A major new development plan for Belfast has been described as “not fit for purpose” after it emerged it has only earmarked 20 percent social housing for new developments.
The Belfast City Council Local Development Plan was recently endorsed by councillors at the full meeting of the chamber in April, but some elected representatives have called it out for showing unambitious targets for social and affordable housing in the city.
The council plan has been discussed in restricted items, away from the public and press, at committee level for over five years, and has been back and forth to Stormont for prolonged consultation. It is a 15-year plan framework described by the council as a design “to support economic and social needs in the city”.
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While the final paper has yet to go public, councillors in open session have revealed that as part of its housing element the Local Development Plan will guarantee 20 percent social and affordable homes in any new housing development. Up until now developers had no social and affordable housing quota to meet.
People Before Profit Councillor Matt Collins expressed “concern” about the overarching development plan, which he said will “fail to address the housing crisis”.
He said after the full council meeting which signed off the plan: “(it) was a missed opportunity to alleviate the housing crisis. While it is important to ensure developers build social homes, the Local Development Plan does not go far enough. In reality, this will enshrine the right to develop sites where 80 percent of homes are private.
“This key policy framework was largely formulated before 2019. Unfortunately, the housing crisis has gotten significantly worse since then. The Local Development Plan was railroaded through with little scope for amendment by elected representatives.
“The housing crisis is an emergency situation and it requires an emergency response. Our view is that developers should build a minimum of 50 percent social homes. If elected again in May, we will continue to fight for this proposal on behalf of all who are languishing on the housing waiting list.”
The council said: “Belfast City Council’s Local Development Plan Strategy has been agreed for formal adoption on May 2, 2023.
“Since the transfer of planning powers in April 2015, the council has been routinely determining planning applications ranging from modest domestic extensions through to major redevelopment schemes based on the suite of policies and plans that were a legacy from the former Department of the Environment and the Department of Infrastructure.
“The Planning Appeals Commission, in a September 2021 Independent Examination report to the DfI, concluded that Plan Strategy was ‘sound’, subject to some minor amendments. Following further engagement and consultation, the council received the DfI direction to adopt the modified Plan Strategy in March 2023.”
Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Black, said: “The adoption of the Belfast Local Development Plan – Plan Strategy is a significant milestone for Belfast as it represents an important step towards the city formally setting out its own growth strategy and supporting planning policies which will help deliver the ambitions of our community plan, the Belfast Agenda.
“Our Plan Strategy sets out an ambitious but realistic vision for Belfast. The adopted strategy and supplementary documents are now the main documents against which planning applications in Belfast will be assessed. These policies will support the delivery of housing and economic growth alongside measures to address climate change and biodiversity.”
The Belfast Local Development Plan – Plan Strategy and supporting documentation, along with supplementary planning guidance documents, will be available to view at the Planning Service reception during normal public opening hours in Cecil Ward Building, Linenhall Street from May 2 2023. They will also be published from that date here
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