Four-bedroom HMO at 11 Abercorn Road, Londonderry

What was proposed

Permission was sought to retain the change from a single-family dwelling to a house in multiple occupation, revised to four bedrooms.

“LA11/2025/0031/F AP PLICATION TYPE: Full Planning Application PR OPOSAL: Retention of a Change of use from single family dwelling to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) LO CATION: Abercorn Road, Londonderry, BT48 6SA AP PLICANT: Lesa Gillespie AG ENT: Eddie Kerr ADVERTISEMENT: 10 th April 2025 ST ATUTORY EXPIRY: 26 th April 2025 RE COMMENDATION: Approval RE ASON FOR PRESENTATION TO COMMITTEE: More than 5 separate objections All p lanning application forms, drawings,…”

“Pl anning Reference: LA11/2024/0039/F Description: Retention of change of use from single family use to a House in Multiple Occupation Location: Abercorn Road, Londonderry Decision Date: Permission Granted (31 st July 2024) Pl anning Reference: LA11/2025/0574/CLUED Description: Existing Use of former dwelling as a house in multiple occupation Location: Abercorn Road, Londonderry Decision Date: Certificate of Lawfulness Granted (15 th October 2025) Pl anning Reference:…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a mid-terrace Victorian dwelling on Abercorn Road within Derry’s development limits and central area, with a small rear yard.

“4.Si te and Surrounding Area The application site is located at No.11 Abercorn Road, Derry which is located within the development limits of Derry City, and the Central Area as indicated within the Derry Area Plan 2011 (DAP). Fig ure 1: Site Location Plan Th e application site comprises a mid-terrace two and a half storey Victorian dwelling with pitched roof, finished in render with dentilled eaves. One small, pitched roof dormer is inset within the existing roof slope.”

“Fig ure 2: Application Site 5.Si te Constraints None identified. 6.Neigh bour Notification 7.Pl anning History Application site: No relevant Planning History. Ab ercorn Road Planning Reference: LA11/2021/0236/LDE Description: Change of use from dwelling house to House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Location: Abercorn Road, Derry, BT48 6SA Decision Date: Certificate of Lawfulness Granted (6 th May 2021) Appendix 5”

Officer report

What residents said

Eight support letters backed the accommodation, while five objection petitions raised concerns about HMOs, management, parking, refuse, noise and disturbance.

“DF I Roads- No objection. DFI Roads have noted there is limited parking capacity in the surrounding area. 10.Representations A t otal of 8 letters of support have been received from 7 separate addresses in respect of this planning application. In addition, 5 petitions of objection with a total of 120 signatures have been received. Co nsideration of the representations is set out in the relevant sections of paragraph 11 of this report.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee gave speaking rights to the applicant and an objector, both attending remotely, and allowed members to seek clarification.

The committee vote

The motion to accept the officer recommendation received six votes for and three abstentions, and was carried.

“Councillor Jackson Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Devine to accept the Officer’s recommendation. Councillor Logue abstained from the vote. The outcome of the vote was For; 6; Abstentions 3. The Proposal was Carried. The Committee Resolved to accept the Officer’s recommendation to approve application LA11/2025/0031/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes