Local councillor asks if there was “demand” in the area for new office blocks

A £36million plan by a Translink-related company to develop an eight-storey office building at the Lanyon Place Station car park site has been approved.

Elected representatives at the March meeting of the Belfast City Council Planning Committee (March 10) unanimously approved an application for the erection of an eight storey building, comprising seven floors of grade A office accommodation, and ground floor retail and business units, on the surface level car park at lands to the east of Lanyon Place Station, Mays Meadow, BT1.

While the plan means the end of the station car park, the application involves 15 car parking spaces for the new building, with new cycle parking and plant areas. The plan also involves public realm improvements, including a dedicated drop-off area to the front of the proposed building.

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The applicant name and address is Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, 22 Great Victoria Street.

While the council received no third party objections after neighbour notification, last year there were reports from some media outlets that a survey had revealed 80 percent of respondents were against the Translink plan. The reports added Stormont officials at the Department for Infrastructure also expressed reservations, saying the plans didn’t have enough detail.

Locals reportedly expressed fears that with only 15 car spaces for an eight storey office block, the new workforce would use their residential area as a car park. Council planning officers however recommended the application for approval.

The officer Planning report states: “The site is within the city centre and is a highly sustainable location for new office development. The proposal would provide office, retail and business accommodation which would have a positive impact in terms of investment and economic activity.

“NI Water offered an objection to the proposal indicating network capacity issues. However, it is considered unreasonable to withhold planning permission on those grounds as an appropriate planning condition can be imposed restricting development until a satisfactory agreement is reached with NIW.

“The council’s Environmental Health service and Urban Design Officer raise no objections. There is an outstanding response from DfI Road Services, however it is considered that the remaining issues will be overcome. Shared Environmental Services and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency have offered no objection to the proposal subject to planning conditions.”

At the council meeting DUP Councillor Sammy Douglas asked representatives for the applicant if there was “a major demand for officer space in the area” when in cities like London “they were converting offices into apartments.”

An agent replied: “At present, there has been an issue in the market generally with all the sectors. The “Best in Class” high quality offices cover about 300,000 square feet in Belfast.”

He added: “In terms of Best in Class buildings, where major investors are looking to invest, this scheme is to catch those requirements in the future. Those high quality buildings are proven to attract more investors, attract more occupiers in the buildings, which are healthier buildings, healthier buildings to live in and are more productive. It retains staff.

“It will be one we will look at for the future, with a five year period of planning permission. When the economic conditions and the demand is right, we will then review the options on the scheme.”

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Private housing was agreed for the Cabin Hill site, while social housing for over 55’s was agreed for the Mount Masonic Hall site

Belfast City Council has given the green light to two new residential developments in east Belfast, on the sites of a former school and masonic lodge.

At the March meeting of the council’s Planning Committee (March 10) elected representatives unanimously approved 35 social housing units over two blocks on land at 45 Park Avenue, on the site of the former Mount Masonic Hall, which was recently demolished

Councillors also approved 53 residential units, that is 43 houses and 10 apartments, on land at the former Cabin Hill site on the Upper Newtownards Road. The decision on Cabin Hill was supposed to be heard last month, but was pushed back after a fire at a building on the site.

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The site is the grounds of the former prep school Cabin Hill, and is partly occupied by several derelict school buildings, including a listed building. The application also involves plans for the creation of access, internal roads, landscaping and associated works. The applicant is Fermac Properties and Tealstone Developments Limited.

It appears that the fire damage was limited to a small area to the rear of the auditorium and did not result in any structural damage to the building.

Council officers recommended the application for approval. The council planning report states: “There is a listed building within the application site boundary (red line), but which is excluded from this proposal. The proposal would result in a loss of a small area of open space, but additional open space is to be provided as part of the scheme.

“As such, the principle of housing at this location is acceptable. The density of the proposal is less than the guidance band but taking account the low density of the surrounding area and the previous permission for conversion of the Listed Building to apartments this is on balance acceptable.

“The overall design, height, scale, massing, layout, and road configuration is considered to be acceptable and compliant with planning policy. There is a Tree Preservation Order on the site, but adequate mitigation measures would be in place to ensure no trees are lost or damaged during the construction phase if planning permission is granted. No affordable housing is proposed on the grounds of viability.”

There were no objections to the proposal from statutory or non-statutory consultees.

Two new social housing blocks for over 55’s were agreed for the site of the former Mount Masonic Hall on land at 45 Park Avenue, off Holywood Road.

The plan involves the erection of 35 social housing units, proposals for associated private, shared, communal, and public space, 29 private car parking spaces, new vehicle and pedestrian access from Park Avenue, improvements to pedestrian steps linking Strandburn Drive to Sydenham Park, and demolition of a garage. The application is by Newpark Homes (NI) Ltd.

Founded in the first century of the 20th century, the building was originally a freemason’s lodge, and originally situated in open space. It was transformed into the “Tree Tops Hotel” in the 1960s before becoming a Masonic hall again in the late 1980s. The building was recently demolished.

Following advertisement in the local press as well as neighbour notification, three letters of objection were received by the council from local residents.

Locals submitted objections to the original plan, stating the design had “an overbearing scale,” and argued there would be a loss of privacy and daylight as well as overshadowing. Objectors raised concerns about a loss of existing views and visual amenity, inappropriate density and overdevelopment. Issues of noise, disruption, and construction impact were also raised.

The applicant forwarded amended plans after engaging with objectors.

The council officer’s Planning report states: “The site is considered a suitable and sustainable location for housing; the proposal would make effective use of previously developed land for residential use in an accessible location.

“The provision of 35 social housing units that respond to local housing needs is welcomed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The proposed access and parking arrangements are acceptable. NI Water objects to the proposal on grounds of insufficient network capacity.”

It adds: “NIHE advises that the surrounding area is predominantly owner occupied, with market housing, and there is a lack of existing social housing in the vicinity, which means the ability to address social housing is limited.

“Due to high need and a lack of available housing sites in this location we believe that this site could provide 100 percent social housing. This would help to address the current imbalance of housing tenures in the locality and would increase the ability to address the housing needs of all.”

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A 34-year-old Cambridgeshire woman died days after Christmas in a crash involving a bus

A Cambridgeshire woman’s car crossed the carriageway for an “unknown reason” before causing a fatal crash, an inquest opening has heard. Emergency services were called to a crash involving a Fiat Punto and single decker bus on the A10 near Ely on Sunday, December 28, 2025, just after midday.

The driver of the Fiat, Karen Marks, 34, from Littleport, died. The inquest into her death was opened by Coroner David Heming at Vantage House in Huntingdon on Tuesday (March 10).

The inquest heard Karen was travelling north on the A10 at around 12.25pm on December 28. Coroner Heming said that for an “unknown reason”, she “crossed the carriageway” in her car, colliding with the bus.

As a result, Karen died of the “injuries sustained in the incident”. A provisional cause of death has not yet been determined due to pending toxicology reports.

The coroner adjourned the inquest for a pre-inquest review hearing on August 5 at Vantage House. Coroner Heming told the inquest there will be a “lot more information to emerge by way of police investigation”.

After her death, Karen’s family paid tribute to her and described her as a “firework”. A family statement said: “Once you met Karen, you would never forget her. She was a very much-loved daughter, mother and sister and touched so many people’s lives.”

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From afternoon tea and Sunday lunch to free flowers and sweet treats, there are plenty of ways to make it a memorable Mothering Sunday in Darlington.

Mother’s Day in Darlington town centre

Mothering Sunday falls on March 15, and town centre businesses in Darlington are marking the occasion with a wide range of deals and events across March 13, 14 and 15. Families can enjoy flowers, afternoon teas, giveaways, discounts and unique experiences designed to spoil mums in and around Darlington.

Key Mother’s Day dates in Darlington

• Friday, March 13 – competitions and early-bird offers.
• Saturday, March 14 – free flowers, crafts, special discounts and Mother’s Day experiences.
• Sunday, March 15 – Mothering Sunday, with Sunday lunch and final offers.

Food, drink and afternoon tea offers in Darlington

Darlington cafés, restaurants, and hotels are offering special Mother’s Day menus and treats so families can relax and enjoy time together.

Afternoon tea and Sunday lunch at Bannatyne Hotel

• Bannatyne Hotel, Darlington – Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on March 14 (£24 adult, £12 child).
• Sunday Lunch on March 15 (£32 adult, £16 child).
  These classic Mother’s Day options offer a relaxed setting for families looking for a traditional treat in Darlington.

Special Mother’s Day meal experiences

• Babul’s – A special £20 Mother’s Day meal experience, ideal for families wanting to celebrate over a sit-down meal.
• Sunflower Café, Bucktons Yard – Free daffodils for mums dining on March 14, adding a thoughtful touch to a casual lunch or coffee.

Flowers, gifts and shopping deals for Mother’s Day

Darlington’s independent shops and boutiques are offering discounts, freebies, and unique gifts to help people find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Darlington flower giveaways and thoughtful touches

• Andy’s Candy Bar, 15 Duke Street – Free flowers for children to give their mums on March 14.
• Leggs Fashion, 21 Skinnergate – Free bunches of daffodils for customers on March 14–15.
• Sunflower Café – Free daffodils for mums who dine on March 14.
• Unlocking Treasures, 9 Skinnergate – Handmade felt flower giveaways on March 13–14.

Gift shops and homeware discounts

• Bliss Gifts, 20 Duke Street – 15% off in-store on March 14–15, perfect for Mother’s Day gifts in Darlington.
• Seymours Home, 24 Grange Road – Tiered discounts up to 20% off from March 12–14 on homeware and decor.

The Perfume Shop, Cornmill – 20% off fragrance spends over £60, plus free wrapping and optional personalised ribbon until March 16.

Sweet treats

For mums with a sweet tooth, Darlington’s sweet shops and independent retailers are offering treats and discounts in the run-up to Mother’s Day.

• Andy’s Candy Bar – Free flowers alongside sweets on March 14.
• P&J Sweets, Queen Street Centre – 10% off purchases over £5 on March 14.
• Retro Sweetshop, 36 Priestgate – Free sweet selection for mums on March 14–15.

These Mother’s Day sweet offers in Darlington are ideal for children wanting to choose a small but meaningful gift.

Fashion, books and beauty experiences

From fashion and books to beauty treatments, Darlington town centre has a variety of Mother’s Day ideas beyond the traditional flowers and chocolates.

Fashion and accessories offers

• Leggs Fashion, 21 Skinnergate – Free daffodils for customers on March 14–15.
• Pretty Little Prom, 12 Grange Road – 10% off all purchases on March 14, great for finding a special outfit or accessory.
• Footprints Bookshop, 59 Skinnergate – Free bookmark with a Mother’s Day poem, a charming extra for book-loving mums.

Beauty and pampering in Darlington

• My Brow Expert, 7 Grange Road – ‘Signature Brow Wax & Tint for Two’ with prosecco for £40 total on March 14, ideal for mums and daughters wanting a shared experience.

Family entertainment, competitions and events

Mother’s Day in Darlington isn’t just about shopping – there are competitions, theatre discounts and family-friendly activities to enjoy together.

Competitions and giveaways

• Collectables, Cornmill Centre – Free competition to win a goodie basket worth £100, with the draw taking place on March 13 at 11am.
• DL1 Darlington, Feethams – Mother’s Day Giveaway running via Facebook, offering families the chance to win special treats.
• Queen Street Shopping Centre – Floral bouquet competition as part of their Mother’s Day activities on March 14.

Crafts and family activities

• Queen Street Shopping Centre – Wishing well and crafts from 11am–3pm on March 14, giving children hands-on ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Darlington.
• Unlocking Treasures – Handmade felt flower giveaways add a crafty, personal touch to the celebrations.

Theatre and entertainment deals

Majestic Theatre – Use code MOTHER for 15% off tickets purchased on March 14–15, perfect for gifting a night out or planning a Mother’s Day theatre trip in Darlington.

With so many Mother’s Day offers, events and experiences across March 13, 14 and 15, Darlington town centre is a great place for families looking to treat mums to something special.

From afternoon tea and Sunday lunch to free flowers, sweet treats, beauty experiences and theatre tickets, there are plenty of ways to plan a memorable Mothering Sunday in Darlington.

Julian Alvarez raced clear to score his second and Atleti’s fifth in the second half, before Dominic Solanke smashed home a second for Spurs on an embarrassing evening for interim head coach Igor Tudor, who was left with egg on his face after a bold decision to drop first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who was subbed on for Kinsky inside 17 minutes.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday granted clemency to a man on death row who was scheduled to be executed Thursday even though he did not personally kill anyone.

Ivey commuted Charles “Sonny” Burton’s death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Burton, 75, was convicted of capital murder for the shooting death of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. Another man, Derrick DeBruce, shot Battle after Burton had left the building.

The 1991 murder and legal proceedings

The shooting occurred Aug. 16, 1991, during a robbery at an AutoZone auto parts store in Talladega. Doug Battle, a 34-year-old Army veteran and father of four, was shot and killed after entering the store during the robbery.

Before they went inside, Burton said if anyone caused trouble in the store that he would “take care of it,” according to testimony.

As the robbery was ending, Battle entered the store. He threw his wallet down, got onto the floor and exchanged words with DeBruce. LaJuan McCants, who was 16 at the time, testified that Burton and others had left the store before DeBruce shot Battle in the back.

A jury convicted DeBruce and Burton of capital murder and both were sentenced to death. During closing arguments, a prosecutor argued Burton was “just as guilty as Derrick DeBruce, because he’s there to aid and assist him.” Prosecutors pointed to the statement about handling trouble as evidence that Burton was the robbery leader. Burton’s attorneys have disputed that he was the leader.

DeBruce had his death sentence overturned on appeal after a court agreed that he had ineffective counsel. DeBruce was resentenced to life imprisonment and later died in prison.

Ivey’s reasons for granting clemency

Ivey said she “cannot proceed in good conscience with the execution of Mr. Burton” when the triggerman had his sentence reduced to life imprisonment.

“I believe it would be unjust for one participant in this crime to be executed while the participant who pulled the trigger was not,” Ivey said in a statement. “To be clear, Mr. Burton will not be eligible for parole and will rightfully spend the remainder of his life behind bars for his role in the robbery that led to the murder of Doug Battle. He will now receive the same punishment as the triggerman.”

It is only the second time the Republican governor, who has presided over 25 executions, has granted clemency to a person on death row.

“The murder of Doug Battle was a senseless and tragic crime, and this decision does not diminish the profound loss felt by the Battle family. I pray that they may find peace and closure,” Ivey said.

A mix of praise and criticism

The governor’s decision drew a mix of praise and criticism.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said he was “deeply disappointed” in the action and said he believes Burton’s execution should have gone forward. Marshall said Burton organized the armed robbery that led to Battle’s death. He said “longstanding Alabama law recognizes accomplice liability, as has every judge that has touched this case over three decades.”

“There has never been any doubt that Sonny Burton has Douglas Battle’s blood on his hands,” Marshall said.

Alice Marie Johnson, whom President Donald Trump had tapped last year as his “pardon czar,” praised Ivey. She said the governor “showed what courageous and common sense leadership looks like.”

“By commuting the death sentence of Charles “Sonny” Burton, she ensured that justice — not technicalities — guides the most serious decision a state can make,” Johnson wrote on social media.

Other Republican governors have granted clemency where there were concerns the person scheduled to be executed was the less culpable defendant. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt last year commuted the sentence of Tremane Wood to life, matching the sentence of his brother who confessed to the murder.

What happens next

Burton will be moved off of Alabama’s death row, where he has been imprisoned since 1992. However, it is unclear when that will happen. A spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Corrections did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Burton will spend the rest of his life in prison since he doesn’t have the possibility of parole.

Yasmin Qureshi MP, who represents the Bolton South and Walkden constituency, has previously spoken out against the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which proposes to reduce the number of jury trials, alongside other reforms.

It would see cases with a likely sentence of three years or less being heard by a single crown court judge, and magistrates’ courts taking on cases with a likely sentence of up to two years.

Justice Secretary, David Lammy, says that the measures are being taken to reduce the court backlog.

But critics of the bill say that jury trials are a “fundamental part of our constitutional system”.

MPs voted on the bill this evening, March 10, but a debate on it was held beforehand.

Yasmin Qureshi MP speaking in the House of Commons today (Image: Parliament TV)

Speaking during the debate, Ms Qureshi said: “A substantial part of my career as a prosecutor was spent as a designated child and sexual abuse specialist and rape specialist.

“I worked closely with victims, witnesses and families affected by these traumatic offences.

“If I believed that the abolition of jury trials would generally allow these cases to be heard more quickly, I would support it, but I don’t.”

She added: “There are real reforms that could be done which could address the delay.

“The first and foremost is the Labour Party’s commitment to have specialist rape courts, properly funded, and I know that lawyers and judges will be prepared to sit weekends to tackle those cases through.”

But she added that she supported other parts of the bill, including “the investment in legal aid, the additional sitting days and the funding for our courts”.

Criticism came from other perspectives, including that of Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols, who accused David Lammy of using victims as a “cudgel” to drive through reforms to the court system, speaking of her own experience of being raped.

She said: “In this debate, experiences like mine feel like they’ve been weaponised and are being used for rhetorical misdirection, for what this bill actually is.”

She added: “There is so much that we can be doing for rape victims that isn’t the Lord Chancellor using them as a cudgel to drive through reforms that aren’t directly relevant to them.”

The draft bill was voted through by 304 votes to 203.

Bolton MPs Phil Brickell and Kirith Entwistle voted for it, while Ms Qureshi abstained.

Arne Slot’s 100th match as Liverpool boss ended in defeat as Galatasaray capitalised on a sloppy display to win the first leg of this Champions League last-16 tie 1-0 on a deafening evening in Istanbul.

The Premier League champions arrived in Turkey hoping to kick-start a disappointing second season under the Dutchman, only to return home reeling from their second loss of the campaign at rocking Rams Park.

Liverpool, just like in September’s league phase encounter, fell to a 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray, where the VAR’s intervention, sloppy play and poor decisions meant Mario Lemina’s early goal secured the hosts a first leg advantage.

The midfielder headed home as Slot’s side were caught napping at a corner seven minutes into a frantic, end-to-end first half that saw Florian Wirtz waste chances before and after the opener.

Giorgi Mamardashvili, in for injured Alisson Becker, produced some important saves and Ibrahima Konate was breathing a sigh of relief after Victor Osimhen’s second-half goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

The defender thought he had equalised, only for the VAR to adjudged he had handled to leave Liverpool trailing heading into next Wednesday’s second leg at Anfield.

Konate saw an equaliser ruled out by VAR Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez for handball during a scrum at a second-half corner and Slot does “not think it’s possible so many things can go against us” as they have in their trips to Galatasaray.

The Liverpool boss believes “things will be more normal in a home game for us” after referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s decision-making got under his skin in Turkey, where he felt the atmosphere influenced his performance.

“It’s always very difficult to talk to referees in a situation like that as they’re in communication with VAR so have to listen to what is being said,” Slot said.

“If, if, if it’s correct that the goal was disallowed, which is difficult to judge as I’ve heard different opinions from people, it’s not completely obvious but let’s say that decision is right.

“Then I was even more frustrated about the fact that every free-kick and corner we took if we only look at Galatasaray players the referee already gave a free-kick for Galatasaray.

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“If you then look at how much they pulled on Virgil’s (van Dijk) shirt before the ball hit Ibou’s arm, then it’s safe to say we weren’t the only ones impressed by the atmosphere here today.”

Slot admitted on the eve of the game that the Reds had been taken aback by the ear-splitting Rams Park atmosphere in September, yet they looked unmoved during a sharp start.

Wirtz wasted a great chance from the edge of the box just two minutes in with goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir out of position, but early aggression in attack was undone by tame defending as the hosts threatened for the first time.

Gabriel Sara’s deep corner was all too easily directed back across goal by Osimhen for Lemina to throw himself at the ball and head home.

Osimhen nodded wide as Galatasaray sought a quickfire second as an entertainingly relentless half developed.

Unmarshalled Wirtz wasted another excellent chance when striking into the ground and straight at Cakir, before Konate went close and back-up Mamardashvili produced a pair of fine stops at the other end.

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An awkward Noa Lang cross was sneaking home until the intervention of the Georgia international, who would soon deny Davinson Sanchez’s powerful header.

Osimhen struck a snapshot over after a Konate error and Slot’s frustration was visible on the touchline as the first half concluded.

Dominik Szoboszlai stung the palms as Liverpool returned from the break rejuvenated, with Alexis Mac Allister striking just wide after a long throw-in.

Szoboszlai whipped narrowly wide from 20 yards, but the Reds nearly went further behind in the 62nd minute.

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Konate’s errors saw him left helplessly watching Osimhen turn in a cross he failed to clear, only for offside against Baris Alper Yilmaz in the build-up to see it ruled out.

Hugo Ekitike seemed set to capitalise on that let-off four minutes later when bursting through to get away a near post shot that Cakir superbly saved.

Liverpool looked to have finally eked out an equaliser in the 70th minute when Szoboszlai’s corner went in off Konate during a scrum, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball after a VAR check.

Cakir had to be alert when Sanchez directed substitute Andy Robertson’s cross at goal, with Ekitike heading over and Cody Gakpo slamming wide near the end.

A postal bus caught fire in Kerzers, Fribourg, with six people killed and five injured in the horror blaze

Several people have lost their lives and others left injured following reports a man set himself alight aboard a bus.

A postal bus erupted in flames in Kerzers, Fribourg, during an incident now under investigation by local authorities. The blaze broke out moments before the vehicle reached its final destination on Murtenstrasse.

Six fatalities have been confirmed by local police, with five further individuals sustaining injuries – amongst them someone who attempted to intervene. Those who perished have yet to be formally identified.

Witnesses speaking to journalists suggested the inferno may have been deliberately ignited by a man who set fire to himself whilst inside the bus.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in considerable numbers, though firefighters discovered little more than a blackened wreck upon arrival. Footage and images captured by onlookers reveal towering flames reaching several metres skyward, vast clouds of smoke billowing across the landscape, and feathers from incinerated down jackets scattered throughout the vicinity.

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