”.
On the car park, Commissioner Rosemary Daly said: “It is my view that the car park is unsightly and makes a negative contribution to the conservation area. Its removal and replacement with built form would result in an enhancement of its character and appearance.”
And despite Council concerns that the plans were not sympathetic with their surroundings, she added that the “proposed design of the building I consider reflects and respects the character of the setting of the Ulster Hall as it takes reference and follows similar fundamental architectural principles such as scale, height, massing and alignment, and proposes to make use of appropriate
materials”.
The appeal conclusions add: “For these reasons I consider the appeal proposal will not have an adverse affect on the setting of the Ulster Hall. I am also satisfied that the proposal would not have an adverse affect on the setting of the City Hall, St Malachy’s Church, Bryson House, and the BBC Broadcasting House in this area.”
Guildford-based Domus UK’s application involves the demolition of two existing buildings at the corner of Linenhall Street and Clarence Street, to create space for the office building.
In June 2021, officials in Belfast recommended that the city council’s planning committee refuse permission due to the potential impact the development could have on the Linen Quarter conservation area. Officials fears the development would be “over-dominant” to the Ulster Hall and would “interrupt” views of City Hall.
However, in her conclusion published at the end of April, Rosemary Daly stated: “I have found that the existing buildings along both Clarence Street and Linenhall Street and the carpark do not make a positive contribution to character and appearance of the Linen Conservation Area; and that the redevelopment scheme is acceptable in that it provides an opportunity to enhance the character of the conservation.”
Belfast City Council was approached for comment but declined to do so.
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