Four-bedroom HMO extension at 9 Fountain Street, Londonderry

The site and surroundings

The site is a three-storey internally, mid-terrace property in the Commercial Core and Historic City Conservation Area, beside the City’s Historic Walls.

“Site and Surrounding Area The site contains a two-storey mid terrace property located at 9 Fountain Street, Derry. Existing finishes includes brick which has been painted over and pvc windows. Whilst the property has a two-storey appearance, it has 3 stories internally with 2 attic bedrooms at second floor level and roof velux to front and rear elevations.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions included dormer windows and an extension, while a separate HMO permission exists at 15 Fountain Street.

“Planning History (Application Site) – A/1979/0552 Decision: Permission Granted Decision Date: September 1979 Proposal: Dormer Windows and Extension to Dwelling. LA11/2018/0140/F Decision: Permission Granted Decision Date: May 2019 15 Fountain Street Derry BT48 6QX Retention of change of use from single dwelling to house in multiple occupation (HMO). HMO License Number 7669. Expiry Date 26-04-2026.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Environmental Health had no objections, while Historic Environment consultees supported the proposal subject to fencing and archaeological conditions.

“Consultee Responses Environmental Health - No objections. Informatives have been provided regarding Construction Noise and Dust, Internal Transmission of Sound, Waste Storage and Disposal Arrangements, Management of Property and Houses in Multiple Occupation Legislation.”

“HED (Historic Monuments) - is content that the proposal satisfies SPPS and PPS 6 archaeological policy requirements, subject to conditions for the placement of temporary free-standing fence during the construction phase and for the agreement and implementation of a developer-funded programme of archaeological works.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application and provided an overview of its background and policy considerations.

The committee’s concern

Councillor Jackson proposed, with Councillor Logue seconding, that the officer recommendation be overturned because the proposal exceeded the 10% HMO threshold.

“Councillor Jackson Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Logue to overturn the Officer recommendation and for a refusal to be granted, for reason being that the proposal exceeded the 10% HMO threshold, as agreed by Council Notice of Motion.”

Minutes

The final decision

The committee overturned the officer recommendation and refused permission because the application exceeded the 10% HMO threshold previously agreed by Council notice of motion.

“Resolved to overturn the Officer recommendation and for a refusal to be granted, because the application exceeded the 10% threshold of HMO’s previously agreed by Council Notice of Motion.”

Minutes