Northern Ireland round-up: Green light for 266 new homes as Mid Ulster committee meets again; Belfast aparthotel blocked over sewage issue

Green light for 266 new homes as Mid Ulster committee meets again

Proposals for more than 260 new homes were approved this week at the first meeting of Mid Ulster District Council’s planning committee since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

The Planner

RTPI launches online conference

The RTPI has launched the Planner Live Online, a series of digital sessions that will highlight planning’s role in post-pandemic recovery.

The Planner

Guidance published for planner apprentices

The RTPI has launched a ‘comprehensive’ resource centre for planning apprentices aiming to gain chartered status.

The Planner

Belfast aparthotel blocked over sewage issue

The city council has refused a proposal for an 87-bedroom aparthotel providing serviced flats and business and live/work studios, earmarked for a site on Belfast’s Apollo Road, because of insufficient waste-water treatment capacity locally and nature conservation issues. 

Belfast City Council

Sperrin mountain activities plan

Mid Ulster District Council is proposing a further investment in its Davagh outdoor activity centre in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. It would involve more mountain bike trails, routes and jumps.

Mid-Ulster Mail

Newtonabbey play provision plea

The property developer behind proposals for 23 new dwellings on land next to Glenavna in Newtonabbey has been asked to improve facilities at Abbey Glen play park rather than provide new facilities at the housing site. 

Belfast Live

Larne drive-thru Mac nears

Subject to planning approval, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is backing proposals from fast-food giant McDonald’s for a drive-thru restaurant at the former Ramp Lorry car park in Larne, County Antrim. 

Mid &East Antrim Borough Council

Derry walkabout and bike initiative

Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon has announced the implementation of new walking and cycling measures along the riverfront in Derry City.

Northern Ireland Executive

Post-lockdown capital will be bustling but different

Belfast will emerge from lockdown as a “different but bustling city” with an emphasis on sustainability and investment in opening public spaces, according to Suzanne Wylie, chief executive of the city council.

Belfast Telegraph

Green stats published

Latest environmental statistics compiled by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs highlight some deterioration in the winter pollution of rivers but improvement in air pollution and biodiversity in respect of both terrestrial and marine protected areas.

Northern Ireland Executive

Appeals commission issues update

The Planning Appeals Commission has announced that having concentrated initially on new appeals, it is now able to write to parties setting out revised arrangements for the submission of evidence on cases already under consideration by the commission when the pandemic was declared.

Planning Appeals Commission

Replacement Carrickfergus college proposed

Proposals to replace Ulida Integrated College in Carrickfergus with a new institution designed to cater for 700 students, which would be built on land in the front of the existing school, have been submitted to Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.  

Insider Media

Green power surge

During the year ending March 2020 nearly 47 per cent of electricity demand in the province was met from renewable power produced in Northern Ireland, according to latest official statistics noting that wind farms accounted for most of the energy supplied.

Northern Ireland Executive