Planning Reference Number: LA04/2020/0804/F

The subject lands form part of the wider Glenmona mixed use planning approval, which was granted on 10th March 2021. The overall permission comprised:

“Proposed major mixed-use development comprising 653 residential dwellings (549 social housing units and 104 affordable housing units); 2 replacement residential care homes; mixed use area including local neighbourhood retail centre (1 convenience retail anchor unit and 3 retail/hot food/coffee shop units and hotel; Class B business uses within employment zone comprising a mix of 6 Class B1a offices; 1 Class B1b/B1c call centre and R&D office; and 11 Class B1b/B1c/B2 call centre and R&D offices/light industrial units.; community facilities including community building; MUGA pitch and play area. Development includes 2 vehicular site access points from Monagh By-Pass (1 signalised), associated internal road network, pedestrian and cycle ways, public open space, children’s play area(s), landscaping, 2 no. waste water treatment works, and all other site and access works (amended scheme)”

Within the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (2015), the lands form part of the wider Monagh Bypass / Upper Springfield Road Mixed Use zoning (Ref: BT 002).

The subject lands were approved as an employment zone including:

• 6 Class B1a offices;
• 1 Class B1b/B1c call centre and R&D office; and
• 11 Class B1b/B1c/B2 call centre and R&D offices/light industrial units
• Electric vehicle charging access for all properties

Unfortunately, the lands have been unsuccessfully marketed for employment development and as such the subject proposals replace part of the employment zone with 36 no. apartments and provides for a scaled back employment area of 7 no. units.

Application A comprises 36 no. Category 1 (Over 55’s) Social Housing Apartments within 2 no. apartment blocks, replacing part of the previously approved employment zone.

It is envisaged that residential development is the most appropriate solution for the lands, ensuring that the prominent site does not lay vacant in the long term, complementing the wider residential development and contributing additional housing in an area of acute housing need. There are 4 no. wheelchair units included as part of the proposal.

The residential layout includes for a vehicular access into a private parking court; pedestrian access from the main spine roadl landscaping and open space; and private amenity areas.

The proposals comprise an amendment to the previous employment zone, providing for 7 no. Class B1/Class B2 Business/Light Industrial Units. The proposals will include for a separate access to the apartment development and a dedicated parking area.