Carrickfergus: approval for over 400 new houses in £70m scheme with commitment to deliver 'long-awaited' spine road
Planning permission was granted for 403 new homes in Carrickfergus at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee, at The Braid, in Ballymena, on Thursday morning.
The proposed new properties will be located north of Prince Andrew Way, adjacent to Ulidia Integrated College and west of Victoria Rise through a £70m investment.
The committee was told the long-awaiting spine road in the Victoria area will be completed ahead of construction work as well as an upgrade of the North Road/Prince Andrew Way junction to provide traffic lights and controlled pedestrian crossings.
Senior planning officer Henry McAlister told the committee the proposed site, north-east of Carrickfergus town centre, is zoned for housing. Ulidia Integrated College and Acorn Integrated Primary School would be immediate neighbours. Oakfield Glen and Bashfordsland Wood are to the north and west.
He indicated that 340 metres of unfinished section of road needs to be completed noting “high levels of traffic congestion” in the area especially during school starting and finishing times.
“There is no doubt 403 new houses will add to traffic in the area but it will disperse more easily than at present,” he commented. He also noted “easier access” in the future from Prince Andrew Way on to North Road.
He said the planned development would include 40 social housing units and 41 affordable homes. There will be “extensive areas” of open land and pedestrian links to Oakfield Glen and Bashfordsland Woods.
Mr McAlister went on to say that there has been “fairly extensive” consultation over the proposal with DfI Roads in agreement and NI Water has confirmed there is available capacity to accommodate the proposal.
Traffic Congestion
However, he reported 104 objections. “One of the big issues relates to traffic congestion and road safety,” he reported.
He stated the completion of the Victoria spine road is required by the Carrickfergus Area Plan and new traffic signals at the North Road junction will bring “significant benefit to improving the traffic flow”. He recommended full permission subject to conditions.
Planning consultant Tom Stokes said the proposal will “deliver a high quality housing development and a mix of both private and affordable housing”. He noted a mix of two and three storey apartments, townhouses, semi-detached and detached houses would be constructed.
He stated it will deliver the “long-awaited” final connection of the Victoria spine road and an upgrade to the junction of Prince Andrew Way and North Road.
A play park will be provided for proposed and existing residents in the area with open space designed as “an integral part”, also for new and existing residents.
Mr Stokes described the proposal as “an exemplary housing scheme” which will be delivered in phases over a five to six-year period, creating approximately 200 construction jobs.
Knockagh Alliance Councillor Aaron Skinner asked about the nature of the open space noting that some in other housing developments is not accessible for families and children to play. Mr Stokes explained a “central linear park” will run-through the site.
“We are fully aware that this site has lain vacant for a long time and residents have been using it for access to Bashfordsland Wood so the concept behind the open space is to create a central open space through the site and there are pockets of open space throughout the site.”
Larne Lough DUP Alderman Paul Reid was given an assurance the spine road and junction upgrade will be completed before construction commences and in response to a query from Bannside Ulster Unionist Cllr Jackson Minford, the committee was advised the new road will be adopted.
Coast Road DUP Cllr Angela Smyth noted one of the objectors was an equestrian centre that borders the proposed development site. “I know noise can have an impact and cause stress and anxiety to horses,” she said.
Cllr Smyth asked if there has been any discussion to reduce noise in the vicinity of ten houses along the boundary. Mr Stokes said a number of discussions have taken place with the owner of the equestrian centre.
“We are very conscious of horses being a sensitive neighbour. Hopefully the design along the boundary shows we are being respectful to the equestrian centre,” he replied.
Bannside DUP Ald Tom Gordon asked if sewerage capacity has been in place for a long time. Mr Stokes explained an off-site storage facility has been agreed with NI Water.
Ald Reid remarked: “I am quite surprised. You have 403 units and NI Water does not have a problem. I am surprised NI Water does not have an issue.”
Interim head of planning Kyle Patterson said there have been two years of background work to agree off-site measures.
Cllr Skinner stated there have been “quite a lot of objections in relation to existing homes and proximity to the proposed link road”. He asked if it is the only possible location for the road. He was advised it would have been produced through the Carrickfergus Area Plan.
Cllr Skinner proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application saying he welcomed it as there is a need for housing in Carrickfergus and social and affordable housing will make a “huge difference” to people.
He acknowledged objection to the proposal but said the new traffic lights and infrastructure will be a “massive improvement”.
The proposal was seconded by party colleague Larne Lough Ald Robert Logan and approved unanimously following a vote.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter