New restaurant for Portrush

At last Tuesday’s meeting, the application by Mr Mark Love was given the green light, however Portrush UUP councillor Norman Hillis asked for an office meeting on the application on behalf of the objectors.

There were three objection letters to the application from two different objectors who raised issues about traffic and access issues.

Independent councillor Christine Alexander said she was in agreement with the approval decision, and proposed that members should agree with the planners.

“This is a semi derelict house in our new Station Square. These same objectors raised issues about a residential development on this site, they are now objecting to a commercial one. The traffic situation is no different for other restaurants in other parts of the town.

“We’re either going to develop Portrush or we aren’t.

“This is someone who wishes to invest money into a building that will help clean up this area.

“I think we should support this approval.”

SDLP Alderman Maura Hickey seconded the proposal.

On being put to a vote, councillor Alexander’s proposal was carried by ten votes to five.