'It's in the bag': Northern Ireland’s crisp giant finally secures approval to build 34 new homes at historical castle

Crisp giant Tayto has secured approval to build 34 new homes within the historic grounds of Tandragee Castle in Co Armagh, alongside plans for expanded warehouse and factory facilities, including basement car parking.

The residential development, by applicant Paul Allen, Tayto Ltd, will take place in the castle’s former walled garden, featuring four types of two‑storey homes, both detached and semi‑detached, some with garages, arranged around a central public amenity space.

A new vehicle and pedestrian access will be created from the Armagh Road, and the existing tree‑lined approach to the Tayto factory will be retained. Buffer planting will be installed to separate the new housing from the factory. The approvals follow a long planning journey. Initial proposals for a mixed-use development were first submitted in 2008 but were turned down. Outline approval was eventually granted in 2015 after the Planning Appeals Commission overturned the original decision, and recent approval finalises the reserved matters applications providing detailed designs for both the homes and the expanded factory facilities. The Tayto factory expansion will also include new warehouse space, a factory extension, and basement parking, reflecting the company’s ongoing growth and ambitions to modernise its historic site.

A revised landscape management plan completed in March 2026 describes the site as largely flat, bounded by stone and concrete walls, with existing outbuildings, stables, and a horse arena. Most existing vegetation will be retained, and a tree-lined pathway will link the new public open space with the approach to the factory.

The development represents a significant step forward for Tayto, combining residential and commercial expansion while preserving key historic and natural features of the castle grounds.