Community garden approved for Whiterock area of West Belfast

Belfast City Council planning committee unanimously approved plans to convert unused land at Newhill Youth and Community Centre into a community garden with allotments, wildflower planting, pathways, seating and a pizza/BBQ area. Council officers recommended approval and statutory consultees raised no objections.

A community garden has been approved for the Whiterock area of West Belfast. The Belfast City Council Planning Committee unanimously approved an application from Newhill Youth and Community Centre for works at 261 Whiterock Road. The plan would alter rough ground at the rear and side of the centre to create allotment beds, wildflower and planted areas, improved pathways, a seating area and a pizza and BBQ space. Council officers recommended approval and no statutory consultees objected. Key details: - The planning committee gave unanimous approval for the proposal at 261 Whiterock Road. - The applicant is Newhill Youth and Community Centre. - Proposed features include allotment beds, wildflower planting, new pathways, seating and a pizza/BBQ area. - Council officers recommended approval and statutory consultees raised no objections. - One objector raised concerns about noise, parking and potential damage to fencing; the council report said the proposal is not intended to increase footfall and that Environmental Health offered a condition on noise. - The council report states there will be no change to on-site parking levels and no increase in the number of cars attending the site. Summary: The decision will convert unused open ground at the youth centre into a managed community garden with planting and social spaces while maintaining current parking arrangements. Undetermined at this time.