Dwelling and detached garage at Lands 85M South West of No. 16 Megargy Road, Magherafelt

“Summary of Consultee Responses: No new or additional consultations have been issued Description of Proposal This is a full application for a change of house type for new dwelling and detached garage to supersede previous planning approval reference LA09/2023/0650/RM.”

“It is noted that since the acknowledgement of the above representation that amended plans have been submitted. The objector and neighbouring properties were notified and since no further representations have been made. Characteristics of the Site and Area The site is located approximately 0.8km west of the development limits of Magherafelt, wherein the site lies in the open countryside as per the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015.”

“I note that the immediate and surrounding area are predominately agricultural land uses with a scattering of residential dwellings. Description of Proposal This is a Full application proposing a change of house type for new dwelling and detached garage to supersede previous planning approval reference LA09/2023/0650/RM.”

“Deferred Consideration: Outline approval was granted for a farm dwelling on this site on the 26 October 2020 with reserved matters approval granted for a two storey dwelling on 15 November 2023. The applicant can lawfully commence their reserved matters approval anytime up to the 26 October 2025. This current application proposes a change of house type from that previously approved (see comparative drawings above).”

“The site in our opinion is more suited to a dwelling that is similar in scale and massing to that previously approved.” The agent confirmed the applicant was reluctant to do so. I am of the opinion that the footprint of the dwelling is adding to the scale and massing, the elongated layout is resulting in this dwelling appearing more prominent as the rear return and the adjoining garage giving the appearance of a much larger dwelling As such, I consider the current proposal…”

“…massing of the proposed design. Overall, although the proposed landscaping, including a compensatory native hedgerow to the eastern boundary and maintained screening to the northwest, is acknowledged and welcomed, it does not sufficiently counterbalance the bulk and length of the proposed dwelling.”

“The HLP stated it is not necessarily about precedent but whether the design and size fits the locality. The HLP stated that there are no dwellings of this size in the locality, the site is open with proposed planting to be carried out but that relying on planting is not necessarily a good planning decision. The HLP stated that if it is felt that the proposal does not fit with the character of the area then the application can be refused and that decision can be appealed.”

“[name withheld] stated that she felt there has been some miscommunication that the applicant was asked four or five times to reduce the size of the rear return. [name withheld] stated that there was one request made in relation design and scale and that following this substantial amendments were made and that there has also been substantial planting added along the South West boundary that was not there when Reserved Matters was approved.”

“The HLP stated that initial drawings should be received with one month.”

“Resolved That planning application LA09/2025/0097/F be deferred for one month to receive amended drawings.”