Valet Parking Plan Proposed In Lieu Of Former Ulsterbus Site In Cushendall

A planning and access statement has revealed that a former Ulsterbus parking site on Ballyemon Road in Cushendall could soon be redeveloped. Plans submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council propose turning the site into a valet car and coach park to serve a new hotel planned for the village.

The hard-standing site, located around 120 metres southwest of the junction with the Coast Road, previously served as a bus depot. Developers say the land’s established access and location within walking distance of the proposed Cushendall Hotel make it well-suited for managed guest parking, particularly during busy tourism periods.

According to planning documents, the scheme would operate as a valet-only facility, reducing the need for visitors to find parking within the town centre and helping to ease local traffic pressures. Coaches travelling to and from the hotel would also use the site, freeing space at the main hotel entrance.

The application emphasises that no new buildings or major alterations are proposed. Existing boundaries would largely remain in place, with only minor adjustments such as replacing a section of wall to improve vehicle access. As the site lies within the Cushendall Conservation Area, the design aims to be “low impact” and “fully reversible”, avoiding changes that could affect the village’s historic character.

Planners are told the reuse of the brownfield site supports regional and local policy priorities, including sustainable development, conservation protection and tourism growth. The valet facility, they argue, would complement—rather than dictate—the hotel’s operation, but provide valuable additional capacity during festivals, large events and peak summer months.

If approved, the development would bring a long-idle piece of land back into use while supporting the delivery of new tourism infrastructure in Cushendall.