Plans for former barracks ‘vital’ to enhancing Coalisland town
Site of the former police station in Coalisland. INTT5310.505.
PLANS to build new houses on the site of the derelict police station in Coalisland - which has been described by a local councillor as “one of the most unsightly buildings in the borough” - have been welcomed.
The application, submitted by a Belfast based group of architects on behalf of Annagher Developments Ltd, proposes to build a mixture of apartments and houses - around 20 in total - on land at Plater’s Hill in the town.
There are also plans to develop associated landscaping, car parking and bin storage at the location.
If approved, the development would no doubt represent a new lease of life for the site, which lies in the centre of Coalisland.
Speaking to the Tyrone Times, Sinn Fein councillor for the area, Padraig Quinn, drew attention to a series of meetings, involving business people among others, which he had attended in recent weeks.
Cllr Quinn said that, at each of the meetings, the former barracks was cited as a “detrimental factor” to the enhancement of the town.
He also referred to a survey commissioned by Dungannon Council six years ago, through Coalisland Regeneration Partnership. which showed that residents were “very supportive” of the removal of the now vacant building.
Cllr Quinn continued: “I would broadly welcome this application, not just in terms of providing much needed social housing, which is a major issue, but also because it is a vital step for town enhancement.
“The public have been crying out for the removal of the old PSNI site for years now. Its imposing presence is detrimental to the character and quality of the area and unfortunately it is, for most people, the first thing they see as they enter the town.
“In terms of my aspirations for town development, its removal will go a great way to achieving my goal of making Coalisland a great place to live, visit and shop, and I will look forward to seeing the proposal in more detail.”
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Monday 20 May 2013
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