Workshop and yard extension at Approximately 100m north of No.15 Gallagh Road, Toomebridge

What was proposed

The application sought to retain a workshop and yard extension, with landscaping, access improvements and associated works.

“PROPOSAL Part-retrospective application for the retention of a workshop building (including ancillary office, storage, and toilet facilities) and the retention of an extension to existing yard (including a concrete ramp); together with proposed landscaping works comprising an earth bund and new planting, improvements to the existing site access, and all associated works…”

Officer report

Earlier applications and certificate

After an earlier deferral, a certificate was issued confirming agricultural activity and commercial haulage on parts of the wider site.

“The Certificate of Lawfulness application sought to certify that the existing access and laneway, a portion of the yard area to the rear along with the yard area to the front of the site which lies to the southwest of the existing sheds was used for agricultural and commercial storage and distribution.”

“Given that the Certificate of Lawfulness certified that commercial haulage operations were existing on the wider site, the proposal for the retention of the workshop building and the extension to yard area falls to be assessed under DM 2.7 ‘Established Industrial and Business Use' of the ANPS as the proposal relates to a new building on an established haulage site.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers accepted the business need, the difficulty of relocation, the economic contribution and the proposed landscaping’s contribution to screening and integration.

“Criterions (a) and (b) of DM 2.7 of the ANPS require that there is a business need for the proposal and relocation of the enterprise is not feasible. It also requires that the proposal will make a significant contribution to the local economy. As outlined in the Supporting Statement (Document 01, date stamped 24" July 2025) the proposal responds to a need for a space to service and maintain Bell Transport’s expanding fleet vehicles.”

“As outlined above, since the application was presented to the Planning Committee in February 2026, the Certificate of Lawfulness Ref: LAQ3/2026/0189/CLEUD was certified for the site to establish the presence of a commercial haulage business on site.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Roads, Rivers, Environmental Health, water and drainage consultees raised no objection, with some responses subject to conditions.

“Dfl Roads- No objection subject to conditions…”

“Environmental Health Section- No objection subject to conditions DAERA Water Management Unit- No objection…”

Officer report

Neighbouring views

Two neighbouring properties were notified and no letters of representation were received.

“Two (2) neighboring properties were notified of the proposal, and no letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A public speaker addressed the committee and answered members’ questions, while the senior planning officer introduced the reports.

The committee vote

Members voted ten to one, with no abstentions, to defer the application for two months.

“On the proposal being put to the meeting 10 Members voted in favour, 1 against and 0 abstention, it was agreed that planning permission be deferred for a period of two months to enable the applicant to apply to the Council for a Certificate of Lawful Development to show that the business did exist and operate at scale on these premises. ACTION BY: Sharon Mossman, Deputy Director of Planning ITEM 3.5 APPLICATION NO:”

Minutes