Discussions on plans to change the permitted development rights in two conservation areas in south Belfast are taking place.

Belfast City Council is consulting on proposals in relation to Malone Park and Adelaide Park.

Councillor Matt Garrett, Chair of the Council's Planning Committee, said: "Built heritage designations such as conservation areas provide the city with a strong sense of place, they suggest continuity and stability, provide aesthetically pleasing quality environments, contribute to a high quality of life and thus stimulate economic activity, investment and tourism.

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"To protect the character of the conservation areas, it is important to retain historic period elements such as windows and doors as these reflect the craftsmanship of the period, allow us to read the date of the dwelling, and are often important in terms of the style the original designer intended.

"We are proposing to use Article 4 Directions to further protect the unique and special character and appearance of these areas."

This would mean that planning permission would be needed for the following works:

• alterations to the size of window openings and replacing frames;

• alterations to size of door openings and replacing doors; and

• creation of hardstandings

Cllr Garrett conculded: "This does not mean that the windows and doors cannot be changed, or hardstandings cannot be created, but just that these changes can be managed by applying for planning permission."

(CD/LM)