120-home social housing scheme at Lands 50 M. East of No. 70 Corrody Road

The site and surroundings

The 4.88-hectare rural site contains three agricultural fields outside Derry’s development limits, within the Green Belt and beside a hard-core yard.

“Aerial Photograph of site Sites Location in the context of the Derry Area Plan. It is outside the defined limits for development…”

“The site totals 4.88 hectares and comprises of three agricultural field parcels in a rural location. The application site rises in topography from the south to the east. The site is located 125m outside the development limits of Derry as defined in the Derry Area Plan 2011 (DAP) and is located in the countryside. The larger road frontage field is defined by mature hedgerow approx. 3m in height.”

Officer report

Application history

Members agreed a predetermination hearing, which took place before a later member site visit and revised plans and consultations.

“Prior to this meeting, on 31 st January 2024, the planning department received a letter from the agent on this application, Matt Kennedy (MKA Planning), requesting on behalf of his client that the Council grant a predetermination hearing on the planning application. At that meeting a Pre- Determination Hearing (PDH) was agreed by Members and therefore the application was deferred at that meeting for a PDH to take place.”

“Members should note that a lot of the detail contained in the below report/assessment remains as presented at PDH. Since PDH, a number of revised plans/ further information been received primarily relating to roads detail, included an amended site location plan.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee accepted speaking rights for the applicant’s agent, while the senior planning officer presented the application and recommendation.

Members’ discussion

Councillor Jackson considered the built-up frontage reduced harm to rural character and said social housing need and community benefits supported approval.

“Councillor Jackson referred to the refusal reasons and stated that in his opinion he would argue that the substantial built-up frontage at the site provided comfort that the application would not have demonstrable impact on the rural character. He further stated that the need for social housing could not be overemphasised enough and that the proposal provided significant community benefits and had to be supported.”

“Councillor Jackson Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Devine to overturn the Officer recommendation and for an approval to be granted, subject to standard conditions.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee overturned the refusal recommendation and resolved to approve the application subject to standard conditions, subject to DfI review.

“The Committee Resolved to overturn the Officer recommendation to refuse application LA11/2022/0683/O, and for an approval to be granted subject to standard conditions.”

“The resolution will subsequently be referred to DfI for review, before a decision could be issued.”

Minutes