Coagh housing development approved next to school and farm
A new housing development in Coagh has been approved, with one main condition attached – the dwellings will have to be sufficiently removed from a farm operation, should there be odour issues associated with the said farm.
The planning application for lands to the rear of No 37 Urbal Road was lodged by Bell Rolston, Ballyclare, on behalf of David Bell, 37 Urbal Road, Coagh.
The site in question is adjacent and south of Nos 8-24 Hanover Square, Coagh. A total of 42 dwellings will be built, including 32 semi-detached units and 10 detached homes.
It is also directly adjacent to Coagh Primary School, and the school has raised the following concerns, according to Mid Ulster District Council’s Planning report: “Concerns about the potential for overlooking from the properties into school premises, particularly into the playground during break and lunchtime.
“In rebuttal, the siting of the dwellings will be considered at the reserved matters stage, and neighbouring amenity will be considered in this process of siting and design.
“It is stated that consideration should be given to traffic-calming measures or improved parking arrangements. In rebuttal, DfI Roads were consulted with the proposal and have raised no objections.”
The report explains that the layout of the proposed development has not yet been finalised: “I am content the proposal will not have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity and parking.
“As this is an outline application, the design and layout of the dwellings will be considered at the reserved matters stage.
“A proposed site layout has been proposed, but this will be finalised at the reserved matters stage.
“Environmental Health were consulted to consider the impact of the proposal on neighbouring amenity as there are a number of agricultural buildings at No.41, along the southwest boundary of the site which are owned by a third party.
“There is a slurry tank in one of the buildings and thus there is the potential for odour, noise and flies.
“Environmental Health would recommend a minimum 75 metres from the farm buildings where possible and have asked that prior to commencement a revised Construction Environmental Management Plan is submitted.
“In terms of public open space, I am content there is sufficient open space for the size of the development. The open space will be finalised at the reserved matters stage.
“New landscaping will be finalised at the reserved matters stage.
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“There is no requirement for speed-calming measures as part of this development proposal, due to its small scale. An established footpath along the roadside boundaries of the site allows safe connectivity to other areas of the village.
“Coagh PS has raised concerns about potential overlooking, but the final layout and design of the dwellings will be considered at the reserved matters stage.”
The planning application had been listed for determination at the June 2 Planning meeting of Mid Ulster council
Principal Planning Officer, Phelim Marrion highlighted a response from Environmental Health.
“Due to the fact there is an active farm beside this property, Environmental Health have asked that we attach a condition in relation to submission of an odour impact assessment at reserved matters stage.”
The recommendation to approve the planning application, subject to certain conditions, was proposed by Council Chair, Councillor Deirdre Varsani (SF), and seconded by Councillor Seán McPeake (SF).