Larne West campaign going to roads minister

Elected representatives have been calling for the development of a stretch of land at the bottom of the Ballyloran link road in a bid to improve traffic flow in the area.

In a recent council motion, DUP representatives called on the Department for Infrastructure to intervene and complete the unfinished stretch of road.

However, a letter received from Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon stated the construction of the Larne West distributor road is the “responsibility of the developers of the adjacent lands”.

She said: “The unfinished stretch of road has planning approval and is ‘determined’ for adoption by the Department after construction.

“It is therefore the responsibility of the developers to reach agreement to allow this link to be completed.

“I understand that your planning officers have acknowledged that the construction of this portion of the road should have been the subject of a planning enforcement case.

“They have also confirmed that as the remainder of the site has been completed for more than four years and as there was no time limit for completion conditioned in the original approval, they now feel unable to pursue this matter.

“The planning approval grant for further housing in this area is conditioned to provide additional transportation infrastructure.

“These road improvements including Donaghy’s Lane and Antiville Road will assist traffic movements and progression in this area.”

Larne Lough DUP Councillor Gregg McKeen said he was “disappointed by the response from the minister”.

“The minister is trying to wash her hands and the department’s which I believe is not right.

“Ultimately, power now lies with the minister if vesting is required.

“I feel that rather than get into a debate, this is the council’s opportunity to show leadership and get this matter resolved.”
Read previous story on Larne West here

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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