Multi-million pound plans to drastically redevelop Bessbrook Mill have been deemed “unacceptable” in their current form by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Plans for the major development were first submitted in August 2023, proposing the former Bessbrook Mill site and one-time army base to be transformed into a mix of housing, retail and office accommodation.
If approved, it was thought that the plans would not only bring the vacant listed premises back into productive use but that it would also create scores of jobs in the process.
However, since its submission the application has been met with criticism from the local community. Most recently, a 110-page petition in objection to the development was submitted – in the name of John Davis – adding to more than 100 objections that had already been received.
Related: Revealed: The £60 million plan to redevelop Bessbrook Mill and former army base site
Each page of the petition contained ten spaces for signatures with a box asking for a “yes” or “no” response to the site being developed for residential use or SME industrial use… the overwhelming majority said “no” to residential use, with only two answering “yes” and one person saying “yes for private use and no for social housing”.
Conversely, the majority of respondents said “yes” to redevelopment for SME industrial use.
The Ulster Architectural Heritage (UAH) also submitted a separate objection, adding: “UAH wish to object to the planned proposals at Bessbrook Mill. Concerning imagery shows a high-quality local granite wall being removed on the Derrymore Road which is part of the listing of Bessbrook Mill.
“The density of housing on the site is also a concern and would reduce the significance of this built heritage asset. Additionally proposed demolition of the weaving sheds which is also part of the listing would be detrimental to how the building is read and understood and in fact such spaces have been widely adapted and utilised for business and industrial use. UAH therefore object to the proposed plans.”
However, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have now issued the applicants with a letter to say that following a meeting hosted by the Council’s Planning Department on September 11, they find the proposed development in its current form to be “unacceptable” with several “fundamental issues that need to be addressed”.
The letter outlines 13 individual points for consideration, with amendments to be made accordingly.
Related: Pictured: How proposed Bessbrook Mill development will look across village skyline
Among the issues addressed, the Council explain they are of the view that the site is “significantly over developed”, the proposal is unacceptable in terms of “scale, massing, design, the sub-standard level of parking provided, the extent of hard surfaced areas and the lack of amenity space provided throughout the site” and overall “through the layout and design the development proposal appears disconnected from Bessbrook rather than forming an enhancement to and an integral component of the village”.
The Planning Department have now afforded the applicant – Keady-based Farlstone Construction Ltd – the opportunity to address all the issues that have been raised and requested the applicant to advise on the timeframe required to submit amended drawings and supporting information.
Plans had already been revised for the project in April of this year. Initially, the proposals sought permission for a total of 272 residential units – comprising 214 apartments and 58 houses – two retail units, three office units and a gym.
The updated application submitted on March 24, notes that the number of residential units has been reduced from 272 units to 264 units, with the two retail units now reduced to one. The three office units and gym remain unchanged within the revised plans.
There has so far been one letter of support for the redevelopment, however, it does also outline the need for consideration surrounding the existing infrastructure: “I fully support the development if the surrounding infrastructure is improved to support the extra residents.
“The Mill in it’s current state is an eye sore. Such a historic building should be used and surely social housing would fit with the Quaker ethos of the original owners.”
