Coffee dock and football facilities at 15m east of 51 Castle Road, Antrim

The site and surroundings

The site lies in the countryside within a football club’s grounds, with shipping containers, outdoor seating, parking and access from a protected route.

“The application site is situated within the grounds of the Chimney Corner Football Club, occupying the northernmost corer of the premises. The development comprises five shipping containers positioned to create a courtyard-style arrangement. Within this courtyard, an outdoor seating area has been provided, partially sheltered by a teepee-style canopy. The ground finish throughout the area consists of a mix of gravel and concrete paving.”

“The site is enclosed on all sides by a combination of the shipping containers, the northern boundary wall of the football club and a 2-metre-high blue metal fencing to the southern and western frontage including a section of 1.8-metre-high fencing. Access is taken via an existing entrance onto the Aé Castle Road which is a designated protected route.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered a clubhouse and playing field, while consent for two advertising hoardings was refused in 2006.

“Location: Chimney Corner Football Club, 51 Castle Road, Antrim Proposal: Proposed 2no. 48 sheet freestanding advertising hoardings Decision: Consent Refused (15/09/2006)”

“Planning Reference: T/1979/0216 Location: Randalstown Road, Antrim Proposal: Clubhouse and playing field Decision: Permission Granted (21/11/1979)”

Officer report

Public views

Seven neighbouring properties were notified without objections, while 292 letters supported the coffee dock’s community, social and football-club role.

“Seven (7} neighbouring properties were notified of the application, and no objections have been received. There have been 292 letters of support received. These letters are available to view at the Northern Ireland Planning Portal. https://planningregister.planningsystemni.gov.uk/application/697865”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer introduced the reports, and councillors, the agent and the applicant spoke in support and answered members’ questions.

Members’ decision to defer

Members proposed deferral to allow further information addressing the planning refusal reasons.

“Proposed by Councillor Flanagan Seconded by Councillor Bennington that the application be deferred until June 2026 Planning Committee to allow the applicant to provide further information to address the planning refusal reasons.”

Minutes

The vote and outcome

Seven members voted for deferral, with none against or abstaining, and the application was deferred to a later planning committee.

“On the proposal being put to the meeting 7 Members voted in favour, 0 against and 0 abstention, it was unanimously agreed…”

“The application be deferred to allow the applicant to provide further information to…”

Minutes