By Michael Kenwood

Copyright belfastlive

A social housing plan for 20 houses and six apartments involving the redevelopment of listed buildings in East Belfast has been roundly welcomed by councillors, despite local objections. Elected representatives at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee unanimously approved an application for the redevelopment of listed buildings and derelict lands at 34-36 The Mount, BT5. The application, by Barry Smith, of Parkgate Property Developments Ltd, Dromore, is for 20 townhouses and six apartments with associated landscaping, parking and site works. READ MORE: Belfast Council officials admit they don’t have the money for lighting parks for 24 hour opening READ MORE: Free online guide launched for students renting houses in Belfast Works will involve the restoration of external features with a new rear projection to 34 The Mount and new partitioning walls in both buildings to facilitate use for six apartments. The development will be 100 percent social housing and the applicant states work will begin at the latest by this November. 34-36 The Mount was constructed in the 1860’s, along with the surrounding houses of The Mount Square, now demolished. The Mount Square was constructed around 1860 on the site of Mount Pottinger, a former gentleman’s residence belonging to the Pottinger family. Nos. 32 – 36 The Mount represents the oldest examples of terraced housing in the townland of Ballymacarrett, which is characterised by redbrick terraces constructed from the mid-to-late 1800s. The council received three objections and one “non-committal” representation regardnig the application. The main concerns raised included issues around limited parking facilities, traffic congestion, loss of privacy and light, noise and potential damage to other close properties. Objectors said there would be plumbing and sewage issues, and pointed out that the site is a nesting ground for bats and other wildlife. None of the statutory bodies involved in planning applications voiced any objections, subject to conditions. Council officers recommended the plan for approval. The planning report states: “The proposal is not considered to adversely impact the character and appearance of the area or the amenity of neighbouring properties. (It) will secure the restoration of a derelict listed building which will bring a positive benefit to the site and locality. The proposal is acceptable in terms of density, design, housing mix, amenity provisions and parking.” At the September meeting of the Belfast City Council Planning Committee, held this week, a planning official told the chamber: “The application is for 100 percent social housing, which is obviously very welcome, and supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, given the significant unmet need in the area. “The listed building would be renovated, it is a building at critical risk in terms of its condition, and that is clearly welcome. There is no objection from the Historic Environment Division (at the Stormont Department for Communities.)” DUP Councillor Sammy Douglas said: “This area was probably one of the most sought after areas in the whole of inner East Belfast. As a result of the Troubles, it declined in many ways. “I have had a number of residents contacting us, saying we had to do something about that area, to tidy it up. So this is good news for the area, and I want to thank the people who will be developing it. It is a brilliant scheme.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter