THE development of a former police station in north Belfast for housing has been approved.
Environment minister Mark H Durkan, pictured, gave permission for 26 new houses at North Queen Street.
Housing campaigner Frank Dempsey last night said the decision would be warmly welcomed by people living in the area.
"Although we have campaigned for leisure facilities in north Belfast which are still lacking we are also housing campaigners and any housing is welcome," he said.
The 26 two-storey houses will be built by Apex Housing after the vacant police buildings and security fencing are demolished.
Despite welcoming the project, the housing campaigner accused the Department of Environment of failing to back residents in their fight to secure a social housing site at nearby Frederick Street which will instead be used to build a multi-storey car park for University of Ulster staff.
Mr Durkan said the new housing site will benefit the district.
"This is a boost for north Belfast. It will deliver 26 homes in an area of high housing need and bring construction jobs in the short term," he said.
"The proposal will revitalise and enhance an historic area of the city, meaning that people can both live in and enjoy this attractive area."
The minister said the upcoming work will be sympathetic to the history of the district.
"The application includes a tree lined boulevard to the front of the site adjacent to North Queen Street which will create an attractive streets-cape when approaching Clifton House," he said.
"This will protect yet enhance this historically significant area."