Boundary wall and gate at Land immediately adjacent and to the west of Gosford Castle, Markethill

What was proposed

The application sought listed building consent for a 32-metre natural stone boundary wall with a black steel pedestrian gate.

“The application seeks listed building consent for the erection of a boundary wall with pedestrian gate along one boundary of an existing vacant area of land which was previously used as a car park. All other boundaries of the vacant land are enclosed by existing walls (except where breaks exist for entrance purposes).”

“The erection of a boundary wall measuring approximately 32 metres in length and 1.68 metres in height. The wall is to be finished in locally sourced natural stone to match the existing adjoining walls (which enclose the vacant site) and finished off with rounded granite coping; and 2. Located 7.5 metres from the northern edge of the site, a metal pedestrian gate is proposed within the wall which measures approximately 1.2 metres in width and 2 metres in height.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is beside a former car park and an access road within the Gosford Castle complex, including listed buildings and a historic park and demesne.

“The application site encompasses an area of land between an area of vacant land (a former car park) on the Gosford estate and an access road serving apartments within the Gosford Castle complex. The site measures out to approximately 0.04 hectares.”

“The site is located within the open countryside as defined in the Armagh Area Plan 2004. The area plan also identifies that the site is also located with the Historic Park, Garden and Demesne (HPGD) of Gosford Castle. This HPGD is a Grade A example with reference A-018. The area plan also identifies that the site is located within the Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI) of Gosford Forest Park.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered converting Gosford Castle into homes, changes to the approved scheme, and an 11-home residential development allowed on appeal.

“Appeal allowed on 16.06.2023 Appeal reference: 2022/A0004 Application No: LA08/2025/0655/F Land immediately adjacent and to the west of Gosford Castle, Markethill, BT601FP.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the materials, design and conditions would respect the listed buildings and preserve their architectural and historic interest.

“The proposal involves development within the curtilage of Gosford Castle which is a Grade A listed building (Historic Buildings Ref: HB15/07/001) and Grade B2 listed wall garden (Historic Buildings Ref: HB15/07/036). Officers note the walled garden also includes a Grade B listed bee house (Historic Buildings Ref: HB15/07/091).”

“Officers consulted with Historic Environment Division (Historic Buildings), the competent authority on matters related to the preservation of built heritage, in relation to the proposed development and the associated impact on the listed building under the SPPS and Policy BH 8 of PPS 6. In their consultation response HED advised that, on the basis of the information provided, they are content with the proposal, subject to recommended conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Historic Environment Division had no objection subject to conditions, while 13 identical objections raised concerns about the proposal and its effects.

“HED: Historic Buildings - (03.10.2025) - No objection, subject to conditions.”

“Members are advised that 13 no. representations of objection have been received regarding this listed building consent application with them being classed as a petition attracting 13 no. signatures (these were identically worded letters).”

Officer report

How objections were assessed

Officers concluded that several objections were not material to this listed building consent, while other concerns did not invalidate the application or prevent approval.

“As noted above, Officers have received 13 no. representations of objection regarding this listed building consent application with them being classed as a petition attracting 13 no. signatures. The following is a consideration of the main objection reasons:”

“Concern that works have commenced before appropriate consent has been obtained Officers note that works have commenced but are not substantially complete. Approval of this listed building consent and the accompanying planning application would remedy any breach of planning control that has taken place at the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The agent was invited to speak but declined, saying she was available to answer members’ questions.

The committee vote

The committee agreed the application on the Vice-Chair’s proposal, seconded by Councillor McGeown, and no counter-proposals were made.

“AGREED: on the proposal of the Vice-Chair, Councillor O’Dowd, seconded by Councillor McGeown, that Application No: LA08/2025/0654/LBC by MFF Contracts has consent granted, subject to conditions.”

“NOTED: that there were no counter proposals made.”

Minutes