Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee has been informed that a development project for a new “retirement community” in Carrickfergus now includes plans for a drive-through restaurant.
The updated application, which was approved during a Planning Committee meeting on Thursday morning, includes 234 houses, 81 apartments, and a nursing home.
A spa/swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling green, park land, and a park and ride facility are all included in the proposed development.
The number of apartments proposed in the original application, which was approved in 2019, will be reduced, while the “number of housing units” will be increased.
The development will be built on a 26-hectare former Courtaulds manufacturing site to the rear of the Loughshore Hotel, according to Head of Planning Paul Duffy.
The omission of a health centre, the installation of a drive-through restaurant, and a larger nursing home are the “most significant changes” to the initial proposal, he continued.
A 125-bed nursing home, 81 apartments, four townhouses, 92 semi-detached houses, 23 bungalows, and 115 detached houses are all part of the current proposal.
Clanmill Housing Association will build 48 flats in the first phase.
Bobby Hadden, an independent councillor from Knockagh, inquired about a road network upgrade in the area.
“A significant number of cars are going to be on this road,” he said.
Cllr Hadden requested assurance that it will be able to handle the increased traffic. He also mentioned that a new Home Bargains store is coming to the area.
“I have serious concerns about how the infrastructure will deal with this increase,” he stated.
Mr Duffy said that the park and ride facility will require adjustments at the roundabout.
He stated that the Department of Infrastructure is pleased with the proposed road upgrade.
Paul Reid, a member of the DUP in Larne Lough, suggested that the committee accept the proposal to approve the application.
His proposal was seconded by Cllr Hadden.
Local Democracy Reporter Michelle Weir
