MJM Group, the marine fit-out giant, is expected to be given the green light to build 200 new homes in Newry.
Having secured the approval of planning officials to launch a major residential project in the Watsons Road/Dorans Hill area of the city, MJM Group plan to build 61 detached, 126 semi-detached and 13 townhouses.
After five years in the making, the planning application has been signed off by officials at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with it being expected the local authority’s planning committee will grant the official seal of approval on Wednesday morning.
The housing project will also feature major roadworks, including a new roundabout at the junction of Watsons Road and Dorans Hill, with a new distributor road running through the development with side roads branching off into residential estates. Both Watsons Road and Dorans Hill will also be widened, with a new footpath on Glen Hill. A protected early Christian period rath on the site will be retained as an open space within a protected zone.
In a report due to go before Wednesday’s planning committee, it is revealed that there were 209 objections to the plan- most of which of a pro forma type, raising issues including inadequacy of the local infrastructure, road safety, lack of footpaths, street lighting, green spaces and community facilities.
Planners stated all objections had been “fully considered” and after assessing all relevant planning policies, as well as the consultations, area plan and site history- the report concludes: “It is considered that the proposal complies with all relevant policies and approval is recommended.”
