House ‘too close’ to historic Round Tower

PLANNERS are of the opinion to refuse outline permission for a proposed dwelling and garage on a farm near Armoy because it would impact on the nearby St Patrick Parish Church and adjoining early mediaeval Round Tower (above).

The applicant is Mr James Mitchell and the location is 180 metres south of St Patrick’s Church at 179 Glenshesk Road.

Planners said the house would, if permitted, ‘adversely affect the setting of the listed St Patrick Parish Church and the scheduled Early Mediaeval Round tower, by reason of the introduction of a use which is out of keeping with the character/setting of the Church and Tower’.

And they added that insufficient information was submitted to enable determination of the planning application as the archaeological assessment/evaluation has not been made available.

Planners added the case does not merit being considered as an exceptional case in that it has not been demonstrated that the farm business is currently active and has been established for at least six years.

Planners went on to say the proposed dwelling is not visually linked to cluster with the established group of buildings and would, if permitted, be unduly prominent, in the landscape.

And it was further stated by planners that, if permitted, the dwelling would prejudice the safety and convenience of road users since visibility from the proposed access has not been shown to an adequate standard.

Planning official Julie McMath said there was one letter of objection referring to the impact on the Church and Round Tower.

Councillor David McAllister asked for an office meeting with planners.

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