Ballyclare: outline planning permission granted for two dwellings and garages
Outline planning permission has been approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee for two dwellings and garages to the rear of a site at 122 Hillhead Road, Ballyclare.
The application is for the renewal of previous approval in September 2022.
Barry Diamond, the council’s head of planning, told the committee at a meeting in Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, on Monday evening, the site is directly to the rear and west of an existing dwelling at Hillhead Road. He indicated there are “no public views of the site”.
He noted there were three letters of objection expressing concern over proposed access and potential impact on the character of the area as well as for trees and wildlife. Mr Diamond said the recommendation was to grant permission.
A report to the Planning Committee said: “The application site is accessed via a wooden gate which is located to the side of the dwelling and lies beyond the enclosed rear garden area of this property.
“It is considered on balance, that the application site is an undeveloped wedge within the existing built-up area of Hillhead, which is bounded on three sides by other development and that the development of two dwellings would not mar the distinction between the settlement limit and the rural area.”
The report also stated the planned development “would be considered to have no significant adverse impact on the character of the area or lead to an obvious visual intrusion of development into the rural landscape”.
It was also noted the council’s environmental health section has reviewed the proposal and has raised no concerns in relation to amenity impact.
Threemilewater Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Glengormley DUP Councillor Alison Bennington. Outline permission was granted unanimously following a vote.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter