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Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Victorian house in south Belfast saved from being turned into apartments after campaign victory
A CGI image of the failed development plan at Annadale Avenue A decision made at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee has ended the long running saga of an application for the proposed demolition of the former Bees Knees Nursery at 18 Annadale Avenue, BT7, by Cregagh Developments Ltd, of Grennan Road, Newry. The controversial application involved the demolition of the existing Victorian building for the construction of a residential development consisting of 14 units. That would have involved nine apartments within a three-storey building, and five two storey terraced dwellings, along with associated landscaping and car parking. The applicant submitted viability information regarding various potential options to retain and convert the existing building to other uses, making the case that retention of the existing building was not feasible. Of six options, the applicant said the only viable one was nine apartments and five townhouses. The application had been in the system for over a year and a half, with committee members attending a site visit to the location in March 2024. Some 21 third party objections were made to the council, including one from the MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, Claire Hanna, one from the SDLP MLA for South Belfast, Matthew O'Toole, and one from the Belfast Civic Trust, a charity promoting good architecture in Belfast. There was also an objection from Green Councillor for Lisnasharragh Brian Smyth and two objections from Alliance MLA for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw. Objectors said the demolition of the existing building would have negatively impacted on the Victorian character of the area, would have been a great historical and cultural loss, and would have set a 'sustainable precedent' for the area. They said the residential amenity would have been affected by loss of light and overlooking, arguing the proposed design was overbearing, with a lack of architectural detail. They added there was insufficient parking provision, no disabled spaces, with access to the road being too narrow. Objectors objected to the planned removal of a cherry tree, said local biodiversity would be badly affected, and added that the development would devalue nearby properties. The Stormont Department for Infrastructure Rivers Division and NI Water objected to the proposals. Despite this, council planning officers recommended the plan for approval, with a list of conditions. A previous officer report on the application stated: 'It is a sustainable location with good access to shops, jobs, services, amenities and public transport. The site is considered a suitable location for housing; the proposal would make effective use of previously developed land and is of an appropriate density. 'No affordable housing is provided due to viability. The applicant has submitted a viability assessment which has been independently appraised, which concludes that the proposal is unviable with the inclusion of any affordable housing provision or commuted sum. 'The design, height, scale and massing of the proposed buildings are considered in keeping with the surrounding character and not considered to impact the surrounding listed buildings.' At the August meeting of the council's Planning Committee held this week, the application went to a vote, with only six elected members supporting the application, all from the DUP, while 12 elected members, from Alliance, the SDLP and Sinn Féin, voted against the application. A representative for local residents said at the meeting: 'We are quite concerned about the imposing nature of this build, and how close it is to our border. The southwest facade is quite overbearing, and we are even worried about our mature shrubs. 'It would be so sad to see this beautiful old building demolished. The incredible Victorian gardens at the back, with sweetpea and apple trees, would be turned into a parking lot.' A CGI image of the failed development plan at Annadale Avenue Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? An agent for the developer told the committee: 'Extensive investigations demonstrated that retention was not viable. Additional testing was then documented at the request of the committee, which was also done, and all options were independently verified to be unviable. 'While retention was not viable, the applicants committed to the sustainability principle to salvage materials such as red brick, roof tiles and stone sills for reuse in the proposed development. But importantly, the existing building is not listed, and is not located in the conservation area. A previous proposal for demolition and redevelopment for 14 apartments was granted in 2009.' Alliance Party councillor Tara Brooks said: 'I have sympathy for the applicant, and the situation they find themselves in, but I propose we refuse planning. It does not sit right with me to vote to have this building demolished. 'I understand that it is not listed, and the applicant can go ahead and demolish it anyway, but I cannot in all conscience vote to permit its demolition.' DUP councillor Dean McCullough said: 'The report is pretty clear. We all have aspirational ideas about what we want, but viability is viability. I think this applicant has gone out of their way to do everything they can, within a framework, to make this viable. 'I don't know what else they can do, they have come to this committee time and time again, with amendment after amendment, and are now probably running effectively at a loss.' He said the application was 'competent and sound' and would 'benefit the city'. The committee gave planning officers delegated authority to finalise the precise refusal reasons. Read more
ITV News
09-07-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
Legal action is expected to be launched over a bonfire in south Belfast which has sparked concern. The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires." A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner." Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. "Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
North Wales Chronicle
09-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works. There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not? — Matthew O'Toole (@MatthewOToole2) July 8, 2025 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10-11 in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit ahead of loyal order parades across the region on July 12, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022.
Powys County Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
Legal action is expected to be launched over a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast which has sparked concern. The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works. There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not? — Matthew O'Toole (@MatthewOToole2) July 8, 2025 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10-11 in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit ahead of loyal order parades across the region on July 12, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022.
South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. Fenced-off area warning of asbestos close to a bonfire on Broadway Industrial Estate off Donegall Road in south Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. A Belfast City Council appliance used to remove tyres located close to the bonfire on Broadway Industrial Estate off Donegall Road in south Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works. There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not? — Matthew O'Toole (@MatthewOToole2) July 8, 2025 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' A bonfire on Broadway Industrial Estate off Donegall Road in south Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10-11 in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit ahead of loyal order parades across the region on July 12, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022.
