New toilet block approved for Brown’s Bay eight years after arson attack

Browns Bay, County Antrim

Planning permission has been granted for a new toilet block at Brown’s Bay, Islandmagee — eight years after an arson attack destroyed the previous facility.

The decision was made at September’s meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee.

The new block will include male and female toilets, an accessible toilet, a Changing Places facility, a baby changing area, a store, and two external showers.

The development will be located in the car park at Brown’s Bay Road, opposite the beach, and has been proposed by the borough council.

Elevations of new Amenties Block at Brown’s Bay, County Antrim

Floor plan of new Amenties Block at Brown’s Bay, County Antrim

A committee report noted that a “temporary container-type structure housing public toilets has been in place following a fire which destroyed a previous public toilet block on the site.”

The former toilet block had to be demolished after being damaged beyond repair in the 2017 arson attack.

According to the Planning Committee report, there are “no proposed alterations to the existing parking layout as part of this proposal.” The Department for Infrastructure Roads raised no objections.

The report added that the site is approximately 80 metres from the beach and that the new facility “would not have an adverse visual impact.” It continued: “The scale and massing of the proposed building would allow it to satisfactorily integrate into the local landscape.”

Site location plan for new Amenties Block at Brown’s Bay, County Antrim.

Committee member Larne Lough Alderman Paul Reid said:

“It is an area that a lot of people go to and if you go down any weekend, you will see people in Brown’s Bay. I am happy to propose we go ahead.”

Bannside Ulster Unionist Councillor Jackson Minford welcomed the inclusion of the Changing Places facility — fully accessible toilets designed for disabled users, equipped with a hoist, curtain, benches and space for one or two carers.

Cllr Minford also noted that there is currently no pedestrian route into the car park.

“There is vehicle access but no pedestrian provision. Can that be included?” he asked.

Planning officer Henry McAlister replied:

“I don’t see any reason why a separate proposal can’t be put forward to provide pedestrian access into the site.”

Planning permission was granted unanimously.