Former Co Antrim corn mill to be transformed into family home

View of the derelict Mill from Ballyarnot Road, County Antrim

Planning permission has been unanimously approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee for the conversion and extension of a former mill outside Crumlin.

The decision was made recently at a meeting held in Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey. The proposed development is located to the north-west of Antrim Road, Aldergrove.

Planning officer Johanne McKendry told the committee that an amended design had been submitted to address previous concerns.

CGI of the approved restoration and transformation into a home.

She said the site lies in the countryside in a “prominent roadside location” and added that the proposal would not detract from the existing building. A previous recommendation for refusal had been overturned.

A report presented to councillors stated:

“The application site contains a two-storey roadside building which was previously used as a mill. The building has no roof; however, all the external walls are intact.”

The proposal involves the conversion and extension of the former corn mill to create a residential dwelling, with a new access planned from Ballyarnot Road. No objections were received by council planners.

Site location plan of the new converted home at the former corn mill in Crumlin

The report continued:

“The building is considered to be a valid conversion opportunity, and therefore the principle of development is established.

“The proposal comprises two main elements: firstly, the refurbishment and extension of the mill building, and secondly, a purpose-built extension to the rear, connected by a link corridor.

“The design of the proposal is considered to maintain the character of the existing building, contributing positively to the character and appearance of the locality.

“The existing mature trees on the site are to be retained as part of the development. It is considered that the proposal would not significantly impact the amenity of any neighbouring properties.”

Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Cosgrove proposed that the committee accept the officer’s recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Glengormley DUP Councillor Alison Bennington.