Farm shed retention at Approx. 217.4m North from 66 Drumnakilly Road, Omagh

What was proposed

The application sought to retain a solid-floored farm shed set back in the countryside from the road.

“Proposal: Retention of solid floored farm shed…”

“Proposed development This is an application for the retention of a solid floored farm shed.”

Officer report

The site and farm

The site was in a field within a wider farm holding, with no farm buildings on that parcel or holding.

“The application site is in the Townland of Ballynamullan and there are nineteen fields on this part of the holding with a total holding of 76.22hectares for the whole farm holding.”

“There are no farm buildings on the site or on this holding or parcel of lands with the farm located at the Backglen Road.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A live enforcement investigation concerned the alleged unauthorised erection of the agricultural shed and was paused pending this decision.

“The Council has a live enforcement investigation underway in respect of the alleged unauthorised erection of an agricultural shed. (Planning reference: LA10/2025/0115/CA ). The investigation is on hold pending the outcome of this application.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal did not demonstrate sufficient operational need or meet the policy requirement to cluster with existing buildings.

“The proposal is contrary to Strategic Policy SP01 – Furthering Sustainable Development, Policy DE03 - Sustaining Rural Communities and Policy IB06 - Agricultural and Forestry Development, as;”

“- it has not been sufficiently demonstrated that the building is necessary for the efficient use of the agricultural holding (criteria b) - the building is not sited beside the existing farm buildings (criteria d) and is not one of the exceptions allowing for an alternative site away from existing buildings.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

DAERA provided advice, while one representation supported the proposal without objections; officers still considered it failed the policy tests.

“DAERA (DARD) has provided advice. (Published on the Planning Portal on 18 November 2025).”

“The supporting comment is noted. However the Council must act in the public interest and consider the application against planning policy. For the reasons listed the application is considered to fail to meet the Plan Strategy policy tests.”

Officer report

What supporters said

Supporters said the shed was necessary for cattle management, animal welfare, machinery and fodder storage, and lone-worker health and safety.

Members’ debate

Members discussed the practical need for the shed, its location, livestock handling, lone working and whether the policy exception had been met.

“In response, the Principal Planning Officer stated that he disagreed with the comments, and he was happy to work with the applicants to provide advice to assist with planning policy compliance. He advised that in respect of alternative locations, Officers were willing to look at alternative site locations but no details had been provided by the agent. The Principal Planning Officer reiterated to Members the need for consistency in their approach.”

“Another Member acknowledged the practical challenges of livestock handling and recognised the rationale for the shed’s location adjacent to the fence, allowing cattle to be guided alongside it. He also highlighted the increased risks associated with lone working and noted the reduced availability of assistance for farmers.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee unanimously approved planning permission and delegated powers to attach conditions to planning officers.

“A Member proposed that the application be approved planning permission and that powers to attach conditions be delegated back to Officers. This proposal was seconded by another Member.”

“RESOLVED: On the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Robinson, and unanimously agreed, that the above application be approved planning permission and that powers to attach conditions be delegated back to Planning Officers. (”

Minutes