Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council deferred a decision on an annual indoor entertainment licence for Cotters Park glamping site on Clonkeen Road between Randalstown and Toomebridge. The Operations Committee made the decision at Antrim Civic Centre on Monday evening.

The licence covers dancing, singing, music and similar activities in a communal welcome building on the lake from 2pm to 1am Thursday to Sunday for up to 31 persons. Council planning permission for the site was granted in August last year, including glamping pods, the communal building, saunas, parking and landscaping. Planners received 273 letters of support.

Council officers recommended approval, noting compliance with planning permission and installation of noise monitoring devices to alert management if levels exceed limits. The application includes a noise management plan, acoustic report and site rules.

Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown first proposed refusal, seconded by Dunsilly Alderman Linda Clarke. Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster raised concerns about policing the hours and managing site numbers, though he noted management controls. Macedon Alliance Councillor Billy Webb MBE queried procedure.

An officer advised deferral to the next meeting for applicant representation, based on legal advice. Councillor Archibald-Brown then proposed deferral, seconded by Councillor Foster.