Education Authority applies for single-storey extension at Millburn Primary
Plans have been lodged to extend Millburn Primary School in Coleraine, with the Education Authority (EA) Northern Ireland proposing a single-storey addition to provide specialist educational accommodation.
The planning application, submitted to the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council planning portal, relates to the primary school premises at 2 Greenaway Drive. The EA’s application form confirms that works have not already started and that the proposal is intended as a permanent, rather than temporary, addition to the school’s facilities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Applicant | Education Authority Northern Ireland |
| Location | Millburn Primary School, 2 Greenaway Drive, Coleraine |
| Proposal | Single-storey extension for specialist educational accommodation |
| Parking | No increase in required parking spaces |
| Access | Via existing public road (unaltered) |
| Water and drainage | Connection to mains sewer |
| Current status | Application to be considered by Council Planning Committee |
Local impact and issues for consideration
The application will now proceed to the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Planning Committee for formal consideration. While the proposals are described as not requiring additional parking and as using existing access arrangements, local councillors and residents will be likely to scrutinise how the extension might affect traffic, pupil safety at peak drop-off and pick-up times, and the capacity of nearby roads.
School expansions often prompt close attention from parents and neighbours. Questions that typically arise include whether the additional accommodation will change pupil numbers or staffing levels, how the building work will be managed to minimise disruption to lessons, and what measures will be taken to safeguard children during construction. The application form specifically states there will be no change in the number of residential units and that the access route will not be altered.
Why the extension matters
Specialist accommodation can cover a range of needs, from sensory or therapeutic spaces to rooms for small-group teaching or enhanced resource provision. For families with children who require tailored support, such facilities can be an important improvement to the school experience and inclusion. The EA’s decision to seek a permanent, single-storey extension — rather than temporary modular classrooms — signals an intention to provide a lasting resource at the school site.
At the same time, any alteration to school infrastructure in a town centre setting requires balancing educational benefits with the realities of local infrastructure. Planning officers and councillors will consider traffic assessments, access arrangements, and any potential impact on neighbours before making a recommendation to the committee.
Next steps and how residents can respond
The planning application will be published on the council’s planning portal, where members of the public can view the submitted documents and, if they wish, comment formally. Responses from statutory consultees, such as roads or environmental health departments, will also inform the council’s decision-making process.
- Application lodged by Education Authority Northern Ireland.
- Proposal is a single-storey, permanent extension for specialist educational use.
- Planning Committee at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will consider the application.
Residents and families with an interest in Millburn Primary are advised to monitor the council planning portal for the application reference and supporting documents, and to submit any views through the formal consultation process ahead of the Planning Committee meeting.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will consider the planning application at its Planning Committee.
The proposal forms part of wider discussions across Northern Ireland about improving school facilities to meet growing and changing needs. For Coleraine, the outcome of this application will determine whether Millburn Primary gains the additional specialist space sought by the Education Authority.
