Planning approval has been granted for the erection of a two-storey replacement dwelling and garage on the footprint of Carrickblacker House, a 1951 property set within magnificent grounds at 186 Gilford Road, Portadown.
The planning application was lodged by Clarman Architects Ltd, Coalisland, on behalf of Caroline Willis, Beauwood, Portadown.
The report compiled by ABC planning officers states: “The application site holds a large two-storey, Georgian-style dwelling and is approximately 1km south of the settlement limit of Portadown.
“The dwelling appears to be currently occupied. It is set on a very generous size plot, with extensive gardens and mature landscaping which are neatly maintained.
“A gravel tennis court can be found in the south-east corner of the curtilage and a large oak tree stands to the east of the dwelling.
“The dwelling is accessed from the Gilford Road by means of a long tarmac driveway, which is lined on both sides by trimmed verges with a number of mature trees in situ along the right-hand side.
“It is proposed to site the new dwelling directly on the footprint of the existing dwelling, with all the gardens and curtilage boundaries to be retained in situ.
“The plans indicate a dwelling with a floorspace of around 580m2, with the taller portion reaching 9.8m above ground level and 9.5m above finished floor level.
ABC planners are of the opinion that the replacement dwelling will successfully capture all the design elements of the Georgian style. Image: ABC planning portal
“It is acknowledged that the floorspace is greater than the old dwelling and it stands around 1m higher also, however the substantial landscaping and roadside boundary will largely screen the proposed dwelling from view on approach from the Gilford Road.
“As the curtilage is expansive, the proposed dwelling will appear proportionate to its setting when passing by during months of lesser foliage.
“Furthermore, its lengthy set-back position of around 236m from the Gilford Road will ensure that the proposed dwelling will not have a significantly greater impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding landscape.
“It is considered that the proposed dwelling successfully captures all the design elements of the Georgian style and emulates similar dwellings throughout the wider area.”
