Planning permission has been granted for five permanent amenity buildings on a Travellers halting site in Craigavon, replacing temporary shower units that have served the location since 2007. The decision was made by the council’s planning committee following an application by Watts Group Ltd on behalf of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The site, accessed from Legahory Centre and situated near Moylinn House, currently accommodates eight pitches with steel pod washing facilities. The new buildings, each measuring approximately 7.5m by 5m with a hipped roof, will contain a kitchen and dining area, bathroom, storeroom, utility room and lobby.

Planning officers noted that the principle of development was already established through a history of temporary permissions for similar use. They stated that policy supports Traveller-specific accommodation where a local housing needs assessment identifies a demonstrable need.

The Craigavon Traveller Support Committee, in a submission signed by operations manager Lisa Hogg, described the proposal as a long-overdue step that would provide secure and culturally appropriate facilities, improve access to services, and strengthen community relations.

Officers added that the scheme includes a new boundary wall and landscaping, which they said would create a more attractive edge to the site compared to existing fencing. The development is seen as a re-purposing of the site to meet ongoing accommodation demand.