Belfast City Council is addressing a dispute over a new statue of Bobby Sands erected in Twinbrook without planning permission. The memorial has drawn objections from unionist representatives.

Council discussions continue on the statue's status. Unionist parties, including the DUP and UUP, have criticised the installation for bypassing official processes.

Similar memorials to UDA and UVF paramilitaries exist across Belfast without planning approval. These structures appear on streets in loyalist areas, particularly East Belfast.

The controversy coincides with preparations for Eleventh Night bonfires in Protestant areas. Builders are stacking pallets, tyres, and other materials for the summer ritual.

Bonfires often lack planning permission and raise concerns over amenity, including smoke, noise, and light blockage for nearby residents. Some sites are near hospitals.

Planning rules aim to protect residential comfort and visual quality for current and future residents. Councils prioritise sustainability in development decisions.

Unionist councillors have not commented on bonfire planning issues in their areas despite raising them for the Twinbrook statue.