Industrial building extension at 4-8 Curran Road, Castledawson

What was proposed

The application sought an extension to the assembly building, infilling space between buildings and including an NIE compound.

“LA09/2025/1303/F ACKN Development Management Officer Report Committee Application Summary Committee Meeting Date: June 2026 Item Number: Application ID: LA09/2025/1303/F Target Date: May 2026 Proposal: Extension to assembly building (Infill space between buildings) to include NIE compound Location: 4-8 Curran Road Castledawson BT45 8AF”

“The application site is located within the settlement limits of Castledawson village as defined within the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015. The site is host to an existing engineering business, Moyola Precision Engineering, and noted within the Area Plan as a ‘major area of existing industry’.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The site has approvals for industrial extensions, including a production facility approved under LA09/2024/1108/F.

“Decision Date: Ref: H/1989/0623 Proposals: GENERAL PURPOSE SHED Decision: PG Decision Date: Ref: H/1989/0068 Proposals: HOUSE WITH GARAGE Decision: PG Decision Date: Ref: H/1997/0522 Proposals: SITE OF FACTORY SHOP Decision: PG Decision Date: Ref: LA09/2025/1303/F Proposals: Extension to assembly building (Infill space between buildings) to include NIE compound Decision: Decision Date: Ref: LA09/2025/0246/F Proposals: Works to…”

“Decision: PG Decision Date: 17-DEC-19 Ref: H/2006/0353/F Proposals: Retention of storage facility, used as a store for cloth and finished products, shirts.”

Officer report

Why approval was recommended

Officers considered the proposal compatible with the industrial area and found it would not dominate homes, increase sewerage flows, or require changes to access.

“The proposed ‘infill’ building will be sited around 22 metres west from the objector’s property and will infill an undeveloped area of industrial land between and existing building and a new building approved under LA09/2024/1108/F. The objector is correct in that views of open countryside to the west of 6 Tamnadeese Park will be impacted by this proposal, however, the right of continuing views of open countryside is not a material consideration when assessing this proposal.”

“(g) the existing road network can safely handle any extra vehicular traffic the proposal will generate or suitable developer led improvements are proposed to overcome any road problems identified. The proposal does not involve any change to existing access arrangements within the site or with access to the public road, and with no increase in staff numbers, consultation with DfI Roads was unwarranted.”

Officer report

What residents raised

One resident objected that the proposal would restrict countryside views, affect a quiet neighbourhood, and create sanitation and sewerage concerns.

“Representation received from 6 Tamnadeese Park, Castledawson. An objection has been received from a resident at 6 Tamnadeese Park, who has highlighted the following concerns: • Restricts views of open countryside from objectors’ property. • Character of ‘quiet neigbourhood’ hindered. • Sanitation and sewerage concerns. This proposal infills a gap within the industrial site between an existing industrial building and a proposed industrial building currently under construction.”

“The objector has acknowledged that the existing neighbourhood is ‘quiet’, but that this proposal will hinder that ambience. Within the earlier proposal currently under construction (LA09/2024/1108/F) an acoustic report was submitted and environmental health consulted. A number of planning conditions (4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) were included within that decision in order to protect the amenity of nearby residential dwellings.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Quinn sought deferral, [name withheld] supported approval, and planning officers explained the proposal and the late information received.

The committee vote

The recorded vote on approval was five in favour, three against and seven abstentions.

“Councillor Kerr requested a recorded vote on Councillor Black’s proposal and outlined his opposition.”

“Against – Councillors Johnston, Kerr, McElvogue (3)”

Minutes