Shopfront / commercial planning approval in Belfast
Based on decisions in the last 5 years, as of 8 May 2026.
We hold no refused shopfront / commercial decisions for Belfast in this period, so treat a full approval rate with caution. The council's own portal has the complete record.
Of 32 shopfront / commercial planning applications decided by Belfast in the last 5 years, 100% were approved. This is the council's track record for this kind of work. It is a useful gauge before you apply, not a guarantee for any one application.
Other work in Belfast
- Extension : 99% approved (529 decided)
- Rear extension : 100% approved, no recorded refusals (342 decided)
- Demolition : 99% approved (210 decided)
- Roof / fenestration : 100% approved, no recorded refusals (129 decided)
- Change of use : 94% approved (96 decided)
- Side extension : 100% approved, no recorded refusals (123 decided)
- Two-storey extension : 100% approved, no recorded refusals (84 decided)
- Advertisement / signage : 99% approved (83 decided)
Method
Approval rate = approved ÷ (approved + refused) over the public planning decisions we hold for Belfast, matched to a type of work from the application description. We lead with the last few years so the figure reflects how Belfast decides today, with the longer record as context. A rate is only shown once there are enough decided applications for it to be reliable. We publish aggregate figures only, never an individual application or applicant name. Read the full method and limits.
Ready to plan your shopfront / commercial?
11 architects with public evidence are listed for Belfast. Their profiles show reviews, credentials and, where we hold it, real planning history in this council.