Council Planning Committee Approves Major District Developments

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Planning Committee has approved applications for three major new developments in Bessbrook, Kilkeel and Newry.

At the Committee meeting on 4 November, councillors agreed proposals for the redevelopment of the former Bessbrook Mill site in South Armagh, an ultra-modern new school for St Louis Grammar in Kilkeel and the expansion of Rathore Special Education School in Newry.

The proposal for the derelict former Mill in the heart of the village includes 267 residential units comprising mixed housing, six office units and a gym. The mill building, which enjoys protected status, will be refurbished and converted to provide 165 apartments, while across the site, there will be an additional 54 apartments and 48 residential dwellings.

Fifty six of the new properties will be dedicated to social housing with the proposal supported by the Housing Executive. The redevelopment proposal will result in the partial demolition of an existing weaving shed and outbuildings and plans for a temporary wastewater treatment plant.

Council planners say the proposal retains the Mill’s established character and heritage significance, secures the building’s long term preservation and continued contribution to the character, appearance and historic identity of Bessbrook.

A number of key historic features of the site are to be retained, with the historic gateway reinstated, with sections of the Weavers’ Shed carefully dismantled and re-erected, accompanied by interpretation boards to help tell the story of the site. Almost one hectare of new public open space will be created by the development.

The proposal for St Louis Grammar School at Newry Road in Kilkeel will result in the demolition of the current campus buildings and construction of a new school, one grass playing pitch, a 3G pitch, handball courts, multi-use games area, car and bus parking and drop-off areas. The proposal involves the removal of existing Tree Preservation Orders.

In 2018, St Columban’s College amalgamated with St Louis with all pupils accommodated at the Newry Road site where the existing building would require significant investment to ensure it meets current building regulations, energy efficiency standards and Disability Discrimination Act legislation. The new school will be located to the north east of the existing school building, closer to Newry Road.

Planning approval for a nine classroom modular building at Rathore School at Martins Lane, Carnagat, includes new offices, storage, toilet and shower facilities, internal and external services areas and bin store, with external play areas, car parking, access roads and footpaths. The new building will be constructed on vacant ground adjacent to the existing school.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “These proposals represent major investment in the future of our district, with the new school buildings and significant housing scheme helping meet the increasing need of our growing communities and have a positive impact for current and future generations.

“The proposals are an important step forward in planning for the future needs of our area and have the potential to support local jobs and building supply chains during the construction process.”