One dwelling site at Site adjacent to (10 M. North West of) No. 15 McLean Road, Eglinton

The site and surroundings

The site is a fenced agricultural field at the junction of two roads, in the countryside and Green Belt, with mature trees and nearby houses.

“The application site is an agricultural field located to the northeastern side of McLean Road where it meets the Donnybrewer Road. The site is enclosed by fencing with mature planting defining the boundary with neighbouring dwelling 15 McLean Road. There are mature trees to the northeastern rear boundary of the site. The land levels of the site are flat.”

“The application site is within 30m of a watercourse to the south and outside the site boundary…”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application within the current site was refused because it would create ribbon development.

“Planning History Application Number Decision Proposal A/2010/0392/O Lands NW of 17 McLean Road This site lies within the boundaries of the current application site. Refused on grounds of ribbon development…”

Officer report

Why officers advised refusal

Officers found that the proposal would extend ribbon development on two roads, harm rural character and lack evidence supporting the personal circumstances case.

“The development can be absorbed into the existing cluster through rounding off and consolidation and will not significantly alter its existing character, create or extend a ribbon of 3 or more buildings along the road frontage, or significantly visually intrude into the open countryside;.”

“As the application site is in the greenbelt, and as the proposed development would extend a ribbon of development on two roads, Policy HOU22 is not complied with.”

Officer report

Personal circumstances case

Officers considered an extension, alteration or conversion at the existing house could meet the accommodation needs, and found no evidence those alternatives were unfeasible.

“Details of what alternatives to a new dwelling have been considered e.g. extension / annex to an existing dwelling and why such alternatives are not considered practical to meet the site-specific need; and The agent has stated there are no alternatives to the proposed site for the following reasons : - The existing dwelling cannot be easily extended due to space restrictions and would require removal of mature vegetation resulting in environmental damage.”

“Officers have carried out a site inspection and considered the information above regarding restrictions to developing the existing site. Officers consider that this site has adequate space to accommodate an extension/ alteration/annex to the existing dwelling at No 15 to provide an extension or ancillary residential accommodation for the applicant to allow her to continue to provide care whilst allowing her father to continue to live independently.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

Consultees raised no objections subject to advice or conditions, and no letters supporting or opposing the application were received.

“Consultee Responses • Environmental Health provide advice regarding potential odour from WW Treatment Plant, construction noise and dust, package treatment plant arrangements and radon. • DFI Roads have no objections subject to submission of a plan at Reserved Matters showing the access to be constructed in accordance with the RS1 Form. • NIEA Water Management Unit refer to conditions and informatives contained within DAERA Standing Advice relating to Single Dwellings.”

“Representations No letters of objection or support have been received to date…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee and gave reasons for supporting approval.

Members’ discussion

Members proposed overturning the refusal because they considered the application complied with Policy HOU 24 and would facilitate family care.

“LA11/2024/0700/O - Proposed site for dwelling on lands adjacent to and 10 M. Northwest of No. McLean Road, Eglinton, Londonderry, BT47 3PF. The Principal Planning Officer presented the above application, details of which were previously circulated to Members.”

“The Head of Planning advised that, should Members support the proposal, it would be necessary to impose an occupancy condition, in accordance with Policy HOU 24, as part of any approval granted under the standard planning conditions. This was noted by Members.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee unanimously supported the proposal.

“The outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the Proposal. The Committee Resolved to overturn the Officer recommendation to refuse application LA11/2024/0700/O, and for an approval to be granted, subject to standard conditions.”

Minutes