Mid Ulster District Council has refused two retrospective planning applications for the conversion of existing buildings into apartments and bedsits at 52 Killycolpy Road, between Ardboe and Stewartstown.

Kevin Quinn had sought approval for alterations to a dwelling and adjoining unused shop floor to provide six self-contained apartments, and a separate change of use from a mechanics workshop to eight single-room bedsits.

Principal Planning Officer Phelim Marrion told the committee the conversions did not meet policy criteria for locally important buildings and minimal intervention. He said extensive works had already been completed without planning permission, including an enforcement notice on a gym at the rear of the site.

Concerns were raised about privacy, residential amenity, road safety, and a lack of information about who the accommodation would serve. The Department for Infrastructure indicated the access was substandard.

A resident said the development had changed their lives, with privacy seriously affected and overlooking of homes and gardens. They said the bedsit building height increased from four to six metres.

Liam Curry, speaking in favour, asked for a deferral to allow the applicant to meet with planning officers and present a wider vision for a health, wellbeing and recreational hub. He said the applicant was a local employer.

A householder speaking on behalf of eight neighbouring households said the gym had no planning permission and the committee would set a precedent by allowing an illegal business to expand. They described the proposed block as a major unauthorised apartment block in a protected rural area.

The refusal was proposed by Councillor Mark Robinson and seconded by Councillor Clement Cuthbertson.