Planners back Newcastle apartments

Planners back Newcastle apartments

5 February 2025

PLANNERS are recommending that a proposal for four new one-bedroom apartments in Newcastle should proceed.

The recommendation for premises at 33 Main Street will be discussed at this morning’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee.

An existing ground floor ice cream shop will be retained as part of the development proposal which is close to Newcastle Presbyterian Church.

An existing rear return will be demolished and first and second floor office accommodation will be remodelled to pave the way for the new apartments.

Planning papers made public ahead of this morning’s meeting confirm the property is within Newcastle’s development limits and located along a protected route. It is also close to an existing retail unit and existing restaurant.

Planners say the major changes to the exterior of the building will be carried out at the rear of the property where there will be a courtyard area with some planted sections.

No parking provision forms part of the planning application with the Department for Infrastructure Roads officials content with the proposal.

A parking survey was submitted in tandem with the planning application.

Planners say the proposal will have no adverse effect on the local character, environmental quality or residential amenity of the surrounding area.

It has also been revealed that NI Water was opposed to the planning application but advised that it may reconsider its opposition.

A planning agent is in discussion with NI Water and has submitted a wastewater impact assessment.