BELFAST City Cemetery is to receive an external facelift.
Members of Belfast City Council’s planning committee agreed to the removal of the existing three metre high palisade perimeter fence at the Falls Road site and replaced with new metal railings and gates with associated lighting.
No third-party objections were received by the council from consultees and members of the public. Stormont’s Historic Environment Division (HED) were also consulted and were content without conditions.
The central steps and vault at Belfast City Cemetery in the Falls are grade B1 listed buildings "of special architectural or historic interest" and protected under the Planning Act (NI) 2011.
A council planning report also states: "HED have advised that the proposed fencing replaces an existing, more hostile, arrangement.
"The latter detracts from the character of the listed asset but is also accepted as a necessary measure at present to prevent further vandalism and, is helping to preserve the structure, which has recently undergone significant conservation-led repairs.
"The proposal as presented in the application is lower in height, set back further from the listed structure and incorporates gates, which will be opened during the day to allow access to the vaults and steps.
"As such, the proposal will further enable the public to understand, experience and enjoy the significance of the heritage asset.
"The lighting is considered unobtrusive, respectful, and reversible; as such it is also considered appropriate under policy considerations, given the requirement to deter vandalism."
