Gosford housing plan gets green light after appeal

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build housing close to Gosford Castle in Markethill has been given the green light - after a successful appeal of a council decision to refuse the application.

The development in Gosford Forest Park will see the erection of 11 1.5 storey dwellings (three detached, two semi detached and six townhouses), private amenity space, parking, landscape scheme including walled garden maintenance plan and ancillary site works.

Earlier this year Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Councillors had overturned a planning recommendation to approve the development and had refused permission for the work.

That decision was appealed to the Planning Appeals Commission which has now ruled in favour of appellant Sam Marks.

The decision by commissioner Laura Roddy noted: “The appeal site is located within the designated Gosford Castle Historic Park and Garden. Policy HP1 ‘Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes’... states that designated parks, gardens and demesnes will be protected, and development proposals will be assessed in accordance with the provisions of regional planning policy.

Therefore, in accordance with Policy HP1, the impact on the designated park and garden will be assessed in accordance with regional policy.”

She also noted Gosford Forest Park is also designated in the plan as a Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI). No objections have been raised relating to the potential impact of the proposal on the SLNCI.

Former Ulster Unionist Councillor Jim Speers said the appeal decision was disappointing.

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