A sizeable mixed-use development comprising up to eight economic development units could be in the pipeline for Crossmaglen, bringing the potential for 125 to 240 jobs in the process.
Due to the size of the proposed development, a Pre Application Notice (PAN) was submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council back in October 2025.
The notice – put forward in the name of Mr and Mrs McArdle – was subsequently accepted and the pair have now pushed forward for outline planning permission on an earmarked site on lands approximately 10m north west of 59 Culloville Road.
If approved the development would consist of up to eight units, approximately 100 car parking spaces and 20 HGV spaces built upon a site extending across four fields.
The concept proposal indicates a potential floorspace in the region of 6,000 sq m once constructed, which could bring employment potential for between 125 (at 50 jobs per hectare) to 240 (at one job per 25 m2 of floorspace).
Of the employment potential, the statement prepared by O’Callaghan Planning adds: “Either way, the potential for employment and investment is significant for Crossmaglen.”
Zoning policy relating to development of the lands is quite stringent in respect of what uses will be permitted.
One of the key site requirements is that the land cannot include shops or dwellings, thus retail use is “not anticipated”.
In regards to economic development within settlements (beyond the town centres) business use is permitted. The statement indicates that policy would also allow for use as a “call centre or for research and development”.
Office use, Class B2 light industrial use and Class B3 general industrial use and Class B4 storage or distribution use are all also permittable.
The statement adds: “The Plan actually goes further, by ensuring that a minimum of 1.75 hectares must be set aside for these purposes, so there are no fundamental issues as regards the carrying out of economic development activities on part of this zoning.”
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
