Dwelling and garage at 50m N-W of 4 Crockan Road, Fyfin, Glenmornan, Strabane

The site

The site was 50 metres north-west of an existing property on Crockan Road, within the rural area near Glenmornan.

“This proposal (whilst in the rural area and under the threshold of 0.5ha) is assessed under Category 10 (B) Urban Development Projects of Schedule 2 of The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 as the application site is located within a Sensitive Area as defined in Part 1 of the Regulations, namely the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is being considered alongside…”

Officer report

Main planning issue

Officers considered the proposal was not a small infill site and would create ribbon development and urban sprawl.

“Conclusion and Recommendation The proposal is submitted as an ‘infill site’ and as discussed above has been assessed as such under Policy HOU 23 of the LDP PS. The proposal is not considered to be the development of a small infill or gap site, sufficient only to accommodate one house, within an otherwise substantial and continuously built-up frontage along Crockan Road and therefore does not meet the policy requirements of Policy HOU 23 of the LDP PS.”

“Furthermore, the proposal would, if permitted mar the distinction between the existing settlement of Glenmornan and the surrounding countryside, resulting in urban sprawl, contrary to Policy CY 3 of the LDP PS. Having considered all material considerations, including the development plans, relevant planning policies, planning history and consultations, refusal is recommended for the reasons outlined below.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal conflicted with policies protecting settlement boundaries, rural character and visual amenity.

“The proposal is contrary to Policy HOU 23 of Derry City and Strabane District Council Local Development Plan 2032 - Plan Strategy, in that the proposal does not constitute the development of a small infill or gap site, sufficient only to accommodate one house, within an otherwise substantial and continuously built-up frontage and if permitted and if permitted would create a ribbon development on the Crockan Road, detrimental to visual amenity and rural character of the…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application and explained that refusal was recommended for the reasons in the application assessment.

The vote

Members unanimously supported deferring the application.

“The Senior Planning Officer (SPO) presented the above application, details of which was previously circulated to Members. The SPO reported that based on the assessment of the proposal against all relevant planning policies and other material considerations, it was recommended to refuse planning permission, for reasons as outlined within the report.”

“Members unanimously supported the above proposal.”

Minutes