Guest accommodation extension at 1 Lawrence Hill, Londonderry

The site and surroundings

The site is a converted outbuilding and extension in a rear yard, within the Central Area, Flats Zone and Magee Conservation Area, with street parking.

“The application site is located in the rear yard of No. Lawrence Hill, a three-storey end of terrace building. The application building is a converted extended outbuilding and single storey extension. There is access to the side of the property along Springham Street. Parking is on the street. The application site is located within the Central Area, Flats Zone and Magee Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers considered the tourism use appropriate and beneficial, while proposed conditions would control occupancy and require a satisfactory sewage solution.

“Conclusion and Recommendation On balance the proposal is acceptable as it is appropriate tourism use in this part of the city, supporting the local economy and enabling the restoration and reuse of a valuable heritage asset. The third-party concerns have all been considered and whilst the parking provision is not full standard, the policy allows for a reduction at this location.”

“Appendix 2 considerations including the third party objections, approval is recommended subject to the conditions set out in paragraph 12.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer presented the application, and the committee allowed an objector to speak about concerns at the meeting.

Members considered the issues

Members noted the objections and planning assessment; Councillor Jackson considered parking addressed and the sewage solution sufficiently underway to avoid further delay.

“LA11/2024/0809/F - Retrospective change of use from outbuilding of former convent/nunnery and extension to guest accommodation and single storey extension to accommodate ensuite 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.”

“Councillor Jackson expressed the view that following assessment of the Planning Officer’s report he was content that the parking provision was addressed accordingly. He also referred to the NI Water sewage solution and was content that it was underway as outlined within the…”

Minutes