New enterprise units approved for Carrickfergus with potential to support up to 130 jobs

Principal planning officer Gary McGuinness told the committee the brownfield site at Sullatober is used by offices associated with a construction business, shop, cafe and children’s play facility.

Neighbouring land uses include a council depot, vehicle repair workshop, plant hire business and agricultural lands. Historically, a mill was located on the site where a chimney remains.

The development plan includes enterprise units and an exhibition centre, “co-working” building, car parking and landscaping.

Mr McGuinness said there were no objections to the application and two letters of support. He went on to say the application “constitutes a redevelopment of an existing industrial area and design of high spec”.

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A report to the committee stated: “An existing vacant building of stone at the entrance to the site is being reused as an exhibition space. The building whilst not listed is of some architectural interest and redevelopment to bring it back to use should be welcomed.”

Planning agent Eamonn Loughrey pointed out the land has been “used for employment for over 100 years”. “Employment and jobs have long been associated with this site. ”

He indicated the applicant, Crowe and Sons, has been working with Carrickfergus Enterprise to “meet the needs of the scheme”.

“The proposal provides economic development of an appropriate nature and scale,” he added. He said that it could support between 70 to 130 jobs and provide between 30 to 50 construction jobs

Knockagh Alliance Councillor Aaron Skinner proposed accepting the officer’s recommendation to approve the application. Councillors agreed to grant permission unanimously.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter