Apartments plan approved for former bar and restaurant in Larne
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has approved a proposed change of use of a former bar and restaurant to four apartments at The Bailie, Main Street, Larne.
The proposal by applicant Conor McNeil, of CM Fit-out, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, is for new apartments on the first and second floor of the premises.
A development management officer report said the vacant three-storey building has been used previously in Larne town centre as a bar and restaurant. It was also noted the ground floor plan indicates a bar/restaurant.
The report stated the four proposed apartments will consist of a one-person bedsit, a one-bedroom apartment and two two-bedroom apartments.
It was stated the proposed flats or apartments will be self-contained (having separate bathroom, wc and kitchen available for use only by the occupiers). Each apartment will have access onto Main Street.
The proposal is for apartments to be arranged over a single level where bathroom and bedroom facilities will be on the same level.
It was noted the proposal would have no impact upon the privacy of surrounding properties. Department for Infrastructure Roads was consulted and has no objections to the proposal.
The report also indicated the planned development will “enhance the form and character of the existing buildings with finishes and materials proposed in keeping with the surrounding area”.
In February, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council granted planning permission for change of use and alterations of ground floor shops to apartments at 125, 129 and 131 Main Street, Larne.
The three proposed apartments will consist of a one-bed apartment and two two-bedroom dwellings.
Separately, at the end of March 2025, there were 3,248 people on the Housing Executive waiting list in Mid and East Antrim. Of these, 2, 458 were described as being in housing stress, living in unsuitable accommodation.
Of waiting list applicants in the borough overall, 1,361 were single; 164 were small adults (two people); small families, 771, large adults, 103; large families, 223 and older person, 626.
The Housing Executive said previously it anticipates 155 social housing properties will be needed in Larne town between 2024 and 2029.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter