Plans submitted to return long-established Co Antrim guest house to family home

Aerial view of the existing Guest House complex.

A long-established guest house on the outskirts of Ballymoney could be converted back into a private family home after a planning application was lodged with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The application seeks permission to change the use of Harmony Hill Guest House and Restaurant, at 60–64 Balnamore Road, from guest accommodation to a single domestic dwelling.

A return to the building’s original purpose

Planning documents state the proposal is intended to restore the Georgian property to its original residential use, with the current owners saying the guest house is no longer required.

View of the existing Guest House east elevation.

If approved, there would be no physical changes to the building, with the application describing the proposal as “wholly administrative”.

No extensions, alterations, demolition or engineering works are planned, while the existing vehicle access from Balnamore Road and Millicent Avenue would remain unchanged.

No changes to the historic building

Harmony Hill is a two-storey Georgian building on the edge of Balnamore village. Although it is not a listed building, planning documents note that the village developed around the property — formerly known as Millicent House — and the neighbouring mill complex during the 18th and 19th centuries, giving the site a strong connection to the area’s industrial heritage.

View of the existing Guest House north elevation & arrival.

The Planning Statement says the proposal would leave the building’s appearance, scale, footprint and relationship with neighbouring properties and nearby heritage assets unchanged.

It also states there would be no impact on the mature woodland, vegetation or existing boundary treatments surrounding the site.

Reduced activity at the property

According to the applicant, changing the building back into a family home would reduce the intensity of activity at the site.

The Planning Statement says:

“The existing guest house use is no longer required by the applicant, who seeks to return the property to its original and historic function as a single private dwelling to provide accommodation as a family dwelling.”

View of the Guest House east elevation looking west from building curtilage.

It adds that the proposal would lead to fewer visitors, less traffic, reduced operational activity and lower levels of noise and external lighting than the current guest house use.

The applicant also says the existing building is large enough to meet the family’s needs without any extensions or structural alterations.

The planning application will now be considered by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council before a decision is made.