Local Shop v Modern Apartments

This was the crux of the issue in the first of four "Room With A View" television programmes. (Thursdays, at 8.00 pm on BBC ONE Northern Ireland)

Story so far ....

The owner of the only shop in Ballygalley wants to replace the building with a 3 storey apartment block. He sees it as a sensible business decision, with the shop not doing as well as he had hoped. Situated on the sea front, the building has a prominent position in the village and local residents are unhappy about the proposed development. They feel the new building will be "a blot on the landscape", detrimentally affecting their beautiful stretch of coastline. A decision needs to be made and the planners are caught in the middle!

the shop at present

the proposed apartments

Piggy in the middle?

Often planning decisions are unpopular with the public, but planners argue that it's not as clear cut as people think. So what do the planners need to take into consideration? New buildings should be "in keeping with the surrounding area". Decisions must be made within the policy constraints laid down. Also, it's the validity of the objections made against an application that counts, not the number made. In the final analysis, it's a subjective judgement for the Planning Department, who have to weigh up each site's own characteristics. Each development is assessed on its own merits and the planners will then decide whether the building is acceptable or not?

Is this the end?

So how did the application for the apartment block in Ballygalley fare? The Planning Department recommended that the application be turned down and Larne Council backed this decision. The shop owner must now decide whether he wants to withdraw his application or resubmit a further scheme, otherwise the Planning Department will issue a refusal notice.

Have YOUR say

The programme makers are very keen to have feedback from you.
Whether it's a related topic featured in the series or a burning issue that's affecting you and your room with a view, please let us know. E-mail ypam-online@bbc.co.uk to share your views.

You can also air your comments on BBC Radio Ulster when the "Room With A View" radio series will be taking calls on 08459 555 678, Saturday mornings between 9.30 am - 10.00 am (Sept 7th - Sept 28th).