Dozens of new jobs could be created with plans for a new mixed-use commercial and industrial development now approved on the outskirts of Newry.
The proposals relate to vacant land where outline planning approval had previously been granted for a car showroom.
This latest full planning application for a mixed-use scheme has now been deemed acceptable by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The application had been lodged back in 2023 by Mr Colm Meehan, of Fiveways, and has been under consideration since that time.
Now the local authority has indicated that the development can proceed.
The site in question is described as being “300 metres north of 7 Tandragee Road, Newry”.
The plan would see the construction of a number of new commercial units aimed at various uses, including ‘financial, professional and other’, business, light industrial and storage and distribution.
Access would be from the Tandragee Road, with approval having previously been given for this.
The site is listed as “vacant zoned land for mixed-use development”.
The proposed units would be of varying sizes, with a total of 102 parking spaces provided.
The original application indicates an estimated 48 staff on site daily when all is up and running.
According to council planning officials, the proposals “adhere to the objectives of the Area Plan and relevant key site requirements”.
Their official report states: “The site forms only part of a much larger strip of land extending north and south of the application site and offers a wide mix and range of uses and elevational treatments and heights.
“The proposed design, scale, nature and form is appropriate to its location and can be readily absorbed into this locality, given surrounding industrial/commercial developments found within the vicinity of the site.”
A design and access statement, which accompanied the application, had explained: “The proposed buildings have been designed in a manner that provides variety in their elevational treatment, including cladding panels, engineering brick to lower walls broken up by glazing at high and low level.
“Existing landscaping and trees along the Newry Canal boundary will be retained.
“The units are proposed in a manner that makes the best use of existing screening in order to safeguard critical views along the Tandragee Road, as well as minimising the visual impact of the proposed units.”
The buildings will be “highly insulated and environmentally friendly”, while also having disabled access and being “fully accessible within the site”. Disabled parking is provided at “various locations throughout the site” too.
“The proposed units fall within the parameters of mixed-use development and will integrate into the surrounding area, which is dominated by industrial and commercial uses,” the statement adds.
There was one objection lodged in relation to the development.
A request had also been made asking that external security lighting is “designed in such a way so as not to cause annoyance to adjoining domestic housing”.
This, planners indicated, was something which could form part of a condition laid down “to control and avoid any potential impact to amenity”.
The council will now write to the application to advise of its decision to approve.
