Planners give green light for 96 dwellings

During last Monday’s Committee meeting, the Planning Service gave the thumbs up for the proposed housing development which includes 43 townhouses, 44 semi-detached and nine detached properties off Ballymena Road.

According to planners, the application by Victoria Property and Development will also feature open space area and roadways or private street determination.

Outlining the objections, the Planning Officer explained: “There were a number of objections in 2010/2011 about the application which included concerns with flooding, overlooking to neighbouring dwellings, loss of trees etc.

“However the Planning Service are satisfied that all the concerns have been addressed.”

In response Cllr Ian Stevenson requested an Office Meeting for the objectors to come along and discuss their concerns.

Cllr John Finlay agreed with the request however added: “That’s fine as long as it is all done this month and then back on the agenda next month. We don’t want to be holding things up, however we do need to satisfy the objectors whose main concern is the flooding.”

Ald Bill Kennedy proposed to accept the planners decision but ‘still let the objectors have their say’. He continued: “Regarding the flooding, Council did get things sorted out on the Kilraughts Road and therefore I think we should accept the recommendation. We can still have the Office Meeting and if there is a planning issue then the Planners can deal with it.”

Cllr Finlay highlighted that the flooding concerns were at Grange Drive and not Kilraughts Road.

Ald Frank Campbell highlighted: “In my lifetime, planners have brought recommendations to this Council when everything has been covered. I can’t see this being any different.”

Cllr Cathal McLaughlin, who seconded Ald Kennedy’s proposal, added: “There are nearly 100 properties here and a site that size would have been studied in great detail by Planners and everything would have been covered. The application will bring great prosperity to the town. We should accept their recommendation.”

Following a successful vote to hold an Office Meeting (eight for), Ald Kennedy decided to withdraw his proposal adding: “We’ll just have the Office Meeting and take it from there.”