A planning application has been lodged for a farm shop, café and bar complex on countryside land off Villa Wood Road in Dromore, County Down.

The proposal, submitted by Gill Hall Farm, includes a 48-seat restaurant and a 39-seat bar, along with covered external seating beneath a tensile canopy fixed to steel posts. A central fire pit is shown as a feature within the outdoor seating area. The scheme also provides 43 car parking spaces, bicycle parking, a kitchen, showers and a delivery area.

Bell Rolston of Newtownabbey submitted the application on 25 May. It is now at the consultation stage.

NI Water noted that the applicant has not identified an intention to connect to the public wastewater system and instead intends to use on-site wastewater treatment.

DfI Rivers identified potential flooding and drainage issues. The NI Environment Agency’s Water Management Unit determined that it is content with the proposal subject to conditions, having considered the impacts on the surface water environment.

All existing trees and hedgerows would be retained, and new native planting is proposed. Other statutory bodies are being consulted as part of the planning process.