Planning Approved For Ballycastle Campsite And Alpaca Experience

Planning permission has been granted for a campsite, alpaca walking tours and open farm activities near Ballycastle.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Planning Committee approved the retrospective application at its meeting on Wednesday morning.

The development, located on land about 250 metres south-west of 8 Straid Road, includes a campsite, alpaca walking tours and up to six open farm days each year.

It also includes a toilet block, reception hut, craft barn, children's play area and parking facilities.

The campsite has 10 pitches and will operate seasonally between 1 May and 1 September, with the land reverting to grazing outside those months.

Council planning officers had recommended approval, concluding that the farm diversification scheme was appropriate for the rural location and would not have a detrimental impact on the character of the surrounding countryside.

No letters of objection or support were received, while NI Water, Environmental Health, DfI Roads, NIEA, DfI Rivers and DAERA raised no objections, although a number of conditions were recommended.

Historic Environment Division raised concerns over potential archaeological impacts at the site. The report states that remains associated with a rath and souterrain may have been affected by works already carried out, with any destruction described as "permanent and irreversible". Archaeological conditions have therefore been attached to the permission.

The application was retrospective, with the council report confirming that the development had already been completed and was operational.

An addendum presented to the committee also confirmed that an enforcement notice had previously been issued over an alleged unauthorised change of use from a farm to commercial visitor and tourist facilities. The enforcement investigation had been placed on hold pending the outcome of the planning application.

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions, including requirements relating to sewage disposal, road access, protection of trees with potential bat roosts and archaeological investigation and recording.