Hair salon in cabin proposal refused as Antrim and Newtownabbey Council points to 'town centre first approach'
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee has refused planning permission for the retention of a hairdressing salon in a cabin to the rear of a dwelling at Groggan Road, Randalstown.
The application was turned down at a committee meeting at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, on Monday evening.
Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told members the premises are situated in the rear garden of a dwelling within the countryside, five kilometres from Randalstown town centre. She said the application is for part-time use of the cabin as a hair salon.
The officer reported three letters of support indicating local need, “minimal impact” in terms of traffic and accessibility. However, she noted a “town centre first” policy for retail uses.
A committee report explained the council will “operate a town centre first approach in considering the development of retail and other main town centre uses across the borough”. Randalstown is identified as having a town centre.
The report stated that development proposals in the countryside will not be permitted unless there are “overriding reasons why it is essential in a countryside location and cannot be located within a settlement”.
The report said: “The applicant is seeking the part-time use of the cabin as a hairdressing salon between two to three times per week. The proposed development comprises a retailing use and would be considered as a main town centre use.”
It was also noted: “The agent contends that it would not be financially viable for the applicant to secure a premises within the town centre of Randalstown on a part-time basis.”
Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Cosgrove moved the recommendation to refuse the application, seconded by Ballyclare Alliance Alderman Lewis Boyle. Following a vote, the application was refused unanimously.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter