Rugby Club Development Refused

A rugby club in Co Antrim has reportedly had plans to sell its existing ground and move new premises refused by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC).

Carrickfergus Rugby Club was keen to move from its Woodlawn ground to a new development that would include four rugby pitches, floodlighting, a hockey field and a clubhouse, according to the BBC.

However, the PAC ruled that the club had not displayed sufficient need to build the new facility.

The club argued that refurbishing its current facilities and making them accessible to people with disabilities would cost around £500,000.

While the club said it was struggling to compete against developers for zoned land, it had secured an option for a site next to a cricket club at the junction of New Line and Middle Road in the town, subject to planning permission.

However, a number of residents in the surrounding housing developments had objected to the proposed scheme.

The commissioner charged with examining the appeal, Trevor Rue, said that he would have to turn down the application because the proposed development would not fit in with the countryside landscape.

In order to fund its proposed move, the club also sought planning permission to develop 85 houses at its current grounds at Woodlawn.

However, Mr Rue said that this development would also be unsuitable because of the loss of existing open space.

(NS/BmcC)