By Rosetta Donnelly

CLLR Josephine Deehan agreed to do all she could do to broker a conciliatory meeting between the developer of the Desmonds site in Omagh and local residents.

This move followed a breakdown between the parties over the size of the buildings proposed, when both sides resorted to voicing their views through the media.

The monthly meeting of Omagh District Council on Tuesday evening agreed that it was unfortunate that the situation had deteriorated to such an extent.

It was agreed that the proposal by Dr Brendan McDonald was a good one and is much needed in that area.

However, everything should be done to assuage the Kevlin Road community concerns over the magnitude of the proposed development.

Dr Deehan said she had spoken to the developer and he said he was prepared to speak to his architect with a view to bringing a compromise proposal.

"I think the council should be liaise with Roads Service to see if the local network can support this proposal," said Dr Deehan. "The architect says it can but I think the council needs to make sure that this will not put undue strain on the network."

Cllr Clive McFarland said he thought the developer was trying to delay the process so that he could push through his original plans.

"I think his is trying to waste time and then he will be able to push ahead what he wanted."

Cllr Ross Hussey said the sheer magnitude of the proposal and the effect it would have on sewerage systems was a major problem.

"I have raised it with our MP to try and get i this problem sorted but to no avail.

"I think talking would be more conducive to getting it resolved, but Brendan McDonald will not meet with us," said Cllr Hussey.

Sinn Féin Cllr Sean Begley said his party had received some flak over this proposal.

"It was discussed at a planning meeting and it was clear that both sides have their rights. They said they were going to try and find a compromise and I think they should be given time."

Cllr Deehan said it was unfortunate that the developer felt reluctant to speak to the Kevlin Action Group but when became so strained, it was impossible.

She added that the development contained some excellent services which would be ideal for the large residential community in the hinterland.

The councillor agreed to act as mediator between the parties in a bid to kick-start dialogue.