Newry’s controversial £17m civic centre has been approved by less than half of the local authority’s planning committee amid legal concerns.
Downpatrick Alliance cllr, Cadogan Enright walked out of the meeting following legal advice provided in confidential session away from public view saying, “I urge you all to do the same”.
Out of the 12 councillors on the committee, only six turned up for the 12 noon decision. When put to a vote four members (3 Sinn Fein & 1 SDLP) voted in favour of the application, one against (DUP) and one abstained (SDLP).
Proposing the recommendation, Slieve Gullion rep, Declan Murphy said: “We’ve heard the arguments for and against this quite a number of times, so whatever decision we make it is based on a lot of scrutiny and means our decision will be robust.
“I am satisfied that the recommendation by the planners for approval and we should accept that recommendation.
“There will be concerns whether they be from Protestant, Catholic or Dissenter, they all have to be taken into consideration, and I think from the evidence put forward that has been done.”
The proposal was seconded by Newry Sinn Fein cllr, Cathal King with Mournes DUP rep, Glyn Hanna calling for a recorded vote.
The application first lodged in 2019 is set to be the new HQ for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) and its “215” staff.
However, there will only be 162 desks provided as the council has alluded to its “hybrid working conditions” for employees.
The Newry city civic centre has been dogged by controversy with more than 2,500 parishioners at the nearby Cathedral signing a petition opposing the building amid claims it will leave them no where to park during Mass.
NMDDC has previously referred to a parking survey (2023) of the Abbey Way site and has amended its HQ plans to provide 138 car park spaces at the site, which it says is above the maximum occupancy rates of mass-goers recorded.
A predetermination hearing had been held earlier in the morning from 10am to listen to the final arguments from all parties concerned.
A council officer presenting the recommendation told the chamber, “the case officer’s report details and considers all the issues”.
In concluding comments, both the applicant, NMDDC and the objectors Newry Parish Cathedral continued to call out each other’s view of facts and opinions on the processes carried out on the long running application.
