Plans appear to be afoot to breathe new life into a local 300-year-old landmark building after a planning application was submitted in recent weeks to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Approval would see the opening of the 'new' Misty Burn Café and Restaurant.
Located on Church Road, in the townland of Kernyhill, the building has a longstanding history of providing local facilities to the surrounding area, and is most commonly known today as the former Battery Inn pub, or more recently, The Misty Burn Café.
Proposed site plan for new Misty Burn Cafe and Restaurant.
Fresh proposals might well represent the most progressive change at the site, which will see the building renovated and altered, and better able to serve the local community of Glenwherry along with passing travellers between Ballymena and Larne.
Submitted under the name of the site's owner, Stephen McLarnon of H McLarnon & Son Ltd, the application is seeking permission 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 change the use of function room restaurant and games area 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.
Floor plans (ground floor and first floor).
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 proposes an electric vehicle fast-charging station. The car park will provide 40 spaces, two of which will be dedicated for disabled users.
Proposed elevations when work completed.
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.
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 it's 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."
The application will be considered by planners at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in the months ahead.