Eleventh hour submission sees decision on civic centre and theatre approval deferred

Over £40m worth of investment was due to be signed off for the two major developments today (October 2), with council officers recommending approvals.

However, both applications have faced public controversy amid the council remaining silent on both matters.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) planning committee chairperson, Declan Murphy (Sinn Fein) said: “So, this is to do with Abbey Way carpark and proposed civic hub, also to do with Town Hall/ Bank Parade proposed new four storey theatre and conference centre, and extension to the Town Hall.

“There has been a late submission. It came in last night (Oct 1) at 10.40pm.

“We haven’t had time to take a look at that submission, but we should and we need to.

“So, given the fact that it came in at such a late time means we have no alternative, but to defer this application until the next planning committee meeting in November.

“It’s unfortunate that anyone who has made the effort to be here today, this isn’t going t o be heard this morning. That is unfortunately the decision we’ve had to take.”

NMDDC’s application for its estimated £17m new HQ on a carpark behind the city’s Cathedral has sparked objections from the local parish.

A petition with more than 2,500 objections was recently presented to the local authority with letters from Catholic parishioners, showing their opposition for the construction of the civic centre on a carpark used by Mass-goers.

NMDDC has previously referred to a parking survey of the Abbey Way site and has amended its HQ plans to provide 138 car park spaces at the site, which it says is above the maximum occupancy rates of mass-goers recorded. According to the council website, the authority expects construction on the civic centre to begin this year.

Just 500 yards away, another council application for an estimated £23m four storey theatre and conference centre and extension to the town hall is also to be decided at the same planning committee. The new theatre will seat over 250 people and will be linked to Newry Town Hall by a glass atrium.

The arts development has also seen objections over the council’s plan to demolish the existing Sean Hollywood Arts Centre at Bank Parade unlisted building to make way for the new development. A tied in application for listed building consent in relation to Newry Town Hall was also up for approval.

The next NMDDC planning committee is due to take place on November 6.