Ballymena: Outline permission for new homes despite over 50 letters of objection and petition
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved an outline application for 28 dwellings at Dunluce Park, Ballymena, despite 53 letters of objection and a petition with almost “1,000” signatures.
The application was given the go-ahead at a meeting of the committee on Thursday. A planning officer told the committee the outline application for a 2.26 hectare site is for approval in principle and the proposed concept lay-out is “considered acceptable”.
He said the proposed development would consist of a “mix of detached and semi-detached” properties with an area of open space proposed between the residential development and River Braid.
The officer reported statutory consultees have no objection and stated the proposed site lies outside a floodplain. He noted concerns locally over road safety, loss of open space and flood risk as well as potential impact on wildlife.
However, he said the planning authority is “satisfied” the proposed development plan is “acceptable” and recommended that outline permission be granted.
Planning agent Dermot Monaghan told the committee the application is for the “third and final” phase of a residential development, of 28 units, to the south-east of Dunluce Park.
He added access to the river will be improved with public open space between proposed houses and the river.
He indicated that during a community consultation, residents identified how people accessing the River Braid affects traffic flow in the area and park vehicles at Dunluce Park.
He said this will be addressed through a proposed new traffic lay-by and new pedestrian link to the river.
Development Traffic
Mr Monaghan stated there will be no increase in flooding risk and Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Rivers has no objection. He went on to say he believed the existing road network “can handle development traffic”.
He described it as a “sustainable development that meets all relevant planning policy”.
Larne Lough DUP Alderman Paul Reid asked about potential loss of open space and if DfI Roads is “happy” with the safety, movement and volume of traffic within the area and for an assurance there will be no construction on a floodplain risk area.
Richard Agus, a transport consultant, replied DfI was “happy” and had asked for “a lot of information”
“They were aware there had been a local level of objection so they asked for traffic to be looked at in much greater detail. That level of detail is normally only asked for whenever a development of 100 houses or more is proposed,” he added.
Mr Monaghan stressed there will be “no loss of open space” and there will not be any buildings within the floodplain.
Bannside Ulster Unionist Councillor Jackson Minford commented: “There are genuine concerns from residents about intensification of traffic in that area.”
Bannside TUV Alderman Stewart McDonald asked about engagement between the developer and elected representatives and residents.
Public Events
Mr Monaghan said two public events have been carried out, letters were sent to residents at Dunluce Park twice, a website was established, there were newspaper notices and e-mails sent to councillors.
Objector Rosaleen Orr told the committee she was speaking on behalf of ‘Stop the Build’ community group and on behalf of the “1,000 signatories” on the petition.
She said: “If this application is approved, every single vehicle which is required to build these 28 houses plus the 50 already approved will funnel through our streets.”
She pointed out Dunluce Park estate was built in the early 1970s with access off Dans Road, which she considered, was “designed to accommodate 130 houses” but today, most of these households have two cars.
“Dunluce Park was not designed to provide a through route to a major building site. The carriageways are narrow, two vehicles struggle to pass each other,” she stated.
“People from all over Ballymena access the Braid River via Dunluce Park. The proposal will force all traffic, construction and domestic, through residential streets. This, we believe. will compromise safety and impact on the health and well-being of everyone,” she continued.
“The community has consistently and strongly objected to further housing development in the area since the 1980s. The proposed site sits alongside the Braid River, one of the most valued green spaces in Ballymena.”
She reported “serious flooding” in the area earlier this year and asked the committee to reject the proposal and to “preserve and protect” the River Braid.
Ald Reid commented: “In our report from DfI Roads, they are saying they are satisfied and they do not believe there is a big issue with health and safety.”
The speaker replied: “Every resident on the estate that we have spoken to have pointed out to us the dangers and volume of traffic The volume of traffic is incredible coming in and out of the estate. The danger is really significant.”
The speaker asked the committee to attend a meeting at the location.
Coast Road DUP Cllr Angela Smyth asked how many properties were flooded and how close they were to the Braid. The speaker said the properties have not been flooded.
“While houses themselves have not been flooded, the path used to walk along the river has been completely flooded,” she explained.
Ald Reid asked for an assurance that DfI Roads is “satisfied” there will not be an issue with health and safety. The planning officer said additional information was requested from DfI Roads, supplied by the applicant and “deemed acceptable”.
Ald Reid proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application. Larne Lough Alliance Ald Robert Logan asked for a condition to be put in place regarding construction traffic.
The planning officer explained a condition could be added but it has to be “reasonable” and it would be something that could be dealt with at the next stage.
Ald Reid proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Ald Logan. Following a recorded vote, outline permission was granted.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter