Magherafelt: planners give thumbs up to new 65-dwelling application
An application for the provision of 65 dwellings at lands between Spires Manor and the Moneymore Road, Magherafelt, has been approved by Mid Ulster District Council planners.
The matter was mentioned at the Planning Committee meeting of the local authority on June 4.
The planning application was lodged by Turley, Hamilton House, Belfast, on behalf of Waterside Leisure (NI) Ltd, The Willows, Magherafelt.
An existing building is going to be demolished to make way for the 65 dwellings consisting of 28 detached homes, 30 semi-detached units, one chalet bungalow and six apartments, with associated garages, open space and access on the site, directly to the south and east of Spires Manor, and south of Spires Integrated PS.
The planning officers recommended approval in their report, however they also flagged up sewage disposal and noise issues requiring specific measures.
They wrote: “It should be noted that NI Water recommended refusal due to network capacity issue.
“It has been agreed that a condition be attached to any approval to ensure that no development take place until a method of sewage disposal is agreed with NI Water and Mid Ulster District Council.
“The Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) states that the use of greenfield land for housing should be reduced and that where possible, brownfield sites should be used for provision of housing within settlements.
“It also states that applications for major housing development should be located in areas where there is a concentration of employment, services and public transport, and where there is adequate infrastructure.
“I am content that a development of this size is suitable for this location, within the settlement limits of Magherafelt.
“Direct access from the site will not be permitted to the Magherafelt bypass. Access [will be] taken from Moneymore Road.
“The existing mature vegetation and trees, located to the rear of the primary school, shall be retained and incorporated into the overall design and layout of the scheme, as an area of public open space and wildlife habitat.
“The proposal involves an area of public open space to the rear of the primary school. It is designed to be incorporated into the site and to be utilised, with link paths through the site.
“The landscaping along the north boundaries ensures the site is adequately screened from the adjoining housing development at Spires Manor, and from Spires Integrated Primary School.
“The proposed development is located in close proximity to the Moneymore Road and the A31 Magherafelt bypass, and as a result Environmental Health require that the residential amenity of future occupants is protected.
“Environmental Health were consulted as a Noise Impact Assessment was submitted and reviewed by Environmental Health. They had no objection to the proposal, subject to conditions being applied to ensure that glazing installed is capable of providing sound reduction.
“A condition will be added to ensure an acoustic barrier is erected and permanently retained on site to provide noise protection.
“Prior to the occupation of any dwellings the acoustic barrier shall be erected within the site.The barrier shall be constructed of either masonry or timber panelling (close lapped with no gaps).
“The existing mound and associated scrub vegetation, located along the north-east boundary in proximity to Manor Downs and Manor Avenue, shall be retained and incorporated into the overall design and layout of the scheme, as an area of public open space and wildlife habitat.
“Contemporaneous with the new development an eight-to-10 metre planted landscape buffer consisting of indigenous trees and hedgerow species is to be provided along the south-eastern boundary of the site.”
The recommendation to approve the application was proposed by Councillor Sean Clarke (Sinn Féin, Magherafelt DEA) and seconded by Councillor Christine McFlynn (SDLP, Magherafelt DEA).