LATEST NEWS

Scarva Footbridge Lifted Into Place

McAdam Stewart Architects have been involved in the design and delivery of a new pedestrian footbridge across the Newry Canal in Scarva, Co. Down.  The steel bridge which was prefabricated off-site was craned into position onto its foundations yesterday evening (14th September 2011).

The bridge provides a safe footway link from the towpath across the canal to the village and is positioned right beside an existing Grade B2 listed stone canal bridge.  This presented a particular challenge for us as designers to ensure that the proposed bridge fully complied with all relevant legislation and sat comfortably alongside the historic structure.  The rectangular voids in the sides of the bridge are to be infilled with glass so that the existing stone bridge is visible through it, and new railings and gate will frame the access from the village side.

The footbridge forms part of a larger project for the development of a restaurant scheme on the adjacent site which is currently under construction.

The bridge will be handed over at the end of next week and should be open to the public shortly afterwards.

Planning Application Fee Changes to be Implemented on 11th April 2011

The planning application fee changes which we reported on previously (see below) were put through the Northern Ireland Assembly on 14th March 2011 and will come into force on 11th April 2011.  They are broadly as we expected and will have a significant impact on clients and developers.

There is some good news with regard to outline planning applications for single dwelling houses, however applications for multiple housing developments will be significantly impacted by substantial fee increases.

Please do contact us to discuss your individual situation.  Click on the PDF link below to read more about the specifics of the changes.

Proposed Changes to Planning Application Fees in January 2011

In a consultation document released in November 2010, Planning Service has proposed significant changes to the structure and level of planning application fees.  Apparently this is aimed at addressing anomolies and imbalances within its existing fee structure which has resulted in under-charging against costs incurred in processing some types of application.  The consultation period ends on 4th January 2011, therefore it is likely that the changes will be implemented soon after this date.

This will have significant consequences for our clients and indeed anyone considering making a planning application in the near future.  We would advise that if you have an outstanding application to get it submitted as soon as possible.  Please contact us or drop us an email to discuss your specific requirements and we will do whatever we can to advise and assist you.

BBC House of the Year 2011 to Feature Aston House

Many people throughout the Province will have watched the BBC House of the Year programme which appeared on our screens earlier this year.  It featured a number of houses from each county throughout Northern Ireland, with each county finalist going through to the grand final.

In the new upcoming series, the Aston House in Portadown which was designed by the practice is going forward in the County Armagh heat.  The house itself is a large detached dwelling, located in a rural setting and was completed in 2003.

More information and images of the project will follow very shortly.

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