Belfast City Council members have given the go-ahead for a major residential development and new student accommodation at their latest planning committee meeting.

Planning permission was granted for the residential development which will include 103 apartments, including 82 social rented homes, at Marlborough Street, in the city centre.

The redevelopment will see the part demolition of Marlborough House and disused offices at 8 Marlborough Street, it will also include the refurbishment of the Listed Building, Princes Court.

Meanwhile, the development of a 895-room Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation in Corporation Street will include communal facilities, including landscaped courtyard and roof terraces and ancillary accommodation.

Additional approvals included:

• The redevelopment of The Oval stadium in east Belfast, which will see the demolition of existing stands and construction of two new spectator stands with reconfiguration of existing standing terracing at goal ends, new turnstiles and associated siteworks including new floodlighting; • A new changing pavilion at sports pitches on Shore Road, north Belfast, which involves enhancements to grounds entrances including turnstiles, ancillary facilities and upgrade to existing car park. Proposed 3G surfacing to existing grass pitch with flood lighting; and

• Phase 2 of the Lagan Gateway project with the greenway extending at Annadale Embankment to Belvoir Forest Park. The development will consist of paths, new elevated timber boardwalk, landscaping works, new cycle stands and seating.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of the council's Planning Committee, said: "The planning applications approved by committee this month are very much to be welcomed - providing much needed city centre accommodation for our residents and our student population.

"It's good news for our sports venues with the redevelopment of The Oval stadium seeing the construction of two new spectator stands, as well as a new changing pavilion and other enhancements at council's sports pitches on the Shore Road, north Belfast.

"It's also great to see Phase 2 of the Lagan Gateway Project being given the green light which will see its expansion and extension from Annadale Embankment to Belvoir Forest Park."

For more information on the council's Planning Committee, visit the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/planning