Housing development allowed on Land that was zoned for industry

The submission of a planning application last month for an extensive housing development just off the Strathroy Road in Omagh, comes on foot of the grant of outline planning permission for the same three years ago. The site is located just opposite Strathroy Dairy and will be accessed from the new Strathroy Link Road. The current application is for what … Read More

Planning for Accessible Environments

There is an objective when planning development to ensure accessibility for all, with the needs of people with disabilities and others whose mobility is impaired given particular consideration. The planning legislation requires that for certain types of development the developer must prepare a “Design and Access Statement” as part of their planning application.  Amongst other things, a Design and Access … Read More

Shed allowed in Flood Plain following Appeal

Last Friday 29 November 2019 Omagh hosted a second “Earth Strike” day as part of the ongoing and worldwide movement of raising awareness of climate change. With global warming comes an increase in the amount of rainfall, and also the melting of the polar ice caps with the resulting rise in sea levels. Whilst flooding is also a natural phenomenon … Read More

Derry City and Strabane Plan due by end of 2019

Derry City and Strabane District Council has confirmed that they plan to have a draft Plan Strategy for the District published for public consultation by then end of 2019. The Plan Strategy will set out to the Council’s objectives in the relation to the use and development of land across the whole council area for a 15 year period. It … Read More

Do you have the right to A Room with a View?

The erection of a new building or housing development has the potential to have an impact on neighbouring dwellings, and accordingly it is reasonable to expect residents to express concerns when they find that a planning application has been made for a new development right beside their home. Under the Human Rights Act everyone has the right to respect for … Read More

Can your environment help improve your fitness?

Just a couple of weeks ago, the Omagh Park Run celebrated its third birthday. Park Run is a weekly timed run of 5km in a parkland setting and they occur in countries all over the world. The Omagh Park Run takes place between the running track at Omagh Leisure Centre and Arleston Park. Arleston Park is tucked in behind Arleston … Read More

Resident persuades Council to Refuse House Extension

Last Wednesday (16th October) at the meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Planning Committee, a single resident, along with the support of her local councillor, persuaded the Committee to refuse planning permission for an extension to a dwelling in Enniskillen that the planners had recommended for approval. In processing applications for planning permission, the final decision will often be … Read More

What could Derry Road proposals mean for Omagh Town Centre

The current application for business support units at what has been described by the developer as “Strule Riverside” is part of a wider scheme that was granted outline planning permission in 2010. The original outline planning permission was for a mixed use scheme on lands off the Derry Road and around the Strathroy Link Road which is presently under construction. … Read More

Planning Considerations for starting up or expanding a business

“Is your business Brexit ready?” has been a common question of late, and with the deadline for our exit from the European Union only months away, it is an uncertain time for anyone thinking of starting or expanding a business venture. One way of minimising cost and risk is to start your enterprise from home or from property that you … Read More