Defective flat owners get legal appeal go ahead

The owners of defective apartments at Victoria Square in Belfast have been given permission to appeal their failed multi-million pound compensation claim.

Residents had to leave the building in Belfast in 2019 due to safety fears.

Their bid for compensation was struck out as, under the law, claims must be made within six years of a building being completed.

On Monday, new legislation was proposed by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to increase this timeframe to 30 years.

A solicitor who represents the owners of 68 of the 91 apartments said on Tuesday that a challenge to that ruling is expected to be launched.

The companies involved in construction and fitting out of the apartments deny liability.