Plans Submitted For Habitat Management Shed On Rathlin Island

A planning application has been submitted for a new storage shed on RSPB land on Rathlin Island to support the management of the surrounding countryside and habitats.

The proposed 222 sq m building would be located approximately 165 metres southeast of 2J Churchquarter, in the townland of Mullindress.

The application includes an associated access track, hardstanding and landscaping.

A design and access statement submitted with the proposal says the building would provide secure storage for machinery, equipment, materials and operational supplies used in habitat management.

The shed would have a steel frame and pitched roof, with olive green wall cladding and anthracite grey roof sheeting. According to the statement, the materials have been chosen to withstand the exposed coastal environment while reducing the building’s visual impact.

Material excavated during site levelling would be reused to create screening banks around the building. These would be planted with native species, including gorse, blackthorn, hawthorn, rowan and dog rose.

Access would connect to existing agricultural infrastructure serving the wider landholding. The statement says the development is not expected to generate significant additional traffic, with vehicle movements primarily involving machinery, maintenance vehicles and occasional deliveries.

The building would be used mainly for operational storage rather than public access.

The plans also include rainwater harvesting, with surplus water directed to an on-site soakaway.