Businessman failed to demolish apartments

Martin McGovern, of Coole Drive, Castlecoole, Enniskillen, bought the six properties as an investment and has spent £70,000 trying to remedy the situation.

He pleaded guilty at Fermanagh Court to failing to comply with a condition of the planning approval for the scheme, requiring him to demolish two of the apartments.

Last year he was fined £250 for the offence but he still hasn’t removed the properties.

McGovern purchased the development on the Enniskillen Road at Lisbellaw from a Mr. Bennett in 2010. It consists of a block of four apartments and a garage, which has been converted into two apartments. However, a condition of the planning permission for the development was that the garage be demolished to provide sight lines for drivers emerging on to the road.

A senior planning officer explained that warning letters were sent to McGovern but he failed to comply with the condition of the planning approval.

Handing in a photograph of the converted garage, he said: “That is the building that needs to be demolished.” On viewing the photograph of the garage, District Judge Nigel Broderick said: “It would be a danger for drivers emerging.” Defence barrister Heather Philips told the court McGovern had applied retrospectively for planning approval but had withdrawn his application when it became apparent it was going to be refused.

She said he had been involved in a very lengthy and costly process, spending approximately £70,000, trying to remedy the situation. He employed an architect and had work carried out.

District Judge Nigel Broderick wondered why McGovern spent the money before checking with the planners to see if the work would meet with their approval.

“He put the cart before the horse, as it were,” said the District Judge.

Miss Philips said: “There’s no doubt the work has really improved the sight lines.” She said McGovern had bought the property as an investment and intended to sell it on in a satisfactory state.