Attwood gives go ahead to extend Ballygally Castle Hotel
Published on Thu, 11 Oct 2012
by ecomms@doeni.gov.uk.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has granted planning permission for the extension of Ballygally Castle Hotel.
This approval will see an expansion of the lobby area and an additional six bedrooms added to the front of the hotel which is located on a key tourist route on the Antrim Coast road. This will result in a 72 bedroom hotel and will allow the bedrooms to be remodelled to current standards.Mr Attwood said: “This extension is good news for boosting tourism in the Antrim Coast area. It also demonstrates my Department’s commitment to responding positively to tourist related proposals but only when they balance the enhancement and development of key tourist assets with the protection of our built heritage.
“This extension was initially set for refusal due to concerns over the “Grade A” listed 17th century tower house which is the only surviving structure of its type in Northern Ireland. However after discussions and amendments to the proposal this can now proceed in a way that preserves the integrity of the tower house. This means the hotel can develop in a way that protects jobs and boosts tourism but that will secure the upkeep of this tower house, which is so integral to the character and history of this building.
“I firmly believe that our built and natural heritage will be the biggest part of future increases in tourist numbers and spend. Six of the top ten visitor attractions are our built and natural heritage. This approval demonstrates how we can grow our economy and the tourism sector but in a way that cherishes and preserves our rich heritage.”
The Department consulted with Larne Council on 8th October on its opinion to approve this application.
Notes to editors:
1. Planning applications F/2011/0182/F and F/2011/0183/LBC were received on 23 August 2011.
2. The proposed development is by Hastings Hotel Group Ltd.
3. The proposal involves the forward extension of the main three storey frontage of the hotel fronting the Coast Road. It is subject to both a full application and one for Listed Building Consent.
4. For media enquiries please contact DOE Communications Office 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
