A derelict tax office in Lisburn is to be replaced by 30 new homes after planning permission was granted by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

The site on Hillsborough Road, known as Moira House, previously housed an HMRC office that closed in 2020. Since then it has been vacant and has attracted anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

The developer, Bangor West Ltd, will deliver a mixture of homes for private sale and affordable housing. The plans also include a new pedestrian link to Hillsborough Road.

SDLP councillor Pat Catney told the planning committee that the site had been an eyesore for years. He noted that it sits at a main gateway into Lisburn and welcomed the prospect of development.

DUP Alderman James Tinsley said the public would be pleased to see the site improved. He added that the scheme would tidy up the entrance to the city from the Sprucefield direction.

A representative of the developer indicated that work could begin on site within four to six months, depending on the planning process.

Bangor West Ltd said it was pleased with the approval and looked forward to starting work on what it described as a high-quality development that would do the area proud.