Minister O’Dowd approves planning permission for hotel development in Kilkeel

Minister John O’Dowd has today confirmed that he has approved planning permission for the redevelopment of Mourne Park House, Kilkeel into a luxury hotel.

Minister John O’Dowd has today confirmed that he has approved planning permission for the redevelopment of Mourne Park House, Kilkeel into a luxury hotel.

The full planning application and listed building consent (LBC) were called-in by the Department in January 2022.

Minister O’Dowd said:

“I have carefully considered all the evidence and the report and advice from my officials and on balance I believe that this development will bring significant economic and social benefits to the Mourne area boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities for the local community.” 

A Notice of Opinion to approve will issue to Newry Mourne and Down Council and the applicant in the near future.

Notes to editors: 

1. Reference:    LA07/2020/0788/F and LA07/2020/0843/LBC
2. Proposal LA07/2020/0788/F: Creation of a new luxury Hotel incorporating a spa, function room, restaurant, managers quarters, associated facilities and car parking, by way of change of use and refurbishment of existing listed private residence and provision of a new build extension, gate lodge, associated site works and minor realignment of the existing access gates at the White Water entrance.
3. Proposal LA07/2020/0843/LBC: Refurbishment of and extension to existing fire damaged Mourne Park House and associated outbuildings to create a new luxury Hotel comprising of hotel bedrooms, restaurant, function room, spa facilities, associated car parking and site works.
4. Location:  Mourne Park House, Mourne Park, Kilkeel Newry BT34 4LB.
5. Applicant:  Marion Russell
6. The Council and applicant have a period of not less than 28 days from the date of service of the NOP in which they could seek a hearing before the Planning Appeals Commission.
7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
8. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @departmentforinfrastructure

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