An application has been submitted for the proposed change of use and conversion of a hot food takeaway in Bessbrook into a single dwelling.
The plans submitted in the name of Martin Mallon of Pigeon Row Ltd to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council seeking permission to redevelop 37a Church Road, Bessbrook.
The Design Concept explains that the property, which previously housed a hot food takeaway, has been vacant for many years and is in a “state of disrepair”.
For this reason it adds that the property has been a “longstanding blight on the character of the street scene” and that this proposal will “regenerate and revitalise the site to the betterment of the character of the area”.
While the single-storey, flat-roofed structure sits on Church Road it fronts “The Gardens” – an established residential street featuring “modest, predominantly semi-detached and terraced housing” and takes up an “important” position at the junction making it “visually prominent” in the local area.
Proposed front elevation
To provide the plans with merit the Design Concept argues that the current dilapidated condition of the property with its “closed and industrial appearance”, casts a “stark and jarring break in the rhythm of the residential streetscape”.
In remedy of this, the proposal seeks to retain the existing building structure but remodel and alter it in a manner that facilitates its conversion to residential use.
If approved, the new residential dwelling would be single-storey with two bedrooms, kitchen/dining/living space, bathroom and WC.
Externally, a standard dual pitched gable roof would be introduced with a height to ridge of 5.3m and eaves height of 3m alongside a small front porch and new doors and windows.
As a building currently abuts the rear of the property there is no room for a back garden. Instead, the plans propose a private amenity space to the side securely screened on all sides by 1.8m high fencing.
Parking and a small garden would also be provided to the front.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
