Overview of Tall Buildings in Belfast

Planning applications for tall buildings within Belfast have notably increased over recent years, with a focus on 'high rise' office schemes to meet business needs that require high quality floorspace within accessible city centre locations, as well as higher density city centre residential opportunities. Coupled with the Local Development Plan (LDP) ambitions in relation to population growth, additional employment opportunities and the sustainable reuse of brownfield sites, these factors will place increased pressure on Belfast City Council's Planning Department to achieve higher density schemes in urban areas. If not managed appropriately, tall buildings can have an adverse impact on the unique qualities of our built environment. However, when handled sensitively, tall buildings can contribute positively to the growth of the city in their sustainable use of land and have the potential to contribute to the densities required for compact city life. Proposals for tall buildings within Belfast will therefore be required to demonstrate that they will not have an adverse impact on their surroundings, particularly in relation to the character, setting and appearance of the city's built heritage assets and will be expected to be of the highest architectural design.