Farm dwelling and garage at Site 90m South/South West of 26 Blackhill Road, Dromore

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for a new dwelling and detached domestic garage on a farm.

“The proposal is for a new house on a farm business. There is an active and established farm business and no development opportunities have been sold off or transferred. The Policy requires that the site for the new dwelling must be visually linked or sited to cluster with an established group of buildings on the farm holding unless the farm activities would significantly affect the amenity of the new dwelling or there are verifiable plans to expand the farm and there are no…”

“Proposed development This is an outline application for a site for a dwelling and detached garage on a farm.”

Officer report

The site

The countryside site was a roughly rectangular plot beside Blackhill Road, with the road forming its western and northern boundaries.

“Site Details The site is located in the countryside and is a roughly rectangular shaped plot. The Blackhill Road bounds the west and northern boundary.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

Roads and water consultees raised no objection subject to advice or conditions, and no public representations were received.

“DAERA NIEA Water Management Unit has considered the impacts of the proposal on the surface water environment and, on the basis of the information provided, is content with the proposal subject to conditions, the applicant noting the advice contained in the Explanatory Note, the applicant referring and adhering to Standing Advice on Single Dwellings, and any relevant statutory permissions being obtained.”

“DFI Roads has provided advice and has no objections subject to a planning condition. Visibility splays of 2.4m by 60.0m in both directions are required with the access roughly midpoint in the frontage of the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and applicant spoke in support, describing farming needs, alternative-site constraints, screening and concerns about proximity to cattle sheds.

Members’ discussion

The planning officer said alternative land might accommodate a dwelling and offered discussions to identify a site satisfying integration policies.

“In response to Members’ queries, [name withheld] and [name withheld] stated: • They had not engaged with Planning Officers through a pre-application meeting as they felt that the application was relatively straightforward; • They had considered alternative sites at the home farm, however, these were essentially land locked.”

“A dwelling in this area would visually integrate; • Planning Officers were willing to work with the applicant and agent to investigate possible alternative sites that would satisfy the integration policies; • The agent had referred during his speaking rights to the impact of the cattle house on the amenity of a dwelling close by from the large number of cattle housed in it.”

Minutes

Decision deferred

Members unanimously held the decision for two weeks so possible alternative options could be discussed with the applicant and agent.

“At this juncture, a Member proposed that the issuing of the decision on the application be held for a period of two weeks as allowed in the Planning Committee Protocol to allow discussion of potential alternative options with the applicant/agent. This proposal was duly seconded.”

“RESOLVED: On the proposal of Councillor Maguire, seconded by Councillor Devine Gallagher, and unanimously agreed, that the issuing of the decision on the above application be held for a period of two weeks as allowed in the Planning Committee Protocol to allow discussion of potential alternative options with the applicant/agent. (”

Minutes