Co Down: Guest house and coffee shop plan 'will contribute positively to vitality and economic activity' of town centre
A planning application has been lodged for the conversion of a shop and dwelling at 19-21 Bridge Street, Dromore, into a guest house/lodgings and a coffee shop.
The planning application was lodged on October 19 by Mark Scott, Banbridge Road, Dromore, on behalf of Ian Sloan, Cloverdale, Blackskull.
A Design & Access Statement, submitted by the agent, says the conversion plans will make the most of vacant buildings within Dromore’s Conservation Area: “The principal objective of the proposal is to secure the sustainable reuse and long-term preservation of existing buildings within Dromore Conservation Area, bringing vacant and underutilised premises back into productive use.
“The proposed development will retain the established building form, historic street frontage and architectural character of the existing properties while introducing commercially viable uses that will contribute positively to the vitality and economic activity of Dromore town centre.
“The site occupies a prominent position within the historic town centre, where the traditional arrangement of closely grouped buildings, narrow streets and enclosed rear courtyards contributes to the distinctive character and appearance of the conservation area.
“No. 21 Bridge Street occupies a prominent corner position at the junction with Meeting Street. The existing buildings retain an important presence within this historic streetscape. Their continued occupation, maintenance and appropriate adaptation are considered beneficial to the character and appearance of Dromore Conservation Area.
“The property at No. 19 Bridge Street remains substantially unaltered in its overall architectural form and internal arrangement.
“[A number of] features contribute to the architectural interest and historic character of the building and are intended to be retained as part of the proposed conversion.
“The proposal seeks to convert the existing dwelling accommodation into a five-bedroom guest house/lodging establishment.
“The proposed accommodation will make use of the existing internal layout and circulation arrangements wherever practicable, minimising unnecessary alterations to the historic building fabric.
“The existing entrance hall, staircase and distinctive stained-glass window will be retained as important architectural features. The continued use and occupation of the property will also support its ongoing maintenance and long-term preservation.
“The proposal includes the establishment of a coffee shop within the existing commercial premises at No. 21 Bridge Street. The coffee shop will serve both residents of the proposed guest house and members of the general public.
“The premises have previously accommodated retail uses, most recently operating as a vape shop, and the proposal seeks to re-establish an active and welcoming commercial presence at this prominent corner location.
“The proposed coffee shop will provide a local amenity for residents, visitors and people working within the town centre. The proposal seeks to retain the existing street frontage and established building form, ensuring that the commercial use remains compatible with the architectural character of the conservation area.
“Any proposed external signage or associated alterations will be designed sensitively, having regard to the character and appearance of the existing building and its conservation area setting.
“The design approach is based on the principle of retaining and reusing the existing buildings rather than pursuing substantial demolition or redevelopment.
“The proposed change of use will provide an ongoing economic purpose for the buildings, supporting regular maintenance and reducing the risk of future vacancy and deterioration.
“The proposed development represents a sensitive and sustainable approach to the adaptation and reuse of existing buildings at Nos. 19–21 Bridge Street, Dromore.”
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter