Two dwellings at 309-311 Carnmoney Road, Newtownabbey

The site

The site comprised two foodbank units, a tarmacked area and a rear enclosed garden within a mixed residential, commercial and church area.

“The application site is located at No. 309- 311 Carnmoney Road, Newtownabbey which is within the development limits of Metropolitan Newtownabbey as designated in the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (2004). The application site consists of two (2) units currently being utilised as a foodbank together with a tarmacked area forward of the buildings and an enclosed garden to the rear.”

“The site is located within an area with an area of mixed uses to include residential, commercial and church buildings.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended refusal because the public foul sewer network lacked capacity and the proposal would risk pollution and other environmental harm.

“Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has recommended refusal of the application and states, ‘based on the information provided, the proposed change of use has the potential to increase foul discharge rate. The receiving foul sewerage network has reached capacity. The public system cannot presently serve this development proposal without significant risk of environmental harm and public dis-amenity including pollution, flooding and detrimental impact on existing properties.”

“Officers have made contact with NIW who has advised that there are no plans within the current funding cycle (which runs until 2028) to undertake any upgrades and has indicated that a connection could not be achieved within the next 5 years. The NIW response advises that the proposed change of use has the potential to increase foul discharge rate. The receiving foul sewerage network has reached capacity.”

Officer report

Other planning matters

Officers considered the principle, design, amenity, private open space and parking acceptable, but found sewage disposal inadequate.

“As detailed on the proposed Site Layout Plan, Drawing No. 02/1 date stamped 30th May 2025, the garden areas for each dwelling measure 60m? and are to be enclosed and private. Both will have service access to the existing entry way for bins etc.”

“CONCLUSION The following is a summary of the main reasons for the recommendation: ° The principle of the development is acceptable; ° The design and layout generally respects the surrounding context: e The proposal will not result in any significant adverse impacts on neighbour amenity: e Adequate private open space has been provided; ° Parking arrangements are considered acceptable; ° There is inadequate means of sewage disposal available to serve the…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and applicant spoke in support, while representatives of Northern Ireland Water answered Members’ questions as statutory consultees.

Members’ decision

Members proposed granting permission subject to legal advice and a condition requiring a satisfactory agreement with Northern Ireland Water about sewage disposal.

“Proposed by Councillor Foster Seconded by Councillor Cushinan that planning permission be granted, subject to legal advice with a negative Condition placed on the application in relation to a satisfactory agreement with NI Water concerning the sewage disposal…”

Minutes

The vote

Nine Members voted in favour, with none against and no abstentions.

“On the proposal being put to the meeting 9 Members voted in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions.”

“In favour: Aldermen – Campbell and Magill Councillors – Archibald-Brown, Bennington, Cushinan, Mallon, Flanagan, Foster and Kinnear…”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to legal advice and a negative condition concerning agreement with Northern Ireland Water on sewage disposal.

“It was agreed that planning permission be granted, subject to legal advice with a negative Condition placed on the application in relation to a satisfactory agreement with NI Water concerning the sewage disposal.”

Minutes