THE DEVELOPMENT OFF EAGRY now known as EAGRY GARDENS
THE PLANS
DATES. There have been several different versions of these plans. Dates are when received by Planning :-
The original - 3 July 2001
First amended (Drg. 03) -10 April 2002
Second amended (Drg. 04) - 1 July 2002
'Roads' version (Drg. 02/55:02) - 30 May 2003
'External Finishes' version - 5 Nov. 2003
Because of so many different versions, we wrote to the Divisional Planning Manager on 18th March 2004 asking what Layout Plan/Drawing number was finally approved by Planning Service and taken to Moyle Council in November 2003? . We subsequently (7/4/04) received a reply stating the approved plan was drawing no. 02/55:02 (30th May 2003).
BUT THIS PLAN HAS NEVER BEEN PUBLICLY ADVERTISED AS AN AMENDED PLAN! See Differs Section
And yet, during a phone conversation with us on 16/01/04, a Senior Planning Officer said :-
"The last plan that was advertised in the Press is what will be stamped Approved."

On 27th June 2001, referring to the original plan, we wrote to the Divisional Planning Manager as follows:-

27/6/01
" NO UP-TO-DATE LOCATION MAP. The maps supplied by the Applicants are at least six years old and consequently omit almost all of the houses in Eagry Park that will be directly affected. The Case Officer for these applications has told us that Planners do not need or require up-to-date location maps. As long as there are a few recognisable datum points to locate the actual site they require no more information from the Applicant.

That might satisfy the requirements of a Case Office but such a paltry map is useless for the rest of us. We understand from other planners that it is expected of any Applicant to submit an up-to-date location plan. And that plan also to be of the same scale as the proposed development site plan to enable neighbouring property owners to see exactly how the proposed dwellings would impinge, or otherwise, on their property".
The location map supplied with this application by the developer was so out of date that it showed only the first handful of Eagry houses, as the rest had not been built.
 

Over two months later we subsequently received a reply (2nd October 2001) from someone writing on behalf of the Divisional Planning Manager as follows :-

2/10/01
"In response to point 2 of your letter, I advise that the location plans submitted adequately identify the proposed sites. ...... I advise that the plans submitted with the applications are available for purchase. You may wish to purchase other plans from Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland Headquarters, whose address is Colby House, Stranmillis Road, Belfast."
 

Two years later, and two amended versions of the plans, and we are still no better off. With the latest "accepted" proposal (Drg 02/55:02 which has never been published in the local press as an amended proposal) there are twenty houses in Eagry which directly abut onto this development. Yet only two are indicated on the most recently submitted plans. So although we know there is to be a new development of 66 dwellings behind us we are totally in the dark as to the exact position and house type to be built at our boundary. Incidentally, one of these new buildings will be a mere 4 m approx. from the boundary.
Surely it should be best practice to include our existing premises and we have a right to know what is to be built next to us? Why did the Planners not insist the developer supply a plan showing the existing Eagry properties?

1.17 "Plans should show the locations and types of existing dwellings both on and in the vicinity of the site .....this may affect the dwelling mix required in the development" (My emphasis)
"Creating Places" (guidance on layout and access) Booklet pub 2000 by Planning and Roads Service
 
The Planner's own Guidelines (PPS1 General Principles) states "....Applicants for planning permission will be required, as a minimum, (to) provide a short written statement setting out the design principles adopted as well as illustrative material in plan and elevation. ..............This material will show the wider context and not just the development site and its immediately adjacent buildings. ........" (my emphasis)
We spoke to a representative for the Royal Society of Ulster Architects by phone (17/7/01) who said supplying an up todate map showing existing properties is "not a rule" but is an accepted guideline.
 
Architects. (A note of information) Incidentally he went on to say that about 80% of planning applications are made by "non architects". Quite often these are "Architectural Technologists" who do detailed drawings but not design work. Some call themselves "Design Consultants" or "Architectural Consultants" The Company which drew up and supplied the layout plans for this Off Eagry development is a "Member of the British Institute of Architectural Technologists"
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