Councillors ask neighbours to resolve planning dispute

LOCAL councillors have asked residents of the Ballymacrea Road, Portrush to work together for a compromise regarding a planning dispute.

The row centres on an application by well known businessman Ashley Moore to extend his existing dwelling at 10 Ballymacrea Road with the provision of new garages and stables, which has been recommended for approval by the Planners.

Both Mr Moore and the objectors were given the opportunity to present their arguments at last Tuesday night’s Planning Committee meeting at Coleraine Borough Council.

Ald Maura Hickey had initially asked for the matter to be referred to Environment Minister Alex Attwood on behalf of the objectors.

However, Cllr Richard Holmes said Council had to respect the process.

“I have sympathy for both sides but we can’t send every application up to the Minister, that’s what the planning process is for,” he said.

“After going through exhaustive due process the Planners have arrived at their conclusion.”

Cllr Christine Alexander asked both parties if they would be willing to meet again to try and come to a compromise on the issue.

“It’s disappointing that at present there is no compromise,” said Cllr Alexander.

“It’s not nice to have neighbours at odds with each other. I would ask the applicant if he would meet with the objectors again to maybe talk about making slight changes to his application, which would be acceptable to both sides.”

Ald Hickey said she would withdraw her proposal to refer the matter to the Minister if both sides would agree to meet.

This was agreed by the two parties.

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