Apartments plan at old post office site in Rathfriland gets council stamp of approval

A FORMER post office site at 6 and 6A Downpatrick Street, Rathfriland, is going to be significantly altered at the rear of the property, to accommodate three apartments, each with two bedrooms.

A Gordons Chemist branch occupies part of the ground floor of the building, and the retail unit won’t be affected by the redevelopment plans.

The planning application was lodged by Scottish Provident Building, Donegall Square West, Belfast, on behalf of Gareth McCullough, Fairfield Heights, Newry.

ABC Planning officers spoke very positively of the redevelopment plans, stating: “The site is occupied by a three-storey terrace building appearing to be made of two units joined.

“To the ground floor there is a chemist’s store, and the front entrance to the dwelling. The rear of the building is accessed by a vehicle alleyway.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the proposed change of use, alteration and erection of a rear extension, including the demolition of the existing rear return of the residential property, to form three two-bedroom apartments.

“The proposal will change from a single seven-bedroom dwelling to three two-bedroom apartments.

“In this instance, the use of the premises as apartments would be recognised as an appropriate town-centre use.

“The proposed extension is located wholly to the rear of the property, and with limited visual impact from public spaces or from neighbouring properties.

“The extension will be finished to match the existing building in both design and material finish and, as it is a single-storey extension, it is acceptable in proportion and context to the host dwelling.

“It is considered the development would maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the streetscape.

“The proposal shall also improve the range of service provision in the town centre. The provision of more residential accommodation within the town centre can also aid in the sustainability and vitality of the area.

“The proposal has a rear service area of 81m2 that is currently shared between the dwelling and the chemist shop.

“The area will be used to accommodate cycle storage and bin storage. Beyond the site there is a rear yard area of approximately 996m2 that also has an amenity value for prospective occupants of the apartments.

“Additionally, the location of the apartments within the town centre offers ready access for residents to a range of amenity facilities and services.

“It is therefore considered there are appropriate arrangements for public and private amenity for the development, within the site and wider environs.”