The award-winning village of Scarva is in line for a new retail store – more than a decade after the previous shop closed, Armagh I can reveal.
The new outlet would be part of the Today Local brand and located on Main Street, representing a significant investment in the village and bringing new employment opportunities.
The proposed location is the site of the former Scarva Coal Stores, which were previously demolished.
Proposals have been drawn up and an application, in the name of Stuart Moffett, has been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration.
Approval had previously been given for the demolition of the long-vacant coal stores at 32A Main Street, with provision for a shop and one residential unit, which have not materialised.
Now it is hoped that the village’s need for a retail unit will be realised with this fresh application.
If approved, the replacement would involve the construction of a two-storey development.
The shop – boasting floorspace of close to 1,650 sq ft – would be located at ground-floor level, with a store to the rear.
The first floor would see the creation of two new self-contained apartments, each with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and dining area, and dressing room. These would be accessed via a staircase to the right-hand side of the shop.
The first floor would also accommodate an office, locker room, and canteen associated with the new shop.
According to a supporting statement, the new retail outlet will be a great asset for those living in and around the village.
It states: “The size and scale of the proposed shop will allow it to meet the local needs of the village, whilst also being of a scale that it will not draw trade from Gilford or Banbridge and will have no detrimental impact upon the vitality and viability of either Gilford town centre or Banbridge town centre.”
The statement adds: “The application site is on the east side of Main Street, and it occupies a relatively central position in a continuous and historic terrace row of predominantly two-storey dwellings, many of which are listed buildings. Whilst there are some differences in the appearance of these buildings, the external proportions of the dwellings are largely the same. Finishes are either pebble-dash or render, and the buildings all have a strong linear building line which contributes to the overall streetscape within the village.”
The overall design is, according to the papers, “appropriate for its site and the surrounding areas.”
The statement advises: “The proposed development adjoins two residential properties: No. 32 Main Street to the north and No. 34 to the south. There are no new windows which will overlook the private amenity areas of these dwellings, and there will be no detrimental impact on residential amenity by way of loss of privacy, loss of light, or dominance. The proposal will not create any significant impacts on amenity through noise, dust, or odour.
“Sufficient open space is included within the development for future residents to allow for rest and relaxation purposes, the hanging of washing, etc. In addition, the application site is located opposite an area of open space which residents can avail of, and this is easily accessed from the proposed development.”
In terms of parking overall in Scarva, this is “predominantly along Main Street, with some additional parking within the visitor centre”.
The statement adds: “There is sufficient on-street parking for the proposed development, and it will not prejudice road safety or inconvenience the flow of traffic through the village.”
The application will now be advertised shortly.
