Planning permission has been granted for a new sports and community hub at Roger Casement GAC in Portglenone.

The scheme at Gortgole Road includes a two-storey pavilion with training space, changing rooms, meeting rooms, a hall, health and fitness suites, kitchen and dining areas.

It will also deliver a floodlit 4G playing field, spectator terraces, a children's play park, 102 new parking spaces and road upgrades including a new access onto Lovers Lane.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council planners confirmed the proposal meets local policy and noted a flood risk assessment showed only marginal overlap with the floodplain.

Councillors voted 6-1 to approve the application at last week's planning committee meeting.

Alderman Robert Logan described the scheme as good news for Portglenone. Alderman Reuben Glover asked about a memorial garden previously proposed for the site; a consultant confirmed it has been replaced by the play park.

Councillor Jackson Minford raised pedestrian safety concerns near the site and called for a footpath extension, but was told the council could not amend the plans during this decision.