'Vital community hub' role highlighted as retention of Chimney Corner FC coffee dock approved
The retention of a coffee dock at Chimney Corner Football Club was approved at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee which took place at Mossley Mill on Monday evening.
A total of 296 letters were received by council planners in support of the application which was deferred by the committee in April with a recommendation to refuse.
Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told the committee further information has been submitted to the planning department by the applicant and the recommendation is now to grant permission but a condition would limit use to a temporary period of five years.
She indicated the site is located within a rural area at Chimney Corner Football Club at Castle Road, Antrim. The location is a mile-and-a-half from Antrim town centre.
The proposal is for retention of coffee dock, external seating, landscaped accessible entrance to football grounds and coffee dock, new club office and registration point and equipment stores, including proposed changing facilities within a shipping container.
A committee report said: “Policy permits appropriate small scale retail or ancillary commercial leisure uses in the countryside, such as farm shops, craft shops, and shops or cafés serving tourist or recreational facilities where such uses are integral to and ancillary to an established business or facility. The policy also encourages the reuse or conversion of existing buildings.
“The applicant’s agent contends that the proposed coffee dock represents an integral ancillary facility that supports both the sporting and community functions of the Chimney Corner Football Club, with its primary purpose being to sustain and support the ongoing operation of the football club.
“The additional supporting information received continues to place considerable emphasis on the social and community role of the football club, with the applicant indicating that the football club, alongside the coffee dock, play an important role as a local hub.
“The applicant maintains that locating the coffee dock within the existing clubhouse would displace established uses, thereby reducing the club’s ability to host events and generate income.
“It is further argued that the current arrangement allows the coffee dock to operate alongside existing club activities without causing such displacement.
“The applicant further emphasises that the coffee dock presents an alternative to the traditional licensed bar, offering a more appropriate setting for families and inclusive environment, particularly for younger members and wheelchair users.
“The applicant reiterates that the coffee dock does not operate as a standalone café but functions in support of the football club’s activities, serving training sessions, match days, and general member interaction.
“The submission further indicates that membership of the football club has increased significantly, from approximately 50 to 350 members, with the applicant attributing this growth in part to the presence of the coffee dock.”
Addressing the meeting, applicant Declan Donaghy said the application process has been “just short of two years” and he went on to name elected representatives, whom he wished to thank, for support. Mr Donaghy also thanked the council for permitting extra time.
He went on to say it is a “vital community hub” which has been able to “revive” the football club and fund-raise for charitable causes.
Glengormley Sinn Fein Councillor Rosie Kinnear proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Cllr Stephen Cosgrove who said he was “happy to second”, adding: “It is good to see this over the line and people working together.”
Following a vote, planning permission was granted unanimously.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter