Markethill Swifts FC given approval for new grass pitch and fencing
Markethill Swifts Football Club will soon have a new natural grass pitch to replace the existing one, along with new fencing.
Planning permission has been granted for the new grass pitch at the rear of Markethill Bowling Green, on the Seaboughan Road.
New three-metre-high NK boundary fencing will also be erected, as well as a 5.7m-high ball-stop fence behind both goalposts, and a 1.2m-high fence surrounding the pitch.
ABC planning officers noted the following in their determination: “This planning application has been submitted on behalf of Markethill Swifts Football Club, who utilise the existing football pitch on Council land at Seaboughan Road, Markethill.
“Development will only be permitted where it does not result in the loss of existing open space or land zoned for the provision of open space.
“An exception will be permitted where it is clearly shown that redevelopment will bring substantial community benefits that decisively outweigh the loss of the open space.
“Officers are of the opinion that this existing area of open space will be retained and enhanced through the replacement of the existing grass pitch with a newly-laid grass pitch, and the provision of ball-stop fencing behind both goals, in order to stop footballs from being kicked beyond the perimeter of the pitch into the adjacent watercourse, which is a Northern Ireland priority habitat, and into the residential development located to the east of the site.
“Officers are of the opinion that the use of the land for open space purposes will not be prejudiced by the proposed development. Officers consider the proposed fencing will provide increased safety to users of the pitch and the surrounding lands.
“The works are of a scale appropriate to the site, and are sympathetic to the surrounding environment in terms of their siting, design and layout.”