Rural building conversion at 60m to the SE of 31A Loughries Road, Newtownards

What was proposed

The application sought to convert an agricultural building, commercial store and workshop into a dwelling, with an extension and relocated access.

“DEA: Ards Peninsula Proposal: Change of use from agricultural building, commercial store and workshop to dwelling with extension and relocation of the access Location: 60m to the SE of 31A Loughries Road, Newtownards Applicant:”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a derelict building on a prominent corner beside Loughries Road and Drumawhey Road, in a rural area of fields and scattered properties.

“The building is in a prominent position immediately on the edge of the road verge adjacent to the public road and occupies a corner plot on the junction of the Loughries Road and Drumawhey Road. The boundaries of the site include the building, low level wall and hedging to the south / Loughries Road; a wooden post fence and hedge to the west.”

“The site sits lower than Loughries Road and the land slopes slightly down to the east. The access is from the southeast corner. The surrounding area is rural and is characterised by agricultural fields and a scattering of rural properties, agricultural buildings, and farmyards…”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier proposals for a dwelling or conversion on the site were refused, while a nearby infill dwelling application was granted.

“Ref: LA06/2024/0499/O Address: 60m to the South 2 Drumawhey Road, Newtownards Proposal: Infill dwelling & garage Status: Granted…”

“There are also several historical applications previously refused on the application site:”

Officer report

What the supporter said

A supporter said the building’s age, traditional architecture, stonework, historical value and prominent location supported its local importance and conversion.

What members debated

Members debated the building’s prominence, heritage, remaining structure and whether conditions could secure retention of the existing walls.

“In conclusion, while the structural survey demonstrated that the building was structurally capable of conversion, it was considered that the building was not of local importance and did not comply with paragraph 6.73 of the SPPS. Refusal of planning permission had been recommended. The Chair invited questions from Members and Alderman McIlveen queried the difference between the current application and the Finlay Fuels case that was referenced in the presentation.”

“Alderman McIlveen argued that the roadside prominence of Finlay Fuels made it more comparable with this case and the Officer referred to her earlier comment that visibility was not a criterion for local importance. In terms of the heritage and retention concerns raised at the previous hearing, Alderman McIlveen pointed to the recent report’s conclusion that the majority of what remained of the building could be retained, a finding that was also agreed by Building Control.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The proposal to grant permission was carried with 7 votes for, 2 against, 2 abstentions and 5 members absent.

“Councillor Morgan was unable to support the proposal noting the extent of rebuilding work required which she felt would detract from the building’s historical value. She argued that following this rebuilding work, the building would not be considered locally important or memorable. Alderman Graham felt that the building was a landmark in that locality and retaining it was a better alternative than being left with an unattractive building.”

“FOR (7) AGAINST (2) ABSTAINED (2) ABSENT (5) Aldermen Aldermen Aldermen Aldermen Graham McAlpine McDowell McIlveen Smith Councillors Councillor Councillors Councillor Hennessy Morgan McClean Cathcart Kendall McKee Harbinson Kerr Smart McCollum Wray RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Wray, seconded by Alderman McIlveen, that the Council grants Planning Permission. 5.5”

Minutes