News

Town concerns ignored in plan - 3 Jul 2008

LURGAN Forward have accused the Planning Service of failing to take account of their concerns in drawing up plans for the future shape of the town.

LURGAN Forward have accused the Planning Service of failing to take account of their concerns in drawing up plans for the future shape of the town.

The new plan to guide future retail development decisions in Lurgan, central Craigavon and Portadown town centres was published by the Planning Service on Monday.

Commenting on the adopted proposals Chairman of Lurgan Forward Charles Gardiner, said: "The adopted proposal appears to have failed in any measure to alleviate or address the concerns expressed by Lurgan Forward during the course of our submissions over the past three years to the Planning Service.

"Lurgan Forward will be considering the full impact of the policy and intends to liaise closely with Craigavon Borough Council to determine a course of action that will compensate for any limitations that the policy may impose upon the town."

The 'Craigavon Town Centre Boundaries and Retail Designations Plan 2010' is the culmination of three year's work and in essence provides a framework for future planning decisions in the town.

The document defines town centre areas for both Lurgan and Portadown. It also designates a large portion of land around Rushmere shopping centre as Craigavon's 'town centre'.

Indeed there was no surprise in the document with Rushmere identified as Craigavon's 'Primary Retail Core'.

Giving further scope for development in Craigavon the town centre designation covers an area stretching from the Parkmore Roundabout in the south west corner to halfway along lake road in the south east, following the shoreline of the lake to the boundary of lakelands in the north east.

Moving west and north the boundary takes in the rear of the Rushmere complex with Highfield Road as its western boundary - taking in the Courthouse, Marlborough House and Marlborough Retail Park.

Unlike the traditional town centres of Lurgan and Portadown there is no provision included for primary retail frontage - the traditional shop front.

For Lurgan the shop frontage has been designated as both sides of Market Street from Windsor Avenue to Castle Lane and on the Castle Lane side of Market Street to the old post office, the other side of the street has not been designated.

In terms of the town centre designation the boundary runs along the Tesco side of Millennium Way (cutting out retail opportunities on the Kitchen Hill side) with Malcolm Road and Johnstons Row as the south east boundary. Stevenson Park defines the north east boundary - with the line also taking in Lidl.

To the north west William Street to the junction of Charles Street is included - with the CIDO Complex within the boundary.

One side of Edward Street is included - to the junction with Shankill Street.

The primary retail core takes in all of the Market Street area, Tesco, Lidl and half way along High Street - as far as the Methodist Church

The publication of the new framework follows an Independent Examination before the Planning Appeals Commission.

Welcoming the adoption of the plan, Sammy Wilson, Minister of the Environment said: "I am delighted to announce today the adoption of the Craigavon Town Centre Boundaries & Retail Designations Plan. I believe the plan will provide a sound and sustainable basis for future retail investment and development in Central Craigavon and in Lurgan and Portadown town centres."

The minister continued: "I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has been involved in the preparation of this plan, including those parties who took the time to submit representations and to attend the independent examination. Your contribution to the preparation process has been invaluable."

The plan designates town centre boundaries for Central Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown. Town centres provide a broad range of retail, service and other facilities and are the focus for the community and for public transport. The plan also identifies Primary Retail Cores for the three centres towards which proposals for retail development will be directed.

In addition the plan identifies those parts of Lurgan and Portadown town centres which should be retained in retail use.

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