Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Operations Committee deferred a decision on an annual indoor entertainment license application for Cotters Park, a glamping site near Randalstown, during a meeting held Monday at Antrim Civic Centre.
The license would cover dancing, singing, and similar indoor entertainment for up to 31 guests, operating Thursday through Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
The council granted planning permission for Cotters Park in August 2025, allowing the retention of glamping pods, a communal welcome building, and associated structures, including three pergolas, two saunas, a site office/reception, storage and WC buildings, an NIE/plant building, and landscaping and parking improvements. Council planners reported receiving 273 letters of support for the development.
According to the committee report, the license application focuses on events held within the communal welcome building located at the center of the site by the lake. The application includes a detailed noise management plan, an acoustic report, and site management rules designed to address potential noise impacts on neighboring properties.
According to Love Ballymena, council officers recommended granting the license, noting that noise monitoring devices have been installed to alert management if thresholds are exceeded.
During the meeting, Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown initially proposed that the application be refused, seconded by Dunsilly Alderman Linda Clarke.
Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster questioned the proposed hours of operation, stating they could be “difficult to police,” but recognized that management controls would complement the noise management plan.
Councillor Foster also inquired about controlling the number of people on site, and officers confirmed that a sign-in process would be used.
Macedon Alliance Councillor Billy Webb MBE raised procedural questions, prompting officers to advise deferring the application to the next committee meeting to allow the applicant to make representations.
Following this recommendation, Councillor Archibald-Brown proposed deferral, seconded by Councillor Foster, and the motion was agreed.
The deferral provides an opportunity for glamping site operators and other outdoor hospitality professionals to note the importance of incorporating structured noise management, capacity controls, and clear operational procedures when applying for event licenses, ensuring compliance with both planning permission and licensing requirements.