Menu
11/01/2010
Court Quashes Demolition Of Belfast Building
A decision to level an historic Victorian building in the centre of Belfast has been quashed by the High Court.
Planners must now reconsider the decision to redevelop the Athletic Stores site on Queen Street, following Judge Treacy's decision.
It was accepted a conservation area architect should have been consulted, and that a report did not include the costs for alternative schemes.
The legal bid to stop the 19th century warehouse from being rebuilt was brought by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, which has welcomed the decision.
Carlisle Property Developments Ltd wants to transform it into a nine-storey complex with 69 apartments, street level shops and basement parking facilities.
The Society challenged the decision to pass the application by claiming Planning Service failed to consider the price of refurbishment work on a building located within the Belfast City Centre Conservation Area.
It also argued the Department of Environment ignored the view of its own conservation officer who concluded that the loss of the warehouse and planned replacement would harm the area.
Lawyers for the Department contended that a surveyors report found the building is now over 110 years old and at the end of its useful life.
However, Mr Justice Treacy was told on Friday that the application to quash the planning permission decisions was no longer being resisted.
A lawyer for the DOE said it was recognised that the conservation area architect should have been consulted, while it was also accepted that the Society had a strong argument over costs for alternative schemes not being prepared.
It was "not obvious" why the strong recommendations of the conservation officer were not followed, the lawyer added.
(NS/GK)
Planners must now reconsider the decision to redevelop the Athletic Stores site on Queen Street, following Judge Treacy's decision.
It was accepted a conservation area architect should have been consulted, and that a report did not include the costs for alternative schemes.
The legal bid to stop the 19th century warehouse from being rebuilt was brought by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, which has welcomed the decision.
Carlisle Property Developments Ltd wants to transform it into a nine-storey complex with 69 apartments, street level shops and basement parking facilities.
The Society challenged the decision to pass the application by claiming Planning Service failed to consider the price of refurbishment work on a building located within the Belfast City Centre Conservation Area.
It also argued the Department of Environment ignored the view of its own conservation officer who concluded that the loss of the warehouse and planned replacement would harm the area.
Lawyers for the Department contended that a surveyors report found the building is now over 110 years old and at the end of its useful life.
However, Mr Justice Treacy was told on Friday that the application to quash the planning permission decisions was no longer being resisted.
A lawyer for the DOE said it was recognised that the conservation area architect should have been consulted, while it was also accepted that the Society had a strong argument over costs for alternative schemes not being prepared.
It was "not obvious" why the strong recommendations of the conservation officer were not followed, the lawyer added.
(NS/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
22 November 2024
Winter's Den: A Festive Wonderland In Belfast City Centre
Belfast city centre is getting ready to spread some festive cheer with the opening of Winter's Den at 2 Royal Avenue. The former Tesco Metro has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering a packed programme of free events and activities for people of all ages.
Winter's Den: A Festive Wonderland In Belfast City Centre
Belfast city centre is getting ready to spread some festive cheer with the opening of Winter's Den at 2 Royal Avenue. The former Tesco Metro has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering a packed programme of free events and activities for people of all ages.
22 November 2024
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
21 November 2024
Man Dies After Bus Fall In Belfast
Detectives are investigating the death of an 80-year-old man who fell from a bus in Belfast. Police have said that they believe the man was travelling on a 2J Translink Metro bus service at around 11:15am on Friday, 08 November, when he suffered a fall as the bus travelled along Royal Avenue, near it's junction with North Street.
Man Dies After Bus Fall In Belfast
Detectives are investigating the death of an 80-year-old man who fell from a bus in Belfast. Police have said that they believe the man was travelling on a 2J Translink Metro bus service at around 11:15am on Friday, 08 November, when he suffered a fall as the bus travelled along Royal Avenue, near it's junction with North Street.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
