Mill parking and wash bay at Adjacent to and South of 4 Ballygillen Road, Coagh

What was proposed

The application proposed more parking, a changed site access, a wash bay shed, a pump house and associated site works.

“LA09/2024/0668/F ACKN Development Management Officer Report Committee Application Summary Committee Meeting Date: April 2026 Item Number: Application ID: LA09/2024/0668/F Target Date: September 2024 Proposal: Extension of existing parking facilities, reconfiguration of site access, and construction of a new wash bay shed and pump house and associated site works.”

“Description of Proposal Extension of existing parking facilities, reconfiguration of site access, and construction of a new wash bay shed and pump house and associated site works. Relevant planning history I/2014/0167/F - Proposed new entrance, weighbridge & additional parking – Permission Granted – 18/09/2014. LA09/2018/1112/F - Proposed offices and storage building – Permission Granted - 07.03.2019”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is an operational mill complex in open countryside, with parking and other facilities south of Ballygillen Road and homes nearby.

“Out of character for location Characteristics of the Site and Area The site is situated at the junction of the B-class Ruskey Road and Ballygillen Road in the open countryside at the north-eastern edge of the Cookstown District, as defined in the Cookstown Area Plan 2010, approx. 2 km south of The Loup, 4 km north of Coagh and 10 km northeast of Cookstown.”

“The northern boundary along the Ballygillen road is further metal fencing and and the remaining boundaries to the south and east being defined by a row of mature deciduous trees, approx. 12 to 14m in height. The surrounding area is predominately defined by undulating agricultural land uses with a scattering of single residential dwellings.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the expansion compatible with the established business and acceptable for access, parking, residential amenity, drainage and environmental protection.

“Planning Policy Statement 4 – Planning and Economic Development PED 3 Expansion of an Established Economic Development Use in the Countryside It is noted that the lands in which the proposed office is located has already been approved for an expansion of the established business through approval of I/2014/0167/F and then further under LA09/2018/1112/F .”

“…business has already been approved for an expansion, therefore I am content that the proposal is compatible with surrounding land uses. Due to the siting, I am of the opinion that it is unlikely to adversely harm the amenity of any nearby residents. I am of the opinion that the proposed will not adversely affect any natural or built heritage features nor is it in an area at flood risk or exacerbate flooding.”

Officer report

Questions at the meeting

The planning officer answered questions about operating hours, possible use by other businesses, noise, enforcement and water runoff.

The committee vote

Councillor Robinson proposed approval and Councillor Johnston seconded it, with the application then approved subject to conditions.

“Resolved That planning application LA09/2024/0668/F be approved subject to conditions as per the officer’s report.”

Minutes