Planning Permission Granted For Mixed-Use Development In Castlerock Despite Objections

Planning permission has been granted for a new mixed-use development at 4 Main Street in Castlerock following a decision by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s planning committee.

The approved scheme will see the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a three-storey development comprising a ground-floor retail unit, a coffee shop and six apartments, along with new access arrangements and associated site works.

The application originally proposed a three-and-a-half-storey building comprising a shop, café and nine apartments. Following public consultation, revised plans were submitted which reduced the scale of the development to three storeys and six apartments. Planning officers told councillors the amended scheme was considered acceptable.

The original proposal attracted 27 objections from 13 separate addresses. Following the submission of amended plans, two objections were received.

Concerns at the time raised by objectors included claims of overdevelopment of the site, increased traffic congestion, insufficient parking provision, the impact of a proposed ramp on safety and noise levels, loss of light and overshadowing affecting Bawnmore Court, overlooking of neighbouring properties, and concerns about foul sewage disposal.

Planning officers confirmed the proposed ramp and first-floor parking area had been removed from the revised plans.

DfI Roads was consulted regarding the proposal and the objections received, and raised none. Parking provision was considered by planning officers as part of the assessment of access, traffic and parking arrangements.

The potential impact on the amenity of neighbouring residential properties, including loss of light, overshadowing and overlooking, was also assessed as part of the planning report.

NI Water was consulted on the proposals, with a Wastewater Impact Assessment submitted as part of the application.