Plan for bookmakers premises in Lurgan still on the table
A consultation exercise is currently underway as part of planning proceedings for a change of use from shop premises to a bookmakers at 12 William Street, Lurgan.
DfI Roads and the Environmental Health department at Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council have been contacted, and are due to respond.
This is actually a renewal of a planning application previously approved in July 2021, April 2016, February 2011, and December 2005.
The planning application was lodged by Ronan Murphy, Craft Village, Belleek, on behalf of Malachy McCartan, Glenavey, Crumlin.
As this renewal of planning application is at a very early stage – it was lodged on June 25, 2026 – only minimal information is currently available on the NI Planning portal.
Back in July 2021, when the same application was approved for the last time, ABC Planning officers noted the following in their report: “A proposal to develop a bookmaking office, whether by new construction or by the material change of use of existing premises, requires planning permission.
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“Bookmaking offices are expressly excluded from the definitions of both ‘shop’ and ‘office’, so that a change in the use of either type of premises will require the consent of the local planning authority.
“In considering applications for bookmaking offices, the local council will consider matters such as, for example, their proper location, their effect on adjoining property, the question of noise, litter and disturbance, car parking, and design, especially where the proposal lies within an existing or proposed Conservation Area. DfI Roads and Environmental Health have been consulted.
“There are no other potential development constraints. The proposal raises no concerns in terms of flood risk, impact on listed built heritage or protected trees or vegetation (TPO).
“The proposed works and surroundings have not materially changed from the earlier applications.
“Given the application site is situated within the Lurgan Conservation Area, the proposed works relating to this application are internal and do not affect the external appearance of the building. As such, Historic Buildings Unit is content without conditions.”
As planning permission is only granted for a period of five years, the July 19, 2021, planning permission has now expired, which is why there was a need for a new planning application to be submitted.