Moves to relax planning restrictions within town

DISCUSSIONS are underway to encourage development within the town's conservation area, which could include a new health centre.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th May 2010, 13:41 BST
Updated 26th May 2010, 11:11 BST

The Lurgan Conservation Area (LCA) has stifled business within the town since it was put in place in 2004.

The LCA was aimed at protecting the historical and architectural character of the Lurgan's town centre.

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According to the council attempts to obtain planning permission within the LCA have been unsuccessful so far.

Around the town some buildings have been left to deteriorate because of the restrictions within the planning measure.

Following discussions between council officials and a former planning official the council will examine options to approach the planning service in an attempt to ease the restrictions imposed by the LCA.

The renewed optimism comes from the progress made with the Lurgan Methodist Church rebuild project.

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Council minutes reveal that officers are considering putting a case forward to the Planning Service which could see new development in the town.

One example mentioned is a medical centre.

The council's development committee said an easing of conservation restrictions could help to free-up development space, increase belief in Lurgan, give impetus to the Craigavon Integrated Development Framework and 'provide the council with positive press in respect of what it could deliver'.

The council will be seeking expressions of interest from planning consultants with a view to appointing one to co-ordinate development in Lurgan.