Plans for a new family-focused neighbourhood on the Belfast Road in Carrickfergus have been approved by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council’s (MEABC) planning committee.
The proposals for a 64-home scheme were brought forward by Ballygood Estates Limited to meet the growing need for high-quality family homes within both the Carrickfergus and surrounding area.
The agreed mix of housing types, design and layout is one of high quality that will provide an attractive living environment for prospective residents whilst respecting the amenity of existing residents and maintaining the character of the local area.
The proposed scheme delivers 14no four-bedroom detached homes, 26no three-bedroom semi-detached homes along with 24 two-bedroom apartments, totalling 64 homes across the site with ample parking provided for each home.
The development represents a significant investment of approximately £13.4m from Ballygood Estates Limited into the local economy, signalling their continued commitment to housing development across Northern Ireland.
Justin McClay, Director of Ballygood Estates stated:
“We welcome Mid & East Antrim Bourgh Council planning committee’s decision to approve our proposals for 64 new homes on the Belfast Road. We’ve worked closely with the planning team in the council alongside key local stakeholders to inform and guide the proposals through the consultation process and it’s great to see this hard work bear fruit.
“This coupled with a further commitment of £1.85m to our Governors Place development, which is onsite currently, working to deliver 12 new high-quality social and affordable apartment, demonstrates our commitment to the local area and to delivering homes that meet the needs of all.”
Ballygood Estates Limited is a local developer with over 15 years of experience in delivering homes across the region with a true focus on quality over quantity. Independent advisors Turley, provided planning and strategic communication services as part of the application process.
Gary Dodds, Associate Director at Turley (Planning) commented that:
“We are delighted to have supported Ballygood Estates to secure the approval for their new scheme from Mid & East Antrim’s planning committee. The site offers a strong mix of house-types that will work to support the growing need for quality homes in the local Carrickfergus. It also delivers a significant planning gain through the redevelopment of a long-term vacant brownfield site which suffers from dereliction and a visual blight on the main throughfare to Carrickfergus.”
“We are pleased with the positive decision from the committee to support the proposals that will continue to grow the supply of homes and support the creation of vibrant new neighbourhood in the Carrickfergus area.”
With the news of the positive approval at planning committee, it is intended that construction of the scheme will begin in Q3 of 2024 and will support approximately 40-50 jobs during the construction process.