Armagh Bann and Craigavon Borough Council planning committee has approved a development of 19 starter homes at 172 Tandragee Road in Portadown.

The application from J H Turkington & Sons, submitted in December 2020, proposes three detached dwellings and 16 semi-detached dwellings with site works. The site lies within a designated development area on white land, in line with council residential policy.

Roisin Hamill, principal planning officer, noted the application came to committee due to more than five objections from four addresses. She reported that ten protected trees have already been removed, with four more to go due to poor health and three to enable construction. An updated plan includes planting 31 new trees, plus shrubs and hedging.

Jimmy McAdam of McAdam Stewart Architects, representing the applicant, stated the project followed five years of consultations and studies, all with positive results. He highlighted clearance of NI Water sewerage capacity issues and benefits including 19 starter homes, construction investment, and jobs.

Cllr Kevin Savage, committee chair, asked about flood risks outside the 100-year floodplain. McAdam confirmed no issues, backed by consultees. Cllr Peter Lavery cited 2023 floods affecting the area, including nearby sites, and noted climate change expands flood maps to cover half the site.

Hamill said assessments follow policy using current fluvial flood plains only. McAdam added that DfI Rivers and others, including climate predictions, found no flood risk.

Lavery sought deferral for DfI Rivers confirmation on future flooding. Cllr Scott Armstrong urged judging by evidence presented. Cllr Kyle Moutray noted the thorough report and officer satisfaction on drainage.

Cllr Gordon Kennedy proposed approval per officers' recommendation, seconded by Moutray. Lavery's deferral proposal lacked a seconder. The vote passed 11-1 in favour.