Double tourism boost for Ballycastle
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Ballycastle could become the home of County Antrim's most important hotel venue, as two new developments look set to transform tourist facilities in the town.
The transformation involves the redevelopment of the existing Marine Hotel site, on North Street, along with the creation of a smaller hotel complex on Clare Road.
At a meeting of Moyle District Council held on Monday, September 22, an appeal for the creation of a hotel at Clare Park was withdrawn after it was granted full planning permission on June 26, 2008.
The application, by M C Developments, comprises of a 15 bedroom hotel, including a restaurant, bar, function facilities, 23 two-bedroom apartments and 24 holiday chalets with associated access roads, parking and landscaping.
Senior Planning Officer, Julie McMath, told council members that an appeal was to have taken place but had been withdrawn as it was a twin-track application.
She said the application was subject to an article 40, to ensure that the properties would be used for holiday letting only, not permanent residences.
The article 40 restriction means that the apartments and chalets must be let for no less than 300 days per year, ensuring that they cannot be used as second homes.
While plans have yet to be approved for the Marine Hotel site, councillors have welcomed the proposed plans, put forward by McAlister Holdings.
At Monday night's meeting, council members enjoyed a three-dimensional presentation of the company's vision for the site, which it feels could become the most important hotel site in County Antrim.
The plans for the site were initially unveiled at a public meeting in July, where the developer received widespread community support.
If the redevelopment plans are approved, the £30m facility will create 125 construction jobs, and up to 225 full and part time hotel positions.
Tourist attractions
Damien McLaughlin, of Studiorogers architects, said: "It will attract a high percentage of people to neighbouring attractions, including the Giant's Causeway and create exuberant spending in the town."
Clyde Shanks, of Turley Associates planning consultants, said that the developer was keen to show council plans for the site as they intend to move forward with a detailed planning submission.
“We would be very appreciative if we could secure full backing of the council, and have this expressed in writing when the plans go in," he said.
Sinn Fein councillor Padraig McShane, said his party welcomed the plans.
“This will be a significant benefit to Ballycastle and throughout the council area. There is competition for development along the North Coast, and it would be a shame on us to lose out."
DUP councillor described the vision for the sight as a tremendous development.
SDLP councillor Catherine McCambridge said that while she thought it was a great concept, she was concerned that the site would be sold onto a hotel conglomerate. She also said that in the past, the hotel had failed to live up to its expectations.
Mr Shanks said that he felt the hotel had failed to live up to its potential in the past, especially in the context of its natural environment but it was hoped that the new hotel would attract visitors all year round, including conference bookings and their associated accommodation needs.
Independent councillor Seamus Blaney congratulated the representatives of Turley Associates and Studiorogers for their presentation. "I look forward to the day that it is up, as we are crying out for accommodation," he said.
UUP councillor Helen Harding said she supported the development in relation to the amount of employment it would create.
It is thought that a full planning submission for the redevelopment of the hotel site will be submitted by the end of this week.
