The long-empty HMRC building on the Hillsborough Road in Lisburn has been given planning permission to be replaced by a housing development of 30 homes, the council planning committee confirmed this week.
Vacant site to become mixed housing
Members of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to approve an application from Bangor West Ltd to redevelop the Moira House site, which has been closed since 2020 and the subject of repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
An agent acting for the developer told councillors the proposal would deliver a mix of homes for both private sale and affordable housing, and would create a new pedestrian link to the Hillsborough Road. A company spokesperson said the scheme would replace a long-vacant building with “a high-quality development”.
"This development will be for 30 homes for both private sale and affordable housing provision."
Local councillors welcome change at 'gateway' site
SDLP councillor Pat Catney described the location as an “eyesore” and asked how soon work could begin. The agent indicated a timescale of around four to six months, dependent on clearing remaining planning formalities.
DUP councillor James Tinsley said drivers approaching Lisburn would welcome the removal of the derelict building and that redeveloping the entrance toward Sprucefield would be positive for the city.
- Site: Moira House (former HMRC office), Hillsborough Road, Lisburn
- Proposal: 30 homes (private sale and affordable housing)
- Expected start: agent estimated 4–6 months, subject to planning processes
| Current state | Proposed |
|---|---|
| Vacant since 2020; repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour | Residential development: 30 units with pedestrian linkage to Hillsborough Road |
What this means locally
The approval ends a period during which the site has attracted nuisance behaviour and contributed a negative visual impact on a principal route into the city. The split between market and affordable homes will contribute to local housing supply, though the precise tenure mix and phasing will depend on the developer’s next steps and any conditions attached to the consent.
Bangor West Ltd thanked their planning agents and the council for their engagement and said they were looking forward to starting on site. Councillors and residents will now be able to follow progress as pre-construction works and any remaining planning conditions are addressed.
Further details on timescales, the exact breakdown of affordable units and construction phasing can be obtained from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning portal or by contacting the developer’s representatives once pre-commencement approvals are complete.
