Four-bedroom HMO at 18 Epworth Street, Londonderry

What was proposed

The application sought to change a three-bedroom dwelling into a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation.

“LA11/2025/0713/F APP LICATION TYPE: Full Planning Application PROP OSAL: Change of use from 3 bed dwelling to 4 bed HMO LOC ATION: 18”

“Epworth Street, Edenballymore, Londonderry, BT48 0HD APP LICANT: Niall Farley AGE NT: Patrick Hickey Architects ADV ERTISEMENT: 11 th & 13 th March 2025 STA TUTORY EXPIRY: 6 th November 2025 REC OMMENDATION: Approval REA SON FOR PRESENTATION TO COMMITTEE: More than 5 separate objections All plan ning application forms, drawings, letters etc.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is a mid-terrace dwelling in a mainly high-density residential street, with on-street parking and a small rear yard.

“4.Site and Surrounding Area The application site is located at no. Epworth Street, Derry which is located within the development limits of Derry City as indicated within the Derry Area Plan 2011 (DAP). The proposed development is located outside the Central Area Boundary, the Commercial Core and the Designated Flat Zone as identified in the DC&SDC LDP 2032 Plan Strategy and the Derry Area Plan 2011.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly high density residential where streets are defined by terraced rows and dwellings are all of a similar scale and design. The wider area is also characterised by some retail/community uses, as well as education with St. Annes Primary School located to the north.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site had no planning history, while permission had been granted for an HMO at number 20 Epworth Street.

“5.Sit e Constraints No s ite constraints have been identified. 6.Neighb our Notification and Press Advertisement Neig hbour notification and press advertisement have been carried out in line with the Council’s statutory duty. Neighbours notified include: •Nos. 16, 18, 20, 21, 23 and 25 Epworth Street; and •Nos. 17 and 19 Ernest Street. 7.Pla nning History The re is no planning history on the application site.”

“Development Description: Retention of change of use from single family to house in multiple occupation and internal alterations Location: Epworth Street ( Has HMO licence) Decision: Permission Granted Decision Date: 8th March 2024 8.Policy Context The following policy and legislation were considered in the assessment of this proposal: •Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035; •Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) for Northern Ireland Edition 2 2025; •Derry City &…”

Officer report

What residents said

Representations raised concerns about room sizes, noise, antisocial behaviour, parking, waste, services, family housing and the character of the street.

“Already HMO at No 20; •Concern regarding noise and antisocial behaviour; •Street of family homes and don’t want another HMO bringing students to this street; •increased pressure on local health care facilities; •Water supply and sewage system overrun; •Waste management (rubbish/bins); •Detrimental impact on the character of the area; •lack of family homes; •Lack of children so potential for schools to be shut down; •loss of community cohesion; •Concern that this proposal…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application and outlined the recommendation to approve it subject to conditions.

The committee vote

Councillors unanimously supported the proposal to approve the application.

“LA11/2025/0713/F - Change of use from 3 bed dwelling to a 4 bed HMO at 18 Epworth Street, Edenballymore, Londonderry, BT48 0HD. The Senior Planning Officer presented the above application, details of which were previously circulated to Members. An overview of the background to the application was provided and based on material consideration in line with planning policy, it was recommended to approve planning permission, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

“The outcome of the vote was unanimous support of the Proposal. The Proposal was Carried. The Committee Resolved to support the recommendation to approve application LA11/2025/0713/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes