Replacement football pitch at To the rear of and 85 metres NW of Markethill Bowling Green, 30D Seaboughan Road, (adjacent and immediately south of 19

The site and surroundings

The site is an existing football pitch within Markethill’s settlement limit, near homes, mature trees, a watercourse, a play area and bowling facilities.

“The application site lies within the settlement development limit of Markethill as designated in the Armagh Area Plan 2004 but is not zoned for a specific purpose. The application site comprises an existing natural grass football pitch, a hard-surfaced pathway, and a hard- surfaced car parking area associated with the football pitch.”

“There is a row of mature deciduous trees located along the site’s north-north-western boundary, adjacent to the football pitch. There is a watercourse located adjacent and to the west of the site. The above-mentioned play area and children’s playgroup building are located to the south of the football pitch and to the north of the car parking area; the bowling pavilion and outdoor bowling area are located adjacent and to the east of the car parking area.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

An earlier application for a football field, bowling green and children’s play area was granted permission in 1976.

“O/1976/0156 Proposed football field, bowling green and children’s play area Markethill Permission granted on 08/07/1976 ___________________________________________________________________________”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the open space would be retained and enhanced, with suitable design, environmental protection and no unacceptable residential amenity impact.

“PPS 8 and the corresponding paragraphs of the SPPS (6.199–6.208) state that there will be a general presumption against the loss of open space. Policy OS 1 (‘Protection of Open Space’), states that development will only be permitted where it does not result in the loss of existing open space or land zoned for the provision of open space.”

“Officers are of the opinion that this existing area of open space will be retained and enhanced through the replacement of the existing grass pitch with a newly laid grass pitch, and the provision of ball stop fencing behind both goals in order to stop footballs from being kicked beyond the perimeter of the pitch into the adjacent watercourse, which is a Northern Ireland priority habitat, and into the residential development located to the east of the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer outlined the application, explained the assessment and provided further information before inviting questions.

Members’ debate

Councillors Moutray and Lavery welcomed the project, its use of Council land, retention of mature trees and benefits for people of all ages.

“COMMENTED: by Councillor Moutray that he felt this was an ambitious project and welcomed the club’s attempts to develop Council owned land and he was of a mind to approve the application.”

“CONCURRED: by Councillor Lavery with Councillor Moutray’s comments. This was a good application and would give the area a facelift, whilst retaining the mature trees for the scenic area. It was a positive scheme and he too was leaning towards a recommendation.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Moutray proposed approval, Councillor Lavery seconded it, and no counter-proposals were made.

“SECONDED: by Councillor Lavery, Councillor Moutray’s proposal. He felt it was a good application which could be used by people of all ages.”

“AGREED: on the proposal of Councillor Moutray, seconded by Councillor Lavery, that Application No: LA08/2024/0716/F by Stephen Black be approved, subject to conditions.”

Minutes