Two new housing proposals lodged for Ballymena town centre

Elevations of proposed apartment complex

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s planning department is considering two separate housing proposals in the town centre area of Ballymena.

A planning application has been lodged with the local authority for the construction of a four-storey apartment building to the rear of Broughshane Street.

The application has been submitted by an agent on behalf of Galgorm Developments for four two-bedroom apartments, a communal hallway and amenity space on the site of a vacant commercial unit.

A design statement submitted with the application said:

“The site contains an existing commercial premises on Garfield Place to the rear of 119 Broughshane Street, Ballymena.

Site location map of proposed apartment complex

“The proposal is to demolish the existing building on the site and to construct a new apartment building,” it explained. “The intention is that these apartments will appeal to a wide range of individuals and provide high-quality accommodation.

“The proposed development will be constructed and finished to provide a modern façade to Garfield Place, thus enhancing the area. The nature of this proposal is that of a development providing a type of property much sought after in this area of Ballymena.

“It aims to provide affordable, compact housing for those wishing to live close to Ballymena’s designated town centre and to avail of the local amenities whilst being adjacent to public transport and main arterial routes.”

Elevations and floor plans for proposed new homes

Separately, an application has been made to the council for the development of two new townhouses and the conversion of an existing four-bedroom residential dwelling into two self-contained apartments at 60 Warden Street, Ballymena.

The application was submitted by an agent on behalf of applicant Adam Shingleton.

A design and access statement accompanying the application said:

“The application site is located within an established residential area along Warden Street, close to Ballymena town centre. The surrounding area is characterised by traditional residential development, including terraced and semi-detached dwellings.

“The existing dwelling at number 60 fronts directly onto Warden Street and benefits from a rear garden area, which provides sufficient space to accommodate additional residential development in the form of two townhouses.

“The existing dwelling will be converted internally to provide two self-contained apartments, with minimal external alterations in order to retain its appearance,” the statement said.

Site location map for proposed new homes on Warden Street, Ballymena

It indicated the proposed two new townhouses would be located to the rear of the site, “arranged to ensure appropriate separation distances from neighbouring properties”.

“External materials for the new townhouses will be chosen to complement the surrounding residential context, using a restrained palette appropriate to a traditional Ballymena street,” the statement continued.

“The conversion of the existing dwelling and the addition of two townhouses to the rear make efficient use of the site while respecting the character of the surrounding area.”