Green light for garden centre proposal that 'represents an investment of £200k in Ballymena'
Planning permission was granted for retrospective change of use to a garden centre at Wakehurst Road, Ballymena, at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee, at The Braid, Ballymena, on Thursday morning.
The application was to include a proposed extension of use into adjoining units to include a repair workshop at Montrose Garden Supplies.
A committee report stated: “The applicant is seeking retrospective planning permission for a retail use outside of the town centre.”
It noted the site has on-site car parking and is accessed directly from Wakehurst Road and there are further commercial uses in the wider site to the north and east.
The report indicated the premises are 250 metres outside the edge of the town centre boundary but “within the development limits”. The site was also said to “operate in quite a niche market, offering garden goods, whilst also providing a complementary garden equipment repairs service”.
“The agent has demonstrated there will be no significant adverse impact on any centre within the whole catchment. The council would be content that there is a justified qualitative and/or quantitative need.
“The applicant has relocated from previously trading in a unit outside of the town centre in Paradise Avenue. The proposal represents investment in Ballymena and provides much-needed employment.
"The agent has advised that the proposal represents an investment of £200k in Ballymena as well as supporting 16 employees.
Ballymena DUP Alderman Reuben Glover proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application seconded by party colleague Bannside Ald Tom Gordon. Following a vote, permission was granted unanimously.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter