118-home housing development at Lands immediately adjacent to and North of 18 Carnalea Road Castletown Fintona

What was proposed

The application proposed 118 homes with associated works on land immediately north of an existing property on Carnalea Road.

“Proposal: Proposed housing development of 118 Dwellings and associated ancillary works…”

“Location: Lands immediately adjacent to and North of 18 Carnalea Road, Castletown, Fintona…”

Officer report

The site

The site was agricultural land with trees and field hedges, included two existing houses, and lay within Fintona’s settlement limits.

“The application is for a new housing development located within the settlement limits of Fintona. The layout proposes a quality and sustainable residential environment respectful of the surrounding context and character of the site. There is an appropriate level of private and public amenity areas and mix of house types. Affordable housing will be provided to the required standard and secured by a legal agreement.”

“Site Details The proposed site for the housing development is located at Carnalea Road, Castletown, Fintona. The lands are currently agricultural with trees and field hedges separating the fields. There are two existing houses on the site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier matters included a pre-application notice, a proposed housing development application and two previous housing development references.

“There are a number of relevant planning histories on site:”

“LA10/2021/1319/PAN– Pre-Application Notice to the Council for a new residential development on the site. • LA10/2022/1027/PAD – Proposed Housing Development • K/2007/0585/F - Proposed housing development for five detached dwellings and garages • K/1993/0459 - Housing Development…”

Officer report

An objection received

One objection raised concerns about overlooking, trees, traffic, construction noise, flooding and surface water reaching a nearby property.

“Due to the natural height of the hillock opposite 27a, property would be totally overlooked. • The trees opposite 27a and 27b are not on the plans - would felling them be ecologically viable? • The entrance opposite 27a may pose a potential hazard to incoming and outgoing traffic due to restricted view of traffic on that side driving down Carnalea Road from Fintona plus the added risk of excess speeds as the proposed development is just outside the town boundary speed…”

“Consideration: The impact upon the amenity of nearby dwellings is considered within the report. For the reasons listed the proposal will not have an unacceptable affect upon the amenity of the objector’s property. Provided any trees are felled outside bird breeding season and are inspected for protected species prior to felling then the felling of the trees to facilitate the development is acceptable. NIEA NED are content.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, describing the site, design approach, consultation, affordable homes and accessibility measures, and answered questions about separation and drainage.

Members’ discussion

A Member welcomed the housing need, neighbour protections, housing mix and accessible homes, and proposed approval with the reported and additional condition.

“A Member stated that there was a housing need throughout the Council area and that this proposal would be very important for the social and economic vitality of Fintona. He stated that he was reassured that there would be no loss of amenity to neighbours. He welcomed the proposed housing mix which included twelve affordable houses in the scheme and a significant number of wheelchair accessible properties.”

Minutes