Planners have given the green light to proposals for a major new housing development on site of famous Tandragee fabrics factory.
The development, by the award-winning Hillmark Homes, which will see a total of 49 houses being built, is being planned on the site of the former TD Reid fabrics factory in the town.
Known locally as Braids, the site – a major employer in its day – has been vacant for many years.
But in a nod to its proud past, the new development to rise from the ashes of its proud and productive past would be known as Braidmakers Meadows.
The site, according to a design and access statement, extends to around 2.3 hectares and comprises the former TD Reid Factory premises on the Old Gilford Road and agricultural land extending northwards to the Madden Road.
The works will involve the demolition of the factory, also known as Braids, which was involved in the fabrics and textiles industry.
Established in 1966, the company manufactured a wide range of woven and braided products which were sold worldwide. Products included haberdashery elastics – braided, woven and crochet – as well as woven tapes, braided cords and twines, shoelaces, fishing lines, surgical supplies, wiring looms and specialised products for the aircraft, automobile, electrical and telecommunications industries.
Plans for the new housing development in Tandragee
Associated industrial buildings will also be removed to allow for the construction of the 49 new houses – comprising 33 detached and 16 semi-detached.
Houses will come fitted with solar panels and each will have its own garage.
The application also details an area of communal amenity space, as well as landscaping and associated siteworks.
Access will be from Old Gilford Road, with a pedestrian link to the existing pathway to Madden Road and the bus layby at Madden Road.
The design and access statement explains: “The south-western portion of the site which fronts onto the Old Gilford Road is mostly comprised of the former TD Reid industrial buildings and yard.
“These have been vacant for many years and are fairly run down and dilapidated. This area of the site is relatively flat and is enclosed by security fencing around its perimeter.”
And it adds: “The proposal represents a high-quality, low-density scheme which comprises mostly large, detached family homes..
“The site will be accessed from Old Gilford Road in a similar position to the previous access to the industrial yard. The access will be flanked by a large open space entrance feature on both sides.
“The development rises gently towards the Madden Road to the north. There is no through road or vehicular access onto Madden Road. However, the development benefits from a proposed pedestrian link between site nos. 18 + 19 onto the established pathway leading from Woodview Park to Madden Road. This provides convenient access to the Tandragee Recreational Centre and town centre beyond.
“A bus layby is also provided along the site’s boundary with the Madden Road to enhance accessibility for public transport.
“The scheme has been designed to respect the neighbouring land uses and provide a high-quality and modern development which will enhance the area.”
Insisting that housing is the best way forward for this site, the design and access statement says there is no industrial need at this location.
“It is a vacant and derelict site which has been a blight on the local streetscape and character for many years with no interest from industrial tenants,” it states.
“In fact, the only interest in the site has been for housing which was evident at the recent community consultation event.
“The character and nature of the area, length of vacancy and planning history are important material considerations.”
And it concludes: “his proposal will not cause harm. On the contrary, it represents sustainable development which will contribute positively to housing needs in Tandragee.”
The decision to approve still needs to be accepted by the planning committee early next month.
