Councillors back planners over apartments application

COLERAINE councillors have backed the Planning Service’s decision to refuse an application for the replacement of two dwellings with eight townhouses on the Ballycairn Road.

The application, which was dubbed as ‘garden grabbing’ by Alderman James McClure, proposed that 2 Ballycairn Road and 23a Queen’s Park be demolished and replaced with eight townhouses and nine apartments.

At last Tuesday night’s Planning Committee meeting at Coleraine Borough Council planners revealed their decision to refuse on the grounds that the application was contrary to Policy QD1 regarding quality Residential Environments.

Cllr Ciaran Archibald asked for an office meeting, seconded by Cllr Yvonne Boyle.

However Ald Norman Hillis said Council should support the planners’ decision.

“We need to protect this quality residential area,” he said. His amendment was seconded by Cllr Phyllis Fielding.

A vote was taken and Ald Hillis’ amendment was successful with ten councillors voting in favour of it.