Plans for a 3G pitch at Portrush’s Parker Avenue playing fields have been submitted to the NI Planning Portal.

The application is for the Sports Pavillion, 53a Parker Avenue, Portrush.

Planning permission is sought for “the removal of the existing natural grass pitch surface with the installation of an artificial 3G pitch playing surface which will be constructed to match the existing site levels.

"The existing pitch footprint will be retained with no alterations to the existing perimeter fencing to pitch, floodlighting, access arrangements or parking provisions.”

placeholder image — Playing pitch at Parker Avenue, looking north east with nearby residential dwellings on Ballywillan Road. CREDIT PLANNING STATEMENT

The applicant, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said in a Planning Statement: “The site forms part of an established recreational and sports facility within the urban area. The site is bounded by residential properties along surrounding streets including Parker Avenue, Skerrybeg Avenue, Skerrymore Place and Oakland Avenue.

"The facility currently includes an existing natural grass football pitch, floodlighting columns, perimeter fencing, a pavilion building, existing car parking facilities and established access arrangements. The site is currently used for football training and recreational sport.

“The development will deliver significant community and sporting benefits including improved durability of the playing surface, reduced maintenance requirements, and increased availability for training and recreational use throughout the year.

“The proposed development represents a modest upgrade to an existing sports facility through the installation of a 3G synthetic football pitch. The development retains the existing pitch footprint, maintains existing access and parking arrangements and introduces no additional buildings or significant structures.

"The proposal therefore has minimal visual or environmental impact while delivering enhanced sporting facilities for the local community.”