Split-level dwelling at On Lands Approx 35M North of No. 12 Drumard Road, Kilrea

What was proposed

The application sought a two-storey split-level dwelling with an integrated garage and associated siteworks.

“Development Management Officer Report Committee Application Summary Committee Meeting Date: October 2025 Item Number: Application ID: LA09/2025/0497/F Target Date: August 2025 Proposal: Erection of a two storey split-level dwelling with integrated garage and all associated siteworks Location: On Lands Approx 35M North of No. Drumard Road Kilrea…”

“There is a farm gate on this boundary which is how the site is accessed. The east is defined by posts and wire fencing with trees and hedging planted to the other side of the fencing. The surrounding area is defined by agricultural fields with a scattering of residential properties.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Outline permission for a dwelling and garage was granted in 2023, and a later application removing the siting condition was approved in 2024.

“Relevant histories LA09/2022/1294/O – Site for dwelling & domestic garage – Permission Granted 17/04/2023 LA09/2023/1031/F – Removal of Condition 4 (the dwelling shall be sited in the area shaded green on drawing L01) of Planning Application LA09/2022/1294/O for a dwelling and domestic garage – Permission Granted 22/11/2024 Representations Two neighbour notification letters were sent, and no representations were received in connection to this application to date.”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

The proposal was considered contrary to policies on countryside design, rural character and natural heritage, including because no biodiversity checklist was submitted.

“The proposal also includes a sweeping driveway which creates a suburban emphasis and is not suitable for this rural site. The proposal therefore could not successfully integrate into the surrounding landscape and fails to comply with CTY 13. CTY 14 – Rural Character CTY 14 states that planning permission will only be granted for a building in the countryside where it does not cause detrimental change to or further erode the rural character of the area.”

“Reason 2 The proposal is contrary to Policy CTY14 of Planning Policy Statement 21, Sustainable Development in the Countryside in that the proposed dwelling would, if permitted, be unduly prominent in the landscape and ancillary works (with the exception of necessary visibility splays) would damage rural character.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer presented the report and advised the committee that refusal was recommended.

Members discussed the site

Members who visited the site considered the dwelling’s effects would be limited and that trees, the hill and planting would help it fit into the landscape.

“The Chair, Councillor S McPeake stated that he had also attended the site visit and that the site cannot be seen when approaching from the South and that the impact of the dwelling will be minimal when driving along the Drumard Road until right at the site. Councillor S McPeake stated that the backdrop of the trees and the hill will also help to minimise the impact of the dwelling.”

“Councillor Bell agreed with all that had been said and stated it would appear that there is tree planting proposed which will help to integrate the dwelling further. Councillor Bell proposed that the application be approved.”

Minutes

The committee voted

Councillor Bell proposed approval, Councillor Buchanan seconded it, and the application was approved subject to conditions delegated to officers.

“Resolved That planning application LA09/2025/0497/F be approved subject to conditions as delegated to officers.”

Minutes