Plans revealed for new rooftop bar at The Flint Hotel in Belfast city centre

Plans for a new Belfast rooftop bar have been submitted to Belfast City Council, proposing an additional hospitality attraction at The Flint Hotel in the heart of the city centre.

The application relates to the hotel at 48 Howard Street, close to Belfast City Hall and the surrounding shopping and entertainment district.

The proposal was included in the council’s latest planning advertisements, published on Friday 9 October 2026.

If approved, the development would introduce a rooftop bar at the existing hotel, although the precise layout, capacity and operating arrangements would need to be established from the detailed planning documents.

Belfast rooftop bar proposed for Howard Street hotel

The Flint Hotel occupies a prominent location on Howard Street, within walking distance of Belfast City Hall, Great Victoria Street and the city centre’s main hospitality areas.

The proposed rooftop bar would represent a potential addition to the hotel’s existing accommodation offering.

The full planning application, registered under reference LA04/2026/1612/F, was received and validated on 11 September 2026.

A separate conservation area consent application, LA04/2026/1613/DCA, was submitted on the same date.

Both applications relate to the proposed rooftop bar and remain awaiting a decision.

New rooftop venue would add to Belfast hospitality offering

Belfast has developed a growing range of restaurants, hotels and bars serving residents and visitors to the city.

Rooftop hospitality venues provide an alternative to traditional ground-floor premises, particularly in central locations where outdoor space can be limited.

The Flint Hotel’s Howard Street location places it close to established shopping streets, offices, restaurants and visitor attractions.

A rooftop bar at the property could offer another venue for people visiting or staying in the city centre, subject to the details of the approved development.

However, the planning application does not in itself confirm when the venue might open, whether it would be accessible to the general public or what its eventual operating hours would be.

Those arrangements would depend on the final proposal, any planning conditions and other necessary permissions.

Conservation considerations for the proposed Belfast rooftop bar

The development is accompanied by a conservation area consent application.

This means the proposal is being considered not only as a potential hospitality development but also in the context of planning controls affecting the surrounding built environment.

When assessing the applications, the council may consider matters such as the appearance of the proposed works, their relationship with neighbouring buildings and any relevant environmental or amenity impacts.

The submission of the applications does not mean that permission has been granted.

The council must consider the proposals through the planning process before reaching a decision.

Public can comment on rooftop bar plans

The main planning application is listed under reference LA04/2026/1612/F, while the associated conservation area consent application carries reference LA04/2026/1613/DCA.

The published application records indicate that the consultation period for the full planning application runs until 16 October 2026.

Comments on the conservation area consent application are listed as open until 23 October 2026.

Members of the public can examine the planning documents and submit representations through the Northern Ireland Planning Portal.

Representations may support or object to the development, with the council considering relevant planning matters before determining the applications.

Belfast rooftop bar plans awaiting decision

The proposed rooftop bar is one of several hospitality-related developments currently progressing through Belfast’s planning system.

While the application could provide another hospitality option in the city centre, there is no confirmed opening date or construction timetable.

The Flint Hotel proposal remains at the planning stage, and any development would be dependent on securing the necessary approvals.

Further details, including the design of the rooftop space and any conditions attached to a future decision, will become clearer as the application progresses.

Link: Planning Portal (Ref: LA04/2026/1613/DCA)

other news: Plans submitted to transform vacant Belfast city centre offices into 233-bedroom hotel