The former North Queen Street PSNI station

ONCE it was a regular attack for snipers and bombers. Now an empty police station in north Belfast is to demolished for new homes.

The vacant North Queen Street station will be demolished and replaced by 26 two-storey homes.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has given the green light for the one-time fortified base to be bulldozed.

It will pave the way the development by Apex Housing.

“This is a boost for north Belfast,” he said. “It will deliver 26 homes in an area of high housing need and bring construction jobs in the short term.

“The proposal will revitalise and enhance an historic area of the city, meaning that people can both live in and enjoy this attractive area.

“These houses will be in the vicinity of Clifton House, one of Belfast’s most historic listed buildings which is surrounded by an historic park, garden and demesne.

“The application includes a tree-lined boulevard to the front of the site adjacent to North Queen Street which will create an attractive streetscape when approaching Clifton House. This will protect yet enhance this historically significant area.

“My vision is to build a better environment and a stronger economy. This decision will help do this.”