SD23A/0335
Expansion of the existing National Basketball Arena by means of the demolition of the existing structure for the construction of a new multi-functional facility comprising of, main hail sized to allow for 4 full size basketball courts; Deployable seating for a FIBA International Rated basketball court with a capacity for 3272 spectators; all with changing and sanitary facilities to match; Entrance Foyer with access to ancillary café/shops; sports' governing-body offices; Corporate facilities with 1st floor roof terrace and with related kitchen; Gym; staff areas, and associated storage & maintenance facilities; This is to be housed in a part single! part two storey/part three storey structure with a gross internal area of c.7913.3 sq.m, with a projecting canopy along North and East elevations; The Main Hall has a gross floor area of c.2,934 sq.m designed to flexibly accommodate a range of activities/sports; The overall primary dimensions of the proposed structure are c.89m by c.59m (with various projections/ recesses) and a primary height of c.12.70m. (with variations down to c 5.50m); Permission is also sought for carpark area with 260 staff and visitor car parking spaces; Coach parking; bicycle parking; ancillary services area; drainage works; landscaping works including paving, planting, earth mounding, and SuDs; Canopy mounted signage and associated site development works on a site area of 1.713 Ha.
Core Reason for the Refused Part
Refusal of non-sporting uses due to potential traffic hazards, inadequate junction capacity at Castletymon Road, and insufficient assessment of trip generation for large-scale events.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The intensification of use for non-sporting events such as exams, concerts, and conferences would likely result in a traffic hazard due to the limited capacity of the existing junction at Castletymon Road to cater for such volumes.
- The applicant failed to comply with procedural requirements regarding site notices, failing to adequately inform the public of the proposed development at key access points to Tymon Park.
- The proposal lacks sufficient detail and mitigation strategies regarding sustainable transport infrastructure, ecological protection for protected species (bats and badgers), and mandatory Green Space Factor (GSF) scoring.