New Family Homes for Scarva
Kelly Brothers is developing proposals for Phase Two of its residential development in Scarva, in addition to the 32 homes applied for in February 2026. An outline of the proposals contained within the emerging full planning application is set out below.
Design
The planning application seeks permission for 80 new homes, comprising a mix of 50 semi-detached homes and 30 detached homes. All of the semi-detached homes will contain three bedrooms. Of the detached homes, 9 will contain three bedrooms and 21 will contain four bedrooms.
The homes have been designed to reflect local character and scale, using traditional forms, high-quality materials and architectural detailing. The buildings will be two storeys, where the location and height have been informed by site levels, the landscaping strategy and the surrounding context.
The design will be consistent with those submitted as part of Phase One.
An artist’s impression of the variety of homes that could help meet local housing need. click to enlarge
Proposed Site Plan
The draft layout of the proposals click to enlarge
The layout has been carefully designed to respond to the site's topography, existing landscape features and position at the edge of the settlement limit. Existing mature boundary planting will largely be retained, particularly along the northern and southern boundaries, while additional tree and landscape planting will help integrate the development into its surroundings and reinforce the transition between the village and the countryside.
Approximately 5% of the site will be provided as public open space. While this represents a shortfall from the 10% standard, the same policy permits an exemption to such standard where residential development has been designed to integrate and make use of adjoining public open space.
The proposed pedestrian link from the development into Scarva Park will enhance wider connectivity to 5 hectares of maintained public open space at Scarva Park. This will not only serve the proposed development, but also the surrounding residential developments of Glenloughan Park, Scarvagh Heights, Station Close and Scarvagh Locks. In total over 100 additional existing dwellings will benefit from enhanced connectivity to recreation areas in the village that would otherwise have to access them via the Legananny Road at a distance of at least half a mile. An open space provision of 10% will be delivered for Phase One and combined, both phases will deliver a total provision of 7%.
Key click to enlarge
Transport
Vehicles will access the site through the Phase One development via the new junction on Main Street which also makes provision for a dedicated right turn lane. Pedestrians will access the site via the vehicular or dedicated pedestrian entrance on Main Street and an additional walkway connection directly to Scarva Park.
As part of the planning application, we will submit a Transport Assessment which assesses the impact of the development on the local highway network. The proposals provide policy‑compliant parking, with two spaces per house and 22 homes having an additional garage.
The site is located within easy walking distance of local services and amenities in Scarva, including public open space, recreational facilities and local amenities. Residents will benefit from convenient access to public transport, with bus services available on Main Street connecting to Banbridge (via the 66), and Newry and Portadown (via the 63). Scarva railway station is located within a five-minute walk from the site, with peak-time services to Newry, Portadown and Belfast.
A new pedestrian link to Scarva Park will further enhance opportunities for walking for new residents and approximately 100 existing properties, providing easier access to Scarva Park.
Environment
The proposals have been designed to retain the majority of existing mature boundary vegetation and hedgerows around the site, which provide important habitat and landscape value. These features will be complemented by new native and ornamental planting throughout the development, helping to enhance biodiversity and create an attractive living environment.
Ecological surveys are being undertaken to inform the proposals and ensure any environmental impacts are appropriately assessed and addressed through the planning process.
All homes will be fitted with roof‑mounted solar PV panels to reduce carbon emissions and help lower residents’ energy bills.
A comprehensive drainage strategy will be submitted as part of the planning application, incorporating appropriate attenution measures to manage surface water on site and ensure controlled discharge rates.
