Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have given the green light to plans which will breathe new life into a local 300-year-old landmark building located on Church Road, in the townland of Kernyhill, outside Ballymena.
The planning approval makes way for the 'new' Misty Burn Café and Restaurant, as well as a newly developed accommodation offering for the building that has a longstanding history of providing local facilities to the surrounding area.
The building is most commonly known today as the former Battery Inn pub, or more recently, The Misty Burn Café.
The building was formerly used as The Battery Inn in years past.
The fresh proposals represent the most progressive change at the site, and will see the building renovated and altered, and better able to serve the local community of Glenwherry along with passing travellers between Ballymena and port town of Larne.
Site owner Stephen McLarnon of H McLarnon & Son Ltd, has gained planning approval for an extension and alterations to the existing restaurant, shop and accommodation. These aim to retain, refurbish and upgrade the existing building, and to expand the present facilities – including a two storey extension to the side and rear of the property.
The proposal will see the function room restaurant and games area transformed into to a 74sqm convenience store. It will incorporate a small shop with a counter and shelves, accessed from the car park through a side door.
How the ‘new’ Misty Burn will look when completed
Floor plans
According to the design access statement:
"The proposed development aims to provide an outlet for local producers with the highest quality of fruit and vegetables with local sourced meat providers and cater for the general needs of the local community. It also aims to reopen the very popular Misty Burn Café & Restaurant and sell a limited range of hot and ready meals from the new kitchen facilities.
"Given the ideal location for such a facility and the lack of local amenities within close proximity, the new Misty Burn will fulfil the needs and demands of the local community and passing trade."
The scheme also includes an electric vehicle fast-charging station. The car park will provide 40 spaces, two of which will be dedicated for disabled users.
Facilities will offer food and rest accommodation for travellers with toilets, a café, restaurant and a first-floor conservatory sun room area to take advantage the stunning surroundings, whilst they charge their vehicles for the onward journey.
Elevations of the new Misty Burn
The statement concludes:
"The new proposals for the Misty Burn aim to enhance the vernacular design and character of the existing buildings and bring a much-needed face lift and upgrade to the buildings and site in general.
"The existing use of the building has been long established and sadly missed since its recent closure by all of the loyal customers and passersby.
"It is also a commercial reality that in order to survive in a difficult market that the facility must be able to evolve and expand to meet the demands and have a sustainable future."