Major redevelopment scheme moves forward

Plans for the residential redevelopment of a major brownfield site in Belfast have moved forward after an outline proposal was recommended for conditional approval.The application relates to a triangular parcel of land which used to be home to the former Mount Gilbert Community College prior to its closureAccessed via Ballymagarry Lane or Lyndhurst Gardens, the 11.5-acre cleared site is largely overgrown.The Education Authority is seeking outline approval for the residential redevelopment of the land, which is surrounded by housing.According to a design and access statement prepared by TSA Planning on behalf of RMI Architects, The Education Authority is seeking to establish the principle of redeveloping the site for alternative uses, so that the site may be sold with the bene?t of outline planning permission.Various uses have been assessed by the design team but it has been established that a residential end use offers the best value for the site.Despite some opposition on grounds including increased traffic and the impact on existing housing in the area, a report to be studied by Belfast councillors next week has recommended the outline application for approval subject to conditions.In making that recommendation, planning officers had given consideration to the principle of residential accommodation on the site; design and layout; road safety and traffic; the impact on residential amenity; the impact on archaeological heritage and landscape; and the issues of contaminated land and flood risk