Planning Permission Granted For Dunluce Castle Visitor Centre

Full planning permission has been granted for a new visitor centre at Dunluce Castle, bringing to an end a planning process that has been ongoing for almost a decade.

The decision was approved at today’s meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Council’s Planning Committee.

Planning permission was sought for the demolition of existing agricultural, storage and café, dining and retail buildings, and the construction of a new visitor centre incorporating tourism, recreational and educational facilities, hot food and retail outlets, conference space and offices.

The plans also include the creation of a new access and amendments to an existing access onto Dunluce Road, along with associated ancillary development.

A previous recommendation for refusal had been made by planning officers due to a lack of information in relation to concerns raised by DFI Roads and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Natural Environment Division.

However, councillors were told that the additional information requested by statutory consultees had now been submitted.

In a report to members, planning officers said the proposal is acceptable in terms of access, road safety and potential impacts on the natural heritage of the area.

David Worthington spoke in favour of the application, thanking councillors and planning officers for their engagement while additional information was obtained.

In a written statement, he said the Dunluce project was a “major and much-needed tourism development” for the castle.

He added that it represented a significant investment and would “significantly improve the tourism offer of Dunluce Castle, to the benefit of the borough and its growing tourism economy”.

Mr Worthington said the proposal was “a vital cog in the borough’s tourism strategy and growth” and urged councillors to support the development “for the benefit of all”.

Alderman Mark Fielding welcomed the decision, describing the approval as “a significant step forward for tourism on the north coast”.

He said the new visitor centre would enhance the visitor experience at one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable landmarks and provide long-term benefits for the local economy.

The recommendation to approve the application was proposed by Alderman Sandra Hunter and seconded by Alderman Yvonne Boyle.