A new development of “modern, energy efficient” apartments could be built in a south Armagh village.
The works would require the demolition of two existing properties – a house and garage.
But Fork Developments Ltd – which has laid proposals before Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for consideration – would replace these with six apartments.
These would be built on the site of the existing properties and additional lands at what is described in the submission as “No 8 Jonesborough Village”.
According to a design and access statement, the scheme will bring much-needed accommodation and choice to the locality.
It describes the location as the “main arterial route into and through the village” and one which is “highly accessible and convenient on foot” to local amenities, including the village shop, chapel, public house and hot food takeaway.
The statement adds: “The developer is seeking to construct modern energy efficient homes that will have minimal heating and fuel costs for prospective occupiers.
“The pre-existing dwellings at the roadside have been in need of extensive modernisation for some time, and deterioration has been so prolonged that refurbishment is no longer economically viable, hence the site is to be redeveloped.
“The development will round off the recent construction project on surrounding lands to create a high quality residential environment and it will redress the impression of minimalist/piecemeal development by extending the environs of the adjacent development to create a seamless and coherent site boundary, without compromising the character of appearance of the streetscape.
“The proposal will assist with the delivery of quality and affordable modern housing in an area that has experienced little private sector investment in recent years.”
The development, the statement insists, will be in keeping with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which it falls.
It continues: “The proposal will contribute to a more balance community than might otherwise have been the case: the detached house has been beyond the reach of first-time buyers and the semi-detached houses have proved highly desirable also meaning that efforts had to made to attract low-earners, first-time buyers and young professionals.
“Importantly, affordability in this last phase of the development will enable small families with only one working partner or indeed single persons to get on the property ladders – persons who may not otherwise have been able to get on to the property ladder without a second income stream to rely upon for increasing lending power.”
The proposal, it says, will enhance the “character and appearance” of the overall area with the use of high quality materials, finishes and design.
The plans are now due to be advertised shortly.
