Environment Minister Alex Attwood has launched a Design Guide for Malone Conservation Area which will protect the area's special architectural and historic character.

The design guide also changes the boundary of the Conservation Area as originally designated in 2000. The Conservation Area now includes additional areas along the northern and southern boundaries (principally Wellington Park and Wellesley Avenue and part of the Harberton and Shrewsbury area).

Areas have also been excluded to the east of the current Conservation Area, i.e. the recent Danesfort development, Queen's Elms Estate and grounds at Stranmillis College.

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Mr Attwood explained: "The revised boundary of Malone Conservation Area recognises the distinctive character and importance of the Malone area. It provides a more consolidated area of special architectural and historic interest, removing areas no longer considered worthy of Conservation Area status, and including new areas considered worthy of this status.

"The special quality of the townscape of the re-designated area will be afforded enhanced protection through additional planning controls. The re-designated Conservation Area and the new design guide are evidence of the overall priority being afforded to the unique heritage of the Malone area of Belfast."

Commenting on what the revised boundary and new Design Guide may mean for the future, Alex Attwood said: "The new guide will help protect the city's unique townscapes for future generations. Conservation Area status will introduce control over the demolition of unlisted buildings and help prevent the destruction of trees.

"It also puts an onus on prospective developers to produce a very high standard of design, which respects or enhances the particular qualities of the areas in question. The end result will be enhanced protection for the Malone area."

(CD)