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As it did with the planning application for the proposed new offices behind Newry Cathedral, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI Roads), has objected to the Council’s planning application for the new Theatre/Conference Centre on the site of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.
It may be just coincidence, but the DfI Roads objection to the Theatre/Conference Centre is identical to that of the Council offices - “unacceptable as submitted” while “Insufficient detail is available on transportation issues”.
It begs the obvious question, why were these Council planning applications, submitted five years after the initial launch in November 2017, and following consultations, engagements, and meetings - including multiple meetings with DfI Roads - without including the information that the government department required.
DfI Roads said it considers the application for the proposed new four-storey theatre and conference centre extension to the Town Hall; construction of and atrium connecting the theatre extension with the town hall; the demolition of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre and No 2 Bank Parade; alterations and refurbishment of Town Hall; Public Realm proposals to a portion of Sugar island, a portion of Needham Bridge, a portion of the east side of Newry canal and an area around Bank Parade and Kildare Street, “unacceptable as submitted” and that “Insufficient detail is available on transportation issues.”
DfI Roads adds that it feels a meeting would be beneficial for the application to discuss the following:
- Vehicular access will not be permitted at Needam Bridge.
- More detail needed for the access arrangements onto Bank Parade clearly detailing widths and dimensions.
- DFI Roads deem the proposed dropped kerbs on Bank Parade (on the outside radius) excessive.
- Access of articulated service vehicle.
- General access arrangements.
- Parking provision.
