Dog grooming outbuilding at 15 Harmin Park, Newtownabbey

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey semi-detached home with rear amenity space, front parking and neighbouring homes in a residential area.

“The application site comprises a two storey, semi-detached dwelling finished in dashed render, PVC windows and interlocking concrete roof tiles. Amenity space is provided to the rear (south) of the dwelling and parking provision at the front (north). The application site abuts four neighbouring properties; Nos. 13 and 17 Harmin Park fo the east and west and Nos. 21 and 23 Hightown Road fo the south. The topography of the application site is relatively flat.”

“The immediate surrounding area is characterised within a predominantly residential area comprising of semi-detached, two storey dwellings and bungalows.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier application for a dog grooming salon at the same address was withdrawn in December 2025.

“Decision: Application Withdrawn (11/12/2025)”

Officer report

Why approval was advised

The small outbuilding and limited operation were considered ancillary to the home, with no unacceptable effects on appearance, neighbours, access or parking.

“While it is noted that the dog grooming salon is not proposed to be caried out within the existing dwelling, as set out within appeal decision, Ref: 2022/E0012, the separate nature of the proposed building does not necessarily prevent the consideration of homeworking.”

“The floorspace created by the outbuilding measures approximately 7sqm. The external appearance of the outbuilding is typical of a small scale garden room/shed. Furthermore, the outbuilding is fo be situated in the rear garden area of No. 15 and will read as an ancillary building. Therefore, it is considered that there will not be a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area.”

Officer report

Neighbour representations

Five neighbouring properties were notified and no letters of representation were received.

“Five (5) neighbouring properties were notified of the proposal and no letters of representation have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Senior Planning Officer introduced the planning report, and no public speakers addressed the committee.

The decision

“it was agreed that planning permission be granted for the application subject to the Conditions set out in the Planning Report. ACTION BY: Sharon Mossman, Deputy Director of Planning ITEM 3.8 APPLICATION NO:”

Minutes, 20 Jul 2026