Newtownabbey: planning consent for Mossley Mill pods relocated from Antrim after anti-social behaviour at site
A retrospective application for listed building consent by Antrim and Newtownabbey Council for temporary meeting pods at its headquarters has been approved.
The application was for the retention of two meeting pods which have been “in-situ” since February of last year in an inner courtyard area of Mossley Mill, a listed building at Carnmoney Road North, in Newtownabbey.
The council application said: “Listed building consent (retrospective) is sought in respect of two meeting pods which have been installed close to the rear lower ground floor doors adjacent to the Mossley Mill museum and inner quad area.
“The pods were purchased as part of an urban regeneration project funded by the Department for Communities and were initially intended for siting at the Ulster Bar Corner site in Antrim town.
“However, following anti-social behaviour and extensive damages affecting a shelter structure on this site, it was decided to temporarily re-locate the two pods to the inner quad at Mossley Mill, on the assumption that the structures would be more protected at this location.
“Two polyurethane meeting pods have been mounted on separate concrete plinths in a gravelled area abutting the main council building at Mossley Mill, close to the rear lower ground floor access doors and the museum area of the complex. These pre-built pods have been in situ since February 2025 but have not been in use by staff or the public.”
Planning officer Alicia Leathem told the council’s Planning Committee the application is for listed building consent.
Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Cosgrove asked if they will be taken away at some stage. Barry Diamond, the council’s head of planning, indicated the intention is to have them in place for five years with a review after that period.
A report presented to the committee said: “It is considered that in principle, the meeting pods within the grounds of the listed building are acceptable, subject to careful consideration of the impact on the listed building.”
The pods have been described as “lightweight modular structures, fabricated from polyurethane with a smooth grey finish”. They are 2.1 metres at their highest point.
The committee report noted: “The meeting pods will only be visible from the inner courtyard of Mossley Mill.
“The intention will be to permit staff and elected members to trial the pods. Due to the temporary nature and reversibility of the pods, it is considered that the pods will have no significant impact on the internal and external features of the listed building.
“In this regard, it is considered that the meeting pods respect the essential character and special architectural or historic interest of the building.”
It was also stated consultation was carried out with the Historic Environment Division (Historic Buildings) HED, which has no objection.
“It is considered that the meeting pods protect, conserve and enhance the setting of the listed building,” the report said.
The application was approved unanimously.
A spokesperson for the council said: “The Listed Building consent for the two meeting pods at Mossley Mill was submitted on 29 October 2025. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency Historic Buildings responded in their consultative role on 12 January 2026, and the report was subsequently presented to, and agreed at, the council’s Planning Committee on 16 February 2026.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter