Facelift for derelict Castle Street site

Planning permission has been granted for the demolition of three former shops on Castle Street, which had been lying derelict for some time and which many feared could fall down.

At last week’s meeting of Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee, the go ahead was given for the three buildings, at 28-30 Castle Street to be knocked down.

The site will then be redeveloped, with planning approval granted for a children’s day care nursery facility.

The redevelopment will also include a ground floor car park and a thoroughfare to the street.

This is the latest section of the Historic Quarter to be redeveloped, with neighbouring properties at 12-14 Castle Street being demolished and redeveloped five years ago.

Alderman James Tinsley welcomed the granting of planning permission for the site.

“This is very good news,” said Mr Tinsley. “It has been a derelict site for a number of years.”

However, Mr Tinsley said it was vital that the site was sympathetically redeveloped, given its location in the heart of the city’s Historic Quarter.

Addressing the Senior Planning Officer, who attended Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee last Thursday (May 1), Mr Tinsley said: “We need to be assured that conditions will be put on the development, especially on the materials that will be used.”

Responding to his concerns, the Senior Planning Officer said: “This is a conservation area and we are very keen that the correct materials are used.

“The Northern Ireland Environment Agency will suggest the details, including the windows that will be used to ensure everything is done properly.”