Planning Permission Refused For Antrim Arms Hotel Demolition

Planning permission has been refused for the proposed demolition of the Antrim Arms Hotel at 75 Castle Street, Ballycastle.

The building, located in the town's Diamond area, has been vacant for several years and has fallen into disrepair. The property has been empty for more than a decade, with visible structural decline.

Earlier this year, the owner stated that any attempt to demolish and restore the building partially would cost in excess of £1 million. The company said this level of investment was not viable. Instead, it proposed full demolition, which it claimed would cost significantly less and cause minimal disruption to the town. 

The reasons for refusal are below : 

1. The proposal is contrary to the Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland 2015 paragraph 6.15 and Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage Policy BH10 (Demolition of a Listed Building), in that it fails to demonstrate exceptional reasons why the listed building cannot be retained in its original or a reasonably modified form.

2. The proposal is contrary to the Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland 2015 paragraph 6.12 and Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, Policy BH11 (Development affecting the Setting of a Listed Building) in that it fails to demonstrate it would not adversely affect (harm) the setting of the listed buildings and surrounding heritage assets by neglecting to ensure the proposal respects the existing characteristics and visual harmony of the setting of the listed buildings.