Indoor play facility approved at former dental surgery in Carrickfergus town centre
Planning permission has been approved by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for change of use from a former dental surgery to an indoor children’s play facility in Carrickfergus town centre.
The application relates to a premises at 33 West Street.
A development management officer’s report said: “The site consists of a modern ground floor retail unit which forms part of the apartment building at St. Nicholas Court. The unit which is now vacant was previously in use as a dental surgery.”
It noted the proposed location falls within Carrickfergus Conservation Area and an Area of Archaeological Potential.
“It is considered that the indoor children’s play facility and coffee shop falls under leisure/entertainment. It is considered that the principle of development of an indoor play area with coffee bar in the town centre is acceptable,” the report said.
“It is considered that the development is compatible with surrounding land uses which is predominantly retail/commercial with some offices. There are apartments to the immediate west of the property. The use is considered appropriate for a town centre.”
The report went on to say there will “not be an adverse impact on character of the area from an architectural/design perspective”.
“The development does not adversely affect features associated with the historic environment/setting,” it also stated.
The report stated the council’s environmental health department has been consulted on the proposal in relation to noise and recommended a condition to “ensure that if a complaint does arise, it can be addressed”.
“The play facility and coffee bar is within a central town location and, albeit while it is close to neighbouring properties, it is considered an appropriate location for the development given it is within the town centre, which is likely to experience increased levels of noise,” it was noted.
“Given the nature of the business for children’s play, it is anticipated that it will not likely operate late into the evenings and may be limited to day/early evening time.”
The report added the proposal will “not change or impact on the character or integrity of the Conservation Area from a design perspective”.
“There are a number of town centre car parks close by to serve the proposal such as Lancasterian Street, the harbour car park, St. Bride’s Street and on-street parking.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporting Service