What Happened at the Latest Planning Committee Meeting?
Key Decisions from 17 November 2025
If you’re wondering what’s being built, blocked, or debated locally, here’s a straightforward rundown of the most recent Planning Committee meeting, held at Mossley Mill on Monday 17 November.
From new homes in Ballyclare to rural developments being turned down, it was a busy meeting with decisions that will affect several local areas.
🏠 New Housing Developments: What Was Approved?
✅ Ballyclare – New Homes at Rashee Road
Outline planning permission was approved for a residential development at 19 Rashee Road and nearby land.
The proposal passed unanimously
This means homes can be built here, but detailed plans will still need approval later
Why it matters:
This is another step toward easing housing demand in Ballyclare, though the final layout and design aren’t set yet.
✅ Hillhead Road, Ballyclare – Two Dwellings Approved
A renewal application for two houses and garages to the rear of 122 Hillhead Road was also approved unanimously.
Why it matters:
This was a previously approved site, and councillors were satisfied it still met planning policy.
✅ Glengormley – Loft Conversion Given the Green Light
A roofspace conversion with a dormer window at 16 Farmley Crescent was approved without objection.
Why it matters:
This is good news for homeowners looking to extend rather than move — and shows smaller, sensible extensions are still being supported.
🚫 Rural Developments: Several Refusals
A strong theme of the night was protecting rural areas from unsuitable development.
❌ Crumlin – Stables and Sand Paddock Refused
Plans for domestic stables and a sand paddock at 20 Dundesert Road were refused.
Councillors agreed the proposal:
Was not essential in a rural location
Would stand out visually in the landscape
Relied too heavily on new landscaping to “blend in”
Why it matters:
This reinforces the council’s stance on preventing countryside sprawl and preserving rural character.
❌ Muckamore – Farm Dwelling Refused
An application for a dwelling near Seven Mile Straight was refused because:
It didn’t cluster with existing farm buildings
Access arrangements weren’t suitable
Why it matters:
Even farm-related housing must meet strict criteria — being on farmland alone isn’t enough.
❌ Muckamore – Standalone House Refused
Another application nearby was also refused after councillors decided it:
Was not part of an existing cluster
Didn’t qualify as a “gap site”
Raised concerns around wildlife and habitats
⏸️ Decisions Put on Hold (Deferred)
⏳ Newtownabbey – Ballyclare Road Extension Deferred
An application at 362 Ballyclare Road for a garage and extended curtilage wasn’t approved or refused — instead, it was deferred for two months.
Councillors want planners and the applicant to:
Discuss the reasons for refusal
Explore whether a revised, more acceptable proposal can be brought back
Why it matters:
This shows flexibility — not every “no” is final if changes can be made.
⏳ Toomebridge – Decision Delayed
A proposed dwelling near Loughbeg Road was deferred for one month to allow the applicant a chance to speak directly to the committee.
💰 Council Finances: Planning Department Underspends
The Planning and Economic Development department reported a £258,000 underspend for April–September 2025.
Why it matters:
This suggests the department is operating within budget — something taxpayers usually welcome.
⚖️ Planning Appeals: Mixed Results
Several planning appeals were reviewed:
Two appeals dismissed (council decisions upheld)
Three appeals allowed, including:
A 12-apartment scheme in Ballyclare
Improvements at Jordanstown Railway Halt
Why it matters:
Not all council decisions stand up at appeal — and these outcomes can influence future planning decisions.
🏗️ Big Development on the Horizon: Ballyearl Business Park
A Proposal of Application Notice was noted for a large warehouse and distribution facility at Ballyearl Business Park.
This is not a planning approval, but the start of a required community consultation process.
Why it matters:
Residents will have a chance to engage before a formal application is submitted.
🌬️ Offshore Wind Farm Consultation
Councillors discussed a major offshore wind farm planned off the Dublin and Wicklow coast.
While no objection was raised, the council asked for:
Aviation safety checks (via Belfast International Airport)
Marine ecology input
🐦 A Nice Local Win: Swift Conservation
The council approved attendance at an international conservation conference, recognising Antrim & Newtownabbey’s leadership in protecting swifts.
Why it matters:
It highlights positive local action on biodiversity — including swift bricks and nesting sites across public buildings.
Final Thoughts
This meeting showed a clear pattern:
Support for sensible housing, especially in towns
Strong resistance to inappropriate rural development
Willingness to pause and reconsider rather than rush decisions
If you live near any of the sites mentioned, it’s worth keeping an eye on future meetings especially where decisions were deferred or appeals are ongoing.
Source: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council