Planning Approval Granted To Return Historic Ballymoney Guest House To Residential Use

Planning permission has been granted for a historic Georgian property on the outskirts of Ballymoney to be returned to its original use as a private home.

The application relates to Harmony Hill Guest House, 64 Balnamore Road, and will see the premises change from guest house accommodation and restaurant use to a single dwelling house.

Planning documents submitted as part of the application said the proposal is intended to restore the property to its original residential use, with the current owners indicating that the guest house is no longer required.

Harmony Hill is a two-storey Georgian building situated on the edge of Balnamore village.

Although the property is not listed, it has a notable connection with the development of the surrounding area and its industrial past.

The building was formerly known as Millicent House, with planning documents noting that Balnamore developed around the property and the neighbouring mill complex during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The mill played an important role in the growth of the settlement, giving Harmony Hill and its surroundings a strong link to the area's industrial heritage.

According to the Planning Statement accompanying the application, the change of use will not result in significant physical alterations to the property.

The building's existing appearance, scale and footprint will remain unchanged, as will its relationship with neighbouring properties and nearby heritage assets.

The documents also state that the proposal will have no impact on the mature woodland and vegetation surrounding Harmony Hill.

Existing boundary treatments around the site are also to remain in place.

As the application primarily involves a change in how the building is used rather than substantial redevelopment, the Georgian character and setting of the property will effectively remain as they are.

The approval brings to an end its use as guest house accommodation and a restaurant and clears the way for Harmony Hill to once again become a single private residence — returning the historic property to the purpose for which it was originally built.