Historic former bank building in Ballymena to become 19 apartments after planning approval

CGI showing elevations of approved plans to create 19 town centre apartments at a historic former bank building in Ballymena.

Planning permission has been granted to transform a historic former bank building in Ballymena town centre into 19 apartments.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee approved the application at a meeting in The Braid on Thursday morning.

The proposal will see the partial demolition of the building at 97 Mill Street, alongside its adaptation and change of use, together with the construction of a new three-storey extension with access from Albert Place.

The completed development will provide 19 apartments, comprising 14 two-bedroom units and five one-bedroom units, including four affordable homes.

A planning officer told councillors the site is occupied by a vacant three-storey building originally constructed as a branch of the Belfast Bank. It was later used as a medical practice before becoming vacant.

He said the building is recognised as being of “local historical importance due to its distinctive architectural detailing”.

The officer explained the proposed extension has been designed to “complement the existing building” through the use of similar materials, adding that its three-storey scale is “consistent with the building form along Mill Street”.

He also noted that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads had advised the proposal does not meet normal parking standards. However, he said there are public car parks and town centre facilities in close proximity, and that, in this case, the reduced parking provision was considered acceptable.

The officer concluded that, because of the retention of the building’s architectural character, compliance with planning policy and the absence of objections, the proposal was considered acceptable and was recommended for approval.

Larne Lough Alliance Alderman Robert Logan described the application as “very comprehensive”, saying the proposal would “bring people to live in the town, which is to be welcomed”.

He proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application.

Larne Lough DUP Alderman Paul Reid asked how many of the proposed 19 apartments would be designated as affordable housing. He was advised that four units would be provided.

Ald Reid also questioned whether the development was in keeping with the surrounding area, recalling that a previous application for the site had been refused.

The planning officer said the applicant, E&C Inns T/A Adair Arms Hotel, had “taken on board” comments from the Historic Environment Division (HED), recognised the importance of the existing building and worked closely with both the council and HED to develop what he described as “a very good scheme” for Ballymena town centre.

Ald Reid welcomed the fact that the applicant had addressed the reasons for refusal of the previous application.

His party colleague, Ballymena DUP Alderman Reuben Glover, highlighted that DfI Roads considered parking provision at the site to be below the normal standard.

“I know that area very well. It is pretty bunged up during the day,” he remarked.

The planning officer replied that the applicant had acknowledged the reduced level of parking and pointed to the town centre location and measures including bicycle vouchers, which officers considered satisfactory.

The council’s Head of Planning added that DfI Roads had raised no objection to the application given its town centre location.

Mid and East Antrim Mayor Alderman Tom Gordon said a traffic report indicated there were 28 available parking spaces in the immediate surrounding area.

He added:

“This is a good development. I am glad to see it. It has been a derelict building for some time. It is bringing life and vitality to the town centre. I would welcome that.”

He seconded the proposal to approve the application.

Planning permission was granted unanimously, with all seven members of the committee voting in favour.