School access condition change at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School 1 Lough Shore Road, Enniskillen

What was proposed

The application sought to change the timing of the vehicular access condition so demolition could happen before access and visibility splays were provided.

“Original Condition Approved 31 March 2025 Prior to the commencement of any development hereby permitted, the vehicular access, including visibility splays of 4.5m x 125m and any forward sight distance, shall be provided in accordance with Drawing No. The area within the visibility splays shall be cleared to provide a level surface no higher than 250mm above the level of the adjoining carriageway and shall be retained and kept clear thereafter.”

“Prior to the commencement of any development (except demolition works) hereby permitted, the vehicular access, including visibility splays of 4.5m x 125m and any forward sight distance, shall be provided in accordance with Drawing No. The area within the visibility splays shall be cleared to provide a level surface no higher than 250mm above the level of the adjoining carriageway and shall be retained and kept clear thereafter.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The proposal concerns the grammar school site, where permission for redevelopment and extension, including a new access and car parking, was approved in 2025.

“Proposed development The proposal seeks to revise the wording of condition 3 of LA10/2023/1606/F which granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the school site.”

“Planning History • LA10/2023/1606/F - Redevelopment and extension of the existing Portora Royal Grammar School site, including new access & car parking. Approved 31 March 2025.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the change acceptable because demolition would create much less traffic, access would still be provided later, and road safety would not be harmed.

“The intent of the original condition was to ensure that the vehicular access, including visibility splays and any forward sight distance, are provided. This will still occur, albeit at a later stage in the redevelopment of the school.”

“The school has decanted to a different site on Algeo Drive, leaving the site vacant. The main traffic movements to and from site each day as part of the demolition works will be the demolition crew themselves, travelling by car or van, and the demolition materials being removed, when required.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

DfI Roads did not object subject to a condition, and no representations were received about the application.

“Assessment of the Proposal Preliminary Matters The application falls within the schedule of development categorised as “major developments”. No Pre Application Notice (PAN) has occurred and no Pre- Application Community Consultation Report (PACC) has been submitted with the application. However a PAN was received previously for the original application (1606/F) which was also accompanied by a PACC.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three people requested to speak in support; one said he had nothing further to add and would answer members’ questions.

The committee decision

A member proposed approval, another member seconded it, and the committee unanimously approved permission subject to eighteen conditions.

“As Members had no questions, they proceeded to decision making. A Member proposed the recommendation to approve planning permission, and this was seconded by another Member.”

“RESOLVED: On the proposal of Councillor Robinson, seconded by Councillor McCann, and unanimously agreed, that the above application be approved planning permission, subject to the eighteen conditions listed within Paragraph 12.0 of Appendix 3. (”

Minutes