Council to consider social housing in rural Ballyvoy, part of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Site location of new social and affordable housing in Ballyvoy, County Antrim

Plans for a new housing development within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are set to be considered by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Planning Committee next week.

The outline application seeks permission for 14 social and affordable homes on lands west of St Patrick’s Culfeightrin Church on Cushendall Road in Ballyvoy.

A planning officer’s report said the site is located in the countryside and within the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB.

No objections have been lodged against the proposal, while 17 letters of support have been submitted.

Supporters of the scheme highlighted the need for affordable housing for local families and said the development would help sustain the rural community.

Site plan for proposed new housing development in Ballyvoy, County Antrim

According to the report, the proposed site forms part of a larger agricultural field.

Planning officials said the land rises towards the northern boundary and continues to slope upwards beyond the site, while the roadside boundary to the south is defined by a mature hedge.

The report added that the eastern boundary is marked by a post-and-wire fence and mature trees, while the northern boundary is bordered by fencing, low trees and gorse vegetation. The western boundary is currently undefined.

Officials also noted there is a small agricultural building in the south-western section of the site.

The report further stated that the proposed development lies close to archaeological sites and monuments.