The Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s planning committee has approved a retrospective application for Cotters Park, a glamping site located on Ballydunmaul Road between Randalstown and Toomebridge, following a divided vote on the matter.
Planning officer Alicia Leathem told councillors that the application seeks permission to retain glamping pods, a communal building, a welcome building, saunas, storage units, and associated landscaping.
She noted that while an earlier application for glamping pods had been approved in July 2022, “the current development, as built, departs from the previously approved plans.”
The committee report highlighted that the project represents a financial investment of approximately £500,000, with a turnover of £440,000 recorded in its first year.
Operators reported 3,488 guests during that period, with revenue reinvested in the site and in supporting agricultural activities.
According to the report, the site currently has seven glamping pods arranged around a lake, along with communal facilities and hot tubs. The revised proposal also includes two saunas, pergolas, fire pits, and landscaping enhancements.
The council received 273 letters of support citing the project’s contribution to the rural economy and tourism sustainability, while three objections raised concerns about noise, lighting, and ecological impact.
Environmental health officials did not object to the development, stating there had been no recent noise complaints.
Some residents, however, voiced opposition. Local neighbour Bernie Crossan claimed the site had become “completely different” from what was originally approved and described disturbances from “noisy party-goers with guests in hot tubs and bottles smashed” in the early hours.
She said intrusive lighting and late-night music had caused disruption, adding that the development was once described online as “Love Island on steroids.”
One of the applicants, Ruth Alexander, contested these claims, stating that recent noise management measures had been effective.
“What I have heard tonight from close neighbours is totally unrecognisable to what we have on site,” she told Northern Ireland World.
She added that most complaints were concentrated in August of last year and that steps such as a 24-hour decibel monitor, guest information packs, and restrictions after 10.30 pm had reduced issues.
“Part of what we have been doing on site has resulted in zero noise complaints,” she explained.
Planning agent Matt Kennedy also confirmed that a noise management plan was now in place and noted that objections to the current application were minimal.
During the debate, Sinn Féin Cllr Annie O’Lone raised concerns about deviations from original plans and questioned whether the site delivered sufficient benefit to the borough’s tourism industry.
In contrast, DUP Cllr Sam Flanagan asked about operational rules, to which Mrs. Alexander clarified: “It is a high-end glamping experience. It is not groups of teenagers running around shouting and screaming.”
Council head of planning Barry Diamond said measures to limit disturbance would include requiring windows and doors of communal buildings to remain shut at night, restricting guest numbers, and banning external amplified music.
The committee approved the application with four votes in favour, two against, and four abstentions. Additional conditions, such as acoustic fencing, may be considered if required.
For outdoor hospitality operators, this case illustrates the challenges of balancing site development with community concerns.
It highlights the importance of adhering to original planning conditions, engaging with neighbours, and implementing proactive noise and light management strategies to avoid conflict while expanding amenities.