Last night’s Environmental Committee meeting of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council was marked by frustration over significant delays in auctioning concessionary trading sites due to planning permission issues.

Aidan McPeake, Director of Environmental Services, updated the committee, revealing that out of 29 lots up for auction, four were withdrawn due to a lack of planning permission. "Once they have planning permission, we will re-auction those," McPeake assured. Additionally, a few lots went unsold and will be re-auctioned at the next opportunity.

The sites withdrawn were West Strand Car Park in Portrush, Portaneevy Car Park in Ballintoy and Forest Car Park in Garvagh.

Alderman John McAuley expressed his exasperation, stating, "It's unfortunate we find ourselves in this position, which was quite predictable." He criticised the lack of foresight back in March when he proposed measures to cover all eventualities.

Alderman McAuley further highlighted the potential loss of the summer trading season due to council recess and planning delays. "We're certainly not going to get value for money auctioning off ice cream sites in October," he remarked. "Decisions made in this chamber have resulted in the ratepayers losing."

He went on to say, "We're not in committee here, so it's now in the public domain, and this is going to make this council look like a laughingstock."

The Director noted that contentious planning applications recommended for refusal would not be addressed this month, pushing potential auctions to mid or late September. 

The delay raised concerns among committee members about missing the vital summer trading season.

Councillor Darryl Wilson requested details on the auction results, while Councillor Lee Kane called for better preparation for future auctions, expressing sympathy for the affected traders. Councillor Margaret Anne McKillop questioned why the applications were deemed contentious after such a lengthy consideration period.

The Director attributed the delay to political sensitivity during the election period, influencing the decision to postpone addressing these applications.

Councillor Brenda Chivers requested that Denise Dickson, Head of Planning, attend the full Council meeting to provide further details. Councillor Richard Holmes proposed that the Senior Management Team (SMT) discuss the matter, with the Chief Executive considering the committee's views.

The Director clarified that the rescinding motion doesn't prevent further proposals, provided they are not identical to the original. 

It was suggested that a more detailed discussion of legal advice might be necessary in a committee session.

The meeting concluded in committee with plans to discuss further details at the full council meeting at the end of the month.

Trading sites are public information and can be viewed by clicking here.