GAA facilities and 48 bungalows at Lands to the South and East of Nos. 7-9 Culmore Point Road, Culmore

What was proposed

The application sought a GAA pitch, community and sports buildings, a sensory play park, 48 retirement bungalows, access works and parking.

“Description of Proposed Development Site for a GAA Pitch, Changing Rooms/Committee Rooms, Community/Sports Hall, Sensory Play Park, New Vehicular Access from the Public Road, Site for Retirement Bungalows, totalling 48 proposed dwellings and Associated Car Parking and Landscaping. Development of right- hand turning lane, pedestrian crossing point and ghost island onto Culmore Point Road.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was an agricultural field outside Culmore’s settlement limit, within the Green Belt and an Area of High Scenic Value beside the River Foyle.

“The application site is located to the southeast of Culmore village, outside of the defined settlement limits. The site is located in the countryside and within an area designated as Green Belt and an Area of High Scenic Value as indicated in the Derry Area Plan 2011. The site is bound by agricultural lands to the south, and the Culmore village development limits are to the Western and Northern boundaries. The Eastern boundary of the site abuts the River Foyle.”

“Site Constraints The application site is located outside the settlement limits of Culmore and is therefore located within the countryside. The site is located in the Green Belt and is within the Area of High Scenic Value - AOHSV 1: Derry Countryside and also within an Area of Constraint on Minerals Development.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site had no relevant planning history.

“Relevant Site History The site has no relevant history…”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

NI Water recommended refusal over network constraints, while other consultees raised issues about noise, trees, access, flooding and coastal change.

“Appendix 1 10. Consultee Responses NI Water – Refusal is recommended • there are network constraints on the foul sewer network and the public water main. There are significant risks of detrimental impact to existing customers causing reduced pressure and potential water supply outages. • the applicant needs to apply to NI Water for a Water Impact Assessment. NI Water will assess the proposal to see if any mitigating measures are required to allow for connection.”

“Historic Environment Division (Historic Monuments) – No objection subject to conditions. See Historic Environment assessment later in this report. Environmental Health – require information on n oise from sports activities; music or entertainment; flood lighting.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

There were 29 objections and 56 letters of support, with objections focused on policy, housing scale, traffic, flooding, noise, wildlife and community consultation.

“Appendix 1 8. Representations The proposal has received a total of 29 objections, including objections from one source and 56 letters of support. The objections and supporting representations are considered in in Section 11 and summarised as below. Summary of letters of Support Support for the community facilities, i/e the playing pitches and their benefit to the local area and the playing provision and facilities for Culmore residents.”

“Appendix 1 • The claim in the agent’s submission that the proposal has the support of Culmore residents is disputed by the “Concerned community of Culmore”. The claim that the site is within the Culmore village is also incorrect and misleading. • There are previous approvals for a play park at Ballynagard, sports facilities at Culmore, Culmore country park and the Culmore pitches.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Speakers supporting refusal included three representatives, while the agent and a community partnership representative supported approval.

Members’ debate

Members discussed the Green Belt, available land, community facilities, housing need, access, social housing, conditions and the information submitted.

“The HOP assured Members that in terms of the Planning function that it was their role to plan for the future, however in the interim period applications are assessed against the settlements and boundaries of the LDP, within which there is land available. She stated that the next stage will be the application of the Local Policies Plan and Officers will explore that process and investigate growth in relevant areas.”

“Exception test for refusal reason No. 1,2,3,4 and 5 HOU1 would not be an appropriate exception because the Policy clearly stated strategic allocation and management of land for housing. She advised that any applications required for acute need had to be submitted by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or registered Housing Association and a link to social housing would be through a Section 76 Agreement. • Refusal reasons No.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to standard conditions and involvement of a social housing partner, with referral to DfI for review.

“Resolved to overturn the Officer recommendation to refuse planning permission and for approval to be granted, subject to standard conditions and to include involvement of a Social Housing partner.”

“The Head of Planning advised that as normal procedure, the above application would be referred to DfI for review before an approval was granted. This was noted by Members.”

Minutes