Planning Boost for Local Community Facilities in Antrim and Newtownabbey

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has granted planning permission to two major applications for the development of new community facilities in the Borough.  Approval was given by the Council’s Planning Committee for a new building in Antrim for the Bridge Association on land adjacent to Kilbegs Industrial Estate near the Junction, whilst in Creggan a new sports pitch was approved for Kickam’s GAC. 

Welcoming the decisions, Chairman of the Council’s Planning Committee Alderman Tom Campbell said;

“This is a fantastic boost for community facilities in our Borough.  I am delighted with the Council’s approval for a new Training Centre for the Bridge Association, a not-for-profit organisation that provides vocational training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.  It has been operating in Antrim since 1988 and the development approved will allow the Association to relocate to a new purpose built facility at the Junction a short distance from their existing premises.  I also welcome the additional sports pitch approved for Kickam’s GAC that will complement their existing facilities in Creggan and further serve the needs of the local community in this rural area.   

Alderman Campbell continued;

“Both decisions represent not just an investment in new facilities, but an investment in our people and our local communities and I wish both the Bridge Association and Kickam’s GAC much success for the future.

Alderman Campbell also congratulated the Council’s planning staff for efficiently processing both these major applications in under 6 months.  

He commented;

“I am pleased that our planning staff worked closely with the agents for both these schemes to ensure all necessary information accompanied the applications, something that I would urge all prospective developers to consider taking on board.  I particularly welcome the community engagement that took place and note that no objections were received to these proposals. 

Alderman Campbell concluded;

“I believe the speedy grant of permission in these cases clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to economic recovery and to working positively with applicants to bring continued community benefit and prosperity to the Borough.”   

Full details of the planning applications are available to view at the Planning Portal www.planningni.gov.uk