Residents in Belfast's Sandy Row area plan a protest against a proposed development by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The rally is scheduled for Friday at 4pm at the Hope Street site, a disused car park near Sandy Row. The plans include at least 60 social homes, mostly flats with potentially as few as six townhouses, plus some private housing.

Community leaders, including Billy Dickson from the Blackstaff Residents Association, argue the scheme will erode the area's traditional working-class unionist character. They call for modern terraced houses suitable for young families that fit Sandy Row's existing ethos. Dickson described the protest as the first shot across the bows in a longer campaign.

Dickson criticised the plans for lacking family housing and treating the site as city centre rather than part of Sandy Row. He noted historical delays, with the site cleared decades ago for housing that was never built despite promises. Past regeneration efforts left vacant sites and unfulfilled commitments, he stated.

The Housing Executive describes the Hope Street project as a housing-led, sustainable scheme that integrates with surroundings, enhances the local economy, and provides varied housing options. The organisation has held drop-in consultation sessions with residents.

Dickson hopes the rally will mobilise the community for collective action.