Council planners have this week given the green light to an outline application for a housing project at the site of the once-popular Countryman pub and restaurant in Ballymena.
The Countryman, which opened its doors in 1978 on Grove Road, had been a popular gathering spot for many locals, functioning as a pub, restaurant, and weekend nightclub. However, in recent times, the establishment has seen limited operations.
The application, submitted by G&C Pubs Ltd to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in March, proposes the demolition of the existing Countryman premises to make room for the construction of 17 residential units on a 1.5-acre plot of land. These would consist of a mixture of detached, semi-detached and apartment units.
According to the planning statement, the development aims to offer a mix of dwelling types and sizes, including detached and semi-detached houses and apartments, to create a balanced community and visual interest. The statement emphasises the use of diverse building types, frontages, and forms to enhance the layout's visual appeal.
Furthermore, the statement assures that the Spar convenience store, which shares the site with the Countryman, will remain unaffected by the proposed changes.
This approval by the local planning authority opens up options for the owners, allowing them to either proceed with a full planning application for the development or consider selling the site with an enhanced value.
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