Coleraine holiday park approved by Causeway Coast and Glens Council despite 97 objections
Plans for a holiday park in Coleraine have been approved by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
The planning application, for a park at 21 Wheatsheaf Road, comprised of holiday cabins, provision for touring caravans and tent pitching, and conversion of stone barn for a welcome centre and restaurant, was endorsed by members at a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, September 25.
A planning officer said the site is largely open agricultural land and is designated as open space in the Area Plan.
There were 97 objections to the application from 33 separate addresses, predominantly from nearby residents and relating to amenity, traffic, access and parking and impact on biodiversity.
“Objections also raised that the site was remote from other tourist amenities such as those found in Castlerock and other seaside locations,” the officer said. “However the policy test for this type of tourism development is not assessed along the locational or sequential approach.
“The development includes a two-storey, detached dwelling to the front of the site, and behind this there are existing outbuildings which are to be converted for amenities associated with the holiday park.
“To the rear of this is the holiday park accommodation itself, which comprises four touring caravans, seven cabins and a tent area.
“Concerns have been raised regarding the impact on amenity of the restaurant, but the restaurant area is relatively small in scale and is incorporated within the building itself.
“Noise and odour assessments have been submitted and Environmental Health have no concerns with regard to the impact on amenity. Adequate car parking has been provided on site and DFI roads have no objection.”