Residents in North Belfast have cause to celebrate following the recent approval of exciting new walking trails designed to enhance access to our beloved Black Mountain. The plans will create vital links from the Black Mountain Shared Space project building on Ballygomartin Road directly to Upper Whiterock Road and Moyard Parade, opening up fantastic new routes for local communities to enjoy the Belfast Hills and connect with wider path networks. The development will include features like gated accesses, fencing, seated areas, information signage, and landscaping, significantly improving green infrastructure and access to open space for everyone.
This local boost is just one example of the positive impact that 'developer contributions' are having across our city. These are funds or improvements that developers provide as part of their planning permission, ensuring that new projects benefit the wider community. Since 2015, over £4.4 million has been secured to fund environmental and social improvements right across Belfast.
These contributions lead to tangible improvements like new or improved open spaces, better public transport, support for local job initiatives, and commitments to inclusive growth. Recent examples include enhancements at Lenadoon Millennium Park and public realm upgrades around Botanic Studios, adding planters, trees, and shrubs to urban areas.
Between 2020 and 2025 alone, these planning agreements have led to incredible outcomes for our city:
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1,738 affordable homes have been approved, helping to meet the housing needs of many families.
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51 Travel Plans and 44 schemes requiring Travel Cards are actively promoting greener ways to get around, encouraging public transport over single-car use.
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Around 3,860 Belfast Bike Scheme memberships and 33 car club schemes have been facilitated, further boosting sustainable travel options.
Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of the city's Planning Committee, expressed his delight at these achievements. "It's fantastic to see how the planning process is making a real difference in Belfast," he commented. "We’re not only delivering much-needed affordable homes and creating sustainable communities, but we're also making significant strides in promoting green travel to help tackle climate change. Our commitment also extends to fostering inclusive growth by supporting local employability and skills initiatives."
Further good news for local sport includes the approval of ballstop fencing around pitches at Falls Park, Woodland Playing Fields, Dixon Playing Fields, and Clarendon Playing Fields, enhancing safety and enjoyment for users.
Finally, residents are reminded that there’s still time to provide feedback on two important draft masterplans. These plans identify 'Development Opportunity Areas' in the Cathedral and Northeast Quarter of the city centre, and crucially for those in or near North Belfast, the Sailortown, Greater Clarendon and City Quays areas. Your input on these future developments is welcome and the public consultation closes on Thursday 29 January. You can find more details and have your say on the Your Say channel.