Outline planning permission is being sought for the development of a new retirement living complex in East Belfast.

Summerhill Retirement Developments Ltd submitted the application for the complex located at lands at 587 Upper Newtownards Road which is occupied by the Stormont Hotel.

The proposals will include:

• new standalone buildings to provide independent living / "over 55's" apartments, and assisted living apartments

• the conversion and change of use of the existing hotel accommodation to provide a high quality care home

• the conversion and extension of the existing conference facility to provide medical and healthcare related facilities.

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The underpinning vision of the proposals is to create a shared site that provides the over 55's population in East Belfast, and beyond, accommodation, health and medical services within an existing neighbourhood context.

Summerhill's interest in the site, which is currently occupied by the Stormont Hotel (owned and operated by the Hastings Hotels Group), is to submit an outline planning application. An outline planning application is being undertaken as part of a speculative due diligence procedure to understand the site’s feasibility and long-term investment potential for retirement and healthcare uses.

As this is a speculative planning exercise on third party lands, there is no immediate impact on the operations of the hotel or any existing or incoming accommodation bookings.

Subject to planning permission being granted for the outline application and the results of the wider due diligence process, each component of the outline proposals would be subject to individual reserved matters applications.