Green light for business incubator development at Northern Ireland business park
Planning permission granted for light industrial development in Craigavon, including removal of telemast and associated site works
Eight business incubator units, for light industrial purposes, are going to be erected on lands close to 3c Bluestone Business Park, Moyraverty West Road, Craigavon.
Planning approval has also been granted for associated site works, including the removal of an existing telemast tower and associated equipment.
The planning application was lodged by MW/Architects LLP, Belfast, on behalf of Brownlow Ltd, Bluestone Business Park.
ABC Planning officers stated in their report: “The site is located within the Bluestone Business Park, which is accessed off the Moyraverty West Road, with other industrial type buildings located throughout the surrounding area.
“Block A (Units 1-4) takes the form of a basic rectangle measuring 29m X 9m, with each unit having an internal floor area of 57.96m2.
“Block B (Units 5-8) takes the form of a basic rectangle measuring 32.6m X 9m, with each unit having an internal floor area of 65.1m2.”
The following also applies to both Block A and Block B: “The building blocks will have a maximum ridge height of 4.2m from ground level. The design integrates essential amenities, including kitchenettes and WCs within each unit, making them self-contained.”
The report continues: “The subject lands remain zoned for housing under the Craigavon Area Plan 2010.
“However, following a detailed assessment of the site and its context, it is evident that the practical delivery of housing on this land would be significantly constrained.
“Factors such as topography, access limitations, surrounding land uses, or infrastructure capacity have rendered the site unsuitable for residential development in its current form.
“While the zoning designation remains in place, it no longer represents a viable or realistic development option.
“In light of this, alternative land uses have been considered that better reflect the site’s characteristics and planning potential, and the proposal is not considered to be a significant departure from the area plan.
“The proposed new use is deemed acceptable when assessed against prevailing planning policy.
“The development and growth of micro / start-up business units is one of the main contributors to an economically prosperous and socially stable future within the Craigavon and Brownlow area, in particular.
“Officers are of the opinion that the proposal is compatible with the existing predominant industrial/employment use on the site, which consists of Bluestone Business Park.
“The proposal also involves the removal of a phone mast. While the removal of the mast will have an impact on mobile phone coverage in the area, the phone mast is not safeguarded in any policy.
“The proposed height and massing of the buildings are necessary and complement the other similar-sized units within the wider business park.
“The external finishes are considered to be of a high design standard, and would be appropriate for the character and appearance of the local area.
“With respect to impacts on noise and amenity, the site is located 28m from the nearest residential sensitive receptors at 8 Bluestone Court.
“The orientation of the units are such that the main doors are not facing onto the receptors at Bluestone Court.
“Additionally, the size of the units are small and are restricted to B2 Use Class which is for light industrial, and restricts the potential for any impact at the nearest receptors.
“Officers are therefore of the opinion that the impacts arising from the proposed development will not have an adverse impact on the amenity and enjoyment, for the occupiers of the surrounding residential properties to the application site.”