Mid Ulster: 17 new glamping pods will help 'support wider tourism initiatives'
Plans for the provision of 17 self-catering glamping pods at 73 Ballyscullion Road, Bellaghy, have been welcomed as a boost for the area’s tourism offer.
Speaking at a Mid Ulster District Council Planning Committee meeting, Sinn Fein Councillor Sean Clarke said he believes there is strong tourism demand for facilities of this kind in what is a scenic part of Mid Ulster.
The planning application for the glamping pods was lodged by Bell Rolston, Newtownabbey, on behalf of Valor Homes Ltd, Bellaghy. The approved plans also include landscaping, drainage, parking facilities, cut and fill, and use of an existing access onto Ballyscullion Road.
Mid Ulster Planning officers described the plans as follows in their report: “This proposal is for 17 self-catering glamping pods located in the countryside.
“The site benefits from being in proximity to several tourist amenities and attractions, including Seamus Heaney Homeplace, Ballyscullion House and Park, Lough Beg Nature Reserve, Newferry slipway, Bellaghy Bawn.
“The proposal site is currently agricultural fields and is approx. 5.76 hectares in size. The site currently consists of two large fields which have mature hedging and are bound to the north and east by mature trees.
“When considering this proposal against the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS), it was clearly demonstrated the proposal’s scale and design are appropriate for the locality and would not have a detrimental impact on the surrounding heritage or protected species or habitat.
“In addition, the necessary consultees have all deemed the proposal acceptable in terms of access arrangements, design, environmental and amenity impacts so as to be considered acceptable. The location of the proposal site is suitably located to aid with the growth of tourism.
“All permissions for self-catering accommodation will include a condition requiring the units to be used for holiday letting accommodation only, and not for permanent residential accommodation.
“The overall design of the self-catering scheme, including layout, the provision of amenity open space and the size and detailed design of individual units, must deter permanent residential use. To this end, permitted development rights in respect of plot boundaries will also be removed.
“New self-catering accommodation linked with an existing tourism enterprise can create synergy by enhancing its usage, economic viability and attractiveness to tourists. In turn this will support wider tourism initiatives.
“Having considered all the relevant policies, consultation responses and all points made by objectors, it is my consideration that this proposal is compliant and as such a recommendation of approval is advised.”
The planning application was listed for determination at the November 3 Planning Committee meeting. Councillor Clarke (Magherafelt DEA) commented: “I will propose that we accept the recommendation [to approve the planning application]. “I do believe that [there is] growth around Bellaghy in tourism and people coming, with the Seamus Heaney [HomePlace] and Bellaghy Bawn, there’s a lot of people coming to the walks around that part. So, it’s great to see that a project like this is going to take place.”
The recommendation to approve the planning application was seconded by Councillor Denise Johnston (SDLP, Moyola DEA).
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter