Northern Ireland Planning Service

Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
District Proposals: Rathfriland Town Centre (Page 2 of 2)

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Development Opportunity Sites

The following sites are zoned as Development Opportunity Sites. Policy for the control of development on zoned sites is contained in Policy SMT 2 in Volume 1 of the Plan. Zoned land will be developed in accordance with all prevailing regional planning policy and with any relevant Plan Policies and Proposals, including where specified, key site requirements.
Zoning RD 12 Development Opportunity Site Dromore Street/Main Street
A 0.28 hectare site at Nos. 5a - 9 Dromore Street and Nos. 6 - 12 Main Street and lands to the rear is zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 2/05b - Rathfriland Town Centre.
Key Site Requirements:
  • Building design should be in keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding buildings;
  • Upgrading of the entire laneway to the rear. Third party land may be required;
  • Footways shall be provided across the site frontage.
This is a site comprising several parcels of land. Nos. 5a - 9 Dromore Street are largely vacant or under - used warehousing and car showrooms. The buildings are generally in good condition. However, they do present opportunities for refurbishment and redevelopment which would significantly enhance this section of Dromore Street. Nos. 6 - 12 Main Street are currently vacant and have deteriorated to a very poor condition and will require considerable refurbishment. The lands to the rear largely comprise old storage buildings and yards. Parking and access can be gained via the narrow laneway that runs from Castle Street to Dromore Street. If difficulties in land assembly could be overcome this site would be suitable for a mixed use, commercial or residential development.
Zoning RD 13 Development Opportunity Site Caddels Lane North
A 0.34 hectare site at No. 8 Caddells Lane and adjacent lands is zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 2/05b - Rathfriland Town Centre.
Key Site Requirements:
  • Building design should be in keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding buildings;
  • Access shall be from Caddells Lane;
  • Development of the site will require incurtilage parking;
  • Caddells Lane will require widening along the extent of the site
This site comprises existing businesses, large warehouses, vacant lands that front Downpatrick Street, Caddells Lane and Church Square and extend to the rear of buildings that face onto these roads. The ownership of these buildings and land would appear to be fragmented. This area comprises many smaller sites that could be developed on an individual basis by filling gaps which presently expose unsightly rear elevations. The recent development of 13 town houses on sites adjacent to this land indicates what could be achieved if the area was developed on a more comprehensive basis. If difficulties in land assembly could be overcome the site would be suitable for a mixed use, commercial or residential development providing a pedestrian link through the site. This site may also be developed as part of a larger development opportunity for the town centre that includes Zoning RD 14 and Zoning RD 15.
If there is new build, provision could be made for on-street parking by widening Caddells Lane and also improving the existing narrow footpath.
Zoning RD 14 Development Opportunity Site Caddells Lane South/ Downpatrick Street
A 0.24 hectare site at No. 53 Downpatrick Street and adjacent lands is zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map 2/05b - Rathfriland Town Centre.
Key Site Requirements:
  • Building design should be in keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding buildings;
  • Access via Caddells Lane;
  • Footway required along the extent of the site;
  • Any development of the site must include pedestrian/cycle access to the public car park on Downpatrick Street.
No. 53 Downpatrick Street is a large derelict building. The land behind it comprises a mixture of disused or under utilised outhouses and storage units. The piece of land opposite No. 8 Caddells Lane is used for the storage of tyres. If these lands could be assembled, this site would provide an ideal opportunity for commercial and / or residential redevelopment in the southern end of the town centre. This site may also be developed as part of a larger development opportunity for the town centre that includes Zoning RD 13 and Zoning RD 15.
If there is new build, provision could be made for on-street parking by widening Caddells Lane.
Zoning RD 15 Development Opportunity Site Downpatrick Street
0.42 hectares of land at Downpatrick Street is zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 2/05b - Rathfriland.
Key Site Requirements:
  • The developer of the site (which is currently in use as a car park) will need to ensure continuity of car parking provision in an accessible town centre location. The developer is advised to consult with Roads Service at an early stage;
  • The existing bus parking lay-by shall be retained within the site along with access and adequate turning circle for buses;
  • Access arrangements and industrial layout shall ensure that buildings do not back onto Downpatrick Street;
  • Access to existing facilities shall be retained;
  • All new development shall provide a high quality of layout and design;
  • Buildings shall exhibit variety in their elevational treatment and heights;
  • Existing vegetation along the southern boundary of the site shall be augmented by planting of a 3-5 metre belt of trees of native species to help screen the development from adjacent housing;
  • The treatment of other site boundaries shall be agreed with the Department at planning application stage;
  • Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has indicated the presence of a pill-box at the entrance to the site which is a Defence Heritage feature. The developer is advised to consult with EHS at an early stage.
This site may also be developed as part of a larger development opportunity for the town centre that includes Zoning RD 13 and Zoning RD 14.

Protected Town Centre Housing Areas

Policy for the control of development in Protected Town Centre Housing Areas is contained in Policy HSG 2 in Volume 1 of the Plan.
Designation RD 16 Protected Town Centre Housing Area John Street
The properties at Nos. 3-19 John Street are designated as a Protected Town Centre Housing Area as identified on Map No. 2/05b - Rathfriland Town Centre.
Town centre housing areas provide a valuable housing stock and accommodate established communities which contribute to the variety and vitality of life in the town centre.
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