Belfast City Council backs latest applications

Hotels and housing developments topped the agenda at the latest meeting of Belfast City Council’s planning committee, with a spate of approvals given.The largest development to receive planning permission was for 70 semi-detached homes and townhouses to be built on lands at Benview Avenue and Benview Park.A 64-home scheme at Station View in Dunmurry was also given the go ahead, as were plans for 22 apartments across three blocks on the site of Dundela Football Club’s former training ground.Meanwhile, 30 more bedrooms are to be added to the Bullitt Hotel after the committee granted permission for the conversion of Annsgate House. This extension will also include a rooftop bar.Amended plans for the conversion of the former War Memorial Building on Waring Street into a hotel were passed.The next stage of the Lagan Gateway project took a step closer, with the granting of planning permission for a boat lock at Stranmillis, while Elmgrove Primary School is also set to be extended.