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 control.

Cotters Park, near Randalstown, was pitched to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as “a back-to-nature, sustainable” food-tourism destination.

But 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 music.

These 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 NI.

Social 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 wildlife.

That 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 site.

There are also saunas, hot tubs and other units which were not originally approved.

Cotters 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 wildlife.

An 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.

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 added.

Antrim 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.”

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”.

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.”