Two-bedroom dwelling at 26 Lisburn Street, Ballynahinch

The site and surroundings

The building is a former commercial premises in a mixed-use street of terraced buildings, shops and other local businesses.

“Site Visit Report Site Location Plan: The site is located at 26 Lisburn Street, Ballynahinch…”

“Date of Site Visit: 27 th October 2025 Characteristics of the Site and Area The building is located on a commercial and residential street lined with two-storey terraced buildings and is a former Electrotech commercial premises (sales, service and repair shop). The building sits directly at the edge of the footpath, with no setback and is part of a continuous row of shopfronts being situated between a Chinese takeaway on one side and a Ballynahinch Veterinary Clinic.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered a shop sign, a change of use to a veterinary clinic and an illuminated projector sign.

“Decision Date: January 1989 Proposal: Change of use to small animal veterinary clinic…”

“Application Number: R/1990/0294 Decision: Permission Granted Decision Date: February 1991 Proposal: Internal illuminated projector sign…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

DfI Roads, Northern Ireland Water and Environmental Health raised no objections, with conditions or requirements identified for some matters.

“Northern Ireland Water – Approval (based on proof of occupancy) Existing premises/site may already be connected to public wastewater network. A formal surface water sewer connection application will be required to be submitted where it is proposed to re-use existing connection.”

“Environmental Health – no objections - informative…”

Officer report

Public representations

No letters of objection or support were received after neighbour notification and press advertising.

“Letters of Support 0.0 Letters of Objection 0.0 Petitions 0.0 Signatures 0.0 Number of Petitions of Objection and signatures…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support, arguing that additional land could provide amenity space and that smaller homes were needed.

The committee debate

Members discussed amenity space, nearby facilities, possible land outside the application boundary, vacant properties and the effect on the streetscape.

“In response to a query from Councillor Devlin as to whether the Council could impose conditions on land outside the application site boundary, [name withheld] advised that it could not and confirmed that a new planning application would be required.”

“[name withheld] advised that the lean-to would not be regarded as private amenity space and even if it were, it would fall below the 40 square metre guidance. [name withheld] responded that the policy required adequate amenity provision and stated that, if planning permission were granted, he intended to provide additional amenity space on land within his ownership outside the application boundary.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee approved the application contrary to the officer recommendation and delegated authority to officers to impose relevant conditions.

“AGREED: On the proposal of Councillor Larkin, seconded by Councillor Devlin, it was agreed to issue an approval in respect of planning application LA07/2025/0378/F contrary to officer recommendation as contained in the Case Officer Report.”

“It was also agreed that Planning Officers be delegated authority to impose any relevant conditions.”

Minutes