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Major £60m plans to redevelop the former British army base at Besbrook Mill are up for approval by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council despite huge objections of “historic vandalism” from local residents.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has recommended the old Bessbrook Mill site to be transformed with over 260 homes.
The planning committee report is yet to be made public with the planning agenda currently stating "report to follow", however the Historic Environment Division (HED) of the Department of Communities has offered no objections subject to policy conditions.
Local resident, John Davis has submitted a petition against the development with over 1,000 signatures.
His objection reads: “There is nothing exciting about this, it is cultural and historical vandalism of our heritage at the highest level, not only for the village of Bessbrook, but for Newry and Northern Ireland’s industrial history.”
Plans for the mixed-use development were first submitted in August 2023, proposing the former Bessbrook Mill site and one-time army base to be transformed into a combination of housing, retail and office accommodation.
The Ulster Architectural Heritage (UAH) also submitted a separate objection around the removal of a high-quality local granite wall being removed on the Derrymore Road which is part of the listing of Bessbrook Mill.
However, the Historic Environment Division (HED) of the Department for Communities has offered no objections subject to policy conditions.
Over 160 objection letters also appear on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal to the application by Farlstone Construction Ltd.
Former UUP chairperson Danny Kennedy, who is a local resident, has highlighted historic concerns as well as anti-social behaviour around the potential for social housing at the development.
His objection reads: “There is a widespread concern that there has been an over intensification of such developments in the village, some of which have led to an increase in antisocial behaviour to the detriment of long standing residents and traders in the area.
“Therefore, greater clarity is required to establish the type of social housing this proposal envisages and how it will be managed going forward.
“This is a key issue and requires to be addressed in an open and transparent manner, no matter how difficult.”
He adds:“The village of Bessbrook deserves to be protected from developments which will completely undermine the ethos and historic culture by which it was established.”
Architects, Milligan Reside Larkin (MRL) Ltd has led the design consultant team on the regeneration project.
It’s website reads: “MRL are delighted to be the lead architect on this once in a lifetime project.
“The unique development is set to boost local economy and add value to the Model Village of Bessbrook.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted Farlstone Construction Ltd.
A spokesperson for the company previously stated:“This extensive economic and socially regenerative project will dramatically transform this large derelict site close to the heart of Bessbrook Model Village.
“Our team are very excited by the potential of this project and we look forward to working with the local community, to ensure our development complements historic Bessbrook village and adds to the future of this picturesque village”.
The council report recommending approval is to be before the planning committee on October 7, but the paper is not yet available for public viewing.
A council deadline for speaking rights at the committee closes on September 30 at 5pm.
