A heritage-led regeneration scheme in Upperlands, Maghera, has been granted planning permission.

The scheme, will be launched following consideration of the independent report from the PAC, proposes a mix of residential development, leisure and recreational uses and community facilities including museum / exhibition space. Works to Listed Buildings will also take place as well as the retention of the existing employment use relocated to a refurbished and extended listed building.

Led by JHT (Upperlands) Ltd, the development will create 66 residential units through the subdivision and refurbishment of listed and other buildings of heritage significance together with 144 new build units.

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Celebrating the progress of the project, Infrastructure Nichola Mallon said: "This will be an economic and social boost for the Upperlands area. This development secures the preservation and future of the listed buildings and the traditional industrial heritage which is in the public interest. The proposal as a whole will also bring significant environmental benefits including decontamination of the site, the management of the surrounding dams, river banks, woodland areas and areas of open space which will protect and enhance the ecological interests on site.

"The works to the dams are essential and of the utmost importance to enable the development to proceed and therefore the final decision will issue only when a Section 76 Planning Agreement with the applicant has been concluded."