A new pizza restaurant is set to open in Armagh city centre later this summer after receiving planning approval for the conversion of a vacant retail unit at 3 Upper English Street. The ground floor and basement of the building will be transformed into the new restaurant, offering a fresh dining experience in the heart of the city.
The planning application was submitted by John Aidan Kelly on behalf of Matthew Sherry, who lives nearby. According to the ABC Planning officers, the approval is for the change of use from a retail unit to a restaurant, with the addition of a flue pipe for a pizza oven at the rear of the property. The ground-floor façade will also be altered, with a single door and window being replaced by a double door made of painted timber.
The basement, previously used for storage, will be repurposed as a preparation and storage area for the restaurant. The existing W.C. in the basement will remain, and no changes are proposed for the first floor. The planning officers noted that Upper English Street is a key shopping and commercial area, and the approval aligns with the area’s broader zoning policies, which permit non-retail uses as long as they do not disrupt the balance of retailing in the area.
A few conditions have been set to ensure the project’s success and mitigate potential issues, including requirements for proper waste management within the premises to prevent littering, as well as providing a bin for customers inside the restaurant. The planning officers believe these measures will adequately address concerns regarding cleanliness.
Accessibility was also a key consideration in the proposal. The ground-floor restaurant will be accessible to people with mobility issues, and the replacement of the existing door and window with double doors will improve accessibility further.
The development will not affect the overall scale or appearance of the building, and the new flue pipe will not be visible to the public, preserving the aesthetics of the surrounding streetscape. The proposal received no objections from DfI Roads, and there are no concerns about access or parking.
Environmental Health concerns regarding noise and odour were addressed, especially given the proximity of residential properties. However, the planning officers noted that the nearby apartment is already adjacent to a restaurant, so the impact on residential amenity is expected to be minimal.
The restaurant will be located within a Conservation Area and near listed buildings. However, the planning officers concluded that the proposed changes would not negatively impact the appearance of the building or the surrounding area, maintaining the character of the city centre.
Overall, the development is seen as a positive addition to the area, ensuring the continued use of the building while offering a new dining option for both locals and visitors to Armagh.
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