Galgorm residents are being urged to have their say on a major proposed development in Galgorm that many believe would change the character of the local area.

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Residents in the Galgorm and wider Ballymena area are being urged to have their say on controversial plans by the Irish Football Association (IFA) to develop a major National Football Centre in the area.

Whilst the published deadline for the neighbour consultation on the major proposal expired on Friday (15th May), the council have now confirmed that they will be accepting representation throughout the process until determination.

This means that residents can still have their say via the Northern Ireland Planning Portal.

The proposed development, which has been submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, would see a large-scale National Football Centre constructed on a 50-acre rural site near Galgorm and Cullybackey.

Plans include for six pitches, stands, floodlights, changing, administration, catering and other associated football facilities for thousands of people.

Local residents opposed to the plans say the scale of the proposed development could fundamentally alter the character of the rural area and are encouraging people to review the application and submit their views.

Campaigners say concerns include the potential impact on traffic, noise, lighting, environmental issues and the broader transformation of the local landscape.

A spokesperson for local residents said: “This is one of the most significant planning applications ever proposed for this area and it has the potential to permanently change the character of Galgorm and the surrounding countryside.

“Whatever people’s views on football, residents deserve the opportunity to fully consider what this development could mean for their community in the years ahead.

“The official date for the neighbour consultation has expired but the council planning office has confirmed that it will continue accepting representation right up to determination.

"We would strongly encourage anyone with concerns about the scale, location or impact of this proposal who hasn’t done so already to review the plans and submit their comments through the planning portal.”

Residents wishing to comment on the application can do so via the Northern Ireland Planning Portal at: https://planningregister.planningsystemni.gov.uk/application/709049

Further information and campaign updates are also available from Right Facility, Wrong Location: https://rightfacility-wronglocation.co.uk/