The site in question is on lands 30 metres north-east of 22 Littlebridge Road.

The houses will be built at the back of Number 24 and 26, Littlebridge Road.

The renewal of planning application was lodged by Les Ross Planning, Magherafelt, on behalf of Mr D. Howard, Moneymore.

The original outline planning application had been lodged on November 19, 2021, and had expired, which is why a new application had to be lodged.

In their original determination, issued in November 2022, Mid Ulster Planning officers wrote: “The application site is set back approximately 60 metres from the public road, located to the rear of roadside dwellings No.24 and No.26 Littlebridge Road.

“This is an outline application, therefore exact details on design, layout, scale and massing are not available for consideration.

“A concept plan has been submitted which provides an indicative layout. From this I do not consider the addition of five dwellings on the site will detrimentally impact residential amenity in terms of overlooking or loss of privacy, however the finalised layout and design, including window placement, will require further consideration, should reserved matters or full application be forthcoming.

“The concept plan provided is illustrative and not to scale, however it appears from this indicative plan a minimum separation distance of 40 metres between the proposed units and existing dwellings, and a 10 metres minimum distance between the rear of the new houses and the common boundary, is achievable.

“The concept plan identifies additional planting, the retention of existing vegetation, and submission of a landscaping plan will be conditioned to be included with any reserved matters application.

“Environmental Health have been consulted and have raised no concerns with respect to noise impacts, therefore I do not consider the additional noise from five residential units would warrant refusal.

“The proposal seeks to create a new access onto Littlebridge Road. It was noted on the date of the site inspection there is no existing footpath along this public road.

“DfI Roads have been consulted and have no objection to the proposal, subject to conditions.

“The proposed layout provides a minimum separation distance from neighbouring properties of approximately 40 metres.

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“I do not foresee any unacceptable adverse impact on neighbouring amenity as a result of this proposal, subject to the submission of suitable design at Reserved Matters stage.

“I consider the site could accommodate five detached units on individual plots with an appropriate and acceptable density to this setting.”

The original outline planning permission having expired, a new planning application was lodged, with a determination published on March 27, 2026.

Planning officers wrote: “The proposed development still meets all the relevant planning policies and as there has not been any change in these policies since the extant approval was granted, the proposed development is still considered to be acceptable and is therefore recommended for approval.”

The new outline planning application was listed for determination at the June 2 Planning committee meeting of Mid Ulster District Council.

The recommendation to approve the application was proposed by Councillor Kevin McElvogue (Independent) and seconded by Councillor Dan Kerr (Independent).