Highfield Community Centre to get new green space

Michael Kenwood
·2-min read
Google Street View of Highfield Community Centre with steps up to single storey red brick building
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A new community garden has been approved for a Belfast community centre.

Elected members at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee have approved the facility for green space adjacent to Highfield Community Centre, at High Green, close to West Circular Road, Belfast BT13.

The plan is for a community garden consisting of level changes, paladin fencing, landscaping, raised planter beds, polytunnels, a container/storage unit, picnic tables and associated works. The applicant is Belfast City Council.

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There will be two picnic tables, three polytunnels of eight metres by three metres, a covered work-space, and planting including a mini orchard, native hedgerows, and native trees.

The council planning report on the application states: “The site is located within the grounds of Highfield Community Centre. Highfield Community centre sits between the Ballygomartin Road and the West Circular Road.

“The scheme is a proposed upgrade to its existing green space which will revitalise the area and provide opportunities for the community. The proposal states that existing boundary trees will be retained and protected as part of the proposal. The proposal also indicates the planting of 22 native trees along with proposed boundary hedging within the site, which is welcomed.”

It adds: “The council are of the opinion that the scheme fosters the protection and enhancement of the landscape and visual character of the area, without adversely impacting on the landscape character and visual amenity; and provides appropriate mitigation measures, including the retention and protection of existing trees and other vegetation and planting of new trees and vegetation.

“Much of the scheme would not be classed as operational development and would therefore be permitted development. The level changes are considered to be acceptable and will make the green space more accessible for all by removing the slope on the green space.

“The siting of the proposal is sympathetic to the special character of the area and there is no adverse impact on natural heritage and biodiversity. The proposal is considered to consist of features with good amenity value, benefitting the local community. The community garden is of good design and does not cause any adverse impact to High Green or the surrounding area.”

It adds: “Good relations are a key factor in improving the quality of everyone in a city. Belfast has been historically known for high levels of neighbourhood segregation. The introduction of the community garden will positively impact citizens within Belfast, as it will offer an inclusive space for everyone.

“The introduction of the community garden will allow different communities to attend classes, demonstrations and events in the garden which will promote good relations and community cohesion between neighbourhoods.”

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