Glens 'losing out' to tourists says Cllr. McShane

He told a meeting of Moyle Council there is a lack of holiday accommodation not only in the Glens but in other local areas.

“People come down to the seaside but they have nowhere to stay and move on and we are losing out,” he said.

He was speaking as planners said they are of the opinion to refuse plans for a two bedroom self catering cottage 9.5 metres north west of 7 Glenariffe Road, Glenariffe. The applicant is Mr A. McIntosh.

Planners said a positive need for this type of tourist accommodation has not been demonstrated and they say there are no over-riding reasons why the development is essential in a rural location and could not be located within a settlement.

Planners further said if permitted the scheme would prejudice road safety as the current access provide unsuitable visibility splays.

Ulster Unionist councillor Willie Graham asked for an office meeting with planners.

Meanwhile, councillors were fuming that planners are of the opinion to refuse further development at one of the best known B&Bs in the Glens - Miss Scally’s business at Torr Road near Cushendun.

She wants to replace a holiday caravan with a new holiday cottage.

But planners are currently of a mind to refuse it saying there is no reason why such a facility could not be provided in a settlement rather than a rural area.

Planners further claim no positive need for this type of tourist accommodation has been demonstrated and if permitted would have an adverse impact on the countryside as it is not farm based.

Officials also said it will impact on the landscape and existing trees and lead to suburban-style build-up.

They further state it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and allege the ‘restricted’ width of the existing access renders it unsatisfactory for increased use.

Planners further point out there is a safety risk to road users because it is not possible to provide proper sight visibility splays at Torr Road.

Moyle Council asked to be recorded as being against the refusal decision.

It is understood the case will be appealed.

Sinn Fein councillor Oliver McMullan said if such a scheme is turned down he does not see how another will get passed.

He said Miss Scally has been in the tourism industry for years.

Independent councillor Randal McDonnell said Miss Scally runs one of the best known guesthouses in the Glens and he expressed a very strong opinion on the refusal.

He said the plans compliment the existing guesthouse and he said people want to stay in the countryside to get away from built-up areas.