Newtownabbey: Outline permission granted for six detached houses and garages
Outline planning permission was approved for six detached houses at Kingsmoss Road, Newtownabbey, at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee, at Mossley Mill, on Monday evening.
Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told the committee the site is located between 72 and 76 Kingsmoss Road and the proposal seeks the renewal of outline permission for six houses and garages.
She said that eight objections have been received by the planning department. Issues raised include concern about the density of the surrounding area as well as potential mpact on wildlife including birds and bats; drainage and waste water evacuation and flooding concerns.
The officer indicated the principle of development is “acceptable” and the recommendation was to grant outline planning permission.
A committee report said: “The surrounding area is characterised by single- storey and two-storey detached dwellings of differing designs.”
Speaking at the meeting, a neighbour whose property has a boundary with the proposed location highlighted his “grave concerns” over potential sewage discharge and drainage.
He indicated that with regard to drainage, there is no water way nearby for run- off and he suggested the planned development would result in less ground to “soak up” excess water.
He queried the proposed density saying: “I would question if this is in keeping with the surroundings. Most of the houses in the area are family homes with large gardens.”
“Six is too many for that area of land,” he claimed. Another resident told the committee: “This development is not, in my opinion, in keeping with the surrounding area.”
The applicant told the meeting objections with regard to the proposed development have been “thoroughly investigated” and the proposed site is surrounded by 13 houses. She added the site is not considered to be of “high ecological value”.
Barry Diamond, the council’s head of planning, said: “It is our opinion the site remains within the development limits of Kingsmoss. It is suitable for residential development.”
He added it has not been demonstrated that it would change the character of the area.
Threemilewater DUP Councillor Sam Flanagan moved to accept the recommendation, seconded by party colleague Glengormley Cllr Alison Bennington. Outline permission was granted following a vote in which seven councillors were in favour with two against and one abstention.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter