Planning approval has been granted for the retention of three apartments at 23 Dobbin Street, Armagh.
As the building is listed, planning consent also had to be sought for the scheme which includes alterations and associated site works.
The planning application was lodged by DA Architects Ltd, Armagh, on behalf of Tommy McCague, Ogle Street, Armagh.
ABC Planning officers stated in their report: “The application site is located at 23 Dobbin Street, Armagh, which is a terraced listed building located within the settlement development limit of Armagh, and within the Central Area and Commercial Area of Armagh, as defined by the Armagh Area Plan 2004.
“The site is also located within Armagh’s Conservation Area. The subject building was vacant at the time of officers’ site visit.
“The building possesses an external three-storey appearance from the adjacent stretch of Dobbin Street, but as per the submitted existing floor plans, there is an internal fourth storey within said building.
“Full planning permission is sought for the reinstatement of three apartments, with alterations and associated site works.
“There is a shared entrance hallway and internal stairwell that allows access to each apartment, which is accessed via a door under the existing covered archway.
“Considering the subject building is listed and is located within the Armagh Conservation Area, a Design and Access Statement is required.
“The statement explains how the proposed development is a suitable response to the site and surrounding development, in particular the sensitive built heritage context, and [it] demonstrates that it can be adequately accessed by prospective users.
“It also demonstrates how the design of the proposal will integrate successfully into its surroundings.
“Officers consider that the Design and Access Statement is acceptable.
“No. 23 Dobbin Street contained three apartments, and although they are currently vacant and have fallen into a state of disrepair over intervening years, it appears that the said buildings have not been abandoned to another use.
“Given that the subject building was historically three apartments, that the rear amenity space was and is proposed to be communal space for all three apartments, and that the proposed development would bring a vacant listed building, located within Armagh’s Conservation Area, which has fallen into a state of disrepair over preceding years, back into use, officers are of the opinion that a recommendation of refusal could not be sustained in this instance.
“The existing external features of the subject building are proposed to be retained, including walls, roof, windows, doors and rainwater goods, with the said existing features being repaired where necessary.
“Given that no new wall openings are proposed, that the subject building is not proposed to be extended, and that the historical use of the said building was apartments, officers are of the opinion that there would be no unacceptable adverse effect on existing or proposed properties in terms of overlooking, loss of light, overshadowing, noise or other disturbance.
“This proposal does not constitute a material change of use to the building. Furthermore, officers are of the opinion that the proposed reinstatement of the apartments would secure the building’s upkeep and survival.”
