Plans approved for new rooftop spa and bridal cottage at Ballymena hotel

Leighinmohr House Hotel

Planning permission has been granted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a rooftop spa and a new bridal cottage at the Leighinmohr House Hotel in Ballymena.

A development management officer’s report said the proposed spa will be located on the first floor, with alterations at ground-floor level to accommodate a lift at the Leighinmohr Avenue premises.

Planners received eight objections raising concerns about potential noise pollution, external lighting, traffic, and the development not being in keeping with the character of the area.

The report noted the established hotel operates “within a predominantly residential area”.

“This proposal is for an extension to a long-established hotel and is located within the grounds of the hotel.

“The extension is subordinate to the existing building and of a scale appropriate to the surrounding built form. The design is generally in keeping with the existing hotel,” the report stated.

Floor plan for rooftop spa at Leighinmohr House Hotel, Ballymena

It explained that the rooftop spa will be positioned above the existing flat roof of the Wool Tower Restaurant and toilets on the rear elevation of the hotel.

“The proposed rooftop spa will allow for the provision of a wider and more enhanced service for customers,” it said.

“The proposed rooftop spa is a modest extension to an established hotel business which includes function rooms, kitchens and bars. This proposal is intended to meet tourism demand and will help ensure the hotel can compete with other tourist facilities in the borough.”

The spa will measure three metres in height and 19.3 metres in length. It is to be finished in white, wood-effect, vertically oriented cladding. The facility will be open-plan and uncovered.

“This proposal has limited impact on the appearance and character of the surrounding area,” the report added.

The facility will operate seven days a week and accommodate a maximum of six guests at any one time. There will be no entertainment, with only background music provided via “small domestic-style speakers”.

A noise impact assessment was submitted, and the council’s environmental health department raised no objections, subject to conditions.

The closest neighbouring property is located 15 metres from the boundary of the proposed spa. No rear-facing windows are proposed, and planners said there would be no overlooking issues.

There are no changes to site access. The hotel car park provides up to 110 spaces, all of which will be retained.

Bridal Cottage

Bridal cottage approved for construction at Leighinmohr House Hotel

Approval has also been granted for a bridal cottage within the hotel grounds, intended for use by a bride and her bridal party.

No objections were received in relation to this element of the proposal. The report noted the design is “generally in keeping with the existing hotel”.

The cottage will be located on a grassed area along the approach to the main entrance of the hotel complex. It will sit in front of existing mature trees, which are to be retained, and will be accessed via a path from the main reception.

It will be constructed in a “traditional form with ornate decoration and painted white,” and is expected to blend into the existing surroundings and the character of the area.

The report describes it as “a modest building”.