Hotel expansion plans knocked back

Four planning applications for the Adelphi Hotel were given the go-ahead by the planning committee at the Causeway Coast and Glens council in April 2018.

But that decision was contrary to advice from Stormont officials responsible for looking after historic buildings, meaning the four applications were ‘called in’ to be dealt with by the Department for Infrastructure.

Ms Mallon has now said a proposed three storey extension to the historic building shouldn’t go ahead, but that permission should be granted for work on the existing 28-bed hotel.

“I have carefully considered both the existing development and extension proposals for the Adelphi Hotel and the advice from my officials,” she said. “In terms of the existing development, I am satisfied that the previous planning history, the limited views of the lift shaft and roof, and the contribution that the existing 28 bedrooms makes to tourism development outweigh the relatively minor visual impacts of the proposal on the listed building. However I consider that the proposed three-storey extension would not be in keeping with the form and design of the listed building and would significantly harm its character and setting and the wider townscape of Portrush.

“I am mindful of the economic importance of growing the tourism potential of Portrush, which can deliver both direct and indirect jobs and I have sought to balance the need to facilitate this important industry locally, whilst ensuring the protection and environmental stewardship of the best of our built heritage.”