Farm and equestrian suppliers at Former Robert Smith and Co (Derry) Ltd Site72-76 Glenshane Road Drumahoe Townland Drumahoe Londonderry

What was proposed

The application proposed a purpose-built farm and equestrian supplies unit with animal feed, a café, access works, parking and landscaping.

“Description of Proposed Development A proposed Farm and Equestrian (include animal feed) suppliers, in new purpose-built unit on the site adjacent to the applicant's existing store. Access works and landscaping.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.81-hectare brownfield site contained the steel frame of a former pharmaceutical warehouse and bordered housing at The Beeches and Robins Row.

“Site and Surrounding Area The site extends to 0.81 ha and was formerly the location of a warehouse that had been used for the storage and distribution of pharmaceuticals. That use has ceased and the steel frame still of the original building remains on site. The site is within the development limits of Derry within the Drumahoe area. It is flat in gradient and sits at a lower ground level that the existing housing to the North known as the Beeches.”

“Photo of application site from The Beeches…”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

The site and adjoining business have a history of permissions for warehouse, retail and animal-feed uses, alongside a refused care-home proposal.

“A/2008/0281/F Decision: Permission Refused Decision Date: 21 st July 2009. Proposed 3 storey 70 bed care home, with associated single storey detached ground store, associated site parking, service area and landscaped gardens. 72 to 74 Glenshane Road.”

“LA11/2017/0879/NMC Decision: Consent Refused Date: 18th November 2017 Partial demolition of existing animal feed and equestrian supplies building and extension to provide additional area for animal feed and equestrian supplies. 66A Glenshane Road…”

Officer report

How objections were addressed

Officers said the access could be made safe, noise and pests could be controlled, and the building would not cause unacceptable overlooking, light loss or wider harm.

“Appendix 3 incorporated to create a safe means of access for motorised and non-motorised users. The position of the access point to the site is to be retained in the existing position however to facilitate the development and comply with standards additional measures are required. The agent has proposed a widened access point to the site with the extension of the footpath into the site.”

“Overlooking from the development, height of development will create a loss of light The elevation to the east of the site which faces onto The Beeches has proposed no windows that will face onto dwellings (No’s 1 to 7) and The Beeches access road. Council consider that the development will not cause any overlooking issues affecting those properties. The other dwelling that abuts the site would be at No 1 Robins Row, on the northwestern boundary.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the agent and the applicant, who gave reasons supporting the recommendation for approval.

The vote

The application received unanimous support from the committee.

“The outcome of the vote was unanimous in support of the application. The Committee Resolved to support the Officer recommendation to approve application LA11/2022/0764/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes