Farm machinery shed at Lands approximately 88.5m South West of 42 Farlough Road, Newmills

What was proposed

The application sought to retain a general-purpose shed for storing machinery and farm implements.

“LA09/2024/0130/F ACKN Development Management Officer Report Committee Application Summary Committee Meeting Date: March 2026 Item Number: Application ID: LA09/2024/0130/F Target Date: May 2024 Proposal: Retention of General Purpose Shed for storing machinery & farm implements.”

“Description of Proposal This is a full application for the Retention of general purpose shed for storing machinery & farm implements. The shed measures 16m x 18m (including overhang) and has a ridge height of 6.5m above existing ground level and Representations Press advertisement and neighbour notification have been carried out in line with the Council's statutory duty.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The shed stands in rural countryside at the end of a shared laneway, close to dwellings and screened partly by existing vegetation.

“Number of Support Petitions and signatures Number of Petitions of Objection and signatures Summary of Issues - lack of parking - increased traffic on laneway - loss of privacy/ residential amenity - to close to existing properties - noise nuisance - lack of integration - out of character - Potential for contaminating land - impact on local ecology - not essential for the running of the business Characteristics of the Site and Area…”

“The building site is located on a slightly elevated position The lands concerned are located within the rural countryside as defined by the Dungannon and South Tyrone 2010. The building on site has been erected in an agricultural field and is purposed to accommodate storing farm machinery. No underground tank has been installed. The building is open fronted with a lean-to shelter to the rear. The building measures approx.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no planning history on the application site, although earlier farm buildings had been demolished for industrial development.

“The introduction of PPS21 resulted in Greenbelts being removed and a new suite of policies for development in the countryside. SPPS Edition 2– Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland: The SPPS ED2 provides a regional framework of planning policy that will be taken into account of in the preparation of Mid Ulster’s Local Development Plan. At present, no Plan Strategy has been adopted.”

“…previous farm buildings at 67 Farlough Road were previously demolished to facilitate the development of industrial buildings under permissions LA09/2019/1567/F and LA09/2020/1433/F. - the design and materials to be used are sympathetic to the locality and adjacent buildings; - The building has a standard agricultural design and appearance commonly found throughout the NI countryside.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of Local Planning addressed the late objection and explained how its issues had been assessed.

The committee’s discussion

Members considered the circulated planning material, including the recommendation for approval and the late objection.

“Members considered previously circulated report on planning application LA09/2024/0130/F which had a recommendation for approval.”

“The Head of Local Planning (HLP) referred to the addendum and advised that a late objection had been received, issues raised were an increase in traffic, overshadowing neighbouring properties, concerns about water supply, potential contamination of river, light and noise pollution, ground subsiding, loss of habitats and decrease in value of property.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions set out by officers.

“Resolved That planning application LA09/2024/0130/F be approved subject to conditions as per the officer’s report.”

Minutes