Future of 400-year-old Ballycastle hotel remains uncertain as Council plans further legal action

The derelict Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has said it will initiate further legal proceedings in relation to the potential demolition of the historic Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle.

The listed building, elements of which are more than 400 years old, was declared a dangerous structure by the council last year.

At February’s meeting of the Environmental Services Committee, Alliance councillor Lee Kane put forward a motion seeking an update on the “management and resolution of disruption caused by the dangerous structure” at Castle Street in the town.

In response, the council’s Director of Environmental Services, Aidan McPeake, said that following the dangerous structure notice, the building’s owners submitted a planning application for demolition in August last year.

The application was refused by the council’s Planning Department after consultation with the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division.

“The applicant has the statutory right to appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) within four months of the refusal decision but no appeal was submitted,” Mr McPeake said.

“During that appeal period, no further enforcement action could be taken; we had to wait until that period was completed.

“The court order required compliance with the dangerous structure notice, and that remains outstanding. To progress matters, council will need to return to court; we’re currently liaising with our legal advisers.

“As this remains a live case, unfortunately I’m unable to comment further at this time, but further updates will be provided in due course.”