Four new apartments will be created with the conversion of a listed building in Armagh city centre.
Planners on the ABC Council approved an application to renovate 13 College Street – a former charity shop currently being used for storage and a sewing room.
The application, lodged on behalf of Barry Randall, to convert the premises into three two-bedroom and one three-bed apartment was granted earlier this month.
The applicant stated that the overriding objective of the design “is to preserve and enhance the character, architectural and/or historical importance of the building”.
Adding: “The proposed scheme design is entirely suitable for the future of this Grade B2 listed building. The proposal represents an opportunity for a change of use of an existing charity shop and dwelling to four apartments in this conservation area of Armagh.”
However, one neighbour objected on account of the parking amenity, stating that the spaces provided for two cars were not big enough and would encroach on the neighbours and that for the application, in its current format, would require at least six spaces in an area already struggling with parking.
Nonetheless, Council planners were in agreement and four new apartments should be created on College Street.
It comes weeks after plans were submitted to convert a former solicitor’s premises, on the same street, into apartments as ongoing attempts to let as office accommodation proved fruitless.
If that application is also successful, a total of three self-contained apartments would be created, with the partial demolition of an existing store planned to create a communal amenity area.
