Planning Approval for major development in Newtownards

The Environment Minister has announced outline planning permission is to be granted for a mixed use development in Newtownards.

The planning permission could facilitate development that may provide up to 400 jobs and will occupy 10.3 hectares, transforming the site in Newtownards.

The planning permission includes industrial, leisure and business units; two nursing homes; a 100 bed hotel; a neighbourhood centre to include a crèche/nursery, retail units, a Health Centre and a bank; several hot food outlets; a petrol filling station and 96 residential units.

In a statement on the Department’s website the Minister said: “This will be a tremendous economic and social boost for the area. This 10 hectare site has been derelict for some time and its redevelopment will provide a much needed employment boost for the town, while providing valuable community and tourism facilities.

“A significant part of the site will be reserved for industrial purposes and the mixed use components will also generate much needed employment. I have sought to ensure that the non-industrial units cannot proceed on their own by including a planning condition to build a number of industrial units at the outset.

“The development has the potential to accommodate as many jobs as the factory once supported at its peak and represents the best opportunity to improve the appearance and vibrancy of the site at its gateway location on the southern edge of the town. The local shopping and community facilities will be used by residents within the site and beyond and will also attract visitors and benefit from passing trade.”

The Minister concluded: “There are currently 31 Article 31 decisions in the system and I will continue to make the right decisions quickly after I have thoroughly considered all of the issues. This decision is further evidence of my determination to clear the backlog of planning applications and provide a planning system that can deliver. What I and DOE are about is a better environment and a stronger economy. This decision will certainly contribute to that.”