The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland spot listed a market yard in Fivemiletown back in February 2008. The Building Preservation Notice meant demolition was not allowed to take place in that location for a set period of time.
The reason for the temporary protection was due to the historic nature of the buildings and the threat of a retail park and apartments replacing them. They had been built in the mid-19th century, used ashlar and rubble stone in their construction, and as the Environment & Heritage Service stated:
"They represent a significant part of the development of Fivemiletown and have social history for many of the local families"
The BPN was applied on February 29th 2008, but when a member of Planning Services returned on March 4th the buildings had been partially demolished and the BPN disregarded.
Both the owner, Keith George Trotter, and the demolition firm involved, McAloon Contracts of Trillick, Co Tyrone, were taken to court. Both parties pleaded guilty to the charges against them late last year and a total fine of £21,000 awarded. Mr Trotter was fined £15,000 and McAloon £6,000.
Unfortunately no amount of money can bring back the market garden in its original form. However, it was only a partial demolition carried out and the area may still qualify for some kind of protection.
Source: Belfast Telegraph
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