Plans for tourist accommodation on Ballycastle's Ann Street submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Council
Plans for tourist accommodation in Ballycastle town centre have been received by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
The recently-submitted planning application seeks planning permission for the change of use of an existing storage building, adjoining a shop at 14 Ann Street, to two short-term letting accommodation units.
An accompanying Planning Statement said the property forms part of the established historic urban fabric and lies within the Ballycastle Conservation Area. The buildings are presently being used for storage and are in a poor state of disrepair and its reuse will provide visitor accommodation within easy walking distance of local services, retail facilities, restaurants, public transport and the town’s principal tourist attractions.
The proposal supports the strategic objectives of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) by “making efficient use of an existing building, strengthening the local tourism economy and promoting sustainable patterns of development”.
“The proposal does not involve the construction of a new building, extension of the existing built form or expansion into undeveloped land,” the statement noted.
“Instead, it secures the continued viable use of an existing traditional property through a form of development which is entirely compatible with its town centre location.
“Ballycastle performs an important role within the Causeway Coast tourism economy, acting as a gateway to Rathlin Island, the Glens of Antrim and the Causeway Coastal Route.
“Visitor demand within the town continues to increase and the provision of additional high-quality visitor accommodation directly contributes towards meeting this demand whilst supporting the local economy throughout the year.
“The application site occupies an exceptionally sustainable location within the established town centre."