Residents in North Belfast are calling for a Victorian property to be saved to protect the cultural heritage of the area.
Willowbank House, located at 306 Antrim Road, currently has a planning application in place for demolition of the original building, to allow for fourteen flats to be built.
As the building is located in an Area of Townscape Character, it requires planning permission for full demolition. However, while the planning proposal is still out for public consultation, demolition machinery was spotted at the site early this week.
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As a result, Belfast City Council has said it is currently carrying out an enforcement investigation into an "alleged breach of planning control" at 306 Antrim Road.
Built in 1896 for Thomas M. Moriarty shortly after he was appointed Royal Irish Constabulary Commissioner for Belfast, Willowbank House took its name from a Willow Bank Villa that had stood a few metres westwards. The building was recently considered by Historic Environment Division, but did not meet the criteria for listing.
The red brick Victorian property had in more recent years been the offices for the Northern Ireland Probation Board. The property is currently derelict.
Plans for the site state it will involve "demolition of existing building, and proposed social housing department development comprising of 14 no. apartments." Over 70 objections have been raised to date, covering both the existing building's demolition and the new proposals.
Speaking outside the building, the Green Party's North Belfast representative, Mal O'Hara, said the plans are concerning.
He said: “North Belfast needs quality housing that enhances existing communities. I am concerned this development proposes a significant increase in the number of local dwellings, which will impact the quality of waste amenities for existing residents.
"It's vital we don’t lose our built heritage and that we see the creation of quality homes fit for the long term.”
The current planning proposal for the site suggests there are up to 32 parking spaces available within a 200-meter radius, however locals contend this is not the case. A group of residents in Willowbank Gardens and nearby Rosemount Avenue have been petitioning for a one-way system on the two streets due to traffic congestion and parking issues since 2020.
Willowbank resident David O’Neill said: “Last year three disabled on-street spaces had to be created on this street, which tells you just how difficult residents have found parking near their own homes.
"Our streets are at breaking point with cars, with a risk that emergency vehicles may struggle to get access. If Glider is successful on the Antrim Road, we’re likely to face increased parking pressures owing to the overflow from local businesses. These new plans simply aren’t feasible.”
Residents are concerned, too, that the plans will further erode the built heritage of the area. Carl Hughes from the Restore Glandore ATC Community Group said: “306 Antrim Road may not be protected with listed status, but it falls within an Area of Townscape Character which should mean that demolition is a last resort.
"We know from a recent architect’s survey that this building is structurally sound, and there is an opportunity here for developers to restore the building and create quality homes as other’s have done. Willowbank House one of the oldest detached properties on the Antrim Road.
"It is the first detached victorian property you come across on your way up the Antrim road and therefore its demolition would significantly change the character of the area.”
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said: “Council is currently carrying out an enforcement investigation into an alleged breach of planning control at 306 Antrim Road. As this is a live investigation, we cannot disclose any detailed information.”
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