Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved permission for a new 3G synthetic pitch and spectator stand at Castleview Road in Whitehead.

The proposed new facilities are to be located at the grass football pitch at Whitehead Youth Centre.

A planning officer told the committee on Thursday (February 26), the land is owned by the borough council and is zoned as recreational open space within Whitehead Conservation Area.

He indicated the proposed pitch would measure 90 metres by 55 metres with four new floodlights to be installed. A new 176-seater spectator stand is also planned as well as 5.5m ball-stops and fencing.

The proposed facilities are to be located at the grass pitch at Whitehead Youth Centre. Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service

placeholder image — The proposed facilities are to be located at the grass pitch at Whitehead Youth Centre. Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service

He said conditions for the operation of floodlighting will be imposed and noted there is already existing lighting at tennis courts in the vicinity.

Larne Lough Alliance Alderman Robert Logan proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application.

Commenting on concerns of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Natural Environment Division in relation to the potential impact of floodlighting on bats, Larne Lough DUP Alderman Paul Reid said: “I thought when bats were flying about, they would use sonar. I really do not understand what the issue is when you take into consideration the fact there is already existing street lighting and artificial lighting.”

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NIEA NED requested a bat roost potential survey to be carried out on the buildings and trees to the north-west of the site.

A planning report presented to the committee said: “The planning department has considered NIEA NED’s response and are minded not to request this additional information given the context of the site within an existing well-lit urban site with adjacent street lighting existing on all boundaries.

“It is therefore considered that any bats may already have avoided or adjusted to these illuminated areas for foraging and roosting given the amount of existing artificial lighting.”

The interim head of planning commented: “We are not dismissing the existence of the bats but we very carefully weigh up making a decision in the public interest.”

Ald Reid went on to say: “A 3G pitch is something that is greatly needed in Whitehead to encourage sport. I welcome this. I am delighted to second this.”

Following a vote, the application was approved unanimously.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter