Although he previously stepped aside temporarily from his post as the NI Policing Board Chairman - as police investigated allegations of wrongful practice - Big Picture Developments Ltd director Barry Gilligan has been given the go-ahead to build apartments at a controversial Nelson Street site in the north side of Belfast city centre.

Originally, the land had been designated for social housing, but under the conditions of the planning approval, 20% of the apartments will instead be designated for social housing.

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It was said that Mr Gilligan acquired the site in controversial circumstances having originally been asked to offer advice to a community group, which wanted to build 66 social housing units on the site.

In March 2010, the NI Housing Executive asked police to investigate its involvement with the Nelson Street site.

Last year, Mr Gilligan, who denied any wrongdoing, said he would not resume his role at the Policing Board until a police investigation had ended.

The new development at Nelson Steet will consist of 238 one and two-bedroomed apartments with 200 parking spaces on ground and first floor levels.

(BMcC/GK)