Planning Approved For Improvements At St Matthew’s GAC In Drumsurn

Planning permission has been granted for improvements to facilities at St Matthew’s GAC in Drumsurn.

The application went before Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday morning, where planning permission was granted for the development.

The plans will extend the existing clubhouse at 297 Drumsurn Road, along with alterations and an extension to the club’s training pitch, and the construction of new covered and open spectator terraces.

The development will also include new goalposts, fencing and 14-metre-high ball stops around the training pitch.

A new covered terrace, measuring approximately 28.8m by 8.5m, will provide tiered spectator accommodation. Its upper level will include a press box, commentary box, wheelchair viewing area and tuck shop.

A separate open terrace will provide stepped concrete seating.

The clubhouse extension will measure approximately 9.5m by 4m and will be finished in materials designed to match the existing building.

No objections were received to the application, while DfI Roads, DfI Rivers, Environmental Health and NI Water raised no objections.

The proposals removed floodlighting after considering its potential impact on bats. A planning condition means floodlights cannot be installed without further planning permission.

Planning officers said the development would add to the long-established sporting facilities at Drumsurn Road and considered the proposals acceptable in terms of their design, impact on the surrounding area, flood risk and residential amenity.

Conditions attached to the permission include measures to protect nearby watercourses and restrictions on operating hours, limited to 09:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 18:00 at weekends.