A lack of capacity in the existing sewerage network could spell the end for ambitious plans to convert a public toilet block into living accommodation, a Northern Ireland council has been told.
An application — understood to the first of its kind in the UK — to transform a former public loo in Co Tyrone into a one-bed flat was lodged in October 2024.
The toilet block, on the Omagh Road in Drumquin, was put up for sale last year by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council with a guiding price of between £15,000 and £20,000.
It had initially been thought that the building could have been converted for commercial use, but the new owner submitted plans to create a living space on the existing site.
However, the plans look set to be flushed after NI Water — the body responsible for managing the sewerage system — said that the public sewer close to the toilet block could not “adequately service this proposal”.
“The receiving foul sewerage network has reached capacity,” NI Water said in a document submitted in response to the application.
“The public system cannot presently serve this development proposal without significant harm and public dis-amenity including pollution, flooding and detrimental impact on existing properties.
“NI Water has no plans to upgrade the sewage infrastructure in this drainage area and, as a result, are unable to approve any new connections to this network. To resolve the issue/s, NI Water require sufficient capital funding to invest in our wastewater infrastructure.”
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In August last year, the organisation said around 19,000 development applications were being held up due to sewage network issues, while in March the NI Audit Office recommended a comprehensive review of how NI Water was funded and governed.
DfI Roads has advised that the area in front of the proposed dwelling is considered unsuitable for car parking, as suggested in the application, while objections have also been received from two local residents.
One resident, who posted three separate objections, raised concerns over the impact of the proposal on their privacy and suggested there were “multiple vacant properties” in Drumquin that would be more suitable for refurbishment; another resident, who said the loud noise associated with construction could impact on them, raised concerns that any extra parking associated with the development could “limit available parking” near their home.
However, in a supporting statement submitted with the proposal, the owner said the planned living accommodation would be good for the Co Tyrone village.
“The proposal to upgrade and modernise the existing building will remove an unsightly structure that offers the potential for loitering,” they said.
“It is a sustainable, well-integrated addition to the village, contributing to local housing need. Due to its central location, it is very accessible, being within walking distance of the village amenities on offer. The proposal is designed to a high standard and will be a positive addition to the locality.”
The final decision on the proposal will rest with members of the council’s planning committee.