Farm dwelling and garage at 80m approx NW of 77 Seven Mile Straight, Muckamore, Antrim

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for a dwelling and garage on a farm, with access from the Seven Mile Straight by a new laneway.

“PROPOSAL Site for proposed dwelling and garage on the farm…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in the countryside outside a development limit, on part of an agricultural field in a rural area with scattered buildings and a nearby farm complex.

“The application site is located on lands approximately 80m northwest of No. Seven Mile Straight, Muckamore, Antrim, which is located within the countryside and outside any development limit as defined in the Antrim Area Plan 1984-2001 (AAP).”

“The application site is set back approximately 150m from the Seven Mile Straight and access to the site would be gained by a new laneway from this road. The site is taken from an agricultural field and is defined by mature hedging to its eastern boundary. The remaining boundaries are undefined and the topography of the site is relatively flat.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions were granted in 2013 and 2015 for a dwelling and garage on a farm approximately 100 metres east of No. 77 Seven Mile Straight.

“Location: Site approx. 100m East of 77 Seven Mile Straight Proposal: Dwelling and garage on a farm…”

“Location: Approx. 100m East of 77 Seven Mile Straight Proposal: Dwelling and garage on a farm…”

Officer report

Clustering and access

The proposed dwelling would be about 75 metres from the established farm buildings and would use a new 140-metre laneway rather than the existing farm access.

“DM 18.4 indicates that exceptionally, where it is demonstrated that it is not possible to sensitively cluster with an established group of buildings consideration may be given to locating the new farm dwelling on a well-defined site on the holding that is enclosed by significant, long established boundary planting, where this would have a limited impact on the character and appearance of the countryside.”

“Regarding the access arrangements, the proposal involves a new access to be consiructed onto the Seven Mile Straight with a new 140m long laneway from the Seven Mile Straight to the application site. If the dwelling was sited to cluster with the existing farm buildings, access could be more appropriately taken from the existing lane serving the farm buildings.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Agriculture confirmed the farm business history, while Environmental Health and Roads raised no objections subject to requirements.

“Department 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…”

“Environmental Health- No objection, subject to informatives…”

Officer report

Neighbouring views

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

“Six (6) neighbouring properties were notified and no letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Public speakers

No public speakers addressed the committee.

The committee vote

The motion to refuse outline planning permission was supported by eight members, with none against and no abstentions.

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

“On the proposal being put to the meeting 8 voted in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions, it was unanimously agreed…”

Minutes

The decision

Outline planning permission was refused because the proposal did not cluster with an existing farm building group and did not use an existing farm laneway.

“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 farm and access arrangements have not been obtained from an existing laneway.”

Minutes