DON'T GIVE UP ON HOTEL PLANS

Plans had been submitted to convert the former Cooleen Restaurant on the Coleraine Road, but while there was no major issue with the Planning Authority, it is understood that the scheme fell just 14 car parking spaces short of the criteria set by the Roads Service.

As a result, the developer withdrew his plans and is reported to be considering a nursing or residential home as an alternative.

The Cooleen operated as a successful restaurant and when plans were drawn up for an hotel, there was an enthusiastic welcome.

However, the Roads Service ruling has put everyting on hold until last week when Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, visited the town at the request of the council.

He and a number of officials including representatives from the DoE met with the Mayor and council officers to determine ways of helping boost employment in the Borough as well as focusing on the need for a second hotel.

Speaking to the Times, Cllr. Kennedy said: "The object of this exercise was to create jobs and, in particular, to review the situation in relation to the proposed second hotel on the site of the old Cooleen Restaurant.

"We understand that the plan falls just 14 car parking spaces short of the required number set by Roads Services, but there is a suggestion that if there was provision for a two-storey car park, it would be looked at.

"This suggests to me that there could be a solution and that the developer might be able to proceed with his original plans.

"In any event, I feel there is adequate car parking space in the surrounding streets and at the Townhead Street car park which is only a short distance away.

"When you look at Ballymoney and its unemployment figures, the fact that a respected businessman is prepared to invest his own money into a 25-bedroom hotel and the jobs that this would create, I think we should be encouraging him rather than discouraging him."

Cllr. Kennedy added: "We already have an excellent hotel at the bottom of Main Street and the management at the Manor have invested substantially, but we do need a second hotel and I would hope that Mr. Poots's visit will not be in vain.

"I would now encourage the developer to exhaust every avenue he can to enable him to get planning permission. I understand that a residential home or nursing home is being considered, but we need another hotel rather than the alternative."