Business

Outline planning permission granted for £60m housing development next to Craigavon Hospital

A gateway development of 22 homes has already been built on the site.
A gateway development of 22 homes has already been built on the site. A gateway development of 22 homes has already been built on the site.

OUTLINE planning permission has been granted for a £60 million housing development next to Craigavon Area Hospital, that could see the construction of 500 new homes.

Portadown firm Sustar Ltd is behind the proposal, which has been approved by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. The firm said the project will support around 90 construction jobs.

The major plan, which dates back to 2017, had faced some objections over the proximity to the hospital and concerns over traffic congestion.

The company has said it taken on board the concerns and worked with the Department for Infrastructure for solutions. It also affirmed that it will comply with the planning conditions imposed by ABC Council this week as part of the approval process.

The project will include a mix of nine different types of houses, both detached and semi-detached.

It’s expected to be constructed over a number of phases, taking 10-15 years to complete.

Michael Hananath, development consultant of Sustar Ltd said: “We welcome the approval of planning permission for Bracken Hall in Lisnisky Lane in Portadown and are confident it will provide a significant economic and jobs boost to the local area at what is a critical time.

“The application was lodged just over three years ago following a PAN and community consultation process and is for an ‘outline’ planning permission to develop lands which are already zoned for phase one residential development under the current area plan.”

He said the concept master plan, produced by Alan Patterson Design, proposes a high-quality development with a creche facility on site.

“The location has excellent transport, cycle and pedestrian links and a full range of amenities and facilities are within walking distance including a number of local schools, sports facilities, public parks and local convenience stores.

“Demand for new homes in this location remains very healthy and our agents have already received direct expressions of interest from over 100 parties for future housing in the next phases since the first phase at Bracken Hall was completed.