Replacement pitch plan at Ballymena Showgrounds to provide 'significant long-term benefits for local sport and recreation'
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is seeking permission for the next phase of development planned at Ballymena Showgrounds.
The proposed development at the council-owned facility is for the replacement of the existing natural grass pitch within the main arena with a 3G/ hybrid full-size pitch system.
The local government authority’s application is for full planning permission at the St Patrick’s Link premises which are home to Ballymena United Football Club.
In February, the borough council’s Planning Committee gave the go-ahead for a new full-size 3G football pitch at the Showgrounds, (number seven) which is one of number within the complex.
This proposal included four floodlights, a new stand to accommodate 176 spectators, a four-metre high perimeter fence around the pitch, 12-metre high fencing at each goal end and fencing to protect spectators watching from the pitch side.
A planning supporting statement submitted with the current application said that the final surface specification will be “determined at the tender stage” and this application “seeks permission for a solution that encompasses both 3G and hybrid options to ensure operational flexibility”.
It noted that the “scope of works is significantly reduced compared to previous site proposals”.
It explained that the proposal involves the removal of the existing natural grass surface and underlying soil; the installation of a new pitch system, including “formation, engineered sub-base, and performance layers; delivery of a complex primary and secondary drainage network and fully automated irrigation system integrated with the existing borehole supply”.
The planning statement indicated that the proposed design “incorporates sustainable drainage and attenuation to manage surface water without increasing flood risk”.
It stated that the “proposed conversion of the main arena pitch into a 3G/ hybrid surface is a small-scale, sustainable improvement to an existing key community facility”.
“The proposal respects the established character of the area and makes efficient use of existing urban land,” it noted.
It also said that the planned development “provides significant long-term benefits for local sport and recreation”.
Ballymena United FC, which competes in the Northern Ireland Football League Premiership, has been asked for a comment.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter