A multi-million pound housing development off the main Portadown Road in Armagh has been given the go-ahead.
Planners recommended – and councillors endorsed their call – that the scheme, consisting of 45 properties, can be built.
Armagh I first revealed details of the proposals – which would create 50 jobs during the construction phase – in May.
At this month’s planning committee, documents – which included flooding and ecological considerations – were presented as part of the process.
The application is the latest in a long line by the award-winning TBR Homes, based in Co Down.
Emeritus Communications Ltd detailed to planners that the scheme would see “excellence in site management” from a family-run business, creating a development which they say will not only enhance the area, but deliver significantly for the local economy.
As Armagh I reported in May, the developer says the development will create 50 sustainable jobs for the local construction industry.
Through that, and the use of local supplies and building merchants for the sourcing of materials, the developer intends that the proposal “could secure an estimated £8m investment for the local economy”.
Public consultation exercises were carried out with residents and political representatives and an open day was also held at the Armagh City Hotel ahead of approval being issued.
The submission followed the green light being given for an outline planning application for a residential site back in 2001.
The site is adjacent to Drumann Heights and bordered by Mellifont Drive and adjacent to the A3 Portadown Road.
According to a design and access statement accompanying the the application, what will now be built is a low density housing development comprising a total of 45 detached dwellings, which are designed and will be subsequently constructed to a high quality.
“The site proposal reflects the low density locale of predominantly detached dwellings existing within Drumann Heights, Mellifont Drive and Mellifont Park, whilst respecting the existing private amenity of said properties.”
The proposal, in addition to the 45 properties, includes garages, open space, landscaping, access and associated site works.
According to the design statement: “Existing landscaping features have been maintained and augmented as far as reasonably practicable, being integrated into open space where possible.”
An archaeological impact assessment has also been carried out and submitted.
A range of 12 different house types was proposed allowing for “diversity within the scheme”.
The developer, the statement, says also “prides itself on the use of local businesses and the use of local materials” which would boost the local economy.
Emeritus Communications – referring planners to the public consultation which had taken place – highlighted: “Road access will be via the roundabout at the existing Drumann Heights development, which at the time of construction was developed for traffic of up to 180 dwellings.
“There is a history of flooding and drainage issues on the site, but the detailed proposals presented by the developer, in consultation with DfI Rivers, will not only provide a comprehensive solution to meet the needs of the proposed 45 homes, it will significantly mitigate pressures on the existing system for Mellifont Park.”
The application has now been formally approved and the developer afforded full permission to proceed.
