The building was originally built in the 1970’s and is home to the Belfast Metropolitan College (previously the Belfast Institute of Further & Higher Education). It is one of a handful of sites the MET occupy around Belfast but will be vacated in 2011 when the new Metropolitan College opens in the Titanic Quarter.

Planning permission was sought in April 2007 and approved a year later to demolish the existing building and develop a replacement building of up to 70m in height.

In 2011... 

Land south of Franklin Street east of Brunswick street and west of McClintock street

Redevelopment of Belfast Metropolitan College Campus comprising demolition of existing building and erection of a 17no. storey office building including commercial/retail uses (Class A1 & A2) at ground and first floor levels.

Roads Service find the proposal in its current form unacceptable. The following matters require attention:-


1. Roads Service cannot make a comprehensive response to this consultation because:-
a. The Travel Plan (which I understand was lodged with the application) has not been uploaded onto Epic.
b. The Service Management Plan (which I understand was lodged with the application) has not been uploaded onto Epic.
c. The covering letter referring to the above has not been uploaded onto Epic.
2. A parking statement is required which should justify why the parking provision falls short of dBMAP Tran 4 standards. (65 required, 30 provided?)
3. A fully dimensioned engineering drawing is required. This should show, on a random basis, the dimensions of parking spaces and manoeuvring spaces; the widths of surrounding roads and footways, gradient of the access, width of access, visibility splays at the access in accordance with DCAN 15, etc. (This information will contribute to my check for compliance with the RS1 form issued at outline.)
4. Adequate cycle parking is required.

Planning Consultant for Outline Application: Ross Planning
Planning Consultant for Reserved Matters: Turley Associates