Glampers Beware: Residents Call Site a “Field of Nightmares”
A county council in County Antrim is looking into a glamping location after claims surfaced that it violated planning regulations.
Cotters Park, located close to Randalstown, was proposed to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as a “back-to-nature, sustainable” destination for food tourism.
However, residents in the vicinity have referred to it as a “loud party location” and a “nightmare field.”
A representative from A Cotters Park stated that they have “carried out an extensive planning process,” and they aim to “promote environmentally conscious” tourism in the region.
The proprietors of Cotters Park initially proposed a ‘culinary tourism idea,’ which involved hosting cooking demo evenings led by nearby culinary experts for guests.
A planning document stated that visitors would have the chance to taste regional products and buy goods from the nearby farm store.
Since its inauguration in December 2023, it has been home to bridal showers, weddings, and various gatherings featuring DJs, bands, and live performances.
These activities were not included as possible uses in the initial planning application, and Cotters Park did not refute them occurring when questioned by LIFEHACKNI.
Posts on social media advertised “catering, entertainment, bar services, etc.,” however, Cotters Park lacked an entertainment license.
A cabin was constructed at the center of an island within the development area, with the developer stating that it would “stay undisturbed” for the sake of local wildlife.
The cabin was advertised on social media as a “bar and event venue” or “partying area on the island.”
Locals sometimes say it embraced a “Love Island theme.”
The Residents Against Cotters Park organization stated: “The construction completed hardly resembles what was approved in terms of size and purpose.”
The site received approval for six pods and a welcome center, yet there are presently seven pods serving as accommodations onsite.
Additionally, there are saunas, hot tubs, and other facilities that were not initially authorized.
Cotters Park is seeking approval for retroactive planning permissions to keep those.
Neighbors have likened the location to an airport runway and mention that the brightly lit decorations are considerably diminishing the region’s rustic ambiance.
They have expressed concerns that the neon lights installed at the fronts of the cabins are affecting wildlife.
A study on ecological impact released in February revealed that “there has been a significant decrease in both the number of bats and their level of activity…”
The report stated that this largely stems from the inadequate present conditions of amenity lighting.
‘A living nightmare’
Bernie Crossan, who belongs to the local opposition group, stated that the developer has carried out nearly unrestricted development of the area, greatly exceeding the planning permissions that were approved.
“The establishment has become a nightmarish reality for numerous long-term local inhabitants,” stated Ms. Crossan.
She emphasized that we urgently require the local Council’s intervention to bring an end to this torment.
The Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has stated that the location is still undergoing an enforcement inquiry.
A representative further stated: “The council treats all aspects of enforcement with seriousness and is unable to share particular details regarding the investigation… as doing so might adversely affect potential legal actions.”
Local politician ‘somewhat misled’
The Alliance Party MLA John Blair had formerly backed the project but expressed that he now feels “misinformed” regarding its planned purpose.
“As evident, what has occurred significantly deviates from what was initially promised to me,” he stated to LIFEHACKNews NI.
Neon lighting, themed parties, live music, and light pollution are completely different from my expectations. Furthermore, an island that was advertised to me as a natural attraction has now been developed.
Mr Blair stated that the development “does not align with sustainable rural development and rural economic goals as it lacks suitability and proportionality.”
‘Committed to environmental stewardship’
A representative from Cotters Park stated that they “carried out an extensive planning process.”
The council carried out an assessment at Cotters Park and determined that the authorized cabins meet both the planning consent conditions and the stipulations set forth by the Caravan Act. They also mentioned that Cotters Park is collaborating with the council regarding another planning submission for the location.
Past social media mentions of bars, events, or party spaces at the location have been taken down, and a liquor license is unnecessary since alcohol isn’t provided at Cotters Park.
Cotters Park stated that they have recently installed “lighting with red bulbs, low wattage, and hoods to increase wildlife and bat activity in the vicinity.”
The representative further stated that Cotters Park is dedicated to environmental responsibility and has made investments to aid local habitats through the placement of owl boxes, birdhouses, and bat nests.
Eco-studies verify that hedgerows, ponds, and other plant life with significant ecological diversity and conservation significance have been preserved and improved upon, offering increased benefits for wildlife within the area.
The representative further stated: “Cotters Park does not provide drink packages, and there is aNoise Management Plan established at the location.”