Home Bargains Antrim plans advance after PAN approval

The proposed site for the new Home Bargains store in Antrim, and inset, the newly built Home Bargains store in Ballymena which opened in 2025

Plans for a major new Home Bargains store in Antrim have moved forward after Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council approved a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) submitted by TJ Morris Ltd.

The approval marks the first formal stage in the planning process and paves the way for public consultation on proposals to develop a new discount retail outlet at 1 Ballymena Road, Antrim, BT41 4NT.

First step in planning process approved

Council planners confirmed the PAN was acceptable, allowing the retailer to begin engaging with residents and stakeholders ahead of submitting a full planning application.

The proposal relates to the former Townparks Car Sales site on the Ballymena Road and includes a new retail unit with associated landscaping, car parking, access arrangements and site works.

Former long-established dealership site

The development follows the closure of Townparks Car Sales, a long-established family-run business founded in 1969, which ceased trading last summer due to retirement.

The closure brought to an end more than five decades of local business activity at the prominent roadside site.

Scale of proposed Home Bargains development

Planning documents indicate that TJ Morris is proposing a 24,000 sq ft Home Bargains store, almost double the size of the former 12,313 sq ft showroom.

The site extends to approximately 2.3 acres and includes provision for associated landscaping, car parking, access and site works.

The property, which had recently been marketed at £50,000 per month, is understood to have been secured by the retailer as part of its ongoing expansion across Northern Ireland.

Home Bargains expansion across Northern Ireland

Home Bargains currently operates 32 stores across Northern Ireland, with its most recent opening taking place in Enniskillen last July. If planning permission is ultimately granted, the Antrim development would become the retailer’s 33rd store in the region.

Public consultation process launched

As required for major planning applications, the approval of the PAN triggers a public consultation process, giving residents and interested parties the opportunity to view and comment on the proposals before a full application is submitted.

In correspondence issued by the council to TJ Morris Ltd, planning officer Barry Diamond stated:

“The Council encourages you to enter into pre-application discussions on this proposed development to ensure that the application is front loaded from the start of the process.

“The Council will seek to present this application to the Planning Committee within 6 months from the date of submission and therefore it is essential that all the required information be submitted at the start of the process.”

Public drop-in event details

An in-person public consultation drop-in event will take place at:

Holiday Inn Express, Ballymena Road, Antrim BT41 4LL

Wednesday, 12 March 2026, from 2pm to 7pm

Members of the public will be able to view exhibition boards outlining the proposals and submit feedback using printed comment cards. A number of local elected representatives have also been invited to attend.

Online consultation

A dedicated consultation website will go live on 9 March 2026 and will remain available for more than 28 days, closing on 10 April 2026.

The website will host digital versions of the exhibition boards, alongside an online feedback form and direct email contact with the technical team.

Potential local impact

If the project ultimately secures full planning permission, the proposed Home Bargains store could bring new retail jobs to Antrim while returning active use to a key site that has remained vacant since the closure of Townparks Car Sales.