Latest news with #BernieCrossan
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Glamping park that lights up like landing strip is ‘field of nightmares', neighbours claim
A glamping park that has been branded a 'field of nightmares' and the local 'landing strip' by neighbours is being investigated by the council. Cotters Park, in Randalstown, Northern Ireland, was originally pitched to officials as an eco-friendly food-tourism venue, The Telegraph was told. However, neighbours have decried the destination as a 'noisy party venue' and 'field of nightmares', with locals claiming they are 'regularly subject to noise nuisance and light pollution incidents from the site, including from hen parties'. The self-styled Residents Opposed to Cotters Park are now fighting to close the site, with neighbours telling The Telegraph that 'nothing has been done to rein this in'. Antrim and Newtownabbey borough council is now investigating, with a spokesman confirming the site 'remains under enforcement investigation'. 'The council does not provide specific details of the investigation or information on any course of action as it may have an adverse impact upon any legal proceedings. A planning application is currently under consideration,' the spokesman added. Speaking to The Telegraph, the Alliance Party MLA John Blair said: 'I originally supported this application when the developer sold it as an eco-theme. 'Some people who live in the area have compared this to having Love Island in the countryside, which I as a local representative had never expected to see in the areas around Randalstown and Toome.' He added that his message to the owners of Cotters Park was to 'rethink everything that has been done there, to immediately take on board all of the concerns raised by a large proportion of local residents'. In a press release seen by The Telegraph, the opposition group member Bernie Crossan said: 'We now need the local council to intervene as soon as possible to end this nightmare.' A Cotters Park spokesman said that the site was located on 'family farmland' and added: 'Cotters Park's ethos is of environmental stewardship and in response to ecology report recommendations has made significant investment in red-bulbed, low-wattage, hooded lighting and in the installation of owl, bird and bat nesting vegetation that has enhanced the biodiversity value of the site to local habitat and wildlife. 'Cotters Park is committed to operating responsibly, complying with all statutory processes and engaging with the council and community to ensure the sustainability of this rural business in the area.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
BBC News
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cotters Park: Glamping site 'a field of nightmares' for residents
A County Antrim 'glamping' site is under investigation by a local council following allegations it has breached planning Park, near Randalstown, was pitched to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as "a back-to-nature, sustainable" food-tourism people living nearby have described it as a "noisy party venue" and a "field of nightmares".A Cotters Park spokesperson said they "completed a robust planning process" and that they are "facilitating environmentally responsible" tourism for the area. The owners of Cotters Park had originally pitched a 'food-tourism concept' where visitors could attend cookery demonstration nights hosted by local chefs.A planning statement said guests would get an "opportunity to sample local produce" and "purchase produce from the local farm shop".However, since opening in December 2023, it has hosted hen parties, a wedding and other events with DJs, bands and live were not listed as potential uses in the original planning application and Cotters Park did not deny they had taken place when asked by BBC media posts offered "catering, entertainment, bar services etc" but Cotters Park didn't have an entertainment licence.A cabin was also built in the middle of an island on the site which the developer said would "remain intact" for the benefit of cabin was promoted on social media as "a bar and events space" or "party room on the island".Residents say it at times adopted "a Love Island theme". The Residents Opposed to Cotters Park group said: "What has been built bears little or no resemblance to what planning permission was granted in terms of scale and usage".The site was given planning permission for six pods and a welcome centre but there are currently seven pods available as accommodation on are also saunas, hot tubs and other units which were not originally Park is applying for retrospective planning permission to retain those. Neighbours have also compared the site to an airport's landing strip and say its festooned lights are having "a significant adverse impact on the rural character of the area".They have complained that neon lights on the front of cabins are having an impact on Ecological Impact Assessment published in February found "the numbers of bats and levels of activity have declined dramatically..."This is due in large part to the current amenity lighting arrangements, which are unsatisfactory," the report said. 'A living nightmare' Bernie Crossan is a member of the local opposition group and said the developer "has engaged in virtually unconstrained development of the site, far beyond the planning permission that was granted"."The facility has turned into a living nightmare for many local residents who have lived in the area for many years," Ms Crossan said."We now need the local Council to intervene as soon as possible to end this nightmare," she and Newtownabbey Borough Council confirmed the site remains under enforcement investigation.A spokesperson added: "The council takes all matters of enforcement seriously and cannot provide specific details of the investigation... as it may have an adverse impact upon any legal proceedings." Local politician 'somewhat misled' The Alliance Party MLA John Blair previously supported the development but said he feels "somewhat misled" about its intended use."Clearly, what has transpired is very different to what was promised to me at the outset," he told BBC News NI."Neon lights, party themes, music on site and light pollution are far removed from what I expected. In addition, an island, originally highlighted to me as a nature feature, has now been built upon."Mr Blair said the development "is neither suitable or proportionate in terms of sustainable rural development and rural economy". 'Committed to environmental stewardship' A Cotters Park spokesperson said they "completed a robust planning process"."The council conducted an inspection of Cotters Park and found that permitted cabins comply with planning approval and Caravan Act requirements. Cotters Park is engaged with the council on a further planning application for the site," they added."Historic social media references to bar, events or party space at the site have been removed and a liquor license is not required as alcohol is not supplied at Cotters Park."Cotters Park said they have now installed "red bulbed, low-wattage and hooded lighting to enhance wildlife and bat activity in the area".The spokesperson added that Cotters Park is committed to environmental stewardship and that they have invested in ways to support local habitat including the installation of owl, bird and bat nesting."Ecology reports confirm that hedgerows, pond and other vegetation of considerable biodiversity value and conservation importance have been retained and enhanced at greater value to wildlife at the site."The spokesperson added: "Drinks packages are not offered at Cotters Park and there is a Noise Management Plan in place at the site."
