Pastures foodstore plan rejected

The Green Pastures ‘super scheme’ for lands at Ballee has taken a heavy blow from planners who have issued a refusal to the retail section of the plan.
Antrim County Hall. BT49-006JM.Antrim County Hall. BT49-006JM.
Antrim County Hall. BT49-006JM.

Minutes which will be discussed at Ballymena Borough Council’s meeting on January 8 reveal that planners have decided to refuse one part of the three tiered scheme which sought to create what amounted to a new ‘out of town’ retail development - a scheme which had been widely opposed by town centre traders in particular.

According to the minutes, planners decided to refuse permission for a food superstore, drive through restaurant and various other commercial outlets on the grounds that it was likely to have an adverse effect on the ‘vitality and viability’ of the town centre. There were 29 letters of objection to the scheme. However, minutes show that planners are minded to grant permission for the church . creche and gym section of the scheme.They have also granted permission for the creation of a business park, hotel and nursing home.