New play park at Lands adjacent to and immediately to the east of Little Acorns Pre-School, 3 Benview Road, and directly opposite The

The site and surroundings

The generally flat grassed site is beside a pre-school, near residential properties, a restaurant and two main roads.

“A large 2 m fence defines the west boundary which abuts the Little Acorns Nursery school. To the west of the site is the Buncrana Road which is a main arterial route into the city. The site is also relatively open with views from Benview Road and Buncrana Road. Further to the north of the site is the Cosh Bar and restaurant including car park and a large number of residential properties are located to the west along Benview Road.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

The same play park scheme previously received planning permission in June 2020 and this application seeks its renewal.

“6.N eighbour Notifications A total of 13 neighbours were notified on 17 th June 2025 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 Drumkeen Park 72, 73, 74, 75 & 76 Benview Estate 3 Benview Road 66 Buncrana Road 7.Planning History LA11/2019/0595/F New play park complete with railings, fence enclosure and gates, play equipment and safety surfacing, seats, bins, cycle stands, new footpaths, upgraded vehicular maintenance access provision, tree and shrub planting, service relocations, grass works and…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal would provide important local recreation, improve open space, support wellbeing and avoid significant effects on amenity or the environment.

“The layout of the park has been designed to optimise visibility and safety with equipment clustered centrally and the seating and paths arranged to create natural supervision. The modest scale and open nature of the development ensures its integrates with its surroundings. Also the materials proposed are visually appropriate for the area and the proposed landscaping scheme introduces new tree and shrub planting to create an attractive layout and biodiversity benefit.”

“The proposed development will enhance the recreational value and public use of the site and will support regeneration and improve the quality of life for the local community as well as promoting health and well being, in line with Policy OS 1 of the Plan Strategy. This policy states that there is a presumption against the loss of open space irrespective of its physical condition or appearance.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Roads, environmental health, rivers, water, electricity and historic buildings consultees raised no objections, subject to stated conditions or advice where applicable.

“DFI Rivers – No objections, standard informatives apply NI Water - No objections to the proposal. Standard advice provided. NI E Networks – No objection subject to condition There is an existing Low Voltage underground cable providing supply to a neighbouring property within the site location. The applicant prior to the construction stage, should apply for an alteration to the underground cable in order to maintain the safety clearances and access required to this equipment.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Senior Planning Officer presented the application, and Councillors Heaney and Murphy proposed and seconded accepting the recommendation.

The committee’s vote

Members unanimously supported the proposal to approve the application, subject to conditions.

“LA11/2025/0411/F - Renewal of Application LA11/2019/0595/F. New play park complete with railings, fence enclosure and gates, play equipment and safety, surfacing, seats, bins, cycle stands, new footpaths, upgraded vehicular maintenance access provision, tree and shrub planting, service, relocations, grass works and park signage, Lands adjacent to and immediately to the east of Little Acorns Pre-School , 3 Benview Road, Derry, BT48 0NG and directly opposite The Cosh Bar and…”

“The Committee Resolved to support the recommendation to approve application LA11/2025/0411/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes