Four split-level homes at Lands to the rear of No.20-24 Algeo Drive, Enniskillen

What was proposed

The application proposed four detached split-level dwellings with detached garages, access and other site works.

“The site is located on lands to the rear of 20-24 Algeo Drive. Currently the site is an irregularly shaped plot of undeveloped land. The topography of the site slopes sharply from the north down to the south. The site consists of an overgrown entrance laneway between Nos. 22 and 24 which leads to two overgrown fields formerly used for agricultural grazing. The fields are separated by a mature hedgerow interspersed with a number of mature trees.”

“Proposed development This is a full application for erection of four detached split level dwellings with detached garages, access and ancillary site works.”

Officer report

Earlier approvals

A similar access had been approved and four dwellings had previously been approved in principle on the site.

“The application site is not on the route of the new road, albeit it is immediately adjacent to it. • An application for similar access arrangements has been approved under LA10/2019/0938/F and is extant as the work has been commenced by the formation of the new kerb line and footpath. • Four dwellings have previously been approved on the application site under application LA10/2018/1009/O.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the layout suited the area, neighbours would not be unacceptably affected, and consultees accepted the access subject to conditions.

“This is a full application for four dwellings and detached garages on lands within the settlement limit of Enniskillen. The scale and layout is in keeping with the character of the existing residential area and the proposal will not unacceptably affect the amenity of any neighbours. It will not have an adverse impact on environmental or built heritage features.”

Officer report

Housing policy issue

Although the site was unzoned greenfield land and initially failed one housing policy, officers considered four homes a sustainable release consistent with the plan overall.

“HOU01 – Housing in Settlements and Windfall Sites The site is within Enniskillen which is designated as a Main Town. Within these areas the Council will support proposals for housing on sites zoned for housing within the towns and on brownfield land within the urban footprint of towns. The site is not zoned for housing and is not a brownfield site within the urban footprint of the town.”

“On this basis and in light of the Plan as a whole, the proposed development is considered as being the sustainable release of a greenfield site and the application is considered as meeting the aims and strategic objectives of the Plan and accords with the Plan Strategy as a whole.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

DfI Roads and nature officers were content subject to conditions or informatives, while twelve representations raised access, drainage, trees, drawing and environmental concerns.

“DfI Roads initially advised that the proposal may conflict with the provisions of the Fermanagh Area Plan 2007, namely, the delivery of the RD2 The Derrychara Development Road, scheme. That aside, they are content that the proposed access meets Policy TR01 subject to conditions.”

“Twelve representations have been received which are available to view on the Planning Portal. The issues raised can be summarised as follows: Access gradient is too steep, 2. Width of access laneway, 3. No details for retaining walls for access laneway, 4. No ridge height/chimney height measurements noted on plans, 5. Impact on existing trees/vegetation alongside boundaries of Nos. 22 and 24 Algeo Drive, 6. Safety barrier along access laneway, 7.”

Officer report

How concerns were addressed

Officers considered the objections, found the access acceptable, allowed for retaining structures and drainage conditions, and did not sustain the objections.

“The proposal will require retaining walls along the access due to the augmentation of ground levels and sloping nature of the site. The use of retaining structures is considered an acceptable method of developing the site. There is no requirement for the developer to provide safety barriers along the private access laneway.”

“Representations have presented an alternative access as a preferred option to serve this proposal. However, it should be noted the proposed access has already been deemed acceptable and was approved under LA10/2019/0938/F and is extant as the work has been commenced by the formation of the new kerb line and footpath. The proposed access is also acceptable on its own right.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent was granted speaking rights but later chose not to speak.

The committee vote

With no member questions, a proposal to approve was seconded and agreed unanimously.

“As Members had no questions, they proceeded to decision making. A Member proposed the recommendation to approve planning permission and this was seconded by another Member.”

“RESOLVED: On the proposal of Councillor Maguire, seconded by Councillor McClaughry, and unanimously agreed, that the above application be approved planning permission, subject to the nine conditions listed at Paragraph 7 of Appendix 4. (”

Minutes