Golf Clubgets green light at last

The application, made by Galgorm Castle Estate LTD, had been deferred and was given the go ahead at Thursday night’s Public Sector Liaison Committee.

The proposal will include enhancement of existing golf facilities to provide a new Golf Academy, new clubhouse as well as alterations and improvements to the 18 hole course.

The plans also include the refurbishment of Galgorm Castle to create a guesthouse, new conference facilities and the addition of a garden centre.

Despite there being 22 objections, councillors at Thursday nights meeting were pleased that approval had finally been given eight years after the application had been made.

Committee Chairman, Cllr Declan O’Loan said the proposals were a key piece of economic development and he is keen for it to go ahead.

Deputy Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman PJ McAvoy said the development is a credit to the area and welcomed the approval.

Alexander voiced his disgust at how long it has taken this approval to be made, he described it as a "total disaster from the start," he added: "The developer has lost millions of pounds, it is a total disgrace."