ABC planners give thumbs-up to Derryhale dwellings despite objections

The planning application – in relation to lands between 186 Mullalelish Road and 101 Derryhale Road – was lodged by CT Lindsay Chartered Architect, Richhill, on behalf of KPD Developments Ltd, Armagh.

ABC Planning officers’ determination is as follows: “Officers consider that the proposed development represents a well-designed residential scheme that responds appropriately to its surroundings.

“The scale, massing and layout of the dwellings are sympathetic to the existing built form within the settlement and will contribute positively to the character and appearance of the area, while maintaining an acceptable level of amenity for neighbouring residents.

“Officers having consulted with the relevant statutory bodies are content that a safe access can be achieved, that the proposal will not have an adverse impact on traffic, that there is capacity at the receiving wastewater treatment works, and that the proposal will not have an adverse impact on residential amenity.

“While a number of objections have been received, these have been fully considered and do not warrant a refusal.

“Officers consider that any material harm that the development would otherwise give rise to can be offset by conditions.

“In the opinion of officers, the proposed dwellings would not be out of keeping with the surrounding context at this location.

“Officers are of the opinion that the proposal respects the surrounding context and is appropriate to the character and topography.

“This proposal would have a density of nine dwellings per hectare, and in the opinion of officers is compatible with the existing developments in the surrounding area.

“Whilst it is acknowledged that the adjacent buildings retain the potential for agricultural use, there is no persuasive evidence before the council to indicate that such use is extant, imminent or realistically likely to occur in the foreseeable future.

“No active farming operations were observed during site inspection, and the former slurry tanks / pits have been rendered inoperative.

“Whilst an intention to recommence agricultural activity has been referenced, this is not supported by any formal proposal or demonstrable evidence.

“Accordingly, the potential for future agricultural use is considered to be speculative and is afforded limited weight in the overall planning balance.

“It is therefore not accepted that the proposal would give rise to an unacceptable adverse impact on residential amenity, nor that it would result in an incompatible relationship with adjacent land uses.

“In terms of the existing commercial unit ‘Matchless Machining’, located approximately 60 metres to the southeast of the site, the applicant has provided details regarding its opening hours.

“This business is an engineering and precision machining company which manufactures and machines components and equipment for industrial and engineering applications.

“With officers being of the opinion that the commercial premises operate on a small scale and within the specified hours and days, with only occasional late working, it is considered that the residential amenity of potential occupiers of the proposed dwellings would be sufficiently mitigated.

“Officers consider that the proposal complies with the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) and all other relevant planning policies.

“Officers have taken into consideration all other material matters raised in response to consultation and publicity. Officers recommend that the application be granted planning permission.”