Dwelling extension at 9 Glenkeen Avenue, Newtownabbey

The site and its setting

The site lies within the settlement limit and the Lenamore Area of Townscape Character.

“The application site is located within the settlement limit of Metropolitan Newtownabbey and within an Area of Townscape Character Lenamore (ATC) under Zoning MNY 33 as designated within the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (Published 2004) (dBMAP).”

“Designation MNY 33 states that the key features of the area which will be taken into account when assessing development proposals include: • The late Victorian and Edwardian dwellings, which include large, two storey detached villas, set within mature gardens; • The inter-war 1920s/30s dwellings, post war 1950s/60s properties and 1980s/90s housing, which fit comfortably with a gently sloping topography;”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it retained the dwelling footprint, removed no trees, and placed the dormer at the rear.

“The objector made reference to Section 1: Extending a Dwelling of ‘Your Home and Planning Permission Planning Guidelines, Published October 2022’ and specifically to Item 6 relating to finishing materials, which states that ‘the materials used in any exterior work other than materials used in the erection of a conservatory are of similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior of the original house.’ The objector has concerns that the rear extension has…”

“CONCLUSION The following is a summary of the main reasons for the recommendation: • The principle of the development is considered acceptable; • The scale, massing, design and appearance of the proposal are considered acceptable; • The proposal will not unduly affect the privacy or amenity of neighbouring properties; • The proposal will not have a detrimental impact on trees or the environmental quality of the area; • Sufficient space remains within the curtilage of the…”

Officer report

Objections raised

Objections concerned the area’s character, loss of light, rear-extension materials and clear-glazed windows overlooking a neighbouring property.

“ASSESSMENT OF PLANNING ISSUES/MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS Members, following the circulation of the Addendum Report, a further letter of objection was received on 11th September 2025, and the agent submitted an amended Proposed Floor and Elevations Plan, Drawing No. 04/2 date stamped 15th September 2025.”

“The matters raised in the letter of objection include: • Glenkeen is within the Lenamore Area of Townscape Character, governed by clear building legislation, and the objector fails to see how the plans can be passed; • The extension has caused a loss of light to their property; • Reference was made to ‘Your Home and Planning Permission Planning Guidelines, Published October 2022’ and the rear extension having a ‘wooden look construction’ not in keeping with the finishing…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three people spoke in objection, while an elected member, the agent and the applicant spoke in support.

The committee discussion

The committee considered the planning report and addendum before a motion was proposed and seconded to grant permission.

“Johanne McKendry, Senior Planning Officer, introduced the Planning Report and associated Addendum Report to the Committee and made a recommendation to grant planning permission.”

“Proposed by Councillor Flanagan Seconded by Councillor Cushinan that planning permission be granted.”

Minutes

The vote

Seven members voted for permission, two voted against and none abstained.

“On the proposal being put to the meeting 7 Members voted in favour, 2 against and 0 abstentions, it was agreed…”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions require retrospective permission, opaque glass for specified windows and a specified opening arrangement for a first-floor window.

“Within 8 weeks of the date of this decision, the windows coloured blue on Drawing No. 04/2 date stamped 15th September 2025, must be finished in opaque glass and shall thereafter be permanently retained.”

“Within 8 weeks of the date of this decision the first-floor window on the northeastern gable elevation, as outlined in red on Drawing No. 04/2 date stamped 15th September 2025, must be hung on the right-hand side of the frame when viewed from within the bedroom.”

Officer report