Antrim and Newtownabbey: Proposal to extend opening hours of ‘food and beverage’ unit at The Junction approved
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved an application to extend opening hours of a vacant restaurant unit at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park, Antrim.
The section 54 application seeks a variation to a condition which restricts opening hours of the unit, which is located in a semi-detached, single-storey premises, to allow an amendment to enable opening until 3am, with the closing time of the adjacent branch of restaurant chain Nando’s, remaining unchanged.
Barry Diamond, the council’s head of planning, told the committee that a noise impact assessment shows it would have no detrimental impact on neighbouring businesses or residential properties,. He added the council’s environmental health department has been contacted and has no objections. One letter of objection has been received.
Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster asked if the unit’s potential use would include gaming.
Mr Diamond indicated a previous application was not considered to be acceptable at the location and the unit has been approved specifically as a food and beverage unit.
A proposed change of use of a vacant unit to an adult gaming centre and retrospective sub-division of the premises at The Junction was refused by the Planning Committee last December after councillors were told a “town centre first approach” is required and town centre units were available.
A report presented to the Planning Committee, on Monday evening, said: “It is noted that the comprehensive regeneration of Junction One has substantially progressed, although redevelopment of the site remains ongoing. ”
Glengormley Sinn Fein Councillor Rosie Kinnear proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Threemilewater Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell. Following a vote, the application was approved unanimously.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter