The Planning Committee of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council acknowledges the significance of this application, which promises to introduce more than 80 jobs to the local area.
For more than five decades, Somerville has been providing design services, custom joinery, and interior fit-out solutions tailored for the hospitality, commercial, and retail industries. Its clientele includes establishments such as Lunn's, Ernst Young and Claridge's Hotel.
Alderman Martin Gregg, Planning Committee Chairman speaking about this application said: "This application received positive community support at the pre-application consultation stage. And today it was recommended for approval by the Planning Committee. I welcome the opportunity for employment to return to this location that was formerly a call centre. It will benefit local workers and the wider Dundonald economy through the provision of an all-encompassing full-service package to Somerville’s clients.
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"Through this application Somerville’s will enhance the existing landscaping to ensure their new headquarters is integrated with the countryside while offering privacy to nearby homes. To meet its sustainability agenda and help address rising energy costs they will be installing photovoltaic solar panels on the roof. There will be no changes to the existing access arrangement to this site."
Councillor John Laverty BEM, Regeneration and Growth Chairman added: "Through this larger premises Somerville’s will have an opportunity to continue to grow and enhance their offering. They also plan to increase their product development to remain competitive in the global marketplace. I am confident our economic development team will engage with Somerville’s to advise of opportunities for support.
"As a manufacturing company its growth will help promote the positive message of Lisburn and Castlereagh as the place from which to do business. We have a strong background of innovation and manufacturing within our area. It really is a positive message for all when a supplier to well-known local, national and international brands plans to increase its base in our area."
