Decking area to remember child refused

The retrospective application was for a first floor decking area, situated above a raised patio in the rear garden of the property at 8 Carneybaun Road. There were three objections to the structure and Planners recommended refusal saying: “The proposal has a negative effect on the character of the area and a particular negative effect on the residential amenity of the adjacent neighbours at No. 6 and 10 Carneybaun Road and 82 Ballywillan Road by reason of unacceptable overlooking. There is a further potential for noise disturbance. The proposal is contrary to policy. Refusal is recommended.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant Mr A Deal, Cllr Mark Fielding told the meeting that the house belongs to a family with four children under 12. “The decking is to remember their daughter who passed away,” he said, adding that the structure also incorporates a cover for a hot tub for their son who has learning and physical difficulties.

Cllr Fielding said that the family were not “party animals” and that the area is a “quiet place set apart for remembrance”. Addressing the issue of “potential noise disturbance”, he said that there would be no more noise coming from the garden than from any other garden with children playing anywhere in Portrush.

Councillors voted in favour of the Planners’ advice to refuse the application but Cllr Joan Baird asked if a condition could be imposed to add screening to any sensitive views. Planning representative Shane Mathers said that would reqiure an amendment to the Planning application.