Councillors approve Slemish Market Garden expansion at Ecos in Ballymena

Slemish Market Garden, Ballymena

A planning application for the retention of a farm shop, car park extension and change of use of an existing office and former retail unit to storage in Ballymena has been approved by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee.

Members granted permission at a meeting on Thursday (February 26) for works at Slemish Market Garden, located within the grounds of the Ecos Nature Park at Kernohan’s Lane.

The approval also covers a new shop extension, a new polytunnel to replace one damaged during a storm, and the retention of two existing polytunnels and sheds.

A planning officer told the committee that the land is owned by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and that the application is partly retrospective, seeking to regularise a number of structures already in place, as well as an extended car park.

He noted that part of the car park extension lies within the flood plain.

The officer explained that the applicant had stated a town centre site would not be “suitable or viable”, as growing produce on site requires polytunnels and several acres of land. No town centre location could provide the same type of operation.

He said:

“The unique selling point of this market garden shop is that they then sell on the site and it is considered that it could not be met anywhere else within the settlement boundary.

“Having considered this information and the modest size of the retail offering, it was considered that this proposal would not be suitable within the town centre. It does meet a need and would not significantly impact on any town centre within the catchment of the proposal.”

The officer added:

“Given the use of the site is established and the proposal is seeking to regularise some of the existing development, in addition to a small retail extension, it is considered that the open space policy has been complied with and there has been no significant impact on the open space provision.”

He confirmed that the existing access will be retained and that there is adequate parking and servicing within the site. DfI Roads (Department for Infrastructure) has raised no objections.

He further advised that flood risk is assessed by DfI Rivers and that an exception to policy can apply in cases of non-residential minor development.

A previous car park had already been approved at the site, and the scale of the extension falls within the threshold for minor development, which can be considered an exception for development within a flood plain.

The planning department, he said, is “satisfied as this meets policy”, but stressed that no further development should take place within the flood plain at this site.

Larne Lough DUP Alderman Paul Reid said he had concerns regarding existing buildings and works at the site. He was advised that these have been in place since 2021.

He commented:

“I am very concerned about giving planning permission to an area that is within a flood risk because there could be liability on this council if we know it falls within a flood plain.”

Members were told that DfI Rivers is content with the “level of risk” associated with the car park.

Ald Reid asked that a “very strict condition be put on that there would be absolutely no further extension of the car park” without the matter returning to the council chamber.

Bannside DUP Alderman Tom Gordon proposed accepting the recommendation to approve. The proposal was seconded by Coast Road Sinn Féin Councillor James McKeown, and following a vote, permission was granted unanimously.