Showgrounds redevelopment at The Showgrounds, Coleraine

The site and surroundings

The site contains football facilities within Coleraine’s settlement limit and existing open space, with economic development nearby and homes opposite.

“251126 Drawings and additional information are available to view on the Planning Portal- http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/ 1 RECOMMENDATION 1.1 That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 9 and the policies and guidance in sections 7 and 8 and resolves to Grant Outline planning permission subject to the conditions set out in section 10.”

“The surrounding land use in the area includes a mix of land uses with an existing Area of Economic Development to the immediate south and east of the site, with Residential development located opposite the site on the Ballycastle Road. The site is accessed via the Ballycastle Road. The site is within close proximity to the NI Railways Station and Bus Station. RELEVANT HISTORY 3.1 C/2008/0460/F- The Showgrounds, Ballycastle Road, Coleraine.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The proposal renews outline permission granted in 2022, while a related replacement training pitch scheme was granted in 2025 and completed.

“251126 96 floodlights (800 lux illumination). Permission Granted. 2.09.2008 C/2008/0815/F- The Showgrounds, Ballycastle Road, Coleraine. Proposed amendment to planning permission C/2008/0460/F to re- locate proposed new floodlighting poles and increase height of floodlighting poles to 32m. Permission Granted.11.12.2008 C/2011/0237/F- [the applicant] Ltd, Ballycastle Road, Coleraine, BT52 2DY.”

“Redevelopment of the Showgrounds to include demolitions of existing stands/buildings, refurbishment/extension to the existing Jack Doherty Stand and provision of new replacement seated stands (achieving 6000-8000 total capacity) accommodating replacement club house, team changing facilities, commercial space and adjustments to existing main pitch. Provision of new community changing hub/changing facilities with associated 3G training pitch.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised wastewater, contamination and detailed assessment requirements, while transport, historic environment and other matters attracted no objections or could be conditioned.

“251126 sewer network will be able to cope with the additional load or whether they would need to be upgraded. NIEA Regulation Unit: Regulation Unit did not provide a complete consultation response to the application stating, Regulation Unit Land and Groundwater Team have not been provided with sufficient information to advise the Planning Authority as to the environmental risks from this development.”

“251126 submission of additional information requested by EHO at Reserved Matters stage. NI Water: Recommend refusal subject to the applicant engaging with NIW. A condition will be included in the approval to ensure an adequate solution has been identified prior to construction. Historic Environment Division: No objections. Translink NI: No objection, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Management and Enforcement Manager presented the proposal, and councillors asked about road naming, stand coverings and Swift Bricks.

Committee discussion

The committee discussed the indicative stand designs, the correction from Bushmills Road to Ballycastle Road and the status of Swift Bricks.

“Conclusion- Proposal is considered acceptable and the recommendation is to approve. Councillor Watton referred to an error throughout the report, where Bushmills Road was stated, it should have said Ballycastle Road. Councillor Watton sought clarification of the stands and whether they were covered.”

“The Development Management and Enforcement Manager referred to indicative drawings, which had illustrated one stand that was covered and on another it was unclear, however as it was an Outline Application he advised the Reserved Matters application would have the detail.”

Minutes

The vote

Thirteen members voted for approval, with none against and none abstaining.

“Proposed by Councillor Kennedy Seconded by Councillor Watton - That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 9 and the policies and guidance in sections 7 and 8 and resolves to Grant Outline planning permission subject to the conditions set out in section 10.”

“The Chair put the motion to the Committee to vote. Members voted For; Members voted Against, 0 Members Abstained. The Chair declared the motion carried and application approved.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted outline planning permission subject to the listed conditions.

“RESOLVED - That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 9 and the policies and guidance in sections 7 and 8 and resolves to Grant Outline planning permission subject to the conditions set out in section 10.”

Minutes