The landmark gate lodge at the historic Whyte’s demesne in Loughbrickland could be converted into a new physiotherapy clinic.
Proposals have been drawn up for a new use for the property at Scarva Street.
According to the submission to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the property is currently used as a “meeting room”.
The application, in the name of Niamh McGowan, is seeking a change of use to “physio clinic and amenities”.
Drawings show a single-storey facility, the majority of which is given over to a physiotherapy treatment room, accessed through a front hall.
There would also be a rear hall, boiler room, kitchen and disabled toilet provision.
There would be no change to the six parking spaces currently available on site.
Shooter Property Services had previously been tasked with securing a tenant with letting now agreed.
The agent, in its marketing materials, had described the Gate Lodge as being sited in a “high profile location at the entrance to Whyte’s Estate, an historic demesne, very popular with walkers”.
The agent added: “The gate lodge was relatively recently built and is in excellent order comprising an open plan main hall plus kitchen and W.C.
“The property would be suitable for a variety of uses subject to approvals. With high volumes of walkers using the demesne on a daily basis and considerable passing traffic an early viewing is recommended.”
With the property now let and application for change of use in, Tumilty Design – in a design and access statement – detail their client’s intentions.
“No changes will affect the exterior of the appearance of the roadside building,” they state. “All changes will be to the internal with no permanent changes to the interior just different equipment and use of the building.
“The access is to stay as existing with our client also having use of the rear car park for patients – again no changes to the access or the parking facilities.
“The access is adequate and fulfils DfI standards and the change of use.
“There is a disabled access to the rear door which again is adequate and will be used for the change of use purposes.”
The gate lodge sits close to an existing Victorian House which is a Grade B2 listed building. It was built as a medical officer’s residence and dispensary in 1914 to designs by William Wright Larmor.
Historic Environment Division has already assessed the application and “considered the impacts of the proposal on the listed buildings”.
Having done so, officials have advised ABC Council: “We are content with the proposal, as presented, subject to conditions.”
The application will now be advertised and decision made in due course.
