Men’s Shed community facility at Lands 300m SE of 41 Dogleap Road, Limavady

“No: LA01/2023/1276/F Ward: Dundooan App Type: Full Address: Lands 300m SE of 41 Dogleap Road, Limavady…”

“Proposal: Proposed Retention, Refurbishment, change of use and extension of existing unlisted Mill Buildings to provide a new Mens Shed Community Facility and ground mounted solar panel array for on- site energy generation, and all associated works Con Area: N/A Valid Date: 30.01.2024 Listed Building Grade: N/A Agent: Bell Architects, 65 Main Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6AN”

“The application site is located on lands 300m SE of 41 Dogleap Road, Limavady. The application site is located on agricultural lands, which are immediately adjacent to the Roe Valley Country Park with vehicular access to the site proposed via the existing internal tracks and pedestrian pathways within the Roe Valley Country Park.”

“The application site is located within the rural area as defined in the Northern Area Plan 2016, sited approximately 1.3km south of Limavady Town and 0.4km west of the hamlet of Ardgarvan. The application site is located within the designated Roe Valley Country Park Local Landscape Policy Area (LLPA) and is immediately adjacent to the River Roe, which is a designated SAC/ASSI site and the Roe Valley Country Park which is a significant visitor attraction.”

“LA01/2024/0137/F - Lands 300m SE of 41 Dogleap Road Limavady - Refurbishment of existing cottage to provide a caretakers cottage as adjacent accommodation support to the proposed Mens Shed community facility, and all associated works – Current Application…”

“Many of the issues raised within the letters of objection have been addressed within the report above. While acknowledging the benefits and value of the Men’s Shed organisation the proposed use is one which is considered to be a town centre type use and therefore is not appropriate for the location.”

“In conclusion refusal is recommended. The proposal is located within the Roe Valley Country Park LLPA which outlines a presumption against development other than that essential to the operation of agriculture and for the operation of the country park, neither of which relate to the proposed development. The proposal seeks to utilise the existing pedestrian pathway within the Roe Valley Country Park to facilitate vehicular access to the site.”

“Letters of objection have been received. The issues raised within the objection letters include…”

“Internal DFI Roads: No objections. Rivers Agency: FRA Requested. Not submitted. NI Water: Refusal. NIEA NED: Further information required. Not submitted. HED: No objections. Environmental Health: No objections. NIEA WMU: No objections. NIEA Regulation Unit: No objections. Loughs Agency: CEMP Requested. Not submitted. Shared Environmental Services: Further information required. Council’s Local Development Plan Team: Objection.”

“The new location will provide the local community with easier access to the Men’s Shed, as well as offering members the therapeutic benefits offered by the Roe Valley Country Park area. • Men’s shed is a valuable community service. • NHS services are dependent on the charity and voluntary sectors to provide assistance for lower level problems or as a stop gap while awaiting higher level services • Limavady has suffered from a lack of resources, especially for men.”

“Development would have a detrimental impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty/open space used by locals and visitors • Road is unsuitable for constant traffic and upgrading it would detract from the ambience of the area • Proposed development would not enhance the area of the Country Park • Development would negatively impact the environment including bird and other animal habitats • The location will not suit many who use the facility which may prevent them from…”

“Proposed by Councillor McMullan Seconded by Councillor C Archibald - That the Committee defer consideration of Item LA01/2023/1276/F and Item LA01/2024/0137/F for a site visit as it would be beneficial for Committee Members to see the site.”

“The Chair put the motion to the Committee to vote. Members voted For; Members voted Against, 0 Member Abstained The Chair declared the motion carried.”