Farm dwelling and garage at 145m North of 17 Belfast Road, Ballynure

The site and surroundings

The site is in the countryside outside development limits, within an agricultural field surrounded by trees and a rural area with scattered buildings.

“The application site is located on lands approximately 145m north of No. Belfast Road, Ballynure, which is located within the countryside and outside of any development limit as defined in the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (dBMAP).”

“The application site is set back approximately 290m from the Belfast Road. The site is taken from an existing agricultural field and is defined by mature trees to its southeastern and southwestern boundaries. The northwestern and northeastern boundaries are undefined and the topography of the site gradually falls towards the northeast.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended refusal because the dwelling would not cluster with the existing farm buildings, although they considered it could integrate into the landscape.

“The principle of development has not been established as the proposal is contrary to DM 18A as it fails to cluster with an existing group of buildings on a farm;”

“It is considered a dwelling could be accommodated within the site and integrate appropriately within the landscape, whilst respecting the rural character of the area;”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

Environmental Health, Roads and Historic Environment raised no objections, and no letters were received from neighbouring properties.

“Deparment for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs- The Farm Business ID was allocated in November 1991. The business has claimed payments through the Basic Payment Scheme or Agri Environment Scheme in each of the last six years. The response also states that the proposed site is located on land for which payments are currently being claimed by the farm business…”

“Three (3) neighbouring properties were notified and no letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions.

The committee vote

A motion to refuse outline permission was proposed and seconded, passing with six votes in favour, one against and no abstentions.

“Proposed by Councillor Flanagan Seconded by Councillor Bennington that outline planning permission be refused.”

“On the proposal being put to the meeting 6 Members voted in favour, 1against and 0 abstentions, it was agreed…”

Minutes

The decision

Outline planning permission was refused because the proposal did not cluster with an existing group of buildings on a farm.

“The proposal is contrary to the policy provisions of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement and Policy DM 18A of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Plan Strategy, in that the proposal does not cluster with an existing group of buildings on a…”

Minutes