'Transformation' proposals

The Hebron Properties’ proposal for the extensive derelict site at the corner of Main Street with Quay Street is to be a mix of shops and apartments.

And as Planning Service and councillors discussed the scheme this week, company director David Hunter urged that the project be viewed in strategic context with other Hebron developments, including the regeneration of the former Bank of Ireland, which is now complete, and another retail-residential block at the former McBurney site, on Pound Street, which has planning permission.

County Hall has also given the green light for development of a greenfield area just across the Inver river from Larne Co-op, which is itself the subject of a current planning application for a bigger store.

While regeneration of the Main Street-Quay Street corner will probably be a long-term project for Hebron, a retail tenant is expected to open at the distinctive Bank of Ireland building this summer and work to place new businesses at Circular Road is at an advanced stage.

When the former Albert Graham site scheme – comprising 27,000sq ft of ground floor retailing, 57 apartments, a gym, roof garden and underground parking – was first advertised earlier this year a number of residents objected and the Planning Service, which had indicated its intention to approve, agreed to a Larne Borough Council request for a deferral to enable a new hearing. Objectors cited concerns including overlooking and scale.

This week, Planning Service informed the council that it continued to favour the Hebron proposal, subject to a number of amendments. However, on the proposal of Ald Roy Beggs, seconded by Ald Jack McKee, the council’s public services committee urged Planning Service to refrain from issuing a decision until issues concerning a nearby coachworks firm are settled.

Ald Beggs explained that an extraction vent outlet at the vehicle repair business was required to be at least three metres above the roofline of properties within a certain radius. The vent is currently compliant, he said, but the higher ridge line at the Hebron complex could necessitate an extension. Ald Beggs said he did not think coachworks owner Alastair Nevin should be out of pocket.

It was unclear if the issue of the coachworks vent had been included in the submission to planners from Larne Council’s environmental health department, which had not raised any objections to the proposed development.

Speaking before Monday night’s meeting, David Hunter had sought to allay any remaining concerns of Quay Street residents.

He said: “If and when any redevelopment takes place, we will strive to be considerate to our neighbours but will remain resolute in our determination to see Larne town centre redeveloped to everyone’s benefit.”

Mr Hunter said that in the current economic climate it was unlikely the architect’s drawings would be turned in to bricks and mortar in the near future, but he pointed to planning policies that recognise a latent demand for town centre accommodation.

The Pound Street development could be built in the next 12 months, subject to demand for its 6,000sq ft of retail and 18 apartments.

And after months of renovations, the 1930s former Bank of Ireland project is ready for use, complete with a 700sq ft ground floor retail unit, under 2,000sq ft of office space and a roof garden.

“It was a tough renovation, because it was so well built, with walls up to three feet thick,” said Mr Hunter. “It has been finished to a very high standard and we would like to think that we have restored it to its original splendour.

“It is a very important building in a prime location on the main street and it was important to retain its architectural merits.”

Mr Hunter said current planning guidelines, including the recently launched Larne Masterplan, encourage town centre living as a means of urban regeneration.

“There is a particular emphasis on the regeneration of town centres at night,” he explained.

“It’s easy to see why more people will want to live in town centres, with easy access to shops and services and close to bus and train stations,” he added.