Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has approved two Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) masterplans identifying 'Development Opportunity Areas' in the city centre's Cathedral and Northeast Quarter, and in Sailortown, Greater Clarendon and City Quays.

The non-statutory SPG is designed to support and clarify policies in the council's Local Development Plan (LDP). It should be read alongside the existing planning framework and will guide developers, communities and local representatives, as well as assist in assessing future planning applications.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council's Planning Committee, said: "This is all about guiding the regeneration of key parts of the city. It's our intention that these SPGs will encourage a greater focus on placemaking and heritage as we seek to attract investment in housing and mixed-use developments to support our Belfast Agenda objectives. They will be material in determining relevant planning applications in both areas and will provide important direction for developers and the wider community about how the Council would like to see these areas developed in the future.

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"These documents have been developed with real care and consideration, taking on board public consultation feedback. They provide a clear and comprehensive masterplan approach to the future development of both the Sailortown, Greater Clarendon and City Quays areas and the Cathedral and Northeast quarter of the city centre – areas which hold great historic significance and exciting potential."

In other decisions, the committee granted permanent change of use for Common Market in Cathedral Quarter from warehouse and offices to a public house and entertainment venue/events space, including a street food market. It also approved plans for a new three-storey Sports Hall, Gymnasium and PE Facility, plus a footbridge linking to an existing GAA playing field at St Mary's Christian Brothers Grammar School on the Glen Road.

For more on the council's Local Development Plan, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ldp.