Plans lodged for new apartments in Lurgan that would 'transform' vacant plot into 'attractive place to live'
A planning application has been lodged for the construction of 12 apartments in Lurgan, with access from Wellington Street.
The site in question is to the south-east of Nos. 85-95 North Street, north-east of Nos. 4-26 Wellington Street, and south-west of Oakleigh Fold, North Street.
The planning application, which also includes plans for car-parking arrangements, landscaping and site works, was lodged by McCreanor & Co. Architects, Craigavon, on behalf of Charles Lavery & Sons Ltd, Belfast.
The location in question is being described as a vacant greenfield site on the planning application form.
A Planning Statement, submitted on July 9, explains: “The site is accessed via a gap in a terrace of two-storey dwellings along Wellington Street (it appears that a dwelling has been demolished on the site quite a while ago, leaving this gap in the terrace).
“This access leads to an area of land to the rear of North Street to the north-west of the site, Wellington Street to the south-east, and Oakleigh Fold to the north.
“The land is relatively flat and currently is overgrown and uneven.
“The existing boundaries are defined by walls of approximately 6 metres in height and hedging.
“The proposal involves the construction of 12 two-bedroom apartments, with associated car parking, site works, and landscaping.
“The proposed development reflects the density and character of the surrounding residential area and has been designed to respond sympathetically to the site context.
“It will transform an underutilised vacant plot into an attractive and sustainable place to live.
“Vehicular and pedestrian access is proposed directly from Wellington Street. The proposal includes 18 unassigned car-parking spaces located off the main street, which provides 1.5 spaces per apartment.
“A private garden space is proposed at the rear of all ground-floor units, with balcony space provided to all upper-floor units.
“The design responds sensitively to the topography and character of the site, integrating appropriately with the high-density residential setting along Wellington Street and North Street.
“The scale, massing, and appearance are in keeping with the surrounding built form, and the proposed materials are similar to that found in the surrounding residential developments.
“Private communal open space is provided to the rear of the property, compliant with Creating Places.
“Landscaping, including groups of trees at the site frontage, helps soften the development’s visual impact and integrates it with the wider streetscape.
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“The form, materials and detailing proposed, draw upon, and are reflective of, the existing residential development in the immediate vicinity.
“The building design has been carefully considered to avoid overlooking, overshadowing, or disturbance to adjacent properties.
“Side elevation windows serve only non-habitable rooms (bathroom and en-suite) and will be fitted with obscure glazing.
“The proposed development of 12 two-bedroom apartments represents a high-quality, sustainable residential scheme that will regenerate a long-vacant and unsightly plot on Wellington Street.
“On this basis, we respectfully request that the council support this planning application and grant full planning permission.”
As this planning application is at an early stage, a consultation exercise is currently underway.
DfI Roads (Craigavon Office), DfI Rivers, Historic Environment Division, NI Environment Agency, and the Environmental Health department at Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council have not responded yet.
NI Water have responded and they are supportive of the residential development.