The Irish Times

Three Belfast-based conservation organisations have joined together to oppose a major office and residential development which they claim would "dwarf" the listed May Street Presbyterian church, dating from 1829, in the middle of the city. The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, Belfast Civic Trust and Belfast Buildings Preservation Trust say the scheme by Barnabas Ventures would "destroy the integrity" of the building, which is located in a conservation area. The proposals involve demolition of the adjoining church hall, removal of part of the roof of the church and the erection of a six-storey building encompassing it. The church would be flanked by a 19-storey tower of offices and apartments. Calling for the scheme to be rejected, the three heritage organisations said: "These proposals would encase and dwarf one of the city's last remaining classical churches and blatantly ignore listed building and conservation area policy".