Two-storey sports pavilion at 36A Lurgylea Road Glenbeg Galbally, Dungannon

“Proposal: A proposed new two-storey pitch-side pavilion for Galbally Pearses GAC, featuring new sheltered sub benches and associated site works.”

“A proposed new two-storey pitch-side pavilion for Galbally Pearses GAC, featuring new sheltered sub benches and associated site works.”

“Galbally GAC is located on Lurgylea Road within the village of Galbally, County Tyrone. The site is located to the Northwest of Galbally and adjacent to Galbally Community Centre. The area of the site is approximately 0.26 hectares. The area of the site is relatively flat, it consists of hardstanding/carparking.”

“Existing vehicular access to the site is provided via the existing unaltered access to the public road along Lurgylea Road. Existing pedestrian access to the site is provided via the existing unaltered access to the public footpath along Lurgylea Road. A level path has been provided around the perimeter of the pavilion.”

“This application was presented to Planning Committee in August 2025 as a refusal for the following reasons; The proposal is contrary to Policy COM 1 – Community Uses of Dungannon and South Tyrone Area Plan 2010, in that the proposal not in keeping with the character of its existing surroundings by way of dominance, overbearing and overshadowing of the existing hall, and its significant detrimental impact on the amenity of the same hall.”

“The proposal is contrary to Policy DES2 of the Planning Strategy for Rural NI as it would result in significant detrimental impact on the existing building. It was subsequently deferred for an office meeting held with the applicant on 11.09.2025.”

“Plan Policy SETT 1 Settlement Limits- The proposal remains contrary to this policy also, in that the proposal does not respect the constraints of this specific site and its surroundings, and as a result will lead to a significant detrimental effect on amenities, particularly the existing adjacent community building.”

“Planning Strategy for Rural NI (PRSNI) Policy DES2 of the Planning Strategy for Rural NI requires proposals to make a positive contribution to townscape and be sensitive to the character of the area surrounding the site in terms of design, scale and use of materials In line with assessment of this policy, the proposal suffers from clear incompatibility issues with neighbouring developments (specifically the existing community building).”

“The GAA club currently use the existing GAA Hall as a gym, but the facilities are tired and out of date. Due to growing numbers, they need a much bigger space. The Pre-Application Community Consultation report details the great need for the proposal and the level of community support for it. It was significant that so many local people turned up to support the proposal at that meeting. 3.”

“It was agreed the two main issues they object to are Open space and Detrimental impact on the existing building. However, the objectors did not feel the open space was a ‘ghost’ area and is used for a variety of uses by the hall including vehicular parking at events and a congregational area by Galbally Runners Club.”

“PPS8 – Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation OS1 of PPS8– Protection of open space, states ‘development will not be permitted when it would result in the loss of existing open space.’ Policy OS1 also provides for the redevelopment of land zoned as open space ‘where it is clearly shown that redevelopment will bring substantial community benefits that decisively outweigh the loss of open space’.”

“On this basis, I no longer believe the refusal reason relating to OS1 and the loss of open space can be sustained. The impact on this area is really part of the amenity issue and how the property is being enjoyed. Five alternative sites were suggested by GYCA at the meeting on 12 th Nov.”

“LA09/2024/0963/F Two-storey pitch-side pavilion for Galbally Pearses GAC, sheltered sub benches and associated site works at 36A Lurgylea Road, Glenbeg, Galbally, Dungannon for [name withheld]…”

“Agreed that application be deferred for an office meeting earlier in meeting.”