THE developer behind a new £19 million Belfast residential complex has received planning permission for further development in the city.

English property company, Barnett Developments has received the green light from Belfast City Council for a £7 million apartment building beside its recently completed Portland 88 development.

The application, approved by the council's planning committee on Tuesday evening, is for a seven-storey residential development of 38 apartments, with car parking.

The site is located between Ormeau Road and Donegall Pass, adjacent to Portland 88.

Nick Barnett, CEO of Barnett Developments said they are delighted to have received planning approval for their second project in the city and believe it will help to meet growing demand for city centre living.

"This development will bring more high quality accommodation to Belfast city centre. This sends out the right message that Belfast is open for business and that the council will make the right decisions to facilitate the city’s future development," Mr Barnett said.

“This investment, in addition to our nearby scheme Portland 88, reflects our confidence in the market in Belfast and that it will continue to be an attractive place to invest in the future."

"We look forward to playing our part and seeing how Belfast’s potential to attract investment from across the globe continues to grow. Belfast is undoubtedly one of the best cities to buy a home – Barnett work all over the world and we believe that Belfast is on the cusp of huge property growth and demand," he added.

Speaking to The Irish News in September last year, Guil Nascimento, marketing manager at Barnett Developments revealed the firm was in early discussions with planners in relation to the smaller development beside Portland 88. He also said the company had looked at “quite a few” different sites in relation to a third, which could encompass more than 200 apartments.

To date the development has achieved strong sales totalling £7.5m.

Credit : Irish News