Creative revival for Bellaghy Bawn: Green light for writer’s residency next to Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Bellaghy Bawn

Planning permission has been granted for the alteration of the historic Bellaghy Bawn in Bellaghy, which will soon offer a unique setting for literary creation close to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

The new Writers’ Residency will consist of seven self-catering, short-term residential units created through the refurbishment and alteration of the Listed Bellaghy Bawn and ancillary buildings at 27 Castle Street, Bellaghy.

The scheme includes a change of use through the refurbishment and interior fit-out of five existing ancillary outbuildings; the refurbishment and extension of an existing ground-floor residential unit; the refurbishment of a duplex two-storey apartment; minor interior alterations to the main Bawn house; and the installation of an external platform lift and ramped access for disabled visitors.

The planning application was lodged by the Department of Finance (Construction & Procurement Delivery) on behalf of the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division.

Mid Ulster District Council planning officers noted the site’s historical value and confirmed that, as a Listed building, it required both planning permission and Listed Building Consent.

They stated:

“The original Bawn burned down during the 1641 Irish Rebellion and was rebuilt in 1643, receiving extensions since. It became a museum in 1996.

“The modern-day Bawn was constructed in the 18th century, incorporating the original south-east flanker tower. In the south-west, there is a brick tower.

“The Bawn is a Grade B+ listed building and is also a State Care Monument.

“The site currently consists of a main house (the Big House), a round tower (Flanker) attached to the south-east corner, and two three-storey detached dwellings to the north-east (Wee House/Robinson House and Craig’s House), all forming a courtyard, with sections of the original wall remaining.

“There is a series of single-storey outbuildings to the south-east, attached to the round tower, overlooking a cobbled courtyard.”

Proposed elevations and cross sections of the buildings at Bellaghy Bawn

Under the proposals, a long linear outbuilding to the rear of the Bawn will be converted to accommodate five of the seven self-catering units. The existing structure is currently divided into smaller spaces used as display areas, toilets, and stores.

The project will also see the refurbishment and extension of the ground-floor residential unit within the side building, known as the Wee House/Robinson House. The ground floor, known as Robinson House, measures 27m², while the first and second floors are referred to as the Wee House.

The development will transform Bellaghy Bawn into a Writers’ Residency, featuring seven self-catering units in the outbuildings and the Wee/Robinson House structures, and a communal space in the Big House to be used by writers and the public.

Planners said the new facilities will enhance and complement the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and enrich the visitor experience at Bellaghy Bawn.

They added:

“The project aims to create a residential experience and working space for writers, enabling them to leave behind the noise of everyday life to focus on their writing in a creative environment where they can connect with like-minded individuals.”

Brian Muldoon, Chair of Bellaghy Development Association, expressed strong support:

“We acknowledge the indispensable role it will serve in fostering creativity, promoting literacy, and advancing the literary arts within our community and beyond.

“In addition to its immediate benefits to writers and readers, the Writers’ Residency, in conjunction with Seamus Heaney HomePlace, will contribute significantly to the economic and cultural vitality of the area.

“Literary tourism, festivals, and various events attract visitors and generate revenue for local businesses. It will enhance the community’s cultural standing, rendering it an attractive destination for writers, fans of the arts, and cultural tourists.”

A Heritage Impact Assessment stressed the historical importance of Bellaghy Bawn as a unique link to the 17th century:

“Bellaghy is one of the towns established in the newly created county of Londonderry, mapped and divided by King James I as part of the 17th-century Plantation.

“The Bawn presided over the newly built village, which by 1622 comprised 15 houses, a church, and a double-wheeled watermill.

“It is therefore a hugely significant part of the overall story of Bellaghy and the development of the village. Bellaghy is one of the best-preserved and finest examples of its type in the country, and is therefore of high heritage value and group interest.

“The Big House provides opportunities for exceptional living history interpretation and public access to explain and illustrate multiple periods of history relevant to the location and wider landscape.”

The recommendation to approve the planning application was proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Donal McPeake (Moyola) at last Tuesday’s (2 September) planning committee meeting, and seconded by Ulster Unionist councillor Trevor Wilson (Cookstown).