Union Mills housing development wins appeal

Planning refusal overturned for Strategic Reserve Site after inspector finds “pressing need” for new homes

A major housing scheme in Union Mills has been given the go-ahead on appeal, overturning a previous refusal by planners.

Dandara Home Limited has secured approval in principle to build on land adjacent to Main Road, Trollaby Lane, and Strang Road.

The decision follows an appeal heard by political member for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, MHK Lawrie Hooper, who was delegated authority to determine the case on behalf of the minister.

The site is identified in the Area Plan for the East as a ‘Strategic Reserve Site’ – land considered suitable for housing if required. The appeal inspector found the developer had shown a ‘sufficiently pressing need’ for new homes that outweighed certain planning policy conflicts.

Concerns over the loss of agricultural land, highway impacts, and the site’s character were judged capable for being addressed at a later stage.

While the scheme is approved in principle, detailed designs must still be submitted and authorised before work can begin.

Twenty-one conditions have been attached, requiring further assessments and plans on matters including:

• Site layout, design, and landscaping,
• Environmental, arboricultural, and ecological impacts,
• Flood risk and drainage,
• Highway safety, transport links, and sustainable travel,
• Affordable housing provision and public open space.

A phasing plan will also be required to coordinate housing delivery with infrastructure and environmental measures.

The DEFA minister’s decision cannot be appealed further through the planning process. Any subsequent challenge would have to be made via a petition of doleance to the High Court within three months.