Write a comment
Planning permission has been granted for a drive-thru restaurant at Bank Parade in Newry.
The application was approved at the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Planning Meeting this morning 27 May via an 'Addendum List'*.
The application was contained in 2 separate submissions LA07/2023/2991/DCA and LA07/2023/2992/F in the name of Downey Developments Ltd, owners of Friar Tucks in Sugar Island. The site is located at lands incorporating 8-18 Sugar Island and associated lands to the rear along with access to be provided via Bank Parade.
The project will tie in with the proposed Newry Theatre and Conference facility on the site of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, enabling the creation of an active travel route alongside the Canal from Sugar Island to Needham Bridge. Work is expected to start on the Theatre project from the end of this month.
As part of the application Conservation Area Consent was agreed for demolition of existing outbuildings and perimeter walls to the rear of 8-18 Sugar Island and the upgrade and widening of existing entrance from Bank Parade (facilitated via demolition of the Sean Holywood Arts Centre as proposed by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council approved under their application).
The full proposal will see the The provision of a drive-thru restaurant with landscaping works. Refurbishment, alterations and rear façade works to 8-18 Sugar Island along with provision of a new lift and stair core to provide 1st and 2nd floor access to no. 16 and 18 Sugar Island. Provision of new office space at 1st and 2nd floor within 16-18 Sugar Island. Façade and alteration works to 8 Sugar Island to provide a carriage arch. Demolition of existing outbuildings and perimeter walls to the rear of 8-18 Sugar and the upgrade and widening of the existing entrance from Bank Parade.
The Planning Decision Report states that An original ‘Carriage Arch’ at Sugar Island will be reopened, giving additional access to the Site.
The drive thru restaurant will have 860sqm of floor space over two floors. Vehicles will access the drive-thru windows from the south with access continuing along the northwestern canal side of the building to a pay counter and food collection point with vehicles partially obscured by a wall.
Large windows will provide public views across the canal onto Merchants Quay. The main pedestrian entrance will be sited along the northeastern portion close to an external public plaza area with access from the junction of Sugar Island and Merchants Quay. Additional restaurant seating, storage and office space is proposed at first floor level.
The building will be gable ended along Merchants Quay with mock doors to the ground floor fixed with timber panels to replicate old warehouse doors. A single opening on the first floor will form a window to the restaurant replicating an opening that would have been required for transferring goods from barges to indoors via a lifting
beam.
The Report explains "The design presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional industrial and waterside architecture, designed to respond sensitively to the canal-side setting and surrounding urban grain. The scheme appears to draw heavily on the historic warehouse and mill buildings traditionally associated with canal infrastructure, while introducing modern detailing and materials to create a mixed-use environment."
It adds: "Strong emphasis has been placed on the waterfront elevation. The buildings actively address the canal helping create interaction along the water’s edge rather than turning away from it."
Public realm features are integrated with pedestrian-focused spaces, cycle parking, soft landscaping and tree planting.
The Report continues "Overall, the proposal appears to combine contemporary architectural design with references to the industrial and maritime heritage of the area. The scheme seeks to create a visually distinctive waterfront development that respects the character of the canal corridor while introducing modern commercial and public spaces."
No parking provision has been provided with the application. A Transport Assessment Form (TAF) explains this is to encourage use of sustainable travel modes and any vehicle trips generated will be accommodated within publicly available car parks within Newry City Centre. The TAF adds "The only traffic to enter the development site will be associated with the Drive Thru lane and service/delivery vehicles associated with the entire development" The documentation notes "the acceptability of the current proposal does not remove the need for robust parking and transportation assessments in relation to future development proposals within the city centre."
* Item 5 on the Agenda - the Addendum List which included the two applications associated with the proposal was proposed by Cllr Declan McAteer and seconded by Cllr Glyn Hanna. Explaining how the Addendum List works today's agenda said: "The following planning applications listed on the agenda, have received no representations or requests for speaking rights. Unless a Member wishes to have these applications presented and discussed, the Planning Committee will be asked to approve the officer's recommendation, and the applications will be taken as "read" without the need for a presentation. If a Member would like to have a presentation and discussion on any of the applications listed below, they will be deferred to the next Committee Meeting for a full presentation." No members requested a presentation or discussion.
