A former pharmacy building in Portadown town centre could be turned into six apartments under plans submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of the vacant retail unit and the unused upper floors at the junction of Thomas Street and Hanover Street. It was lodged by APS Architects LLP on behalf of Ardina Investments Ltd.

Under the proposal, the ground floor would be divided into two one-bedroom apartments, each with a combined living and kitchen area, a separate store and a shower room. The first and second floors would each contain two one-bedroom apartments with similar layouts, and each of those floors would have a communal store.

Externally, the existing shop front would be removed and replaced with new window openings. The signboard would be taken down, the brick chimney removed, and all windows and the entrance door upgraded to double-glazed UPVC units.

The site, currently derelict, includes a parking area to the rear and side. Nine car-parking spaces would be available, matching the required standard for the six apartments. Bin storage with general waste and recycling bins, bicycle parking, and 114.2 square metres of communal amenity space are also included.

Planning officers reported that the building is not listed and that the external changes are modest and would not materially alter the character or appearance of the streetscape. They noted the surrounding area contains a mix of residential, commercial and community uses, making the residential conversion appropriate and unlikely to appear incongruous.

Officers concluded that the proposal represents the redevelopment of derelict land in accordance with regional planning policy and raised no concerns.