A deal to buy the hotel is now close, with the transaction understood to be at the legal stage. But The Irish News understands a planning enforcement case has now been opened by Belfast City Council in relation to the premises occupied by the budget hotel. A council spokesperson confirmed: “A planning enforcement case has been opened in relation to premises at 35 Dublin Road, Belfast.
“As this is a live investigation, we cannot disclose any detailed information. “However, we can confirm that no formal enforcement action has been undertaken at this time.”
The investigation is at an early stage, but it’s understood the Department for Infrastructure could become involved in the case. As well as being the selling agents, CBRE is also the owner of the property. CBRE declined to comment on the planning enforcement case.