Irish authorities declined proposals for constructing multiple thousands of new dwellings
In a move that has raised questions, plans for a significant housing development in Lisburn have been rejected by Stormont's Department for Infrastructure. The proposed development, which was granted by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council in 2021, has been called into question and subsequently rejected due to it being considered contrary to the local development plan and regional policies.
The development, proposed by Neptune Group, includes plans for nearly 1,300 dwellings and 754,000 square feet of commercial floor space. The project also includes the M1 to Knockmore link road, riverside parkland, and ancillary works, with a total investment for the infrastructure of £16m.
The decision to reject the housing development was made under powers laid out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022. The permanent secretary of the department gave full and careful consideration to all material planning matters for both applications.
The Department of Infrastructure's Planning Group has issued a 'notice of opinion' to refuse planning permission for the Blaris development. Notices of Opinion will now issue to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and the applicant.
Elected members of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council have expressed 'extreme disappointment' about the decision to refute the housing plans. They will now take time to consider the contents of the 'notice of opinion' and their next steps.
The rejection of new plans to build homes comes at a time when the housing crisis in Northern Ireland appears to be deepening. According to the latest edition of the Housing Bulletin for January to March 2023, published by the Department of Communities, the number of households presenting to the housing Executive as homeless in Northern Ireland has risen to 4,335, an increase of 8%.
It is not publicly disclosed who the spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure is who made the decision to reject the residential construction plans. The development at Blaris also includes plans for 754,000 square feet of commercial space.
In conclusion, the rejection of a major housing development in Lisburn amidst a housing crisis has sparked debate and disappointment among local council members. The decision, made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022, has raised questions about whether the Irish government should be rejecting such plans during a housing crisis. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to consider the impact this decision may have on the growing number of homeless households in Northern Ireland.
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