Unanimous approval for part demolition of Castle Mall and new housing plans

ANTRIM and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee has unanimously voted to approve the partial demolition of Castle Mall shopping centre and the development of 39 social housing units, including detached and terraced homes and apartments.

Applicant Keneagles Ltd, which owns the Mall, is also planning a retail unit including solar panels, parking and amenity spaces and works to include the upgrading of the vehicular access via Railway Street and pedestrian linkages to High Street, and all other associated site and access works.

A report before the Planning Committee of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on Monday night said that the development will cover 11-27 and 51-58 Castle Mall opposite Central Car Park, extending from Castle Walk/Railway Street to High Street.

Eleven elected representatives also voted to grant demolition consent for the relevant section of the building.

A representative for the applicant said that it is hoped that the plans would result in an ‘exemplary social housing development’ which would contribute to the vitality of Antrim town and enhance footfall and retail.

Also at the meeting, a proposal to subdivide a vacant restaurant unit at The Junction for a proposed adult gaming arcade were refused by six votes to five.

An application for the reconfiguration of the service station opposite Belfast International Airport to provide a bigger M&S shop and rationalisation of three restaurants into two, was unanimously approved.

See full reports from the meeting in the Antrim Guardian next week.