Farm dwelling and garage at 35M SE of 37 Ballynacross Road, Knockloghrim, Gulladuff

“The application was brought back before Members at November 2024 Planning Committee with a recommendation to refuse under CTY 8 and CTY 14 of PPS21 along with a PPS 2 refusal reason in respect of natural heritage. Members agreed to defer the application for a third time to allow the applicant to consider if he could make a farm case under policy CTY 10. The application has now been considered under CTY 10 and relevant ecology information has been submitted.”

“Summary of Consultee Responses: No new consultations were carried out to inform this deferred consideration. Characteristics of the Site and Area The site is located within the open countryside as defined in the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015. It is approximately 0.93km northeast of the development limit of Knockloughrim.”

“Having carried out a planning history search of the land identified in the submitted farm maps I can confirm that no dwellings or development opportunities have been sold off the farm holding within 10 years of the date of the application. The proposed site is located some 150m to the South of the farm complex at 23 Ballynacross Road with third party development in between.”

“For this reason the proposed site is considered to meet the exception test within CTY 10. Two previous recommended refusal reasons related to CTY 8 and CTY 14 regarding the extension of an existing ribbon of development along this section of the Ballynacross Road. It is very evident on site that this section of the road is dominated by a suburban build up of road side development and any semblance of rural character has already been eroded.”

“Resolved That planning application LA09/2023/1381/O be approved subject to conditions as per the officer’s report.”

“Reason: As required by Section 62 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Condition 2 Approval of the details of the siting, design and external appearance of the buildings, the means of access thereto and the landscaping of the site (hereinafter called "the reserved matters"), shall be obtained from the Council, in writing, before any development is commenced.”

“Reason: To ensure the amenity afforded by existing hedges is maintained and to promote biodiversity Condition 8 No development shall take place until a plan indicating floor levels of the proposed dwelling in relation to existing and proposed ground levels has been submitted to and approved by the Council. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved levels Reason: To ensure the dwelling integrates into the landform.”