Planning department on the move later this month

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's Planning Department is to officially relocate later this month.

Currently housed at the County Hall planning chiefs will now be located in Market Street - to the rear of the Public Services Centre.

The council say it's part of greater integration of council services.

"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Planning Department in Omagh is to officially relocate on Monday28 November 2016 from the County Hall to 16 High Street, Omagh, (to the rear of the Public Services Centre)," a statement from the council read.

"The High Street location, which is a Council owned building, means the Planning Department will become fully integrated with other council services, in keeping with the transfer of the Planning function to councils on 1 April 2015, as part of the Reform of Local Government," it added.

Contact details for the newly-relocated Department will remain unchanged as will its opening hours to the public. Council say they anticipate a "smooth" transition from location to location - but are urging members of the public to be cautious of interim measures on the day of the move.

"Due to the move taking place over a weekend, the Council is anticipating a smooth transition to the new location. However, if members of the public experience any difficulties in contacting the Planning Department on the morning of 28 November, they are asked to contact the main Council Offices at 0300 303 1777 where their details will be taken and conveyed to the relevant Planning Officers to respond," the statement went on.

"Members of the public who wish to speak with Planning Officers in person are asked to report to the reception area of the Public Services Centre where they will be directed to the appropriate meeting area," it continued.

Deirdre McSorley, Head of Planning, described the move as a "necessary step" to greater levels of integration with other council services.

"The transfer of the planning function to local councils from April 2015 put decision making in the hands of those with local knowledge. The relocation of the Planning Department to High Street is a very welcome and necessary step towards ensuring we have easy access to our colleagues, the Planning Committee and to our service users going forward. We look forward to continuing to provide a high quality and accessible service from our new office.”