Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council planning committee unanimously approved plans for 75 homes on the site of the former Charles Hurst Vauxhall showroom on Belfast Road in Lisburn.

Banbridge-based Lotus Homes will construct the development, valued at £20m. It includes 60 homes for social housing and 15 for private rental.

An agent for the applicant stated there is high need for social housing in Lisburn. The project will create 60 construction jobs. Discussions with the Department for Infrastructure addressed road improvements. Talks with NI Water covered sewage solutions.

The Charles Hurst dealership closed its Lisburn showroom in 2024, resulting in 100 job losses.

Councillor Pat Catney welcomed the development on the old Vauxhall site. He expressed hope for similar projects on other brownfield sites like Hilden Mill. He called for cautious operation due to the settled local community.

Alderman Owen Gawith described the project as excellent on a long vacant site.

A council officer noted Lisburn's suitability for such development due to access to schools and medical facilities.