'We have had numerous people, including conservation architects, look through the building and agree that the rear building has little or nothing of architectural merit'
A plan for a luxury hotel at the site of an old listed police station in Belfast City Centre has received a second chance after being stopped at the High Court over concerns about architectural heritage.
21 to 27 Queen Street is a grade B1 listed building. It was constructed between 1860 and 1879. The building was previously used as a police station and prior to that a hospital. It has been vacant since 2000, and is on the 'buildings at risk' register. The applicant acquired the property in 2018. “The reasoning was that it should have been clearer in the assessment of the applications in the original committee report that the building and structures proposed to be demolished at the rear are part of the listed building, and how relevant planning policy relating to demolition of listed buildings had been applied.” The council elected representative’s decision was subsequently quashed by the High Court.
It will have to demonstrate how the proposed structural works will be undertaken, and outline how the listed building will be protected, including foundations and any piling during construction and demolition work. The new-build hotel accommodation shall not be occupied until the retained building has been fully conserved and by written approval of the council in conjunction with HED.
They said the proposal was in conflict with policy relating to listed buildings, and said that the committee report failed to give appropriate weight to council policy regarding the presumption of favour of retaining listed buildings.
DUP SDLP Green Party Belfast City Centre Stormont
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