Replacement dwelling at 40M South West of 38 Lisnamuck Road, Tobermore

What was proposed

The application sought to demolish an existing single-storey building and build a replacement dwelling west of it, using an existing laneway for access.

“Description of Proposal This is a full application for proposed replacement dwelling.”

“Deferred Consideration: The main concern with this proposal is whether or not it represents a valid replacement opportunity in line with the provisions of policy CTY 3 of PPS 21. It is proposed to demolish an existing single storey building and erect a replacement dwelling to the immediate West of the existing building.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in open countryside about 1.35 kilometres northwest of Tobermore, accessed by an 83-metre private laneway and surrounded mainly by fields.

“Objection 2 was also received on the 08/11/2023 which raised the following concerns: The objection received by No.36 stated 18 points which in summary raised concerns regarding right of way and shared laneway access, building in question never been a dwelling which in turn may be contrary to policy CTY3 of PPS21 and PPS3 regarding splays.”

“Given the distance from the public road, the site is limited from public view when travelling along the main road. Site boundaries consist of mature trees and hedgerow, with a new D rail timber fence proposed on all boundaries. With the exception of this northern boundary, the site is surrounded by agricultural fields. The wider surrounding environment predominately consists of agricultural fields and a scattering of single residential dwellings and associated garages.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered conversion of the building, while applications involving a replacement dwelling or visibility changes were refused or dismissed.

“…granted removing the need for a forward sight distance. Location: 40M South West Of 38 Lisnamuck Road, Tobermore Decision and Date: Permission Refused 07.10.2020 Reference: LA09/2016/0889/F Proposal: Proposed conversion of a redundant building to form one dwelling Location: 40M South West Of 38 Lisnamuck Road, Tobermore Magherafelt Decision and Date: Permission Granted 11.02.2019 Reference: H/2009/0710/O Proposal: Proposed…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the report, a committee member described the building as agricultural, and the HSP urged consistency with earlier assessments.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed differing views about the building’s historical use and considered observations from members who attended the site visit.

“Councillor Black stated there seemed to be a difference of view in terms of the historical use of the building, he advised he was not able to attend the site visit but that there were other Members who did attend and he would be keen to hear their views on what they saw at the visit.”

“Councillor D McPeake stated he attended the site visit and in his view the building looked more like an agricultural building.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee proposed and resolved to refuse the application on the grounds stated in the officer’s report.

“Resolved That planning application LA09/2023/1119/F be refused on grounds stated in the officer’s report.”

Minutes