Apartments plan approved for former Lurgan bank building
Planning permission has been granted for extensive internal alterations to a property at 21 Market Street, Lurgan, to provide five self-contained apartments over three floors.
While the first and second floor of the property will be fully converted, only the back of the ground floor will be turned into an apartment, with the street-fronting retail unit remaining.
Proposals also includes extensions at ground and second-floor levels, the provision of amenity areas at all levels, including balconies, and other associated works.
The planning application was submitted by Joe Law, Ballinamullan Road, Omagh, on his own behalf.
In a Design & Access Statement submitted with the planning application, Collins Design Architecture Surveying elaborated on the plans.
They wrote: “The application site is located in the town centre of Lurgan and displays many fine architectural features which make it a highlight on the streetscape.
“At present these commercial premises are occupied on the ground floor by a retail business, the two upper floors are vacant.
“The design intention is to fully retain the decorative elevations, enhance the entry to the courtyard to provide an attractive entrance to the flat development proposed.
“It is important that [an] amenity area is provided to the residents of this scheme, as well as sufficient bin storage and a suitable secured bicycle compound area.
“The proposed finishes to the rear of the building are intended to create a modern and clean environment for all, whilst also creating some individual areas for amenity provision.
“All resident access to the proposed flats are from the Main Street via the enhanced archway.”
In their report, ABC Planning officers welcomed the regeneration scheme, as it will breathe new life into a partially-vacant building and add to town centre vibrancy.
They wrote: “The building has historically accommodated a bank and a flower shop at ground-floor level, with the upper floors used for office purposes. The upper floors have remained vacant for a considerable period.
“Under this proposal, the existing ground-floor use, aside from the rear section, will remain unchanged.
“Overall, the proposal will facilitate the reoccupation of the building, contributing to the maintenance and long-term retention of an important property within Lurgan town centre.
“This is a derelict site (first and second floors) with unoccupied offices in it. As such, the proposed development represents the redevelopment of derelict land.
“The introduction of residential use at this location is considered appropriate and would not appear incongruous within the established urban context.”
“Overall, officers are of the opinion that the proposed development respects the surrounding context and is appropriate to the character and topography of the site.”
The only issue identified by Planning officers has to do with car-parking provision, however a degree of flexibility is deemed acceptable in town-centre locations, as the report explains: “The proposed site plan does not show any parking. It is unlikely that eight spaces could be accommodated within the site area and Published Parking Standards are not fully met.
“DCAN 8 states that there is a likelihood that car ownership of future residents may be low. The site is within the town centre boundary and benefits from availability of a wide range of local facilities accessible on foot and public transport and car parks.
“These are factors that may permit reduction in the level of parking sought.”