Co Antrim: glamping site indoor entertainment licence decision deferred
An annual indoor entertainment licence application for a glamping site outside Randalstown was deferred at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Operations Committee, in Antrim Civic Centre, on Monday (March 2).
The application was for dancing, singing, music – entertainment of a “like kind” at Cotters Park, Clonkeen Road, Thursday to Sunday, from 14.00hrs until 1:00am, for “no greater than 31 persons”.
Councillors were told planning permission for Cotters Park, located between Randalstown and Toomebridge, was granted by the council in August of last year.
A planning proposal for retention of glamping pods, communal building and welcome building including the erection of three associated pergolas, two new saunas, site office/reception and storage buildings, WC building; NIE/plant building, parking and landscaping works was approved.
A total of 273 letters of support were received by council planners.
This week’s committee report said: “The current application seeks to consider the licensing of events held within a communal welcome building, which is situated on the lake at the centre of the Cotters Park site.
“As part of the application process, consideration had been given to the potential adverse noise impacts on neighbouring properties. Supporting documentation has been submitted, including a detailed noise management plan, an acoustic report, and site management rules governing the use of the communal building.”
It was recommended that the licence be granted. An officer told the meeting the application “complies with planning permission”. He also noted noise monitoring devices have been installed to send messages to management if levels are exceeded.
Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown proposed the licensing application be refused, seconded by party colleague Dunsilly Alderman Linda Clarke.
Macedon Ulster Unionist Cllr Robert Foster asked about the proposed hours of operation and said it seemed that it may be “difficult to police”. However, he noted a “noise management plan will be supplemented with management controls”.
Cllr Foster went on to ask how the number of people on-site would be managed. He was told there would be a signing in process.
In response to a query by Macedon Alliance Cllr Billy Webb MBE over procedure, the officer said legal advice would be to defer to the next committee meeting “to allow the applicant to make representation”.
Cllr Archibald-Brown said based on legal advice, she would propose deferring a decision. Cllr Foster said he seconded the proposal for deferral.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter