Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)·Page 72·7.1.15, 7.1.16
Justification for Policy HOU3 – Regional policy and housing protection
This section explains that regional policy requires sustainable residential development patterns and higher densities, particularly in accessible locations. Given Belfast's significant housing growth target of over 31,000 new homes, the policy protects existing housing stock from inappropriate conversion or redevelopment.
Regional policy seeks to manage housing growth to achieve sustainable patterns of residential development and to support urban (and rural) renaissance. It also calls for the delivery of higher densities. Policy HOU1 outlines the requirement for over 31,000 new homes in Belfast over the plan period to meet housing need and, given this significant growth target, it is necessary to also protect existing housing stock in the city.
This policy therefore seeks to restrict the type of non-residential proposals permitted in established residential areas and areas where higher density residential accommodation is appropriate, such as highly accessible locations fronting onto city corridors.
Source — /Users/richardhill/Documents/planning-arch-project/data/documents/belfast/LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023).pdf