Planning approval has been given to convert a former Boots shop and pharmacy in Portadown into six apartments.
The development sits on the corner of Thomas Street and Hanover Street and attracted two letters of objection from neighbours.
But after considering their arguments – and weighing up policy – ABC Council planning officials dispensed approval for the development.
Six one-bedroom apartments are planned, two at each level of the three-storey property.
According to the planners’ report, the change of use application relates to a “prominent corner site”, with the proposed finish described as “townscape-appropriate” and one which “gives the façade depth and texture”.
The application had been lodged early last year by Stewartstown-based Ardina Investments.
The proposals had included replacing all windows with new double glazed uPVC window units, making good the plaster mould surrounds as required. The existing door and fanlight will be removed and replaced with a new double glazed uPVC door and fanlight.
The existing brick chimney will be removed, as will the existing signboard, and “plaster made good and painted”.
The existing shop front will also be removed and ‘built-up’ to form new window openings.
To the rear and side, the existing parking area will be available for residents and there will be a bin storage area. There will also be an area for bicycle parking and communal amenity space.
One of the objectors had complained: Apartments is the last thing needed around here. This unit should remain a retail outlet to give some bit of life to this area in town and create more jobs.”
Another flagged the potential for noise, and “vandalism and graffiti if gate is not closed”, and said they had already experienced incidents of “balls kicked up against my wall”.
Responding to objections, officers said there was “no evidence” submitted to support claims apartments were not needed.
And they pointed out: “The proposal is bringing a vacant building back into use.”
In terms of noise, they observed: “No evidence has been submitted to demonstrate that this proposal will place higher demands on noise. The area is predominantly residential, and this is a residential proposal which is considered to be compatible and in keeping with the character of the area.
“The Environmental Health Department of the council raised no objection on the ground of statutory noise nuisance. In addition, the Building Control department of the council have advised there is no requirement for sound proofing.”
Claims about potential for vandalism and graffiti if the gate is not closed were also dismissed.
“No evidence has been submitted to substantiate these grounds for objection and officers are attaching limited weight to the consideration of these matters,” the planners’ report stated.
There was a similar response to the claims by one of the objectors that balls had been kicked against their wall.
Planners were satisfied that the proposals met policy requirements for what was “a derelict site with an unoccupied shop and floors above”.
They found: “The external appearance of the building will remain largely unchanged. The primary alteration will occur at ground floor level, where the existing commercial shopfront is to be removed and replaced with window openings that reflect the established fenestration pattern on the upper floors.
“These changes are modest in nature and will not materially alter the overall character or appearance of the streetscape.
“Overall, officers are of the opinion that the proposed development respects the surrounding context and is appropriate to the character and topography of the site.”
The applicants will now be notified of approval being granted, subject to a number of conditions.
