Storage building extension at 46 Circular Road, Omagh

“Proposal: Proposed extension to existing storage building for ancillary storage…”

“The proposal is contrary to Strategic Policy SP01 – Furthering Sustainable Development and Policy DE01 - General Amenity Requirements, as the proposal would unacceptably affect public safety (including road safety) that ought to be protected in the public interest and would result in unacceptable general disturbance to nearby residential properties.”

“The proposal is contrary to Strategic Policy SP01 – Furthering Sustainable Development and Policy IB01 - Industry and Business Development in Settlements, as: i. The site is not on land zoned for such purposes in the Local Development Plan, and, ii. The site is not compatible with adjacent and nearby uses and is not of a scale, nature and form in keeping with the area.”

“The Circular Road is narrow and there are sections where it would not be possible for two cars to pass each other. Reports were made in representations of lorries having difficulty accessing and egressing the site due to the narrow width of the road and gradient of access onto the public road. There are also no footpaths along the stretch of road leading to the site which is reported in representations to be a popular…”

“Given the scale of the proposed extension and nature of the proposal as storage for distribution, it is considered the proposal would result in intensification of use and have an adverse impact on public and road safety and would cause unacceptable general disturbance to nearby dwellings.”

“Environmental Health has advised it is content with conditions. (Published on Portal on 28/10/2024). The suggested conditions are that: • The shed shall be used for storage only with no retail sales • The operating hours of the storage facility shall be limited in duration. • If new contamination or risks are encountered it shall be fully investigated and in the event of unacceptable risks being identified, a remediation strategy shall be agreed and implemented.”

“However planning conditions must meet certain tests to be lawful. The issues raised are largely for guidance and information and would not meet the tests for planning conditions. Complaints regarding noise from construction works are matters for EHS to investigate and respond to.”

“A Member stated that having considered the call-in request and the issues raised, particularly in relation to the consideration of DfI Roads concerns that he would propose Option 2, that the application be re-presented for consideration by the Committee at the September meeting. This proposal was seconded by another Member.”

“Another Member stated that he believed all issues relating to the application had been given due consideration at the previous meeting, and therefore proposed Option 1, to uphold the previous decision of the Planning Committee. This proposal was seconded by another Member.”

“RESOLVED: On the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Mahon, and by the majority of votes cast, that the Planning Committee was satisfied that all of the issues raised in the call-in notice had been fully considered and taken into account alongside all of the material considerations in respect of the application and that the Planning Committee upholds its previous decision to approve application LA10/2024/0965/F, subject to conditions which would be agreed…”