Scaffolding company's plan to 'upscale operations' on former bar and restaurant site in Newtownabbey refused
A planning application for the redevelopment of a fire-damaged pub and restaurant site was refused by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Monday.
The proposal is for demolition of part of The Railway Bar and Steam Dining premises, formerly Maloney’s, at 401-403 Ballyclare Road, Newtownabbey and erection of two buildings for scaffolding storage and training, an office and welfare building and a security building.
At the meeting, a planning officer outlined development plans on the site by the applicant, Advanced NI Scaffolding Ltd, which is located at Valley Business Park.
The report said the proposal is for a facility which “significantly extends the curtilage of the former bar/restaurant and the proposed use does not relate to any other established rural enterprise on the site”.
It noted a supporting document indicated the applicant was recently successful in being appointed to undertake work as part of the Power Station Renewal Programme in Northern Ireland, which would “enable the business to upscale its operations”.
It was stated the contract of this work “requires the applicant to have ownership of their own site which is a secure location and is protected by 24-hour on-site security”.
It was noted a “significant number” of the workforce is from Rathcoole, Glengormley and Monkstown.
“It has not been demonstrated why an alternative suitably sized site which could accommodate the operational needs of the development was not feasible,” the report said.
The report also stated the size and design of the proposed buildings are “industrial in nature and are not considered to respect the rural character of the area”.
An amended proposal has reduced the site area by approximately 900sqm.
It was noted an objector raised concerns regarding potential nuisance if high intensity security lighting was to be used. However, the report stated the proposal does not include the erection of any lighting columns and the council’s environmental health section has not raised any concerns.
One of the letters of support highlighted economic benefits through providing employment opportunities.
However, the report stated the “economic benefits are not considered to outweigh the concerns with the principle of development and flood risk at this location”.
An additional committee report said: “It is considered there are no overriding reasons why the development is essential and could not be located within a settlement.”
Robert Andrews, director, of Advanced NI Scaffolding Ltd, said the company has been searching for a site to accommodate its needs for the past two-and-a-half years. He said the business is a specialist contractor which employs 87 people from the local area.
He went on to say he does not believe a suitable site can be found elsewhere within the area, adding that the business has been located in the borough for the past ten years. He commented that if the application is not approved, he considered it could “stunt the company’s growth”.
A representative from agent HR Jess Ltd told the committee the applicant has looked at sites in Ballyearl Business Park and Global Point in Newtownabbey and Hillhead Road, Ballyclare.
Threemilewater Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell asked why it could not be located in a settlement. The agent explained there are no sites available to purchase.
A vote saw eight councillors support the recommendation to refuse with three against.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter