Northern Ireland round-up: Department for Infrastructure’s inaugural review of planning system gears up; Go-ahead for major Belfast city centre schemes

Department for Infrastructure’s inaugural review of planning system gears up

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed to The Planner that its inaugural review of Northern Ireland’s two-tier planning system, established in 2015, is now under way and should be completed by the close of the current financial year.

The Planner

Called in: Green light for huge stadium project in west Belfast

Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon MLA has recommended planning approval for a new 34,578-capacity stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast.

The Planner

Go-ahead for major Belfast city centre schemes

Three major Belfast city centre projects were granted planning permission at a meeting this week, including proposals for the £60 million regeneration of the Smithfield Market area – one of the most neglected parts of the heart of the capital.

The Planner

Welcome for cross-border commitments

Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon has welcomed the Irish Government’s budget commitment to spend €500 million over the next five years on key cross-border infrastructure projects which should help the Northern Ireland Executive deliver the A5, the Ulster Canal connection from Clones to Upper Lough Erne, the Narrow Water Bridge, and cross-border greenways, in particular the Sligo-Enniskillen greenway (subject to feasibility).

Northern Ireland Executive

Housing funding boost

Alpha Housing has revealed plans to build more than 200 homes across the Province over the next five years after agreeing a £10 million loan facility with Danske Bank.

Insider Media

DfI won’t call in capital aquarium

The Department for Infrastructure has decided not to intervene in Belfast City Council’s decision to approve a £12 million aquarium in the capital, which Ards and North Down Borough Council fears will have implications for the future viability of the council-owned Exploris centre in Portaferry.

Irish News

Derry development design work under way

Communities minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced that design work is to get under way on a new public realm scheme for Harbour Square in Derry that will incorporate new artwork celebrating factory workers.

Derry City & Strabane District Council

Fermanagh fracking rethink

Energy company Tamboran has withdrawn plans to use the controversial fracking method and submitted revised proposals to explore for shale gas in County Fermanagh.

Irish News

Belfast Lidl scheme

German retailer Lidl has acquired a site on Belfast’s busy Boucher Road, where it has plans for a new store that would include a drive-through café.

Irish News

Council to conduct parking strategy survey

Ards and North Down Borough Council is conducting an online survey among residents and businesses as it prepares a new borough-wide car parking strategy.

Ards and North Down Borough Council