PLANNING permission for the restoration and conversion of the landmark Crumlin Road Courthouse into a hotel was approved last night by Belfast City Council.
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds welcomed the move, saying so many people "longed" to see the Grade B listed building restored.
The company, Signature Living, made an application for a facility to accomodate 77 bedrooms - while the famous number one court room will be transformed into a tourist attraction.
"My party colleagues and I will continue to support the progress of this project. We look forward to the commencement of restoration work on site," Mr Dodds said.
"We welcome also the establishment by Signature Living of a Community Benefits Forum, which includes representation from community and voluntary sector groups."
