Galgorm Castle padel courts granted five-year planning approval

The enclosed outdoor padel courts opened last Autumn at Galgorm Castle.

Two padel courts already operating at Galgorm Castle have been granted retrospective planning permission, with the five-year approval requiring the development to be reconsidered in 2031.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council approved the application for the enclosed outdoor courts and surrounding surfacing within the grounds of Galgorm Castle Golf Club after assessing their impact on the historic estate and the natural environment.

The planning process found that works associated with the development had resulted in a “significant impact on natural heritage interests” through the loss of woodland habitat. However, environmental officials accepted proposals to create and maintain 0.14 hectares of new native woodland as adequate compensation.

Five-year temporary approval

The two courts were announced by Galgorm Collection in September last year as part of a £300,000 investment bringing the rapidly growing racket sport to Ballymena.

The retrospective application sought temporary permission for the development, which sits around 100 metres west of the golf clubhouse at 202 Galgorm Road.

Each enclosed court forms part of a development covering approximately 600 square metres, with the structures reaching around 10.5 metres in height.

Council planners have now approved the courts for a limited five-year period, with permission expiring on 29 June 2031. The condition will allow the council to reconsider the development in light of circumstances at that time.

No objections or representations were received during consideration of the application.

Woodland impact examined

One of the main issues scrutinised during the planning process was the effect of the development on the surrounding natural environment.

The site had previously formed part of a wider woodland area, which planners noted provides habitat for wildlife including bats, birds, badgers and invertebrates.

The council’s planning report states:

“The works have had a significant impact on natural heritage interests in this area.”

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Natural Environment Division initially sought additional information before accepting mitigation proposed by the applicant.

Plans provide for the planting and maintenance of a 0.14-hectare area of native woodland to the west of the padel courts, on land currently consisting of improved lawn grassland beside existing woodland.

Environmental officials concluded that the landscaping proposals could provide adequate compensation for the previous loss of woodland habitat and that, on the information submitted, the development was unlikely to have a significant impact on natural heritage features or designated sites.

Lighting has also been designed to limit ecological disturbance. According to the planning assessment, lighting is contained within the canopy and is directional, with shields intended to prevent upward or outward spill and keep illumination below one lux on neighbouring trees and vegetation.

Historic Galgorm Castle setting

The location also required consideration because the courts sit within the grounds of the Grade A-listed Galgorm Castle estate, where a number of other listed buildings are located.

The development affects the setting of the Grade B1-listed Gatekeeper/Head Ploughman’s House, also known as the Round House.

Historic Environment Division examined the proposal and advised that it was content with the development subject to temporary permission.

Planners noted that the courts are surrounded on three sides by mature trees and vegetation, limiting views of the structures primarily to the golf club access.

The council ultimately concluded that the development satisfactorily integrates into the surrounding landscape and does not create a prominent or obtrusive feature.

Noise, parking and neighbouring properties

The assessment also considered whether the additional sporting activity could adversely affect people living nearby.

Planners concluded that significant noise impacts were not anticipated because of the distance from the nearest homes and the established recreational use of the Galgorm Castle site.

Existing access arrangements will remain unchanged, while the council considered the parking already available at the golf club sufficient to accommodate the development.

The courts opened as padel rapidly expanded in popularity across Northern Ireland and internationally. The sport combines elements of tennis and squash and is generally played by four players on an enclosed court where the surrounding walls form part of the game.

When the Ballymena development was announced last year, Galgorm Collection said the courts would operate on a pay-and-play basis without requiring membership, adding another sporting facility alongside Galgorm Castle’s golf course, academy, pitch-and-putt and driving range.

The retrospective approval means the existing courts can remain in place until June 2031, with the compensatory woodland planting forming an important part of the environmental measures accepted during the planning process. At the end of that temporary period, any continued retention of the development would require the planning position to be considered again.