Consent has been granted for proposed alterations to the ground-floor banking hall of the listed 1904 Ulster Bank building in Bridge Street, Banbridge.
Also approved are plans to refurbish part of the first floor, and to relocate the night safe.
In addition, the existing ATM aperture will be altered to accommodate a new type of ATM.
ABC Planning officers noted in their report: “This building is currently occupied by Ulster Bank and is a Grade B2 Listed Building of special architectural or historic interest.
“The proposal seeks to remove previous banking hall interventions and reorganise the front-of-house layout to improve the customer experience
“General access arrangement will remain as existing, with a stepped approach at the entrance doors and a ramped approach via the side building.
“Works include two new DDA (i.e. fully accessible) counters; a new, enlarged and enclosed meeting room in the banking hall with improved access and privacy; the relocation of the night safe to provide increased space for a free-standing mini-consultation stand for short one-to-one consultations and customer orientation; general refurbishment of interview rooms and back-of-house staff areas.
“Development involving alteration to a listed building may be permitted, particularly where this will secure the ongoing viability and upkeep of the building.
“It is important that such development respects the essential character and architectural or historic interest of the building and its setting, and that features of special interest remain intact and unimpaired.
“Proposals should be based on a clear understanding of the importance of the building/place/heritage asset and should support the best viable use that is compatible with the fabric, setting and character of the building.
“Historic Environment Division (HED) have been consulted on the proposal and have no objection, as the alterations are minor in nature and do not affect the essential character of the listed building.
“Considering the works to be carried out are to a listed building, officers are of the opinion that these fit with the existing built fabric of the building on the site.
“The proposed works are minor in nature and are mostly internal works, and would not impact on the listed building.
“The new interventions will be more sympathetic to the existing building, by revealing more of the original side windows and not connecting to the decorative ceiling.
“The general layout of the banking hall will remain unchanged, with alterations made to the counter line and meeting hall. The design will also improve the visibility of historic features within the banking hall.
“A new enlarged meeting room is to be formed in the banking hall. The enlarged meeting room will provide better disabled access and privacy than current exists with the open-plan arrangement.
“Officers are of the opinion that the scale, form, materials and detailing, with traditional and sympathetic building materials and techniques being used, are in keeping with those found in the existing building.”
