June 2010

"Conservation Design Solution by Andrew Nesbitt architects wins Approval!"

The Narrows, Portaferry

Full Planning Permission has been secured for a unique development of 12 seafront and courtyard apartments on the Shore Road frontage of Portaferry overlooking the Marina and the twin village of Strangford.

Andrew Nesbitt architects were introduced to the scheme when previous proposals for the site submitted by the developer were to be recommended for Refusal by Planning Service. By taking a conservation led approach to this splendid site and carefully examining the visual context and setting together with a re-appraisal of the parking provisions and requirements for the development, we were able to provide a design solution which retained the extant historic building No. 8 Shore Road together with the carriage arch and provided a mix of seafront and courtyard units within an attractive design which respects the traditional village setting.

Working closely with the NIEA Conservation Architect to ensure that all sensitive issues of streetscape design, scale, massing, materials & proportions were fully considered and with the final design a Recommendation to Approve was upheld by Planning Service in the face of significant local opposition based on the loss of the previous Hotel use.

Andrew Nesbitt stated:

"We are delighted to have secured this important approval for our clients."