Two-storey granny flat extension at 27 Milltown Crescent, Londonderry

What was proposed

The application sought a two-storey side extension providing ancillary granny-flat accommodation, including living space, a WC, two bedrooms and a shower room.

“LA11/2024/0952/F DA TE APP REC: 19 th December 2024 AP PLICATION TYPE: Full PR OPOSAL: Proposed 2 storey side extension to provide 'granny flat' accommodation to existing dwelling LO CATION: Milltown Crescent, Lower Tullyally, Londonderry, BT47 3QJ AP PLICANT: I and C Cooke AG ENT: 5050 Architectural Services Ltd AD VERTISEMENT: 7 th and 9 th January 2025 ST ATUTORY EXPIRY: 23 rd January 2025 RE COMMENDATION: Application is recommended for approval REA SON FOR…”

“The proposed granny flat accommodation will share kitchen facilities which are located in the existing property to the rear. EI A Determination This application has been screened by Council and as the development does not meet any thresholds, as set down in The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017, an EIA determination is not required.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is a semi-detached two-storey home in a suburban cul-de-sac, with a driveway, rear garden and nearby homes of similar design.

“Site and Surrounding Area The subject property is a semi-detached two-storey dwelling located in a suburban residential setting at the end of a cul-de-sac in the Milltown Crescent area. The house features a pitched roof finished with dark tiles and external walls are rendered and painted in a light cream/off-white colour.”

“The property includes a private driveway, providing ample off-street parking space for approximately three vehicles, and is partially enclosed by a low concrete wall. To the side of the dwelling, there is a close boarded timber fence, demarc ating the separation from the front amenity space and the rear garden area. Adjacent properties along this cul-de-sac are of similar design and form, contributing to the uniform character of the area.”

Officer report

The planning assessment

The extension was considered subordinate to the house, compatible with its materials, and unlikely to affect privacy, parking, natural heritage or recreational space.

“Scale, Massing, Design and Use of External Materials The proposed two storey side extension to the dwelling at no. Milltown Crescent is proposed to have a maximum roof ridge of 8.1m, as well as a width of 5.7m and a total length of 9.9m extending from the side elevation of the property towards the rear garden space to provide ‘granny flat accommodation’ for the residents.”

“It is therefore considered that the proposed development will not cause any degree of overlooking or lack of privacy to any neighbouring properties along Milltown Crescent. There is sufficient separation distance between the two properties, and given the lack of fenestration on the side elevation of the extension, the level of existing privacy/amenity at the site will remain unaffected by the development proposal.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

The consultees raised no objection in principle, provided environmental safeguards and conditions, and found no likely significant effect on a European site.

“Consultee Responses Loughs Agency In their response dated the 16 th April 2025, Loughs Agency have stated that they have considered the information provided and would have no objection in principle to the proposed development. The applicant should demonstrate best environmental practice when working close to watercourses. The potential for deleterious matter to enter a watercourse is of primary concern.”

“The proposal is minor in nature/scale and there is approximately 20m of grass and woodland buffering the application site and the River Faughan and Tributaries SAC. The construction and operational phases of the development not likely to generate any significant effects on European site integrity.” Derry City and Strabane District Council in its role as the competent Authority under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended),…”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

A neighbouring resident objected over privacy, parking, construction traffic and possible property damage, while the assessment found the extension would not affect privacy or parking.

“Representations The neighbouring resident has stated that they originally had no objection to the proposal as long as there were no windows looking into her property that would spoil privacy/amenity. Concerns were raised about the disruption the proposed development could have upon parking in the area as the street is a cul-de-sac. The resident also sought assurance that any damage done to her property would be repaired.”

“Concerns in relation to damage done to property during ongoing construction work is a civil matter and does not carry weight in the determination of this proposal. The volume and nature of traffic which may be associated with the construction phase of the proposed development are noted however as per every development under construction, normal road safety requirements will apply and will be for a temporary period only in any case.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application, and the agent attended to answer Members’ questions.

The committee vote

A motion to support the recommendation was proposed and seconded, and passed unanimously except for one abstention.

“Alderman Kerrigan Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Reilly to support the Officer recommendation as outlined previously.”

“The outcome of the vote was unanimous in support of the proposal (with the exception of Alderman Montgomery who abstained from the vote).”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“The Committee Resolved to support the Officer recommendation to approve application LA11/2024/0952/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes