Concerns raised over new housing development as public consultation event taking place in Ballymena

A public consultation event is set to take place in Ballymena to discuss a proposed new housing development near the Tullygarley area of the town. The development has attrscted opposition from a number of local residents.

The drop-in session will be held on Monday 1st September 2025 from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymoney Road.

The event forms part of the pre-application community consultation process ahead of a formal planning submission to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The scheme has been brought forward by Toombridge-based JFM Construction, with the proposed development located on a 2.09-hectare site, approximately 160 metres south-east of Dunluce Park, Ballymena.

The Proposal

Plans include a residential development of 27 units, featuring a mix of detached, semi-detached, chalet bungalows and terraced homes.

The design concept has been informed by the surrounding character of the area, with developers stating that dwellings will be “orientated to overlook areas of open space” to provide natural surveillance.

Key elements of the proposal include:

• A mix of house types to ensure visual variety across the streetscape.

• Access through Dunluce Park and Kenbane Crescent.

• Parking provision in line with government residential design guidance.

• More than 10% of the site allocated for public open space.

• Landscaping throughout to create what is described as a “high-quality residential environment.”

• Replacement of an approved wastewater treatment plant with a pumping station.

The site, which is within Ballymena’s settlement development limit, currently consists of agricultural fields sloping down towards a stream feeding into the Braid River.

While a small part of the site lies within the floodplain, the developer has stated that no building will take place in that area.

Community concerns

However, the proposals have raised concerns among some local residents, particularly those living near the Grange Road river walk, a popular recreational route for walkers, runners and anglers.

A community group opposing the development said:

“We are a community who are wanting to make residents and Ballymena community aware of a planning proposal, of a new residential development between Tullygarley and Grange Road river walk.

“We are concerned about access, traffic, environmental, biodiversity, and ecological impact. We want to ensure this development is public knowledge to as much of the community as possible.”

The group emphasised the importance of the river walk, adding:

“This walk is loved by walkers, runners, anglers and is has been critical to physical and mental wellbeing, especially over Covid. How amazing it is to have this walk on our doorstep.”

The residents are urging the public to attend the consultation to voice concerns, stating that their voice could prevent “further progression” of the plan and “the disruption this development will surely cause.”

Have your say

JFM Construction has a dedicated webpage for the proposed development which can be visited HERE.

The developers are inviting comments from the public until 19th September 2025.

Feedback can be sent by email to dermot@mbaplanning.com or in writing to MBA Planning, 4 College House, Citylink Business Park, Belfast, BT12 4HQ.