Ten extra parking spaces at Mitchell Park Playing Fields 26 Lower Strabane Road, Castlederg

The site and surroundings

The site is an established sports facility with grass pitches, training areas and changing facilities, beside homes, open space and Lower Strabane Road.

“Site and Surrounding Area Mitchell Park Playing Fields is a long-established sports and recreational facility within the development limits of Castlederg Town as defined in the Strabane Area Plan (SAP) 2001, comprising grass pitches, training areas, and associated changing facilities. The existing car park is located adjacent to the main entrance from Lower Strabane Road, providing a limited number of spaces which are frequently at capacity during peak use periods.”

Officer report

Main planning effects

Officers found no significant adverse effects on amenity, open-space provision, biodiversity, flooding, transport or heritage, subject to mitigation and conditions.

“Although EHS is not opposed to this development in principle, it encourages that appropriate mitigation measures are incorporated to offset any potential adverse impacts. The applicant has responded accordingly by introducing a controlled bollard system which will be activated in the evening time when the facility closes to discourage any late night anti-social behaviour. As this carpark relates to a Council facility there will also be an on-site presence of staff.”

“Criteria (i), (ii), (viii), (ix), (xiii), (xiv) of Policy GDPOL 1 consider amenity and human health. On balance, Officers consider that this development will not give rise to any significant adverse impacts on amenity, human health or wellbeing and complies with the relevant criteria of Policy GDPOL 1.”

Officer report

Consultees and objections

Consultees raised no objections, subject to conditions from roads and heritage officers, while three objections challenged environmental, amenity, visual and parking impacts.

“Consultee Responses DfI Roads : No objections subject to conditions and informatives. Environmental Health Section (EHS): No objection DfI Rivers: No objection Historic Environment Division (HED): no objection subject to condition…”

“Neighbour notification and press advertisement have been carried out in line with the Council’s statutory duty. 3 objections received from Lower Strabane Road Resident’s Committee based on the following 1. Loss of green space and mature trees 2. Harm to wildlife habitats (bats) and biodiversity 3. Increased air pollution and noise 4. Visual and aesthetic impact 5. Impact on residential amenity and property value 6. Queried the need for additional parking…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A member heard an objector speak against approval and a council officer explain the reasons for supporting the car-park proposal.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the redevelopment, communication about residents’ concerns and the possible use of bollards when the car park was not required.

“Discussion ensued, after which Councillor Leonard welcomed the redevelopment of Mitchell Park and acknowledged the excellent work achieved by his party colleagues, the current Mayor of Council and…”

“Councillor Devine. He also stated that he was heartened to note the ongoing communication between the Objector and the Council Official and he was content that concerns were being adequately addressed. He also welcomed the suggestion of the erection of bollards when the car park was not required.”

Minutes

The vote

A proposal to approve the application was seconded and unanimously supported by members.

“Councillor Leonard Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Jackson to support the recommendation to approve planning permission, subject to conditions as outlined within the report…”

“The Members unanimously supported the Proposal.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions set out in the officer recommendation.

“The Committee Resolved to support approval of application LA11/2025/0540/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes