Ballyholland GAA club plan gets Council OK despite environmental concerns

Major development plans for a South Down GAA club have been given the green light despite environmental concerns.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) planning committee signed off on the plans for Ballyholland Harps GAC on Wednesday (May 15).

However, elected reps heard that the council had received multiple emails from persons not named in chambers, calling for the application be removed.

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Elected members were told that those opposed to the development were concerned that “flood lights and noise” from the grounds would have a “detrimental impact on protected species in nearby boglands”.

One objector was identified in chambers as Friends of the Earth director, James Orr who made a phone call to the council to air his concerns. Wednesday’s meeting also heard that there have been claims the plan has been recommended for approval for “political reasons”.

Committee chairperson, Sinn Féin's Declan Murphy noted the non-attendance of objectors, who had speaking rights and progressed the application, which had been “submitted in 2020” and faced a number of delays.

A council officer said: “Although all documents were transferred on to the planning portal, it became apparent that some documentation had not been published and immediate steps were taken by the department to ensure this was completed.

“Having reviewed this application we believe that all necessary steps have been taken and made publicly available and a reasonable length of time has passed to enable members of the public to review this information.

“An objector has said the planning department seems to have removed itself from addressing issues raised and is leaving the responsibility to the council to make a decision.

“There are concerns (from the objector) of political reasons for why this application has been pushed for approval and a decision has already been predetermined. The planning department do not make any comment on this. The department sees no reason why this application should be removed and all matters have been fully addressed.”

The plans for Ballyholland GAC include a full size training pitch and a multi-use games area with associated lighting.

Architect, Dermot O’Hagan spoke in support of the application, saying: “Ballyholland Harps is a very successful GAA club, it has hundreds of members and provides huge benefit to the local community, and this is a much needed facility.

“In terms of objections raised, the lighting levels do comply to zoning and GAA standards for football, camogie and hurling. There is also a condition, if approval is granted, that the lights be switched off in any case by 9pm.

“Other aspects raised on environment and ecology, has seen intensive scrutiny and consultation between ourselves and the various statutory agencies.

“We have produced a very detailed construction, environmental management plan, which details how the facility can be constructed without any adverse effects and that report has been scrutinised and accepted by the various agencies. The development not only fits in well in its surroundings, but enhances it as well.”

The recommendation for approval was proposed by Crotlieve SDLP cllr, Declan McAteer and supported by the full chamber of elected reps in attendance.

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