Unionists block approval for ‘essential work’ at home of disabled man

UNIONISTS in Omagh have challenged a decision to grant planning approval for changes to the family home of an elderly and disabled man in Drumquin.

It is believed to be the first time that a decision in relation to a private domestic property has been ‘called-in’ by Fermanagh and Omagh Council.

UUP and DUP members of the planning committee had supported approval for the plan at a recent meeting.

But now the two parties have made a controversial U-turn and are instead asking for it to be looked at again. This move was proposed by Mark Buchanan of the DUP, and supported by his party colleagues, Errol Thompson and Keith Elliot and UUP councillors, Bert Wilson, Matthew Bell and Allan Rainey.

Planning officials recommended permission for the front extension to the family home on the Omagh Road which was submitted by the applicant, Shane Doran, for the work to help his elderly father.

The council’s planning officials said that the personal circumstances demonstrated there is a need for additional accommodation at the property, and that an extension to the rear or side of the house was not possible.

Eugene Howe, of Funston and Howe Architecture – the planning agent for the development – said the extension was deemed essential for the welfare of the man concerned.

He also spoke of the applicant’s ‘frustration’ that approval still hasn’t been granted.

“This gives more space for a quite a small property and is deemed essential. We have provided whatever information was required by planners and the recommendation of the planning committee was to approve and that remains the case,” he said.

“For the applicant, this latest move has frustrated him because he is doing his best to look after his father and allow him to remain at home. He simply needs this accommodation and it is very demoralising that it has still not got over the line yet.”

Medical evidence supporting the application was submitted, but the DUP and Ulster Unionist councillors are claiming that ‘proper consideration’ was not made of the relevant facts and issues prior to the decision.

The Unionist councillors are also claiming that the application going ahead would ‘detract’ from the appearance and character of the area and would ‘unduly impact’ on the amenity and privacy of neighbours.

An ad-hoc committee has now been formed to decide whether the issue should be referred back to the planning committee for more consideration.

Sinn Fein councillor for the area, Anne Marie Donnelly, however, questioned why an ad-hoc committee would examine what was the unanimous decision of the planning committee.

This committee is due to meet and will either recommended that the approval stays in place, or refer the matter back to a meeting of the planning committee.