A Parish Hall Makes Way for 43 Social Homes: West Belfast’s Lagmore Plan Goes to Committee

• The plan would replace Christ the Redeemer Parish Hall in Lagmore with 43 social homes
• It includes 23 houses and 20 apartments, mainly for older people
• The Housing Executive reported 784 social homes needed in Outer West Belfast
• 98 objections were received, but officers recommended approval

A Catholic parish hall and surrounding land in west Belfast could be replaced by 43 social homes, according to a report to Belfast City Council’s planning committee in March 2024.

The application from Newpark Developments (NW) Ltd of Dromore, Co Tyrone, covers about one hectare including Christ the Redeemer Parish Hall and land north and west of Christ the Redeemer Church on Lagmore Drive, Dunmurry. The existing buildings would be demolished and replaced with 23 two- and three-bedroom houses, 20 apartments mainly for older people, a children’s play area, parking and landscaping. All units would be social housing.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive confirmed “significant unmet need”, with 784 social homes needed in Outer West Belfast and 770 households in housing stress as of March 2023. The council received 98 objections, raising concerns about traffic, parking, child safety, sewage capacity, privacy and the loss of community facilities used by Girl Guides and after-school childcare.

Officers recommended approval, subject to conditions and a Section 76 planning agreement, including a £27,500 contribution to open space at Twinbrook. The report said the scheme would bring “substantial community benefits” that “decisively outweigh the loss of open space.”

Lagmore shows the trade-off many churches face: a parish hall that hosts community groups, or much-needed social homes. Jamaica’s churches own halls and land in communities with long housing waiting lists. Where a hall is under-used, partnering with a housing developer can meet urgent need, but replacing the community space should be part of the plan.

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