Demolition work around the Boyne Bridge which has been taking place as part of the Grand Central Station project has been halted over a reported planning issue.
The BBC Nolan Show reported that an investigation into planning concerns around the bridge began last month, having been taken by the Department of Infrastructure – the department which ultimately oversees the station redevelopment project.
In December last year demolition started on the site with diggers moving in to start the removal work which was meant to complete by the end of this month.
The programme revealed a letter dated January 9 from Stormont’s departmental solicitor’s office which confirmed there has been an investigation since early December over non compliance with planning conditions that has led to the halting of the demolition work.
The Boyne Bridge near Sandy Row is being dismantled as part of the redevelopment of the streets around the new Grand Central Station. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
John Anderson, vice chairman from the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, was the one who received the letter following a complaint the body made.
He said he was not surprised by the development and doesn’t believe work will start again anytime soon.
“The letter resulted from a complaint made by us to the Department via our solicitors. The matter actually isn’t complicated the planning condition is very simple. It just says no work is to start until there is a viable traffic plan in place.
“Clearly on the ground that is not the case. Our focus is on protecting built heritage and this bridge is a very important piece of built heritage.
“It also fixes the problem because traffic can continue over the bridge and pedestrians can get direct access from Great Victoria Street to the new station below the bridge without having to cross a road and protected by the rain.”
Belfast’s Boyne Bridge yesterday. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
There had been a series of protests against the removal of the bridge leading up to the work beginning.
In October the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) went to the High Court in a last-minute bid to stop the work starting.
The society contend that the bridge should be preserved due to its importance in the history of Belfast.
However, a judge ruled that the closure of Durham Street could go ahead as planned.
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Mr Anderson added: “Translink have miss sold the need to demolish the bridge right from day one. There was no need to demolish the bridge, the bridge has got nothing to do with the station and the building of the station and the operation of the station.”
In a statement from Translink which was read out on the show, they said: “Enabling work to facilitate the dismantlement of the bridge continues ensuring key elements of the bridge are repurposed in the new civic space Saltwater Square.
“We are working through the planned phases of work while we collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with the complex planning processes. Work to dismantle the bridge will be carried out as quickly as possible.”
Watch: Diggers start to dismantle the Boyne Bridge
In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, a spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said: “Officials have investigated the works which began on the Boyne Bridge last year and the Chief Planner wrote to Translink advising of the investigation.
“DfI officials will continue to process applications to discharge conditions relating to Grand Central Station and are engaging with Translink to discuss the steps which are necessary in order to comply with the relevant planning conditions.”
Local SDLP councillor Carl Whyte told the programme he noted the lack of activity at the site.
“DFI will need to be satisfied there is an adequate traffic management plan in place. Translink need to answer why did the work began without the plan.
“They did say this work will be completed by January now we are towards the end of January. When will it be completed?
“Today’s news is not good, but it was obvious to anyone… there wasn’t a proper traffic management plan. DFI and Translink need to get their heads together. This issue needs solved as quickly as possible.”
Belfast’s Boyne Bridge yesterday. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Translink has been contacted by this newspaper.
The original bridge at the site is believed to have been built in 1611, over what was known as the Blackstaff River.
It was replaced in 1642 by the Great Bridge of Belfast, later known as the Saltwater Bridge.
King William of Orange is said to have crossed the old bridge in June 1690 on his way to the Boyne, while King James II is also thought to have retreated along the same path.
The modern Boyne Bridge was constructed in the 1930s around the remains of the previous crossings.
In a previous statement a Translink spokesperson said the Durham Street area will close for up to 12 months as they “sensitively dismantle the existing 1936 Durham Street/Boyne Bridge to facilitate the safe completion of the first phase of streets works associated with the new station.”