Planners Defend Demolition Decision

A row over the preservation of an Edwardian building has kicked-off in Belfast.

Campaigners are attempting to block a developer's plans to demolish the structure, located in the heart of the city centre, and replace it with flats.

However, planners have said they will stand over their approval of the project.

Standing on the corner of Queen Street and College Street, planning permission to pull down the 1911 building was granted in June, despite it falling within the Belfast City Centre Conservation Area.

Only one objection was lodged against the proposed nine-storey apartment development, which will take its place in the skyline.

Carlisle Property Developments Ltd, which is behind the plans, said the scheme will include 69 new apartments, street level shops and an underground car park.

The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society has called for a judicial review of the planning permission.

Rita Harkin, from the society, said she was not worried by the initial planning application, assuming it would be "an open and shut case".

According to Ms Harkin, a conservation officer employed within the DOE argued for the building to be saved, stating that the old warehouse "makes a significant material contribution to the architectural and historic interest/character of the area."

Some elements of the historic building will be retained by the developers, who plan to keep the original door and corner turret.

According to the Planning Service, proposals for an eight-storey scheme was approved over 10 years ago, just weeks after the Conservation Area was designated.

A Planning Service spokesperson said the conservation area would therefore "have been made in the knowledge that the Athletic Stores building was about to be granted permission to be demolished and replaced".

A spokesman told the BBC: "The previous approval, the structural condition of the building and the quality of the building to be constructed are important material considerations in the decision to grant planning permission."

The Planning Service also said it was "content that it made the correct decision", and is prepared to defend its position should a judicial review be brought forward.

(PR/KMcA)