Guest accommodation at 1 Lawrence Hill, Londonderry

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to retain the change of use from a nunnery to guest accommodation.

“LA11/2023/2158/F Under consideration Proposal: Retention of change of use from Nunnery to Guest Accommodation; (see appendix 3)”

Officer report

The building’s history

The former nunnery closed in 2021, and the proposal concerned converting its outbuilding and extension into guest accommodation with an ensuite.

“No. Lawrence Hill was previously a nunnery for the Sisters of Mercy which closed in 2021. The proposal is for the retrospective change of use from outbuilding of former convent/nunnery and extension to guest accommodation and single storey extension to accommodate ensuite.”

Officer report

What consultees said

consultees including Roads, Environmental Health, Historic Environment, NI Water, Loughs Agency and environmental services raised no objection or identified manageable requirements.

“Environmental Health Service - No objection.”

“NI Water – advises that there is a solution for this site. It requires the developer to undertake storm water offsetting through NI Water delivering offsite infrastructure. This solution will also apply to planning application LA11/2023/ 2158/F.”

Officer report

What people objected to

One householder objected over application information, wastewater, sustainability, conservation, residential amenity, lighting and parking congestion.

“In summary the concerns raised are that: Application Form P1 incorrect; Additional apartment was not disclosed to NI Water; Design and Access Statement (DAS) dispute; Council should cease operations in light of NI Water report; Does not comply with PPS16 Tourism as damages environment and not sustainable; Impact on character and residential amenity of the conservation area are impacted; 7.”

“Car parks – disputes applicant’s sign posting about parking; Development being part of the applicant’s adjacent hotel development is detrimental to the residential amenity and character of this Conservation Area, created unacceptable parking congestion and light pollution which is not environmentally sustainable.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee allowed an objector and the agent to speak, while an engineer also attended.

Members’ discussion

Members noted the objector’s concerns, officers’ assessment and NI Water’s proposed stormwater-offsetting solution.

“LA11/2023/2158/F - Retention of change of use from Nunnery to Guest Accommodation at 1 Lawrence Hill. (Returned to Committee following deferral at Committee on 7 May 2025, for a period of 6 months to allow more time to further consult with NI Water). Alderman McMorris, Councillor Boyle and Logue declared an interest with the above application and left the meeting.”

“They noted that NI Water advised that there is a solution for the site and it would require the developer to undertake storm water offsetting through NI Water delivering offsite infrastructure.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted five for and two abstentions, carrying the recommendation to approve.

“Discussion ensued, after which Councillor Jackson Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Devine that the recommendation to approve planning permission be accepted, subject to the conditions as outlined within the report. The outcome of the vote was; For 5; Abstentions 2. The Proposal was Carried. The Committee Resolved to accept the Planning Officer’s recommendation to approve planning application LA11/2023/2158/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes

The conditions

The conditions required delivery of the off-site storm scheme and submission of the final agreed NI Water solution within one year.

“This decision notice is issued under Section 55 of The Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Reason: This is a retrospective application. The development hereby approved shall not be occupied until the off-site storm scheme required under condition 2 is delivered and is operational.”

“Appendix 3 Reason: To protect features of River Foyle and Tributaries SAC and Lough Foyle SPA/Ramsar from adverse effects. Details of the final agreed solution with NIW shall be submitted to Council within one year of the date of this decision. Reason: To ensure the foul sewage can be discharged satisfactorily.”

Officer report