Plans for a new £1.5 million mixed use development – including a restaurant, takeaway, four shops and three industrial units – have been given the green light in south Armagh.
The substantial development has been earmarked at Main Street in Camlough.
Armagh I revealed the proposals were under consideration last July.
Papers submitted with the proposals indicate that the project could bring up to 30 new jobs to the village.
The largest of the units – just over 8,000 sq ft – is for a two-storey restaurant and takeaway.
Two others units – of 6,930sq ft and 7,298 sq ft – would be constructed, one a shop – for the sale of goods other than food – and the other for “light industrial” use.
The planned development – which also has car parking and associated siteworks – has been earmarked for vacant lands adjacent to the medical centre.
It sits across the road from an existing commercial development which includes a petrol station, pub, restaurants, butchers, pharmacy, hairdresser and offices.
The plans were submitted by GMC Developments Ltd.
Planning officials at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council – after detailed consideration – have now recommend that the development be allowed to proceed.
Officials outlined what exactly was proposed and authorised in their official report, stating: “Building 1 will be a restaurant and takeaway.
“Building 2 will provide four retail units over two floors.
“Building 3 is to be built at the rear of the site facing towards Main Street; it is a shed-like structure and will provide three light industrial units with basement storage beneath.
“A total of 2,066 square metres of floor space is proposed for the site, 88 car parking and one van space are shown on the layout plan, and five of the car parking spaces will be for disabled spaces.”
In recommending approval, planners state: “Having had regard to the development plan and all other material considerations, the proposal is considered a sustainable development that will not cause demonstrable harm to interests of acknowledged importance.”
A number of conditions were also laid down, including opening hours of the various enterprises planned.
The restaurant and takeaway would only be able to open between 9am and 11pm; the shops between 7am and 9pm, Monday to Saturday, with no Sunday opening permitted; and industrial units between 7am and 6pm – again Monday to Saturday only.
The reason given for the restriction was to “safeguard the living conditions of nearby residents”.
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