A proposed new distribution centre on the site of the former Courtaulds factory in Carrickfergus was approved at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday morning.
Planning officer Henry McAlister told the committee the area is currently under development and the proposed site at Belfast Road is zoned for industry in the Carrickfergus Area Plan.
He said that the proposal includes a warehouse, offices, 97 car parking spaces and landscaping. Access to the site would be from an existing road which joins Belfast Road at a signalised junction.
Location plan of site to be developed on the site of the former Courtaulds factory in Carrickfergus, County Antrim
He indicated there have been no objections to the development plan although NI Water has expressed concern about available sewerage capacity.
Committee member Knockagh Alliance Councillor Aaron Skinner highlighted the “volume of traffic coming on to Belfast Road”.
He noted new housing in the area has been approved and with another 100 cars coming into the area potentially, there is “going to be chaos”.
The officer replied the Department for Infrastructure Roads Service has recommended a condition, adding there are “no immediate plans to do upgrades there”.
Current site conditions of the former Courtaulds factory in Carrickfergus
Larne Lough Alliance Alderman Robert Logan noted Courtaulds factory closed in 1981 and nothing had happened on the site until after 2015 before proposing the committee accepts the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.
His proposal was seconded by Cllr Skinner and approved unanimously.