A mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced dwellings, totalling 24 units, is going to be built on a triangular site at the Minterburn Road/Dyan Road junction, north of Caledon village.
The housing scheme will also include pedestrian and vehicular access from the Minterburn Road.
The planning application was lodged by Consarc Conservation, Belfast, on behalf of Dick Blakiston Houston, Caledon.
There was strong opposition to the planning application from Mid Ulster District Council’s Environment and Conservation Team (E&C Team), in addition to a letter of objection from nearby residents, and various concerns were addressed in the planning officers’ report.
The report states: “Mid Ulster District Council’s Environment and Conversation Team were consulted on the application, due to Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) which bound the application site, and a Local Landscape Policy (LLPA) to the North of the site.
“It is noted that the application site lies approximately 64 metres outside of the conservation area of Caledon.
“The E&C Team have responded on numerous occasions, recommending refusal on the application.
“It has been confirmed the trees surrounding the site were subject to a provisional TPO which has now lapsed, therefore there are no trees protected on site.
“All the development proposed is outside of the Root Protection Area of the trees, which are to be conditioned for retention.
“Concerns regarding the scale, massing, form, ridge heights and architectural detailing are noted.
“DfI Roads have raised no issues regarding car-parking provision, which fully accords with national parking standards.
“In addition, weight is attached to a previous approval for 22 dwellings on this site.
“The site layout demonstrates that each dwelling has its own dedicated parking and garage provision, and I have no concerns on this matter.
“The Environment and Conservation Team have maintained their concerns regarding the ridge heights of units 17–20, due to potential impact on views into and out of the Conservation Area.
“However, amended plans have been submitted, including the reduction of unit 20 from three storeys to two.
“When assessed in the context of the site’s topography and the retained mature boundary landscaping to the foreground, I am satisfied that the revised ridge heights will not result in an unacceptable visual impact.
“The concern regarding the development competing with the historic core of Caledon is noted.
“However, a previous approval for 22 dwellings on this site, based on a similar layout, has already established the acceptability of residential development here.
A total of 24 residential units will be built on the Caledon site, with access from the Minterburn Road. Credit: Mid Ulster planning portal
“In the interests of protecting the setting of designated conservation areas, [any] new development in proximity needs to be carefully managed, so as to ensure it respects its overall character and appearance.
“Having discussed the proposed layout and relationship with the Conservation Area, it is my opinion the proposed development is in accordance with [the relevant policy].
“DfI Roads have confirmed they are satisfied with the current proposal and have no concerns regarding access or road safety.
“As an additional access is neither proposed nor required by the statutory consultee, there is no justification for requesting one.”
The planning report goes on to state: “The site is located within the settlement of Caledon, to the north-west of the village core.
“The site is accessed off the Minterburn Road adjacent to Enagh Wood. It is approximately 1.52 hectares in area, and comprises of a large triangular-shaped agricultural field, which sits between the Minterburn Road and the Dyan Road.
“Mature trees are clustered around the junction of the Minterburn and Dyan Roads, and the trees extend along both roads the length of the eastern and western boundaries. All existing trees are to be retained.
“Road safety concerns were raised by objectors. These issues were referred to DfI Roads for consideration, and no objections were offered.
“On this basis, I am satisfied that the proposal will not have a detrimental impact on road safety.”
The recommendation to approve the planning application was proposed by Councillor Deirdre Varsani (Sinn Féin, Dungannon DEA) and seconded by Council Deputy Chair, Councillor Denise Johnston (SDLP, Moyola DEA), at last Tuesday’s (February 3) Planning committee meeting of Mid Ulster District Council.
