A proposal for a new residential development at the site of a Dunmurry bar in West Belfast is facing criticism from locals.
John Hughes, owner of Beckett’s Bar, has given a pre-application notice for a proposed residential development with recreational/gym facilities, a relocated public bar, parking and associated landscaping at 242 Stewartstown Road, Killeaton, Dunmurry, BT17.
A public consultation event was held on May 18 by the applicant to present initial outline proposals. They involve the creation of 70 apartments, including one and two bedroom units, some of which would be above the newly-built bar, across a number of four-storey blocks on the Beckett’s 0.48 hectare site.
Read more: New Belfast public defibrillator sites named by council
The land backs on to both Housing Executive and private housing on nearby streets including Foxes Glen, Altan Drive and Filbert Drive. Residents who live in privately-owned houses in Foxes Glen have described themselves as “furious” about the development of the apartment block.
Local resident Deirdre Finnegan said: "We strongly disapprove of these plans and will continue to object. The apartments would largely overshadow a sizable number of nearby houses in Foxes Glen, Filbert Drive and Altan area and will be located beside a bar, bookies and a takeaway.
"Seventy apartments in an already overpopulated area will only increase the anti-social behaviour, pollution and traffic congestion and decrease natural light to local housing.
"If anything, local residents need more green space for our children and our elderly to improve their mental health, not to make it worse with the greed of these developers who will simply disappear once the 70 apartments have been built and we will be left with the aftermath of our area becoming even more run down."
Fernmount Trading NI, on behalf of the applicant, stated: “The proposed development takes into account the severe housing need in the general Twinbrook and Lagmore areas. The areas that border the proposed development site, namely the recently extended filling station site and the existing commercial units, together with the high banking at the rear of the site, make it generally unsuitable for traditional two storey housing.
“The height of the proposed development will not have an effect on the light in the existing dwellings and will sympathetically reflect the buildings in their vicinity. A sunlight study has been commissioned to allay the fear of local residents. A properly designed and managed scheme will not in itself lead to increases in antisocial behaviour and the reduction of derelict land will indeed reduce such a risk.
“The developers are keen to continue the discussion with local groups and elected representatives to see what the developers can provide for the local community to increase play provision for local children as they currently have only roadways on which to play, something that is inherently unsafe. The area would also be family friendly and provide a suitable social focal point for the residents, young and old.”
A year ago Beckett’s owners forwarded objections to a planning application for the re-construction of a nearby petrol station and retail unit at 228-232 Stewartstown Road. Elected members at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee went with council officer recommendations and approved the new petrol station, which had suffered fire damage in 2017.
READ NEXT:
West Belfast sewage works approved despite smell and noise concerns
Belfast Council to spend £72,000 on July Twelfth beacons this summer
New West Belfast social housing estate approved despite "being in middle of industrial site"
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
