Planning Application Submitted For New 3G Football Pitch In Portrush

A planning application has been submitted this week by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for the installation of a new 3G synthetic football pitch at an existing sports facility in Portrush.

The proposal relates to playing fields at the Sports Pavilion on Parker Avenue and would see the existing natural grass training pitch replaced with an artificial 3G playing surface.

According to a supporting planning statement, the development would involve removing the current grass pitch and installing a synthetic surface covering approximately 8,101 square metres. The new pitch would maintain the existing playing area dimensions of around 92 metres by 63 metres and would be constructed to match the current site levels.

The footprint of the pitch would remain unchanged, and the council has stated that no alterations are proposed to the existing perimeter fencing, floodlighting columns, access arrangements or car parking facilities.  

The site forms part of an established recreational facility in Portrush and is currently used for football training and community sporting activities. It is located within a residential area bordered by streets including Parker Avenue, Skerrybeg Avenue, Skerrymore Place and Oakland Avenue.

Planning documents state that the proposal is intended to improve the pitch's durability and year-round usability while retaining the existing site infrastructure. The development would not introduce any new buildings or structures and is described as an upgrade to an existing sports facility rather than a change of land use.

The council says 3G pitches are widely recognised as providing reliable playing surfaces that require less maintenance than natural grass and allow for increased use throughout the year.

Existing operating hours at the site would remain unchanged. These currently include training sessions during weekday evenings as well as scheduled matches involving Portrush FC reserve and first teams at weekends.

As part of the application process, a number of technical assessments are also being undertaken, including studies examining lighting levels, drainage and potential noise impacts associated with the development.

Planning officials will now consider the application against relevant planning policies before a decision is made.