Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has approved two new residential developments in west Belfast alongside permission for a new Lidl store in Dunmurry.

One scheme, on lands near the Monagh By-pass, is a mixed-use project comprising two three-storey apartment blocks providing 36 social homes, plus seven business/light industrial units. The site lies adjacent and south-west of the Monagh By-pass and north-west of Black Ridge Gardens.

The second planning approval covers 29 dwellings with car parking, landscaping and communal amenity space on lands north of Barnfield Road and south of Mount Eagles Avenue. Six of these homes are to be delivered as affordable housing.

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Members also signed off the demolition of existing commercial units at Kingsway, Dunmurry, to make way for a new 2,300 sqm Lidl food store. The site is currently occupied by a supermarket (Tesco) and five smaller retail units with parking to the front and rear, with the application including a revised car park layout, amended access on Dunmurry Lane, landscaping and associated site works.

Separately, approval was granted for alterations and refurbishment of the former City of Belfast School of Music building at Donegall Pass.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of council's Planning Committee, said: "Our Planning Committee has approved two new housing developments or 65 new homes for residents in the city and a new Lidl store which will support jobs in the area and provide choice for people.

"This meets the objectives of our Community Plan, the Belfast Agenda, in providing much needed housing and accommodation, as well as, supporting our economy."

Further details on the council's Planning Service and Planning Committee are available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/planning.