Company providing hire services to major events and film industry planning to extend Nutts Corner base
A proposed expansion of a hire company which has supplied high profile sporting events in Northern Ireland was given the go-ahead by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee recently.
The committee approved the proposed expansion and redevelopment of Balloo Hire business with an extension of the site at Nutts Corner Road, Crumlin.
Planning officer Alicia Leathem told the committee the planned extension within the countryside, to the west of Nutts Corner, will be of industrial style appearance. Road access will be widened and pedestrian access will be provided.
She said the company is an industry leader which provides services to a variety of clients including 11 local councils and major events such as the North West 200, Belsonic and The Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club as well as the television and film production sector in Northern Ireland.
The officer went on to say the company has seen an increase in demand and in order to meet this demand, the proposal is to modernise and expand the existing site at Nutts Corner, its main hub in Northern Ireland.
She explained an extension is needed to enable future growth and sustainability and in view of the level of existing infrastructure and “significant contribution” to the local economy, the principle of development at this location is “considered to be acceptable” and will “not create a detrimental impact on the rural character of the surrounding area”.
She went on to say letters of objection highlighted concerns over amenity, pollution, foul discharge and visual amenity but “no significant objections” have been raised by statutory consultees.
A committee report said: “The proposal seeks permission for the proposed expansion and redevelopment of the existing Balloo Hire business including extension of site, the reconfiguration of existing external storage areas/yard to include the external storage of shipping containers, the demolition of existing buildings, erection of workshop building and all other ancillary site works.”
Planning agent Lauren Coulter told the meeting Balloo Hire was established in 1987. She explained the company is seeking to consolidate other parts of the business on the Crumlin site. It has seven depots across Northern Ireland with 180 staff members.
She said it is the only supplier of plant, accommodation and tool hire equipment in Northern Ireland for the film production industry as well as provider of equipment for major events and supply of plant and equipment for the construction industry.
In addition, she said, it is Balloo Hire’s intention to make this site a “centre of excellence for repairs to specialist equipment on the island of Ireland allowing for expansion into specialist markets”.
“Overall, this major capital investment by a long-established Northern Ireland business will secure its continued long-term growth into specialist markets ensuring Northern Ireland remains competitive in this sector,” she added.
Noting a neighbour’s concerns, over potential impact on amenity, she said, these have been taken into account, adding that overall, the proposal represents a “betterment” for neighbours with increased separation distance and screening and conditions with regard to lighting and noise levels.
Threemilewater Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Airport Sinn Fein Cllr Annemarie Logue. Following a vote, planning permission was granted unanimously.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter