A proposal to redevelop a derelict housing property in Co Down has been rejected by planners.

Planning chiefs cited a total of eight reasons why the property in Newcastle should not be transformed into a high-density housing development.

Shimnah House, at Bryansford Road, had been earmarked for a redevelopment scheme involving the construction of 13 detached properties, 16 semi-detached homes, six townhouses and 36 apartments plus the conversion of the existing mansion house into four apartments.

-- Advertisement --

At a recent meeting, however, Planning Service officials told local councillors that the application had been refused on a number of grounds – ranging from environmental and conservational concerns to being out of character with the area.

Planning Service officials said the application could have a detrimental impact on the Shimna River – a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest – and that it could also have "a significantly adverse effect" on the nature conservation interests of the waterway.

Amongst the other reasons cited, representatives also stated that the proposal would be liable to "adversely affect the environmental quality, integrity and character" of the designated Bryansford Road Local Landscape Policy

(NS/BMcc)