Garage and enlarged curtilage at 362 Ballyclare Road, Newtownabbey

What was proposed

The application sought to retain an enlarged dwelling curtilage with hardstanding and an ancillary garage.

“PROPOSAL Retention of extension of curtilage of existing dwelling house to include hardstanding and ancillary garage…”

Officer report

Earlier committee action

Members had previously deferred the application for two months so officers could discuss refusal reasons and an alternative proposal with the applicant.

“At the November 2025 Planning Committee, Members agreed to defer the application for a period of two months to allow Officers to meet with the applicant to discuss refusal reasons and determine if an alternative proposal could be brought to the Planning Committee.”

“An amended proposal, which was received on 10th December 2025 did not address the previous concerns, however, subsequent amendments submitted on 17th December 2025 are now considered acceptable.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because the amended garage would no longer extend ribbon development, would be less visible, and would fit the rural setting.

“03/3, date stamped 17th December 2025). The amended plans introduced a number of changes to the subject development including; the relocation of the garage approximately 15m to the south of its current location, the reorientation of the garage by approximately 25 degrees anticlockwise, amended external finishes of the northeastern (road-facing) gable from profiled metal cladding to render, the removal of the fence between the existing dwelling and garage (the original) and…”

“Accordingly, the site is no longer considered to contribute to ribbon development and as the road facing elevation is of an acceptable finish and the garage is less visible from the roadside and is considered acceptable.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and applicant spoke in support and responded to members’ enquiries.

What the committee decided

The application was deferred for two months to discuss refusal reasons and determine whether an alternative proposal could be brought to committee.

“Proposed by Alderman Magill Seconded by Councillor Logue that the application be deferred for a period of two months to allow Officers to meet with the applicant to discuss refusal reasons and determine if an alternative proposal could be brought to Committee.”

Minutes