Full planning permission for Ballyclare apartment conversion following successful appeal
The Planning Appeals Commission has overturned a decision by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to refuse an application for an apartment conversion at 14-16 Rashee Road, Ballyclare.
The proposal is for conversion of the upper floor of an existing/approved two storey apartment to new standalone two-bedroom apartment, incorporating internal alterations.
In her report, Commissioner Rachel Taylor said: “The main issues in this appeal are whether adequate provision has been made for parking and private open space for the appeal development.”
The report indicated the proposed location consists of a two-storey terraced property at 14-16 Rashee Road within Ballyclare town centre. It was noted planning permission was granted in June 2022 for a hair salon and café on the ground floor with extension and conversion of the upper floors to include two apartments (a one-bedroom apartment and a duplex three-bedroom).
The proposal is for a sub-division of the approved three-bedroom duplex apartment into two apartments (one, a one-bedroom unit and the other with two bedrooms) which would also rely on on-street parking provision.
The report continued: “The council consider that the appeal proposal fails to meet criterion for adequate provision for car and cycle parking and servicing arrangements.”
The commissioner said: “The appellant contends that there is on-street availability on Rashee Road and the surrounding road network, as well as other car parking within the vicinity such as that within the Town Square.
“I visited the site during an afternoon and observed some parking availability along Rashee Road, though those spaces were restricted to a 60-minute period. I also noted availability of several other parking spaces along that road during the time of my site visit.
“During my second site visit, on a weekday evening, I observed availability of on-street parking spaces along Rashee Road and the adjacent Ballyeaston Road. During both visits there was varying levels of spare on-street parking available.
“From the evidence presented, there has been a degree of inconsistency in how the matter of parking provision has been considered by the council.
"I observed availability of on-street parking spaces during both the day and evening site visits that could accommodate the appeal development.”
The appeal has been allowed and full planning permission has been granted.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter