Plans to redevelop a former filling station into four retail units will be given planning approval next week.
As Armagh I revealed in April, a proposal had been submitted to redevelop the former Jet Filling Station.
Five objections to the plans were received – three from the one address – relating mainly to the increased level of traffic and impact on visual amenity of the owner’s property.
But a planning official has recommended that the development – which includes nine parking spaces and two disabled bays fronting on to Newry Road – should be allowed to proceed.
That will be presented to a meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s planning and regulatory services committee when it meets in Banbridge on Wednesday.
The developer, NR Properties, had an agent submit a report early in October to reinforce why they believe the project should be allowed to proceed.
It pointed out that the site had already been a filling station and shop for over 30 years and had been altered and extended at various times.
Plans accepted for retail units on the Newry Road, Armagh
It argued too that there was a need for businesses in the area for premises but none available.
There would, it stated, be no adverse impact on the neighbouring Whittles Filling Station and the off-licence which shares the forecourt area. As part of this proposal, the filling station at the development site would close with the creation of the four retail units, which would then be available for various businesses, subject to planning consents.
It was also reported the development would improve the aesthetics of the area and enhance an area which had been neglected for some years.
In addition, the developer’s agent said it would benefit the area both economically and by bringing much-needed jobs.
A condition before development process is standard – that is for the removal and decommissioning of the underground fuel storage tanks.
The four planned units are already being advertised ‘to let’.
Leading property firm Lambert Smith Hampton describes it as an “exciting retail development”.
In its marketing materials, LSH states: “This area is served by the main motorway network in Northern Ireland, with major road links to the business capitals of Belfast and Dublin.
The subject site is located on the Newry Road which is the main road entering Armagh City. This location offers excellent frontage on to the busy Newry Road with high volumes of vehicular passing.
“The subject development will comprise four retail units ranging from approximately 484 – 1936 sq ft.
“The retail units will be finished to standard developers shell specification with services installed to a consumer point.”
Armagh I understands that, with planning approval given, work will begin early in the New Year.
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