Plans for a new beer garden at a Killyleagh pub have been submitted.
An application for developing the external area at the Central Bar on the village’s Cross Street was recently sent to council planners by Gabriel Bell.
A design and access statement says that “the proposal seeks to enhance the existing licensed premises by providing a safe, attractive and accessible outdoor seating area for patrons”.
“The Central Bar is an old, long-established public house located within the settlement of Killyleagh,” it continues. “The surrounding area comprises a mix of residential, commercial and local service uses.
“The application site relates to an existing, underutilised external space to the rear/side of the premises, which is currently enclosed and suitable for conversion to a managed outdoor amenity area.”
The document states that “the primary design objective is to create a high-quality, functional and visually appropriate beer garden that complements the character of the existing building and surrounding area”.
It adds: “Key design principles include retention of the existing building as the focal point; creation of a defined and enclosed outdoor seating space; use of durable, low-maintenance materials; soft landscaping to enhance visual amenity; and subtle lighting to ensure safe evening use without causing nuisance.”
It is stressed that the beer garden would be “modest in scale and subordinate to the existing public house”.
“No significant structures are proposed, ensuring that the character of the site and surrounding area is preserved,” the statement reads. “Any shelters or canopies (if included) will be lightweight and visually unobtrusive.”
The document says that the design and operation of the beer garden “will seek to minimise impact on neighbouring properties”.
“Mitigation measures include enclosed boundary treatments to reduce noise breakout; no amplified music externally; appropriate management of customer behaviour; signage encouraging respectful use of the space; and potential limitation on hours of outdoor use,” it adds.
The statement concludes: “The proposed beer garden represents a sensitive and appropriate enhancement to the existing Central Bar.
“The development improves the amenity offering of the premises; respects the character of Killyleagh; minimises impact on neighbouring properties; and provides a safe, accessible outdoor space.”
