Dwelling and garage at Site Two, between 43 and 51 Leitrim Road, Castledawson

“Characteristics of the Site and Area The application site is located in open countryside, outside any settlement limit as defined within the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015. The plot is rectangle in shape and part of a larger agricultural field with a generally flat topography. The southern boundary runs parallel to the Leitrim Road and is defined by established hedging interspersed with established trees.”

“Planning Policy Statement 21 - Sustainable Development in the Countryside PPS 21 outlines planning policies for development on land that lies outside the settlement limits as defined in the Area Plans. Policy CTY 1 – Development in the Countryside, lists the various types of development that are acceptable in the countryside. This application is proposed for an infill dwelling and garage and therefore we must consider CTY 8- Ribbon Development.”

“…however permitted for the development of a small gap site sufficient to accommodate a maximum of two houses within an otherwise substantial and continuously built-up frontage. This is provided the proposal respect the existing development pattern along the frontage in terms of size, scale, siting and plot size as well as meeting other planning and environmental requirements.”

“The first letter of objection was received from L & J Maneely and J & I Mawhinney with the address of 57/43/41a Leitrim Road. The objection letter stated that the proposed development is located close to a working farm and on part of the road with limited visibility splays due to a bad corner. There was an additional email received from on the 4 th December and uploaded to the portal 13 th February.”

“Due to the proximity of this site to a third-party farm and concerns raised by the objector Environmental Health were consulted. Environmental Health provided comments with no conditions considered necessary and did not recommend that this application should be refused. They stated that it is difficult to be prescriptive in relation to the distance to be applied but recommended distance of separation is 75 meters.”

“Members considered previously circulated report on planning application LA09/2025/0843/O which had a recommendation for approval.”

“Resolved That planning application LA09/2025/0843/O be approved subject to conditions as per the officer’s report.”