Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved two Supplementary Planning Guidance masterplans. These identify development opportunity areas in the city centre's Cathedral and Northeast Quarter, and in Sailortown, Greater Clarendon and City Quays.

The guidance supports policies in the council's Local Development Plan. It provides direction for developers, communities and local representatives on future applications.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, chair of the Planning Committee, stated the masterplans aim to guide regeneration in key city parts. He noted they promote placemaking and heritage to draw investment in housing and mixed-use projects aligned with the Belfast Agenda.

Murphy added the documents incorporate public consultation feedback. They outline development approaches for areas with historic significance.

In separate approvals, the committee permitted a permanent change of use for Common Market in Cathedral Quarter. The site shifts from warehouse and offices to public house, entertainment venue and events space with a street food market.

The committee also greenlit a three-storey sports hall, gymnasium and PE facility at St Mary's Christian Brothers Grammar School on the Glen Road. Plans include a footbridge to an existing GAA playing field.