Houses set to be demolished to make way for new apartments
Planning permission for 12 social housing apartments in Harryville, Ballymena, was approved at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Planning Committee on Thursday morning, 11th January.
The proposed site is located at Queen Street close to the junction of Henry Street, Railway Street and Bridge Street, currently occupied by three terraced properties.
Senior planning officer Kyle Patterson told the committee the planned apartments will be located in two blocks.
These will be comprised of six one-bed and six two-bedroom units, including three which are wheelchair accessible. He said that no issues were raised by local residents.
Site layout at Queen Street, Ballymena
A report to the committee said the council’s environmental health department was consulted with concerns raised relating to impact from potential noise and vibration "resulting from the nearby railway”.
It also notes: “Any building proposed adjacent to a railway, the expectation will be vibrations.”
Bannside Ulster Unionist Councillor Jackson Minford said he welcomed the proposed wheelchair accessible apartments.
Mr Patterson noted a “good level” of car parking at the location.
Bannside DUP Alderman Tom Gordon said he was “happy to second” the proposal to accept the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.
Following a vote, planning permission was granted unanimously.