03/06/2026
๐๏ธ ๐จ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ฏ๐๐ฟ๐ป ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฑ
Following concerns raised by local residents, Matthew Shanks - DUP recently made enquiries with Belfast City Council regarding the long-derelict cottages on Glenburn Road.
In response, Building Control has advised that while the properties are clearly dilapidated and have a negative impact on the appearance of the area, they are not currently considered dangerous under existing legislation. The buildings have been secured and inspections have found that the remaining structures do not pose an immediate risk to public safety.
Unfortunately, the owner of the cottages lives permanently in Jordan and Belfast City Council has explained that current legislation provides very limited options for enforcement in circumstances such as these. While powers exist to deal with dangerous buildings and some dilapidated properties, the Council has advised that legal action is extremely difficult where an owner resides outside the jurisdiction.
The Council has previously attempted to contact the owner, including through correspondence translated into Arabic, but no progress has been made.
Building Control acknowledged that this is a frustrating situation for residents and highlighted the need for stronger legislation to address long-term derelict properties where owners cannot be compelled to take action.
While this update will be disappointing for many residents, we felt it was important to share the current position and provide clarity on why little progress has been made. We will continue to support efforts to secure stronger powers to tackle neglected and derelict sites that affect our community.
