Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council planning officers have approved a change of use for a vacant unit at 21 High Street in Lurgan. The application, submitted by PJ Design of Bridge Street, Lisburn, on behalf of Ryan McCann, seeks to repurpose the former Faith Mission Bookshop as additional seating, storage, and office space for the neighbouring café, The Mill.

The ground-floor unit sits within a two-storey terraced building. It features an external door and large shop-front window facing High Street. Proposed internal changes include removing part of the wall between the café and the unit, plus widening a door.

The entrance and front façade will stay unchanged. Signage requires separate approval.

Planners found the proposal complies with relevant policies. It will not lead to an excessive number of coffee shops in the area, as it only extends seating for an existing business.

The site neighbours High Street Methodist Church, a protected building of special architectural or historic interest. The Historic Environment Division reviewed the plans and raised no concerns.

The council's Environmental Health Department conducted a site visit. The applicant confirmed cooking facilities, extraction, and flue remain the same, with no change to opening times. The department lodged no objections.

Officers noted the change will bring the vacant unit back into use without harming the nearby listed building. They recommended approval.