Six-bedroom HMO at 15 Fairman Place, Londonderry
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Derry And Strabane Planning Committee on 8 Oct 2025.
The site and surroundings
The property is a three-storey terraced dwelling in a predominantly residential area, with on-street parking and a small rear yard.
“Site and Surrounding Area The application site is 15 Fairman Place, a three-storey terrace dwelling with a two-storey rear return finished in grey painted render and pvc windows with a small yard to the rear. There is on street parking along Fairman Place and the surrounding area. The site is located within the development limits of Derry in a predominantly residential area, in close proximity to the Central Area.”
Officer report
Planning history
Several nearby Fairman Place properties have HMO permissions or licences, while enforcement cases were opened for two properties without planning permission.
“Planning History • LA11/2022/1164CLEUD: Fairman Place. Retention of change of use from dwelling house to house in multiple occupation (HMO). Permission Granted 9/2/23. HMO License Expiry 15/9/30 • LA11/2022/0957/F: Fairman Place. Retention of change of use from single family house to house in multiple occupation (5 bedroom). Permission Granted 28/4/23. HMO License Expiry 10/10/28 • LA11/2019/0840/F: Fariman Place.”
Officer report
Officers’ recommendation
Officers recommended refusal because the proposal exceeded the HMO concentration threshold, exceeded four bedrooms and lacked adequate parking provision.
“Conclusion and Recommendation Having considered all material considerations, including the relevant planning policies within the local development plan, relevant planning history, consultations and representations etc. refusal is recommended for the reasons outlined in paragraph 14 below.”
“The proposal is contrary to Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) Plan Strategy Policy HOU 14: Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in that proposed development, if permitted, would exceed four (4) bedrooms and; would detract from the established residential character of the area. 3.”
Officer report
Consultation responses
Environmental Health and DFI Roads raised no objections, although both provided comments.
“Consultee Responses Environmental Health- No objections, comments provided. DFI Roads- No objections, comments provided.”
Officer report
Committee discussion
The Senior Planning Officer presented the application and recommended refusal after considering planning policies, history, consultations and other material considerations.
“LA11/2024/0430/F - Retention of change of use from single family house to house in multiple occupation, 15 Fairman Place, Londonderry, BT48 7LD The Senior Planning Officer (SPO) presented the above application, details of which was previously circulated to Members. The SPO reported that having assessed all material considerations, including the Development Plan, relevant planning policies, relevant planning history including PAC decisions, consultations etc.”
Minutes
Sources
- Derry And Strabane Planning Committee minutes, 8 October 2025
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Derry And Strabane's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Derry And Strabane
- Date
- Wednesday 8 October 2025
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended refusal
- Committee decided
- Refused
- Vote
- Unanimous
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Derry And Strabane committee decisions →
This committee's year
19 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 5 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.