Farm dwelling and garage at 80M SE of 60 Iniscarn Road, Desertmartin

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers found the site was not linked to a farm building group, the access crossed floodplain, and a biodiversity checklist had not been submitted.

“Consideration may be given to a site located away from the farm complex where there are no other sites available on the holding and where there are either:- -Demonstrable health and safety reasons; or -Verifiable plans to expand the farm business at the existing building group.”

“Part (b) of CTY 10 is therefore satisfied. Part (c) requires the new building to be visually linked or cluster with a group of buildings on the farm. The application site is proposed in the north-west corner of a field behind no. Iniscarn Road which is the dwelling the applicant lives in with his parents, who own the property. The farm business is addressed to 94 Iniscarn Road which is approximately 1.3 miles as the crow flies from the applicant ’s home address.”

Officer report

What the agent said

The agent offered a revised location, disputed the flooding concerns, explained the missing biodiversity checklist, and described the applicant’s family and farming circumstances.

What members discussed

Members questioned the farm’s size, evidence of involvement and income, the proposed location, visual linkage, and flooding.

“The HLP stated that an argument has been put forward that Aloysius is the farm owner and that his son uses the farm number. The HLP asked if there is any verifiable evidence to show an income from the farm.”

“The HLP stated that if Members are going to accept that there are buildings on a farm then she asked if any further information can be provided on what the arrangement has been and level of involvement by the applicant and his father, the extent of the farm holding then further consideration can be given to the group of buildings.”

Minutes

Why the application was deferred

Members proposed and seconded a site visit and further information because of the visual linkage and flooding issues.

“The Chair, Councillor S McPeake proposed that in addition to further information being provided that a site visit should also be taken given the issues with visual linkage and flooding.”

“Resolved That planning application LA09/2025/0441/O be deferred for a site visit and submission of further information.”

Minutes