Bowling alley plans approved for Ballymena cinema complex

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has approved plans for a new bowling alley at a Ballymena cinema complex.

Applicant Carngore Ltd, based in Thomas Street, Ballymena, has been granted permission for renovations and an extension to IMC Cinema to accommodate a 12-lane bowling alley and an amusement centre.

According to the planning report, the premises at St Patrick’s Link Road are situated just outside Ballymena in “an established leisure area” next to the Seven Towers Leisure Centre.

The planning drawing shows the addition of the bowling alley and new first floor mezzanine for the amusements and seating area at the IMC in Ballymena.

The proposal includes converting two existing cinema rooms into an amusement area, reconfiguring the lobby, and constructing a small extension to house the bowling alley.

The extension will be on the north-east side of the building, close to the Dalriada Care facility.

The report stated:

“Given the established leisure nature of the site and distance from any residential development, it is considered that there will be no impact on residential amenity or human health and well-being.

“The overall design respects the established character of the area, infrastructure is in place and there is no perceived impact on biodiversity.”

It was noted that NI Water had recommended refusal; however, the proposal does not involve any changes to the existing water or sewerage facilities.

The report also said:

“Given the extensive parking on-site and adjacent at Seven Towers Leisure Centre, there is no need for any additional parking or traffic assessments.”

No changes are proposed to the existing site access.

Separately, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is considering a planning application for new advertising signage at KFC Ballymena, on Larne Link Road. The proposal includes both internal and external new signage, as well as the re-fitting of existing totem signage.