Northern Ireland

Council rejects plan for apartments at former home of UTV Havelock House

councillors voted unanimously to reject an application to demolish UTV's former home Havelock House on south Belfast's Ormeau Road for the development of 270 `build-to-rent' apartments
councillors voted unanimously to reject an application to demolish UTV's former home Havelock House on south Belfast's Ormeau Road for the development of 270 `build-to-rent' apartments

A major development in west Belfast, including social and affordable housing and a retail and community hub, business park, hotel and care homes was last night given the green light.

The development, which will lie between Monagh By-Pass, Upper Springfield Road and Altnamona Crescent, will see 653 homes built as part of the £95 million mixed use development after being passed by Belfast City Council's Planning committee.

Planning permission was also granted for for 151 apartments beside Quay Gate House at Scrabo Street and two three-storey buildings with 27 apartments overlooking east Belfast's Connswater River.

However councillors voted unanimously to reject an application to demolish UTV's former home Havelock House on south Belfast's Ormeau Road for the development of 270 `build-to-rent' apartments.

It follows a high-profile campaign to protect the landmark building.

Alliance councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown said the nest step "willl be to list" the building.

"Built heritage needs protection," he said.