Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council granted planning permission on Monday for upgrades to sports facilities at the Ballyclare Rugby Club site on Doagh Road. The 12-hectare site will receive synthetic pitches, new floodlighting, and a canopy over a cricket training area as part of a £3.5 million project named The Cloughan Project.

Planning officer Alicia Leathem outlined the changes, which include converting the rugby pitch to a 3G multi-sports surface with 10-metre ball-stop netting behind the goals and floodlights raised from 12 to 15 metres. The hockey pitch will become a 2G surface with eight collapsible 15-metre floodlights. A 47.2 by 18.3 metre canopy, 6.5 metres high, will cover the cricket training area, enclosed by a three-metre boundary fence.

Leathem stated that the upgrades align with typical sports facility designs and layouts. The council received one objection letter citing concerns over ecology and residential amenity from floodlighting.

Conditions limit floodlight use to 10pm. Access arrangements remain unchanged, with extra traffic confined to rugby club event periods.

A committee report noted Ballyclare Rugby Club's research confirming the need for enhanced facilities in the area.

Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Cosgrove proposed approval, seconded by Airport DUP Councillor Matthew Magill. Five councillors voted in favour and one against.

Ballyclare Rugby Club stated the approval follows years of work by its volunteer committee, supported by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Sport NI. The club highlighted unanimous political and community backing and the demand for facilities serving schools, other clubs, and residents of all ages.