In December 2019, Olympian Homes submitted a planning application for the demolition of Havelock House and the construction of 270 apartments on its site.

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The proposal had been drawn up following intensive talks with Belfast City Council's planning service, the records of which are now partly missing.

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It consisted of an eight store apartment block which would have towered over the predominately two and three-storey buildings surrounding it.

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It entailed significant damage to the area's built heritage and the living environment of local residents. It also promised traffic chaos.

 

There were also concerns, based on the plans submitted, that the development had been designed for quick conversion into student flats.

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Although the proposal was recommended by the city's planners, it was unanimously rejected by Belfast City Council in November 2020 following a campaign by Save Havelock House and local residents.

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During 2021, Save Havelock House and other groups successfully defended the council's rejection at the Planning Appeals Commission.