Planning permission has been approved for proposed external signage for a new visitor centre and amenity block at Carnfunnock Country Park outside Larne.

Speaking at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Council’s Planning Committee, at The Braid, in Ballymena, on Thursday, a planning officer said the application relates to proposed signage for two buildings which will be located separately within the park.

Carnfunnock Country Park, which is owned by the council, is located between Drains Bay and Ballygally. The officer indicated construction of these buildings is at “an advanced stage”. The 36-hectare visitor attraction is closed at present for a £7m redevelopment, of which £6.1m is funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up fund and the remainder by the local authority. He noted the site is elevated above the Coast Road and falls within a Special Countryside Area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a Tourism Opportunity Zone. He went on to say the proposed signs are “muted blue” in colour and will be “integrated into the architectural design of the buildings”. No illumination is proposed.

A committee report said: “The signage is located well within Carnfunnock Country Park and is not positioned adjacent to the Coast Road.” It also noted: “The materials and colour palette are appropriate to the setting and complement the architecture of the approved visitor facilities.”

Visitor centre at Carnfunnock Country Park. Pic: Local Democracy Reporting Service.

placeholder image — Visitor centre at Carnfunnock Country Park. Pic: Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The proposed signs will not be visible from the Coast Road and “will not adversely affect important views, landscape quality or the scenic character of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. The officer explained the signs, which will of a “restrained colour and subordinate to the buildings”, would not have an adverse impact on surrounding amenity. He said the proposal was considered “acceptable” and approval was recommended.

Coast Road SF CLLr James McKeown proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Larne Lough Alliance Alderman Robert Logan.

Larne Lough DUP Ald Paul Reid commented: “This is one of the jewels in our crown in Mid and East Antrim. It will be great to see this asset open once again for ratepayers and tourists coming into this area.”

Committee chair UU Cllr Alan Barr remarked: “I look forward to returning with the family myself.” Following a vote, planning permission was granted unanimously.