A new mixed-use development is being planned on the site of a funeral parlour and bar in south Armagh.
The proposals, for a site at Main Street in Camlough, will see new apartments and shops being constructed.
The funeral parlour would be demolished to make way for the ambitious plans.
But it will not be disappearing altogether, as the hope is to relocate this element of the family-run facility.
The existing public house, meanwhile, would be refurbished.
Proposals have been drawn up and lodged with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for consideration.
The existing operations on site are Doyle’s Bar and John Doyle Funeral Director
The application has been made in the name of Liz Madden.
In all, the works would see the construction of a total of 11 apartments and a number of retail units.
The plans detail the demolition of an existing garage and the construction of four apartments, as well as the conversion of a barn into a further four apartments.
The funeral parlour would be altered and refurbished to provide two retail units and two more apartments.
Meanwhile, the popular pub would be extended to provide a new function room and associated accommodation – including a rooftop terrace.
An existing shop would then be refurbished to house the relocated funeral parlour, including an extension to the rear and provision of a first floor apartment.
The total number of parking spaces on site would increase from nine to 19 – 11 of which would be for use by the tenants of the planned apartments.
The residential accommodation would be made up of five one-bedroom apartments, five two-bedroom units and one-three bedroom apartment.
According to a supporting statement, the site is “currently occupied by a public house with a small courtyard giving access to a single storey garage block, a two-storey barn and funeral parlour”.
New-buildings, alterations, refurbishments, extensions and relocation will bring a completely new look to the site.
And the addition of apartments will introduce much-needed residential accommodation to the area.
In terms of servicing arrangements for the new apartments, the supporting statement adds: “The proposed development layout gives residents close access to a new central bin store serving all apartments and off-street apartment parking with nine dedicated parking spaces for people visiting the public house.
“The bin store will provide space for one black, blue and brown bin per apartment. Residents will be responsible for taking their appropriate bin out to street where they will be emptied by the local council and left for collection and placement back in the dedicated bin store by the apartment owners.”
The proposals will now be advertised shortly before planners being a recommendation back to council for final decision.
