A planning application has been submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a new National Football Centre on agricultural land near Galgorm.

The Irish Football Association proposal covers a 50-acre site between Fenaghy Road and the Belfast to Londonderry railway line.

Plans include six football pitches, three of which would be floodlit, plus spectator stands, training facilities, changing rooms, a gym, administration buildings, media facilities, catering areas and extensive car parking.

The centre is intended to serve Northern Ireland men's, women's and youth squads as a national training base, with additional provision for community use.

Local residents have submitted objections focusing on traffic increases, noise, lighting and changes to the rural character of the area around Galgorm and Cullybackey.

The council is accepting public comments through the Northern Ireland Planning Portal until a decision is made.