Seafront amenity improvements at Millisle Lagoon Park and Garden, Millisle

What was proposed

The application proposed improved seating, beach access, floating pontoons, lighting, showers, a toilet and works to the disused paddling pool.

“Environmental improvements including repurposing the disused paddling pool to create a tiered amenity space; provision of modular cube floating pontoons; new concrete steps to beach, new granite planters with timber top seating, 6no. new feature lighting columns (5m high), 2no. new external shower units with timber screen; a portable toilet; and all associated works. Location:”

“Millisle Lagoon Park & Garden (approx. 30m NE of 7 Shore Road, Millisle) Applicant:”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site formed part of a seaside recreational area beside a sheltered lagoon, beach, promenade, jetty and slipway.

“The site is located on land to the east of the Main Street in Millisle and directly adjacent to Shore Road.”

“As existing, it is an integral feature of a larger seaside recreational area which includes an existing promenade, jetty and slipway alongside a saltwater lagoon which is bounded by a sandy beach on the west side and enclosed by a seawall to the north and east to provide a sheltered and relatively shallow body of water which is used seasonally for water sports such as swimming and paddle boarding.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered the lagoon, paddling pool, jetty, slips, boatparks, roads, promenade, beach and wider environmental improvements.

“Proposal: Lagoon, Paddling Pool, Jetty, Slips, Boatparks, Roads, Promenade and Beach, for Recreational Purposes…”

“Proposal: Environmental improvements to Millisle Beach to include, upgrading of vehicular/pedestrian entrance, roadway and parking facilities; new signage features; combined cafe/toilet; life-guard facilities; seasonal kiosks; mounding and planting; paddling pool and play facilities; wind turbine; promenade lighting and furniture; increase in jetty wall height…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

DFI Rivers and Shared Environmental Services raised no objection, while NIEA and Environmental Health supported the proposal subject to conditions.

“Consultations – Synopsis of Responses: DFI Rivers No Objection NIEA No Objection subject to Condition Environmental Health No Objection subject to Condition Shared Environmental Services No Objection…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planner outlined the application, and the Director of Place and Prosperity explained the project’s progress and funding position.

The vote

A proposal to adopt the recommendation and grant permission was seconded and agreed.

“In conclusion, Officers were content that the proposal would not have a significant adverse effect and met the relevant policy requirements and, on this basis, recommended the application for approval. The Chair invited questions to the Officer and Councillor Hennessy queried the timeframe for the project.”

“RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Morgan, seconded by Alderman McAlpine, that the recommendation be adopted and that Council grants planning permission. 5.”

Minutes

The final decision

Planning permission was granted for the environmental improvements, subject to conditions covering timing, contamination, construction management, landscaping and inert infill.

“If during the development works, new contamination or risks are encountered which have not previously been identified, works shall cease, and the Council shall be notified immediately. This new contamination shall be fully investigated in accordance with the UK technical framework as outlined in the Land Contamination: Risk Management (LCRM) guidance available at http://www.gov.uk/guidance/land-contamination-how-to-manage-the-risks.”

“No development activity, including ground preparation or vegetation clearance, shall take place until a final Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Council. The approved CEMP shall be implemented in accordance with…”

Officer report