An application for new sports pitches at Stranmillis College has been withdrawn by Belfast City Council after a flood of local objections.
The college, associated with Queen’s University, had forwarded a proposal to the council’s latest planning committee, and a development management report had originally recommended it for approval.
However the council has stated since the application was “withdrawn by officers in order to enable them to consider issues raised by objectors.”
The proposal from Stranmillis College involved the redevelopment of an existing all-weather playing field to provide a new 3G flood-lit sports pitch, and redevelopment of former tennis courts to provide a new flood-lit multi use games area, also known as a MUGA pitch.
The plans also included pitch-side fencing and ball-stop nets, car parking, landscaping and associated works on land including and adjacent to the existing all-weather sports pitch at the site off Stranmillis Road.
A council report stated 84 objections to the college’s plan were received on a range of issues.
Noise and disturbance impact to existing residents was raised, including “associated emotional distress”, the report noted. Issues of traffic and associated noise at nearby Cleaver Park and Clear Park were raised.
Residents also complained about the proposed floodlighting, the impact on the conservation area, listed buildings and historic parklands around the college, and the impact on flora and fauna. including protected species. Objectors also stated the application “failed to provide up-to-date ecological information.”
The report also referred to a “perception of fear with strangers coming into the area to use the facility.” Residents also complained that there was “inadequate neighbour notification undertaken by the council.”
Despite the objections, the council report stated: “The proposal would not adversely impact on amenity, traffic, heritage assets or flooding.” None of the statutory bodies consulted - including DFI Roads, the Historic Environment Division, NI Water, Rivers Agency, and Environmental Health - raised objections to the proposal.
