Ballyclare development project: ‘Relief road must be priority’

The former 'Westlands' development site on the edge of Ballyclare has been acquired by London-based property devlopment firm Neptune Group.

The former ‘Westlands’ site was recently purchased by London-based property firm Neptune Group.

There are plans for 1,800 new homes to be built on the site, as well as commercial premises. The project is also expected to include a relief road, which would aim to alleviate the current traffic congestion in the town.

UUP South Antrim MP Danny Kinahan has been in contact with Neptune Group about their plans, and has stressed that the bypass road must be a priority.

“I am arranging a meeting with Neptune, with the earliest possible date being November 20. I have contacted them about the sale of the land and the relief road. They have assured me that they will not be rushing into anything. They will develop a strategy and when it is ready they will present it to the public.

“It is a long-term project, and has to include the road. I hope that when the road is completed it will bring the relief that is needed. The project as a whole will bring people to Ballyclare to shop, and will be a real boost to the area,” he said.

DUP South Antrim MLA Paul Girvan believes that the road must be completed before any future development takes place.

“I have requested a meeting with Neptune Group and it should be finalised within the next couple of weeks. I will also be meeting with the DRD to discuss the matter. The whole project needs to be done properly, and consultation with the wider community needs to take place. The road is a priority, and I will be pressing for it to be constructed.

“The development of the site will help to sustain schools and businesses in the area, but the infrastructure needs to be upgraded first,” he said.