A new connecting greenway along the River Lagan in South Belfast has been approved at City Hall. Elected representatives at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee this week agreed to a council officer recommendation for the approval of phase two of the Lagan Gateway project. The development will consist of paths, a new elevated timber boardwalk, landscaping works including tree-planting, new cycle stands and seating. The plan involves lands to the east of the River Lagan, between Lagan Gateway phase one and Belvoir Park Forest, running adjacent to the west of Belvoir Park Golf Club and approximately 120 metres to the east of Newtownbreda Water Treatment Plant, Galwally Ave, Belfast BT8. The applicant is Belfast City Council. READ MORE: Oval stadium upgrade approved despite objections over consultation, traffic and ASB READ MORE: Another student block reaching 20 storeys approved for Belfast City Centre The Lagan Gateway Project aims to enhance connectivity along the River Lagan, and has been broken down into two phases. Phase one included a link bridge connecting Annadale Embankment and Lagan Meadows as well as a new boat lock at Stranmillis and a path linking Annadale embankment with Stranmillis. The site for phase two comprises a section of land to the south of phase one and will connect Lagan Meadows to Belvoir Forest Park. The overall length of the proposed new greenway will be approximately one kilometre. A council planning officer wrote in the application report: “The proposal is sympathetic to the rural character of the surrounding area and the proposed greenway will improve connectivity in the area and will contribute to enhancing the character of the area. The proposal is not considered to have significant impacts on the Lagan Valley Regional Park.” The application was neighbour-notified and advertised in the local press. The council received three letters of support and three letters of objection. Objectors raised concerns regarding visibility splays and surface finishes, land ownership issues, liability issues, health and safety concerns, anti-social behaviour, increase in vehicular traffic, and administrative fairness. The council report states: “Following the receipt of amended drawings, showing the visibility splay at the junction with Galwally Avenue, DFI Roads are now content with the proposal in terms of road safety and surface finishes. “Land ownership is a civil matter that falls outside the remit of Planning. The applicant has completed certificate C on the application form to serve notice on Belvoir Park Golf Club regarding the application. Further to this any potential liability issues fall outside the planning process remit.” It adds: “Concerns regarding potential anti-social behaviour would be a matter for the PSNI . The design and layout of the proposal will provide a safe and accessible environment that is not considered to encourage anti-social behaviour in the area. “Concerns regarding an increase in vehicular traffic to the area have been considered. DFI Roads are content with the proposal. It is not considered that the development will result in a significant increase in vehicular traffic to Galwally Avenue. Due to the nature of the proposal it is considered most users of the greenway will arrive as a pedestrian or bicycle.” The report states: “In regards to trees on the site overall there will be a net gain as required by policy. Trees felled as a result of the proposed development will be mitigated through the provision of a significant net gain for tree planting, native hedging, woodland seed, and wildflower planting across the application site. This is considered to greatly improve the biodiversity and amenity quality on the site.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter