Plans Submitted to Convert Coleraine Business Park Unit into Church

Plans have been submitted seeking permission to change the use of Unit 1, 12 Coleraine Business Park, within the Loughanhill Industrial Estate in Coleraine, from Retail Premises to a Church.

The application proposes converting the existing two-storey retail unit into a place of worship. The applicant is Paddy De Lasa.

According to a Design and Access Statement submitted with the application, the proposal would reuse the existing commercial building with minimal physical alterations. The church would cater for a congregation of around 100 people, primarily families, and would operate mainly on Sunday mornings, with one smaller midweek evening meeting.

The statement notes that the business park is largely inactive in the evenings and on weekends, meaning the proposed times of use would not conflict with neighbouring businesses. The site currently has 36 on-site parking spaces, including 2 disabled bays, with additional Sunday parking available at a neighbouring business, bringing the total parking capacity to more than 100 spaces.

Internally, the building would include a main worship hall, age-specific children’s rooms, kitchen facilities, storage areas and accessible toilet provision. Level access would be maintained throughout to support inclusivity.

The Design and Access Statement concludes that the proposal represents a low-impact and sustainable reuse of an existing building, aligning with regional and local planning policies that support community facilities and the efficient use of an established commercial site.

Local planners will now consider the application.