Go-ahead for £10m office scheme

A £10m office development in Belfast city centre has been green lit by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC).Domus UK is behind the 54,000 sq ft scheme, which is earmarked for land on Linenhall Street that currently houses a number of small commercial units and a surface-level car park.The PAC decision outlined how the proposed office scheme could support and develop the character of the Linen Quarter area and the wider Belfast City Centre.The PAC also accepted that the site, as it currently sits, “does not make a positive contribution to the Conservation Area”, and accordingly granted the demolition of the existing buildings on site.Ian Layford, investment director for Domus UK, said: “We are delighted to receive this positive decision from the PAC which paves the way for work to begin on the site. Domus UK is committed to this project along with the £10m investment that it brings to Belfast as we’re keen to support the continued demand for high-quality office space for in the city.”We have put significant effort into bringing development forward on this site and whilst it was regrettable that we had to seek our permission via a planning appeal, it is positive that we can now move forward with a scheme we view as being transformative for this part of the city centre. We continue to remain committed to progressing further development in Belfast.”Philip Stinson, director at Turley planning consultants, added: “We welcome this decision by the PAC and their recognition that the proposal will enhance the conservation area whilst respecting the setting of Ulster Hall. It will be a great addition to the area transforming a site that has partly lain derelict for 50 years with a high-quality building providing grade A office space.”