Demolition of a former GAA social club in Keady could go ahead shortly as planners finally look set to recommend approval.
The application to raze the Market Street building to the ground and build two new homes in its place was first submitted in October of last year.
But despite what many argued and believed locally that it would get rid of an eyesore and enhance the appearance of the centre of the town, planning approval was turned down last April.
Now, however, the matter is going back before Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s planning and regulatory services committee.
With some amendments to the original plans, this time officials will bring an opinion to recommend the work proceeds, although that will of course require the backing of councillors to stand.
The original proposal was submitted by Holmes & Doran Ltd on behalf of Malachy McClelland for the demolition of “existing derelict social club building and erection of two dwelling houses”.
Objections to the plan had been forwarded early on to planning officials from two neighbouring addresses with an issue of right of way raised. TransportNI had said at the time it had no objection to the work proceeding, and the council’s own environmental health department had “no objection in principle”.
The run-down building has been a fixture of Market Street in the town for years.
But it has lain vacant since the club moved to a purpose-built £500,000 facility at the opposite end of the town a number of years ago.
The applicant’s surveyor had described the property as being in a “very poor state of repair” and an “eyesore on Market Street”, insisting: “Anything in its place can only be seen as a planning gain.”
A new scheme in Keady will shortly see money made available to help businesses enhance the appearance of premises.
And the environmental works – which have been in the pipeline for a number of years now – are also due to get underway before the end of this month.
The demolition and building of two new properties will be in keeping with the council’s drive to improve the aesthetics in Keady town centre for future generations to enjoy.
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