Planning permission sought to rebuild Causeway Coast hotel wing damaged in fire

Plans to replace a wing of a Causeway Coast hotel damaged in a fire have been submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Council.

The plans are for the Brown Trout Golf & Country Inn, 209 Agivey Road, Aghadowey.

The Design Statement said: "The proposal represents a modest intensification, increasing bedrooms in the replacement wing from three to four, ensuring more efficient use of the site without altering its established function or rural character. " CREDIT DESIGN STATEMENT

placeholder image — The Design Statement said: "The proposal represents a modest intensification, increasing bedrooms in the replacement wing from three to four, ensuring more efficient use of the site without altering its established function or rural character. " CREDIT DESIGN STATEMENT

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service crews from Ballymoney, Coleraine and Kilrea attended a fire at the Brown Trout Inn in September 2025.

The fire was located in the laundry room but the fire crews were able to contain the fire and stop it from spreading.

The existing fire damaged block. CREDIT DESIGN STATEMENT

Now, planning permission is sought for the “construction of new bedroom wing comprising four bedrooms to replace existing bedroom wing comprising three bedrooms and a laundry room recently damaged by a fire.

"Temporary road access required for duration of demolition and new build construction.”

A Design Statement said that, since the fire, “the remainder of the business continues to operate, but the loss of accommodation capacity has placed pressure on both revenue and visitor servicing”.

It added: “The proposal is “essential for sustaining local jobs, supporting year-round tourism activity, ensuring the Inn’s long-term commercial viability and maintaining an important social and visitor focal point for the local area.

"The addition of one extra bedroom strengthens the financial resilience of the business without creating any negative planning impacts.

“The proposed replacement of the fire-damaged accommodation block at the Brown Trout Inn is a necessary and beneficial development.

"It reinstates lost facilities, enhances guest provision, supports rural tourism, and aligns fully with planning policy in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. The design is sympathetic, the scale appropriate, and the overall impact wholly positive.”