Environment Minister Edwin Poots visited Ballymoney Town (2 Sept), accompanied by his planning officials to see at first hand planning issues causing concern to Council. Speaking following the visit, Development Chair, Cllr John Finlay, said:
"I with the Mayor, Cllr Kennedy, accompanied the Minister and his planning officials on a visit to a proposed hotel site in the town following which the Minister spent some time on a walk-a-about in the town conservation area where there are some issues regarding specific planning policies which exist to protect its unique historic character.”
Continuing the Development Chair said:
“When a Council delegation met with the Minister in May this year at Stormont to discuss a range of planning issues he was sympathetic to the particular problems we are facing in securing planning approval for town hotel development on the site of a former restaurant/BB and offered to visit the town to view the site and the planning issues.” Commenting on the proposed hotel development Cllr Finlay said: “It is demonstration of the Minister’s interest in the development of our town that he took the time to meet us and see at first hand the concerns we have with regard to town development. The site on a main route into the town has further deteriorated and is now very unsightly. Planning Service have refused to accept a development proposal for much-needed additional hotel provision close to the town centre, due to what we regard as totally unacceptable car parking requirements by Roads Service. This has caused us much concern and frustration given that Council commissioned an independent hotel study proving the need for hotel provision.” Concluding Cllr Finlay said: “The site visit allowed us to explore the issues further and look at options to secure a resolution to the current impasse. We will continue to work to find a logical way forward and encourage approval of applications which have potential to create new businesses and jobs and make a contribution to the development of tourism and the economy.” he said.
13/09/2010
