Single-storey dwelling and garage at 115m South East of 223 Garryduff Road, Dunloy, Ballymena

“The application site as delineated by the red line extends to approximately 0.4 hectares and comprises a roadside portion of a large agricultural field. The eastern roadside boundary is defined by a 2m well-established hedge while the southern boundary consists of 1m high post and wire fencing with sporadic hedge and tree planting. The northern and western boundaries are undefined and open to the surrounding agricultural land.”

“The site is located on the western side of Garryduff Road, in proximity to its junction with Galdanagh Road, and approximately 1.1 km north- west of Dunloy village. The surrounding area is rural in character, comprising of single residential dwellings, farm holdings, and agricultural land.”

“External Advertising: The application was advertised on 3rd July 2024. Neighbours: Neighbours were notified on 11th July 2024. No letters of support or objection were received in relation to this application. Internal DFI Roads:No objections. NI Water: No objections. Environmental Health: No objections. NIEA WMU: No objections.”

“Due to advancing age the maintenance of the front garden became too much for the owners and it was left to be cut along with the field beside. A fence has since been re-erected in this position. To reinforce this, it can be seen that maintenance of the grass verge to Garryduff Road, as an extension of the undefined boundary, has been carried out at the behest of the owners over the years, not by general Highway Maintenance.”

“This would 2. allow the dwelling to blend with the landform, benefitting from the existing established backdrop of the rising field level and mature vegetation to the west. This is noted in the DMO Report connected with LA01/2022/1195/O. “The topography of the site and surrounding area rises from the southeast towards the northwest, and beyond the site which will act as a backdrop for a modest dwelling” and “the existing vegetation will be conditioned to be retained”.”

“Councillor Kennedy requested that these two Items be deferred to allow for a site visit, to show consistency with recent similar applications that went to judicial review and which had site visits.”

“260325 Dunloy and application LA01/2024/0703/O (Referral) 56m South East of 223 Garryduff Road, Dunloy to allow a site visit to show consistency with recent similar applications.”

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

“RESOLVED - That the Planning Committee defer consideration of application LA01/2024/0702/O (Referral) 115m South East of 223 Garryduff Road, Dunloy and application LA01/2024/0703/O (Referral) 56m South East of 223 Garryduff Road, Dunloy to allow a site visit to show consistency with recent similar applications.”