A conference and events venue has been approved within the walls of the historic Gilford Castle in what one councillor described as “one of the best” applications ever to come before ABC Council.
There was a buzz within the chamber as members of the planning committee hailed the investment planned and the potential economic benefits for the Gilford area and beyond.
Two applications came to committee on Wednesday – one seeking full approval and the other listed building consent – to allow proposals to proceed.
And it was a unanimous ‘yes’ to both and Gilford Estate ULC’s bid to build upon approval last year for a part change of use of the local landmark to offer guesthouse accommodation.
Senior planning officer Ian Turkington detailed the fresh plans for the “part change of use” of Gilford Castle – and the retention of a marquee, toilet blocks, parking areas, access improvements and associated site works – to “facilitate a conference and events venue, operating in conjunction with the guesthouse use previously approved at the site”.
The application, explained Mr Turkington, came before committee as it constituted “major development”.
The Grade B+ listed building it situated within a designated historic park, garden and demesne, just outside the ‘settlement limit’ of Gilford, on a site which also contains several associated listed structures.
Said Mr Turkington: “In terms of the principle of development, members are advised that planning permission and listed building consent were granted in 2025 for a part change of use as a guesthouse.
“The current proposal seeks to establish conferencing and events facilities alongside that approved use to create a mixed-use venue.
“Officers are satisfied that the proposal represents an appropriate and complementary reuse of an important heritage asset and will assist in securing the long-term viability and preservation of the castle and wider estate.”
The planning official said “extensive consultation” had taken place with the Historic Environment Division and “no objections have been received from either Historic Buildings or Historic Monuments”.
The proposal involved “no significant alteration to the historic fabric of the castle itself”, with the “principal reception rooms on the ground floor being utilised for the conferencing and events use”.
The marquee and associated structures are positioned to the rear of the castle, explained Mr Turkington, and these were “lightweight and reversible in nature and remain visually subordinate to the listed building”.
Officers were satisfied that the proposal “preserves the character of this building and its setting”.
In terms of design and landscape impact, the development was “largely contained within previously disturbed areas of the estate and benefits from extensive, mature woodland planting”, and planners were “satisfied that the proposal integrates successfully into the historical landscape”.
Mr Turkington continued: “Consideration was given to noise impact, with conferences, weddings and other events. A noise impact assessment and a noise management plan were submitted and assessed by environmental health. Following review of this information, environmental health have raised no objections, subject to conditions controlling noise levels and ongoing implementation of the noise management plan. Officers are satisfied that the proposal will not result in unacceptable impacts on nearby residents.”
The proposal also includes improvements to the existing access onto the Banbridge Road, and the provision of 125 parking spaces, together with one accessible parking bay. Over-spill car parking could be accommodated on an existing tennis court.
DfI Roads had no objection, subject to conditions, and planning officials were “satisfied that adequate access, parking and circulation arrangements have been provided and the proposal will not prejudice road safety”.
All natural heritage, archaeological, drainage and flood risk matters were assessed and satisfied too, and nor were there any objections received from members of the public.
Mr Turkington, during the course of his presentation, showed photographs of Gilford Castle and made mention of the work which had already been completed there which had “been done to a very high standard”.
While the surrounding walls, gates and pillars were part of the “listed structure”, there had been “quite a lot of negotiation with HED to arrive at an appropriate solution”. As such, the pillars and walls will remain ‘in situ’ as is, with modifications to the ironwork of the entrance gates.
In response to a question from Alliance Councillor Peter Lavery, Mr Turkington confirmed the gates onto the Banbridge Road would be widened to allow two cars to pass.
DUP Councillor Ian Wilson – describing it as “good news” – said the plans for the historic site and building were most welcome, especially in the Gilford area, which had “been crying out for a bit of investment over the years”.
“Hopefully this will maybe kickstart something in the area,” he added.
Sinn Fein Councillor Kevin Savage was in complete agreement.
“I’m old enough to remember when there was trees growing through the windows of this building and this is a long time coming,” he said. “It should, hopefully, provide some opportunities for local residents in terms of supplying services and even employment opportunities as events progress in it.”
And referring to what had already been done at Gilford Castle, he added: “I think that it’s very telling that there’s no objections from HED in relation to this, so it shows that a significant amount of work went into restoring this building with the character that it has had since it was built.”
Councillor Peter Lavery said it looked like “a really impressive facility”, adding: “From looking at those images and the whole planning application, it looks like it’s almost been as it is for the last couple of hundred years. I think that maybe stands as testament to the quality of the renovation work and you can see it become quite an attractive venue.”
Acknowledging the importance of the move to “improve the traffic flow” at the gates, Councillor Lavery remarked: “It looks like one of the best applications that has ever come to this committee in terms of economic value, historical value, and all the rest, so I think we’re all agreed it’s time to get this approved.”
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