New public fishing pond planned for Co Antrim countryside

Sunday 20 September 2026

Plans have been lodged for a new recreational fishing pond near Ballymoney which would be open to the general public and work with local groups and charities to provide access to what developers describe as a “calming outdoor hobby”.

The proposal is for land approximately 250 metres south-west of 63 Glenstall Road, outside Ballymoney, and also includes an ancillary toilet and storage building.

Planning documents say the facility would be fully accessible for people with disabilities and would make use of an existing laneway serving the site.

Outdoor recreation for the public

Planning drawing showing proposed recreational fishing pond planned in rural North Antrim

A Design, Access and Planning Statement submitted with the application says:

“The proposed recreational fishing pond will provide outdoor recreation for the general public, working with local groups and charities to provide access to a calming outdoor hobby.”

The site is currently an agricultural field surrounded by mature vegetation and lies in the open countryside, outside any development limit. Balnamore is identified as the nearest settlement, approximately 1.8 kilometres to the south-east.

According to the planning statement, the pond would be screened from public viewpoints by the existing topography and vegetation, which is to be retained.

Impact on surrounding countryside

The applicant’s planning agent argues that the development would not adversely affect nature conservation, archaeology or built heritage and would result in no loss of the best agricultural land.

The statement says:

“The proposal can be readily absorbed into the landscape by utilising existing natural boundaries and the topography of the land, and is located away from neighbouring properties to ensure amenity isn’t negatively impacted.”

It adds that the site’s long-established mature boundaries would be retained, while existing ground levels would be used to minimise the need for extensive cutting or filling.

Toilet and storage building included

Proposed toilet and storage building

A small utility building providing toilet and storage facilities forms part of the plans. It has been designed with what the planning statement describes as a traditional scale and finish appropriate for a rural building.

The planning agent also maintains that the development would not prejudice public safety, while Glenstall Road is neither an arterial nor protected route and is capable of accommodating the additional traffic generated by the facility.

The application, reference LA01/2026/0950/F, is now before Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for consideration. The proposal has not yet been granted planning permission.