One dwelling with access at 20 metres west of 2 Cambrai Park, Newtownabbey

The site and surroundings

The site lies behind an existing semi-detached dwelling, contains an outbuilding and caravan, and is in a predominantly residential area near a railway station.

“The site is located to the rear of an existing semi-detached dwelling at No. Cambrai Park, Newtownabbey. The site was previously part of the garden for the dwelling at No. Cambrai Park but is now fenced off and contains a brick-built outbuilding, with a caravan parked on the site and has an existing gated access onto Abbeyville Place.”

“The area in which the site is located is predominantly residential, characterised mostly by semi-detached and detached dwellings. Whiteabbey Train Station and an associated park and ride facility is located just beyond the site to the west, and Millibern House (private independent living accommodation) is sited beyond the site to the southeast.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Nearby garden and residential redevelopment schemes received planning permission in 2021 and 2011.

“Location: Garden to the rear of 8 Cambrai Park, Whiteabbey BT37 OAL Proposal: One and a half storey dwelling and integral garage Decision: Permission Granted (19th February 2021)”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal would harm local character, provide inadequate private space, risk noise and biodiversity impacts, and have unsafe access.

“CONCLUSION The following is a summary of the main reasons for the recommendation: ° The principle of the development is acceptable; ° The design and layout does not respect the character and appearance of the existing residential area; .”

“The proposal is contrary to the policy provisions of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement and Policy SP 4 and DM 17.9 of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Plan Strategy in that the proposed dwelling does not provide an acceptable and appropriate level of private open space.”

Officer report

Neighbouring views

Two neighbouring properties were notified and no objection letters were received.

“Two (2) neighbouring properties were notified of the application, and no letters of objection have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Julie Gilmour addressed the Committee in support of the application and answered Members’ questions.

The committee discussion

Alderman Campbell proposed, and Councillor Cosgrove seconded, a two-month deferral to give the applicant more time to liaise with officers.

“Proposed by Alderman Campbell Seconded by Councillor Cosgrove that the application be deferred for two months to allow the applicant further time to liaise with Officers.”

Minutes

The vote

The deferral motion received six votes for and six against, with no abstentions, before the Chairperson used her casting vote.

“On the proposal being put to the meeting 6 Members voted in favour, 6 against and 0 abstentions.”

“The Chairperson used her casting vote in favour of the recommendation to grant a deferral and declared the proposal carried, and it was agreed…”

Minutes