Ballyclare: ‘Visually intrusive’ bar roof terrace proposal deferred
A decision on an application for a proposed roof terrace at The Grange Bar, in Ballyclare town centre, was deferred by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee, at Mossley Mill, last Monday.
The committee meeting heard the planned development at the two-storey premises at 22-26 The Square is for a rooftop bar, WC and store room. A planning officer said the proposal would introduce a “visually intrusive and dominant feature”.
Macedon UU Councillor Robert Foster pointed out Ballyclare has a “plethora of different roof lines”. “There is a multitude of streetscapes in Ballyclare. How does it become more visually dominant than Danske Bank or the new apartments?” he asked.
Barry Diamond, the council’s head of planning, replied: “It is accepted there is variance in roof scape.” He went on to say others do not have glass balustrade and people having the ability to walk about at roof level.
A committee report noted access to the rooftop terrace would be provided via a new internal staircase extending from the first-floor level of the host building. It also stated: “Owing to its prominent position within Ballyclare town centre, the proposed rooftop terrace would introduce a highly visible form of activity at roof level, including the movement and congregation of patrons, which would be readily apparent from surrounding streets, public vantage points and neighbouring properties.
“The elevated nature of the terrace and the movement of people would draw attention to the development within the wider townscape, creating a noticeable visual feature that would be distinct from the established pattern of activity typically confined to ground level. “The proposed rooftop terrace and rooftop infrastructure would appear as an incongruous addition that fails to integrate satisfactorily with the existing character of the town centre.”
The recommendation was to refuse the application. Cllr Foster proposed a deferral to allow planners to meet with the applicant to see if there was a way forward.He said Ballyclare has a “plethora of derelict buildings” and anything to enhance it would be “beneficial”.
Mr Diamond said the applicant has been advised of concerns with the proposal.
Seconding Cllr Foster’s proposal. Threemilewater party colleague Cllr Stephen Cosgrove said: “There must be a way forward for this.”
The deferral was agreed after ten votes in favour with two against.